15 Players Who Could Shake Up the 2025 NFL Draft—And Why Everyone’s Talking About Them
These 15 players are turning heads early and could turn the entire 2025 NFL Draft on its head.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
The 2025 NFL Draft is already buzzing with names that scouts, fans, and analysts can’t stop talking about. These players aren’t just good—they’ve got the kind of game that can make a GM take a risk or spark a team rebuild. From breakout quarterbacks to defensive wrecking balls, here’s why they matter.
1. Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
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Shedeur isn’t just Deion’s son—he’s his own hype machine. Calm under pressure and dangerously accurate, he reads defenses like a seasoned pro. His footwork and poise give serious franchise quarterback vibes. With another strong season, he could be a top-three lock.
2. Caleb Downs, S, Alabama
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Downs doesn’t play safety—he owns the secondary. He’s always in the right place, like reading the offense’s group chat. Ball hawk, sure, but also fearless in run support. Coaches love his leadership as much as his instincts.
3. Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
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Ewers has the arm, the attitude, and the swagger to lead any locker room. His deep ball is pure art when he’s on. Sure, consistency has been a question, but he’s trending up. Scouts won’t hesitate to roll the dice early if he keeps climbing.
4. James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
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Pearce has that “you blink and he’s in the backfield” kind of burst. Offensive linemen probably see him in their nightmares. He’s raw but explosive—every snap feels like a highlight waiting to happen. If he levels up his technique, getting to the top 10 is easy.
5. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
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Egbuka runs routes like he’s solving puzzles mid-sprint. He finds soft spots in coverage and makes corners look lost. Strong hands, sharp cuts, and the speed to make big plays look casual. He’s more than Marvin Harrison Jr.’s shadow—he’s a star.
6. Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
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Graham clogs the middle like a one-man traffic jam. He’s got sneaky quickness for a big guy, plus serious strength. Double teams don’t faze him—he actually seems to like them. Every defensive line could use a guy like him to anchor the chaos.
7. Will Campbell, OT, LSU
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Campbell doesn’t block defenders—he buries them. He’s got that mean streak that coaches drool over in linemen. Technically sound and big enough to own the edge, he’s a blindside protector you can trust. He’s a plug-and-play from Day 1.
8. Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU
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Perkins plays like he’s got rockets in his cleats. He can rush, cover, and chase down runners like it’s personal. His versatility makes offensive coordinators lose sleep. Few players bring as much chaos to a game plan.
9. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
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Henderson runs like he’s late to something important. Quick cuts, explosive first steps, and home-run speed every carry. Injuries have slowed him down before, but the talent is obvious. A healthy season could vault him up draft boards fast.
10. Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
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Burke doesn’t just cover—he erases receivers. He’s sticky in man coverage and reads plays before they unfold. He’s confident, aggressive, and annoyingly good at jumping routes. His stock rises every time a QB looks his way and regrets it.
11. Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
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Milroe has a cannon and wheels to match—it’s like watching a highlight reel in real time. He’s still learning the finer points, but the tools are outrageous. If he puts it all together, he could fly up the draft. He has raw talent with a sky-high ceiling.
12. JT Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State
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JT brings power and polish to the edge. He sets the edge well and bull-rushes like a train with bad intentions. He’s not flashy, but he’s consistently disruptive. Some scouts call him a “safe bet” with upside.
13. Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
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Worthy lives up to the name—his speed is just unfair. Defenders struggle to even get their hands on him. He’s more than just fast, though—his hands and route running keep improving. With a big season, he could be a top-20 pick.
14. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
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Starks sees the field like it’s in slow motion. He’s a film junkie who reacts faster than most receivers. Big hits, smart angles, and leadership in the back end—he checks a lot of boxes. He’s a true modern safety.
15. Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson
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Carter has linebacker instincts with safety speed. He moves like a slot corner and hits like a hammer. Pass coverage is his calling card, but he’s no slouch against the run. The kind of hybrid defender every NFL defense wants.