2025 NFL Scouting Combine: Key Takeaways and Big Board Revisions
The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine has come and gone, and with it, a wealth of new information that is reshaping draft projections. Yahoo Sports NFL Draft expert Nate Tice has released his latest big board, reflecting the insights gained from the combine. Here’s a detailed look at the top prospects and their potential impact at the next level.
1. Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
Hunter stands out as the most dynamic player in this draft class, showcasing exceptional skills at both cornerback and wide receiver. His quickness and body control make him an elite man-to-man defender, while his ball skills and intelligence add a layer of unpredictability. On offense, Hunter’s raw but improving skills and ability to create with the ball in his hands make him a dual-threat player. Though he might not bulk up enough to be a full-time two-way player in the NFL, his game-changing ability ensures any team drafting him will gain a versatile and valuable talent.
2. Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
Carter’s comparison to Micah Parsons is both a blessing and a curse, but his athletic prowess and pass-rushing potential cannot be denied. His ability to bend around corners and maintain balance while contorting his body is a rare trait. Despite some concerns about his bulk and a stress fracture in his foot, Carter’s combination of length, quick-twitch athleticism, and effort level make him a top prospect with the potential to be a double-digit sack artist in the NFL.
3. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
McMillan is a towering presence on the outside, combining smooth athleticism with excellent hands and ball skills. His ability to create yards after the catch and run precise routes makes him a nightmare for defenders. His volleyball and basketball background contribute to his comfort in extending for throws and maintaining speed while catching the ball. Though he lacks elite long speed, his overall frame and ball-skills position him as a strong contributor and potential starter in the NFL.
4. Will Campbell, OT/OG, LSU
Campbell’s refined technique and athletic ability make him a smooth technician who seldom gets out of position. His calm and quick footwork, combined with his ability to recover against defensive counters, make him a valuable asset. Despite his arm length being slightly below the NFL average, his hand placement, technique, and athletic prowess allow him to mitigate this deficiency. Campbell’s intelligence and leadership also make him a strong candidate to remain at tackle or excel as a guard.
5. Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
Membou’s unique build and exceptional testing numbers at the combine highlight his potential to excel as an offensive tackle. His explosive movement and consistent ability to reach outside defenders on zone runs showcase his versatility. While he has room to improve in technique and hand placement, Membou’s youth and natural athleticism make him a promising prospect with a high ceiling.
6. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Jeanty is a compact dynamo with excellent speed and burst, making him a threat as both a runner and receiver. His strong build, contact balance, and vision make him a reliable back capable of handling a high volume of touches. Jeanty’s ability to tempo his runs and accelerate through holes, coupled with his pass-catching and pass-blocking skills, make him a well-rounded and valuable asset to any team. His game-breaking potential and versatility warrant a high draft position, making him a lottery pick in the making.
7. Jalon Walker, Edge/LB, Georgia
Walker’s hybrid role as both an off-ball linebacker and an edge defender makes him a unique and valuable prospect. His strong tackling, athleticism, and ability to diagnose plays quickly make him effective in run defense and coverage. As a pass rusher, Walker’s bend, strength, and quickness allow him to consistently create pressure on the quarterback. His competitive play style and leadership qualities make him a versatile and impactful player, reminiscent of Clay Matthews.
8. Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Graham’s explosive first step and quick hands make him a disruptive force in the middle of the defense. Despite his lack of ideal arm length and bulk, his strength and ability to create havoc in the backfield are undeniable. Graham’s explosive playmaking and versatility in different fronts make him a valuable addition to any defensive line.
9. Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Johnson’s size and athleticism make him a prototypical modern NFL cornerback. His ability to smother wide receivers and stay in their hip pocket, whether in zone or man coverage, is impressive. While his long speed and physicality might raise some questions, his fluid athleticism and ball skills make him a high-upside prospect with the potential to be a true No. 1 cornerback.
10. Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)
Ward’s calmness and accuracy in the pocket, combined with his ability to create with his legs, make him a dynamic quarterback prospect. His quick sidearm delivery and ability to attack all three levels of the defense are notable. Despite some inconsistencies, Ward’s ability to operate both in and out of structure and make tough throws under pressure make him an exciting player to watch and a potential high pick in the draft.
11. Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
Williams’s combination of size, athleticism, and competitiveness makes him a strong pass rusher and run defender. His explosive strength and twitch in the run game, along with his developing pass-rush moves, give him a high ceiling. While he might need more snaps to refine his technique, Williams’s versatility and impact on the game make him a promising prospect with the potential to be a true impact player against the run and pass.
12. Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Warren’s versatility and explosive play ability make him a modern-day "Slash" at the tight end position. His ability to line up all over the formation, run clean routes, and win against defensive backs in the slot make him a valuable weapon. While his shorter arms might hinder him against bigger NFL athletes, Warren’s competitive play style and blocking ability make him a strong prospect with significant upside.
13. Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
Green’s explosive pass-rushing ability and bend make him one of the most disruptive edge defenders in this draft class. Despite his lack of ideal size, Green’s effort, quickness, and play strength compensate for any size mismatches. His dominant performances against lower-level competition and impact against Ohio State showcase his potential. While off-field concerns might raise some red flags, Green’s talent and pass-rushing upside make him a high-value prospect.
14. Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Loveland’s size, athleticism, and route-running ability make him a matchup nightmare for defenses. His speed, body control, and catching range allow him to win across the formation, making him a valuable weapon in the passing game. While his blocking might need further development, Loveland’s impact as a pass-catcher and his potential to grow into a more complete player make him one of the best overall tight end prospects in this class.
15. Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
Harmon’s versatility and ability to impact the game in multiple ways make him a valuable interior defender. His strength and explosive athleticism allow him to dominate both the run and pass, making him a fit on any type of defense. Harmon’s consistent disruption and ability to create mismatches on the interior make him a strong prospect with a high floor and ceiling.
Conclusion
The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a deep and talented class, with a diverse range of prospects at various positions. From dynamic playmakers like Travis Hunter and Ashton Jeanty to disruptive defenders like Abdul Carter and Mykel Williams, this draft offers a wealth of potential impact players. Teams will have a plethora of options to bolster their rosters, and the insights gained from the combine will be crucial in making informed and strategic draft decisions.
