As the college football season gets underway, the excitement for the upcoming NFL Draft is palpable. Over the past several weeks, draft rankings for more than 300 prospects across 11 positions have been rolled out, serving as the starting point for the draft process. This sets a baseline for every player hoping to hear their name called in April. These rankings are fluid and will shift as the season unfolds, adding an element of excitement and unpredictability.
Carson Beck may be the favorite for QB1, but the position is still up for grabs. None of the quarterbacks are considered locks for the top half of Round 1 at this point. Conner Weigman, who missed most of last season, has the talent to make a statement with a strong performance against Notre Dame in Week 1. The competition is fierce and the battle for the top spot will be intense.
The tight end class this year has some similarities to last year’s, with a clear top prospect in Colston Loveland. While he may not be on Brock Bowers’ level, Loveland is a dynamic pass catcher who can make plays at all levels of the field. Jake Briningstool is another receiver with mismatch potential and a breakout season could be on the horizon for him.
LSU has never produced a first-round offensive tackle, but that could change this year with Will Campbell leading the way. Emery Jones Jr. is also a strong contender for a top spot on draft boards. Aireontae Ersery has the potential to solidify his place in the first round with a consistent performance this season.
The interior offensive line prospects may not have initially stood out, but there are definitely future NFL starters in the mix. Jonah Savaiinaea, in particular, showcases impressive movement for his size and could be a top prospect. Veterans like Tate Ratledge could also make a push for top spots with strong seasons.
Defensive tackle is a position of strength in today’s NFL, and the 2025 class is no exception. Mason Graham from Michigan and Tyleik Williams from Ohio State are both first-round hopefuls who have demonstrated their skills on the field. The talent in this position group is deep and will only add to the strength of the NFL’s defensive lines.
Safety has not seen a top 12 pick since Jamal Adams in 2017, but Malaki Starks has the potential to break that streak. He possesses a versatile skill set that could make him a game-changer at the next level. Other safeties are on the outside looking in, but players like Kevin Winston Jr. and Billy Bowman Jr. bring unique skills that could make them valuable additions to NFL defenses.
As the college football season progresses, the NFL Draft picture will continue to evolve. With top prospects vying for the spotlight and emerging talents making their mark, the excitement for the upcoming draft will only continue to build. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the season unfolds.
