Christian Williams' Top 50 Big Board
Christian Williams offers scouting reports and extended looks at the top 50 players in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Methodology
Over the last half-decade, we have refined and developed our grading scale, putting hundreds of prospects through a system that grades eight position-specific categories on a scale of 1-10, adding athleticism and a carefully crafted production grade for every position for a maximum total of 100. Below are the designations.
Carter is in the Aidan Hutchinson-Will Anderson Jr. tier of edge defenders. His elite first step and burst help mask his more diminutive stature. Carter played part-time edge rusher in 2023 but transitioned to the position full-time in 2024. His growth, particularly in developing his pass-rush plan, was substantial. His most notable growth came with his rip move and his inside counters. He plays with mental fastness, recognizing when tackles overset early and beating them inside. When he chooses to attack the outside shoulder, his bend is exceptional. His motor is unmatched, and the former linebacker comes out when he has an opportunity to chase down plays from the backside. Carter is an immediate impact player with a double-digit sack upside in the NFL.
NFL Comparison: Micah Parsons
Hunter’s position is still in question, but he’s a far better cornerback than wide receiver. Instinctually, he may be the most polished player in the last decade. His click-and-close ability is elite, primarily when operating in zone coverage with eyes on the quarterback. Hunter’s ball skills are remarkable, with long enough arms to get involved in pass-breakups and interceptions. His athleticism separates him from others, as he will jump out of the gym when the NFL Scouting Combine arrives. He doesn’t have the soundest technique, but his acceleration allows him to recover when he gets out of position. Hunter flashes an elite upside on the other side of the ball but is less consistent. His ability to work blindspots improves with each game, but his ball skills and yard-creating ability virtually ensure he’ll at least have an opportunity to play offense in the NFL.
NFL Comparison: Charles Woodson
Nolen was the biggest riser in the 2024 college football season, primarily because of his realized potential. He was the No. 2 recruit in the nation in 2022, and the traits translated in 2024. He wins with powerful hands and elite athleticism, consistently using his strong punch to knock offensive linemen off balance. He has above-average bend, combining that power with the turn to get around both interior offensive linemen and tackles. Despite relatively short arms — 33 inches — Nolen can muddy a pocket quickly. He’s sound as a run defender, though he’ll need to continue focusing on gap discipline as he develops. His 6-foot-three stature often gives him an easy path to maintain leverage. Nolen has an elite upside and could develop into a double-digit sacker from the interior.
NFL Comparison: Aaron Donald
Jeanty is the player who changed my mind the most from summer to now. His growth in vision and tackle-breaking ability was substantial, and his ability to generate explosive plays out of the backfield separates him from most running back prospects. His low center of gravity helps his leg drive, and it routinely takes two or three tacklers to bring Jeanty to the ground. Despite his smaller size, Jeanty is a powerful runner, yet his elusiveness and burst put him in the upper echelon of running back prospects. His vision and identification of potential holes, combined with his elite movement skills, make him a threat both on the outside and between the tackles. He consistently sets up blocks and creates his own yards, which not every running back prospect does. He should have a Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs-level impact on an NFL franchise in 2025.
NFL Comparison: LaDainian Tomlinson
Graham is a blue-chip prospect, and my ranking of him as the No. 2 defensive tackle speaks more to Nolen’s strengths than Graham’s flaws. In fact, it’s challenging to find deficiencies in Graham’s game. Graham’s hand usage and ability to get slippery when rushing the passer make him an elite option for pocket disruption. His get-off is exceptional, and he’ll test well at the NFL Scouting Combine. Offensive linemen with great grip strength still struggle to contain Graham; his finishing ability is the best in the class. His skills are two-fold, though, as he is an incredible run defender, consistently holding gaps and making opposing running games work for yards. He rarely gets out-leveraged and moved off of his spot. At Michigan, he consistently had one-versus-one opportunities due to the presence of Kenneth Grant and Josaiah Stewart, so he’ll need to work through potential double teams at the NFL level. Still, he’s a day-one impact player who has Pro Bowl potential.
