BREAKING NEWS: 2025 NFL Draft Big Board: B/R NFL Scouting Dept.’s Latest Top 100 Player Rankings .giang

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, everyone will receive heaping helpings of quality gridiron action.

Meanwhile, college football’s rivalry week is next weekend. Conference championship games will be played the following weekend. That’s it for the regular-season evaluation portion for the 2025 NFL draft.

From there, NFL scouts will return from their travels, as front office personnel sit down to start piecing together the puzzle that will ultimately comprise their prospect boards.

Here at Bleacher Report, the scouting department has got you covered, with the group’s initial Top 100 based on viewings and projections so far. The process remains ongoing, but things are cooking.

Brandon Thorn: Brandon is the author of the Trench Warfare newsletter, which focuses exclusively on offensive and defensive line evaluation. He also contributes as an analyst for Establish the Run and serves as the scouting coordinator for OL Masterminds.

Dame Parson: Dame is the lead host of the Locked On NFL Draft podcast. He also spent three years as a senior draft analyst for The Draft Network while evaluating draft prospects as the founder of The Scouting Room.

Cory Giddings: Cory has experience working at varying levels of football, both in coaching and player evaluation. In recent years, he has worked with the New York Giants and multiple collegiate programs.

Matt Holder: Matt played college football, worked in college recruiting and is a Scouting Academy graduate. He has covered the NFL draft since 2019 and also writes about the Las Vegas Raiders for SB Nation’s Silver and Black Pride.

Brent Sobleski: Brent serves as an NFL analyst for Bleacher Report. He’s covered the draft for multiple outlets since the 2004 class, including 11 seasons with B/R.

Grading Scale

10: Generational Talent/No. 1 Overall

9.5-9.9: Top-Five Prospect

9.0-9.4: Top-10 Prospect

8.5-8.9: Immediate Impact Prospect / 1st Round

8.0-8.4: Year 1 Starter / Late 1st-2nd Round

7.5-7.9: Potential Impact Player / 2nd Round

7.0-7.4: High-Level Backup / Potential Starter / 3rd Round

6.5-6.9: Potential Role Player / 4th Round

6.0-6.4: Developmental Prospect / 5th Round

5.5-5.9: Backup/Draftable / 6th-7th Round

5.0-5.4: Backup/UDFA with Roster Potential / UDFA

4.0-4.9: Developmental Prospect / UDFA

3.0-3.9: Training Camp Body / UDFA

Grades for each player were assigned by the following scouts:

Dame Parson: QBs, RBs, WRs and Receiving TEs

Brandon Thorn: Blocking TEs, OTs, OGs and Centers

Matt Holder: DL, Edge and LBs

Cory Giddings: CBs and Safeties

Ties in grades were broken through roundtable discussions among the four scouts.

