The 2025 NFL draft class has stirred considerable discussion among scouts and analysts, who widely regard it as weaker compared to recent years. Lacking in high-end, can’t-miss prospects, this year’s class presents a contrast to its predecessors. However, it remains notable for its strong defensive line and a promising running back group. With only four to five blue-chip players identified, the draft lacks the star power typical of past years. Yet, it offers depth in specific areas that could significantly benefit teams with multiple early picks.
One standout feature of the 2025 draft is its resemblance to the structure that propelled the Philadelphia Eagles to their Super Bowl LIX victory. Defensive ends, defensive tackles, and versatile defensive backs are among the strengths of this class, echoing the positions that fueled the Eagles' success. An NFL general manager noted the potential impact of these positions, highlighting that "a third of the first round might be edge rushers and defensive tackles."
"There are four, maybe five, blue-chip players," – one NFL general manager
While the draft lacks elite prospects across the board, it compensates with depth in several key areas. The running back class stands out, with six prospects earning at least a second-round grade. An NFC West area scout emphasized this point, stating, "If you can't find a starting running back this year, you're really just not trying." This depth offers teams ample opportunities to secure solid contributors early in the draft.
"If you can't find a starting running back this year, you're really just not trying," – an NFC West area scout
In contrast to recent years, the 2025 class has fewer players ranked high based purely on potential. It also features a notably shallow pool of elite quarterback prospects. An AFC college scouting director defended the class's quality against criticism, asserting that "the people saying this is a bad class just haven't watched enough players yet."
"The people saying this is a bad class just haven't watched enough players yet," – an AFC college scouting director
This year's draft may see up to five wide receivers selected in the first round; however, none are considered superior to last year's top three prospects. The tight end group, on the other hand, is stronger than in 2022 or 2023, offering teams more options at this position. An AFC South area scout commented on this aspect: "It's not 2023 good, but this tight end class is stronger than last year's or 2022."
"It's not 2023 good, but this tight end class is stronger than last year's or 2022," – an AFC South area scout
The defensive line emerges as a particular strength of the 2025 draft, featuring 31 defensive linemen among the top 100 prospects. This depth aligns with an AFC North scout's analogy comparing this draft to 2015's first round, which was characterized by solid players rather than standout stars.
"It reminds me of the 2015 first round with two quarterbacks at the top and then just a bunch of really solid players," – an AFC North scout with more than 20 years of experience
Teams with multiple picks in the first two rounds stand to benefit the most from this draft class. The depth allows for strategic selections that could lead to numerous rookie starters. An AFC South area scout predicted a significant influx of rookie starters: "You're going to see a ton of rookie starters from this class because it's such an experienced group."
"You're going to see a ton of rookie starters from this class because it's such an experienced group," – an AFC South area scout
Despite some criticisms regarding its lack of top-tier talent, the 2025 draft provides value through its breadth and potential for immediate contributions. An AFC East area scout highlighted the close grading among prospects: "Player No. 15 on your board might have the same grade as No. 50."
"Player No. 15 on your board might have the same grade as No. 50." – an AFC East area scout
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