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As the college football season heats up, so does the buzz surrounding the 2025 NFL Draft class. Our latest Top 50 Big Board Rankings reveal significant shifts since our preseason list in August.
The QB position is beginning to show promise, with new names like Miami QB Cam Ward, Alabama's Jalen Milroe, USC's Miller Moss and Syracuse QB Kyle McCord cracking the top 50. Both Ward and McCord, transfer QBs who played significant roles at their previous schools, are now climbing 2025 NFL Draft boards.
Meanwhile, some big names have fallen out of the top 50, including Michigan RB Donovan Edwards. Many scouts, myself included, still believe Edwards could be the best receiving back in this class, but Michigan hasn't been creative enough in getting him the football. On the other hand, big movers like Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty, now the new RB1, and Texas QB Quinn Ewers, currently ranked QB3 behind Shedeur Sanders, continue to climb.
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Stay up to date on the top NFL Draft-eligible prospects throughout the college football season with the Football Scout 365 NFL Draft Big Board.
Position Analysis: Top 50 Big Board
The 2025 NFL Draft will showcase a wealth of talent on both sides of the football. Below is the current breakdown of my top 50 prospects, organized by position group.
Position | August Count | New Count | Change |
Quarterback (QB) | 5 | 8 | +3 |
Running Back (RB) | 5 | 4 | -1 |
Wide Receiver (WR) | 7 | 7 | 0 |
Tight End (TE) | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Offensive Tackle (OT) | 6 | 7 | +1 |
Interior O-Line (IOL) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Interior D-Line (IDL) | 6 | 6 | 0 |
Edge Defender (EDGE) | 7 | 8 | +1 |
Linebacker (LB) | 5 | 2 | -3 |
Cornerback (CB) | 5 | 5 | 0 |
Safety (S) | 2 | 3 | +1 |
New Players in the Top 50:
Cam Ward (QB, Miami) – Now ranked 34
Kevin Winston Jr. (SAF, Penn State) – Now ranked 45
Jalen Milroe (QB, Alabama) – Now ranked 46
Sebastian Castro (SAF, Iowa) – Now ranked 47
Miller Moss (QB, USC) - Now Ranked 48
Josh Simmons (OT, Ohio State) – Now ranked 49
Kyle McCord (QB, Syracuse) – Now ranked 50
Players Who Fell Out of the Top 50:
Donovan Edwards (RB, Michigan) – Previously ranked 28
Noah Fifita (QB, Arizona) – Previously ranked 36
Quinshon Judkins (RB, Ole Miss) – Previously ranked 44
Xavier Nwankpa (S, Iowa) – Previously ranked 47
Danny Stutsman (LB, Oklahoma) – Previously ranked 48
Jaishawn Barham (LB, Michigan) – Previously ranked 50
TreVeyon Henderson, (RB, Ohio State) - Previously ranked 43
Players Who Moved Up Significantly Within the Top 50 (10 or More Spots):
2025 NFL Draft: Top 50 Big Board Rankings — Who's Rising, Who's Falling?
1. Will Johnson (CB) – Michigan
A quintessential lockdown corner, Johnson can effectively erase half the field, granting defensive coordinators greater creativity with coverage schemes and blitzes. Will Johnson primarily aligns as an outside cornerback, with notable experience in the slot as well. His skill set and physical build make him an ideal fit for a team that employs a mix of man and zone coverages, where his length and agility can be best utilized.
2. Travis Hunter (CB/WR) – Colorado
Hunter’s skill set translates best to a role that allows him to leverage his explosive athleticism and football instincts. As a wide receiver, he fits well in a West Coast offense or a spread system that emphasizes the quick passing game and allows him to use his agility to create separation and make plays after the catch. Defensively, Hunter excels in off-coverage and zone-based coverage schemes that take advantage of his ability to use his reactionary quickness and football IQ, where he can read and react to the football.
3. Mason Graham (IDL) – Michigan
Graham primarily operates as an interior defensive lineman, excelling as a 3-technique in even fronts but also offering the versatility to play across multiple alignments. His quick first step and lateral agility make him a constant threat to penetrate gaps and disrupt plays. Graham’s ability to generate pressure and hold up against the run makes him an ideal fit for both one-gap and two-gap schemes.
4. Tetairoa McMillan (WR) – Arizona
McMillan primarily operates as an outside X-receiver, utilizing his impressive size and athleticism to create mismatches. He excels in vertical routes, leveraging his long stride and explosive burst to stretch defenses. His versatility allows him to line up out wide or in the slot making him a valuable asset in multiple offensive schemes. McMillan’s ability to adjust to various roles within the offense showcases his adaptability and makes him a constant threat on the field. His alignment versatility, high-effort run blocking, and ability to manipulate coverage angles add significant value, especially in diverse offensive systems.
