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Even though we are months away from the NFL Combine and draft season, I just couldn’t wait that long to start talking about some potential draft prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. I know, it’s a sickness. I have watched a ton of college football this season and with the conference realignments I got the chance to watch some west coast teams that I would not normally see often. Living on the East Coast I can’t say I was to plugged in to a Pac 10 night game in Corvalis between Oregon State and Washington that started at 10PM my time. I always prefer to watch prospects in games rather than tape or highlight reels to do my own personal scouting on them, so I figured with bowl season approaching as well as the CFB playoff, some of the prospects I will discuss will be playing in some games that will be available for everyone to see for themselves if they are interested.
After looking at the current roster and the contract status of the players for 2025, I have placed the position groups in the order I perceive will be the biggest needs for the LAC in round 1-2 of the draft. As we get into the offseason and see what players are resigned, extended or released, we will have a better idea of what positions are bigger priorities in the draft. Again, these are not in-depth scouting reports, but rather a brief overview of some players to keep an eye on. Players with a ** are not necessarily the top player, but are my early favorites at the position. The players are not listed in any particular order.
EDGE
I think Edge has the potential to be a big area of focus for next season. Bosa can’t stay healthy with a huge contract, and Mack will be 34 to start next season and was guaranteed not to be franchised when he took a pay cut. While he has been great, does his age prohibit a probable 2-3 year big $ deal that he will want? Bud Dupree has been OK in a reserve role, but I do not think he has the juice to be the full-time starter in this defense. Realistically, that could leave us with Tuli as the only quality starting caliber Edge player. This group could quickly go from strength to liability.
- Abdul Carter, Penn State, 6-3, 259
- Jack Sawyer, Ohio State 6-5, 260
- James Pearce, Tennessee 6-5, 243 **
- JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State 6-5, 269
- Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss 6-4, 255
- Jalon Walker, Georgia 6-2, 245
CORNER
This group has played fantastically this season, blending some returning starters with free agents and draft picks. However, with a few departures due to expiring contracts this could rival Edge as the biggest need. Fulton is on a one-year deal and Samuel is on the last year of his. If they don’t return we are left with a room consisting of Still, Hart, Taylor, and Leonard. With Minter’s scheme, having versatile, good tackling corners is a must. This position will need to be dealt with in some way for 2025.
- Travis Hunter, Colorado, 6-1, 185
- Will Johnson, Michigan, 6-2, 202 **
- Denzel Burke, Ohio State, 6-1, 193
- Tacario Davis, Arizona, 6-4, 190
- Jason Marshall, Florida, 6-1, 201
- Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame, 6-0, 190
IOL
The interior of the Offensive Line has been a weak spot all season. Regardless of contract status this unit needs an influx of talent. I think this could be a bigger focus in free agency, since it will be difficult to bring in 2 or 3 rookies to plug in immediately and expect better results. For that reason, it falls to the third spot on this list. Zion will have another season to develop, but C and RG will be new faces guaranteed. Outside of Salyer, the depth here is an issue as well, so I expect this position group to have multiple draft picks added to it. I combined C and OG together here since I am viewing this unit as a whole and not by individual positions.
- Jake Majors, Center, Texas 6-3, 315
- Parker Brailsford, Center, Alabama, 6-2, 290
- DJ Campbell, Guard, Texas, 6-3, 333
- Dylan Fairchild, Guard, Georgia, 6-5, 315
- Bryce Foster, Center, Kansas, 6-5, 330 **
- Tate Ratledge, Guard, Georgia, 6-6, 323
TE
Will Dissly has been great, but he is not the offensive weapon this offense requires at Tight End. Outside of Dissly, everyone else is on a one-year deal. This will be a vastly different looking position group in 2025. Luckily, there is a decent crop of prospects this year.
- Colston Loveland, Michigan, 6-5, 245
- Tyler Warren, Penn State, 6-6, 255 **
- Brant Kuithe, Utah, 6-2, 230
- Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt, 6-4, 225
- Harold Fannin, Bowling Green, 6-4, 233
- Jake Briningstool, Clemson, 6-6, 242
WR
WR is a tricky position, because while the fans feel we need a lead dog here to give Herbert a bona fide go to target, Hortiz and Harbaugh might view the position entirely different and prefer the room the way it is. A bunch of good players without a star. The ground and pound style of play many expected was evident in the first half of the season, but it seems as though Greg Roman and Harbaugh have shifted the philosophy slightly, to open up the passing offense under Herbert. This offseason will be telling to see if they continue to build the passing attack by adding a top talent, or if they prefer the way the room has been built so far.
- Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona, 6-5, 210
- Luther Burden, Missouri, 5-11, 209
- Isaiah Bond, Texas, 5-11, 183
- Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State, 6-1, 205
- Tre Harris, Ole Miss, 6-3, 212 **
- Tez Johnson, Oregon, 5-10, 165
DT
Defensive tackle is another position that has been vastly improved with the additions of Tart and Ford. However, like many roster spots, this influx of talent comes in the form of one-year deals. Add in that this is the last contract year for Morgan Fox and either some resigning or reinvesting will need to happen for 2025. While these factors might seem to make this group higher on the list, IDL seems to be a sweet spot for short term vet contracts in free agency and I have faith that the position could be filled that way again. Of course, adding some quality, young, long-term talent could be an angle this regime wants to explore.
