2025 NFL draft Big Board rankings: Mel Kiper’s top prospects
As we get closer to the 2025 NFL draft, we’re starting to get a clearer picture of the best prospects in the class. We had the 2024 college football season to size up the top talents. Then we had the opportunity to watch them at the Senior Bowl and Shrine Bowl over the past two weeks. But how do these players stack up?
I’m updating my Big Board for 2025, ranking the top 25 prospects in the class. Remember, this is not a mock draft or prediction of where players will be drafted. These are my personal rankings. Sure, I want to have a realistic board based on how the draft will play out, but my goal is to include the best players based on what I’m seeing and my own evaluations. In addition to the top-25 list, I also ranked the best prospects at every position at the bottom.
Let’s dig in, and be sure to check back regularly from now until Round 1 begins April 24. I plan to update this Big Board often over the coming months as players rise and fall. Underclassmen are noted with an asterisk.
Last updated: Feb. 4
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1. Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado*
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 185 | Prev. rank: 1
2024 stats over 13 games: 96 catches, 1,258 receiving yards, 15 receiving TDs, 36 tackles, 10 pass breakups, 4 interceptions, 1 forced fumble
Hunter has a great feel for the game on offense and defense, and he played a whopping 1,458 snaps over 13 games this season. I really think he has a chance to play both sides of the ball early in his pro career and make an impact both ways, though I’m ranking him as a receiver right now. The offensive and defensive coordinators for the team that ultimately drafts him are going to be battling each other to use him.
Hunter has tremendous hand-eye coordination and elite ball skills. His physical traits and quickness are off the charts, but the Heisman winner also thinks about the game at a high level. He is a highly competitive prospect who works hard to maximize his potential.
2. Abdul Carter, OLB, Penn State
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 259 | Prev. rank: 2
2024 stats over 16 games: 93 tackles, 12 sacks, 61 pressures, 23.5 tackles for loss, 15 run stops, 1 forced fumble
Carter is versatile and has plenty of experience effectively operating as an off-ball linebacker, helping him crack 60 tackles in three straight seasons at Penn State. But the hope this season was he would make a dent in opponents’ game plans as a pass rusher off the edge. Mission accomplished. Carter has the traits to wreak havoc there, getting pressure on 18.5% of his pass-rush snaps. He is instinctive and fast flying to the football. Carter’s 23.5 tackles for loss this season ranked No. 1 in the nation.
3. Mason Graham, DT, Michigan*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 320 | Prev. rank: 3
2024 stats over 12 games: 52 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 26 pressures, 14 run stops
I love Graham’s technique. His leverage gives him an advantage at the point of attack, and interior offensive linemen struggle with his power and quickness. Graham has strong and active hands, and he has proved effective against the run and pass from inside. He had two sacks against Minnesota in September but managed just 1.5 the rest of the season.
4. Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 215 | Prev. rank: 4
2024 stats over 13 games: 74.0% completion rate, 4,134 passing yards, 37 TD passes, 10 interceptions, 4 rushing TDs
You won’t find a tougher or more resilient quarterback prospect than Sanders, who took 99 sacks over the past two seasons but still put up really strong numbers. I’m always impressed watching him throw on the move, rolling either left or right. He is very accurate in those spots and has the arm to drive the ball. When his mechanics and footwork are sound, he can pick apart a defense. And while he’s not necessarily a major rushing threat, he can keep the chains moving with his legs when there is an opening.
5. Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 223 | Prev. rank: 5
2024 stats over 13 games: 67.2% completion rate, 4,313 passing yards, 39 TD passes, 7 interceptions, 4 rushing TDs
Ward has an unorthodox delivery, but he throws with accuracy and velocity from different arm angles. He displays solid game management traits, and while he had some ball security issues in 2023 at Washington State, that wasn’t an issue in 2024. When things break down around him, Ward can extend plays with his legs, either throwing on the move or picking up first downs as a runner. I like his toughness, swagger and confidence.
6. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State*
Height: 5-9 | Weight: 215 | Prev. rank: 9
2024 stats over 14 games: 374 carries, 2,601 rushing yards, 29 rushing TDs, 23 catches, 138 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD
Jeanty displays excellent contact balance and toughness, which help him skirt past the first line of defense and through traffic. He averaged 7.0 yards per carry and forced a nation-leading 126 missed tackles in 2024. And don’t sleep on his receiving skills. Jeanty has sure hands out of the backfield and can be a true all-purpose back in the NFL.
7. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 212 | Prev. rank: 7
2024 stats over 12 games: 84 catches, 1,319 receiving yards, 8 receiving TDs
McMillan is a big-bodied receiver who can be a mismatch for smaller corners. And his great size, body control, concentration and hands help him consistently win in contested-catch situations. He can snatch the ball and make it look easy. And while McMillan plays with more physicality than speed, he generates late separation to get open. He was third in receiving yards in the country.
Tetairoa McMillan continues to add to his ridiculous stat line with a 40-yard touchdown for Arizona.
8. Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia*
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 245 | Prev. rank: 8
2024 stats over 14 games: 62 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, 29 pressures, 7 run stops
Walker gets into the backfield as if he were shot out of a cannon, and his bend and explosion off the edge help him beat blockers and get to the quarterback or ball carrier. He’s a versatile defender, with experience as an off-ball linebacker and a pass rusher. His sideline-to-sideline speed gets your attention when you watch the tape. In Week 8 against Texas, he picked up three sacks.
9. Will Johnson, CB, Michigan*
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 202 | Prev. rank: 6
2024 stats over six games: 21 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 2 interceptions, 3 pass breakups, 2 defensive TDs
Johnson is so instinctive in coverage, and his ability to read quarterbacks jumps out when you watch him. He has great quickness in his transition, allowing him to make plays on the ball. Johnson returned both of his interceptions this season for touchdowns, and you can see those instincts throughout his first pick-six in Michigan’s opener against Fresno State — when he jumped a screen and took the ball 86 yards to the house. He has nine career picks. Johnson missed the team’s last six games with a toe injury.
10. Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 257 | Prev. rank: 13
2024 stats over 16 games: 104 catches, 1,233 receiving yards, 8 receiving TDs
Warren is super versatile. He can be used as a traditional in-line tight end, at H-back, at fullback, out of the slot or lined up out wide. He’s a reliable pass catcher, and once the ball is in his hands, he can break free. Warren had 700 yards after the catch this season.
He was incredible against USC in October, hauling in 17 catches for 224 yards and a TD. It tied for the most single-game catches by a tight end in FBS history.
11. Will Campbell, OT, LSU*
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 323 | Prev. rank: 11
2024 stats over 12 games: 11 starts, 2 sacks allowed
Campbell started for LSU since 2022 and gave up just two sacks since that first season. He has a big frame, and his solid footwork and technique make him an effective pass protector at left tackle.
12. Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&M
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 290 | Prev. rank: 21
2024 stats over 12 games: 34 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 25 pressures, 7 run stops, 1 forced fumble
Stewart is still a little raw and inconsistent as a pass rusher, but his physical traits are off the charts. I could definitely see him rising up the board as we get closer to the draft; he is going to test well in pre-draft events. He has quickness and power, and he’s going to continue developing. And his scheme versatility is a bonus.
13. Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 245 | Prev. rank: 15
2024 stats over 10 games: 56 catches, 582 receiving yards, 5 receiving TDs
If you are looking for a tight end who can consistently stretch the deep middle part of the field, Loveland is your guy. He averaged 8.3 air yards per target over three college seasons. The QB play was subpar for Michigan, which limited Loveland. But he is a difficult matchup for defenses, and he averaged nearly nine targets per game.
14. Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas*
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 320 | Prev. rank: 10
2024 stats over 15 games: 15 starts, 1 sack allowed
Banks has 42 career starts under his belt, with every single snap coming at left tackle. And amazingly, he gave up only three sacks. He has the mobility to quickly block off the edge and then the frame and strength to take care of power rushers. He just needs to become more consistent in the run game as a blocker. Banks missed the SEC Championship with an ankle injury but returned for Texas’ CFP games.
15. Mykel Williams, OLB, Georgia*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 265 | Prev. rank: 12
2024 stats over 12 games: 24 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 5 run stops, 5 sacks, 21 pressures, 2 forced fumbles
Williams is extremely explosive and wins as a pass rusher with speed-to-power. His bend off the edge is outstanding. The tools are all there, and his upside is immense. Scouts were hoping to see more consistency in his game and some improvement in his sack totals — he had 4.5 in back-to-back seasons while playing in Georgia’s deep front seven — but he totaled only five in 2024 (two against Texas in the SEC Championship Game). Williams missed time early in the 2024 season with a Grade 2 left ankle sprain.
16. Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 310 | Prev. rank: 14
2024 stats over six games: 6 starts, 0 sacks allowed
Simmons suffered a season-ending injuryagainst Oregon. A former San Diego State right tackle, Simmons had looked really good on the left side after transferring to Ohio State before the 2023 season. He’s just very consistent, showing excellent footwork and balance in pass protection. I really like the way he drives defensive ends off the ball and gets to the second level. If he had stayed healthy this season, I think he’d be in the OT1 mix.
17. Mike Green, OLB, Marshall*
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 248 | Prev. rank: NR
2024 stats over 13 games: 94 tackles, 17 sacks, 51 pressures, 22 tackles for loss, 14 run stops, 2 forced fumbles
Green, who led the FBS in sacks this season, is extremely explosive off the edge and shows good bend. But his game isn’t all speed; he also displayed power at the Senior Bowl. Green also knows how to seal the edge against the run, and pursues well laterally. But what I love most about his game is how he mixes up his pass-rush moves. Green can get to the quarterback inside or outside, using that speed-to-power to disrupt opponent pass games.
Green transferred from Virginia after the 2022 season. And while some point to the lesser level of competition at Marshall, he did have a strong performance against Ohio State (one sack).
18. Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri*
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 208 | Prev. rank: 19
2024 stats over 12 games: 61 catches, 676 receiving yards, 6 receiving TDs
Burden is an explosive playmaker who really stands out after the catch, using his quickness and elusiveness to pick up extra yards. In 2024, 55% of his yards (370) came once the ball was in his hands. He tracks the vertical throws well and makes some big plays down the field.
19. Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami*
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 245 | Prev. rank: NR
2024 stats over 13 games: 35 catches, 590 receiving yards, 7 receiving TDs
Because he has been banged up over his career at Miami, most of Arroyo’s college production came this past season. In fact, 35 of his 46 catches over four seasons came in 2024. But he has a real chance to go in Round 1.
Arroyo can stretch the field and has some run-after-catch ability. He’s essentially a big wide receiver playing tight end; he can run right past the defense and has an enormous catch radius. And NFL offensive coordinators can use him as a real mismatch by getting him in motion and lining him up all over the formation.
20. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 205 | Prev. rank: 16
2024 stats over 14 games: 67 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 3 run stops, 4 pass breakups, 1 interception
Starks has the skill set to affect the game in a variety of ways. He’s a force against the run from the back end and doesn’t miss many tackles. He closes so fast in coverage, allowing him to break up some passes, and he has spent time lined up over the slot. Plus, he has outstanding hands to finish plays. We saw that in action in Week 1 against Clemson, when Starks made an incredible leaping interception in the fourth quarter.
21. Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 227 | Prev. rank: 18
2024 stats over 13 games: 91 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 4 interceptions, 4 run stops, 3 pass breakups
Emmanwori is a former high-school middle linebacker, and you can tell; his size-speed combination is exactly what NFL defensive coordinators love on the back end. He jumps off the tape, and his ball skills are tremendous. Emmanwori had two picks against Oklahoma in Week 8, returning one for a touchdown.
22. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 205 | Prev. rank: 24
2024 stats over 16 games: 81 catches, 1,011 receiving yards, 10 receiving TDs
Egbuka is an extremely polished route runner; he’s detail-oriented and precise, and he knows when to break off his routes. You can tell how well he understands coverages. Egbuka is also deceptively fast and has sure hands (despite a fumble in the national title game). He’s also very willing to do the dirty work, standing out as a blocker.
In short, Egbuka is a professional who has been playing college football. He’s NFL-ready, and coaches will love him. He’s a grinder who can make plays and pick up first downs when they are needed most.
23. Tyler Booker, G, Alabama*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 325 | Prev. rank: 17
2024 stats over 13 games: 13 starts, 0 sacks allowed
Booker is strong and shows great movement traits at the point of attack. No one gets by him in pass protection, and he does a nice job keeping his feet. Booker is also a solid run blocker who plays with power and has the quickness to get to the second level. He’s very underrated in this class and should be a good pro. Booker allowed one sack over three seasons at Alabama.
24. Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 244 | Prev. rank: 20
2024 stats over 13 games: 112 tackles, 5 sacks, 11.5 tackles for loss, 16 pressures, 12 run stops, 1 interception, 4 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles
Simply put, Campbell is a complete football player. He does everything that an NFL defensive coordinator wants from an off-ball linebacker. He has impressive speed getting to the football against the run, along with the instincts and explosion to make plays in pass coverage. Campbell jumps off the Alabama tape.
25. Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 305 | Prev. rank: 25
2024 stats over 13 games: 51 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 17 pressures, 15 run stops
The former top recruit was disruptive this season, making an impact for Ole Miss against the pass and run. He’s strong with active hands, and his explosive traits allow him to get interior pressure on the quarterback.
Ole Miss’ Walter Nolen recovers the ball off of a forced fumble from Georgia.
Rankings at every position
Quarterbacks
1. Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
2. Cam Ward, Miami (Fla.)
3. Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss
4. Will Howard, Ohio State
5. Jalen Milroe, Alabama
6. Kyle McCord, Syracuse
7. Quinn Ewers, Texas
8. Tyler Shough, Louisville
9. Dillon Gabriel, Oregon
10. Kurtis Rourke, Indiana
Just missed:Riley Leonard, Notre Dame; Seth Henigan, Memphis
Running backs
1. Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
2. Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
3. LeQuint Allen, Syracuse
4. Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State
5. Dylan Sampson, Tennessee
6. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
7. Kaleb Johnson, Iowa
8. Cam Skattebo, Arizona State
9. Trevor Etienne, Georgia
10. Devin Neal, Kansas
Just missed:RJ Harvey, UCF; Damien Martinez, Miami (Fla.); Jordan James, Oregon; Brashard Smith, SMU; Tahj Brooks, Texas Tech; Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State
Wide receivers
1. Travis Hunter, Colorado
2. Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
3. Luther Burden III, Missouri
4. Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
5. Matthew Golden, Texas
6. Jack Bech, TCU
7. Jaylin Noel, Iowa State
8. Jalen Royals, Utah State
9. Savion Williams, TCU
10. Isaiah Bond, Texas
Just missed:Tez Johnson, Oregon; Kyle Williams, Washington State; Jayden Higgins, Iowa State; Elic Ayomanor, Stanford; Xavier Restrepo, Miami (Fla.)
Tight ends
1. Tyler Warren, Penn State
2. Colston Loveland, Michigan
3. Elijah Arroyo, Miami (Fla.)
4. Mason Taylor, LSU
5. Terrance Ferguson, Oregon
6. Gunnar Helm, Texas
7. Jackson Hawes, Georgia Tech
8. Mitchell Evans, Notre Dame
9. Thomas Fidone II, Nebraska
10. Luke Lachey, Iowa
Just missed:Gavin Bartholomew, Pitt; CJ Dippre, Alabama
Elijah Arroyo scores a 74-yard touchdown to bring Miami even with Georgia Tech in the first quarter.