5. Benjamin Morrison (CB) – Notre Dame
Morrison excels as an outside cornerback, particularly in man and press coverage schemes. His quickness, agility, and ability to disrupt receivers at the line make him an ideal fit for defensive schemes that prioritize man coverage. His ability to adjust quickly and his instinctual awareness allow him to be effective in zone coverage as well, making him versatile across different defensive alignments. Morrison’s combination of technique, physicality, and football IQ makes him a valuable asset in any defense that requires a lockdown corner on the perimeter.
6. Will Campbell (OT) – LSU
Will Campbell has established himself as a premier left tackle, excelling in both pass protection and run blocking. His athleticism and technique allow him to effectively protect the quarterback's blind side and create lanes in the run game. He has shown versatility and consistency, making him an ideal fit for both zone and power running schemes due to his ability to engage and drive through defenders. His experience in a high-caliber collegiate program prepares him well for various offensive systems in the NFL.
7. James Pearce Jr. (EDGE) – Tennessee
Pearce primarily operates as an edge rusher, utilizing his quick first step and fluid athleticism to create mismatches. His ability to align in multiple positions—whether as a stand-up rusher, with his hand in the ground, or even occasionally dropping into coverage—makes him versatile in various defensive schemes. His speed and agility allow him to threaten offensive tackles on the outside and utilize inside counter moves effectively.
8. Luther Burden (WR) – Missouri
Burden primarily operates as a versatile receiver who can line up in multiple positions, including outside, in the slot, and occasionally in the backfield. His impressive burst and foot speed allow him to stretch defenses vertically, while his physicality and play strength make him a reliable target in contested catch situations. His versatility makes him a valuable asset in multiple offensive schemes, particularly those that utilize consistent motion and designed touches for their receivers in the run game.
9. Malaki Starks (SAF) – Georgia
Malaki Starks exhibits a balanced skill set that suits both man and zone coverage, making him versatile as a safety. His ability to read the quarterback and diagnose plays quickly is notable. Starks has shown effectiveness in slot/nickel situations, suggesting he could fit well in schemes that value multidimensional defensive backs who can cover, tackle, and play the ball. His experience and growing knowledge of defensive schemes, coupled with physical and mental development, indicate a strong adaptability to various defensive schemes at the NFL level.
10. Mykel Williams (EDGE) – Georgia
Mykel Williams is an alignment-versatile edge rusher who has all the physical tools to develop into a premier player in the NFL. His ability to play various positions along the defensive front makes him a valuable asset in multiple schemes. Williams has been utilized as a stand-up edge rusher, head-up over the center in a 0-tech, and in other roles within Georgia’s complex defensive scheme. His best fit in the NFL would be as a 4-3 defensive end or a 3-4 outside linebacker, where his athleticism and versatility can be maximized.
11. Abdul Carter (EDGE) – Penn State
A versatile linebacker with excellent range, Carter excels at both rushing the passer and defending the run.
12. Deone Walker (IDL) – Kentucky
Walker’s combination of size, strength, and agility makes him a disruptive force capable of handling multiple positions along the defensive line.
13. Kelvin Banks (OT) – Texas
An athletic and technically sound tackle, Banks thrives in both pass protection and run blocking, fitting well in zone-blocking schemes.
14. Kenneth Grant (IDL) – Michigan
Grant is a powerful interior defensive lineman with the ability to clog running lanes and generate inside pressure on passing downs.
15. Colston Loveland (TE) – Michigan
A versatile tight end, Loveland excels as a pass-catcher and run-blocker, making him a valuable asset in multiple offensive schemes.
16. Ashton Jeanty (RB) – Boise State
Jeanty is a dynamic, dual-threat running back who excels both as a runner between the tackles and as a receiving option out of the backfield.
17. Nic Scourton (EDGE) – Texas A&M
Scourton combines strength and explosiveness off the edge, making him a consistent pass-rushing threat who can also set the edge against the run.
18. Emery Jones Jr. (OT) – LSU
Jones is a physically dominant tackle who uses his size, strength, and quick feet to excel in pass protection and run blocking.
19. Denzel Burke (CB) – Ohio State
Burke is a physical cornerback with excellent ball skills and the versatility to play in both man and zone coverage schemes.
20. Harold Perkins (LB) – LSU
Perkins is a dynamic linebacker known for his ability to generate pressure on blitzes, as well as his sideline-to-sideline range in coverage.
21. Isaiah Bond (WR) – Texas
Bond’s explosive speed and route-running ability make him a deep threat capable of stretching defenses vertically.
22. Carson Beck (QB) – Georgia
Beck is a prototypical pocket passer with strong accuracy, decision-making, and the ability to read defenses effectively.
