2025 NFL Draft Holiday Big Board
By Hayden Shapiro
1 Travis Hunter, ATH Colorado
Hunter is legitimately one of the best college football players ever and non-quarterback-needy teams are all going to have him as their number one prospect. AT corner, he plays with remarkable instincts. He often runs routes with his assignment because he just seems to know what they are doing. His athleticism and body control on the offensive side of the ball are second to none. Oh, and he also has some impressive hands. The former five-star recruit is going to be fun to watch at the next level.
2 Mason Graham, DL Michigan
Graham uses leverage better than anyone else in this class. He gets under his blocker and plows through them as they’re already off-balance. Graham has phenomenal hands and a wide frame. He’s the kind of player you can plug in and start right away, and he’s going to make an impact right away.
3 Tetairoa McMillan, WR Arizona
The 6’5 wideout is a master of finding the soft spot in zone coverage. He’s got impeccable jump ball ability, but it doesn’t take away from how dangerous he is after the catch. His vision and ability to read blocks down the field are two things you just don’t see often from such a big target.
4 Ashton Jeanty, RB Boise St
After one of the best college football seasons of all time, Jeanty lands at four on the board. His ability to shake tackles while maintaining his burst is truly special. His lower body is built like a Pitbull, strong legs and strong strides. I also really like Jeanty’s trait to pick up blitzes, he does it as well as any other RB in college football.
5 Shadeur Sanders, QB Colorado
Confidence and swagger are just two parts of Sanders’ game. He steps up in the pocket no matter who’s in his face and has pinpoint accuracy. He could improve upon his arm strength, but with how the league is so “game-manager” QB driven, Sanders can fit into any scheme and is one of two QBs in this class that I believe are ready to start week one.
6 Mykel Williams, EDGE Georgia
Yes, I have Williams over Carter; and I can explain. Williams is huge for an OLD/EDGE rusher, but he runs like a running back, it’s really impressive. At 6’5, 265 pounds, his burst off the line is special and he is more than capable of setting the edge on run plays. His raw power/speed combination is going to have scouts salivating. I believe he’s got the highest ceiling out of any other EDGE in this class.
7 Abdul Carter, EDGE Penn St\
Carter is lightning fast off the edge and excels at plowing through his blocker. He gets into the backfield with ease and hurries the quarterback almost 100% of the time. He needs to improve against the run, but with his high football IQ and aggressiveness that shouldn’t be a problem for the Nittany Lion.
8 Malaki Starks, S Georgia
Starks’ instincts and willingness to tackle make him a top ten prospect, yes, even as a safety. He doesn’t tower over anyone, and he isn’t as physically imposing as some strong safeties, but he can really hit. He constantly blows up screens in the backfield and more often than not shoots the right gap on runs. Starks also has the ability to read the quarterback’s eyes from way down the field and his great instincts allow him to break up jump balls. He’s really a jack of all trades when it comes to what you want in a safety.
9 Cam Ward, QB Miami (FLA)
In any other year, Cam Ward would be a Heisman frontrunner, but he happens to be having such a great year while we have a guy playing two positions and another one about to break Barry Sanders’ rushing record. With that said, Ward does need to improve upon his pocket presence and awareness; he’s almost too nonchalant sometimes. What Ward does better than anyone in college football is spray the ball. He can throw sideline to sideline and utilizes the middle of the field like a pro. He can throw from different arm slots and can make plays with his legs. The top two QBs in this class (Sanders and Ward) are far ahead of the rest of the pack thanks to their confidence and calmness in the pocket.
10 Jalon Walker, LB/EDGE Georgia
Walker is so fun to watch. He sticks out like a sore thumb watching the Bulldogs as he lines up pretty much everywhere. What I think would benefit him most is having a Frankie Luvu (WSH) type role in the league. He looks like he was shot out of a cannon when the ball is snapped. His initial burst to get into the backfield is insanely impressive but combine that with his ability to line up anywhere in the box and you’ve got an easy top ten prospect. He can rush the passer and set the edge; the dude is a very, very good football player, but he does need to work on a secondary rush move as he’s often left in the dust if his first move fails.
