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2025 Draft Prospects

Texansphan said:
I look at it this way - which ones are guaranteed to be accurate? On any website?
There is a lot of guesswork when trying to project a collegiate player into the NFL.
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I agree with all of that. What it all comes down to is 32 opinions. We won't know what these opinions are until the draft is over. The mockers are trying to guess what these opinions might be, using their own criteria. Some might feel all offensive linemen from the state of Texas suck. Or never draft a player whose parents are Nigerian doctors. Or never draft a player with a hangnail as that might lead to long term disability. We all form our opinions in different ways. Even NFL teams.

I don't know this for a fact. I just know that all 32 teams would not select the same player with the 1st pick in the draft. Not all teams would take the same QB. Or RB. Or Guard. So being the "highest ranked" in a consensus of actual NFL draft boards would not mean that player would necessarily be the first player drafted at that position. And we're not talking about NFL draft boards. We're talking about over 1000 mock drafts on the internet.

Back to the original discussion, Grey Zabel may be the highest ranked IOL by whatever metric you choose. But that's not definitive and it would not in of itself discount my observation that Grey Zabel may be behind other prospects in regards to being pro ready. And that may or may not be a factor as to where Zabel is drafted.
 
Texansphan said:
I look at it this way - which ones are guaranteed to be accurate? On any website?
There is a lot of guesswork when trying to project a collegiate player into the NFL.
Plus the idea of having so many boards input into that consensus board, you would have to think it will even out.
Makes eminent sense to me.
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I use consensus boards to get a quick review of draft analysts that I respect such as Daniel Jeremiah, the blue crew, Peter schrager, Dane Brugler..
 
Lucky said:
I agree with all of that. What it all comes down to is 32 opinions. We won't know what these opinions are until the draft is over. The mockers are trying to guess what these opinions might be, using their own criteria. Some might feel all offensive linemen from the state of Texas suck. Or never draft a player whose parents are Nigerian doctors. Or never draft a player with a hangnail as that might lead to long term disability. We all form our opinions in different ways. Even NFL teams.

I don't know this for a fact. I just know that all 32 teams would not select the same player with the 1st pick in the draft. Not all teams would take the same QB. Or RB. Or Guard. So being the "highest ranked" in a consensus of actual NFL draft boards would not mean that player would necessarily be the first player drafted at that position. And we're not talking about NFL draft boards. We're talking about over 1000 mock drafts on the internet.

Back to the original discussion, Grey Zabel may be the highest ranked IOL by whatever metric you choose. But that's not definitive and it would not in of itself discount my observation that Grey Zabel may be behind other prospects in regards to being pro ready. And that may or may not be a factor as to where Zabel is drafted.
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TBF... hang nails can lead to serious nose bleeds and painful hemorrhoids..
 
badboy said:
I use consensus boards to get a quick review of draft analysts that I respect such as Daniel Jeremiah, the blue crew, Peter schrager, Dane Brugler..
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Dane Brugler #1 Todd McShay #2

Shout out Seth Payne when breaking down trenches. He should consider doing it full time.
 
Looking for a true Y TE in this year’s class. The two possibilities I see are Jackson Hawes and CJ Dippre. Dippre profiled by Dane Brugler as a midround gem on latest Athletic Football podcast with Daniel Jeremiah (great listen btw).


The Alabama product Dippre tested very well at the combine. 6’5” 256 former powerlifter had 32 reps on the bench (second TE 26, second overall including lineman this year). Ranked 3rd in 40 yard dash.

Similar high-traits blocking prospect to Tip Reiman last year. Reiman went 3rd, Dippre a tier behind him imo, Reiman better blocker and size coming out while Dippre better receiver but around average in that regard. Both will be on a team for what they bring as blockers.

I could see Dippee going round 5 range and would be interested in adding him at pick 166 as a guy with a chance to develop under our TE specialist OC.

I have Dippre ahead of Hawes as a prospect because of his ceiling. More athleticism and room to grow as a player. Hawes is a better blocker right now but I don’t see the 6th year senior improving much more and don’t see him being athletic enough to make meaningful contributions at receiver. I think Dippre has room to grow in both areas.
 
