NFL Draft Notebook: Ideal fits for the Top 25 prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft

As the college football regular season concludes this weekend, the spotlight shifts to the NFL Draft, where the future of the league begins to take shape. This week’s NFL Draft Notebook dives into the top 25 prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft, ranking these elite athletes and pairing each with an ideal NFL team fit. Beyond the rankings, this edition highlights key storylines to watch this weekend, explains why Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe doesn't crack the top prospects list, and much more.

Top 25 prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft

1. Travis Hunter, WR, Colorado

Ideal NFL team: New England Patriots

Last week’s NFL Draft Notebook spotlighted Travis Hunter as the premier prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft. His exceptional ball skills, elite quickness, and knack for delivering game-changing plays set him apart. Hunter is poised to be the top non-quarterback selected this April, making him a coveted asset for any team, with the Patriots being an ideal fit.

2. Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

Ideal NFL Team: Jacksonville Jaguars

Entering the season, NFL Draft Notebook projected Will Johnson as the first Big Ten player taken in the 2025 NFL Draft, and despite a challenging year hindered by injuries, that prediction remains unchanged. Scouts are drawn to Johnson’s combination of size, agility, and high football IQ, making him an excellent fit for teams in need of a versatile and intelligent cornerback.

3. Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

Ideal NFL Team: Jacksonville Jaguars

Mason Graham stands out as the premier run defender in the 2025 NFL Draft. With a Pro Football Focus run defense grade of 91.2, which leads all defensive tackles. His dominance stems from incredible strength, making him nearly impossible for offensive linemen to move, along with surprising quickness for a 320-pound lineman and a relentless motor.

4. Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

Ideal NFL Team: New York Giants

Shedeur Sanders is the top passer in the 2025 NFL Draft and a strong candidate for the first overall pick. His defining trait is his pinpoint accuracy, showcased by a 73% completion rate this season. Sanders excels at hitting receivers in stride, allowing for significant yards after the catch—qualities that make him a perfect fit for a timing-based passing game.

5. Cameron Ward, QB, Miami

Ideal NFL Team: Las Vegas Raiders

Cameron Ward offers a dynamic contrast to Sanders. While Sanders is a prototypical pocket passer reminiscent of C.J. Stroud, Ward thrives as an electric playmaker with elite arm strength and mobility, drawing comparisons to Jayden Daniels of the Commanders. Teams favoring an open offensive scheme with a mobile quarterback will find Ward an ideal choice.

6. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Ideal NFL Team: Carolina Panthers

Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona's all-time career leader in receiving yards, is one of the most dynamic playmakers in college football. Standing at 6-4 and 210 pounds, McMillan’s size allows him to dominate in the air and make contested catches. Additionally, his rare agility for a player of his build has enabled him to force 26 missed tackles this season, showcasing his ability to break away after the catch.

7. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

Ideal NFL Team: Dallas Cowboys

Ashton Jeanty is easily the top running back in the 2025 NFL Draft and a player who could make teams rethink the timing of selecting a tailback. Jeanty’s remarkable quickness and impressive contact balance have helped him rush for over 2,000 yards this season. Furthermore, his ability as a receiver—leading all FBS running backs with 569 receiving yards last season—makes him an even more enticing prospect. Jeanty’s all-around skills make him a perfect fit for a team like the Dallas Cowboys.

"Obviously, it goes without saying, but Ashton Jeanty is the best player in the country."

- Boise State coach Spencer Danielson

8. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

Ideal NFL Team: Miami Dolphins

Georgia safety Malaki Starks is a rare safety considered a top-ten prospect. His ability to cover the pass is exceptional, with cornerback-like skills that allow him to effectively match up against tight ends and slot receivers. Starks also shines against the run, earning an 86.6 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus. He is one of the most reliable tacklers in the 2025 safety class, with just 6.3% of his tackles missed over his three years with the Bulldogs.

9. Abdul Carter, DE, Penn State

Ideal NFL Team: Carolina Panthers

Abdul Carter is enjoying a career year at Penn State, setting personal bests with 17.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks. His elite athleticism and dominant play have elevated him to a top-ten prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. Carter's explosive ability and strong performance this season make him an ideal fit for a team like the Carolina Panthers, looking to bolster their defensive line.

