Catrell Simpson’s Top 10 Prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft

March 1st, 2025

Now that the college football season has officially come to an end, it’s time to take a look at the top guys that have the potential to make the biggest impact to whichever NFL teams draft them. This was a tough list to put together because there are about 16-18 guys that I seriously considered placing on the list, but each of these 10 guys standout for different reasons.

10. Emeka Egbuka, WR - The Ohio State University

    
    

    Egbuka has found himself in a very unique circumstance. He had the potential to declare last season and could have been a 1st or 2nd round pick. Instead, he came back to improve his draft position and have the opportunity to win a National Championship. What makes Egbuka such a “can’t miss” prospect is that he does all the little things the right way. His route running is very purposeful. His IQ and ability to find the soft spot in coverage is elite. He’s not only a willing blocker in the run game, but he takes pride in doing it. He seems more “football fast” than a combine warrior but if he can turn heads at the combine with his numbers, expect to hear his name in the first half of Day 1.

9. Cam Ward, QB - University of Miami

After having a Heisman finalist season, Ward has set himself up to potentially be the first QB off the board or even the number 1 overall pick. Ward has such a comfortable feel in the pocket while also possessing the ability to escape and extend plays. Ward has shown the ability to improve year after year coming from the FCS level all the way up to a powerhouse like Miami. He was the ability to take over a game that many in this class don't posses. Many may question his competitive spirit after what happened in his bowl game and those questions may be fair. However, I believe Ward has all the physical and mental tools to be a star at the next level.

8. Shedeur Sanders, QB - Colorado University

Sanders is the most accurate QB in this year's class. Similar to Ward, he was able to climb the ranks as well going from an FCS school to helping lead Colorado to its first bowl eligible season since 2016. Sanders has without question been the most scrutinized player in this class, in large part, due to love/hate relationship that fans and media have with his dad, Coach Prime. While Sanders isn't the same athlete as Ward, he too possesses abilities to extend plays and consistently keep his eyes down field. The arm talent mixed with the mental toughness and confidence, I think Sanders has the potential to succeed in almost any situation.

7. Walter Nolen, DT - University of Mississippi

Nolen possesses the unique ability to win with strength and finesse athleticism.

With Nolen, the film is much more important than the stat sheets. In 2024, he had a

career high 6.5 sacks at Ole Miss, but the more impressive part of his season was the impact he was able to have on the rest of the defensive line. Nolen and the

Rebels defense set school records in both sacks and TFLs. Nolen will not only be a force as an individual, but he has the type of talent to lift up all those around him on his defensive line.

6. Tetairoa McMillan, WR - University of Arizona

McMillan has everything you could ask for in a number 1 wideout. He has great size

and even better hands. McMillan is physical but can run away from you if you give too much space in the open field. His game reminds me so much of Mike Evans coming out of school. He is someone that should already be viewed as one of the most talented prospects in this class but I think if he can go to the combine and run a sub 4.5, he will solidify himself as a bonafide top 10 pick.

5. Will Campbell, OT - Louisiana State University

Campbell has everything you should be looking for in a cornerstone Left Tackle.

Mixing the skill with the experience and his consistency, Campbell will be able to make an instant impact for whatever team selects him. He has great hand placements and athletic abilities that always puts him in a position to stop his opposition. While there are some good Tackles in this class, there is a gap between

Campbell and the rest of his peers.

4. Will Johnson, CB - University of Michigan

   Johnson is one of the more intriguing prospects in this class because we did not see much from him in 2024. Johnson is the top rated CB on my board. He has the prototypical size, great instincts and natural ability to not only take the ball away, but find the endzone as well. Johnson is another one that I believe you can plug in Day 1 and feel his impact immediately.

   
   

   3. Mason Graham, DT - University of Michigan

   
   

   When you hear the term ‘game wrecker’, Graham should be one the first players that you think of. Graham is a player that can absolutely ruin the opposition’s offensive scheme. His versatility will allow him to snaps anywhere from a 0-5 technique. Graham has the strength the get to wherever he wants to on the field but blends it with a high IQ of the game to always find himself in position to make a play. The scary thing is Graham has even more potential to still get tapped into when rushing the passer.

2. Abdul Carter, EDGE - Pennsylvania State University

   
   

   Carter is a player that forces you to feel his presences every snap that he is on the field. This past season was his first full year primarily being an edge rusher and he took that responsibility and became the best in the country. Donning the 11 for Penn State, you can see the uncanny resemblance to former Nittany Lion Micah Parsons. The natural pass rushing gifts, the motor, the athleticism and just like Graham, the untapped potential. Carter is about as “no doubt” as they come.

1. Travis Hunter, CB/WR - Colorado University

Hunter is a player that possesses first round abilities at both CB and WR. He is looking to become the first player to fully play both sides of the ball in the NFL. Offensively, he has great hands, can create separation with speed and route running, and he will always fight to get more yards after catch. Defensively, he has the ability to play bump and run man or recognize route patterns and sit in zone. Hunter has all the tools to not only play both sides of the ball but be elite while doing so. Some may have their questions, but Hunter’s film shows that if anyone could be the first to have success on both sides, why not 12?