Fullbacks/H-backs
1. Oronde Gadsden II, Syracuse
2. Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green
3. Jake Briningstool, Clemson
4. Bryson Nesbit, North Carolina
5. Ben Yurosek, Georgia
6. Brant Kuithe, Utah
7. Carter Runyon, Towson
8. Jermaine Terry II, Oregon State
9. Jared Casey, Kansas
10. Rivaldo Fairweather, Auburn
Just missed:Tyler Neville, Virginia
Offensive tackles
1. Will Campbell, LSU
2. Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
3. Josh Simmons, Ohio State
4. Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon
5. Anthony Belton, NC State
6. Marcus Mbow, Purdue
7. Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota
8. Cameron Williams, Texas
9. Ozzy Trapilo, Boston College
10. Emery Jones Jr., LSU
Just missed:Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson, Florida; Hollin Pierce, Rutgers; Charles Grant, William & Mary
Guards
1. Tyler Booker, Alabama
2. Armand Membou, Missouri
3. Grey Zabel, North Dakota State
4. Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
5. Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona
6. Dylan Fairchild, Georgia
7. Wyatt Milum, West Virginia
8. Tate Ratledge, Georgia
9. Joshua Gray, Oregon State
10. Connor Colby, Iowa
Just missed:Miles Frazier, LSU
Centers
1. Jared Wilson, Georgia
2. Jonah Monheim, USC
3. Drew Kendall, Boston College
4. Seth McLaughlin, Ohio State
5. Jake Majors, Texas
6. Clay Webb, Jacksonville State
7. Jacob Bayer, Arkansas State
8. Willie Lampkin, North Carolina
9. Eli Cox, Kentucky
10. Jackson Slater, Sacramento State
Just missed:Jakai Clark, SMU
Defensive ends
1. Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
2. Nic Scourton, Texas A&M
3. Landon Jackson, Arkansas
4. JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State
5. Jordan Burch, Oregon
6. Jack Sawyer, Ohio State
7. Sai’vion Jones, LSU
8. Barryn Sorrell, Texas
9. Jared Ivey, Ole Miss
10. Ashton Gillotte, Louisville
Just missed:Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Georgia; Tyler Baron, Miami (Fla.); Elijah Roberts, SMU
Defensive tackles
1. Mason Graham, Michigan
2. Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
3. Kenneth Grant, Michigan
4. Derrick Harmon, Oregon
5. Darius Alexander, Toledo
6. T.J. Sanders, South Carolina
7. Joshua Farmer, Florida State
8. Tyleik Williams, Ohio State
9. Alfred Collins, Texas
10. Ty Robinson, Nebraska
Just missed:Omarr Norman-Lott, Tennessee; Deone Walker, Kentucky; Jordan Phillips, Maryland; CJ West, Indiana
Off-ball linebackers
1. Jalon Walker, Georgia
2. Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
3. Chris Paul Jr., Ole Miss
4. Carson Schwesinger, UCLA
5. Demetrius Knight Jr., South Carolina
6. Shemar James, Florida
7. Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma
8. Cody Simon, Ohio State
9. Jeffrey Bassa, Oregon
10. Barrett Carter, Clemson
Just missed:Cody Lindenberg, Minnesota; Smael Mondon Jr., Georgia; Jack Kiser, Notre Dame; Lander Barton, Utah
Outside linebackers
1. Abdul Carter, Penn State
2. Mykel Williams, Georgia
3. Mike Green, Marshall
4. James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
5. Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College
6. Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss
7. Oluwafemi Oladejo, UCLA
8. Bradyn Swinson, LSU
9. David Walker, Central Arkansas
10. Kyle Kennard, South Carolina
Just missed:Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Virginia Tech; Josaiah Stewart, Michigan
Matt Miller says the Titans should take Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter at No. 1, and Adam Schefter affirms that Tennessee could pass on a quarterback.
Cornerbacks
— Travis Hunter, Colorado*
1. Will Johnson, Michigan
2. Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame
3. Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky
4. Jahdae Barron, Texas
5. Quincy Riley, Louisville
6. Azareye’h Thomas, Florida State
7. Shavon Revel Jr., East Carolina
8. Trey Amos, Ole Miss
9. Sebastian Castro, Iowa
10. Nohl Williams, California
Just missed:Darien Porter, Iowa State; Zy Alexander, LSU; Upton Stout, Western Kentucky
* Hunter is ranked positionally as a wide receiver, but he would slot in as the No. 1 cornerback.
Safeties
1. Malaki Starks, Georgia
2. Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
3. Kevin Winston Jr., Penn State
4. Xavier Watts, Notre Dame
5. Andrew Mukuba, Texas
6. Jonas Sanker, Virginia
7. Lathan Ransom, Ohio State
8. Dante Trader Jr., Maryland
9. Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma
10. Jaylen Reed, Penn State
Just missed:Dan Jackson, Georgia; Trikweze Bridges, Florida; Keondre Jackson, Illinois State
Kickers and punters
1. Andres Borregales, Miami (Fla.) (PK)
2. Jeremy Crawshaw, Florida (P)
3. Ryan Fitzgerald, Florida State (PK)
4. Eddie Czaplicki, USC (P)
5. James Burnip, Alabama (P)
6. Jonathan Kim, Michigan State (PK)
7. Alex Raynor, Kentucky (PK)
8. Alex Mastromanno, Florida State (P)
9. Caden Davis, Ole Miss (PK)
10. Ben Sauls, Pitt (PK)