10. James Pearce Jr., DE, Tennessee

Ideal NFL Team: Atlanta Falcons

Entering the season, many predicted James Pearce Jr. would be the top overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but now he's more likely to be a mid-first-round selection. His primary strength lies in his elite pass-rushing ability, with an impressive burst off the ball and exceptional flexibility to bend around the edge against offensive tackles. While his role as mainly a pass rusher limits his versatility, his standout traits make him a valuable asset to any team, particularly the Atlanta Falcons.

11. Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

Ideal NFL Team: Cleveland Browns

Although Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III has had a down season, with significant drops in yards per game, yards per reception, and receptions per game, he still has the potential to be a top-15 pick. Burden excels in gaining yards after the catch, as evidenced by his career-high 29 forced missed tackles this season. Additionally, his hands are among the most reliable in the class, with only two drops this year. These traits, combined with his overall skill set, make him a valuable prospect for the Cleveland Browns.

12. Will Campbell, OT, LSU

Ideal NFL Team: New Orleans Saints

Will Campbell is the top offensive lineman in the 2025 NFL Draft, having gone two seasons without allowing a sack. His remarkable body control makes him nearly impossible to throw off balance, and he excels at blocking in space. Campbell is versatile, capable of playing both tackle and guard, which makes him a great fit for the New Orleans Saints, who could use his skills to anchor their offensive line.

13. Jalon Walker, OLB, Georgia

Ideal NFL Team: Seattle Seahawks

Jalon Walker is the prototypical NFL linebacker, possessing the speed to excel in coverage and the quickness to rush the passer effectively. His versatility is another asset, having played inside linebacker, outside linebacker, and edge defender during his time at Georgia. Walker’s all-around capabilities make him an ideal fit for a team like the Seattle Seahawks.

14. Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

Ideal NFL Team: Chicago Bears

Kelvin Banks Jr. is one of the most athletic offensive linemen in the 2025 NFL Draft. His quick feet allow him to handle even the fastest defensive ends, as demonstrated by his impressive 90.5 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus. Additionally, he excels at reaching the second level when run blocking. His outstanding work ethic, praised by his coaches, rounds out his profile as a top prospect. The Chicago Bears, in need of bolstering their offensive line, would be an ideal fit for Banks.

"If I can say, ‘Guys, who do I want you to emulate? I want you to emulate Kelvin Banks. The way he’s gone about his business has been tremendous."

- Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian

15. Mike Green, OLB, Marshall

Ideal NFL Team: Arizona Cardinals

Mike Green has been one of the most impressive breakout players of the 2025 NFL Draft class. Leading all FBS players going into Week 14 with 20 tackles for loss and 15 sacks, Green has demonstrated elite burst off the ball, drawing comparisons to Hall of Famer Dwight Freeney. Despite being undersized, he holds up exceptionally well against the run, earning a 90.6 grade from Pro Football Focus. These standout traits place him significantly higher in my rankings than other sources, such as Pro Football Network, which lists him as the 96th best player. 

16. Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa

Ideal NFL Team: Denver Broncos

Kaleb Johnson has emerged as one of the top running backs in the Big Ten this season. Known for his powerful downhill running style, he regularly breaks through tackles and powers forward. Despite his 220-pound frame, he shows surprising speed, often breaking off long runs. His physicality and speed make him an ideal fit for a team like the Denver Broncos.

17. Mykel Williams, DE, Georgia

Ideal NFL Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Mykel Williams has exceptional athleticism, combining agility and speed, but his production hasn’t always matched his physical potential. With a career-high of just 4.5 sacks in a season, Williams has shown flashes of promise but lacks consistency. 

18. Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

Ideal NFL Team: Indianapolis Colts

Colston Loveland has been a standout in Michigan’s passing game this season, leading the team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. His ability to consistently create separation and make tough catches has made him a reliable target in the Wolverines’ offense. Loveland’s skill set would make him a perfect fit for the Indianapolis Colts, who could use a dynamic and versatile tight end to help stretch the field and provide a consistent target for their quarterback.

19. Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

Ideal NFL Team: Washington Commanders

Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons had been rising in the 2025 NFL Draft rankings until a season-ending knee injury derailed his momentum. When healthy, Simmons is one of the most athletic tackles in the draft, with a great ability to finish blocks. His combination of athleticism and strength makes him an intriguing prospect, though his injury may impact his draft stock. A team like the Washington Commanders could benefit from his skills, especially if they can give him time to fully recover and develop into a cornerstone offensive lineman.

