Table of contents for NFL Draft in NFL Draft

EDITOR’S LETTER

We all like to talk about position versatility in the context of NFL Draft analysis, but this is getting a little ridiculous. Only weeks after extolling the two-way virtues of Shohei Ohtani in our Major League Baseball preview magazine, we’re now doing the same with regard to Travis Hunter, who happens to be Athlon Sports’ top-ranked draft prospect at two different positions — on two different sides of the ball. Are we entering some new golden age of two-way stardom? Is the spirit of Chuck Bednarik smiling down on the NFL and bringing one-platoon football back into vogue? Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. It seems highly unlikely that Ohtani and Hunter are at the vanguard of some latter-day two-way trend. Concrete Charlie can rest easy in the knowledge that…

EDITOR’S LETTER

TWO-WAY TRAVIS

At all levels of football over the years, more complex schemes and greater athleticism at all positions have created an increasing need for positional specificity. In football’s olden days, it was no big deal for a player to, say, start at both halfback and linebacker, or quarterback and defensive back. Today, it’s a big story if a guard has to switch to tackle during a game for whatever reason. When the New England Patriots asked receiver Troy Brown to play defensive back as well in the early 2000s (Brown had three interceptions and five passes defended in the 2004 season), it was a novelty. As it was when Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders caught 36 passes for 475 yards and a touchdown as receiver for the Dallas Cowboys in…

TWO-WAY TRAVIS

HEAD OF THE CLASS

We heard it all the way through the 2024 football season: The 2025 draft class of quarterbacks is underwhelming and lacks a clear No. 1 who has separated himself from the pack. With the pre-draft process in full swing, that still rings true. None of the quarterbacks in this class has an obvious, unquestioned path to NFL stardom. Still, there are NFL teams in desperate need of a franchise quarterback, and some of these guys will be drafted as such, even if they aren’t. So, of the available talent at the position in this draft, who has the best chance to reward a leap of faith? It’s far from automatic that any class contains a future superstar quarterback. Based on the tape, though, here are the six quarterback prospects in…

HEAD OF THE CLASS

ASHTON JEANTY

ASHTON JEANTY

1 ASHTON JEANTY COLLEGE: BOISE STATE HEIGHT: 5-9 WEIGHT: 215 AGE: 21 STRENGTHS: An explosive wrecking ball of a runner, Jeanty has an ideal blend of speed, acceleration and physicality that makes him impossible to bring down on first contact. His powerful frame and low center of gravity are put to good use when running through would-be tacklers, and he’s got that extra gear in the open field that turns any crease near the line of scrimmage into a long-distance touchdown. His mental traits shine through as well, with impressive vision, patience and awareness to set up and follow his blocks effectively. A reliable receiver and pass-blocker, Jeanty brings a true three-down skill set to the next level. WEAKNESSES: It’s hard to find a truly glaring hole in Jeanty’s game.…

WILL CAMPBELL

WILL CAMPBELL

1 WILL CAMPBELL COLLEGE: LSU HEIGHT: 6-6 WEIGHT: 323 AGE: 21 STRENGTHS: A fantastic athlete for his size, Campbell has rare movement skills for someone with his massive frame. He’s explosive out of his stance as both a run-blocker and a pass-protector, getting to his landmarks quickly and rarely getting beaten around the arc by speed rushers. His balance and agility allow him to climb to the second level with ease and make him an effective blocker when lining up moving targets. He’s got enough power to anchor against power rushers and reset the line of scrimmage in the ground game, and he’s got plenty of experience against top talent in the SEC. WEAKNESSES: For all his athletic gifts, Campbell is still fairly raw when it comes to the finer…

MASON GRAHAM

MASON GRAHAM

1 MASON GRAHAM COLLEGE: MICHIGAN HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 320 AGE: 21 STRENGTHS: Graham is the kind of interior defender that opposing offenses always try — and fail — to avoid. A powerful presence at the point of attack, Graham has a stout frame that packs a punch against both the run and pass. He’s got impressive agility and quickness for his size, allowing him to explode into the opposing backfield and blow up plays before they start. He can push the pocket from the inside as a pass-rusher, and he’s effective when asked to generate pressure on stunts and other rushing games. He’s quick to diagnose plays, which gives him the ability to consistently be in the right place and neutralize the ball-carrier. WEAKNESSES: There’s a lack of ideal length…