11 Will Johnson, CB Michigan
I am lower than most on Johnson, mainly because of his speed. Yes, he’s sticky in man and has the needed instincts to succeed in zone, but I worry about his closing speed and ability to cover underneath. With that being said, Johnson is the second-best corner in this class and has a high floor. His ceiling might be a little more capped than some of the other defensive backs in the class, but Johnson’s experience in big games and physicality will land him in the top 15. Here I have him at 11.
12 Will Campbell, OT/OG LSU
Whether he’s playing guard or tackle in the league, Campbell will make his presence felt. He’s one of those linemen where you just don’t hear his name being called throughout the game because he’s doing his job. He is a strong-based, agile run blocker who allows his backs to find a hole. He’s also started every game during his LSU career at left tackle, so if a team isn’t worried about his arm length, he could be a plug and play on the blind side.
13 James Pearce Jr., EDGE Tennessee
Pearce Jr. is a lanky, bendy edge rusher who uses his arm length to push back and swim by blockers. His ability to slice through the line is really unique given his 242-pound frame, but he succeeds with power and speed. He might have the highest ceiling of all the EDGEs just because of the power he already possesses at his current frame; it’s inevitable that he puts on some weight, too. I’m viewing him very similar to how I saw Brian Burns, a really intriguing frame and skillset, but on the lighter side for an edge. It’s possible we see him be the first EDGE off the board simply due to how good he is already and how much room he has to improve. A team I’m looking out for is the Panthers. They need pash-rush help desperately and this Vol is from Charlotte, NC.
14 Kelvin Banks Jr., OT/OG Texas
Banks Jr. is another mystery at tackle just because of his short arms, but his power/finesse blocking combination is super intriguing. If he does kick into guard, he has the power to pave the way inside. If he stays at tackle, he has fast enough feet to play either side and strong enough arms to take care of stronger rushers. The main thing that worries me is smaller, faster edge guys. He’s kept Quinn Ewers AND Arch Manning safe, so that says something, especially playing in the SEC.
15 Luther Burden III, WR Mizzou
I almost feel guilty putting Burden III at 15, but here we are. This class is not a top-heavy class, meaning the strength of the first round is basically from picks 9–24; Burden III would be an absolute steal in that range. His after the catch ability with the ball in his hands is so dynamic and his prowess underneath could lead to him becoming a quarterback’s best friend. Think of a Rasheed Shaheed with better hands and crisp routes.
16 Cam Williams, OT Texas
Williams is raw and dealing with an undisclosed injury, but his ceiling is so high. He has the size, length, and speed of a modern-day NFL tackle. His intangibles are extremely intriguing, and his well-rounded game will gain the attention of scouts. I love late-rising tackles, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s higher in a later edition of my big board.
17 Jihaad Campbell, LB Alabama
I had prepared a ton of notes on players all over the country before the season started; Campbell’s name wasn’t written down, and boy was that a mistake. Yes, he’s 244 pounds, and as the league moves toward lighter, more athletic backers, Campbell might be a risky pick. With that being said, this guy is a favorite of pro football focus and their evaluation on him has me intrigued. He is one of the best coverage linebackers in the country, but as I mentioned, he is pretty bulky. If he can add some blitzing to his game, he could challenge Jalon Walker for the number one LB spot; he’s that good.
18 Nic Scourton, DL Texas A&M
I view Scourton as a D-lineman just because of his run-stopping ability. I feel like it’d be a waste to have him on the edge where he can only make an impact on outside runs and passing plays. His strength and hands are amazing, and his high motor proves that he’s best fit on the line.
19 Princely Umanmielen, EDGE Ole Miss
Here we have one of my most under-valued prospects in the draft. Umanmielen is being so overlooked, and I have no clue why. His long arms have proved to be a problem for opposing tackles and he presents 4–3, 3–4 flexibility. He sets the edge well and has plenty of SEC experience; what more could you ask? He is the heart and soul of the Ole Miss defense and has been a star everywhere he’s been.
20 Josh Simmons, OT Ohio St
Simmons is a thick, strong tackle who won’t get moved off the line. He struggles against quicker rushers, but his raw power is too impressive to not have him in my top 20. If he can stay on the field, this guy could end up being a starting right tackle for years. He is a mauler in the run game and pulls better than some guards.
21 Aireontae Ersery, OT Minnesota
Ersery was viewed as a high-upside guy, but I think he’s earned a real chance to start in the league. He is a pure pass protector and is best fit on the left side.
