The 2025 NFL Draft may still be months away, but the hype train is already leaving the station. With the college football season in full swing, NFL scouts and armchair GMs alike are eagerly eyeing the next crop of potential pro stars. Who will be the next generational QB prospect? Which sleeper pick will make teams regret passing them over? Our draft experts are already on the case, analyzing film and gathering insider buzz to give you the early scoop on the 2025 class.
Top Prospect Comparisons at Every Position
One way our analysts like to evaluate prospects is by comparing them to current NFL players. While not always perfect matches, these player comps can give a helpful frame of reference for a prospect’s skill set and potential. Here are some of the most intriguing comparisons we’ve seen so far:
QB Cam Ward, Miami → Jordan Love
The U’s Cam Ward has been rocketing up draft boards thanks to his electric playmaking ability and knack for delivering in the clutch. Scouts see shades of the Packers’ Jordan Love in Ward’s game – a strong-armed QB who can sling it from all arm angles and isn’t afraid to take risks. Both players sprinkle in “wow” throws with the occasional head-scratcher, but their upside is tantalizing.
RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State → LaDainian Tomlinson
Don’t be fooled by Ashton Jeanty’s 5’9″ frame – the Boise State dynamo packs a punch. Jeanty’s slippery quickness, powerful lower body, and receiving chops have earned him comparisons to a young LaDainian Tomlinson. Like LT, Jeanty is an explosive all-purpose back in a compact package.
DT Mason Graham, Michigan → Christian Wilkins
Many are calling Michigan’s Mason Graham the best defensive prospect in the entire 2025 class, and it’s not hard to see why. The agile 320-pounder terrorizes offensive lines with his explosive get-off and arsenal of pass rush moves. Graham’s game has a lot in common with the Raiders’ Christian Wilkins – powerful, disruptive interior defenders who can wreck a game plan.
Other Notable Comparisons
- WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona → Drake London
- TE Mason Taylor, LSU → Dalton Kincaid
- OT Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas → Ikem Ekwonu
- Edge Abdul Carter, Penn State → Micah Parsons
- LB Harold Perkins Jr., LSU → Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
- CB Will Johnson, Michigan → Pat Surtain II
- S Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina → Jeremy Chinn
Of course, prospect comparisons are an inexact science. But they can shed some light on how a player projects to the next level and get fans excited about the potential studs their team could land come draft day.
Inside the Draft: Rumors and Rising Stocks
It’s still early in the process, but according to our insiders, there’s already plenty of buzz building around the 2025 class. Here are some of the juiciest nuggets and notes from around the scouting world:
- Carson Beck generating first-round hype: The Georgia QB has looked inconsistent at times this season, but some scouts are still enamored with his prototypical tools. One AFC scout has Beck pegged as a “late first-rounder” thanks to his clean mechanics, arm talent, and pro-style experience.
- Toledo safety turning heads: Rockets senior safety Maxen Hook has been all over the field this year, showing impressive range and instincts. The 6-foot, 203-pounder has the makeup of a versatile NFL safety.
- FCS stars make their case: Small-school studs David Walker (LB, Central Arkansas) and ShunDerrick Powell (RB, Central Arkansas) keep demanding attention. Walker has flashed dominant edge rush skills, while Powell is electric with the ball in his hands.
- LSU OTs on the move?: Tigers OTs Will Campbell and Emery Jones Jr. have manned the left side in Baton Rouge, but some NFL teams think their best pro fit is at guard due to less-than-ideal arm length. Both project as solid Day 2 picks.
The draft rumor mill never stops churning, and you can bet there will be plenty more twists and turns in the coming months. As the pre-draft cycle kicks into high gear with all-star games, the combine, and pro days, expect to hear a lot more about this intriguing 2025 class.
Scouting Never Sleeps
For NFL scouts and draftniks, the search for the league’s next wave of young talent is a 24/7/365 grind. And with the level of athleticism, polish, and potential on display in the 2025 crop, that grind sure looks like it’ll pay off next April.
Which of these tantalizing prospects will your team target? Who will rise and fall on draft boards after the combine and pro days? What juicy rumors will emerge from the NFL insider gossip mill? The journey to the 2025 draft is just beginning – buckle up and enjoy the ride!
