Every week, Yardbarker is monitoring the 2025 NFL Draft, scheduled for April 24-26 in Inexperienced Bay.
From Colorado’s versatile phenom to San Jose State’s productive wideout, listed here are 5 gamers we’re monitoring:
Most NFL scouts need Colorado’s Travis Hunter to play CB as a substitute of WR
Hunter recently said he desires to play CB/WR within the NFL, however the workforce that drafts him in all probability will not let the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner play extensively at each positions. Per Sports activities Illustrated’s Albert Breer, most scouts contemplate him a greater nook.
“Dominant CB that might be a job participant at WR on third down,” an AFC scouting school director lately advised Breer. “Particular man cowl expertise. Lengthy, explosive, twitchy, tremendous instinctive. Not often permits separation. Excellent ball expertise. Can match up and canopy a number of varieties of receivers and takes the ball away. He is a uncooked receiver with pure athleticism and fingers.”
Former Michigan star Charles Woodson — who performed CB/WR when he gained the 1997 Heisman — was primarily a nook in 18 seasons with the Packers and Raiders. Maybe Hunter will comply with Woodson’s path.
By way of 12 video games, Hunter (6-foot-1, 185 kilos) has 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 landing catches. On protection, he has a career-high 11 passes defended and 4 interceptions. He’ll play within the Alamo Bowl in opposition to BYU on Dec. 28 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Texas QB Quinn Ewers’ inventory may hinge on School Soccer Playoff efficiency
Final week, Rivals’ Anwar Richardson tweeted Ewers plans to declare for the draft. Nevertheless, the QB stays noncommittal about his future.
When requested Monday if he would go away or keep in class, Ewers stated, “I am unsure but,” in accordance with 247 Sports activities’ Eric Henry.
In his draft tiers for every School Soccer Playoff workforce, ESPN’s Matt Miller gave Ewers a second-round grade. Longhorns backup QB Arch Manning — the nephew of Tremendous Bowl champions Peyton and Eli — is ready within the wings, so do not be shocked if Ewers enters the draft.
By way of 11 begins, Ewers (6-foot-2, 210 kilos) has accomplished 66.2% of his passes for two,665 yards and 25 TDs and has tossed 9 interceptions.
Main the Longhorns to a nationwide title may definitely increase his inventory. No. 5 seed Texas (11-2) hosts No. 12 Clemson (10-3) within the first spherical of the CFP on Saturday at 4 p.m. ET.
Notre Dame security Xavier Watts could possibly be an elite defensive prospect
On Monday, Watts (6-foot, 203 kilos) earned his second consecutive first-team All-American nod. He is tied for third within the FBS in interceptions (5 in 12 video games).
In a Wednesday scouting report, Bleacher Report’s Cory Giddings graded Watts as a late first-rounder and a Yr 1 starter. He additionally in contrast Watts to former Alabama standout Landon Collins, who made three Professional Bowls in eight seasons with the Giants and Commanders.
Control Watts when No. 7 seed Notre Dame (11-1) hosts No. 10 seed Indiana (11-1) on Friday at 8 p.m. ET. The Hoosiers rank second within the FBS in factors scored (43.3).
Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan might lack key ability
McMillan (6-foot-5, 212 kilos) recently entered the draft. On his up to date large board, CBS Sports activities’ Josh Edwards rated him his No. 3 prospect.
McMillan is very touted, however a scout advised The Ringer’s Todd McShay his route working raises issues.
“If he does not enhance in these areas, he going to should depend on 50-50 balls,” McShay stated Wednesday on his podcast. “And you’ll’t dwell on that within the NFL.”
McMillan needs to be a first-rounder, regardless of the questions on his route working. In 12 video games, he had 84 receptions for 1,319 yards and eight TD catches.
San Jose State WR Nick Nash could possibly be one of many high gamers who is not in School Soccer Playoff
In a Wednesday column, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler listed Nash as considered one of 10 prospects to observe in non-Playoff bowl video games. The Spartans (7-5) face South Florida (6-6) within the Hawaii Bowl on Dec. 24 at 8 p.m. ET.
“Nash does not have the traits to be a top-10 decide however is a straightforward prospect to love, due to his fingers, routes and adjustment expertise,” wrote Brugler. “Although it should not be simplistic, the place (or if) he’s drafted may come right down to his 40-yard sprint time — something round 4.50 seconds could be thought of a win.”
Regardless, Nash (6-foot-3, 195 kilos) could possibly be a steal. The previous QB leads the FBS in receptions (104), receiving yards (1,382) and TD catches (16) by way of 12 video games.