With the NFL season in our rear view, I’ve had more time to study tape and I’ve monitored how prospects adjusted to pro-style environments across various college all-star games and practices.
Front offices are currently deciding whether to slap the franchise tag on any of their potential free agents, but the center of the football universe will be Indianapolis this week, where the avalanche of information we will be gifted could fundamentally alter how this draft is perceived going forward.
The on-field work makes for decent television, but I’ll be more focused on the measurements, medical evaluations and interviews happening behind closed doors.
Here are some key dates going forward before we get to the draft in Green Bay (April 24-26):
Feb. 18-March 4: Franchise/transition player designation period
Feb. 24-March 3: NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis
Early March: Colleges can begin hosting pro days
March 12: New league year begins at 1 p.m. (i.e. free agency)
Part of my mock draft preamble explains it is an attempt at figuring out the best players available in this season’s draft class, and which teams they’d match up well with considering the draft order. The closer we get to draft day, the more I attempt to match what teams will actually do with their draft picks as opposed to what I believe they should do.
Last season, I was the third-most accurate NFL draft prognosticator in print, according to The Huddle Report. I’m tied for fifth overall (out of 172) over the past five years.
My big board is an attempt to discern who the best players in this draft class actually are. I’ve submitted my top-100 over just the past three years, but I’m in the top 20 over that timeframe.
Here’s my first 2025 NFL Draft Big Board, featuring 50 draft-eligible prospects heading into the on-field events, workouts and interviews at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis:
1. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise St., Jr.
Jeanty just had one of the greatest seasons by a running back in college football history, and almost single-handedly willed the Broncos into the College Football Playoff. The 5-foot-9, 215-pound dynamo rushed for a nation-best 2,601 yards (only Barry Sanders has had more) and 29 touchdowns on 374 carries (7.0 yards per carry). He’s a high-volume playmaker with elite contact balance and vision — he had runs of 50-plus yards in nine of 14 games — who was actually underutilized as a receiver this season. He caught 43 balls for 569 yards and five TDs as a sophomore, but a lot of those targets were converted into handoffs in order to challenge Sanders’ single-season rushing record. The Doak Walker Award (top running back) and Maxwell Award (best all-around player) winner is a dual-threat who features All-Pro upside at the next level. His size/skillset/production combination is very reminiscent of NFL Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson. Jeanty has chosen not to do the drills at the scouting combine, but will participate in the medical evaluations and team interviews. We will, however, get an opportunity to see the Heisman runner-up participate in on-field drills at Boise State’s Pro Day.
2. Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado, Jr.
Obviously, if Hunter is able to play both ways full-time in the pros at a high level, he’d meet the criteria for being considered a “generational talent.” I’m actually more concerned a team will botch his transition to the league, than I am he won’t be a worthwhile investment. Depending on the team, he is likely to spend most of his NFL career at cornerback, but he’s such a dynamic weapon on offense, it would be malpractice if a team didn’t manufacture a number of touches each game for the Heisman winner. He should have an easier adjustment period at receiver. Hunter’s athleticism, impressive instincts and elite ball skills are what sets him apart on both sides of the ball. He remains the highest-rated recruit to commit to a HBCU.
3. Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn St., Jr.
After spending his first two years at linebacker for the Nittany Lions, Carter moved to edge this season, where he utilized his special movement ability to rush the passer and dominate the line of scrimmage — he led the FBS with 23½ tackles for loss. The consensus All-American and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year also finished with 12 sacks and two forced fumbles. Carter injured his shoulder in Penn State’s playoff win over Boise State and played through it, impressively I might add, in a loss to Notre Dame. He won’t work out at the combine, but will participate in on-field drills at his pro day (March 28).
