2025 NFL Draft: Updated Top 50 Big Board Rankings – Tiered by Grade

With less than a month to go before the 2025 NFL Draft, the all-star circuit and NFL Combine are officially behind us, and Pro Days are nearly complete. Now comes the stretch where draft boards start to lock in — and ours is no different. Explore the full NFL Draft Big Board, including advanced scouting data, player comparisons, and scheme fits:🔗 Click Here In this updated Top 50 Big Board, we’re going beyond rankings. We’ve tiered each prospect based on our proprietary Football Scout 365 Grade Scale, which evaluates positional value, play style, ceiling, and NFL projection. These tiers provide clearer insight into where a player is likely to be drafted — and why. Understanding the Tiers Each tier gives teams a way to prioritize traits over rankings, especially when deciding between a high-upside prospect versus a plug-and-play contributor. It’s not just about who ranks higher — it’s about projected impact based on tier and role fit. Elite Tier (75+) NFL Draft Projection: Top 5–10 Picks (Round 1) These are rare, instant-impact prospects — high-level athletes with elite physical tools, advanced processing, and dominant tape. They’re foundational players, often viewed as future All-Pros. Near Elite Tier (70–74) NFL Draft Projection: Mid-to-Late Round 1 These are high-ceiling players who may not check every box today but project as Year 1 or Year 2 starters with Pro Bowl potential. They often dominate one or more key traits and just need polish or scheme fit. High-End Starter Tier (65–69) NFL Draft Projection: Round 2–3 These are strong Day 2 talents with starter-level athleticism, IQ, and skill. They may have one or two key limitations, but with the right development, can become reliable NFL starters within a few seasons. Top 5 Overall Rankings – Tier 1 Standouts The No. 1 overall player on our board remains Mason Graham (IDL, Michigan). His elite leverage, violent hands, and short-area burst make him a disruptive force in any front. Graham profiles as a high-floor, high-ceiling impact player from Day 1. Abdul Carter (EDGE, Penn State)  holds firm at No. 2 overall. He offers top-tier explosion, bend, and versatility — a true game-wrecker whether aligned as a 3-4 OLB or 4-3 DE. At No. 3, Travis Hunter (Colorado)  returns to the ATH designation. If declared a WR, he’d rank as WR1. As a CB, he could challenge for CB1. Until his position is officially defined at the next level, he remains the most dynamic, scheme-flexible prospect in the class — and sits as our ATH1. Notable Changes Since Our Last Update Cam Ward  has ascended into the Top 10 and taken over as QB1. A deeper evaluation of his 2024 All-22 tape and side-by-side comparison with Shedeur Sanders confirmed Ward’s elite arm talent and creation ability. While Sanders is a more controlled, cerebral quarterback in the mold of Brock Purdy, Ward’s ceiling is simply on another level. At running back, Omarion Hampton  has overtaken TreVeyon Henderson for the RB2 spot. Ashton Jeanty remains RB1, but the gap has closed. Hampton’s power, balance, and three-down ability make him a fit across multiple schemes. Positional Breakdown – Defense Stacks the Top 50 This class is defensive-heavy at the top, particularly along the front seven. Of the 50 total players, 20 hold first-round grades, all landing in the Elite or Near Elite tiers. Here’s how the Top 50 shakes out by position: What stands out? 16 of the top 50 grades belong to players in the front seven (EDGE, IDL, LB) — signaling that NFL teams seeking defensive tone-setters will have a deep crop to choose from. This is a trench-driven, defensive-first draft, and the best value may come early on the defensive side of the ball. Position Total Prospects EDGE 7 CB 7 OT 7 IDL 6 WR 6 RB 3 S 3 LB 3 IOL 3 QB 2 TE 2 ATH 1 Top 50 NFL Draft Big Board Rankings Elite Tier (75+) NFL Draft Projection: Top 5–10 Picks (1st Round) A rare, high-impact prospect with the potential to be an instant NFL star. These players possess elite physical tools, high-level athleticism, and exceptional football intelligence. 1). Mason Graham, IDL, Michigan Graham is a disruptive interior force with elite pad level, violent hands, and short-area quickness. He wins with leverage, power, and refined technique. Projects as a Day 1 impact starter in a 4-3 or 3-4 front. 2). Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State Carter’s first-step explosion, bend, and violent hands give him rare EDGE upside. His off-ball linebacker background adds coverage versatility. Immediate starter with Pro Bowl potential. 3). Travis Hunter, ATH, Colorado A two-way phenom with elite instincts, ball skills, and burst. Whether as CB or WR, Hunter is a scheme-versatile game-changer who can impact every snap. A true top-five talent. 4). Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State Jeanty’s vision, contact balance, and home-run ability make him a franchise-caliber back. Dominant in zone schemes with receiving upside. Instant contributor with elite tools. 5). Will Johnson, CB, Michigan Johnson brings size, fluid hips, and elite ball skills. He thrives in zone or off-man coverage and offers physicality in run support. A plug-and-play CB1 with All-Pro upside. Near Elite Tier (70–74) NFL Draft Projection: Mid-to-Late 1st Round A high-caliber prospect who is expected to become a significant contributor by Year 2. These players have outstanding physical tools and strong football IQ, with only minor flaws in their game. 6). Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall A twitchy pass rusher with elite burst and advanced hand usage. Green's speed-to-power and ability to bend the edge make him a nightmare in one-on-one situations. Projects as a three-down edge in either front. 7). Will Campbell, OT, LSU A physical, scheme-versatile lineman with excellent anchor strength and footwork. Campbell has tackle/guard flexibility and projects as a Day 1 starter with long-term Pro Bowl potential. 8). Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas Barron thrives in zone coverage with great play recognition and ball skills. He’s also physical in run support, making him a versatile nickel or outside option in multiple coverages. 9). Cam Ward, QB, Miami Ward is an athletic passer with elite arm talent and off-platform creativity. While his decision-making can be erratic, he offers upside in vertical offenses that embrace improvisation and big-play potential. 10). Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan Loveland blends size, athleticism, and route-running ability. A mismatch weapon who can flex out or play in-line, he’s a vertical stretch threat with room to grow as a blocker. 11). Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State Warren is a rugged, well-rounded tight end with in-line blocking ability and red-zone value. He aligns in multiple spots and brings day-one starter traits for 12-personnel-heavy schemes. 12). Malaki Starks, S, Georgia A rangy safety with instincts and versatility to play single-high, split-zone, or box. Starks flashes elite closing speed and playmaking range, with minor lapses in eye discipline. 13). Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia A versatile linebacker with pass-rush juice and explosive range. Best in hybrid roles where he can attack downhill and contribute as a situational blitzer or SAM backer. 14). Tyler Booker, IOL, Alabama Booker is a mauling guard with a nasty streak and dominant power at the point of attack. He thrives in gap schemes and could start early in his career if pass-pro technique improves. 15). Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M Physically gifted with elite length and raw strength. Stewart plays with violence but must refine his pass-rush moves. High-upside DE for even or odd fronts with development. 16). Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona A towering outside receiver with elite catch radius and body control. Not a burner, but his smooth release and physicality make him a vertical threat in downfield passing attacks. 17). Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina A downhill bruiser with great contact balance and short-area burst. Ideal for gap/power schemes, he offers three-down potential with added development in the passing game. 18). Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas Technically sound with excellent footwork and reactive quickness. Banks is a plug-and-play tackle who excels in both pass protection and zone run concepts. 19). Shavon Revel, CB, ECU Long and fluid with elite traits for press-man coverage. Injuries aside, Revel has lockdown potential on the perimeter thanks to his physicality and movement skills. 20). Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame A sticky man cover corner with top-tier instincts and fluid hips. Morrison excels at mirroring and disrupting routes at the line, with proven production against top WRs. High-End Starter Potential (65–69) NFL Draft Projection: 2nd–3rd Round A player expected to become a top-tier starter within their first few years. They possess strong physical tools and good technical skills but may have some limitations in their game. With development, they can reach near-elite levels and provide consistent impact at their position. 21). Kenneth Grant, IDL, Michigan Grant is a massive, athletic defensive tackle with impressive quickness for his size and dominant run-stopping ability. His power and first-step quickness allow him to collapse the pocket, but his pass-rush plan and pad level need improvement. Best suited as a nose tackle in a 3-4 or a 1-tech in a 4-3. 22). Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia Williams is an alignment-versatile edge rusher with the tools to be a premier NFL defender. His usage in Georgia’s complex front showcases his potential in multiple roles, projecting best as a 4-3 DE or 3-4 OLB. 23). James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee Pearce has explosive get-off and fluid athleticism, thriving as a stand-up or hand-in-the-dirt pass rusher. His versatility, speed, and counters make him a mismatch weapon in multiple fronts. 25). Luther Burden, WR, Missouri A dynamic slot receiver with elite YAC skills, Burden fits best in motion-heavy or spread schemes that get him touches in space. His burst and twitch make him a high-upside offensive weapon. 26). Armand Membou, OL, Missouri A powerful and athletic lineman with tackle/guard versatility. Membou fits well in zone-heavy schemes but could thrive as a guard in a power-run offense due to his hand strength and finish. 27). Nick Emmanwori, SAF, South Carolina A physical hybrid safety/linebacker with great size, range, and tackling ability. Best suited for big nickel or box roles in a multiple-front defense, especially against TEs and in zone coverage. 