SPORT NEWS: 2025 NFL Draft: Jaxson Dart in QB3 mix, best prospect fits for league’s worst team.giang

A strong performance doesn’t necessarily need to reflect in an NFL prospect’s statistics.

While this has always been true of offensive linemen and multiple defenders, quarterback prospects tend to be looked at differently. Jaxson Dart’s status is a case where a generous offense seems to have overinflated his value.

However, the grit and tenacity he showed during Ole Miss’ meeting with the Georgia Bulldogs did more for his standing than throwing for 500-plus yards as he did a week earlier against the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Talent evaluation is extremely difficult, because it involves individuals. Everyone is different, particularly how they handle adversity. As those moments arise when it’s plain for all to see how a person responds, those times build equity for their future standing.

Conversely, key drops or crucial penalties have the opposite affect, as we’ll see in this week’s trending lists from the Bleacher Report Scouting Department. B/R scouts Brandon Thorn, Cory Giddings, Dame Parson and Matt Holder identified those who impressed and disappointed coming out of college football’s Week 11 action.

Furthermore, the Top 10 for the 2025 NFL draft is taking shape. We’ll also look at the top options and best fits for those failing franchises.

1. QB Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss

The Bleacher Report Scouting Depart waited and waited and waited to see exactly who Jaxson Dart is as a player.

From a schematic point of view, the Rebels’ offense isn’t the best when translating to the professional game. It simplifies the quarterback’s options and creates opportunities.

To be clear, no one should downgrade a prospect for executing the scheme as it’s devised. But that’s why Dart’s evaluation has been slow-played, especially until Ole Miss entered into SEC play.

The nation’s second-leading passer torched the Arkansas Razorbacks. The Georgia Bulldogs were a litmus test, though. Dart hurt his ankle and threw an interception early in Saturday’s contest. He gutted his way through the rest of the game, with a combination of key throws and runs during the upset victory.

“Dart displayed immense toughness fighting through a lower body injury versus Georgia,” Parson said. “He was effective driving throws to his open targets. When kept clean, he can slices through defenses with his ability to attack isolated schemed routes.”

2. C Parker Brailsford, Alabama

Certain NFL evaluators adhere to specific parameters when evaluating a prospect. Center is more lenient in these areas than others because the position is protected by the other offensive linemen and requires significant mental and movement skills.

Still, the 6’2″, 290-pound Parker Brailsford has a lot to overcome as part of the evaluation process. His recent play indicates that he will.

“Brailsford still carries legitimate size concerns that will be a limiting factor (position/scheme versatility) and cap his ceiling as a pro player,” Thorn said. “But he has shown steady improvement with his technique during his first year in SEC play that has allowed his high-end explosiveness and nasty demeanor to shine through more than ever before.

“These traits were on display last week against LSU in the best center tape I have seen so far this year, with a dominant outing that featured decisive wins and finishes in the run and pass game.

“While his physical profile won’t be for every NFL team, it only takes one to pull the trigger higher than expected in the draft. Brailsford is undoubtedly trending up over the second half of the college season.”

3. RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina

Every week, another running back explodes onto the scene for what appears to be the strongest position group in college football and for the 2025 draft class.

North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton is one of the nation’s most consistent runners. B/R’s RB2 (behind Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty) has strung together seven straight 100-yard rushing performances, including a 210-yard effort to start the streak.

“Hampton continues to be the driving force for the Tar Heels’ offense,” Parson said. “Despite being the opponent’s top priority every week, he continues to produce. The vision and patience he runs with are essential to success.

“Hampton thrives when running downhill and will finish carries with ample physicality.”

4. OT Gray Zabel, North Dakota State

Once again, an offensive lineman is the top-rated small-school prospect. North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel is the latest in the line of NFL-caliber Bison blockers.

“Zabel is a smooth, efficient run and pass-blocker, with excellent mobility and solid or better traits everywhere else that allow him to play with impressive leverage and control,” Thorn said. “With middling arm length and some struggles protecting the corner in pass protection, a move inside to guard is likely at the next level. The projection is easier in that he has seen game-action at all five positions, with starts everywhere but center.

“It is looking increasingly likely that he will be another starting NFL linemen in a long line from North Dakota State.”

5. QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama

The NFL won’t be able to quiet Alabama’s Jalen Milroe.