MALAKI STARKS

MALAKI STARKS

1MALAKI STARKS COLLEGE: GEORGIA HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 205 AGE: 21 STRENGTHS: A do-it-all playmaker on the back end for the Bulldogs, Starks lined up all over the field and made big things happen regardless of his responsibilities. He has the size and physicality to hang with tight ends and bigger receivers in man coverage, as well as the ability to survive in traffic down in the box against the run. His range, athleticism and instincts show up big-time in coverage, where he’s just as capable of patrolling centerfield as he is coming down into the slot and locking up opposing receivers on his own. Starks has impressive ball skills and the length to break up would-be completions at the catch point, and he’s got a great feel for when to…

AFC NORTH

BALT RAVENS 2025 FIRST-ROUND PICK: NO. 27 10-YEAR FIRST-ROUND DRAFT HISTORY 5-YEAR WIN TREND 2024 12-5 (1st AFC North) 2023 13-4 (1st AFC North) 2022 10-7 (2nd AFC North) 2021 8-9 (T-3rd AFC North) 2020 11-5 (T-1st AFC North) OFFSEASON PRIORITIES OL This offense is balanced and dynamic, but it needs a quality offensive line to fire on all cylinders. The Ravens could use long-term depth upgrades and even some starting-quality options added to the mix this offseason, both along the interior of the offensive trenches and at tackle. Don’t be surprised if they invest in versatile blockers early in this draft. Edge Kyle Van Noy was a revelation in 2024 for the Ravens, and he’s under contract for 2025 at a team-friendly rate. That said, he’ll be 34 years old…

AFC NORTH

NFC EAST

DAL COWBOYS 2025 FIRST-ROUND PICK: NO. 12 10-YEAR FIRST-ROUND DRAFT HISTORY 5-YEAR WIN TREND 2024 7-10 (3rd NFC East) 2023 12-5 (1st NFC East) 2022 12-5 (2nd NFC East) 2021 12-5 (1st NFC East) 2020 6-10 (T-2nd NFC East) OFFSEASON PRIORITIES RB Even though the Cowboys got some quality moments from Rico Dowdle, his presence shouldn’t prevent them from going after a true impact player who can balance the offense and provide them big-play value on all three downs. At some point in the early rounds of this draft, Dallas will need to find that kind of dual-threat back. DL Much like their run game on offense hasn’t threatened anyone lately, the Cowboys have had a similar problem on defense when it comes to stopping the opposing offense on the…

NFC EAST

2025 DRAFT RANKINGS

QB QUARTERBACKS 1. Cam Ward • Miami • 1st Round 2. Shedeur Sanders • Colorado • 1st Round 3. Jalen Milroe • Alabama • 2nd Round 4. Jaxson Dart • Ole Miss • 3rd Round 5. Quinn Ewers • Texas • 4th Round 6. Kurtis Rourke • Indiana • 5th Round 7. Kyle McCord • Syracuse • 5th Round 8. Dillon Gabriel • Oregon • 5th Round 9. Will Howard • Ohio State • 5th Round 10. Riley Leonard • Notre Dame • 5th Round 11. Brady Cook • Missouri • 6th Round 12. Seth Henigan • Memphis • 7th Round 13. Tyler Shough • Louisville • UDFA 14. Cam Miller • North Dakota State • UDFA 15. Max Brosmer • Minnesota • UDFA RB RUNNING BACKS 1. Ashton Jeanty…

2025 DRAFT RANKINGS

OTHER RECENT TWO-WAY STARS

DEION SANDERS DB/PR/KR FLORIDA STATE (1985-88) Sanders was a return man and defensive back with the Seminoles, and those were his primary NFL positions as well. But he also caught 60 passes on 112 targets for 784 yards and three touchdowns. Obviously, Sanders was the perfect college coach for Travis Hunter. CHARLES WOODSON | DB/WR | MICHIGAN (1995-97) Woodson was the only defender to win the Heisman until Hunter joined him — but he did catch 11 passes for 231 yards and two TDs, returned a punt for a score and added a rushing TD in 1997. In his Hall of Fame pro career, Woodson had two catches. CHAMP BAILEY | DB/WR | GEORGIA (1996-98) The Pro Football Hall of Famer was perhaps the best match defender of his era. He did…

