2025 NFL Selection

This past August, Jim Nagy, the executive director of Reese’s Senior Bowl, along with his adept scouting team, unveiled their watch list for the upcoming game, highlighting 859 prospects from over 180 collegiate football institutions. This list marks the inclusion of underclassmen for the first time, due to the NFL’s alteration of its rules last November, allowing draft-eligible underclassmen to take part in all-star games.

In mid-October, I shared midseason rankings for the leading prospects on the Senior Bowl watch list. Now that the college football regular season has concluded — aside from the annual Army-Navy match-up — the time has come for a revised ranking. Below, you will find my overview of the top 20 athletes.

The 2025 Senior Bowl is scheduled to take place at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama, on Feb. 1, 2025, and will be aired live on NFL Network (2:30 p.m. ET).

ADDITIONAL INSIGHTS:

1. * indicates the player is an underclassman.
2. Weight and height are according to school measurements.
3. Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders and East Carolina cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. are excluded here as they have accepted invites to the East-West Shrine Bowl (Jan. 30 at 8 p.m. ET on NFL Network).

20) Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon (6-foot-4, 315 pounds)*

The top-ranked Ducks’ success this season is largely due to their stellar offensive line. Conerly secures the left tackle position for Oregon (which was the blind side for Bo Nix in 2023, but is now in the sightline of left-handed QB Dillon Gabriel). Agile yet formidable, Conerly moves defensive ends aside and targets second-level defenders in the rushing game while adeptly neutralizing pass rushers around the pocket with seamless movement and a strong foundation. He’s a dependable and athletic player reminiscent of Troy Fautanu, the 20th overall selection by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the most recent draft.

19) Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama (6-3, 244)*

Campbell played in eight games for the Crimson Tide in 2023, displaying his experience and athletic prowess during his junior year. He excels as a downhill run defender and a strong blitzer between the tackles. Additionally, he makes plays in zone coverage and shows the capability to mark receivers and tight ends effectively. Campbell recorded four tackles and an interception in the victory over Georgia in September, and after two subdued performances against Vanderbilt and South Carolina, he bounced back with a stellar game against LSU, achieving 10 tackles (including 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks) and forcing a fumble. Consistently defeating blocks with his hands will elevate him to a premier starter at the professional level.

18) Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State (6-1, 205)

Although Egbuka might not be viewed as a dynamic playmaker by some, given his average of about 12.5 yards per catch over the last two seasons, do not underestimate his potential as a primary option in a professional offense; I believe he can achieve similar results to his former teammate, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who has exploded for 441 receiving yards and three touchdowns over his last four games with the Seahawks. Egbuka can excel at all three levels with sharp routes, agile footwork, and dependable hands, guaranteeing an NFL quarterback’s confidence early in his journey.

17) James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee (6-5, 243)*

Following a sluggish start this season, Pearce has amassed 5.5 sacks over his last six games. He embodies speed on the edge, quickly engaging with any offensive tackle, pressing upfield efficiently on the outside or cutting in to disrupt plays in the pocket. Pearce possesses a leaner physique enabling swift movements compared to other defenders on this list, but he effectively chases plays, sheds run blocks, and utilizes his length to push larger tackles into the quarterback’s vicinity. He would be an ideal addition for a team targeting an impactful designated pass rusher in his rookie season who can develop into a starter over time.

16) Malaki Starks, S, Georgia (6-1, 205)*

For the consecutive second year, Starks has been identified as a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, recognizing the top defensive back in the country. The Georgia safety is tied for the team lead with 65 tackles, frequently aligning in the box or rapidly reacting to plays from deep in the secondary. While some missed tackles occurred during a few underwhelming defensive performances by the Bulldogs this season, and he only has one interception alongside three pass break-ups, he still has a wealth of solid tape from the past three years, demonstrating his capabilities in tight man coverage in the slot, causing turnovers at free safety, and fulfilling his duties in the running game.

15) Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia (6-5, 265)*

Williams naturally invites comparisons to former Bulldog (and 2022 No. 1 overall pick) Travon Walker. This season, Williams managed 6.5 tackles for loss and three sacks over 10 games due to an ankle injury and regular position in a three-man front; Walker had similar statistics (7.5 and six) during his final season at Georgia but has achieved 18.5 sacks in the two years following with the Jaguars. While production is an essential evaluation criterion, if Williams performs well at the NFL Scouting Combine like Walker did, a professional team will likely invest a high draft pick in his size and length on the edge.