- Mason Graham, Michigan, 6-3, 320
- Deone Walker, Kentucky, 6-6, 345 **
- Walter Nolan, Ole Miss, 6-3, 300
- Tyliek Williams, Ohio State, 6-3, 327
- TJ Sanders, South Carolina, 6-4, 295
- Dontay Corleaone, Cincinnati, 6-1, 320
RB
For a team that wants to pound the ball, RB could be viewed as a priority, but as we have seen, good backs can come from almost anywhere in the draft, and with a coaching staff that is adept at scheming up a good running game, there is no threat to invest early in the draft at the position. Of course the team can always look to resign Dobbins, give Vidal a bigger role or even fill some spots in free agency.
- Ashton Jeanty, Boise State, 5-9, 215
- Brashard Smith, SMU, 5-10, 196
- TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State, 5-10, 210 **
- Omarion Hampton, North Carolina, 6-0
- Kalel Mullings, Michigan, 6-2, 233
- Jordan James, Oregon, 5-10, 210
SAFETY
Hortiz has done a good job of adding pieces to the safety group to make it one of the best units on the team. Wirth the back end coverage a big part of Minter’s scheme, keeping the high quality of players at safety is vital to the strength of the unit. Molden is not signed for next year and Gilman will be entering the last year of his deal in 2025. However, with Derwin James being such an elite talent, and the return of Gilman for at least 2025, this is a unit that is not short on starters but can definitely use some depth pieces.
- Xavier Watts, Notre Dame, 6-0, 203
- Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina, 6-3, 227 **
- Malaki Starks, Georgia, 6-1, 205
- Jahdae Barron, Texas, 5-11, 200
- Sonny Styles, Ohio State, 6-4, 230
- Kamari Ramsey, USC, 6-0, 203
OT
With the drafting of Slater and Alt in the top 10 of their respective drafts, the Chargers boast arguably the best starting OT combination in the league. With both players still early in their careers, hopefully we can have this pair anchor the line for years to come, but the depth behind them is pitiful. Of course, if you consider Salyer a true swing OL, then the depth is more palatable, but still thin. I feel this could be a good spot to cash in on some shorter vet contracts as it is difficult to develop quality OL with later round picks. With plenty of cap space and draft capital this group will be addressed for next season.
- Will Campbell, LSU, 6-4, 322 **
- Kelvin Banks, Texas, 6-4, 320
- Cameron Williams, Texas, 6-5, 335
- Josh Conerly, Oregon, 6-4, 315
- Wyatt Milum, West Virginia, 6-6, 315
- Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona, 6-5, 335
LB
What was once considered the weakest position group on the team has arguably become its best with the ascension of Henley, drafting Colson and signing Perryman and Dye. Let’s not forget ST standout, Niemann. With the core of this group (Henley/Colson) very young, we will still need to add some bodies as Dye, Niemann and Perryman are on one-year deals. It could very well be a group filled in during free agency and a later draft pick, but with such a high level of talent with the starters, I do not consider LB group to be as dire as it has in the past.
- Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma, 6-4, 240 **
- Smael Mondon, Georgia, 6-3, 235
- Dontae Lawson, Alabama, 6-2, 237
- Harold Perkins, LSU, 6-1, 225
- Lander Barton, Utah, 6-4, 236
- David Bailey, Stanford, 6-3. 242
QB
Obviously with Herbert under center, this position is the strongest on the team. Heinicke is on the last year of his deal, and Stick should never see another regular season snap again. If so inclined, this group could be filled by resigning Heinicke or adding another low-cost vet such as Daniel Jones or Andy Dalton who can fill in for a few weeks if needed and keep the ship afloat. Even if a rookie developmental QB is added, it would be wise to have a solid vet in the fold behind Herbert.
- Quinn Ewers, Texas, 6-2, 210
- Cam Ward, Miami, 6-2, 223
- Shadeur Sanders, Colorado, 6-2, 215
- Garrett Nussmeier, LSU, 6-2, 200
- Drew Allar, Penn State, 6-5, 236
- Dillon Gabriel, Oregon, 6-0, 200 **
As the College Football season progresses, and the NFL draft order becomes clearer, there will be a ton more prospects emerging and especially realistic to the LAC draft slot that will require consideration and more in-depth analysis. However, this could be a good way to familiarize yourself with some of the top prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft by watching them in game action over the next few months. If you have any prospects to watch or players you like let me know so I can try to catch some live game film myself. Thanks.
Love this, Erick! It's a sickness to think about the offseason when we're in the middle of an impressive winning season, but I no doubt have it too brother! Thanks for putting this together!