OTHER RECENT TWO-WAY STARS

DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH

Every year, there are those draft prospects who manage to catch the attention of NFL scouts despite hailing from smaller programs. Of course, once you get to the NFL, if you can line up and get the job done, it doesn’t matter where you matriculated. Though many of the prospects listed here may have ceilings as undrafted free agents and bit players, you never know when one guy will break through and exceed all expectations, despite his small-school status. JORDAN McCLOUD, QB, TEXAS STATE Last season for the Bobcats, McCloud completed 273-of-390 passes for 3,227 yards, 30 touchdowns, 13 interceptions and a passer rating of 106.4. McCloud is undersized at 6-foot-0 and 200 pounds, but he has a quick release, he can go through progressions and he can get the…

DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH

TRAVIS HUNTER

TRAVIS HUNTER

1 TRAVIS HUNTER COLLEGE: COLORADO HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 185 AGE: 21 STRENGTHS: A gifted athlete with elite playmaking instincts, Hunter is a danger to score every time the ball is in his hands. Those hands are extremely reliable, too, consistently plucking the ball away from his body and avoiding drops. His best traits might be mental, though, as his understanding of the game and elite preparation skills are obvious on film, setting up opposing defenders with slight moves and polished technique that turns routine plays into highlight-reel moments. Hunter is a smooth route-runner, and his experience as a top-flight cornerback shows through in how he attacks the opposition from the other side of the ball. He’s got a knack for saving his best for the most clutch moments of the…

TYLER BOOKER

TYLER BOOKER

1TYLER BOOKER COLLEGE: ALABAMA HEIGHT: 6-5 WEIGHT: 325 AGE: 21 STRENGTHS: If you need someone to set a physical, punishing tone for your entire offensive line, Booker is your man. He’s got a large, power-packed frame, and he knows how to use it as both a run-blocker and a pass-protector. He can drive with his lower body and reset the line of scrimmage in the ground game, and he can also anchor against power rushers inside. Booker gets his hands locked in early to control his defender and lets his impressive strength do the rest. When he’s on the move, Booker is able to keep his balance and destroy smaller blockers out on the edges and down the field, and he finishes with maximum effort through the whistle. WEAKNESSES: Booker…

JALON WALKER

JALON WALKER

1 JALON WALKER COLLEGE: GEORGIA HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 245 AGE: 21 STRENGTHS: A jack of all trades, Walker possesses a rare combination of ideal size and top-flight athleticism that makes him a dangerous weapon all over the field. At Georgia, his versatility allowed him to line up at multiple spots and make splash plays in every facet of the game, whether he was lined up off the ball or on the edge of the defensive front. He’s an explosive defender with a strong blend of short-area burst and straight-line speed that makes him effective when attacking downhill as well as changing direction laterally. Walker can match routes in coverage with his athletic ability, and he knows how to get after the quarterback both as an edge rusher and when blitzing…

SPECIALISTS

1 RYAN FITZGERALD COLLEGE: FLORIDA STATE (K) HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 190 AGE: 24 STRENGTHS: A reliable, consistent presence for FSU, Fitzgerald put up impressive numbers over his time in Tallahassee. He proved his leg strength with his school-record five field goals of 50-plus yards in 2024, including a long of 59 yards. He was automatic across the board through the whole campaign, nailing all 13 of his field-goal attempts and all 14 of his extra points. WEAKNESSES: There aren’t many holes to poke in Fitzgerald’s game, but if you really wanted to split hairs, he put only 34 of his 42 kickoffs through the end zone for touchbacks last season, so there’s a number that he might want to improve if he wants to handle those duties for his eventual NFL…

SPECIALISTS

AFC SOUTH

HOU TEXANS 2025 FIRST-ROUND PICK: NO. 25 10-YEAR FIRST-ROUND DRAFT HISTORY 5-YEAR WIN TREND 2024 10-7 (1st AFC South) 2023 10-7 (1st AFC South) 2022 3-13-1 (4th AFC South) 2021 4-13 (3rd AFC South) 2020 4-12 (3rd AFC South) OFFSEASON PRIORITIES OL C.J. Stroud’s sophomore season was doomed by an offensive line that struggled to protect him and get consistent push in the running game all year long. The interior needs a ton of immediate help, and a long-term upgrade at right tackle shouldn’t be out of the question if they want their franchise quarterback to return to his stellar rookie-year form. DL DeMeco Ryans has put together one of the best young defenses in the NFL, but it’s still missing a few key pieces that could take the unit…