22 Landon Jackson, EDGE Arkansas
I’ve found that this class is really about upside due to its lack of clear top-end talent. There are really ten guys who are surefire first round picks, and I’m not joking. Jackson would be a reach in the first round, but his skill set and size are just going to be hard to ignore. He’s 6’7, yes, six feet seven inches. If you’ve watched any LA Rams games this year, they have a dude named Michael Hoecht. He’s 6’6, 310 and plays on the edge; this is how I see Jackson. He has the ability to line up with his hand in the dirt, but his quick hands and huge frame would be a nightmare to defend off the edge. His stock comes down to his 40 time, honestly. If he runs a sub-4.7, this dude is going to rise these boards really, really quickly.
23 Donovan Jackson, IOL Ohio St
Jackson is a pure run blocker and is a large part of why OSU’s run game has been so strong this season. A team I’d love to see him on is Houston. Their interior line has given up the most sacks in the NFL and Joe Mixon is working way too hard to find holes. Jackson would fix both of those problems and provide young star CJ Stroud with some protection inside.
24 Jahdae Barron, CB Texas
I have a huge draft crush on Jahdae Barron. He can play in the slot, on the boundary, and even in the box. For one, he is probably the best slot corner in all of CFB. He can blitz the quarterback because of his blazing speed while still possessing fluid hips and impeccable ball skills. Oh, and he’s also a phenomenal tackler. Barron is the full package and has Brian Branch written all over him, Barron’s just better in man.
25 Wyatt Milum, OT West Virginia
PFF’s golden boy, Wyatt Milum, has turned heads lately and for good reason. His balance and footwork are second to none. He also has really long and strong arms, something scouts are going to love.
26 Deone Walker, DT Kentucky
I am a bit biased on this one, but Deone Walker has superstar written all over him if he can put it together. He’s 350 pounds but moves like he’s sub-300. He can clog lanes with ease, and it doesn’t take away from his pass-rush ability at all. He uses his strong arms and solid base to push back opposing blockers and gets his big paws up to knock the ball down better than any other tackle in this class.
27 Tyleik Williams, DT Ohio St
Williams has been the definition of consistent for the Buckeyes. He does his job and does it well. Williams is more of a nose tackle but has improved upon his power moves. He is a day one starter and can stop the run with one arm. Just like Walker, Williams is really good at tipping balls at the line of scrimmage.
28 Tyler Warren, TE Penn St
Tyler Warren’s ability to make plays after the catch is very George Kittle-esc. He is also a great blocker.
29 Emeka Egbuka, WR Ohio St
I think Egbuka is the best route runner in the class. With him you’re getting a reliable slot wideout, but also an electric special teamer. He’s got great hands and exceptional body control, but his size will be a factor when going deep; that’s the main reason he’s at 29.
30 Jack Sawyer, EDGE Ohio St
Sawyer’s got a certain edge to his game and I’m all here for it. He’s a mean, strong EDGE rusher and his motor is always running. It seems like he’s involved in every single play and even has an INT this year. A clutch one at that.
31 Colston Loveland, TE Michigan
I like Loveland, but he needs to put on some weight. We see these lighter TEs struggling because they can’t block (Likely, Pitts, Kincaid). If he can put on some weight, he could be an immediate impact for a tight end needy team. He has great hands and is a very reliable red zone threat.
32 Ashton Gillotte, DL Louisville
Jermaine Johnson, but Gillotte can set the edge. That’s what Gillotte is. He is more of a run stopper, which is why I have him listed as a lineman. He makes his mark in the backfield even though he’s only 6’3. He can really lay the boom, too.
33 Shavon Revel Jr., CB East Carolina
Revel Jr’s injury is simply devastating, but I believe that a team is still going to take a shot on him. He has crazy length and insane closing speed. He’s also not afraid to hit. The Pirate is a really well-rounded prospect who could really benefit from sitting behind a zone type corner, exactly where Revel Jr excels.
34 Mike Green, EDGE Marshall
Green is a lightning bolt off of the edge. His huge lower body helps him stride through tackles and get to the QB. He has been the best player on this Marshall football team all season and I really think he has the potential to go late in round one.
