With the NFL draft less than a month away, fans around the country are speculating with baited breath about the new additions to their favorite team’s rosters. With the draft starting on April 24th, many of the teams have settled on the positions they need to fill for the coming season, and ranked prospects on who would be best to fill the positions they have open.
Whether it’s a quarterback poised to lead a franchise or a defensive star ready to dominate, these prospects represent the future of the NFL. Here’s a look at some of the top draft prospects by position, showcasing one player from each spot:
QB – Cam Ward
While there are many aspects to judging each position in football, one of the toughest positions to judge is most definitely the Quarterback position. While every position in football has to be physically adept as well as mentally, the Quarterback has to be even more mentally adept than everyone else. As many coaches have put it, they have to be the coach on the field.
Cam Ward has proven through his years in college football that he has both sides of the coin to the extreme. Being 6’2” tall and weighing in at 223 lbs, Cam is a powerhouse of a quarterback with the knowledge and determination to be a phenomenal quarterback in the NFL after he acquires some more experience.
WR – Xavier Restrepo
A wide receiver that hasn’t received as much coverage as some of the higher ranked receivers in the draft combine, Xavier Restrepo has proven himself as one of the most polished and reliable wide receivers in college football. At 5’10” and 205 lbs, Restrepo is a smooth, quick route-runner who possesses excellent hands and a deep understanding of the game. Throughout his college career, Restrepo has shown the ability to consistently get open and make difficult catches in traffic. His physicality at the line of scrimmage and ability to create separation make him a threat on all levels of the field.
In 2024, Restrepo finished the season with over 1,100 receiving yards and ten touchdowns, showcasing his ability to stretch the field and make plays in the red zone. His sharp route running, coupled with his ability to adjust to the ball in the air makes him an exciting prospect for NFL teams. As a dependable and consistent target, Restrepo’s polished skill set could get him picked in the second or early third round of the draft.
RB – Dylan Sampson
In a draft class that isn’t very deep at running back, Dylan Sampson has risen to the top with his electrifying play at the University of Tennessee. Sampson is a dynamic athlete who combines explosive speed with vision and quickness, making him a threat to break off big urns at any moment. Standing at 5’9” and weighing in at 205 lbs, Sampson’s compact frame and low center of gravity allow him to navigate through tight gaps while maintaining an impressive level of balance and acceleration.
Sampson had an outstanding season, rushing for over 1,220 yards and adding several touchdowns to his stats. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield and contribute as a receiving threat gives him additional value in today’s pass-heavy NFL. He has the potential to be a three-down back at the next level, capable of contributing on both running plays and in the passing game. As an elusive, playmaking back, Sampson could be a top selection in the second round of this year’s draft, with teams looking for a dynamic weapon in their backfield.
OL – Will Campbell
Having been a dominant force on LSU’s offensive line and standing at 6’7” and weighing 235 lbs, Will Campbell and his performance over the past few seasons has made him one of the top offensive line prospects for the upcoming draft. In combination with his ideal size for his position, his strength and agility allows him to excel in both pass protection and run blocking, making him a versatile and valuable asset on any offensive line.
Campbell has consistently held his own against top-tier pass rushers in the SEC, showcasing his ability to anchor and keep quarterbacks clean. His footwork and technique are highly polished for a player of his age, and his ability to handle speed rushers or power rushers with ease gives him a high ceiling at the next level. NFL teams in need of a franchise left tackle will be closely watching Campbell, as he’s expected to be one of, if not the first offensive linemen selected in the 2025 draft.
TE – Colston Loveland
Colston Loveland is a standout tight end prospect who has risen to prominence during his time at the University of Michigan. Standing at 6’5” and weighing 240 lbs, Loveland combines size with agility, making him a versatile threat as both a blocker and receiving option. His ability to stretch the field down the seam, combined with his strong hands and excellent body control, allows him to excel at a pass catching tight end. Loveland’s ability to create mismatches in the passing game due to his size and speed is one of his greatest strengths.
He was a key part of Michigan’s offense in 2024, finishing the season with over 700 receiving yards and several touchdowns. Loveland’s ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground in the run-blocking game makes him a highly desirable prospect for NFL teams seeking a complete tight end. With tight ends continuing to evolve into more athletic and dynamic playmakers in today’s NFL, Loveland is projected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 draft.