1. CB Travis Hunter, Colorado (9.2)
2. DL Mason Graham, Michigan (9.1)
3. WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona (9.0)
4. S Malaki Starks, Georgia (8.9)
5. CB Will Johnson, Michigan (8.8)
6. Edge James Pearce Jr., Tennessee (8.6)
7. IOL Will Campbell, LSU (8.6)
8. QB Cam Ward, Miami (8.5)
9. QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado (8.5)
10. RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State (8.5)
11. WR Tre Harris, Ole Miss (8.4)
12. WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State (8.3)
13. TE Colston Loveland, Michigan (8.3)
14. WR Luther Burden III, Missouri (8.3)
15. OT Josh Simmons, Ohio State (8.2)
16. Edge Nic Scourton, Texas A&M (8.1)
17. DL Walter Nolen, Ole Miss (8.1)
18. RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina (8.0)
19. DL Deone Walker, Kentucky (8.0)
20. OT Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas (8.0)
21. LB Jalon Walker, Georgia (8.0)
22. S Xavier Watts, Notre Dame (8.0)
23. CB Mansoor Delane, Virginia Tech (8.0)
24. Edge Abdul Carter, Penn State (7.9)
25. S Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina (7.9)
26. CB Jahdae Barron, Texas (7.8)
27. Edge Mykel Williams, Georgia (7.8)
28. CB Will Lee III, Texas A&M (7.8)
29. CB Tacario Davis, Arizona (7.8)
30. S Malachi Moore, Alabama (7.8)
31. DL Tyleik Williams, Ohio State (7.8)
32. TE Tyler Warren, Penn State (7.7)
33. TE Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green (7.7)
34. IOL Tyler Booker, Alabama (7.7)
35. CB Denzel Burke, Ohio State (7.7)
36. RB Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State (7.7)
37. QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama (7.6)
38. Edge JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State (7.6)
39. CB Trey Amos, Ole Miss (7.6)
40. LB Barrett Carter, Clemson (7.6)
41. CB Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame (7.5)
42. WR Isaiah Bond, Texas (7.5)
43. RB Kaleb Johnson, Iowa (7.5)
44. QB Carson Beck, Georgia (7.5)
45. OT Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota (7.5)
46. CB Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky (7.5)
47. IOL Wyatt Milum, West Virginia (7.5)
48. IOL Tate Ratledge, Georgia (7.5)
49. Edge Landon Jackson, Arkansas (7.5)
50. RB RJ Harvey, UCF (7.5)
51. QB Quinn Ewers, Texas (7.5)
52. DL Kenneth Grant, Maryland (7.5)
53. LB Lander Barton, Utah (7.5)
54. CB Cobee Bryant, Kansas (7.5)
55. QB Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss (7.4)
56. WR Jalen Royals, Utah State (7.4)
57. TE Jake Briningstool, Clemson (7.4)
58. CB Zy Alexander, LSU (7.4)
59. S Dante Trader Jr., Maryland (7.4)
60. RB TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State (7.4)
61. IOL Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona (7.4)
62. OT Cameron Williams, Texas (7.4)
63. Edge Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss (7.4)
64. IOL Grey Zabel, North Dakota State (7.4)
65. S Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma (7.4)
66. WR Tez Johnson, Oregon (7.4)
67. LB Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma (7.4)
68. Edge Jack Sawyer, Ohio State (7.4)
69. IOL Emery Jones Jr., LSU (7.4)
70. CB Domani Jackson, Alabama (7.4)
71. Edge Ashton Gillotte, Louisville (7.4)
72. IOL Parker Brailsford, Alabama (7.3)
73. S Sebastian Castro, Iowa (7.3)
74. S Jalen Catalon, UNLV (7.2)
75. DL T.J. Sanders, South Carolina (7.2)
76. OT Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon (7.2)
77. LB Jay Higgins, Iowa (7.2)
78. WR Xavier Restrepo, Miami (7.2)
79. IOL Donovan Jackson, Ohio State (7.2)
80. CB Quincy Riley, Louisville (7.2)
81. Edge Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State (7.2)
82. S Lathan Ransom, Ohio State (7.1)
83. DL Derrick Harmon, Oregon (7.1)
84. CB Dorian Strong, Virginia Tech (7.0)
85. OT Charles Grant, William & Mary (7.0)
86. S Andrew Mukuba, Texas (7.0)
87. RB Nicholas Singleton, Penn State (7.0)
88. QB Will Howard, Ohio State (7.0)
89. QB Dillon Gabriel, Oregon (7.0)
90. DL Nazir Stackhouse, Georgia (7.0)
91. DL Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State (7.0)
92. LB Smael Mondon, Jr., Georgia (7.0)
93. S Kenny Gallop Jr., Howard (7.0)
94. RB Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State (7.0)
95. DL LT Overton, Alabama (6.9)
96. S Craig Woodson, California (6.9)
97. CB Ricardo Hallman, Wisconsin (6.9)
98. Edge Patrick Payton, Florida State (6.9)
99. OT Ajani Cornelius, Oregon (6.8)
100. IOL Jared Wilson, Georgia (6.8)

Scouted by Dame Parson

Most Accurate: Shedeur Sanders
Best Arm Strength: Cam Ward
Best Mobility: Jalen Milroe
Most Pro-Ready: Shedeur Sanders

1. QB Cam Ward, Miami (8.5)
2. QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado (8.5)
3. QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama (7.6)
4. QB Carson Beck, Georgia (7.5)
5. QB Quinn Ewers, Texas (7.5)
6. QB Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss (7.4)
7. QB Will Howard, Ohio State (7.0)
8. QB Dillon Gabriel, Oregon (7.0)

Explain the Grade: Jalen Milroe, Alabama

Milroe possesses all of the physical traits and tools to be a difference-maker. Those tools come with a first-round upside to go with his raw God-given talent.