35 Kyle Kennard, EDGE South Carolina
A long and strong EDGE, Kennard uses his power really well. He is a senior, so he has the experience you want. He also has been left one on one with tackles due to the sheer amazingness that freshman edge, Dylan Stewart, displayed on the other side. If Kennard is left one on one in the league, he’s dangerous, but he’s going to struggle against a line shift and pretty much exclusively a pass rusher.
36 Shemar Stewart, DL Texas A&M
Another one of my favorite guys down the board, Shemar Stewart moves so well at 290. He is extremely quick laterally and is a great tackler. He is best on the line but can get into the backfield if he beats his blocker on his first move. He reminds me a lot of Kalijah Kancey of Tampa Bay.
37 Grey Zabel, OT North Dakota St
Zabel is really strong but struggles against quicker rushers. He also is not playing the competition of other tackles in this class. It would be a risk, but he has some really intriguing traits to his game
38 Quinshon Judkins, RB Ohio St
Quinshon Judkins’ lower body is actually nuts. He bounces off tacklers who try to go low and has the breakaway speed needed in today’s NFL. He also picks up the blitz really well.
39 Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE Boston College
With 17 sacks and 3 forced fumbles, you might be thinking “why this low?” Well, Ezeiruaku is not every down guy. He is really, really raw against the run. If a team can figure out how to use him as a package guy, putting him out for blitzes and on third down, it could work. I just worry about him setting the edge well enough to be an every down player.
40 Omarion Hampton, RB UNC
Hampton is an old-fashioned power back and reminds me a lot of Brian Robinson Jr. His strong base and balance make him a guy to look out for, especially when the combine rolls around.
41 Xavier Restrepo, WR Miami
Restrepo has been one of the most constant players in college football. I fear that it’s a product of great QB play, but Restrepo does run great routes and has sticky hands.
42 Jonah Savaiinaea, OL Arizona
Versatile and strong, Savaiinaea can play every position on the line and does it really well. His versatility is going to turn heads and could end up being a day one selection.
43 Isaiah Bond, WR Texas
I am not high on Isaiah Bond. he’s very fast and can beat defenses over the top, but he has drop issues and almost always goes deep. If he can develop an over the middle game, he will rise on this board. For now, he sits at 44.
44 Davison Igbinosun, CB Ohio St
Igbinosun is the most flagged defensive back in all of college football, but his physicality and aggressiveness are two things that make him a top 50 player. He is so sticky in man coverage, sometimes it’s too much, but the way this guy stays with his wideout is really impressive. Getting penalized is something that’s coachable, meaning with the right coaching he’s not going to be flagged as much.
45 Darien Porter, CB Iowa St
Porter is a freak of nature. He’s long, 6’4 and might run a 4.3 40. If he tests out well, I could see him shooting up boards. He needs to improve as a tackler. Insanely high ceiling for Porter.
46 Walter Nolen, DL Ole Miss
At 6’3, 305 pounds, Nolen moves exceptionally well. He can stuff lanes and stop the run, and his pass-rush game is severely underrated.
47 Ben Morrison, CB Notre Dame
Morrison could go in the first round, but I’m just not that high on him. He is a ball-hawk,
but that needs to be accompanied by taking calculated risks. He risks too much, almost every play the ball is thrown his way. He’s got a great football mind but needs to dial down the big play mentality.
48 Harold Perkins Jr., LB LSU
Perkins Jr. is so fun to watch. Before his knee injury, Perkins Jr was seen rushing the passer, covering slot wide receivers, and hit sticking anyone over the middle. He is one of the fastest linebackers I’ve ever seen, seriously. He needs to add some weight, but despite that, he’s a darn good prospect. The knee injury makes him fall a little lower than expected, but he could go early on day two.
49 Jalen Milroe, QB Alabama
There are a few things that Jalen Milroe does exceptionally well, but what he doesn’t do well is bad. Like, really bad. His legs are a game changer and his presence in the red zone might be the best in the country, but the missed throws and bad awareness can’t be ignored. If he can sit and learn, he could become a legit NFL starter. He’s just not ready to go from the jump.
50 Kevin Winston Jr., S Penn St
Crazy stat: Last season, Kevin Winston Jr. missed zero tackles. He is a pure run support safety who, even at his frame, can line up in the box. He reminds me a lot of Josh Mettellus (MIN), a do it all guy with some bite to his game.
