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

Breaking down the latest NFL Draft rumors, sleeper prospects, and teams that could shake up Round 1. Expert analysis on risers, wild-card picks, and impact players.

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.

What to Read Next

Air Force Falcons Unveil 'Air Power Legacy Series' Uniforms Honoring F-16 Fighter Jet
NCAAF

Air Force Falcons Unveil 'Air Power Legacy Series' Uniforms Honoring F-16 Fighter Jet

The Air Force Falcons reveal their 2025 'Air Power Legacy Series' uniforms, paying tribute to the F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet.

Exclusive Fantasy Football Draft Experience at UConn's Rentschler Field
NCAAF

Exclusive Fantasy Football Draft Experience at UConn's Rentschler Field

UConn offers a unique fantasy football draft experience at Rentschler Field, including suite access, locker room tours, and on-field photo opportunities.

College Football 26: Major Gameplay Enhancements and New Features Unveiled
NCAAF

College Football 26: Major Gameplay Enhancements and New Features Unveiled

Explore the latest updates in College Football 26, featuring new mascots, enhanced gameplay mechanics, and improved AI behaviors.

Top 10 Freshmen Poised to Dominate the 2025 College Football Season
NCAAF

Top 10 Freshmen Poised to Dominate the 2025 College Football Season

Discover the top 10 freshmen expected to make a significant impact in the 2025 college football season, featuring standout recruits and key players to watch.

2025 NCAAF Preseason All-America Team: Top Players and Rising Stars
NCAAF

2025 NCAAF Preseason All-America Team: Top Players and Rising Stars

Get the full breakdown of ESPN's 2025 NCAAF Preseason All-America Team, featuring the top players and rising stars across every position.

2025 NCAAF Preseason Betting Guide: Top 25 Teams and Expert Picks
NCAAF

2025 NCAAF Preseason Betting Guide: Top 25 Teams and Expert Picks

Get expert betting insights for every team in the 2025 NCAAF AP Top 25 preseason poll, including win totals, futures, and Week 1 matchups.

2025 NCAAF Preseason AP Poll: Key Stats and Insights for Top 25 Teams
NCAAF

2025 NCAAF Preseason AP Poll: Key Stats and Insights for Top 25 Teams

Explore the 2025 NCAAF preseason AP Poll with key stats and insights for each of the top 25 teams, including Texas, Ohio State, and Penn State.

2025 College GameDay Schedule: Locations, Highlights, and Exclusive Insights
NCAAF

2025 College GameDay Schedule: Locations, Highlights, and Exclusive Insights

Discover the 2025 College GameDay schedule, locations, and exclusive insights. Follow the premier college football pregame show on ESPN.

From Heisman to Head Coach: Eddie George's Bold New Chapter at Bowling Green
NCAAF

From Heisman to Head Coach: Eddie George's Bold New Chapter at Bowling Green

Eddie George, the Heisman Trophy winner, takes on the challenge of coaching at Bowling Green, bringing his unique journey and vision to the NCAAF.

2025 Big Ten Football Season: Key Matchups, Top Players, and Championship Predictions
NCAAF

2025 Big Ten Football Season: Key Matchups, Top Players, and Championship Predictions

Explore the 2025 Big Ten football season with in-depth analysis on top teams like Ohio State and Penn State, key games, and player highlights.

2025 NCAAF Season Preview: Tiered Rankings of All 136 FBS Teams
NCAAF

2025 NCAAF Season Preview: Tiered Rankings of All 136 FBS Teams

Explore the comprehensive tiered rankings of all 136 FBS teams for the 2025 NCAAF season, featuring in-depth analysis and playoff predictions.

Top 10 NCAAF Players to Watch in 2025: Who Will Rise in the 2026 NFL Draft?
NCAAF

Top 10 NCAAF Players to Watch in 2025: Who Will Rise in the 2026 NFL Draft?

Discover the top 10 NCAAF players whose performance in the 2025 season could significantly impact their 2026 NFL Draft prospects.

Big 12 Football 2025: Power Rankings, Key Players, and Must-See Games
NCAAF

Big 12 Football 2025: Power Rankings, Key Players, and Must-See Games

Get the latest insights on the Big 12 Football 2025 season, including power rankings, key players, and must-see games. Discover who might dominate the wide-open conference.

2025 NCAAF Impatience Index: Teams Under Pressure to Deliver
NCAAF

2025 NCAAF Impatience Index: Teams Under Pressure to Deliver

Explore the 2025 NCAAF Impatience Index, highlighting teams under immense pressure to deliver results in the upcoming season.

ACC 2025: Power Rankings, Key Players, and Must-See Games - Can Miami, Louisville, or SMU Challenge Clemson?
NCAAF

ACC 2025: Power Rankings, Key Players, and Must-See Games - Can Miami, Louisville, or SMU Challenge Clemson?

Get the latest on the ACC 2025 season with power rankings, key players, must-see games, and insights on whether Miami, Louisville, or SMU can challenge Clemson for the title.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.