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TheRealJoker V2 said:
Looking at Egbuka as a high floor prospect I get reminded of a similarly rated player coming out… Justin Jefferson.

Nearly identical size/speed. Jefferson played the slot his final year at LSU. Drafted pick 22 overall and he broke that glass ceiling. WR1 in the league imo.
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He's not Jefferson, but he very well could be Kupp.
 
Egbuka has more speed than Kupp. Kupp's route breaks and hands were off the charts and underrated at the draft.

My comp to Egbuka would be Calvin Ridley. Good size, speed, but wins with body control and hands. A guy who could be a WR1 on some teams, but better served as WR2. I do have Egbuka as a 1st round pick. I would have rated Egbuka as WR5 in last year's draft, WR3 this year (behind Hunter and McMillian).
 
Nothing short of arrogant on the part of Deion Sanders to retire his son's number. Travis Hunter makes sense to retire his number............he won the Heisman. But most would have waited at least a couple years before doing it. Retiring Shedeur's number makes no sense at all.

************************

Deion Sanders defends decision to retire Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter numbers
Published April 18, 2025 12:59 PM

The Colorado Buffaloes have decided to immediately retire the numbers of quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) and cornerback/receiver Travis Hunter (12). It hasn’t been as readily accepted as the program may have expected.

The Associated Press recently took a look at the unexpected controversy.

For instance, Colorado Hall of Fame linebacker Chad Brown voiced his opposition to the decision on social media: “If the players from the National Champ team have not received such an honor, by default, this action dismisses, diminishes & for a new generation of CU fans erases their greatness. I would never minimize the impact of #2 or #12, they are amazing players.
But this timing is poor.”

Former Colorado offensive lineman Tyler Polumbus said this, also on social media: “The vitriol from former players regarding CU retiring #2 is loud. I think most (including myself) believe he deserves the honor... eventually... Soo many all time greats that deserve the honor and have waited their turn. Why so fast? Zero waiting period? Feels like the first blunder of the Coach Prime era that has upset alumni.”

Colorado coach Deion Sanders, Shedeur’s father, acknowledged that he has never before witnessed pushback to a jersey-retirement decision.

“This is the first time I ever seen it sore,” Deion said. “I don’t know if you know it, but I think every jersey I darn near played in is retired. So I’m pretty familiar with this. It’s never been sore.”

Said Deion regarding the decision to retire the number worn by his son, who amassed a record of 13-12 in two seasons with Colorado: “We’re talking about Shedeur. We ain’t talking about nobody else. If his last name wasn’t Sanders, we wouldn’t have this discussion.” (Deion possibly doesn’t realize how accurate that is, but not in the way he intended.)

Athletic director Rick George also defended the move. “Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders are both great Buffs and exceptional talents who have been tremendous representatives of our program and of our university and led our team back to national prominence,” George said. “Recognizing the accomplishments of a Heisman Trophy winner and record-setting quarterback who ushered in this new era of CU football now does not detract from accomplishments of the past. Rather, it adds to the rich legacy of CU football that has been passed down over the years by everyone who has worn a CU uniform.”
George has to say it, because he basically works for Deion at this point. And that’s fine. They’re saying what they have to say to deal with a decision that didn’t go the way they expected.

It’s too late to abandon ship. Unless Shedeur and Hunter would choose to decline the honor. That’s the only way out of a mess that will otherwise require Colorado to overcompensate by retiring more numbers, quickly.
 
Lucky said:
Egbuka has more speed than Kupp. Kupp's route breaks and hands were off the charts and underrated at the draft.

My comp to Egbuka would be Calvin Ridley. Good size, speed, but wins with body control and hands. A guy who could be a WR1 on some teams, but better served as WR2. I do have Egbuka as a 1st round pick. I would have rated Egbuka as WR5 in last year's draft, WR3 this year (behind Hunter and McMillian).
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Nabers
Harrison
BTJ
McConkey
Odunze
AD Mitchell I really liked a lot too.
 
