The top prospects of the 2025 NFL Draft

The 2025 NFL Draft kicks off this weekend at Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers, where the dreams of 257 college prospects will come true. They’ll hear their names called by the NFL Commissioner and speak with the teams that have chosen them.

Thousands of hopefuls declared for the Draft, but only a select few made the cut. At AS, we’ve narrowed the list even further to highlight the most outstanding college players.

Travis Hunter, WR/CB – Colorado Buffaloes

Few players have excelled on both offense and defense in the NFL. One of the rare exceptions was Deion Sanders—now, his protégé Travis Hunter could be next. A standout at the University of Colorado, Hunter is the top prospect in the 2025 Draft thanks to his rare ability to dominate as both a wide receiver and a cornerback. He skipped the 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine, but hundreds of snaps in college showcased his elite speed. In his senior year alone, he logged 1,552 snaps, 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns, 35 tackles, 11 pass deflections, and four interceptions. His efforts earned him numerous accolades, including the Heisman Trophy.

Abdul Carter, DE – Penn State Nittany Lions

If not for Hunter, Abdul Carter would likely be the consensus No. 1 pick. The Penn State product is widely considered the best defensive player in the draft, known for his explosiveness and athleticism. He played as a full-time pass rusher only in his senior season but has the flexibility to thrive as a 3-4 outside linebacker or a 4-3 edge. A Philadelphia native, Carter dreams of being the first overall pick and could realistically land with the Cleveland Browns at No. 2, forming a fearsome tandem with Myles Garrett. He’s coming off a season with 13 tackles for loss, 43 total pressures, and 10 quarterback hits—showing he can contribute immediately both against the run and in the pass rush.

Ashton Jeanty, RB – Boise State Broncos

If Saquon Barkley redefined the running back position during his Super Bowl LIX-winning season with the Eagles, Ashton Jeanty represents its future. At just 21, Jeanty nearly broke Barry Sanders’ single-season college rushing record with 2,595 yards and 29 touchdowns.He also proved to be a reliable receiver, catching 82 of 97 targets. Jeanty hit 22 mph in-game and can squat over 600 pounds. Unfortunately, he didn’t participate in the 40-yard dash at the Combine or his Pro Day—but the tape speaks for itself.

Mason Graham, DT – Michigan Wolverines

The top interior defensive lineman in the class, Mason Graham is known for his relentless aggression at the line of scrimmage. In his final season at Michigan, he tallied five sacks and 20 quarterback pressures. According to PFF, he primarily lined up between the guard and tackle but is versatile enough to play anywhere on the line. Graham’s diverse athletic background—he played soccer, basketball, baseball, and rugby before excelling in Greco-Roman wrestling—gives him a unique advantage in disengaging from blocks.

Will Campbell, OT – LSU Tigers

Protecting the quarterback’s blindside is crucial, and Will Campbell fits the bill. According to PFF, he gave up only two sacks in 557 pass-blocking snaps in 2024, and just four total over more than 1,500 snaps in his three-year career—all while playing at left tackle. His main knock is his shorter arms, which could be a disadvantage against longer, faster edge rushers. Still, teams like the Patriots and Bears may draft him to protect Drake Maye or Caleb Williams, respectively.

Tyler Warren, TE – Penn State Nittany Lions

Tight ends are becoming pivotal to offensive schemes, and Tyler Warren is the cream of the 2025 crop. The versatile Penn State alum caught, ran, and even threw the ball in his senior season. He’s not yet a top-tier blocker, but he has room to grow. A lefty, Warren set a school record with 17 receptions in a single game and wrapped his final year with 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns on 104 catches. He also won the John Mackey Award as the nation’s top tight end.

Cam Ward, QB – Miami Hurricanes

The 2025 quarterback class is full of question marks—except for Cam Ward. Originally at Washington State, Ward transferred to Miami to boost his draft stock, and it paid off. He’s now projected to go No. 1 overall to the Tennessee Titans.

Ward threw for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns while adding 2,024 rushing yards and four more scores. A multi-sport athlete in his youth, Ward’s athleticism makes him a threat in both the air and on the ground. His only major flaw? Occasionally trying to do too much and risking turnovers.

Jihaad Campbell, LB – Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell is the most physically gifted linebacker in this draft. At just 21, he possesses the athleticism of a seasoned pro and can thrive as a strongside LB in a 4-3 or OLB in a 3-4. He finished second in the Butkus Award voting after leading the Tide in tackles (117), tackles for loss (12), and sacks (5). Two minor surgeries—a knee cleanup in 2023 and a torn labrum in 2024—are the only red flags on his resume.

Will Johnson, CB – Michigan Wolverines

Behind Travis Hunter, Will Johnson is the best pure cornerback in the class. He made a statement in the 2024 championship game by intercepting Michael Penix Jr. on the first play. Though a toe injury cut short his breakout season, scouts are excited about his potential in zone coverage. He has long arms and strong instincts and hasn’t allowed a touchdown in the past two seasons, while snagging six interceptions.

Tetairoa McMillan, WR – Arizona Wildcats

A natural athlete, McMillan excelled in football, basketball, and volleyball before focusing on the gridiron. At 6′4″, he’s a dream target for any quarterback. He can line up both in the slot and outside, and in his final season, he logged 1,316 yards and eight touchdowns. While not a burner, he did reach 21.8 mph in-game, and his route running and hands are elite. His 2024 stats dipped slightly from 2023, but his physical tools and football IQ still make him a first-round talent.

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The 2025 NFL Draft will take place at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, running from Thursday, April 24, to Saturday, April 26. Round 1 kicks off on April 24 at 8:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. PT), followed by Rounds 2 and 3 on April 25 at 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT), and concluding with Rounds 4 through 7 on April 26 starting at 12:00 noon ET (9:00 a.m. PT).

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