AFC SOUTH

NFC NORTH

CHI BEARS 2025 FIRST-ROUND PICK: NO. 10 10-YEAR FIRST-ROUND DRAFT HISTORY 5-YEAR WIN TREND 2024 5-12 (4th NFC North) 2023 7-10 (T-3rd NFC North) 2022 3-14 (4th NFC North) 2021 6-11 (3rd NFC North) 2020 8-8 (2nd NFC North) OFFSEASON PRIORITIES OT Caleb Williams has all the talent in the world to become a superstar, but it’ll be an uphill battle unless the Bears make some massive upgrades to the offensive line this offseason. That has to start at left tackle, where the likes of Braxton Jones and Kiran Amegadjie just haven’t been able to cut it up to this point. OL Left tackle is the most important area of need for the Bears, but the rest of the offensive line needs a ton of help, too. This entire…

NFC NORTH

NFC WEST

AZ CARDINALS 2025 FIRST-ROUND PICK: NO. 16 10-YEAR FIRST-ROUND DRAFT HISTORY 5-YEAR WIN TREND 2024 8-9 (3rd NFC West) 2023 4-13 (4th NFC West) 2022 4-13 (4th NFC West) 2021 11-6 (2nd NFC West) 2020 8-8 (3rd NFC West) OFFSEASON PRIORITIES EDGE Arizona has some versatile defenders who can line up at different spots throughout the linebacker room, but they still lack a true pass-rushing presence who can single-handedly wreck a game off the edge. They need to prioritize finding that kind of impact player who can elevate the entire unit by consistently affecting the quarterback. OL Kyler Murray has proved that he can be a successful starting quarterback with enough help around him, but in order for him to play at that level consistently, the interior of this offensive…

NFC WEST

2025 NFL MOCK DRAFT

1st ROUND 1 Tennessee Titans ABDUL CARTER | EDGE | PENN STATE This isn’t the year to reach for a quarterback over the truly elite talents in the draft, and Carter is an absolute game-wrecker. 2 Cleveland Browns TRAVIS HUNTER | WR/CB | COLORADO There are bigger needs elsewhere, but Hunter is a special talent and not worth passing up (even for a team that needs a quarterback). 3 New York Giants CAM WARD | QB | MIAMI (FL) With the true blue-chip talents off the board, the Giants take a swing on a high-upside passer who has a knack for making highlight-reel plays. 4 New England Patriots WILL CAMPBELL | OT | LSU The Pats have their franchise QB in Drake Maye, and now it’s time to protect his…

2025 NFL MOCK DRAFT

APPLES → TO → APPLES

Comparing draft prospects to established NFL players can be a slippery slope. Are you comparing the prospect to the professional when the professional first became eligible for the draft or when the professional hit his peak as a player? Are you trying to make that comparison based on a set of skills that worked in college and should transfer well to the NFL? Perhaps the best way to come to a like-as-like comparison is to stick with the traits and attributes of each prospect and player. Then, you’re not focusing too much on schemes (which don’t always transfer) — instead, it’s all about what the prospect brings to the table on a no-matter-what basis. After comprehensive tape study of 16 of the top prospects for the 2025 draft, here are…

APPLES → TO → APPLES

CAM WARD

CAM WARD

1 CAM WARD COLLEGE: MIAMI (FLA.) HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 223 AGE: 22 STRENGTHS: A dynamic playmaker, Ward is must-see TV when the ball is in his hands. He’s got impressive arm strength, and he throws like he knows it. He takes chances that most other QBs can’t, but they pay off too often for anyone to tell him to do otherwise. He’s a wizard when the pocket breaks down, extending plays and creating extra time for his receivers to make big plays downfield. He’s athletic enough to keep defenses honest with his running ability, allowing him to pick up key first downs and escape blitzes. Ward’s ability to make big plays in clutch moments sets him apart when the game is on the line. WEAKNESSES: Ward’s confidence can backfire at…

TYLER WARREN

TYLER WARREN

1 TYLER WARREN COLLEGE: PENN STATE HEIGHT: 6-6 WEIGHT: 261 AGE: 22 STRENGTHS: If you were to create a modern NFL tight end in a lab, Warren just might be the result. A mammoth presence wherever he lines up, Warren brings rare athleticism and versatility to the position for someone his size. He’s surprisingly fluid as an athlete for a player with his massive frame, and he’s just as comfortable presenting matchup problems as a downfield threat as he is dominating in the run game as an in-line blocker. He’s a short-yardage weapon who can take direct snaps and move the chains, and he can line up out wide and challenge an opponent’s top cornerback with his size and physicality. Warren has a knack for making acrobatic plays and big…