Agent to NFL: “Shame on you” for revoking Kyren Lacy’s Combine invitation
Published April 19, 2025 01:42 AM

Former LSU receiver and 2025 draft prospect Kyren Lacy died last weekend, by suicide. The incident happened on the weekend before a grand jury was scheduled to hear evidence regarding a December 2024 automobile accident that had Lacy accused of hit and run and negligent homicide in connection with the death of 78-year-old Herman Hall.

On Friday, agent Rocky Arceneaux issued a statement regarding the situation.

“I’ve been processing this loss in private with Kyren’s family and loved ones and with their permission, I would like to share the following,” Arceneaux said. “Kyren was a special talent, but an even better person. In December, Alliance was blessed to welcome Kyren into our family. His infectious personality and love of life positively affected everyone. Staff and clients alike.

“He loved football. The fact that it was also going to be a means to provide for his family meant even more. His family was his everything.

“As stated by his attorney, there was a high probability the felony charge of negligent homicide would have been declined by a grand jury this past Monday. Kyren was hearthbroken by the tragic loss of Mr. Hall. He was willing to adhere to any civil matters, regardless of the Grand Jury’s decision. That aside, the system failed us, and we are now mourning the loss of two lives.

“To the NFL, shame on you for revoking Kyren’s Combine invitation without acknowledgement or consideration of the facts. I urge you to re-evaluate your processes and provide athletes with the necessary due process before alienating them from their peers and dreams they’ve worked so hard for. Shame on the investigating agency for being more concerned about public perception — and pressure to charge someone — than actually investigating the facts.

“K2 — You should have had the chance to reach your dream of playing in the NFL, in just a week’s time. It hurts that the pressure, public perception, social media bullying — all without having the facts — were too much to bear. We hoped to see you flourish as an elite WR in the NFL, but God needed you on your team more. Your memory will never be forgotten, we will not let your death be in vain, and you will not be Mr. Irrelevant.”

When it comes to the Personal Conduct Policy, the NFL takes no punitive action (the league insists paid leave is not punishment) until the underlying criminal case has been resolved. In the case of unresolved charges against players who have yet to be drafted, the NFL can do whatever it wants. And barring a player from attending the Combine absolutely qualifies as punishment.

Whether the NFL should ban a player from attending the Combine because of an unresolved criminal allegation isa different issue. Young men who are facing criminal accusations, who are innocent until proven guilty in the eyes of the law, perhaps deserve a little more consideration from the NFL.

The problem is that, because players who have yet to be drafted aren’t in the NFL Players Association, they have no protections under the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement.

No one will know whether Lacy would still be alive if he’d attended the Combine. The point is that, at a time when a player is facing a significant degree of stress from criminal accusations and everything associated with them, every additional negative development adds to the complicated assortment of stressors that could push him over the edge. That makes it more than reasonable for the NFL to consider whether the same deference that applies to its current players who face criminal charges should be afforded to its prospective players, too.
 
badboy said:
Another position showing Matthew Golden could be available at 25.
www.essentiallysports.com

Matthew Golden’s Detroit Visit a Sham As Lions GM Prepares Blockbuster Trade To Deal With $30M Problem

Brad Holmes’s draft theatrics leverage receiver visits to outplay rivals and engineer extra picks that safeguard Detroit’s future.
www.essentiallysports.com
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If Golden falls to #20, is he worth a trade up to get him? I say yes and I won't be upset either if Texans pull the trigger to go get him.
Houston native who would play his heart out here.
He would be the perfect replacement for Tank Dell. Sure Dell will be back but likely not until '26 season and will he be the Dell we know and love?
Golden would slip straight into the role Dell had except Golden is bigger and a tad faster and we know how damaging Dell was and how valuable he was for CJ - Dell played in CJ's sweet spot I reckon.
  • Absolute burner who hits top gear in a flash – defenders caught flat-footed against his vertical routes learn a painful lesson about respecting his speed
  • Shows advanced understanding of route tempo, masterfully changing speeds to set up breaks and create separation against both man and zone
  • Natural hands-catcher who can contort his body and adjust to off-target throws while maintaining control through contact
  • Explosive playmaker after the catch with the vision and acceleration of a kick returner – turns routine catches into chunk plays
  • Nasty route runner who sells his breaks with conviction – cornerbacks bite hard on his double moves due to his convincing head and shoulder fakes
  • Special teams value as a proven kick returner who housed two returns in 2023 – averaged over 31 yards per return showing game-breaking ability
  • Competitive at the catch point despite modest size – elevates and high-points the ball with impressive body control and timing.
  • Consistently creates separation at the top of routes through sudden deceleration and explosive drive out of breaks
Sure this is just the strengths , but it gives you a tantaiizing look into his potential.
 