Yes, the junior prospect must show better consistency overall. At the same time, he takes over games, sometimes as a deep passer and then as a runner. This past weekend, he ran for four touchdowns against the LSU Tigers’ talent-laden defense.

“Milroe’s season has been a roller-coaster ride,” Parson said. “He’s back up after his recent performance against LSU. He was efficient as a passer, but his explosive rushing ability was really on display. NFL teams are always ready to invest in a talented, yet raw prospect like Milroe.”

1. WR Elijah Sarratt, Indiana

The Indiana Hoosiers are easily college football team and story of the year.

Head coach Curt Cignetti and all of his transfers have worked miracles at the historically basketball-rich school by going 10-0 for the first time in program history. In fact, it’s the first time Indiana has ever won 10 football games.

Cinderella’s slipper may shatter this weekend against the Ohio State Buckeyes, but it doesn’t matter because this season is already a success in Hoosier Land. With that said, Indiana needs all of its top stars to show up in Columbus.

Cignetti’s squad can’t have significant contributors make major mistakes, as wide receiver Elijah Sarratt did against the Michigan Wolverines.

“Indiana had a chance to put Michigan away last week,” Parson said. “Sarratt, who is the team’s No. 1 target, dropped a touchdown to extend the Hoosiers’ lead. He dropped another pass in the fourth quarter when Indiana looked to seal the victory. These mistakes altered the game for the Hoosiers and not positively.”

2. CB Fentrell Cypress II, Florida State

Everything has gone wrong for the Florida State Seminoles this season. After piecing together an undefeated regular season in 2023, Mike Norvell’s squad only has one win as the ACC’s cellar-dweller.

Individually, cornerback Fentrell Cypress II looked to have a good season and build upon last year as well. But that hasn’t been the case.

“Cypress’ stock is trending down as he struggles to meet expectations in a defense that has underperformed as a whole,” Giddings said. “In coverage, he has allowed receptions on over half of his targets, with issues in fluidity and tightness that lead to separation. His lack of impact plays is also concerning, as he has yet to record an interception this season.

“Overall, Cypress’ performance has fallen well short of the promise he once showed, leaving questions about his effectiveness in critical matchups.”

3. OT Blake Miller, Clemson

The upcoming offensive tackle class is thin.

Interest in Clemson right tackle Blake Miller piqued as a junior prospect, with extensive starting experience since his true freshman season, but certain inconsistencies can be seen in his game.

“Miller has had some eye-catching flashes of things coming together as a pass protector (Week 1 vs. Georgia) that will keep some evaluators open to him being able to stick to an NFL roster,” Thorn said. “But he has failed to make that a consistent theme in his game this year.

“He’s coming off of a shaky performance against the Virginia Tech Hokies, where he struggled to anchor and land his punch in time, causing him to play on his heels and struggle to gain control of blocks.”

4. TE Mitchell Evans, Notre Dame

As a junior, Notre Dame tight end Mitchell Evans looked like a superstar waiting to happen until he suffered a season-ending ACL tear. He hasn’t been the same explosive option to create mismatches in the Fighting Irish’s passing game this fall.

“Evans produced a promising 2023 season, thus providing hope for a breakout in 2024 especially after adding quarterback Riley Leonard to the team,” Parson said.

“Evans is currently on pace to have a worse statistical season than last year despite missing four games. He is talented, but the passing offense has limited his ability to produce.”

5. WR Kaden Prather, Maryland

A season ago, Maryland Terrapins wide receivers Tai Felton and Kaden Prather produced similar numbers. This year, the former few into the role as the program’s WR1 and nearly doubled the latter in receptions and yardage.

Prather has almost been an afterthought in recent weeks, with only four receptions for 42 combined yards against the Minnesota Golden Gophers and Oregon Ducks.

“Some expectations had Prather emerging as the Terrapins’ top target this fall,” Parson said. “Instead, Felton’s emergence has placed a cap on his receiving production. While his numbers are solid, it does not reflect his overall talent level.”

Things couldn’t have gone worse for the Jacksonville Jaguars this season if the organization actively tried to tank the season.

This organization had real expectations of competing at a high level this fall, with owner Shad Khan previously telling reporters it’s “best team assembled by the Jacksonville Jaguars, ever.”

Whoops.