ABDUL CARTER

ABDUL CARTER

1 ABDUL CARTER COLLEGE: PENN STATE HEIGHT: 6-3 WEIGHT: 252 AGE: 20 STRENGTHS: Absolute lightning in a bottle, Carter brings elite explosiveness as a pass-rusher, making him nearly impossible to block with just one player. Despite making the transition from off-ball linebacker to edge defender, Carter displayed a wide range of effective pass-rushing moves in 2024, showing the ability to string counters together and beat opposing blockers with elite bend, balance and hand usage. His experience off the ball also gives him valuable versatility when it comes to dropping into coverage, and his overall athleticism allows him to survive in space and chase down plays from sideline to sideline. When he gets to the quarterback, Carter knows how to finish with the ball in mind, creating takeaway opportunities and splash…

TRAVIS HUNTER

TRAVIS HUNTER

1 TRAVIS HUNTER COLLEGE: COLORADO HEIGHT: 6-1 WEIGHT: 185 AGE: 21 STRENGTHS: The same physical traits that make Hunter a dynamic receiver serve him well on the other side of the ball, as his explosiveness and short-area quickness allow him to change direction in a flash, with no wasted movement. His combination of height, length, athleticism and ball skills allows him to make plays that seem impossible. But for all his impressive physical abilities, Hunter’s best trait sits between his ears. His combination of intelligence, preparation and play-making instincts is extremely rare, allowing him to make highly calculated gambles that pay off when quarterbacks dare throw the ball anywhere near him. WEAKNESSES: As is the case on offense, Hunter’s slight frame is his biggest challenge as a corner. Bigger, more…

AFC EAST

BUFF BILLS 2025 FIRST-ROUND PICK: NO. 30 10-YEAR FIRST-ROUND DRAFT HISTORY 5-YEAR WIN TREND 2024 13-4 (1st AFC East) 2023 11-6 (T-1st AFC East) 2022 13-3 (1st AFC East) 2021 11-6 (1st AFC East) 2020 13-3 (1st AFC East) OFFSEASON PRIORITIES Edge The Bills have some decent rotational players who have flashed at times, but they need an Josh Allen, QB every-down edge rusher who can take over games as a pass-rusher and set a strong edge against the run. Improving the overall depth of this unit from top to bottom should also be a priority to upgrade the long-term health of the roster. DL Ed Oliver is a dynamic interior presence who can disrupt plays in the backfield and push the pocket from the inside as a pass-rusher, but the…

AFC EAST

AFC WEST

DEN BRONCOS 2025 FIRST-ROUND PICK: NO. 20 10-YEAR FIRST-ROUND DRAFT HISTORY 5-YEAR WIN TREND 2024 10-7 (3rd AFC West) 2023 8-9 (T-2nd AFC West) 2022 5-12 (4th AFC West) 2021 7-10 (4th AFC West) 2020 5-11 (4th AFC West) OFFSEASON PRIORITIES TE This offseason has to be all about surrounding Bo Nix with as many weapons as possible, and the most immediate need is at tight end, where all of Denver’s recent attempts to find a difference-maker have fallen short. This year’s draft class is loaded with premium talent at the position, so expect the Broncos to address this in the early rounds. RB Denver’s committee backfield has some solid rotational players who have each flashed some potential here and there, but they don’t have a three-down back who can…

AFC WEST

NFC SOUTH

ATL FALCONS 2025 FIRST-ROUND PICK: NO. 15 10-YEAR FIRST-ROUND DRAFT HISTORY 5-YEAR WIN TREND 2024 8-9 (2nd NFC South) 2023 7-10 (3rd NFC South) 2022 7-10 (T-2nd NFC South) 2021 7-10 (3rd NFC South) 2020 4-12 (4th NFC South) OFFSEASON PRIORITIES EDGE It’s been too long since the Falcons have had the kind of edge-rushing presence that can truly strike fear into the hearts of opposing offensive tackles and quarterbacks alike. That has to change if Atlanta wants to compete for the NFC South title in 2025 and beyond, so don’t be surprised if their first-round pick is spent in that direction. DL Grady Jarrett has been holding it down as the impact player along the Falcons’ defensive front for his entire NFL career, but it’s long past time…

NFC SOUTH