4. Will Johnson, CB, Michigan, Jr.
Johnson is a press corner with outstanding size (6-2, 202), ball skills and athleticism. The former five-star recruit would’ve been the first corner off the board last year had he been eligible (possibly in 2023 as well). If I was evaluating Colorado’s Hunter purely as a cornerback, I’d slot him right behind the defensive MVP of the 2023 National Championship game. Johnson reminds me of former top-10 pick and reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain Jr. He was listed No. 28 on Bruce Feldman’s annual Freaks List headed into last season, reportedly running the 3-cone drill in 6.57 seconds, which would’ve been the fastest time for a cornerback the previous two years at the NFL Combine. There are questions surrounding his speed — like Surtain, he’s fast enough — and a turf toe injury cost him most of his junior season, so he’ll draw plenty of attention in Indy this week.
5. Mason Graham, DT, Michigan, Jr.
Graham doesn’t check all of the athletic freak boxes some general managers seek, but the two-time All-American was a disruptive force against the pass and run in his three seasons with the Wolverines. He didn’t produce a lot of sacks in college (nine in three years), but he’s relentless, and he has a feel for leverage thanks to his championship-level wrestling background. The sacks could come in the pros as he develops his pass-rush repertoire.
6. Tyler Warren, TE, Penn St., Sr.
Warren is athletic, tough, features prototypical size (6-6, 261) and does everything well. He’s a nightmare matchup in the slot and capable of developing into a road grader in the run game at the next level. The Mackey Award winner (top tight end) had 104 receptions for 1,233 yards and eight TDs, ran for 218 yards and four TDs on 26 carries, and completed three of his six passes for 35 yards and another TD. Warren was the first tight end since 1977 (Notre Dame’s Ken McAfee) to finish top 10 in the Heisman Trophy voting (he finished seventh with one first-place vote).
7. Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia, Jr.
Walker is the type of chess piece and playmaker defensive coordinators usually salivate over. An off-ball linebacker turned rusher, he won the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker last season. He’s a dominant run defender and versatile enough to blitz the QB or even rush off the edge. Walker was at his best against Texas, producing 10 tackles for loss and four sacks in two victories. Some see him as a “tweener” (he’s 6-2, 245), but I’m buying into his “hybrid” upside, assuming he can get stronger at the next level.
8. Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan, Jr.
No. 3 on Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List in 2024, Grant is a grizzly bear (6-3, 342) who can plug up run lanes and also pressure the passer. He still needs polish, but his mere presence forces an offense to account for him. His 12 career pass breakups is a program record for a defensive tackle, and indicative of his game-wrecking ability. If he tests the way he’s capable of in Indy at the combine, he could penetrate the top 10.
9. Cam Ward, QB, Miami, Sr.
He was lightly recruited out of high school and began his collegiate career with the FCS-level Incarnate Word Cardinals, where he became the SLC Offensive Player of the Year before transferring to Washington State. In the Pac-12, he passed for 6,968 yards and 48 touchdowns against only 16 interceptions in two seasons with the Cougars. In his one year with the Hurricanes, he helped return the program to national status and finished fourth in the Heisman voting. Ward features immense arm talent and more than enough mobility to extend plays. Ball protection will be a point of contention during the draft process due to his gunslinger mentality, but he’s improved every single season and I don’t see why that can’t continue at the next level.
10. Will Campbell, T, LSU, Jr.
Campbell started at left tackle for the Tigers since he was a true freshman in 2022, featuring prototypical size (6-6, 320) and premier athleticism for the position. He earned the honor of wearing LSU’s No. 7 as the team’s top playmaker his last two seasons. Campbell wore a patch with the single digit since he couldn’t wear that jersey number as a lineman. The tradition began in 2008 with Patrick Peterson, with players such as Tyrann Mathieu, Leonard Fournette, Ja’Marr Chase and Derek Stingley Jr. following in Peterson’s footsteps. Some scouts believe his relative lack of length might push him inside. Regardless, he’d still be a top-tier guard prospect at the next level. I think he’ll be just fine at tackle, as he was baptized in the fire of the SEC, and more than held his own.
11. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia, Jr.