The Jaguars tentatively hold the rights to the No. 1 overall pick thanks to a 2-8 start. At this juncture, whoever is leading the squad next season should acknowledge the roster has talent but hasn’t been properly utilized, while adding another elite prospect to the mix.

Unless they find a way to trade out of this slot for a windfall of picks—which should be a real possibility with QB-needy squads behind them—they should just look at the board and take the No. 1 overall talent, which happens to be a unicorn even by draft standards.

Top Option: CB Travis Hunter, Colorado

Fit: “The Jaguars gain a dynamic defensive asset in Hunter, whose elite athleticism, instincts and versatility make him B/R’s No. 1 overall prospect.

“His ball skills and field awareness are exactly what the Jaguars need to create more turnovers, thus adding a playmaker who can thrive in both man and zone coverage schemes. His length and closing speed allow him to stay tight on routes, while his willingness to step up in run support bolsters his value as a complete defender.

“With the potential to develop into a shutdown corner, Hunter can provide Jacksonville with the cornerstone piece it needs to elevate its entire defense.” — Giddings

Other Options: Trade down; CB Will Johnson, Michigan; WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona

The hope that the New York Giants continue holding onto over quarterback Daniel Jones is threadbare. If something doesn’t drastically change, Drew Lock will get a chance to start before the season is complete. At 2-8, what does the organization have to lose?

If/when that does occur, a new quarterback will be firmly in the franchise’s crosshairs. However, it will have to weigh the available options and whether they are the right direction, when a much stronger class looks to be available for the following year.

Jones remains semi-affordable in 2025, with the league’s 13th-highest number among quarterbacks in actual cash spent, per Over The Cap. The Giants can bring in competition, add a top talent at a different position during the draft and let it all play out for one more season before being forced to pull the trigger on another signal-caller.

Top Option: DT Mason Graham, Michigan Wolverines

Fit: “The idea of pairing Dexter Lawrence with Graham is downright frightening. Lawrence is already the game’s best interior defender, with the ability to completely take over games. The same applies to Graham at the collegiate level.

“Graham currently ranks as Bleacher Report’s No. 2 overall prospect. He’s a disruptive 3-technique, with the strength and quickness to consistently reset the line of scrimmage.

“As a result, the Giants can dominate the line of scrimmage and build the entire squad’s identity around their defensive front.” — Sobleski

Other Options: QB Cam Ward, Miami; trade down; CB Travis Hunter, Colorado

Unlike the New York Giants, the Tennessee Titans aren’t looking to postpone what may be inevitable, but they don’t have a significant investment already sunk into the quarterback position.

Will Levis may be a Ran Carthon draft pick, but quarterbacks selected outside of the first round don’t have the same shelf life as their counterparts. They’re not guaranteed anything along the way.

In Levis’ case, he has to prove he’s the guy every single week. He hasn’t done so.

The 2025 QB class may not be viewed as the strongest overall. Despite that perception, a few should still find themselves in the first round, if not the top 10 overall. With the Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Giants possibly looking elsewhere, Tennessee would be positioned well to select its quarterback of choice.

Typically, Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders are viewed as the top two options. Although, the Titans need to figure out which one may be a better fit. If they choose poorly, they may have the choice taken out of their own hands (more on that in a bit).

Top Option: QB Cam Ward, Miami

Fit: “Ward is a gifted and natural thrower. He excels with open/empty sets out of shotgun. In head coach Brian Callahan’s offense, he is equipped to operate the scheme better than Levis has shown to date.

“Because of his natural play-making ability inside and outside of structure, Ward has the talent to elevate the Titans’ passing attack with more than pure arm talent.” — Parson

Other Options: WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona; OT Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas; QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado

The Cleveland Browns organization needs to take its medicine and rid itself of multiple bad decisions, starting with quarterback Deshaun Watson and his fully guaranteed contract.

A potential silver lining to the entire situation is the bottom falling out of this season, thus placing the franchise into a position where Watson can replaced with a talented prospect on a cost-controlled rookie deal.

Really, that’s about the only way this can work in the team’s favor after inevitably eating the largest dead salary-cap hits in NFL history.

Some may still argue Cleveland might take another chance on Watson. Why? He’s provided next to nothing over the first three years of his contract. He hasn’t been a legitimate NFL starter since the 2020 campaign. Does anyone honestly believe that’ll change five years removed from that point? Of course not.

