Shedeur Sanders falls, Abdul Carter rises in NFL Draft rankings: Top 25 big board

As the pre-draft process officially kicks off with the East-West Shrine Game and Senior Bowl, it's time to reassess the top prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft class. The January updated big board highlights players on the rise and those facing challenges as we enter this crucial evaluation period.

Among the biggest risers is Penn State’s Abdul Carter, whose standout performance in the College Football Playoffs showcased his toughness and playmaking ability, propelling him into the upper echelon of the draft. Meanwhile, Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders has seen his stock dip, with concerns over his ceiling and physical traits becoming more pronounced.

Let’s dive into the top 25 players projected for the 2025 NFL Draft and explore how they fit with potential landing spots.

Top 25 players in the 2025 NFL Draft

1. Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

Ideal NFL team: New England Patriots

On the November NFL Mocks’ Draft Board, Travis Hunter was ranked as the top prospect, and he continues to hold that spot. Hunter’s appeal lies in his rare All-Pro potential at both wide receiver and cornerback. As a receiver, he showcases elite ball skills and is a dynamic threat after the catch. On defense, his exceptional quickness allows him to stick with receivers in coverage and close on the ball, as evidenced by his four interceptions last season. One team that would undoubtedly love to draft him is the New England Patriots, who could pair him with quarterback Drake Maye as a go-to receiver or team him with Christian Gonzalez to create a dominant cornerback duo for years to come.

2. Abdul Carter, DE, Penn State

Ideal NFL team: New York Jets

One of the biggest risers on the draft board since November is Penn State’s Abdul Carter, who has climbed from ninth to second overall. His standout trait is his explosive 4.48 speed off the edge, which helped him lead the nation with 23.5 tackles for loss this season. In the latest mock draft from NFL Mocks, the New York Jets are projected to take Carter, as they desperately need a pass rusher after the Haason Reddick trade fell short of expectations this season.

3. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

Ideal NFL team: Dallas Cowboys

The last two running backs drafted in the top 15—Atlanta's Bijan Robinson and Philadelphia's Saquon Barkley—both finished in the NFL’s top five in rushing yards. Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty could soon join their ranks. The 2024 Maxwell Award and Doak Walker Award winner had a re320 pcord-breaking season, leading the NCAA with 2,601 rushing yards. Remarkably, his 1,882 yards after contact alone would have topped the FBS leaderboard. In NFL Mocks’ latest projection, Jeanty is pegged to go 12th overall to the Dallas Cowboys, a team eager to bolster their ground attack this offseason.

4. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Ideal NFL team: Carolina Panthers 

Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan boasts a rare combination of size (6-5, 212), agility (causing 28 missed tackles), and strong hands, having caught 60% of the passes thrown his way in coverage. McMillan’s skill set makes him an ideal fit for the Carolina Panthers, who had the lowest-graded receiving corps this year according to Pro Football Focus.

5. Mason Graham, DT,  Michigan

Ideal NFL team: Jacksonville Jaguars

The top run defender in the 2025 NFL Draft is Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham, who excels at using his 6-foot-3, 320-pound frame and impressive grip strength to clog up running lanes. Graham also surprises with his quickness off the ball for a player of his size and is an underrated pass rusher. A team that could benefit from his skills is the Jacksonville Jaguars, who allowed 132 rushing yards per game this season. The Jaguars need a player to help stop the run and replace Arik Armstead, who has yet to live up to expectations in his career with the team.

6. Cam Ward, QB, Miami

Ideal NFL team: Tennessee Titans

It’s becoming increasingly evident that Miami’s Cam Ward is the top quarterback prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. What sets him apart are his exceptional raw skills, including a stronger arm and superior mobility compared to Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. If the Tennessee Titans select Ward with the first overall pick and provide him with a solid supporting cast, including a strong running game, he has the potential to develop into a high-quality NFL starter.

7. Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

Ideal NFL team: Chicago Bears

The most athletic offensive tackle in the 2025 NFL Draft is Kelvin Banks Jr., the first player in Texas history to win both the Outland and Lombardi Awards in the same season. Banks’ top trait is his exceptional footwork, which makes him an ideal candidate to play left tackle at the NFL level—a crucial need for the Chicago Bears, who allowed an NFL-high 68 sacks last season. If Chicago drafts him with the 10th overall pick, it will allow them to move Braxton Jones inside to offensive guard.

8. Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

Ideal NFL team: Jacksonville Jaguars

Michigan’s Will Johnson is coming off a somewhat down year as he was only abe to play in six games this year due to turf toe. Despite this though he should be a top ten pick due to his ability to stick on his man in coverage due to his lose hips and overall physical style of play. He is also a true playmaker having picked off three passes during his career that he returned for touchdowns which is a Michigan record. He could be a good fit for the Jacksonville Jaguars who need help in a secondary that allowed over 250 passing yards a game.

9. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

Ideal NFL team: Indianapolis Colts

The top safety in the 2025 NFL Draft is Malaki Starks of Georgia, who excels against both the pass and the run. In pass coverage, he displays cornerback-like skills and outstanding ball instincts, consistently making highlight-reel plays throughout his career with the Bulldogs. Against the run, he plays with impressive aggression and is a reliable tackler who rarely misses. Starks would be a great fit in Indianapolis, where he would provide an immediate upgrade over Julian Blackmon.

10. Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

Ideal NFL team: Denver Broncos

The top tight end in the 2025 NFL Draft, Tyler Warren, has the potential to make a significant impact as a rookie, much like Brock Bowers did after being the first tight end off the board in 2024. Warren made history last season by becoming the first tight end in Big Ten history to record over 100 receptions in a single season. His ability to serve as a reliable target would make him an ideal fit for the Denver Broncos, where he could provide Bo Nix with a dependable safety valve in the passing game.

11. James Pearce Jr, DE, Tennessee

Ideal NFL team: Arizona Cardinals

Tennessee defensive end James Pearce Jr. experienced a dip in production this season, recording fewer sacks and tackles for loss compared to the previous year. However, he remains a strong candidate for a top-20 pick thanks to his exceptional explosiveness off the ball and impressive athleticism. These qualities make Pearce a natural fit for the Arizona Cardinals' 3-4 defense as an outside linebacker, where he would provide an immediate boost to their pass rush.

12. Will Campbell, OT, LSU

Ideal NFL team: Chicago Bears

If the Chicago Bears choose to prioritize a player who can contribute immediately at guard rather than left tackle, LSU’s Will Campbell is likely to be their target. Campbell displays excellent explosiveness off the snap and possesses the strength needed to compete against NFL defensive tackles.

13. Jalon Walker, OLB, Georgia

Ideal NFL team: Atlanta Falcons

Jalon Walker made a significant impact in his first year as a starter at Georgia, finishing the season with 60 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks—performances that earned him the prestigious Butkus Award. Walker could help address the Atlanta Falcons' pressing need for pass rushers, as the team managed only 31 sacks this season, ranking 31st in the NFL.

14. Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa

Ideal NFL team: Pittsburgh Steelers

Kaleb Johnson’s position at 14 on this list may be the highest he appears on any draft board, but it’s well-earned. As one of the most powerful runners in the 2025 NFL Draft, Johnson combines elite lower-body strength with outstanding contact balance. At 225 pounds, he also surprises with impressive speed, finishing second in the nation with 861 breakaway yards this season. Should the Pittsburgh Steelers move on from Najee Harris in free agency, Johnson’s hard-nosed running style would make him an ideal fit for their offense.

15. Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

Ideal NFL team: Dallas Cowboys

One of the biggest goals for the Cowboys this offseason needs to be to spruce up an offense that finished in the bottom half in the NFL in both yards and points per game. One player whose dynamic ability to create plays that would help is Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III, who has been compared to Deebo Samuel by his college coach Eliah Drinkwitz.

16. Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

Ideal NFL team: Cincinnati Bengals

The third and final Michigan defender on this list is defensive tackle Kenneth Grant, one of the largest prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 339 pounds, Grant combines his massive frame with remarkable mobility, having been clocked at an impressive 18.75 MPH. The Bengals, looking to improve a defense that allowed 348 yards per game and ultimately cost them a playoff spot, could greatly benefit from Grant's presence on their roster.

17. Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

Ideal NFL team: Green Bay Packers

One of the top shutdown cornerbacks in college football over the past three seasons has been Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison. Known for his exceptional man-to-man coverage skills, Morrison has consistently held opponents to under 50% completion rates during that span. With the Packers potentially looking to cut Jaire Alexander to save cap space and fellow cornerbacks Eric Stokes and Corey Ballentine approaching free agency, Morrison could be an excellent replacement to bolster their secondary.

18. Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

Ideal NFL team: Houston Texans 

Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen had a breakout year in his first season with the Rebels, delivering the best performance of his career. Earning All-American honors, Nolen led all defensive tackles with 13 tackles for loss or no gain, including 6.5 sacks. As the Texans aim to strengthen their defensive interior, Nolen could be an ideal fit to anchor their line and elevate their defense.

19. Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

Ideal NFL team: Las Vegas Raiders

One of the biggest fallers on the draft board since November is Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. His drop is primarily attributed to concerns about his physical attributes, including average arm strength, lacking elite accuercey when throwing on the run, and a need for further development in his overall game awareness. Despite these concerns, Sanders is still expected to be selected relatively early in the draft and could be an intriguing fit for the Raiders under new head coach Pete Carroll.

20. Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

Ideal NFL team: Los Angeles Rams

A player who likely would have been rated much higher if not for a season-ending injury this year is Ohio State left tackle Josh Simmons. Simmons stands out for his quick feet, impressive athleticism, and elite balance. Over the past two seasons, he has allowed just one sack, showcasing his reliability in pass protection. He could be an excellent fit for a team like the Los Angeles Rams, especially if they lose Alaric Jackson in free agency.

21. Princely Umanmielen, DE, Ole Miss

Ideal NFL team: Chicago Bears

NFL Mocks is higher on Ole Miss defensive end Princely Umanmielen than outlets like ESPN, The Athletic, and Pro Football Focus, which all currently project him as a second-round prospect. The primary reason for our higher grade is his impressive quickness off the snap, which helped the 6-foot-4, 255-pound defensive end rack up 10 sacks this season. If Umanmielen does slip to the second round, he could be a great fit for the Chicago Bears, who need pass-rushing help after recording just 40 sacks last season.

22. Mykel Williams, DE, Georgia

Ideal NFL team: Cincinnati Bengals

A player we are lower on compared to other outlets is Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams, who is ranked as the 8th-best player in the draft by places like The Athletic. Our concerns with Williams' game include his average quickness off the ball, limited production—only recording five sacks this season—and a modest 70.6 pass-rushing grade from Pro Football Focus. Despite these concerns, Williams could still be a solid fit for the Cincinnati Bengals, a team in need of upgrading their pass rush after struggling in that area last season.

23. Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina 

Ideal NFL team: Baltimore Ravens

Not very often do you find a cornerback who comes in at 6-foot-3 and runs a 4.44 40-yard dash but that is the case East Carolina cornerback Shavon Revel who is the top Group of Five player in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Ravens would be wise to add him with 27th pick in the NFL Draft after allowing 244 passing yards a game last season which ranked 31st in the league.

24. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

Ideal NFL team: Pittsburgh Steelers

While Ohio State’s Emeka Egbuka may have been overshadowed by freshman sensation Jeremiah Smith, he played a crucial role in the Buckeyes’ National Championship victory. This season, Egbuka posted a career-high 81 receptions and tied his personal best with 10 touchdowns. As a pro prospect, he stands out as a polished route runner with deceptive elusiveness after the catch. Egbuka could become a valuable weapon for a team like the Pittsburgh Steelers

25. Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

Ideal NFL team: Los Angeles Chargers

Going into the season Michigan’s Colston Loveland was widely viewed as the top tight end in the 2025 NFL Draft, but he was his production drop some this season due to poor quarterback play for the Wolverines. However, the super athletic tight end is still a matchup nightmare in coverage who could be a great target for Justin Herbert in Los Angeles.