NFL Draft 2025: Ones to Watch

NFL summer training camps are almost complete, the long-awaited return of the College Football video game has arrived (I know you were pumped for this one), and all four Power conferences have concluded their media days, indicating that the football season is just around the corner! Consequently, examining a handful of potential candidates for the 2025 draft class is now appropriate.

With the recent conference realignment, the College Football landscape has undergone significant changes, reducing conferences to four power conferences and dismantling the Pac-12. However, this also means that there will be increased chances to witness top draft prospects competing directly against each other.

To begin the evaluation process for this year’s draft, let’s examine the players with the most potential from the Big 10, ACC, SEC, and Big 12 to determine who to watch for the 2025 Draft.

Will Johnson (CB)

Plays for: Michigan

Michigan’s defensive prowess played a pivotal role in propelling the team to victory at the CFP National Championship in 2023. Will Johnson was a standout player on that highly talented team. Now, he comes back as a first-team All-American and a top-tier 2025 NFL Draft candidate.

Johnson’s impressive performance in his first year as a college football player, when he made three interceptions, had already caught the attention of NFL scouts for the 2025 draft. However, he further captivated scouts with an impressive 2023 season, during which he excelled against most wide receivers and had a competitive matchup against Marvin Harrison Jr. in the last game against Ohio State.

Johnson, who stands 6’2″ and weighs 202 pounds, excels in off-man and zone coverage. In these defensive positions, he effectively utilizes his rapid reflexes to control the playing area, swiftly changes direction, and accelerates rapidly towards the target.

However, when considering the overall picture, Johnson’s physical stature, athletic ability, and aptitude for handling the ball make him one of the most promising cornerback prospects in recent history.

Luther Burden III (WR)

Plays for: Missouri

Luther Burden III was second in the SEC in 2023 for receiving grades, only behind LSU’s Malik Nabers.

Burden, who stands at 5-foot-11 and weighs 210 pounds, is a versatile player who excels in both offensive and defensive strategies, whether he has possession of the ball or not. His total separation percentage of 85.0% positioned him in the top 10% of performers, while his separation percentage versus single coverage of 62.8% rated in the top 36%.

He has the potential to become a star in the NFL.

Cameron Ward (QB)

Plays for: Miami

Following an impressive performance of passing for about 7,000 yards and scoring 50 touchdowns in two seasons as the starting quarterback for Washington State, Ward decided to explore his options in the NFL draft last year. However, he ultimately entered the transfer portal and joined the Miami team instead.

He has demonstrated remarkable skills throughout the years, and as a former Cougar and current Hurricane, he has the potential to climb up the draft rankings this season.

His exceptional compound arm talent enables him to throw passes accurately into extremely narrow openings. He poses a significant threat as a passer regardless of his position on the field, whether inside or outside a structured play. These factors, as well as his notable arm flexibility, make him well-suited for the modern style of play, and naturally, one we need to watch this season and ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. 

Travis Hunter (WR/CB)

Plays for: Colorado

At the NFL level, which position will Travis Hunter play: wide receiver or cornerback?

Who cares? Deploy this kid in any position you desire, and he’s going tol significantly impact the game’s outcome.

Hunter’s exceptional agility, flexibility, and intuitive playmaking abilities are the basis of his performance on both offense and defense. Offensively, he effortlessly creates separation and excels at converting catches while being a danger in terms of run-after-catch. Defensively, he possesses exceptional skills in intercepting the ball, making him one of the most formidable players in this regard.

Hunter’s current limitation in achieving the status of a blue-chip-tier prospect is mostly due to his comparatively lower level of bulk and physical strength. However, for teams without a player who can create opportunities on offense or defense, Hunter is indeed as impressive as his reputation suggests. 

NFL Draft 2025: First Round Pick Odds

Are you wondering how many of our ones to watch also receive love from the sportsbook? Let’s find out by previewing the latest NFL Draft 2025 first-round overall pick odds taken from popular online NFL betting sites:   

Player	First Overall Pick Odds
Shedeur Sanders	+400
Carson Beck	+425
James Pearce Jr.	+550
Quinn Ewers	+950
Mykel Williams	+1600
Will Campbell	+2000
Jalen Milroe	+2000
Cameron Ward	+2200
Harold Perkins Jr.	+2220
Travis Hunter	+2500

Of course, these odds will gain or lose momentum through the upcoming college season based on injuries, performances, and team success. 

Carson Beck (QB)

Plays for: Georgia

During his inaugural season as Georgia’s starting quarterback, Beck achieved an impressive completion rate of 72.4% on his passes, resulting in 24 touchdowns and 3,941 passing yards. He has received acclaim for his skill in managing the pocket and executing precise movements and his aptitude for analyzing the entire field before making decisions.

According to PFF, he was among just six quarterbacks nationwide last year with an Average Depth of Target (ADOT) of 8.5 yards or higher and an adjusted completion percentage of 77.5% or higher, based on a minimum of 300 drop backs. Williams and Jayden Daniels, who were selected as the first two selections in the 2024 NFL Draft, were also among the passers who achieved that milestone.

If Beck progresses in his second season as the starting player, he might become the clear favorite to be selected as the first overall pick in April. In addition to his own brilliance, he is surrounded by several highly skilled players on the Bulldogs offense, including Oscar Delp, Earnest Greene, and Trevor Etienne, who are also considered top prospects in the draft.

James Pearce Jr. (DL)

Plays for: Tennessee

Similar to the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position, which defensive prospect will emerge as the top performer is unclear. However, James Pearce Jr. will likely be the first pass-rusher chosen at the 2025 Draft should his season performances of past continue. Last year, the Tennessee star achieved 10 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss (TFLs) in his inaugural season as a starter.

The young athlete’s exceptional explosiveness and flexibility, along with his impressive height of 6 feet 5 inches and weight of 243 pounds, will captivate scouts and leave them eager to witness his further improvement this term. Pearce’s pass rush win percentage of 21.8% ranked third among edge-rushers from power conferences in the previous season, making him one to watch in the upcoming Draft.