23. Tyleik Williams (IDL) – Ohio State
Williams is a stout run defender with excellent gap discipline, capable of disrupting plays from the interior with his power and quickness.
24. Shedeur Sanders (QB) – Colorado
Sanders is a poised and accurate quarterback who thrives in a quick-passing offense, with the ability to extend plays with his mobility.
25. Quinn Ewers (QB) – Texas
Ewers is a talented passer with a quick release and strong arm, capable of making all the throws required in a pro-style offense.
26. Tacario Davis (CB) – Arizona
Davis uses his length and physicality to excel in zone coverage, particularly in situations that require him to match up against larger receivers.
27. Howard Cross III (IDL) – Notre Dame
Cross is a quick, disruptive interior defensive lineman who excels at penetrating into the backfield and generating pressure on passing downs.
28. Aireontae Ersery (OT) – Minnesota
Ersery is a physical offensive tackle with strong footwork and hand technique, excelling in both pass protection and run-blocking schemes.
29. Princely Umanmielen (EDGE) – Ole Miss
Umanmielen is a versatile edge rusher who can play both standing up and with his hand in the dirt, making him a fit for multiple defensive schemes.
30. Emeka Egbuka (WR) – Ohio State
Egbuka is a well-rounded receiver with elite speed and route-running ability, excelling both in the slot and outside as a deep threat.
31. Elic Ayomanor (WR) – Stanford
Ayomanor is a physical receiver with excellent size and the ability to make contested catches, making him a valuable red-zone target.
32. Omarion Hampton (RB) – North Carolina
Hampton is a powerful, downhill runner with good vision and the ability to break tackles, fitting well in both zone and power running schemes.
33. Barrett Carter (LB) – Clemson
Carter is an athletic, versatile linebacker who excels in coverage and as a run-stopper, with the ability to blitz effectively when needed.
34. Cam Ward (QB) – Miami
Ward is a dual-threat quarterback who excels at creating plays off-script, with a strong arm and good mobility to evade pressure.
35. Tory Horton (WR) – Colorado State
Horton is a speedy receiver who excels at creating separation and making plays after the catch, fitting well in spread and vertical passing offenses.
36. Ashton Gillotte (EDGE) – Louisville
Gillotte is an explosive edge rusher with a quick first step and the ability to generate consistent pressure on quarterbacks.
37. Blake Miller (OT) – Clemson
Miller is a powerful offensive tackle with strong hand technique and footwork, excelling in both pass protection and run blocking.
38. J.T. Tuimoloau (EDGE) – Ohio State
Tuimoloau is a versatile edge rusher with the ability to set the edge against the run and generate pressure as a pass-rusher.
39. Jack Sawyer (EDGE) – Ohio State
Sawyer is a high-motor edge rusher who excels at using his strength and technique to disrupt the quarterback and defend the run.
40. Evan Stewart (WR) – Oregon
Stewart is a dynamic receiver with excellent speed and route-running ability, making him a deep threat and a reliable target in the passing game.
41. Drew Allar (QB) – Penn State
Allar is a strong-armed quarterback with good size and the ability to make accurate downfield throws, fitting well in vertical passing offenses.
42. Jonah Savaiinaea (OT) – Arizona
Savaiinaea is a massive offensive tackle with excellent strength and a powerful anchor, excelling in both pass protection and run blocking.
43. Dontay Corleone (IDL) – Cincinnati
Corleone is a powerful interior defensive lineman known for his ability to stop the run and generate interior pressure on passing downs.
44. Ollie Gordon II (RB) – Oklahoma State
Gordon is a versatile running back who can run between the tackles and catch passes out of the backfield, fitting well in multiple offensive schemes.
45. Kevin Winston Jr. (SAF) – Penn State
Winston is a rangy safety with excellent ball skills and the ability to cover ground quickly, making him effective in both man and zone coverage.
46. Jalen Milroe (QB) – Alabama
Milroe is a dual-threat quarterback with a strong arm and elite mobility, excelling in offenses that utilize RPOs and designed quarterback runs.
47. Sebastian Castro (SAF) – Iowa
Castro is a versatile safety who excels in both coverage and run support, with the ability to play in multiple positions in the secondary.
48. Miller Moss (QB) – USC
Miller Moss is a pocket passer with good decision-making and accuracy, excelling in offenses that rely on quick-timing routes and precision passing.
49. Josh Simmons (OT) – Ohio State
Simmons is a physical offensive tackle with strong hands and good footwork, excelling in both run blocking and pass protection.
50. Kyle McCord (QB) – Syracuse
McCord is a pocket passer with strong arm talent and accuracy, fitting well in pro-style offenses that emphasize timing and rhythm.