NFL Draft Notebook: Penn State's Drew Allar lives up to potential & other Big Ten predictions

In last week’s NFL Draft Notebook, we focused on the Big 12, making several predictions. This week, we turn our attention to the Big Ten. Our predictions for this conference include Drew Allar finally living up to his potential and Oregon capturing the conference title. We also preview the 2025 offensive tackle class, highlighting LSU’s Will Campbell as the standout prospect. Additionally, we spotlight a former highly-regarded offensive tackle who has made the difficult decision to medically retire.

Five Big Ten Prediction

1. Drew Aller begins to fulfill his potential

Penn State quarterback Drew Aller is one of the most talented prospects in the Big Ten this season, yet he hasn't fully lived up to expectations. Last season, Penn State’s offense underperformed, finishing 77th in the NCAA with just 215 passing yards per game. While not all the blame falls on Aller, there's room for improvement in his efficiency—a challenge new offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki is expected to address. One key area for Aller is narrowing his base in the pocket, which will help improve his accuracy.

2. Oregon wins the Big Ten conference

Ohio State enters the season as the favorite to win the Big Ten, but when the dust settles, expect Oregon to emerge as the top team in the conference. The key factor is Oregon's physicality, which has been Ohio State’s Achilles' heel in recent matchups with Michigan. Additionally, I have more confidence in Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel than Ohio State's Will Howard, with Gabriel rated higher on my draft board.

3. Indiana will be the surprise team in the Big Ten

The Hoosiers haven't won more than five games since 2020, but that could change this season. The key reason is new head coach Curt Cignetti, who joins from James Madison and brings several NFL Draft prospects with him. Among them is wide receiver Elijah Sarratt, who had a dominant season last year with 82 receptions for 1,191 yards and eight touchdowns. He'll be catching passes from one of college football's most underrated quarterbacks, Kurtis Rourke.

4. Michigan CB Will Johnson will be the first Big Ten player drafted

Although I anticipate a tough season for Michigan's offense, their defense remains loaded, led by cornerback Will Johnson, who is projected to be a top-ten pick next April. What makes this All-Big Ten selection stand out is his athleticism, especially for a bigger cornerback at 6-foot-2 and 202 pounds. Johnson has the ability to shut down one side of the field, evidenced by the mere 29.1 quarterback passer rating he allowed last season when targeted.

5. Iowa’s offense will show significant improvement

Last season, the Hawkeyes finished dead last in yards per game, trailing the next team by nearly 30 yards. Expect significant improvement this year. The biggest reason for this is the arrival of new offensive coordinator Tim Lester, who replaces the ineffective Brian Ferentz. Additionally, the Hawkeyes actually have some playmakers on offense this year, led by my number two tight end in the 2025 NFL Draft, Luke Lachey, and running back Kaleb Johnson, who should establish himself as one of the top backs in the conference.

Previewing the 2025 NFL Draft offensive tackle class

Top Player: Will Campbell, LSU

Will Campbell is projected to go in the same top-five range as last years's first offensive tackle, Joe Alt, who the Chargers selected with the 5th pick in 2024. Campbell's standout trait is his exceptional body control—he's rarely off balance and excels at blocking in space. He's a well-rounded player, having not allowed a single sack last year, and earned an impressive 84.9 run-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus. However, some scouts may be concerned about his arm length, which could lead to discussions about moving him inside to guard.

Guy I Would Stand on the Table for: Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota

Aireontae Ersery from Minnesota is an offensive tackle I'm really high on in this class. His size immediately stands out—he's 6'6" and 330 pounds with 34-inch arms. Despite his massive frame, he moves incredibly well, easily reaching the second level and even setting a Minnesota offensive line record with a 1.52-second 10-yard split. His strength is another major asset, allowing him to dominate at the point of attack in the run game, making him an ideal fit for teams that value physical run blockers. However, Ersery does need to work on his pass blocking, particularly his footwork. The good news is that he has the raw talent to improve in this area, and it's worth noting that he's still refining his skills at the position, having only started playing football in his junior year of high school.

Breakout Player: Myles Hinton, Michigan

Michigan coaches are buzzing about offensive tackle Myles Hinton's potential, with both offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell and offensive line coach Grant Newsome touting him as a possible first-round pick. A look at his film reveals why they’re so optimistic. Although Hinton started only five games last season for the Wolverines, he showcased the potential to become a dominant run blocker. His combination of impressive power, 6-foot-6, 342-pound frame, and ability to finish blocks creates ample running lanes. However, scouts may have concerns about his ability to operate in space, as he lacks the agility typically seen in lighter offensive tackles.