NFL Comparison: Christian Wilkins
After an injury-ridden 2024 on a bad Michigan team, evaluators have more questions about Johnson than they did following a stellar 2023 championship-winning season where he operated as the team’s No. 1 cornerback as a true sophomore. Still, the coverage skills, specifically in man coverage, are arguably the best in the class. Johnson’s hip fluidity and ability to mirror routes make him a candidate for “island” cornerback designations. He has long arms, a knack for breaking passes up in man coverage, and click-and-close instincts to make plays on the ball out of zone coverage. Some are concerned about his long speed, but his 40-yard dash time at the Combine should ease the minds of evaluators.
NFL Comparison: Patrick Surtain II
McMillan has arguably been the nation’s top receiver for two straight years, accumulating over 1400 yards in 2023 and improving on a per-game basis early in 2024. McMillan will get Mike Evans comparisons, but I think he’s a combination of Evans and Drake London. His bread and butter is 50-50 balls, as he’s one of the better catch-point wideouts I’ve evaluated in the last seven years. His vertical, long arms and box-out ability make him a nightmare to defend. He has some of the strongest hands in the class, but his work as a route runner and ball carrier put him in the elite tier of prospects. While he could add some functional strength to beat press coverage more precisely, McMillan has strong footwork. His short routes are often crisp, especially his in-breakers and comebacks. He won’t “wow” anyone with his release packages, but he does enough to gain NFL-level separation, especially considering how strong he is in contested catch situations. McMillan won’t be a field stretcher on speed alone, but he has enough juice to win vertically and come down with the football. He’s a clean prospect.
NFL Comparison: Drake London
Campbell is the prototypical new-age linebacker with outstanding athleticism and coverage ability. At 6’3, 244 pounds, Campbell plays zone coverage like a safety, with elite range and burst to cover large chunks of the field. He consistently recognizes route concepts early and cuts off angles, giving him the highest upside among the linebackers in coverage. As a run-fitter, Campbell is still developing. Occasionally, he lets his eyes take him out of position when he has gap responsibilities. Still, his recovering ability, combined with his blitzing upside and nuance, give him a fine floor when he’s not in coverage. In today’s NFL, the coverage skills matter more, and Campbell should be a first-round pick this April.
NFL Comparison: Tremaine Edmunds
After sitting behind a plethora of NFL tight ends, Warren finally broke out in 2024, winning the Mackey Award, which recognizes the best tight end in college football. He’s the perfect do-it-all tight end, with soft hands, the ability to separate from man coverage, and a solid base of blocking technique, which should help him thrive when necessary in the NFL. He consistently showed off elite athleticism, the ability to win contested catch situations, and even played a Taysom Hill-like role in 2024. He should be an immediate contributor to an NFL offense next fall.
NFL Comparison: Greg Olsen
Simmons’ season-ending injury halted a campaign that would’ve vaulted him into top-ten discussions. His growth in pass protection was significant in 2024, with light, quick feet, and outstanding technique, making him formidable on the left side of the Ohio State offensive line. His initial kick speed is among the best in the class, and he improved his handwork into 2024. He anchors well, with a strong, sturdy frame and flexibility to maintain blocks at awkward angles. Combining that with his long arms causes problems for edge rushers. As a run blocker, his athleticism, balance, and patient attack helped him improve in a Chip Kelly offense featuring regular pulling and climbing tackles. His understanding of pursuit angles helps him shield oncoming tacklers, and his balance allows him to remain engaged when climbing to the second (and third) level. While his injury will make his medicals critical, the film says he’s a first-round talent.
