2025 NFL draft Big Board rankings: Mel Kiper's top prospects
The 2024 college football season is well into the second half, and we've had plenty of time to see the top prospects for the 2025 NFL draft in action. Which players are impressing and look the part of future first-rounders?
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 Week 12 of the season, and underclassmen are noted with an asterisk.
Last updated: Nov. 21
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1. Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado*
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 185 | Prev. rank: 1
2024 stats through 10 games: 74 catches, 911 receiving yards, 9 receiving TDs, 26 tackles, 8 pass breakups, 3 interceptions, 1 forced fumble
Hunter has a great feel for the game on both offense and defense, and he has played a whopping 1,123 snaps over 10 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 he also thinks about the game at a high level. He is a highly competitive prospect who works hard to maximize his potential.
2. Will Johnson, CB, Michigan*
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 202 | Prev. rank: 2
2024 stats through 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 has returned both of his interceptions this season for touchdowns, and you can see those instincts throughout his first pick-six back in Michigan's opener against Fresno State -- when he jumped a screen and took the ball 86 yards to the house. He now has nine career picks.
Johnson has missed the team's past three games with a lower-body injury.
3. Abdul Carter, OLB, Penn State
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 259 | Prev. rank: 3
2024 stats through 10 games: 57 tackles, 8 sacks, 34 pressures, 18 tackles for loss, 12 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 each of the past two seasons at Penn State. But the hope this season was he'd make a dent in opponents' game plans as a pass rusher off the edge. So far, so good. Carter has the traits to wreak havoc there, getting pressure on 16.4% of his pass-rush snaps. He is instinctive and fast flying to the football. Carter's 18 tackles for loss this season rank third in the nation.
4. Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 215 | Prev. rank: 7
2024 stats through 10 games: 72.9% completion rate, 3,222 passing yards, 27 TD passes, 7 interceptions, 4 rushing TDs
You won't find a tougher or more resilient quarterback prospect than Sanders, who took 52 sacks last season 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. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State*
Height: 5-9 | Weight: 215 | Prev. rank: 10
2024 stats through 10 games: 256 carries, 1,893 rushing yards, 26 rushing TDs, 17 catches, 98 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's averaging 7.4 yards per carry and has forced a nation-leading 85 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.
6. Mykel Williams, OLB, Georgia*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 265 | Prev. rank: 4
2024 stats through eight games: 15 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 4 run stops, 2 sacks, 10 pressures, 1 forced fumble
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 just need 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, and he has only two this year. Williams missed time earlier this season with a Grade 2 left ankle sprain.
7. Mason Graham, DT, Michigan*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 320 | Prev. rank: 5
2024 stats through 10 games: 42 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 22 pressures, 12 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 proven effective against both the run and pass from inside. He had 5.5 sacks in his first two seasons at Michigan, and I'd like to see him step up as a pass rusher to close this season. His two sacks against Minnesota helped his cause.
8. Nic Scourton, DE, Texas A&M*
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 285 | Prev. rank: 8
2024 stats through 10 games: 33 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 25 pressures, 11 run stops, 1 forced fumble
Scourton joined the Aggies after two seasons at Purdue, and SEC run games are feeling 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. And his 14 tackles for loss are tied for seventh in the nation.
9. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 205 | Prev. rank: 9
2024 stats through 10 games: 46 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 3 run stops, 3 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 some time lined up over the slot. Plus, he has outstanding hands to finish plays. We saw that in action back in Week 1 against Clemson, when Starks made an incredible leaping interception in the fourth quarter.
10. Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 223 | Prev. rank: 11
2024 stats through 10 games: 66.8% completion rate, 3,494 passing yards, 32 TD passes, 6 interceptions, 3 rushing TDs
Ward has an unorthodox delivery, but he throws with accuracy and velocity from different arm angles. His 9.7 yards-per-attempt mark is a career high. He displays solid game management traits, and while he had some ball security issues last season at Washington State, that doesn't appear to be an issue in 2024. And 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. To say Ward has been a perfect fit with the Hurricanes might still be an understatement; I like his toughness, swagger and confidence.
11. Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas*
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 320 | Prev. rank: 6
2024 stats through 10 games: 10 starts, 1 sack allowed
Banks has 37 career starts under his belt, with every single snap coming at left tackle. And amazingly, he has given 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.
12. Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia*
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 245 | Prev. rank: 12
2024 stats through 10 games: 48 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 4 tackles for loss, 21 pressures, 5 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 both 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.
13. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 212 | Prev. rank: 13
2024 stats through 10 games: 69 catches, 1,136 receiving yards, 7 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 is third in receiving yards in the country.
14. Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 244 | Prev. rank: 16
2024 stats through 10 games: 87 tackles, 5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 15 pressures, 8 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.
15. Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 310 | Prev. rank: 17
2024 stats through 11 games: 37 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 25 pressures, 9 run stops, 2 forced fumbles
Harmon transferred over from Michigan State after a solid 2023 season there, and his game has taken 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.
16. Will Campbell, OT, LSU*
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 323 | Prev. rank: 19
2024 stats through 10 games: 9 starts, 1 sack allowed
Campbell has started for LSU since 2022 and has given up just one sack since that first season. He has a big frame, and his solid footwork and technique make him an effective pass protector at left tackle.
17. Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 339 | Prev. rank: 15
2024 stats through 10 games: 25 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 11 pressures, 4 run stops
Grant started only five games before this season, which means 2024 has been huge for his draft stock. Considering his size, he 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 last season), he is adept at batting down passes at the line of scrimmage, recording five pass breakups in 2023 and four more this year.
18. Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri*
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 208 | Prev. rank: 18
2024 stats through 10 games: 53 catches, 574 receiving yards, 5 receiving TDs
Burden is an explosive playmaker who really stands out after the catch, using his quickness and elusiveness to pick up extra yards. His 710 yards after the catch last season ranked third in the nation, and 53% of his yards this season (307) have also come once the ball is in his hands. He tracks the vertical throws well and makes some big plays down the field.
19. James Pearce Jr., OLB, Tennessee*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 243 | Prev. rank: 14
2024 stats through 10 games: 39 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 40 pressures, 10.5 tackles for loss, 9 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 is coming off a 10-sack season in 2023 -- has seen plenty of action of late. 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.
20. Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 257 | Prev. rank: 23
2024 stats through 10 games: 67 catches, 808 receiving yards, 5 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 has 516 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.
21. Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 245 | Prev. rank: 24
2024 stats through nine games: 53 catches, 560 receiving yards, 4 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 has averaged 8.3 air yards per target over three college seasons. The QB play has been subpar for Michigan, which has limited Loveland. But he is a difficult matchup for defenses, and he is averaging nine targets per game.
22. Cameron Williams, OT, Texas*
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 335 | Prev. rank: NR
2024 stats through 10 games: 10 starts, 3 sacks allowed
His game isn't quite polished, and he has only 11 career starts under his belt, but Williams has all the physical tools that NFL teams look for in an elite bookend right tackle. Offensive line coaches will be pounding the table for him because of his immense upside. Williams just needs to refine some parts of his game, and he could be a Pro Bowl-caliber player at the next level.
23. Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 193 | Prev. rank: 20
2024 stats through 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.
24. Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame*
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 190 | Prev. rank: 22
2024 stats through six games: 22 tackles, 4 pass breakups, 1 run stop
Morrison has extremely sound technique in the way he covers opposing receivers. He's really good in press coverage and gets his hands on the ball before it arrives to the receiver. The ball skills are impressive. Morrison had nine interceptions and 17 pass breakups over his first two seasons. But his 2024 season is over after suffering a hip injury.
25. Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina*
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 227 | Prev. rank: NR
2024 stats through 10 games: 72 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 4 interceptions, 3 pass breakups, 3 run stops
Emmanwori is a former high-school middle linebacker, and you can tell; his size-speed combination is exactly what NFL defensive coordinators love on the back end. He jumps off the tape, and his ball skills are tremendous. Emmanwori had two picks against Oklahoma in Week 8, returning one for a touchdown.