Yet, Milroe is still not a polished pocket passer. Bad habits continue to creep back into his process. The lack of consistency as a passer muddies his evaluation and places him at a second-round standing. As such, any selling of Milroe as a top-10 selection is not an easy task.

Scouted by Dame Parson

Best Speed: TreVeyon Henderson
Best Power: Omarion Hampton
Best Vision: Ashton Jeanty
Best Hands: Nicholas Singleton
Best Third-Down Back: Nicholas Singleton

1. Ashton Jeanty, Boise State (8.5)
2. Omarion Hampton, North Carolina (8.0)
3. Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State (7.7)
4. Kaleb Johnson, Iowa (7.5)
5. RJ Harvey, UCF (7.5)
6. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State (7.4)
7. Nicholas Singleton, Penn State (7.0)
8. Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State (7.0)

Explain the Grade: Omarion Hampton, North Carolina

Hampton is a powerful, downhill running back with patience and light footwork when pressing the line of scrimmage. The junior prospect runs with great contact balance and power behind his pads.

As such, Hampton has produced against heavy-loaded defensive fronts, with little to no passing game to help. He also catches the football well out of the backfield and generates missed tackles in space by reading and cutting against the defender’s leverage and physicality as a runner.

The 6’0″, 220-pound Hampton is a three-down running back with the requisite NFL height, weight and speed to succeed.

Scouted by Dame Parson

Best Hands: Travis Hunter*
Best Route-Runner: Tez Johnson
Best Speed: Isaiah Bond
Best Slot Receiver: Emeka Egbuka
Most Pro-Ready: Tetairoa McMillan

1. Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona (9.0)
2. Tre Harris, Ole Miss (8.4)
3. Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State (8.3)
4. Luther Burden III, Missouri (8.3)
5. Isaiah Bond, Texas (7.5)
6. Jalen Royals, Utah State (7.4)
7. Tez Johnson, Oregon (7.4)
8. Xavier Restrepo, Miami (7.2)

Explain the Grade: Luther Burden III, Missouri

Burden would bring a dynamic run-after-the-catch threat out of the slot to any NFL offense. His reliability as a pass-catcher will instantly gain the trust of his quarterback. He’s one of the draft class’ best playmakers and should be a productive high-volume slot receiver and chain-mover in the NFL.

The 20-year-old prospect was in the conversation as the best wide receiver in college football last season. However, he hasn’t been as dynamic this fall. He’s had trouble producing at the same level as a junior, which is why he’s taken a slight step back in the rankings.

Scouted by Dame Parson

Best Receiver: Harold Fannin Jr.
Most Versatile: Tyler Warren
Best Blocker: Colston Loveland
Most Pro-Ready: Colston Loveland

1. Colston Loveland, Michigan (8.3)
2. Tyler Warren, Penn State (7.7)
3. Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green (7.7)
4. Jake Briningstool, Clemson (7.4)

Explain the Grade: Jake Briningstool, Clemson

The 6’6″ Briningstool is a tall flex tight-end prospect with plus-athleticism to create mismatches in the passing game. He can stride past certain defenders and outjump others at the catch point.

The passing game is where his bread is buttered, but run blocking is the weakest aspect of his game. Briningstool struggles to secure blocks at the point of attack when called upon as a traditional in-line option.

His overall skill set and abilities are fitting for a mid-Day 2 prospect.

Scouted by Brandon Thorn

Best Run-Blocker: Kelvin Banks Jr.
Best Pass-Blocker: Josh Simmons
Best Zone-Blocker: Josh Conerly
Most Pro-Ready: Kelvin Banks Jr.
Most Versatile: Josh Simmons

1. Josh Simmons, Ohio State (8.2)
2. Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas (8.0)
3. Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota (7.5)
4. Cameron Williams, Texas (7.4)
5. Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon (7.2)
6. Charles Grant, William & Mary (7.0)
7. Ajani Cornelius, Oregon (6.8)

Explain the Grade: Josh Simmons, Ohio State

Simmons is the sole tackle inside B/R’s five highest-ranked at the position with experience playing another position (right tackle). Also, he has the best physical tools and has had stretches of dominance as a pass protector, albeit in a small sample size.

His status acknowledges that he’s also going to be coming off a season-ending patellar injury with a fairly limited body of work—at least at the Big Ten level—that clouds his valuation.

