By Lane Caballero
As teams look to build for the future, identifying the strengths of the 2025 Draft class is crucial for the decision-makers of NFL teams. Star potential across positions shapes the NFL’s future in this class. While the headliners of the class aren’t at the quarterback position, there are plenty of future difference-makers at crucial positions. The class’s strengths will probably shift as the college football season progresses, but the early outlook is promising for this draft class.
1. Edge Rushers
The art of pressuring quarterbacks is timeless, and this class has talented individuals who will give quarterbacks a hard time. Headlined by an SEC trio of Nic Scourton (Texas A&M), Mykel Williams (Georgia), and James Pearce Jr. (Tennessee), this class displays high-end talent at the edge position.
The edge class stands out not only for its star power but also for the depth of quality it possesses. Players like Abdul Carter (Penn State), Jack Sawyer (Ohio State), and Princely Umanmielen (Ole Miss) can all play their way into first-round consideration. An unexpected name could surprise scouts and rise to the top of draft boards.
Names to monitor:
Ashton Gillotte (Louisville)
Landon Jackson (Arkansas)
JT Tuimoloau (Ohio State)
Tyler Baron (Miami)
Kaimon Rucker (North Carolina)
2. Interior Defensive Line
If your NFL team needs defensive line help in 2025, you’re in for a treat. The interior defensive line class isn’t as deep as the edge class, but it doesn’t lack top-end talent. Mason Graham (Michigan) and Deone Walker (Kentucky) have stolen the headlines, and rightfully so. Walker shows legit pass-rushing chops from the interior but needs to clean up his pad level to defend the run game more consistently. Graham is an elite athlete and has a legitimate chance to go number one overall in the draft.
Alongside Mason Graham, his teammate Kenneth Grant is a formidable prospect who may generate interest in the initial rounds. This position group possesses the high-caliber talent. Let’s see if more players can emerge to complete this class.
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Names to Monitor:
Alfred Collins (Texas)
Dontay Corleone (Cincinnati)
Walter Nolen (Ole Miss)
Shemar Turner (Texas A&M)
Howard Cross III (Notre Dame)
3. Running Back
The football watching community needed a running back renaissance, and this class will be the catalyst. The running back class of 2025 has a surplus of talent, with multiple prospects expected to become NFL starters. Ollie Gordon II (Oklahoma State), Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State), and Ashton Jeanty (Boise State) headline a loaded running back class.
Whichever archetype of running back you prefer, there is a running back for you in this class. Want an old-fashioned bruiser? Damien Martinez (Miami) is the back for you. Do you like a well-rounded back that can get downhill and pass catch? DJ Giddens (Kansas State) and Devin Neal (Kansas) are for you. This class will change the landscape of the position and make the position matter again.
Names to Monitor:
TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State)
Jaydn Ott (Cal)
Tahj Brooks (Texas Tech)
Trevor Etienne (Georgia)
Kyle Monangai (Rutgers)
Donovan Edwards (Michigan)