14) Walter Nolen, DT, Mississippi (6-3, 305)*

The former No. 1 overall recruit showcased strong performance at Texas A&M in 2023 (8.5 tackles for loss with four sacks) but has appeared unblockable at times for Ole Miss this season (14, 6.5). Rebels defensive coordinator Pete Golding mapped Nolen’s game to Jets Pro Bowler Quinnen Williams, whom he previously coached at Alabama. Although not the tallest tackle in this draft class, Nolen’s explosiveness off the line helps him chase down plays outside the box and succeed in one-on-one scenarios with leverage and powerful hands. Expect him to rise on this list as evaluations progress.

13) Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan (6-3, 339)*

In 2019, Clemson defensive tackles Christian Wilkins and Dexter Lawrence were chosen as top-20 selections by the Dolphins and Giants, respectively. Grant and fellow Michigan DT Mason Graham (more on him later) could achieve a similar feat. Grant is an exceptional athlete for his considerable size, exhibiting burst off the snap and in the box to disrupt ball carriers entering his range. He’s also not easy to move in the run game, a fact Ohio State noticed during a shocking loss to the Wolverines. He projects to be a three-down defender who might evolve into a player creating Lawrence-like impact in the future.

12) Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State (6-6, 261)

Warren has fulfilled multiple roles beyond just being a tight end for the Nittany Lions this year. He set a new Big Ten record for tight end receptions in a season (81), but Penn State also relies on him as a ball-carrier (21-189-9.0, four touchdowns), Wildcat quarterback (3-for-5, 35 yards, one touchdown passing), and blocker. With his remarkable catching ability and agility in confined spaces, Warren should receive evaluations comparable to April’s No. 13 overall pick (and potential 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year), Brock Bowers.

11) Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State (5-9, 215)*

Jeanty is averaging an outstanding 190.7 rushing yards per game this season and needs 341 more yards in the postseason to surpass Barry Sanders’ long-standing FBS single-season rushing record (2,628 yards). His mix of agility in tight spaces and strength lets him evade would-be tacklers and power through defenders when in the open field. He poses a threat for a big gain on each carry due to his vision, balance through contact, and speed in the open field. Jeanty rushed for 226 yards in his last game (a 34-18 triumph over Oregon State), but he also fumbled for the third time in seven weeks, dropped a pass, and failed a blitz pick-up. Nonetheless, he stands out as an elite prospect at his position.

10) Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri (5-11, 205)*

Burden’s performance this season (61-676-11.1, six receiving touchdowns) falls short of his impressive 2023 numbers (86-1,212-14.1, nine receiving touchdowns), but his elite attributes remain evident. Once he gets the ball in space, he can cause havoc for opposing defenses, evading tackle attempts and accelerating rapidly downfield or powering through defenders for additional yards. Burden also exhibits remarkable body control and possesses strong hands to adapt to high throws and back-shoulder passes. Although his current stats may not shout “top-10 pick,” it wouldn’t be surprising if he ends up going off the board that early.

9) Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas (6-4, 320)*

Banks showcases smooth footwork at left tackle, efficiently positioning himself to thwart advancements from even the fastest pass rushers. He faced probable first-rounder Landon Jackson during the Longhorns’ matchup against Arkansas (although Jackson managed to sack Quinn Ewers when he stepped up in the pocket). Banks appears like an All-American guard when he moves out in front of screens and pulls during runs. While he occasionally bends at the waist and misfires on some run blocks following the ankle injury incurred against Texas A&M, assuming the injury isn’t severe, Banks will be an in-demand tackle prospect.

8) Jalon Walker, Edge/LB, Georgia (6-2, 245)*

If you watch some Micah Parsons film from his time at Penn State, and then observe Walker, you’ll see many similarities go beyond jersey numbers. Walker shares the Georgia team lead in sacks with 5.5 this fall (following a reserve season where he led the Bulldogs with five), and he looks equally competent playing off the ball. His ability to close in on plays allows him to span the sidelines swiftly, while his robust upper body and forceful hands enable him to overcome blocks close to the line.