The 2025 NFL Draft class might not have the shine and luster at the top like the 2024 class did, however, that shouldn’t take away from the fact that this group is solid. There is depth to the talent in the class of 2025, especially on the offensive and defensive lines.
We’re starting to get close to the top 10 prospects on my Big Board, but for now, here are the guys just outside of it. Plenty of these guys could’ve climbed up into the upper echelon, but this is a deep class. There are a ton of Pro Bowl-caliber players here, so let’s go through my rankings from No. 20 to 11.
20 – Alabama OL Tyler Booker
Tyler Booker has been a consistent player on the offensive line of Alabama for the last few seasons. He will be a good offensive guard for his future team, as he has proven to be an elite pass protector. Booker will bring his skills to a team, most likely around 11-23, and try to help his team make a push for the playoffs.
19 – Michigan TE Colston Loveland
Colston Loveland from Michigan is going to be a good player in the NFL. Many teams are looking for a Loveland, who is a 6-foot-5 receiving threat tight end, that could line up anywhere on the line. He will move around, and run any route that is asked, and will do so at a high level.
18 – Missouri OL Armand Membou
Armand Membou is similar to many linemen, where he could play inside and out. But more than likely, he could still play at right tackle and perform at a high level. Membou is a physical player, and uses his body to work against edge rushers. He isn’t a one trick pony, as he is good at blocking both run and pass. We could see Membou climb up in the draft, and some may have him going in the top 10.
17 – Miami QB Cam Ward
Cam Ward is my favorite quarterback of this class, as he shows a lot of potential. He has a very good arm, and is a legitimate playmaker. Ward has a problem with being a bit erratic at times, which needs to change in the NFL. But, if he cleans up his accuracy, he could become a very good quarterback.
16 – Texas OL Kelvin Banks Jr.
Kelvin Banks Jr. is seen a lot as the second-best lineman in the draft. While he may not be that for me, he still is a great talent. He has a great frame, but many don’t know if he’ll slide inside or stay out. He most likely will be an outside guy, but could start as a guard early on in his career. Banks Jr. would be a good acquisition for a team needing a lineman.
15 – Ole Miss DL Walter Nolen
Walter Nolen is one of my favorite players in this draft class. He brings a fierce energy to the field, and his play is elite. His frame is not typical that of an interior defender, but his game film shows he can compete with anyone. If he puts on some good weight, which I’ll assume he will, then we could be looking at one of the true dominant forces in the interior of the league.
14 – Ohio State OL Josh Simmons
Josh Simmons is an intriguing prospect in this cycle. For the first few games that Simmons played, he looked the part of a top five draft pick. Then, an injury happened, knocking him out for the rest of the season. His timetable for returning is still a bit in question, but the talent is for sure there. I love Simmons, and with a good recovery, he should be back to being an extremely good protector of the quarterback.
13 – Georgia Edge Mykel Williams
Mykel Williams has possibly the best physicals in this draft. Fast, lengthy, strong, Williams is the complete package physically. With his physical traits though, Williams doesn’t have the crazy stats to back it up. But, with some coaching, Williams has outstanding potential. He already is a great run defender, and does have good pass rush skills. Some time and patience will be crucial for Williams’ development.
12 – Michigan DB Will Johnson
Will Johnson, another product out of Michigan, is the real deal. He has the size, frame, and makeup to be an elite corner in the NFL. He is going to be an outside corner, and probably won’t move inside often. Johnson needs to be a better tackler, and improve on his zone coverage, to become one of the best.
11 – Tennessee Edge James Pearce Jr.
James Pearce Jr. is one of the elite pass rushers in the deep class. He is extremely fast off the line, and even with his more slender frame can be strong in the run. Many think he is only a pass rusher, but Pearce Jr. is way more than that. He is an extremely good football player.