2025 NFL draft Big Board rankings: Mel Kiper's top prospects
There is only one more game in the 2024 college football season -- the College Football Playoff national title game. We've had a lot of time to see the top prospects for the 2025 NFL draft in action over the course of the season, and pre-draft events lie ahead. Which players impressed and look the part of future first-rounders? And who could continue rising?
I'm updating my Big Board for 2025, stacking 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 on April 24. I plan to update this Big Board often over the coming months as players rise and fall. All stats are through Jan. 10, and underclassmen are noted with an asterisk.
Last updated: Jan. 16
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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. 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.
7. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State*
Height: 5-9 | Weight: 215 | Prev. rank: 7
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.
8. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 212 | Prev. rank: 8
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.
9. Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia*
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 245 | Prev. rank: 9
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.
10. 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.
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. Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 257 | Prev. rank: 12
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.
13. Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 310 | Prev. rank: 17
2024 stats over six games: 6 starts, 0 sacks allowed
Simmons suffered a season-ending injury against 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.
14. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 205 | Prev. rank: 13
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.
15. Mykel Williams, OLB, Georgia*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 265 | Prev. rank: 15
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. Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 245 | Prev. rank: 20
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.
17. Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 193 | Prev. rank: 16
2024 stats over three games: 13 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 2 pass breakups, 1 defensive TD
Revel's 2024 season ended with a torn ACL after three games, so teams will be paying close attention to his recovery over the next few months. He came to East Carolina in 2022 after a few years at Louisburg College, and his physical traits and speed have impressed scouts. He's big and long, and his ability to locate the ball down the field helps him make plays. His pick-six against Appalachian State in Week 3 showed his excellent instincts.
18. Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 305 | Prev. rank: 14
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.
19. Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 310 | Prev. rank: 18
2024 stats over 14 games: 49 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 34 pressures, 11 run stops, 2 forced fumbles
Harmon transferred from Michigan State after a solid 2023 season there, and his game took the next step in Eugene. What jumps out to me most is his consistent disruptiveness on a game-to-game basis. He combines quickness with power to cause chaos for opponents. And his scheme-versatility only adds to his value; Harmon can dominate at either defensive tackle or end.
20. Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 244 | Prev. rank: 19
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.
21. Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri*
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 208 | Prev. rank: 21
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.
22. Nic Scourton, DE, Texas A&M*
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 285 | Prev. rank: 22
2024 stats over 12 games: 41 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 27 pressures, 11 run stops, 1 forced fumble
Scourton joined the Aggies after two seasons at Purdue, and SEC run games felt his presence in a big way. He uses his frame and strength to stop ball carriers in their tracks. Scourton is a power rusher off the edge, but he also shows impressive closing speed to the QB and is always hustling. His two sacks, four tackles for loss and big forced fumble in the Aggies' win over Arkansas show how he can take over.
23. Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&M
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 290 | Prev. rank: NR
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.
24. James Pearce Jr., OLB, Tennessee*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 243 | Prev. rank: 23
2024 stats over 13 games: 45 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 45 pressures, 14.5 tackles for loss, 11 run stops, 1 forced fumble
Tennessee spent the early part of the season rolling its opponents, limiting Pearce to 56 snaps over the team's first three games. But Pearce -- who had 10 sacks in 2023 -- saw plenty of action the rest of the way. I see a lot of speed off the edge, and he does a nice job mixing up his pass-rush moves to keep offensive tackles on their heels. Pearce could still add weight to his frame. But even at 243 pounds, he shows the ability to win with power. And when asked to help in run defense, he has the quickness to make plays in lateral pursuit.
25. Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 339 | Prev. rank: 24
2024 stats over 12 games: 34 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 17 pressures, 6 run stops
Considering his size, Grant has terrific athletic traits and explosion. His instincts stand out, too -- he's an extremely alert football player. And while he might not rack up sacks (3.5 in 2023, three more this season), he is adept at batting down passes at the line of scrimmage, recording nine pass breakups over the past two seasons.
