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2025 NFL Draft: As the 2024 college football season approaches, summer scouting for the 2025 NFL Draft is well underway. We’ve analyzed hours of game tape and gathered insights on some of the top prospects, revealing trends and players that could shape next year’s draft. Here are 10 key insights as we dive into the early stages of the 2025 NFL Draft.
When and Where: 2025 NFL Draft
The 2025 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place from April 24th to April 26th, 2025, at the historic Lambeau Field and Titletown campus in Green Bay, Wisconsin. This marks only the second time the NFL Draft has been held in Wisconsin, with the first dating back to 1940.
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2025 NFL Draft: 10 Key Insights from Summer Scouting
1. A Non-QB Could Be the Top Pick
While quarterbacks often dominate the conversation for the No. 1 overall pick, the 2025 draft may see a shift. With players like Michigan’s Mason Graham, Will Johnson, and Colorado's Travis Hunter in the mix, a non-quarterback could make history as the top selection. Each of these prospects boasts elite traits that could tempt a team to build around a generational talent outside of the QB position.
2. The 2025 NFL Draft Running Back Class Could Rival The 2017 and 2018 Classes
After a lean year for running backs in 2024, the 2025 class is loaded with talent. Players like Omarion Hampton and Ashton Jeanty, both juniors, have first-round potential. Michigan RB Donovan Edwards is our early favorite to be the RB1 due to his elite three-down versatility. This RB class is filled with power, speed, and versatility, making it one of the most exciting in recent memory, reminiscent of the Saquon Barkley and Nick Chubb group from 2018 and the historic 2017 class, which included Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara, and Austin Ekeler.
3. Speed Rules the Wide Receiver Class
This year’s wide receiver class is both speedy and versatile. The initial rankings have Tetairoa McMillan and Luther Burden at the top, with Travis Hunter listed on our board as a DB, though he’s garnering a lot of attention as a WR on early 2025 NFL Draft boards. Other names to watch include Texas WR Isaiah Bond, Ohio State's Emeka Egbuka, Stanford WR Elic Ayomanor, and more. While this class might not be as top-heavy as the 2024 group, it offers plenty of depth.
4. Tight End Depth Mirrors the 2023 Class
The 2025 tight end class has the potential to mirror the depth seen in 2023, when five tight ends were selected in the top 60. Michigan’s Colston Loveland leads the way, with prospects like Oscar Delp and Mitchell Evans not far behind. This group offers a blend of blocking prowess and pass-catching ability that could see multiple players drafted early.
5. Offensive Tackles Could Dominate the First Round Again
The 2024 draft saw a record eight offensive tackles selected in the first round, and while the 2025 class may not hit that mark, it’s still loaded with talent. Players like LSU's Will Campbell and Texas's Kelvin Banks Jr. will be at the top of most early lists. Other names, like Georgia's Earnest Greene and LSU's Emory Jones, the tackle opposite Will Campbell, are also garnering early first-round buzz. Versatility will be key for some of the top-rated tackles, who could be reclassified as interior offensive linemen ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.
6. Interior Offensive Line Has Star Power
The 2025 interior offensive line class is strong, featuring players who can immediately impact the next level. Names like Georgia’s Tate Ratledge and Alabama’s Jaeden Roberts are poised to follow in the footsteps of 2024 first-rounder Graham Barton. This class should continue the trend of early-round selections for interior linemen.
7. Edge Defenders Could Steal the Spotlight
With quarterbacks possibly taking a backseat, edge defenders like Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. and Princely Umanmielen, who transferred from Florida to Ole Miss this offseason, are two very popular names at the top of many early draft boards. The edge players in this class provide a lot of versatility. Other names, like Georgia's Mykel Williams and Texas A&M's Nic Scourton, are at the top of our early rankings.
8. Mason Graham Could Be the First DL Drafted No. 1 Overall Since 1994
Michigan’s Mason Graham has a chance to become the first defensive tackle since Dan Wilkinson in 1994 to be selected No. 1 overall. In 2023, Graham recorded 3 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss, earning First-Team All-Big Ten honors and helping Michigan secure a College Football Playoff berth. His ability to disrupt both the run and pass game has made him one of the most feared defensive tackles in the nation.
9. Linebacker Class Bounces Back
After a weak linebacker class in 2024, the 2025 draft should see a resurgence. Harold Perkins Jr. from LSU leads the charge, offering elite athleticism and football IQ. Alongside him, prospects like Clemson’s Barrett Carter are making a case to return the linebacker position to prominence. Penn State’s Abdul Carter might have the highest ceiling, as he is stylistically similar to Micah Parsons a versatile athlete who can be used as an off-ball linebacker or as a pass-rushing edge defender.
10. Cornerback Depth Rivals Recent Years
Cornerback remains a premium position, and the 2025 class is filled with talent. Will Johnson from Michigan, Notre Dame's Benjamin Morrison, and Colorado’s Travis Hunter headline a deep group that could see multiple first-round picks. With versatility and playmaking ability, this class could rival the best we’ve seen in recent years.
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