With that said, it’s easy to bet on his traits and tape from 2024 somewhere inside the top 40-50 of a relatively thin tackle class, especially if the long-term prognosis of his knee injury is positive.

Scouted by Brandon Thorn

Best Run-Blocker: Will Campbell
Best Pass-Blocker: Tate Ratledge
Best Zone-Blocker: Will Campbell
Most Pro-Ready: Tyler Booker
Most Versatile: Grey Zabel

1. Will Campbell, LSU (8.6)
2. Tyler Booker, Alabama (7.7)
3. Wyatt Milum, West Virginia (7.5)
4. Tate Ratledge, Georgia (7.5)
5. Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona (7.4)
6. Grey Zabel, North Dakota State (7.4)
7. Emery Jones Jr., LSU (7.4)
8. Parker Brailsford, Alabama (7.3)
9. Donovan Jackson, Ohio State (7.2)
10. Jared Wilson, Georgia (6.8)

Explain the Grade: Tyler Booker, Alabama

Booker may have more of a low-floor, solid-to-good starter projection compared to some of the tackle-to-guard projections like LSU’s Will Campbell or West Virginia’s Wyatt Milum due to more average-level athletic ability than those mentioned.

However, he has taken a notable step forward in his consistency this season compared to last and is the same guy on every film you watch.

With a massive frame, very good play strength, power and a punishing demeanor, the 6’5″, 325-pound defender carries a similar sort of prospect profile as former Florida Gators guard O’Cyrus Torrence. Booker will be able to earn a starting job right away at guard as a pro with the ability to anchor on command and deliver body blows as a finisher.

Scouted by Matt Holder

Best Nose Tackle: Deone Walker
Best Pass-Rusher: Mason Graham
Best Run-Stopper: Walter Nolen
Most Versatile: LT Overton

1. Mason Graham, Michigan (9.1)
2. Walter Nolen, Ole Miss (8.1)
3. Deone Walker, Kentucky (8.0)
4. Tyleik Williams, Ohio State (7.8)
5. Kenneth Grant, Maryland (7.5)
6. T.J. Sanders, South Carolina (7.2)
7. Derrick Harmon, Oregon (7.1)
8. Nazir Stackhouse, Georgia (7.0)
9. Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State (7.0)
10. LT Overton, Alabama (6.9)

Explain the Grade: Derrick Harmon, Oregon

Harmon made the absolute right decision to transfer from Michigan State to Oregon, at least from an NFL draft perspective.

The 6’5″, 310-pound redshirt junior now counts himself among the nation’s best interior defenders. Harmon essentially spearheads the entire Oregon defense despite playing alongside Jordan Burch.

He’s been consistently disruptive both against the run and as a pass-rusher. Currently, the underclassman is among the best in collapsing the pocket to harass opposing quarterbacks.

The ability to excel in both areas is vital to be considered a high-round defensive tackle prospect and future every-down player. As such, very few prospects have seen their stock rise as much as Harmon has this season.

Scouted by Matt Holder

Best Speed-Rusher: Abdul Carter
Best Power-Rusher: Nic Scourton
Best Run-Stopper: Mykel Williams
Most Versatile: Abdul Carter

1. James Pearce Jr., Tennessee (8.6)
2. Nic Scourton, Texas A&M (8.1)
3. Abdul Carter, Penn State (7.9)
4. Mykel Williams, Georgia (7.8)
5. JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State (7.6)
6. Landon Jackson, Arkansas (7.5)
7. Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss (7.4)
8. Jack Sawyer, Ohio State (7.4)
9. Ashton Gillotte, Louisville (7.4)
10. Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State (7.2)
11. Patrick Payton, Florida State (6.9)

Explain the Grade: Abdul Carter, Penn State

Carter’s transition from off-ball linebacker to full-time edge-defender has included its share of ups and downs, as it will with any prospect making a position switch.

The 6’3″, 252-pound defender doesn’t always look comfortable setting the edge or being asked to counter when offensive linemen get their hands on him. However, Carter is lightning-quick off the edge, which makes him highly difficult to handle, especially against inferior competition.

In recent weeks, the junior prospect has really started to figure it out and play to his strengths, with four combined sacks against the Ohio State Buckeyes and Washington Huskies.

Very few prospects in the 2025 class present as much natural upside as Carter does.