NFL Comparison: Christian Darrisaw
The Texas offensive line was solid across the board, but Banks was the standout. With elite athleticism, foot speed, and functional strength, Banks improved drastically from 2023 to 2024. His best work comes as a pass protector, with elite arm length and above-average handwork to make life difficult for shorter edge rushers. He plays with exceptional strength, enhancing his recovery ability and keeping pockets clean, even when under duress. The duress comes primarily because of an uneven base, playing with his head over his toes, and reaching too early in pass sets. Still, these are coachable problems that should be worked out at the NFL level. Banks still has work to do as a run blocker, as he can quickly get over his toes and lose balance. In a gap scheme, Banks has the power to move defensive linemen and push to the second level. In theory, his athleticism would make him shine in a zone scheme, as his movement skills are quite impressive. Still, in practice, he tends to overextend and headhunt, pushing him off balance and out of plays. Banks isn’t a perfect prospect, but he’s loaded with potential, and we likely haven’t scratched the surface of his upside.
NFL Comparison: Paris Johnson Jr.
Williams is a unique blend of power and athleticism, pushing him to the second tier in a loaded defensive tackle class. He has an array of pass-rush moves that allow him to be a pocket disruptor with a well-refined push-pull move enhanced by his sheer strength. Williams has a sturdy build, but the weight distribution helps his cause; his legs generate more power than even some of the best defensive tackles in the class. He out-muscles most guards and centers and has potential as both a 1-technique and a 3-technique. As a run-stuffer, Williams improved throughout 2024. It isn’t easy to put more weight on specific games. Still, the games of Iowa, Oregon, and Notre Dame — three of the best-rushing teams the Buckeyes saw in 2024 — stand out as some of his best work maintaining gaps and muddying the picture for opposing running backs. Williams is best as a penetrating 3-technique, and he should become a day-one starter at the NFL level.
NFL Comparison: Christian Barmore
Green obviously isn’t my top prospect, but he’s definitely one of my favorites to watch. With bend that rivals the best in the class, Green is the prototypical speed rusher with more power than he’s credited for. Green attacks with ghost and speed rip moves consistently, and he regularly wins. He has a spin move that he implements rarely but effectively. His bend around the outside separates him from most edge rushers, but his ability to counter with an inside move is arguably the best in the class. He has surprising strength and a relentless motor, which helps him remain effective against the run. He also terrorizes run plays from the backside, consistently bending around the edge and wrapping up the runner in the backfield. Ideally, Green’s arms would be slightly longer, but his speed and slippery plans negate the effects of that more often than not. Green has as much upside as any edge rusher in the class, and it’s difficult to see him falling outside of the top 20.
NFL Comparison: Brian Burns
Booker has the size of a tackle with the movement skills of a guard. Foot speed is the only thing preventing him from kicking outside because his long frame, anchor ability, and nasty nature would make him a good candidate. Still, he’s a brick wall as a pass protector, regularly using his elite strength and grip strength to take pass-rushers completely out of plays. He has sound technique, drawing just ten penalty calls over his three-year career. Despite his larger frame, Booker routinely gets low enough to maintain leverage, translating to his run blocking. His ability to drive defenders backward in gap-schemed runs makes him a force for the modern NFL, and he has shown an ability to climb to the second level with ease. He can play over his toes, especially when pulling, but a good offensive line coach can quickly correct that. Booker is the ultimate leader, with rave reviews from the Alabama program about his role on the offense. Considering that, a first-round selection wouldn’t be shocking despite the lesser value of interior offensive linemen.
NFL Comparison: Trey Smith
Egbuka never once played as the top option in the Ohio State offense, yet his continuous production and development pushes him into the upper echelon of this wide receiver class. He’s an elite athlete with a phenomenal burst off the line of scrimmage and as a ballcarrier. He has crisp routes, with suddenness to confuse defenders and acceleration into his breaks, generating exceptional separation. He’s a natural catcher of the football, winning more contested-catch opportunities than a normal 6’1, 190-pound wideout should, and constantly plucking the ball with ease. He’s an elite run blocker, inviting physicality and embracing contact, virtually ensuring he’ll be on the field even on run downs. His best role is likely a power slot, as getting him free releases and allowing him to eat up space will get the most out of his skill set. Still, he has the play strength and release package to line up on the outside, and that versatility should guarantee him a first-round selection.
