Every week, Yardbarker screens the 2025 NFL Draft, scheduled for April 24-26 in Inexperienced Bay.
From a Colorado two-way star to a Texas Tech operating again, listed below are 5 gamers we’re monitoring:
Has Colorado CB/WR Travis Hunter picked his place?
On Thursday, NFL.com listed Hunter (6-foot-1,185 kilos) as a defensive again for the 2025 NFL Scouting Mix, scheduled Feb. 24-March 3 in Indianapolis.
The 2024 Heisman winner could notice he cannot play CB/WR extensively within the NFL. Committing to nook would be the proper alternative for Hunter, who had 4 interceptions and 11 passes defended in 13 video games in 2024.
“His athleticism, size and ball instincts are why he is right here, and people traits give him a sky-high ceiling as a cornerback,” wrote The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, who rated Hunter his No. 1 prospect on his up to date massive board.
According to Tankathon’s projections, the New England Patriots will take Hunter with choose No. 4.
Miami’s Cam Ward could possibly be cementing himself because the draft’s QB1
In a current ballot from CBS Sports activities’ Matt Zenitz, 4 of six scouts tabbed Ward as the most effective QB within the class. Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders was second with two votes.
Some expertise evaluators have issues about Ward (6-foot-2, 223 kilos). A scouting director advised Zenitz, “What makes him nice could be his detriment.”
The scout was probably referring to Ward’s tendency to carry the ball too lengthy. Per Pro Football Focus, he averaged 2.93 seconds to throw in 13 begins in 2024, which tied for 136th within the FBS (300-plus dropbacks).
Ward should develop a faster launch, however QB-needy groups could guess on his playmaking potential. He led the FBS in landing passes (39) in 2024. In his newest mock draft, ESPN’s Field Yates has the New York Giants taking Ward with choose No. 3.
Keep watch over Toledo D-lineman Darius Alexander on the scouting mix
On Tuesday, Alexander — who had eight tackles for loss in 12 video games in 2024 — accepted his invite to the NFL Scouting Mix.
On the Senior Bowl in Cell, Alabama, O-linemen named Alexander the top D-lineman. His inventory might proceed to skyrocket if he checks nicely on the mix.
“Darius Alexander has the potential to change into a strong every-down defensive sort out on the subsequent stage,” wrote Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder in a current scouting report. “He is a powerful run defender who can defeat one-on-one blocks along with his power on the level of assault and might keep in his hole towards double groups.”
Tankathon’s newest mock draft has the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs taking Alexander (6-foot-4, 310 kilos) with choose No. 66 within the second spherical.
Louisville’s Tyler Shough could possibly be a sleeper QB
“There aren’t 4 quarterbacks on this draft class extra gifted with NFL instruments than Louisville QB Tyler Shough,” wrote The Ringer’s Todd McShay on his X account Tuesday.
Per Senior Bowl director Jim Nagy, defensive backs voted Shough (6-foot-5, 225 kilos) the Nationwide staff’s prime QB throughout the week of apply. In 12 begins in 2024, he accomplished 62.7 p.c of his passes for 3,195 yards and 23 TDs.
Shough turns 26 on Sept. 28, however groups could view his age as a optimistic. Older prospects, together with Denver Broncos QB Bo Nix, have thrived within the NFL. In his rookie season in 2024, Nix, 24, completed with the league’s sixth-most TD passes (29 in 17 regular-season video games).
Nonetheless, groups in all probability should not use a first- or second-round choose on Shough, who appears injury-prone. He broke his collarbone and fibula throughout his seven-year school profession at Texas Tech, Oregon and Louisville.
Texas Tech RB Tahj Brooks says he ‘crushed’ interview with NFC staff
Final offseason, the New York Giants let RB Saquon Barkley signal with the Philadelphia Eagles in free company. They in all probability remorse that call after Barkley and Co. received Tremendous Bowl LIX.
To interchange Barkley, New York might goal an RB within the draft, maybe Brooks (5-foot-10, 230 kilos).
In a bit revealed Thursday, Brooks advised The Draft Community’s Justin Melo he “crushed” his interview with the Giants on the East-West Shrine Bowl.
Brooks might give the Giants extra spark after they completed twenty third within the league in speeding yards (104.9) in 2024. In 11 video games throughout his senior season, he ran for 1,505 yards and 17 TDs on 286 carries.