Scouted by Matt Holder

Best Blitzer: Jalon Walker
Best Run-Stopper: Danny Stutsman
Best in Coverage: Jay Higgins
Most Versatile: Jalon Walker

1. Jalon Walker, Georgia (8.0)
2. Barrett Carter, Clemson (7.6)
3. Lander Barton, Utah (7.5)
4. Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma (7.4)
5. Jay Higgins, Iowa (7.2)
6. Smael Mondon, Jr., Georgia (7.0)

Explain the Grade: Jay Higgins, Iowa

Higgins is one of the nation’s smartest, most productive and natural linebackers.

The 6’2″, 232-pound first-team All-American posted a staggering 171 total tackles a season ago. He’s once again leading the Hawkeyes with 98 tackles this season.

But the most impressive aspect of Higgins’ performance is his comfort level working in space while dropping into coverage. He’s not a downhill thumper. In this particular case, the senior isn’t the most physical prospect when taking on blocks and filling holes. But he’s a three-down option who won’t need to be taken off the field when his next team decides to employ sub-packages.

Some guys are geared to play linebacker. Higgins is one of them.

Scouted by Cory Giddings

Best in Man Coverage: Will Johnson
Best in Zone Coverage: Travis Hunter
Best Slot Corner: Ricardo Hallman
Most Versatile: Jahdae Barron

1. Travis Hunter, Colorado (9.2)
2. Will Johnson, Michigan (8.8)
3. Mansoor Delane, Virginia Tech (8.0)
4. Jahdae Barron, Texas (7.8)
5. Will Lee III, Texas A&M (7.8)
6. Tacario Davis, Arizona (7.8)
7. Denzel Burke, Ohio State (7.7)
8. Trey Amos, Ole Miss (7.6)
9. Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame (7.5)
10. Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky (7.5)
11. Cobee Bryant, Kansas (7.5)
12. Zy Alexander, LSU (7.4)
13. Domani Jackson, Alabama (7.4)
14. Quincy Riley, Louisville (7.2)
15. Dorian Strong, Virginia Tech (7.0)
16. Ricardo Hallman, Wisconsin (6.9)

Explain the Grade: Jahdae Barron, Texas

Barron’s grade reflects his impressive versatility, physicality and football intelligence.

At 5’11” and 200 pounds, he has the skill set to contribute at multiple positions, including cornerback, nickel and safety. His aggressive, high-motor style makes him a standout in the run game, where he is an unafraid tackler who plays bigger than his size and quickly triggers downhill.

The upperclassman’s ability to defend the pass is bolstered by his smart play in zone coverage, where he consistently identifies threats and maintains leverage. His ball skills are another strength, as he consistently positions himself to challenge passes and cover bigger receivers.

However, Barron’s lack of elite long speed and occasional hesitation when breaking on routes can limit his effectiveness against faster, more dynamic players. Despite these areas for improvement, Barron’s versatility and toughness make him a top cornerback prospect and a valuable asset for a team that values flexibility in its defensive scheme.

Scouted by Cory Giddings

Best in Man Coverage: Andrew Mukuba
Best in Zone Coverage: Malachi Moore
Best Run-Stopper: Nick Emmanwori
Most Versatile: Malaki Starks

1. Malaki Starks, Georgia (8.9)
2. Xavier Watts, Notre Dame (8.0)
3. Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina (7.9)
4. Malachi Moore, Alabama (7.8)
5. Dante Trader Jr., Maryland (7.4)
6. Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma (7.4)
7. Sebastian Castro, Iowa (7.3)
8. Jalen Catalon, UNLV (7.2)
9. Lathan Ransom, Ohio State (7.1)
10. Andrew Mukuba, Texas (7.0)
11. Kenny Gallop Jr., Howard (7.0)
12. Craig Woodson, California (6.9)

Explain the Grade: Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma

Bowman is a versatile safety with a high football IQ and the ability to contribute at multiple levels of the defense. While his size (5’10”, 200 lbs) and lack of length may limit his effectiveness against larger tight ends and receivers, his instincts and quickness make him a reliable tackler and solid coverage player.

He’s a physical run defender who uses his agility to slip blocks and close on the ball, though his smaller frame can sometimes allow extra yards after contact.

Bowman’s fluidity and quick reactions help him excel in coverage, but his top-end speed and ability to break quickly out of transitions are concerning. The senior prospect has the potential to be a high-level backup and eventual starter in the NFL, hence his current standing among the safety class.