I pretty much expect us to grab another CB in Day 3, I think they've shown they can make the defense work with a cornerbacks they seek out late that aren't necessarily the hyped-up prospects. I'm hoping we really address the IOL and TE... if the talent is deep enough, you'd hear zero complains if we went C, TE, G with the first three picks - however, I think it's more likely that Guard and EDGE are two starting positions we actually target in FA with all of our cap space (including retaining Mack, and letting Bosa walk).
@kylededi Edge is usually a very expensive purchase in Free Agency. I could see Mack coming back at a reasonable price, but at 34 to start next season, how long until we see diminishing returns? I would much rather add some top talent here early in the draft to keep the unit flush with talent after the eventual departure of Mack. Especially with Tuli as more of an Edge setter, I would really prefer more of a pure pass rusher. Adding a round 1 CB is tempting as well by adding a strength to a strength. A blue chip prospect added to that room could make it the best secondary in the league. I would love to draft a C and add a G in Free Agency so that we could have Herbert grow with a young C. I have already started to watch players and form some loose grades. I hope to really add some good stuff here for draft season. In another life we will both be player personnel executives Kyle!!
I've enjoyed reading thru this one. Thank you. There is never too early to talk/think about the next draft and roster needs. I'm glad you're on top of this as I do pay attention to your take, evaluations, and list of projected draft players. I don't have the time and enthusiasm to match yours for it. I am with Kyle, I expect us to draft a CB in the mid to late rounds. We have crucial need at the center position but I don't think it is a strong class in the upcoming draft. This need could be resolved in the FA, and a center that can immediately upgrade the position and improve the IOL.
@tui1hit Tui - Do you think the top-end IOL/C talent is weak, or the depth of talent?
As long as there's a guy with a similar grade as Frazier/JPJ, I wouldn't hesitate to draft him with our 1st rounder, given we'll hopefully be drafting in the 20's.
Kyle. I agree. A talent similar to Frazier or JPJ would be a must pick. Maybe it's too early for me to undervalue the upcoming center class. I will be watching Bryce Foster tomorrow night, a player Erick is high on. I will be in Provo, Utah tomorrow morning to watch my undefeated BYU Cougars vs Kansas tomorrow night.
@tui1hit That's great. Let me know what you think of him watching him live. It's very early in the process, and Harbaugh and Roman could want a different style of C, but I am so tired of watching Bozeman get rag dolled back into Herbert's lap. I would prefer a bigger power player at C rather than the lighter, athletic type.
One big issue I have with Bozeman, he not consistent with the line calls and often miss on crucial calls. He was doing better against the Titans with fewer stunts & blitzes and basic fronts. I believe part of the reason with him getting overpowered, he doesn't anticipate and process it quick enough. When the line call is correct, he gets help from the guards. Often when he is overpowered, one guard isn't blocking anyone.
@tui1hit bingo. And this is absolutely having a negative impact on the guards, in particular Zion.
To be fair to Bozeman, there have been some bad plays also by both Pipkins and Zion which didn't help Bozeman, not all his fault. A center can't win against a NT one-on-one, the nearest guard is aligned to help double up on the NT. When a LB shows himself at the B gap, Pipkins often gets flustered.
@tui1hit I understand but I think much of that originates from miscommunication. Maybe Bozeman is at fault, maybe not, but I'm used to the center making the blocking calls.
It's a cerebral as well as physical position.
@tui1hit I think the roster build for the 2025 season will be fascinating. With so many expiring contracts, it will be interesting to see where this regime chooses to focus in free agency vs the draft. With 10 draft picks, we could see Hortiz sacrificing some picks to move up, or back into rounds for players he likes. However, with the success of his late round picks from this years class, whose to say he wouldn’t just use those late round picks wisely again to land some talent? It’s still early to break down the IOL positions thoroughly, but I really like what I have seen from Bryce Foster the C from Kansas. He isn’t the most athletic player but he is a load who wins with power, which could be perfect for this scheme.
@evolz3737 I'll check out Bryce Foster tomorrow night against BYU. I'm attending that game in Provo. Have you looked at Jordan White, Jake Slaughter, and Jared Wilson (Georgia) yet? They're probably on second tier, late 2nd or early 3rd round.
@tui1hit Not yet, but with IOL looking like a big need in the offseason, I am sure to get to them.
Erick, thanks for doing this. I have NOT watched much college ball this year so am really behind the curve on prospects.
Overall I agree with your premise. I might not be quite as bullish on CB but agree otherwise.
Edge could quickly become a concern, as you said. Tui is already playing really well, so mature and hard working, but he can't do it all. I wish we could clone Mack!!!
I recognize that WR is a bit tricky but, if given the choice, I'd prioritize a pass catching TE. I think that would pay incredible dividends.
As always, free agency affects draft strategy. It's going to be really interesting to watch this process sans the financial handcuffs of last year.
@buck-melanoma Agreed. I think the roster building of this offseason will be a fun and interesting watch.
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