The 2025 NFL Draft: A Defensive Class with Rising Quarterback Stars
As we look ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, the narrative is shaping up to be quite intriguing. While the class is predominantly defense-heavy, a surprising number of quarterback prospects are making waves, with one even climbing to the top of the rankings. Unlike the previous year, which saw six quarterbacks selected in the first round, this year may only yield four, but the talent is undeniable.
1. QB Cameron Ward (Miami)
Cameron Ward has always possessed the tools necessary for NFL success, showcasing a unique ability to make plays. However, questions lingered about his consistency within a structured offense until he transferred to Miami. Now, as the leader of the undefeated Hurricanes, Ward has demonstrated his versatility, proving he can win games in multiple ways. His development this season has solidified his status as the top quarterback prospect in the 2025 class.
2. WR/CB Travis Hunter (Colorado)
Travis Hunter has taken college football by storm, excelling on both offense and defense for the Colorado Buffaloes. Last season, his dual-role performance was impressive but sometimes marred by inconsistency. This year, however, he has found his rhythm, averaging 95 receiving yards per game while allowing just 15 yards per game as a cornerback, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). Hunter’s ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball makes him a unique prospect.
3. DT Mason Graham (Michigan)
Mason Graham is the epitome of a three-down defensive tackle. His versatility allows him to line up anywhere along the interior, making him a constant threat. After a year as a rotational player, Graham has stepped into a dominant role this season, averaging nearly 50 snaps per game and consistently making impactful plays. His ability to disrupt both the run and pass game makes him a valuable asset for any NFL team.
4. DE Abdul Carter (Penn State)
Abdul Carter’s transition from off-ball linebacker to edge rusher has been nothing short of remarkable. After a slow start to the season, he has found his stride, showcasing an elite combination of speed and agility that terrifies opposing tackles. With his natural burst and bend, Carter is quickly becoming one of the most feared pass rushers in college football, and his potential for growth is exciting.
5. CB Will Johnson (Michigan)
Will Johnson is a physical cornerback who has proven he can compete with the best in college football. His ability to excel in both press and off-coverage sets him apart from many of his peers. Although injuries have limited his play this season, his standout performance against USC, where he recorded an interception and a pass breakup, highlights why he remains a top-five prospect in this class.
6. OT Kelvin Banks Jr. (Texas)
Kelvin Banks Jr. has been a stalwart at left tackle for Texas since his freshman year. His combination of agility and power is impressive, allowing him to protect the quarterback effectively. With only three pressures allowed on 307 pass-blocking snaps this season, Banks has established himself as one of the premier offensive tackle prospects in the upcoming draft.
7. DE Nic Scourton (Texas A&M)
Nic Scourton is a powerful defensive end capable of rushing from both the outside and inside. His recent performance against LSU, where he recorded seven pressures, showcased his ability to dominate against top-tier competition. Scourton’s versatility and strength make him a valuable prospect for NFL teams looking to bolster their defensive line.
8. WR Luther Burden III (Missouri)
Luther Burden III is a dynamic wide receiver with exceptional agility and playmaking ability. His knack for breaking tackles—19 already this season—demonstrates his ability to create after the catch. With a growing reputation as a game-changer, Burden is quickly becoming a name to watch in the 2025 draft.
9. DT Deone Walker (Kentucky)
Deone Walker is a rare talent on the interior defensive line. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 345 pounds, he possesses remarkable agility for his size. Walker’s ability to combine power with quickness makes him a disruptive force, particularly on passing downs, where he can consistently apply pressure.
10. DE James Pearce Jr. (Tennessee)
James Pearce Jr. is an athletic edge rusher who moves with the agility of a wide receiver. At 6-foot-5 and 243 pounds, his first step and lateral movement make him a nightmare for offensive linemen. While he still needs to refine his technique, Pearce has all the physical tools to develop into a top-tier pass rusher at the next level.
11. OT Will Campbell (LSU)
Will Campbell has been a reliable presence on the offensive line since his freshman year. Despite not having the prototypical build for a top prospect, his tenacity and effectiveness in both run and pass protection make him a valuable asset. His aggressive playing style is sure to catch the eye of NFL scouts.
12. QB Shedeur Sanders (Colorado)
Shedeur Sanders has rebounded impressively after a rocky start to the season. Since overcoming early struggles, he has averaged over 300 passing yards per game, throwing 16 touchdowns in just six games. His ability to perform under pressure has solidified his status as a rising quarterback prospect.