20. Nic Scourton, DE, Texas A&M

Ideal NFL Team: San Francisco 49ers

Texas A&M defensive end Nic Scourton is not your typical quick, twitchy pass rusher. Instead, he wins with raw power, making him a formidable force against both the pass and the run. Scourton has the ability to take on blockers and set the edge, making him versatile enough to even be considered as a 3-technique defensive tackle in certain schemes. His physicality and toughness would make him a great fit for a team like the San Francisco 49ers.

21. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

Ideal NFL Team: Kansas City Chiefs

Ohio State's wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, is an underrated playmaker in the 2025 NFL Draft. His quickness and ability to make sharp cuts in the open field make him a dangerous threat after the catch. Egbuka is also a polished route runner and has the hands to make tough catches in traffic. 

22. Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

Ideal NFL Team: Houston Texans

Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant is one of the most impressive athletes in the 2025 NFL Draft class. At 339 pounds, he moves quickly, having been clocked at 18.75 mph, which is remarkable for a player of his size. Grant’s strength as a run defender and his ability to clog up running lanes make him a force to be reckoned with on the defensive line. His combination of size and athleticism would be an excellent fit for the Houston Texans, where he could help solidify their defensive front.

23. Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota

Ideal NFL Team: Pittsburgh Steelers

Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota's 6-foot-6, 330-pound offensive tackle, possesses outstanding mobility for a player of his size. Setting the Gophers offensive tackle record with a 1.52 10-yard split, Ersery has shown that he can move quickly and effectively in space. In addition to his agility, he is also a strong run blocker, making him a good fit for a team like the Pittsburgh Steelers, who often rely on a physical ground game and would benefit from Ersery's ability to open running lanes.

24. Shemar Stewart, DT, Texas A&M

Ideal NFL Team: Chicago Bears

Texas A&M defensive end Shemar Stewart could be best served by making a position switch to 3-technique defensive tackle in the NFL. Standing at 6-foot-6 and 290 pounds, Stewart possesses ideal size and explosiveness off the ball, making him a potential force in the interior of a defensive line. His ability to disrupt plays would be maximized by shifting him inside, and he would be an excellent fit for the Chicago Bears.

25. Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

Ideal NFL Team: Tennessee Titans

Tyler Warren has had a breakout season at Penn State, posting a career-high 75 receptions for 910 yards. His ability to get open and make tough catches, combined with his sure hands (only one drop this season), makes him an intriguing prospect. Warren’s overall game is reminiscent of former Indianapolis Colts tight end Dallas Clark.

"I can't see how this guy doesn't win the Mackey Award and the Paul Hornung Award. I don't see how he doesn't. And they'd be proud of that guy representing their award because he does everything right, both on and off the field. He's done it that way since the day he stepped on campus. [He's] just a great example of what a Penn State football player is."

- James Franklin on Tyler Warren

Five things to watch this weekend

1. Cardinals Offensive Line vs. Vikings Defense

One of Sunday’s most compelling matchups pits the Arizona Cardinals against the Minnesota Vikings, highlighting a critical battle in the trenches. Arizona’s offensive line struggled significantly last week, allowing Kyler Murray to be pressured 16 times and sacked five—their worst performance of the season and the highest since Week 9 of 2022. The Vikings’ defense, which averages 3.5 sacks per game (third in the NFL), will test the Cardinals’ ability to protect their quarterback. If Arizona’s line doesn’t improve, expect offensive linemen to be a top priority in the 2025 NFL Draft.

2. Can the Texans' defense tighten up?

The Texans may rank second in sacks and third in total yards allowed this season, but their defense has been plagued by giving up big plays. Last week against the Titans, coverage breakdowns led to two touchdown passes from Will Levis, exposing a lack of discipline and positioning. With three losses in their last four games, the Texans must clean up these lapses to turn things around against the Jaguars on Sunday.

3. Ohio State vs. Michigan: Can the Buckeyes break the streak?

The most storied rivalry in college football takes center stage Saturday as Ohio State faces Michigan. The Buckeyes aim to snap a three-game losing streak to the Wolverines, entering as 21-point favorites. Beyond the rivalry, this game showcases future NFL talent, including Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham and Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka.

