Every week, Yardbarker is monitoring the 2025 NFL Draft, scheduled April 24-26 in Inexperienced Bay.
From a Miami quarterback to an LSU pass-rusher, listed here are 5 gamers we’re monitoring:
Ought to groups take Miami QB Cam Ward’s message significantly?
Earlier than receiving the Davey O’Brien Award as faculty soccer’s finest QB on Monday, Ward instructed the Associated Press’ Stephen Hawkins groups that cross on him will remorse it.
“Should you do not draft me, that is your fault,” Ward stated. “You have to keep in mind you are the identical staff that is obtained to play me for the remainder of my profession, and I am going to do not forget that.”
Ward’s remark is daring, however he might again it up within the NFL. In 2024, he led the FBS in landing passes (39 in 13 begins), incomes a first-team All-American nod.
“Even at this cut-off date, folks nonetheless do not imagine [Ward is] actually pretty much as good as he’s,” ESPN’s Louis Riddick, a former scout, stated Wednesday on “First Take.” He directed that passing assault with the sort of precision and maturity that’s worthy of being thought-about a No. 1 choose.”
The Tennessee Titans have the No. 1 choose and will use a proficient prospect in Ward (6-foot-2, 223 kilos). Tennessee QB Will Levis went 2-10 in 12 begins in 2024, tossing 13 landing passes and 12 interceptions.
Texas A&M edge-rusher Shemar Stewart looks as if a boom-or-bust choose
Stewart (6-foot-5, 281 kilos) could also be one of many extra polarizing prospects within the class.
In 12 video games in 2024, he had simply 1.5 sacks. Nonetheless, groups could also be prepared to guess on his potential. In his newest mock draft, ESPN’s Field Yates has the Arizona Cardinals taking Stewart with choose No. 16.
“Should you’re simply watching this for the primary time or simply listening to about [Stewart] for the primary time, it’s a must to perceive that what we’re saying shouldn’t be made up,” Yates said Monday on “First Draft.” “There are folks within the NFL saying in case you simply had me price this man primarily based on the traits and the upside, he is one of many 5 to 10 finest gamers on this class.”
Stewart’s inventory might proceed to soar if he assessments properly on the NFL Scouting Mix, scheduled Feb. 27-March 2 in Indianapolis.
North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton appears like a possible riser earlier than the mix
Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty — a 2024 Heisman finalist — has doubtless solidified himself because the draft’s RB1. Nevertheless, Hampton might be an in depth second. In 12 video games in 2024, he rushed for 1,660 yards and 15 touchdowns on 281 carries.
In a chunk revealed Tuesday, Fox Sports activities’ Rob Rang ranked Hampton (6-foot, 220 pounds) as his RB2 behind Jeanty (5-foot-9, 215 kilos). Rang’s best-case comp for Hampton is Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor, a two-time Professional Bowler.
“With all due respect to the aforementioned Jeanty, it’s Hampton who gives maybe this 12 months’s most intriguing mixture of measurement, pace and energy — a combination that might catapult him into the primary spherical,” wrote Rang.
In his newest mock draft, NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah has the Los Angeles Chargers taking Hampton with choose No. 22. He might be well-suited for Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh’s run-heavy offense.
What makes Michigan’s Mason Graham stand out in stacked D-line class?
Tankathon lists Graham (6-foot-3, 320 kilos) No. 1 amongst 12 D-linemen on its up to date massive board.
“The tape speaks for itself,” longtime NFL Draft analyst Steve Muench stated on a Wednesday episode of “The McShay Present.” “He is unblockable at occasions.”
Pro Football Focus gave Graham a 92.6 run-defense grade in 12 video games in 2024, tied for the FBS’ fifth-best mark.
A strong efficiency on the mix would strengthen his case as maybe the highest D-lineman within the draft. In his newest mock draft, CBS Sports activities’ Chris Trapasso has the New York Jets taking him with choose No. 7.
May LSU edge-rusher Bradyn Swinson make groups take discover on the mix?
Per PFF, Swinson (6-foot-4, 250 kilos) tied for the sixth-most pressures within the FBS (60 in 13 video games) in 2024. He additionally had 8.5 sacks and two pressured fumbles.
Regardless of his strong stats, Swinson is not producing a lot hype. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler would not checklist him on his up to date massive board.
“In a loaded edge class for the 2025 NFL Draft, LSU’s Bradyn Swinson continues to fly below the radar,” wrote The thirty third Workforce’s Tyler Brooke on Thursday. “Nevertheless, when scouts activate the movie, they will rapidly see he is probably the most underrated pass-rusher on this 12 months’s draft class.”