28). Matthew Golden, WR, Texas Golden brings vertical juice, sharp route-running, and body control. Ideal as a Z-receiver in spread or rhythm-based offenses. Offers WR1 upside with development. 29). Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State Thomas has elite length and press potential. A great fit for Cover 3 or press-man schemes that value size and physicality at the line, though speed questions temper his ceiling. 30). Walter Nolen, IDL, Ole Miss Nolen is a powerful interior disruptor with quick hands and speed-to-power ability. His high motor and scheme versatility make him a potential Pro Bowl-caliber 3-tech or 4i. 31). Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State Noel thrives in the slot with crisp route running and quick separation. His agility and special teams ability make him an immediate contributor in West Coast or spread schemes. 32). Donovan Jackson, IOL, Ohio State Jackson is an athletic, technically sound interior lineman ideal for zone-blocking schemes. He has the strength and mobility to excel in either zone or gap-based systems. 33). Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College A bendy, finesse rusher with advanced hands and pass-rush counters. Projects best in sub-packages or as a stand-up OLB in a blitz-heavy 3-4. Rotational now, with every-down upside. 34). Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State Simmons offers fluidity, foot speed, and versatility to play either tackle spot. Injuries and anchor inconsistencies are concerns, but he’s a developmental starter in zone-heavy systems. 35). Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon A smooth pass protector with zone-run fit. Needs to develop functional strength, but has the tools to start at left tackle early with Pro Bowl ceiling in athletic systems. 36). Darius Alexander, IDL, Toledo A disruptive run defender with strong hands and burst. Ideal 3-tech in 4-3 or rotational DT in a 3-4. Consistency and motor are areas for growth. 37). TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State A big-play threat with elite burst and second-level vision. Fits best in wide zone or spread offenses. Durability and pass protection are concerns but RB1 traits are evident. 38). Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State Egbuka is a refined slot technician with natural hands and YAC ability. He excels in rhythm-based schemes and has WR2/3 value in the right offense. 39). Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama Campbell is a fast, athletic linebacker with coverage upside and pass-rush tools. Needs to develop block-shedding and play recognition to reach full three-down potential. 40). Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota Ersery is a long, athletic tackle with the size and strength to succeed in zone-heavy and play-action offenses. He needs refinement in hand usage and anchor but has high-end starter potential with coaching. 41). Wyatt Milum, OL, West Virginia Milum is a rugged, powerful lineman with tackle/guard flexibility. His grip strength and play demeanor fit gap schemes, though lateral agility and technique refinement will be key at the next level. 42). Trey Amos, CB, Mississippi A physical press-man corner with excellent length and instincts in zone. Amos fits well in Cover 3 or man-heavy schemes but must clean up eye discipline to avoid bite on double moves. 43). Xavier Watts, SAF, Notre Dame Watts brings elite football IQ and ball skills with a WR background. Best in split-zone or box roles. Limited range and man quickness are concerns, but he’s an early starter with big-play upside. 44). Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State Sawyer is a high-effort edge rusher with power and agility. While he’s not a bendy, twitchy athlete, he fits as a sturdy base end in 4-3 fronts or as a rotational edge with three-down potential. 45). Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State A big, smooth possession target with strong hands and savvy route running. He excels vs. zone but lacks explosiveness and struggles vs. press. Projects best as a WR3 in West Coast systems. 46). Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA Schwesinger is a smart, agile linebacker who reads keys well and excels in coverage. His sideline-to-sideline range is ideal for a WILL role, though he needs strength gains to handle NFL blocks. 47). Grey Zabel, IOL, North Dakota State A gritty, athletic interior lineman who thrives in zone-blocking schemes. Zabel projects best at center or guard. Needs technical refinement but has strong anchor and starter upside by Year 2. 48). Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky A high-IQ zone corner with elite anticipation and ball skills. Best fit in Cover 2/Cover 3, but press limitations and long speed restrict versatility. Still, his instincts give him clear starter upside. 49). T.J. Sanders, IDL, South Carolina Sanders is a disruptive interior pass rusher with elite first-step quickness. He projects best as a 3-tech in an aggressive front but must improve vs. double teams to become a full-time anchor. 50). Derrick Harmon, IDL, Oregon Harmon is a stout, powerful interior lineman with three-down potential. His scheme versatility and ability to hold the point make him a valuable asset. Projects best as a 2i or 3-tech in hybrid fronts.