4. Texas A&M defensive line vs. Longhorns offense

While Ohio State-Michigan is the marquee rivalry, the showdown between Texas and Texas A&M is Saturday’s best game. The Aggies’ defensive line, led by first-round talents Nic Scourton and Shemar Stewart, must disrupt the Longhorns' offense to give A&M a shot at the upset. Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers struggles under pressure, with his completion percentage dropping by 20%. If the Aggies can force mistakes, they might punch their ticket to the SEC Championship.

5. National Signing Day looms

Though National Signing Day isn’t until Wednesday, it will play a pivotal role in determining the future of college football and identifying the next wave of NFL Draft prospects. Unsurprisingly, Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State currently lead the recruiting rankings, continuing their legacy of producing top-tier NFL talent.

NFL Draft news and notes

Quinn Ewers' future: Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers is facing a crucial decision in the coming weeks. He has multiple paths to consider. One option is to return to school, where he could find himself competing for the starting role with Arch Manning. Alternatively, Ewers could declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, where he is expected to be selected in the middle rounds. Another possibility is entering the transfer portal, which could lead him to a program like Florida State.

Player to watch in the Senior Bowl: Auburn linebacker Eugene Asante, who recently accepted his invite to the Senior Bowl, is a name NFL Draft fans should keep an eye on. Asante stands out as an intriguing prospect due to his elite athleticism and exceptional speed. Among the 2025 linebacker class, he boasts some of the most fluid hips and impressive agility. His 4.48-second 40-yard dash time places him among the fastest linebackers, a key factor in his leading Auburn in tackles during the 2023 season. While Asante’s physical traits are undeniable, his performance in coverage will be an area of focus for scouts at the Senior Bowl. Despite his potential, he has struggled in this area, earning a 50.3 coverage grade from PFF this season and allowing 89% of passes thrown his way to be completed last year. If he can demonstrate growth in coverage skills, Asante could solidify his standing as a high day three pick.

Proving yet again not an NFL passer: In Alabama's recent loss to Oklahoma, quarterback Jalen Milroe once again demonstrated significant challenges as a passer. Milroe completed just 11 of 26 passes while throwing three interceptions. While some blame can be placed on his limited supporting cast, his struggles in the passing game remain glaring. Throughout the season, Milroe has consistently shown difficulty with timing and accuracy, particularly in the mid-range passing game, where hitting receivers in stride is critical. There’s no doubt Milroe is an exceptional athlete, but his physical and passing profile bears a strong resemblance to Colts’ first-round pick Anthony Richardson, who has faced challenges transitioning to the NFL.

Big loss for the Tide: Alabama suffered more than just a scoreboard loss to Oklahoma on Saturday, as the team also lost linebacker Deontae Lawson to a season-ending lower leg injury. Lawson, the defensive leader responsible for calling plays, was Alabama's second-leading tackler. His absence will leave a significant void on the field. As a pro prospect, Lawson’s blend of speed, size, and football intelligence had earned him a projected Day 2 draft grade before the injury, making his loss a double blow for the Crimson Tide.

Snubbed:  Iowa linebacker Jay Higgins, despite an outstanding season, was overlooked for the Butkus Award. Higgins stands out as the only linebacker in college football this year to surpass 100 tackles while also recording at least one sack, four interceptions, and a forced fumble. Adding to his accolades, he is Pro Football Focus’s highest-graded linebacker. When projecting Higgins to the NFL, several strengths set him apart: his exceptional football IQ, instinctive playmaking ability, and hard-hitting physical style. However, his draft stock may take a hit due to average speed and agility, potentially pushing him to the third day of the draft despite his impressive résumé.

Running back higher priority: In recent NFL drafts, the running back position has seen diminished demand, with only two running backs selected in the first round over the past three years. However, this trend may be shifting as teams increasingly value a strong ground game—a hallmark of the league’s top franchises. As of Week 13, the top six teams in rushing yards per game all have winning records, including the Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions, who not only rank first and fourth in rushing, respectively, but are also the top two teams in the NFL overall. Notably, the top four individual rushers this season were all first-round picks, emphasizing that securing an elite running back often requires investing a first-round selection rather than relying on later rounds. The importance of a strong running game is further highlighted by the struggles of teams at the bottom of the rushing rankings; five of the bottom six teams in rushing yards per game have losing records, with none surpassing four wins.