The 2024 NFL draft may be a few months away, but scouts are already turning their attention to the 2025 class. Despite the early stage, teams are contemplating whether to address immediate needs in the current draft or wait for the potential talent pool in the following year. Understanding the prospects for 2025 allows savvy franchises to make informed and strategic long-term decisions. At present, there may not be standout talents comparable to Caleb Williams in the upcoming college football season, but there is a promising group of blue-chip prospects generating excitement among scouts. Now that the declaration deadline has passed as of January 15, we have gained more clarity not only on the 2024 draft class but also on the emerging prospects for 2025. To provide insight into the upcoming draft, let’s delve into each position, beginning with quarterbacks.
Carson Beck, Georgia:
Beck emerged in 2023, stepping into the role vacated by the graduated Stetson Bennett and guiding Georgia to an impressive one-loss season. Standing at 6-foot-4, he epitomizes the classic pocket passer, showcasing remarkable arm talent across the field. His inaugural season’s QBR of 86.0 and an impressive 24-6 touchdown-to-interception ratio in the competitive SEC signal a promising future.
Quinn Ewers, Texas:
Returning for his third season as Texas’s starting quarterback, Ewers achieved a 10-2 record in 2023, delivering 22 touchdown passes with just six interceptions. At 6-2 and 195 pounds, Ewers possesses throwing prowess and a secondary talent for running, yet he needs to refine decision-making and enhance deep-ball accuracy. Despite adapting to a new set of receivers in 2024, Ewers, under the guidance of Coach Steve Sarkisian’s scheme, remains a prospect with high draft potential.
Shedeur Sanders, Colorado:
After an impressive start to the 2023 season, Sanders, returning to Colorado, aims for greater consistency. Displaying surgical accuracy and quick decision-making, the 6-2, 215-pound quarterback needs to improve ball release speed and reduce sacks behind a reconstructed offensive line. With key playmakers returning, Sanders is poised for a strong follow-up after a season boasting 27 touchdown passes and only three interceptions.
Sleeper: Drew Allar, Penn State.
Running backs:
Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State:
Transferring from Ole Miss, Judkins will share backfield duties with returning starter TreVeyon Henderson. Standing at 5-11 and weighing 220 pounds, Judkins rushed for 1,158 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2023. With a solid offensive line returning four starters, his power, patience, and vision position him as a potential first-round candidate in 2025.
Trevor Etienne, Georgia:
Hailing from Florida, Trevor Etienne, the younger brother of Jaguars’ running back Travis Etienne Jr., brings speed and slashing ability to Georgia. At 5-9 and 205 pounds, he averaged 5.8 yards per carry and showcased receiving skills. Expected to play a more significant role at Georgia, Etienne is poised for a breakout season.
Raheim Sanders, South Carolina:
Despite an injury-shortened 2023 season, the 6-foot-2, 242-pound Sanders transferred from Arkansas to South Carolina. He aims to regain his 2022 form, where he accumulated 1,443 rushing yards, 28 catches, and 12 total touchdowns. Sanders becomes the focal point of an offense introducing a new quarterback.
Sleeper: Devin Neal, Kansas.
Wide receivers:
Luther Burden III, Missouri:
Burden, an exceptional receiver, compiled an impressive 86 catches for 1,212 yards and nine scores in 2023. At 5-11 and 208 pounds, he combines electric speed, deep-threat capability, and reliable after-the-catch skills. Burden’s 2023 performance, with only two drops on 122 targets, solidifies his status as one of the top receivers.
Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona:
Despite Arizona’s move to the Big 12 in 2024, McMillan remains a focal point with his breakout 2023 season – 90 catches, 1,402 yards, and 10 touchdowns. The 6-5 receiver excels in intermediate routes, showcasing start-stop quickness. McMillan’s combination of deep-threat size and underneath agility makes him a projected first-round selection.
Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State:
Initially viewed as a potential first-round pick for the 2024 draft, Egbuka faced challenges with injuries during the 2023 season, managing 41 receptions for four touchdowns. Returning for his senior year at Ohio State, he aims to become the primary wide receiver in a revamped offense. Egbuka, standing at 6-1 and weighing 206 pounds, is known for his precision in route running and exceptional field vision, as evidenced by his impressive 2022 season with 74 catches for 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Sleeper: Deion Burks, Oklahoma.
Tight ends:
Colston Loveland, Michigan:
A crucial asset as both a receiver and blocker during Michigan’s championship run, Loveland, at 6-5 and 245 pounds, resembles Sam LaPorta with his versatility. Contributing 45 receptions and four touchdowns in the previous season, he is now poised to be the top target with Roman Wilson heading to the NFL.
Mason Taylor, LSU:
Despite modest numbers in 2023 (348 yards, one TD), Taylor, son of NFL legend Jason Taylor, showcased his impact in the LSU offense focused on elite wide receivers. Standing at 6-6 and weighing 255 pounds, Taylor is a powerful option in the middle of the field, accumulating 74 catches for 762 yards in two seasons. Anticipated to play a more prominent role in 2024 with key receivers moving to the NFL.
Jalin Conyers, Texas Tech:
A transfer from Arizona State, Conyers is expected to enhance the Red Raiders’ middle-of-the-field passing game. Over the past two seasons, he recorded 68 receptions for five touchdowns, showcasing potential as a seam-busting route runner at 6-4 and 270 pounds.
Sleeper: Maliq Carr, Michigan State.
Offensive tackles:
Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas:
Starting at left tackle for two seasons, Banks has allowed only two sacks while effectively neutralizing top pass-rushers. His remarkable agility at 6-4 and 324 pounds, coupled with improved power, positions him as the top offensive tackle prospect (OT1) for the 2025 draft. Banks is considered a complete pass protector with the potential to be a top-five pick in 2025.