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badboy said:
Another position showing Matthew Golden could be available at 25.
www.essentiallysports.com

Matthew Golden’s Detroit Visit a Sham As Lions GM Prepares Blockbuster Trade To Deal With $30M Problem

Brad Holmes’s draft theatrics leverage receiver visits to outplay rivals and engineer extra picks that safeguard Detroit’s future.
www.essentiallysports.com
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Sorry but no thanks. All of his production came with Bond out of the line-up, he does not play to his 40 time (he's not slow, but he doesn't play at 4.29 speed), and as a Longhorn/Houston kid he gets a significant bump from the fanbase. Give me Burden or Egbuka before Golden; also don't see a significant drop-off from Golden to Higgins, Noel or Royals
 
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Errant Hothy said:
Sorry but no thanks. All of his production came with Bond out of the line-up, he does not play to his 40 time (he's not slow, but he doesn't play at 4.29 speed), and as a Longhorn/Houston kid he gets a significant bump from the fanbase. Give me Burden or Egbuka before Golden; also don't see a significant drop-off from Golden to Higgins, Noel or Royals
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Golden to Higgins i agree but if you pass on Golden @ 25 there is no guarantee you can get Higgins round 2 whatever you are willing to pay?
 
badboy said:
Golden to Higgins i agree but if you pass on Golden @ 25 there is no guarantee you can get Higgins round 2 whatever you are willing to pay?
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Then so be it, I'd rather stay put a let the board come to me, be it OL, TE, WR, DT or whatever. Pretty confident one of the following will be available to the Texans in the second round (or later): Higgins, Royals, Noel, Williams, Bech or Horton. I'd be good with a 1st round Olineman and any of them over Golden and a 2nd round anything
 
Texansphan said:
If Golden falls to #20, is he worth a trade up to get him? I say yes and I won't be upset either if Texans pull the trigger to go get him.
Houston native who would play his heart out here.
He would be the perfect replacement for Tank Dell. Sure Dell will be back but likely not until '26 season and will he be the Dell we know and love?
Golden would slip straight into the role Dell had except Golden is bigger and a tad faster and we know how damaging Dell was and how valuable he was for CJ - Dell played in CJ's sweet spot I reckon.
  • Absolute burner who hits top gear in a flash – defenders caught flat-footed against his vertical routes learn a painful lesson about respecting his speed
  • Shows advanced understanding of route tempo, masterfully changing speeds to set up breaks and create separation against both man and zone
  • Natural hands-catcher who can contort his body and adjust to off-target throws while maintaining control through contact
  • Explosive playmaker after the catch with the vision and acceleration of a kick returner – turns routine catches into chunk plays
  • Nasty route runner who sells his breaks with conviction – cornerbacks bite hard on his double moves due to his convincing head and shoulder fakes
  • Special teams value as a proven kick returner who housed two returns in 2023 – averaged over 31 yards per return showing game-breaking ability
  • Competitive at the catch point despite modest size – elevates and high-points the ball with impressive body control and timing.
  • Consistently creates separation at the top of routes through sudden deceleration and explosive drive out of breaks
Sure this is just the strengths , but it gives you a tantaiizing look into his potential.
Click to expand...
Love Golden, but if Caserio is going to trade up I hope it's for one of Loveland/Banks Conerly. They need to add premium quality up front. With this said if Golden is the pick I'll be very happy.
 