13. CB Benjamin Morrison (Notre Dame)
Benjamin Morrison has consistently demonstrated first-round talent since stepping onto the field as a freshman. With a sub-50% completion rate allowed throughout his career, Morrison’s skills are undeniable. Although his 2024 season was cut short due to injury, his potential remains high, and he is expected to be a first-round pick.
14. DE Mykel Williams (Georgia)
Mykel Williams is part of Georgia’s impressive lineage of defensive linemen. His long arms and strong frame allow him to control offensive linemen effectively. Despite an early-season ankle injury, Williams is starting to regain his form and is poised to make a significant impact in the draft.
15. S Malaki Starks (Georgia)
Malaki Starks has been a reliable safety for Georgia since his freshman year. While a few missed tackles in a high-profile game may have raised eyebrows, his overall performance has been stellar. Starks is known for his tackling ability and support in the secondary, making him a valuable prospect.
16. WR Tetairoa McMillan (Arizona)
Tetairoa McMillan is a standout wide receiver with a massive catch radius. At 6-foot-6 and 212 pounds, he excels at creating opportunities after the catch. With nearly 1,000 receiving yards in just eight games, McMillan’s ability to make plays is drawing attention from NFL scouts.
17. DT Walter Nolen (Ole Miss)
Walter Nolen has made significant strides since transferring from Texas A&M. His five-star pedigree shines through in his ability to penetrate the backfield and disrupt plays. With a career-high 24 pressures already this season, Nolen is proving to be a force on the defensive line.
18. QB Drew Allar (Penn State)
Drew Allar has transformed into a complete quarterback under the guidance of Andy Kotelnicki. His impressive arm talent, combined with his ability to work the middle of the field, has made him a standout prospect. Allar’s growth this season positions him as a potential first-round pick.
19. RB Ashton Jeanty (Boise State)
Ashton Jeanty is a versatile running back with exceptional vision and balance. His dominance at Boise State is evident, as he has racked up 1,376 yards and 18 touchdowns in just seven games. Jeanty’s ability to make plays in various situations makes him a valuable asset for any offense.
20. IOL Donovan Jackson (Ohio State)
Donovan Jackson is the top interior offensive line prospect in this draft class. His combination of size, strength, and footwork makes him a formidable presence. As a three-year starter, Jackson has shown consistent improvement, making him a likely candidate for a high draft selection.
21. DE/LB Jalon Walker (Georgia)
Jalon Walker is an undersized edge rusher with a unique skill set. His ability to rush the passer effectively, combined with his experience playing off-ball, gives him versatility at the next level. Walker’s natural leverage and quickness make him an intriguing prospect.
22. DT Kenneth Grant (Michigan)
Kenneth Grant is another impressive defensive tackle prospect, boasting the size of a nose tackle with the agility of a smaller player. His ability to line up anywhere along the Michigan defensive line and make plays is a valuable trait that NFL teams covet.
23. QB Garrett Nussmeier (LSU)
Garrett Nussmeier has emerged as a top quarterback prospect in his first season as a starter. His poise under pressure and ability to minimize sacks have drawn attention. If he can reduce turnovers, Nussmeier could find himself among the top picks in the draft.
24. DT Derrick Harmon (Oregon)
Derrick Harmon has made a name for himself after transferring from Michigan State. His ability to two-gap in the run game while also penetrating the backfield makes him a versatile defensive tackle. With 32 pressures already this season, Harmon is a player to watch.
25. WR Isaiah Bond (Texas)
Isaiah Bond is a dynamic deep threat with the agility and explosiveness that NFL teams crave. Although his numbers this season may not reflect his potential, his tape showcases the ability to stretch defenses and create big plays.
26. DE Donovan Ezeiruaku (Boston College)
Donovan Ezeiruaku has emerged as one of the most polished pass rushers in college football. His ability to consistently pressure quarterbacks has made him a standout player. With 34 pressures already this season, Ezeiruaku is a name to watch as the draft approaches.
27. DT Tyleik Williams (Ohio State)
Tyleik Williams is a powerful defensive tackle who excels at collapsing the pocket. His ability to take on double teams and hold the point of attack makes him a valuable asset for any defensive scheme.