"I think any time you have a guy who looks like that and moves like that, and has the ability that he does we say 'God hasn't made too many people who look like that and have that ability. I think he's a guy who potentially has all the ability to be the next great first-round tackle from the University of Michigan."

- Michigan coach Grant Newsome on Hinton

Overrated: Ajani Cornelius, Oregon

A tackle who I believe is currently overrated is Oregon's Ajani Cornelius. While NFL Mock Draft Database gives him a third-round grade, I have him as a fifth-round talent. My biggest concern is his lack of flexibility, which affects his pad level. He also struggles to stay on his blocks, reflected in his 73.1 run-blocking grade from PFF. On the plus side, he shows impressive strength, and with improved technique, he could potentially compete for a starting job in the NFL within a few years.

Sleeper: Corey Stewart, Purdue

One player flying under the radar is Corey Stewart, who transferred from Ball State to Purdue this offseason. Last year, Stewart was a standout pass blocker for the Cardinals, surrendering just two sacks and earning an 80.7 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus, which landed him on the All-MAC first team. As a pro prospect, his high upside is why I have him graded as a fourth-round pick. Stewart is an impressive athlete with quick feet, making him a potential left tackle at the next level. His 6-foot-6 frame provides the length NFL scouts covet. However, he needs to work on his hand technique, as he too often lets defenders get into his body.

NFL Draft News and Notes

Brown impressing in Coral Gables: The Miami Hurricanes have significantly benefited from the transfer portal, securing likely 2025 NFL Draft picks, including quarterback Cam Ward, running back Damien Martinez, and wide receiver Sam Brown. While Brown might be the lowest-rated prospect on my NFL Draft board, the feedback from Hurricanes camp suggests he's been standing out in practice. The 6-2, 195-pound wide receiver brings much-needed size to the Hurricanes' passing game, which could be crucial in improving their 90th-ranked red zone offense from last season. Beyond his size, Brown possesses impressive speed and is a playmaker with the ball in his hands, having forced 20 missed tackles last year. I currently have him graded as a fifth-round pick, but that could rise if he delivers the impact Miami is anticipating.

Second Best Offensive Tackle: This year's offensive tackle class is shaping up to be strong, and Kelvin Banks is poised to be a top ten pick, even though he's ranked as the second best offensive tackle on my board. One of Banks' standout qualities is his quick feet, which enable him to excel in pass protection. His ability to slide and mirror defenders earned him an impressive 86.8 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus. As a fluid athlete, he was also recognized by PFF as the most athletic offensive tackle in the 2025 class. Beyond his physical traits, Banks is a respected team leader, with coaches praising his work ethic. However, the reason he isn’t my top-ranked tackle is his need for improvement in run blocking. He has a tendency to lunge when blocking, and he needs to keep driving his feet through contact.

" 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 HC Steve Sarkisian on Banks

Second most overrated offensive tackle: Among the offensive tackles in this draft class, a few are receiving more hype than they deserve. Wisconsin's Jack Nelson is one such player. Currently rated as a fourth-round prospect by the NFL Mock Draft Database and the fourth-best senior offensive tackle by Dane Brugler of The Athletic, I actually have him graded as a seventh-round talent. Nelson's play suffers due to fundamental flaws, such as frequent overextension, which often results in a loss of balance. His technical issues have also contributed to a high penalty count—leading the Big Ten with 13 penalties, including seven for holding. Additionally, his tendency to play with a high pad level makes him vulnerable to defenders who can get underneath him and dominate him in the trenches.

Effects of the transfer portal: The transfer portal has seen 63 all-conference Group of Five players move to Group of Four schools this offseason, aiming to boost their draft prospects. However, many could face challenges such as benching, poor scheme fits, or lack of chemistry with new teammates. Additionally, credit transfer issues may hinder timely graduation. Players should remember that NFL scouts can find talent anywhere, and disrupting a good situation isn’t always wise.

Calling it a career: Miami offensive tackle Zion Nelson has decided to call it a career. Once a promising prospect with a draftable grade when healthy, Nelson's career was derailed by a knee injury in 2021, from which he never fully recovered. Unfortunately, the lingering effects of that injury have led him to step away from the game.