NFL Comparison: Amon-Ra St. Brown
Winston is one of the most underrated players in the scouting community right now. He played in just two games in 2024, and that reality's out-of-sight, out-of-mind nature should offer a team an excellent value pick in the draft. Winston is a do-it-all safety with a remarkable nose for the football. He plays mentally fast, with impressive instincts that allow him to eliminate angles in the run game. He’s an exceptional tackler, with punishing, controlled hits that ensure runners are stopped in their tracks. He can shed blocks like a linebacker, and he’ll likely be used there in sub-packages at the NFL level. In coverage, Winston plays better when he can move forward. His hips aren’t always the most fluid, but his instincts and athleticism cover his deficiencies well. He has some of the best ball skills in the class when he drives on underneath routes. When his back is to the play, he can sometimes get lost, struggling to turn his head around. Still, there’s enough elite upside to believe he’ll start at safety for a long time in the NFL.
NFL Comparison: Justin Simmons
I’ve been high on Zabel since before his outstanding Senior Bowl, where he virtually guaranteed he’d become a first-round pick. Zabel is the most versatile offensive lineman in the draft, with over 900 snaps at both tackle positions and a few hundred at each guard position. Ironically, he projects as a center at the next level, with length being the primary reason for kicking him inside. Zabel plays with high intensity in all facets of the game, consistently blocking until — and sometimes through — the whistle. He has outstanding foot speed, great knee-bend, and an above-average anchor, which should help as he transitions inside full-time. Despite the below-average length, Zabel can play tackle in a pinch and should be selected on the first night of the NFL Draft.
NFL Comparison: Graham Barton
Revel joins Winston as a player with more to prove in 2024 but didn’t have the opportunity due to injury. Many pegged him as the next Quinyon Mitchell, and the film from 2023 suggests he could be that. Revel is a physical, long corner with nearly 33-inch arms that excels in press coverage. While his injury may prevent him from proving it, he reportedly has a 4.40-second forty-yard dash and a broad jump exceeding 11 feet. He ranked 35th on Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List, and his athleticism should earn him consideration in the first round despite the injury. Revel is fantastic in press coverage, consistently jamming wideouts with little fear, as his recovery speed in the event of a failed press offers him room for error. As a run defender, Revel is the best cornerback in the class. He consistently uses his length and burst to get into the backfield, and he easily wraps up ball carriers. Revel is still getting a feel for route mirroring, but he has an exorbitant amount of upside.
NFL Comparison: Jamel Dean
Campbell had an inconsistent, arguably disappointing 2024 season, yet he still lands inside my top 20, thanks to his entire body of work. He has outstanding movement skills and plays with tenacity, giving him tremendous upside as a run blocker. He has a balanced approach when climbing levels, but he can easily wipe out second-level defenders with his large frame. Campbell has the size to be a tackle, but signs of length and technique problems indicate a move inside could be beneficial. Despite elite foot speed, Campbell regularly sets too tall, leaving him vulnerable to power rushers. His handwork helps mask those deficiencies, as he has some of the best hands in the offensive tackle class. Still, moving inside would give Campbell a better chance to reach his potential: an All-Pro player.
NFL Comparison: Peter Skoronski
Pearce was discussed as a potential No. 1 overall pick last summer but never reached those heights in 2024. Still, his potential as a speed rusher should earn him a spot in the first round of this spring’s draft. Pearce has excellent bend and ankle flexibility, and combined with his vast array of speed-rush moves, he has double-digit sack potential in the NFL. His speed rip consistently earns him pass rush wins. He developed an inside counter in 2024, making him a more complete pass-rusher. His run defense and tackling upside prevent him from a higher ranking, as he plays as light as his 242-pound frame suggests. He can get eliminated with long, powerful tackles, and he hasn’t shown an ability to be more than adequate on run downs. He must also improve as a tackler, consistently failing to wrap up ball carriers and acting as a liability on that front. Despite those deficiencies, Pearce has elite upside as a pass-rusher and could very well push to become one of the best edge rushers in the 2025 class.