28. TE Colston Loveland (Michigan)
Colston Loveland is a versatile tight end who has shown the ability to contribute both inline and as a receiver. With 42 catches for 411 yards this season, Loveland is a reliable target and a key player in Michigan’s offense.
29. DT LT Overton (Alabama)
LT Overton is a versatile defensive lineman who can play both inside and outside. His quickness and ability to shed blocks make him a valuable asset for Alabama’s defense.
30. WR Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State)
Emeka Egbuka is a savvy wide receiver known for his precise route-running and ability to make contested catches. With 546 yards and six touchdowns this season, Egbuka is a reliable target for Ohio State’s offense.
31. CB Shavon Revel (East Carolina)
Shavon Revel was on a promising trajectory before a torn ACL cut his season short. His size and fluidity make him an intriguing prospect, and if he can recover fully, he has the potential to be a top cornerback in the draft.
32. IOL Jonah Savaiinaea (Arizona)
Jonah Savaiinaea has been a consistent performer throughout his college career. His size and technique make him a strong candidate for an interior offensive line position at the next level.
33. CB Tacario Davis (Arizona)
Tacario Davis is a long cornerback with impressive wingspan. His ability to play press coverage makes him a valuable asset for teams looking to bolster their secondary.
34. DE Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M)
Shemar Stewart is a jumbo defensive end with the athleticism to succeed at the next level. While still developing, his improvement over the years has made him a player to watch.
35. CB Will Lee III (Texas A&M)
Will Lee III is a tall cornerback with exceptional footwork. His ability to break on the ball and impact the catch point has made him a standout player for Texas A&M.
36. DE David Walker (Central Arkansas)
David Walker’s dominance at Central Arkansas has caught the attention of scouts. His power and technique make him a formidable pass rusher, and he is expected to rise in the rankings.
37. CB Jahdae Barron (Texas)
Jahdae Barron has showcased his versatility by excelling in both the slot and outside. His competitive nature and playmaking ability make him a valuable asset for any secondary.
38. DT T.J. Sanders (South Carolina)
T.J. Sanders is a twitchy defensive tackle with the ability to shoot gaps. His quickness and length make him a nightmare for opposing offensive linemen.
39. WR Tre Harris (Ole Miss)
Tre Harris has been the most productive wide receiver in college football this season. His ability to create separation and make plays at the catch point has made him a standout player.
40. S Nick Emmanwori (South Carolina)
Nick Emmanwori is a physical safety with the ability to cover ground quickly. His size and playmaking ability make him a valuable asset for any defense.
41. DT Zane Durant (Penn State)
Zane Durant is an undersized but ascending defensive tackle. His power and quickness make him a disruptive force in the backfield.
42. LB Nick Martin (Oklahoma State)
Nick Martin is an undersized linebacker who plays with physicality. His speed and tackling ability make him a standout player in the college ranks.
43. DE Kyle Kennard (South Carolina)
Kyle Kennard has emerged as a top player for South Carolina. His ability to bend around the edge and pressure quarterbacks has made him a valuable asset.
44. OT Aireontae Ersery (Minnesota)
Aireontae Ersery is a powerful tackle with great technique. His ability to protect the quarterback and open running lanes makes him a valuable prospect.
45. IOL Tyler Booker (Alabama)
Tyler Booker has been a consistent performer for Alabama. His strength and technique make him a valuable asset for any offensive line.
46. TE Tyler Warren (Penn State)
Tyler Warren is a versatile tight end who has become a focal point of Penn State’s offense. His ability to make plays in the passing game makes him a valuable prospect.
47. DE Anthony Lucas (USC)
Anthony Lucas has emerged as a breakout player for USC. His explosiveness and technique make him a player to watch as he continues to develop.
48. DT Dontay Corleone (Cincinnati)
Dontay Corleone is a classic nose tackle who excels at holding the point of attack. His ability to make plays sideline to sideline makes him a valuable asset.
49. IOL Armand Membou (Missouri)
Armand Membou is an explosive offensive lineman with great technique. His ability to protect the quarterback and create running lanes makes him a valuable prospect.
50. DE Josiah Stewart (Michigan)
Josiah Stewart is an undersized edge rusher who plays with tenacity. His ability to initiate contact and pressure quarterbacks makes him a player to watch in the draft.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the landscape is shifting, with a blend of defensive stalwarts and emerging quarterback talent. This class promises to deliver exciting prospects that could shape the future of the NFL.