Instead, the Browns can cut ties, create as clean of a break as possible and move forward with what’s still a talented roster, being led by a rookie quarterback.

Top Option: QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama

Fit: “Milroe is dynamic dual-threat quarterback with explosive arm talent. He can access the entire field as a passer.

“With Deshaun Watson baggage and season-ending Achilles injury, the Browns need to reset the QB position. Milroe gives them an option to develop within Kevin Stefanski’s offense. Time to plan for the future.” — Parson

Other Options: WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona; OT Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas; Edge James Pearce Jr., Tennessee.

The beating of drums for the Las Vegas Raiders to acquire a talented young quarterback will only amplify as the months progress. They’ll be deafening by April’s NFL draft.

Fortunately, the Raiders may have something working in their favor when it comes to acquiring Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, who has his father orchestrating a potential landing spot.

“Yeah [I’ll step in],” Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders said on Fox Sports’ Speak. “But I won’t do it publicly. I’ll do it privately.”

He explained the rationale: “Somebody that can handle the quarterback that he is. Somebody that can handle understanding what he’s capable of. Someone that has had success in the past handling quarterbacks, or someone in an organization understands what they’re doing. Not just throwing you out there amongst the wolves and you don’t have the support in the infrastructure of the team.”

Who just happens to be a new Raiders minority owner? Tom Brady, of course.

Top Option: QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado

Fit: “Sanders fits perfectly with the Raiders organization. First, he has ties to Brady. Second, Sanders’ pinpoint accuracy and ball placement, combined with functional athleticism, elevate the floor for the entire Raiders offense.

“Furthermore, all-world rookie tight end Brock Bowers can become even more dangerous with a higher quantity of quality targets in the passing game.” — Parson

Other Options: QB Cam Ward, Miami; QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama; QB Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss

Drake Maye is in place at quarterback for the New England Patriots. That’s step one. The second step involves building around the team’s new franchise signal-caller.

The process isn’t difficult to envision or pursue. Issues arise when mistakes are made between those two points. By prioritizing the wrong positions or talents, an organization can get off-track.

For the Patriots, the simplest solution is taking the draft class’ best wide receiver prospect and pairing him with Maye to ensure they build some type of rapport and grow together.

In the last four games with the rookie as the starter, a tight end has either led the squad in receptions or yardage. A good TE can be a quarterback’s best friend, as the cliche goes.

However, a weapon on the outside can completely change the offense and how it operates. The Patriots lack legitimate threats at wide receiver. Something needs to give.

Top Option: WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona

Fit: “Maye is flashing his huge potential for the Patriots. McMillan’s addition gives him an unquestioned No. 1 wide receiver.

“McMillan is alignment versatile, with strong route-running ability and catch-point dominance. He will make plays at all levels of the field, and his run-after-catch ability will make Maye’s life much easier than it currently is.” — Parson

Other Options: OT Kelvin Banks Jr., Texans; CB Will Johnson Michigan; WR Tre Harris, Ole Miss

The New Orleans Saints received a short-term bump by making the in-season move to fire head coach Dennis Allen. But all Sunday’s win over the Atlanta Falcons really did was move them further down the draft order.

Does that mean the Saints should tank? Absolutely not. It’s a veteran-laden team that might be able to make a push over the second half of the season.

At the same time, the franchise’s future is bleak. The Saints already fired Allen and may be looking for a new quarterback next offseason. The team will be forced to again work its way through salary-cap hell.

The latter portion of the top 10 may not be the best place to address quarterback. Instead, the front office can look toward the best talent available and continue its earnest attempt to compete in the short term, which seems to be the organization’s modus operandi.

Top Option: S Malaki Starks, Georgia

Fit: “The Saints should view Starks as an ideal addition to their secondary by bringing a blend of athleticism, instincts and physicality that complements their defensive philosophy.

“Starks’ ball-hawking skills and intelligence in zone coverage can help fortify the Saints’ back end, adding a playmaker capable of breaking up passes and limiting deep shots. His aggressive style and proficiency in run support align with New Orleans’ need for a safety who can step up in critical situations and add physicality near the line of scrimmage.

“As a top-five talent regardless of position, Starks offers the Saints a versatile, impact-ready defender with Pro Bowl potential, strengthening their defense across multiple levels.” — Giddings

Other Options: CB Will Johnson, Michigan; DT Mason Graham, Michigan; QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama

The New York Jets have selected an offensive lineman in the first or second round during four of the last five draft classes. Seems like overkill, right?