Errant Hothy said:
Then so be it, I'd rather stay put a let the board come to me, be it OL, TE, WR, DT or whatever. Pretty confident one of the following will be available to the Texans in the second round (or later): Higgins, Royals, Noel, Williams, Bech or Horton. I'd be good with a 1st round Olineman and any of them over Golden and a 2nd round anything
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Depends on the OL for me. If I knew Caserio could draft one of Ratledge or Milum at 2-58 then I would pick Golden at 1-25. Golden is a weapon.
 
steelbtexan said:
Love Golden, but if Caserio is going to trade up I hope it's for one of Loveland/Banks Conerly. They need to add premium quality up front. With this said if Golden is the pick I'll be very happy.
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Look how good CJ was when Dell was on the field!
I think he would look just as good with Golden in Dells place - gives him that quick release across the middle
 
steelbtexan said:
Agreed, but I also saw CJ take a beating and the Texans struggled in the run game.
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Yep - he got that scary concussion and we definitely do not want to see that happen again.
We saw NC pull off a stunning trade to get the top two picks in that draft to get CJ and WA.
Perhaps he can pull off another trade to climb back into the first round and take the best available OL.
Sure we don't have the same amount of firepower to pull off another stunner, but Texans must be in win now mode (and one would have to think they must be during CJ's rookie contract window) so such a trade could be on the cards.
Coming out of the first day with Matthew Golden and say, Donovan Jackson for example would make me a very happy camper.
 
I sure do wish I knew the Texans would be running mainly gap or outside zone. Chase Lundt was brought in for a 30 visit and I get Eric Winston vibes watching his tape. Another tall short-armed athletic RT prospect who fits like a glove in an outside zone scheme. He would be a target back of round 3/top of round 4 range imo.

www.fieldgulls.com

NFL Draft 2025 player profile: UConn’s Chase Lundt could be a Day 3 draft gem

With Christian Haynes getting into the NFL as a third-round pick out of UConn, his former offensive line teammate Chase Lundt is drawing attention as a rising draft prospect.
www.fieldgulls.com www.fieldgulls.com
 
TheRealJoker V2 said:
I sure do wish I knew the Texans would be running mainly gap or outside zone. Chase Lundt was brought in for a 30 visit and I get Eric Winston vibes watching his tape. Another tall short-armed athletic RT prospect who fits like a glove in an outside zone scheme. He would be a target back of round 3/top of round 4 range imo.

www.fieldgulls.com

NFL Draft 2025 player profile: UConn’s Chase Lundt could be a Day 3 draft gem

With Christian Haynes getting into the NFL as a third-round pick out of UConn, his former offensive line teammate Chase Lundt is drawing attention as a rising draft prospect.
www.fieldgulls.com www.fieldgulls.com
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What would you do with Fisher?
 
Texansphan said:
Yep - he got that scary concussion and we definitely do not want to see that happen again.
We saw NC pull off a stunning trade to get the top two picks in that draft to get CJ and WA.
Perhaps he can pull off another trade to climb back into the first round and take the best available OL.
Sure we don't have the same amount of firepower to pull off another stunner, but Texans must be in win now mode (and one would have to think they must be during CJ's rookie contract window) so such a trade could be on the cards.
Coming out of the first day with Matthew Golden and say, Donovan Jackson for example would make me a very happy camper.
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If Golden falls to 1-25 and Jackson falls to the top of the 2nd, then I would hope that Caserio would trade 2-58 and a 2026 2nd to move up and get Jackson. Both Golden/Jackson are worthy of pick 1-25 IMHO.
 
steelbtexan said:
Depends on the OL for me. If I knew Caserio could draft one of Ratledge or Milum at 2-58 then I would pick Golden at 1-25. Golden is a weapon.
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Without referring to the 40 times, convince me that Golden is significantly better than Noel or Williams. If you are looking for a Dell replacement, I'd wager any of the three could excel in the job, but only one would require a first-round pick
 
Errant Hothy said:
Without referring to the 40 times, convince me that Golden is significantly better than Noel or Williams. If you are looking for a Dell replacement, I'd wager any of the three could excel in the job, but only one would require a first-round pick
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Oh, I agree with you, you can put Kyle Williams in that mix too. Dynamic guys

I don't think Noel makes it to 2-58 though.
 