Rankings at every position
Quarterbacks
1. Shedeur Sanders, Colorado
2. Cam Ward, Miami (Fla.)
3. Jalen Milroe, Alabama
4. Carson Beck, Georgia
5. Garrett Nussmeier, LSU
6. Quinn Ewers, Texas
7. Drew Allar, Penn State
8. Kurtis Rourke, Indiana
9. Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss
10. Dillon Gabriel, Oregon
Running backs
1. Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
2. Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
3. Jonah Coleman, Washington
4. Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State
5. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
6. Kaleb Johnson, Iowa
7. Tahj Brooks, Texas Tech
8. Jordan James, Oregon
9. RJ Harvey, UCF
10. Dylan Sampson, Tennessee
Wide receivers
1. Travis Hunter, Colorado
2. Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
3. Luther Burden III, Missouri
4. Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
5. Isaiah Bond, Texas
6. Jalen Royals, Utah State
7. Savion Williams, TCU
8. Elic Ayomanor, Stanford
9. Jaylin Noel, Iowa State
10. Tre Harris, Ole Miss
Tight ends
1. Tyler Warren, Penn State
2. Colston Loveland, Michigan
3. Mason Taylor, LSU
4. Oscar Delp, Georgia
5. Terrance Ferguson, Oregon
6. Mitchell Evans, Notre Dame
7. Joe Royer, Cincinnati
8. Gunnar Helm, Texas
9. Luke Lachey, Iowa
10. Jackson Hawes, Georgia Tech
Fullbacks/H-backs
1. Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green
2. Elijah Arroyo, Miami (Fla.)
3. Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
4. Bryson Nesbit, North Carolina
5. Oronde Gadsden II, Syracuse
6. Brant Kuithe, Utah
7. Jared Casey, Kansas
8. Jake Briningstool, Clemson
9. Tyler Neville, Virginia
10. Ben Yurosek, Georgia
Offensive tackles
1. Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
2. Will Campbell, LSU
3. Cameron Williams, Texas
4. Josh Simmons, Ohio State
5. Anthony Belton, NC State
6. Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota
7. Emery Jones Jr., LSU
8. Armand Membou, Missouri
9. Wyatt Milum, West Virginia
10. Blake Miller, Clemson
Guards
1. Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
2. Tyler Booker, Alabama
3. Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona
4. Dylan Fairchild, Georgia
5. Tate Ratledge, Georgia
6. Jaeden Roberts, Alabama
7. Joshua Gray, Oregon State
8. Connor Colby, Iowa
9. Grey Zabel, North Dakota State
10. Marcus Tate, Clemson
Centers
1. Jared Wilson, Georgia
2. Parker Brailsford, Alabama
3. Jonah Monheim, USC
4. Drew Kendall, Boston College
5. Connor Tollison, Missouri
6. Jake Slaughter, Florida
7. Jake Majors, Texas
8. Seth McLaughlin, Ohio State
9. Logan Jones, Iowa
10. Bryce Foster, Kansas
Defensive ends
1. Nic Scourton, Texas A&M
2. JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State
3. Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
4. Jordan Burch, Oregon
5. Landon Jackson, Arkansas
6. Mikail Kamara, Indiana
7. Jack Sawyer, Ohio State
8. Jared Ivey, Ole Miss
9. Ashton Gillotte, Louisville
10. Ahmed Hassanein, Boise State
Defensive tackles
1. Mason Graham, Michigan
2. Derrick Harmon, Oregon
3. Kenneth Grant, Michigan
4. Ty Robinson, Nebraska
5. Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
6. Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State
7. Deone Walker, Kentucky
8. Tyleik Williams, Ohio State
9. T.J. Sanders, South Carolina
10. Jay Toia, UCLA
Off-ball linebackers
1. Jalon Walker, Georgia
2. Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
3. Barrett Carter, Clemson
4. Harold Perkins Jr., LSU
5. Deontae Lawson, Alabama
6. Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma
7. Jay Higgins, Iowa
8. Chris Paul Jr., Ole Miss
9. Cody Simon, Ohio State
10. Lander Barton, Utah
Outside linebackers
1. Abdul Carter, Penn State
2. Mykel Williams, Georgia
3. James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
4. Mike Green, Marshall
5. Bradyn Swinson, LSU
6. Kyle Kennard, South Carolina
7. Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss
8. Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College
9. Josaiah Stewart, Michigan
10. Antwaun Powell-Ryland, Virginia Tech
Cornerbacks
1. Will Johnson, Michigan
-- Travis Hunter, Colorado*
2. Shavon Revel Jr., East Carolina
3. Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame
4. Trey Amos, Ole Miss
5. Jahdae Barron, Texas
6. Darien Porter, Iowa State
7. Sebastian Castro, Iowa
8. Quincy Riley, Louisville
9. Tacario Davis, Arizona
10. Nohl Williams, California
* Hunter is ranked positionally as a wide receiver, but he would slot in as the No. 2 cornerback.
Safeties
1. Malaki Starks, Georgia
2. Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina
3. Kevin Winston Jr., Penn State
4. Xavier Watts, Notre Dame
5. Jonas Sanker, Virginia
6. Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma
7. Lathan Ransom, Ohio State
8. Andrew Mukuba, Texas
9. Jaylen Reed, Penn State
10. Jalen Catalon, UNLV
Kickers and punters
1. Jeremy Crawshaw, Florida (P)
2. Andres Borregales, Miami (Fla.) (PK)
3. Ryan Fitzgerald, Florida State (PK)
4. Dominic Zvada, Michigan (PK)
5. James Burnip, Alabama (P)
6. Jonathan Kim, Michigan State (PK)
7. Eddie Czaplicki, USC (P)
8. Alex Raynor, Kentucky (PK)
9. Trey Smack, Florida (PK)
10. Alex Mastromanno, Florida State (P)