Rankings at every position
Quarterbacks
1. Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
2. Cam Ward, Miami (Fla.)
3. Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss
4. Jalen Milroe, Alabama
5. Quinn Ewers, Texas
6. Will Howard, Ohio State
7. Kyle McCord, Syracuse
8. Kurtis Rourke, Indiana
9. Tyler Shough, Louisville
10. Dillon Gabriel, Oregon
Running backs
1. Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
2. Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
3. Kaleb Johnson, Iowa
4. RJ Harvey, UCF
5. Cam Skattebo, Arizona State
6. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
7. Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State
8. Dylan Sampson, Tennessee
9. Devin Neal, Kansas
10. LeQuint Allen, Syracuse
Wide receivers
1. Travis Hunter, Colorado
2. Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
3. Luther Burden III, Missouri
4. Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
5. Jalen Royals, Utah State
6. Isaiah Bond, Texas
7. Savion Williams, TCU
8. Matthew Golden, Texas
9. Elic Ayomanor, Stanford
10. Jaylin Noel, Iowa State
Tight ends
1. Tyler Warren, Penn State
2. Colston Loveland, Michigan
3. Mason Taylor, LSU
4. Terrance Ferguson, Oregon
5. Gunnar Helm, Texas
6. Mitchell Evans, Notre Dame
7. Jackson Hawes, Georgia Tech
8. Luke Lachey, Iowa
9. Moliki Matavao, UCLA
10. Gavin Bartholomew, Pitt
Fullbacks/H-backs
1. Elijah Arroyo, Miami (Fla.)
2. Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green
3. Oronde Gadsden II, Syracuse
4. Jake Briningstool, Clemson
5. Bryson Nesbit, North Carolina
6. Brant Kuithe, Utah
7. Jared Casey, Kansas
8. Jermaine Terry II, Oregon State
9. Tyler Neville, Virginia
10. Ben Yurosek, Georgia
Offensive tackles
1. Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
2. Will Campbell, LSU
3. Josh Simmons, Ohio State
4. Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon
5. Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota
6. Marcus Mbow, Purdue
7. Cameron Williams, Texas
8. Wyatt Milum, West Virginia
9. Anthony Belton, NC State
10. Emery Jones Jr., LSU
Guards
1. Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
2. Armand Membou, Missouri
3. Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona
4. Tyler Booker, Alabama
5. Dylan Fairchild, Georgia
6. Tate Ratledge, Georgia
7. Grey Zabel, North Dakota State
8. Connor Colby, Iowa
9. Joshua Gray, Oregon State
10. Jalen Rivers, Miami (Fla.)
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. Eli Cox, Kentucky
8. Jackson Slater, Sacramento State
9. Jakai Clark, SMU
10. Jacob Bayer, Arkansas State
Defensive ends
1. Nic Scourton, Texas A&M
2. Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
3. JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State
4. Jordan Burch, Oregon
5. Landon Jackson, Arkansas
6. Jack Sawyer, Ohio State
7. Jared Ivey, Ole Miss
8. Ashton Gillotte, Louisville
9. Barryn Sorrell, Texas
10. Ahmed Hassanein, Boise State
Defensive tackles
1. Mason Graham, Michigan
2. Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
3. Derrick Harmon, Oregon
4. Kenneth Grant, Michigan
5. Tyleik Williams, Ohio State
6. Ty Robinson, Nebraska
7. Alfred Collins, Texas
8. T.J. Sanders, South Carolina
9. Omarr Norman-Lott, Tennessee
10. Deone Walker, Kentucky
Off-ball linebackers
1. Jalon Walker, Georgia
2. Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
3. Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma
4. Chris Paul Jr., Ole Miss
5. Barrett Carter, Clemson
6. Cody Simon, Ohio State
7. Carson Schwesinger, UCLA
8. Lander Barton, Utah
9. Cody Lindenberg, Minnesota
10. Demetrius Knight Jr., South Carolina
Outside linebackers
1. Abdul Carter, Penn State
2. Mykel Williams, Georgia
3. James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
4. Mike Green, Marshall
5. Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College
6. Kyle Kennard, South Carolina
7. Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss
8. Bradyn Swinson, LSU
9. Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Virginia Tech
10. Josaiah Stewart, Michigan
Cornerbacks
-- Travis Hunter, Colorado*
1. Will Johnson, Michigan
2. Shavon Revel Jr., East Carolina
3. Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame
4. Jahdae Barron, Texas
5. Trey Amos, Ole Miss
6. Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky
7. Sebastian Castro, Iowa
8. Darien Porter, Iowa State
9. Quincy Riley, Louisville
10. Nohl Williams, California
* 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. Andrew Mukuba, Texas
5. Xavier Watts, Notre Dame
6. Jonas Sanker, Virginia
7. Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma
8. Lathan Ransom, Ohio State
9. Jaylen Reed, Penn State
10. Maxen Hook, Toledo
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)