All indications at this point suggest that Ward will be the first player selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, with the Titans looking unlikely to trade down.
The big question for wherever Hunter ends up is: how will he be utilized? It can't be stressed enough how unusual it is for one person to be both the top wide receiver and top cornerback prospect in the same draft, which is how some evaluators see it with Hunter.
Evaluators rave about Membou's pass blocking ability, which has proven impressive enough to earn him serious top ten consideration despite lacking prototypical height.
Warren set school records at Penn State for tight end receptions/yardage and won the 2024 John Mackey Award, given annually to the most outstanding tight end in college football.
11. San Francisco 49ers Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
There are late indicators strongly suggesting that the 49ers will select a defensive lineman here.
Nolen has the effort/intensity to match his talent, and if he's able to improve his pass-rushing technique his potential as a pro is strong.
Tight end is a major need for the Colts. The success that Raiders TE Brock Bowers had as a rookie last season (112 receptions for 1,194 yards) clearly has had an impact on the decision-making process for some teams.
This anticipates a trade-back by the Falcons. You'd imagine there would be demand for this pick given the predicted runs on EDGE, OL, and WR prospects likely to begin in this range.
Pearce is an elite blitzer and is well-rounded against the run. He's also effective at dropping into pass coverage when needed.
18. Seattle Seahawks Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State
There's too much buzz here for me to ignore. Talk of Zabel as a first-rounder has been around for some time, going back to his performance during Senior Bowl week in Mobile.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
This is a stacked draft for pass rushers. Green has been rising up boards and helped his stock with a strong showing in practice at the Senior Bowl.
You have to go back to Terrell Edmunds (217 pounds) in 2018 for the last time a pure safety weighing north of 215 pounds went in the first round. It used to be more commonplace, but the sport has changed.
It's different for Emmanwori because he's exceptionally fast. How many guys with his height/weight (6'3" 220) can run a 4.38 40-yard dash?
Booker can play multiple offensive line positions, but projects strongest at guard. Some evaluators view Booker as the top interior offensive lineman in this draft.
Ezeiruaku collected a jaw-dropping 16.5 sacks in 2024, tying a school record. There's also a perception among some evaluators that Ezeiruaku is more well-polished than other comparable prospects at the position.
29. Washington Commanders Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
It was clear that Egbuka impressed onlookers at Ohio State's pro day.
By running a blistering 4.28 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, Hairston vaulted himself into serious first-round consideration. It helps that Hairston has the versatility to fit a variety of defensive schemes.