The more I look at Egbuka the more I fall in love with this guy. He’s an underrated run blocker, has that swarm mentality, is very polished and mature as a route runner so he won’t need training wheels for long…if at all. He’s likely the #2 on day one. And of course, the chemistry and familiarity with CJ.

He has moved ahead of Golden on my WR list, and I now have him #1 other than Hunter who is probably going #2.

I’d be tempted at 25 to take this guy, but it depends which guys at o-line are there. But make no mistake, this guy would be an awesome compliment to Nico and can play inside and out. I’m good with Golden as well. Golden may have a higher ceiling…may…but also has a lower floor. Give me Egbuka IF both are there.
 
Of course it had nothing to do with the money! :sarcasm: But he had his bid slam the door in his face. Of course now he would say it was not about the money.

[BTW, UCLA last saw a nation championship in 1954. UT has been there 4 times since 1963, not to mention the myriad of conference championships.]
***************************************

Nico Iamaleava announces his decision to play for UCLA
By Mike Florio
Published April 20, 2025 05:41 PM

It was on. Then it possibly wasn’t. Now, it is.

Quarterback Nico Iamaleava has announced that he’ll be playing for UCLA, following his departure from Tennessee.

“To the amazing people in Knoxville, thank you for embracing and uplifting me throughout my time there,” Iamaleava said on Instagram. “I’ll be forever thankful for the support you showed me every step of the way and I’ll always cherish the relationships I built there and the memories I created with my brothers. I believe with all my heart that I gave my all as a Volunteer. I’m truly grateful for the time I had at UT.

“My journey at UT has come to an end. This decision was incredibly difficult, and truthfully, not something I expected to make this soon. But I trust God’s timing, and I believe He’s leading me where I need to be.

“Even though this chapter is ending, a new chapter has begun and I am committed to UCLA!”

Widespread reports indicated Iamaleava tried to improve his $2.4 million NIL deal into $4 million for 2025. Tennessee balked, and that was that. The belated version from Iamaleava’s camp was that it has nothing to do with money, and that his departure was fueled by concerns about the offense.

He could be getting even less than the $2.4 million he was due to make from playing at Tennessee. If it even was $2.4 million. The problem with NIL payments is that there’s no objective resource for confirming what players are making.
Regardless, Iamaleava has swapped Tennessee for California. Which means he’ll go from paying no state income tax to paying 13.3 percent.
 
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steelbtexan said:
If Golden falls to 1-25 and Jackson falls to the top of the 2nd, then I would hope that Caserio would trade 2-58 and a 2026 2nd to move up and get Jackson. Both Golden/Jackson are worthy of pick 1-25 IMHO.
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Golden has a career drop rate of 9.3%. Higgins had a career drop rate of 3.0%.

I’ll take a first 2 picks of, LG- Donovan Jackson (Ohio State) and WR- Jayden Higgins (Iowa State). If I had to trade up for Higgins, this would be my move.
 
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I think this kid could be a sleeper. He has size, speed and hands. He is raw in a few areas, but nothing that he can't be coached up and become a good to great WR.

www.nfldraftbuzz.com

Kaden Prather Wide Receiver Maryland | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

Rating: 76.0 Rank: #35 Forty: 4.46 Kaden Prather brings an intriguing blend of size, ball skills, and big-play ability to the NFL Draft conversation. His frame and catch radius make him an ...
www.nfldraftbuzz.com www.nfldraftbuzz.com
 
SnakeEyes said:
For him I hope it was he just was caught in a bad situation. But, I still feel he is a little bit undersized.
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I would trade up in the 4th rd if he fell.

I dont think this is a big deal. He said/she said and he's never been in any trouble before. The fact this came out a month before the draft makes me suspicious.
 
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