2025 NFL Draft Buzz: Late-Rising Prospects, Wild-Card Teams, and Draft Day Predictions

Last-Minute Risers Taking the Spotlight

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches (April 24), several prospects are making unprecedented late climbs up team boards. Here’s the latest intel from top analysts:

Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State

• Strengths: Elite athleticism (4.3s 40-yard dash, 10’11” broad jump), zone coverage specialist.
• Concerns: Only two years at CB after switching from WR.
• Projection: Early-to-mid Day 2 pick for zone-heavy teams.

Kevin Winston Jr., S, Penn State

• Comeback Story: Tore his ACL in 2024 but impressed at pro day (4.46s 40).
• Stock: Rising from Day 3 to potential Round 2 selection.

Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College

• Breakout Season: 16.5 sacks, dominant Senior Bowl showing.
• Buzz: Now viewed as a potential top-25 pick despite size questions (6’3”, 248 lbs).

Pro Day Takeaways That Shifted the Draft Landscape

• Will Campbell, OT, LSU: Despite 32⅝” arms, scouts see him as LT1 due to elite footwork.
• Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss: Post-pro day, now a likely top-20 lock for his pass-rush upside.
• RB Class Depth: Over 30 draftable RBs; Ashton Jeanty (Boise State) could go top-10.

Wild-Card Teams That Could Define Round 1

1. New York Jets (Pick 7): No clear need; could target RB, WR, or OL.
2. New York Giants (Pick 3): Torn between Shedeur Sanders (QB) and Travis Hunter (WR/CB).
3. New Orleans Saints (Pick 9): May surprise with a QB or RB like Jeanty.

Day 2 Impact Players to Watch

• Mason Taylor, TE, LSU: Red-zone mismatch creator (top-50 buzz).
• Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State: Size-speed combo (2,166 yards in 2 seasons).
• Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri: Round 2 steal with YAC ability.

Injury Concerns Looming Large

• Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama: Labrum recovery timeline uncertain.
• Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia: Played at 60% health; 4.75s 40 raised flags.
• Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State: Patellar tendon injury splits scouts (top-20 vs. Day 2).

Mini-Mock Drafts: Perfect Fits for Top-10 Teams

New England Patriots

• Rd 1: Will Campbell, OT (LSU)
• Rd 2-7: Focus on WR, RB, and defensive scheme fits.

Carolina Panthers

• Rd 1: Jalon Walker, Edge (Georgia)
• Priority: Pass rush + secondary depth.

Chicago Bears

• Rd 1: Will Campbell, OT (LSU)
• Rd 2: Emeka Egbuka, WR (Ohio State) for WR3 role.

Final Scouting Notebook Highlights

• Travis Hunter’s position-flex dilemma: Teams prioritize talent over rigid plans.
• Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss QB) gaining steam over Shedeur Sanders in some circles.
• Private workouts for Will Johnson (CB, Michigan) and Jalon Walker (Edge, Georgia) could swing draft stock.

Prediction: Expect chaos in Round 1 due to divergent team evaluations.