If at first general manager Joe Douglas doesn’t succeed, he needs to try, try again.

In this particular case, significant turnover may occur at offensive tackle. Neither Tyron Smith nor Morgan Moses is under contract beyond this season. Olu Fashanu will slide into one of those spots, leaving the other bookend vacant.

Maybe Smith or Moses returns. But they’ll both be 34 next season. The Jets should be looking for long-term solutions that extend beyond their current plans, even if they still include a 40-plus-year-old quarterback.

Whatever the case, they must make sure they can keep Aaron Rodgers upright if he’s going to play out the entirety of his contract or protect the next Jets quarterback.

Top Option: OT Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas

Fit: “With Smith and Moses’ uncertain future, the current setup will create a need for young talent that can be addressed inside the top 10 of a relatively weak tackle class.

“Banks has had a solid season for the Longhorns, with the necessary body control and skills as a pass protector to stick at tackle to pair with Fashanu and provide the Jets with a rock-solid, young duo at each tackle spot to build on moving forward.” — Thorn

Other Options: OT Will Campbell, LSU; TE Tyler Warren, Penn State; CB Will Johnson, Michigan

Maybe, just maybe, the Carolina Panthers still have something in last year’s No. 1 overall pick, quarterback Bryce Young.

Clearly, something is going right for the franchise after winning two straight games.

“It’s building,” defensive end A’Shawn Robinson told reporters. “It’s being a brotherhood, from offense to special teams to defense. This whole team is a brotherhood. It’s really tight. Being a young team, we’re really coming together. This is a good step for us to take in the right direction.”

Granted, the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints aren’t world-beaters. In fact, they’re counted among the league’s bottom 10 squads. The Panthers are a rebuilding program, though. Carolina has been bad, but the squad is learning how to win now.

The fact that it’s doing so with Young back at the helm is promising. He’s yet to answer all of the concerns that led to his benching earlier this season. Even so, some hope can be seen in Carolina, and quarterback doesn’t necessarily need to be back on the table.

Top Option: Edge James Pearce Jr., Tennessee

Fit: “Prior to this year’s draft selection, the Panthers spent their last three first-round picks on premium positions with quarterback Bryce Young, left tackle Ikem Ekwonu and cornerback Jaycee Horn. A quality edge-rusher is missing from that group, especially after the organization’s decision to trade Brian Burns to the New York Giants.

“Pearce got off to a slow start this season, but his production has picked up with five sacks over the last five weeks. He’s a lighting quicky and slithery pass-rusher to give offensive tackles fits, as long as he continues to develop his entire arsenal.

“For Carolina, the Panthers are simply looking to pack a little pass-rush punch, as the league’s second-worst squad at securing sacks.” — Sobleski

Other Options: WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State; Edge Mykel Williams, Georgia; CB Mansoor Delane, Virginia Tech

Tua Tagovailoa’s return to the lineup didn’t provide the immediate boost the Miami Dolphins expected. A win the following week against the Los Angeles Rams was welcomed, though.

Clearly, the quarterback’s health remains at the forefront for the entire organization and its fanbase. He’s not easily replaceable, even with Mike McDaniel’s outstanding scheme and play-calling.

The offensive interior is a particular sore sport since both of the team’s starting guards, Robert Jones and Liam Eichenberg, are pending free agents. But both can be upgraded.

The 10th overall pick may be a little early for a guard prospect. At the same time, the 2025 offensive-line class doesn’t appear to be the strongest. Those teams in need of help in the trenches may be better served addressing it early rather than waiting and hoping quality options will be found later in the process.

For the Dolphins, nothing is more important than building a strong foundation to the offense.

Top Option: OL Will Campbell, LSU

Fit: “In this scenario Miami would be getting Bleacher Report’s top-rated lineman, while having holes at both guard spots and some questions at left tackle with Terron Armstead’s future being up in the air.

“Campbell has experienced his fair share of struggles in pass protection against the best competition that he has faced this season, but those reps are sandwiched between stellar play as well.

“Campbell has clear starter-level power, run blocking skills and competitive toughness that will translate well at guard or center with an outside shot at staying at tackle.” — Thorn