NFL Comparison: Odafe Oweh
Speed, length, and instincts give Thomas a seat at the table in the quest for CB3 off the board this spring. Thomas will surely become a better pro than a college player, as the Florida State defense did him a few favors in 2024. Still, he has outstanding press-man coverage instincts that allow him to take away the best option on any given offense. His nearly 33-inch arms give him the length to jam wideouts, and he’s remarkably comfortable mirroring various routes. He is sticky and physical, consistently staying attached to his assignment’s hip. He has above-average ball skills, consistently using his long arms to challenge catch attempts. Thomas should impress at the NFL Scouting Combine, and the Senior Bowl hype won’t hurt his chances of becoming a first-round pick.
NFL Comparison: Christian Gonzalez
Watts doesn’t have the sexiest skill set but is above average in every aspect of the safety position. He flies around the field with sureness, consistently displaying instincts that make up for any athletic deficiencies. He had 13 interceptions and seven pass breakups in his final two seasons at Notre Dame, displaying elite ball skills and the ability to eliminate halves of the field. Watts is always a step ahead mentally, which helps him assist his defense as a run defender. He’s an above-average tackler, though he won’t have many highlight hits. He consistently wraps up, stopping momentum quickly with solid power and strength, especially for a 200-pound player. Watts won’t surprise anyone with athleticism, but he’s a damn good football player who should slide into a starting role as early as 2025.
NFL Comparison: Xavier McKinney
Ward was a confounding watch at times in 2024, with periods of elite play intermixed with baffling decisions. Regarding upside, Ward is the best option at the quarterback position. His arm talent pops off the film with the changing of arm angles, exceptional zip, and jaw-dropping accuracy on challenging throws. Mechanically, he’s slightly inconsistent with feet that can get off-kilter in the face of pressure. Still, he drives the football with the flick of his wrist, so it’s less of a concern than it would be for someone with a weaker arm. His processing ability improved in 2024, especially pre-snap. Ward’s freedom to get Miami’s offense into the right situation and his correctness in critical moments were impressive. Ward’s leadership skills are generating buzz in the scouting community, and it’s not unreasonable to believe he’ll be selected as the top overall pick when the draft arrives.
NFL Comparison: Deshaun Watson
This season, Walker was a frustrating watch, but his athletic upside is too good to fall out of my good graces entirely. Walker split time between off-ball linebacker and edge rusher, but my assessment has him primarily playing edge rusher at the next level. His bend, burst, and relentless motor as an obvious-pass-down rusher should earn him at least a rotational role early in his career. He has above-average play strength when rushing the passer, though he can be eliminated as a run defender relatively quickly. He struggles to shed blocks regularly in his off-ball linebacker snaps and can be problematic in run fits, leading my evaluation to focus on the pass-rush upside. Ideally, he’ll land in a system that utilizes him as a 3-4 outside linebacker, working him downhill and off the edge as much as possible.
NFL Comparison: Nik Bonitto
Williams is a case of traits superseding production in the evaluation process. When the NFL Scouting Combine arrives, the world will likely learn of Williams’s 34-inch arms constantly appearing on film. He’s an outstanding athlete, though the injury he sustained early in 2024 hampered his get-off after he returned. He has above-average closing speed, and his long arms allow him to land his pass rush from a further distance than most in the class. They also allow him to wrap up ballcarriers as a run defender. He’s still developing a pass-rush plan, though he has an effective straight arm. His bull rush is effective, especially when he’s fully healthy. The best football is ahead of Williams, and his fit as a 4-3 defensive end gives him a ton of potential to land inside the first round.
NFL Comparison: Tyree Wilson
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