DL – James Pearce Jr.
Standing at 6’4” and weighing 250 lbs, James Pearce Jr. is an explosive edge rusher who has shown immense potential as a pass-rusher at Tennessee. Having a combination of length, speed, and power that makes him a dangerous edge defender. HIs burst off the line of scrimmage and his ability to close the cap on quarterbacks has earned him comparisons to some of the best pass rushers in college football.
Pearce finished the 2024 season with 12 sacks and 20 tackles for a loss, showing his ability to disrupt offenses in a variety of ways. His pass-rushing technique and hand usage are both advanced for his age, and he has the flexibility to play as a stand-up linebacker or a hand in the dirt defensive end. With his rare blend of physical tools and technical refinement, Pearce is expected to be a first-round pick and could make an immediate impact as a dynamic edge rusher in the NFL.
LB – Harold Perkins Jr.
Being one of the most exciting linebacker prospects in college football, Harold Perkins Jr. has quickly earned his spot among high ranking prospects for the upcoming draft. Standing at 6’1” and weighing 230 lbs, Perkins combines athleticism, speed and football IQ to make plays all over the field. His ability to cover ground quickly, both in pass coverage and run defense, makes him a versatile weapon in any defensive scheme. Perkins was one of the top tacklers in the SEC in 2024, and his ability to disrupt passing lanes and blitz the quarterback makes him a true playmaker on the defensive side of the ball.
His coverage skills, especially against running backs and tight ends, are among the best in his class. And his ability to quickly diagnose plays makes him a natural leader on defense. Perkins’ athleticism and versatility could allow him to be used in multiple defensive roles in the NFL, making him one of the top linebacker prospects for the 2025 draft.
CB – Will Johnson
Will Johnson has developed into one of the most promising cornerbacks in college football, thanks to his combination of size, speed, and ball skills. At 6’1″ and 200 lbs, Johnson has the length to cover bigger wide receivers, yet the quickness to stay with smaller, more agile players. His ability to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage and his excellent recognition of route concepts have allowed him to be a disruptive force in the secondary.
Johnson was one of the top cornerbacks in college football in 2024, and his ability to make key plays, whether it’s breaking up passes or intercepting the ball, has been impressive. With more teams looking for taller, more physical corners, Johnson is expected to be one of the top cornerbacks selected in the 2025 draft, possibly going in the top 10.
S – Travis Hunter
Travis Hunter is widely regarded as one of the most dynamic and versatile athletes in college football, and his skills make him an excellent fit for the safety position in the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 190 lbs, Hunter possesses a rare combination of size, speed, and athleticism that allows him to excel both in coverage and as a playmaker. His natural ability to read the game and anticipate plays gives him a significant edge, and his quick reflexes allow him to react to the ball with precision. Whether in man-to-man coverage or reading the quarterback’s eyes in zone defense, Hunter has shown an uncanny ability to position himself where the ball is, making him a constant threat for interceptions and pass breakups.
Beyond his defensive prowess, Hunter’s experience as a two-way player at cornerback and wide receiver also adds tremendous value. His time spent playing as a cornerback has refined his ability to cover and track the football, skills that easily translate to the safety position. Hunter’s ball skills, vision, and ability to disrupt passing lanes will allow him to thrive in the NFL as a safety, especially in a league where versatility and high football IQ are crucial. With his elite athleticism and well-rounded game, Hunter is a prospect that can make an immediate impact as a safety, and his playmaking ability could easily translate to the next level in the 2025 NFL Draft.
K – Ryan Fitzgerald
Finally, we get to the kicker prospects. Although there are already many kickers on each team in the NFL, Ryan Fitzgerald seems to be cut from the same cloth as those who have made it big. Just in his past season, Ryan is one of few with a 100% completion rate for non extra-point field goals. Even going 5 for 5 with kicks past the 50 yard line.
Although the amount of kicks he had last season was low due to the Florida State Seminoles having a rough year, his past track record of having a 90% accuracy rate is something to consider for the upcoming draft. Adding that to his phenomenal kicking distance and his clear path to improvement makes him a solid prospect to add to any roster in the upcoming season.
All images used in this article were found via ESPN’s website