NFL Draft Daily Dish: Dillon Gabriel’s NFL stock rising; Michigan duo leads top DL prospects

One of the brightest stars in college football this season is Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, whose stellar play has propelled the Ducks to the top of the rankings. However, questions remain about his NFL Draft stock, which we dive into in this article. Additionally, we take a look at the 2025 NFL Draft defensive tackle class, led by two standout Michigan Wolverines, Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant. These two dominate at their position and headline a strong group of defensive prospects.

Dillon Gabriel scouting report

One of the top quarterbacks in college football this season has been Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, who has led the Ducks to the top ranking in the nation. Gabriel has come up big in the team’s toughest games, including throwing for 341 yards and two touchdowns against then-second-ranked Ohio State and completing 86% of his passes in a narrow 37-34 victory over Boise State.

Gabriel might be having the best season of his career, completing 84% of his passes with 15 touchdowns and only four interceptions. This is especially impressive given his stellar performances at both UCF and Oklahoma. Last season, he led the Big 12 in several categories, including passing offense, total offense, points responsible for per game, completion percentage, passing touchdowns, and total touchdowns. He was also named second-team All-AAC during his time at Central Florida.

While there’s no doubt Gabriel has been an elite college quarterback, the question is whether he can succeed in the NFL. Starting with his strengths, his most notable trait is his accuracy. He currently leads the nation with a 77% completion rate and has consistently shown the ability to hit receivers in stride on short to mid-range passes, as well as connect on deep throws.

Another positive is his underrated mobility. Gabriel excels at extending plays in the pocket and can pick up yards when things break down. His quick release is another asset, which has helped him avoid sacks, never allowing more than 25 in a season during his college career. Additionally, Gabriel possesses the toughness and leadership qualities that coaches value, demonstrating resilience after taking big hits and the ability to lead a team.

However, there are some limitations that have affected his draft stock. One is his size—Oregon lists him at 6 feet, while Oklahoma had him at 5-foot-11. His arm strength is also considered average, which may limit the types of offenses he can thrive in. Lastly, his age is a concern for some scouts, as Gabriel has been in college for six years.

Currently, Gabriel carries a high Day 3 draft grade on NFL Draft Daily Dish's board, though some experts project him as an undrafted free agent. A potential fit for him in the NFL could be the Miami Dolphins, who emphasize a short passing game that requires pinpoint accuracy, allowing playmakers like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle to thrive after the catch.

Top Five defensive tackles in the 2025 NFL Draft

1. Mason Graham, Michigan

Mason Graham stands out as the top defensive tackle prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft, with a strong chance of being a top-10 pick. What sets Graham apart is his exceptional agility for a 320-pound lineman. He combines elite burst off the snap with the speed to cover the field from sideline to sideline. Graham's physical prowess is matched by his production, earning second-team All-American honors last season. This year, he's already posted a career-high 3.5 sacks and boasts a Pro Football Focus (PFF) run defense grade of 91.8, the highest in college football.

2. Kenneth Grant, Michigan

Another first-round defensive tackle from Michigan is Kenneth Grant. While his stats may not rival Graham’s, Grant’s potential makes him a compelling NFL prospect. Named Bruce Feldman’s number three "freak" athlete, Grant has posted a GPS speed of 18.5 MPH and has an impressive 29-inch vertical leap, all while weighing 339 pounds. His on-field performance includes four tackles for loss and two sacks in just seven games. Coaches rave about his work ethic, which will be key in helping him realize his high ceiling in the NFL.

3. Walter Nolen, Ole Miss

Walter Nolen’s 2023 season has been a breakout year following his transfer to Ole Miss from Texas A&M. Nolen has excelled against the run, earning a PFF run defense grade of 90.7, the fourth-best in the country. His success comes from his ideal combination of size, strength, and quickness, making him a tough force to move off the line. Nolen has also contributed as a pass rusher with 2.5 sacks on the year, positioning him as a potential late first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

4. Deone Walker, Kentucky

Kentucky’s Deone Walker has seen a dip in production this season, with only 13 pressures and 0.5 sacks compared to last year’s 51 pressures and 7.5 sacks. Despite the drop, Walker still holds a second-round draft grade due to his enormous 6'6", 345-pound frame, making him one of the top run defenders in the class. His strength allows him to overpower blockers, but he’ll need to focus on lowering his pad level to maximize his impact and boost his draft stock into the first round.

5. Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M

Shemar Stewart is an intriguing prospect with raw potential, though his production has been modest, never surpassing 1.5 sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss in a season. However, Stewart’s physical tools—namely his explosive burst and impressive athleticism for a 6'6", 290-pound player—make him appealing to NFL scouts. He may thrive if moved to his ideal position as a 3-technique defensive tackle in the NFL, rather than the defensive end role he currently plays for the Aggies.