Starks was a freshman All-American in 2022, a consensus All-American in 2023 and a first-team All-American last season, so you could say he’s been consistently excellent during his time in Athens. He was the No. 1 ranked athlete in the country before choosing the Bulldogs over Alabama and Clemson. Starks is a scheme-versatile playmaker with high football IQ who excels against the run and can be deployed in a variety of ways in coverage.
12. James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee, Jr.
The Vols’ Pearce produced 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss his sophomore season in Knoxville, primarily beating SEC tackles with his explosive athleticism. He followed that up with 7½ sacks and 13 tackles for loss, while being selected as a semifinalist for the Bednarik, Lombardi and Walter Camp Player of the Year awards. If he continues to develop his pass-rush arsenal and adds some bulk to his 6-foot-5 frame, he’s talented enough to challenge Penn State’s Carter as the best pure pass rusher in this draft.
13. Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M, Jr.
Stewart is enormous (6-5, 281) for an edge, but he plays much lighter than his size suggests, and his motor doesn’t have an off switch. The on-field production left a lot to be desired last year, but the former five-star recruit handled his business during Senior Bowl week, with some NFL execs calling him the best player in Mobile.
14. Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas, Sr.
Barron lacks ideal straight-line speed at corner, but he’s a quick processor who can anticipate what receivers are going to do, and he plays bigger than his size (5-11, 200) suggests. The Jim Thorpe Award winner (best defensive back) could thrive as a “big nickel” or even at safety in the pros, where his instincts and ball skills would be best utilized.
15. Kelvin Banks Jr., T, Texas, Jr.
Banks started at left tackle as a true freshman in 2022 for the Longhorns and has excelled ever since. He was just the sixth offensive lineman in Texas’ history to be selected as an unanimous All-American, while also winning the Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy last season. Arm length concerns may necessitate a move to the interior, but Banks’ athleticism plays anywhere.
16. Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri, Jr.
Burden is an explosive athlete who is dynamic with the ball in his hands. The former five-star recruit saw a dip in production after a revelatory sophomore season, but I’m attributing that mostly to uneven quarterback play, and the Tigers’ offense suffering a complete identity crisis. Burden thrived between the numbers in 2023, but Missouri seemed much more focused on taking shots deep down the sideline last season.
17. Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan, Jr.
Loveland’s size (6-5, 245) and elite athleticism makes him a matchup nightmare. He’s capable of running the entire route tree, while threatening all three levels, and would have easily been the TE2 behind Brock Bowers last year had he been eligible. Loveland’s also a willing and effective run blocker who can create soft edges for running backs, but could struggle against NFL strength. His final season was marred by a shoulder injury and insufficient QB play, but Loveland still led the Wolverines in receptions (56), receiving yards (582) and receiving TDs (five).
18. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona, Jr.
McMillan’s a big (6-5, 210), highly-productive playmaker with Mr. Fantastic arms and excellent hands. His 17 contested catches were second among FBS wide receivers to only Rome Odunze in 2023. He averaged 109.9 receiving yards per game last season (fourth in the FBS). I see him as a more athletic, but less polished version of Drake London.
19. Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina, Sr.
Revel tore his ACL in September during practice, but his size (6-3, 193), athleticism, physicality and ball skills all add up to a first-round prospect. You don’t have to squint too hard to see some Richard Sherman in his game. His doctor, Daniel E. Cooper, recently said in a letter to NFL teams he expects Revel to be good to go for the start of the 2025 season.
20. Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama, Jr.
Campbell is a former five-star recruit who played wide receiver and defensive end in high school, about 20 miles south of Philadelphia, but developed into one of the best linebackers in the nation after starting the last two seasons in Tuscaloosa. He’s big (6-3, 245), rangy and transforms into a heat-seeking missile in the open field, but he’s still developing his overall instincts. His size, elite traits and athletic talent point to upside as an edge rusher.
21. Tyler Booker, G, Alabama, Jr.
Booker is a big guard with the size (6-5, 325), brute strength and athleticism to dominate in the run game. He’s a tone-setter, but he’ll need to refine his technique in pass protection, especially against high-end rushers. There’s Pro Bowl-potential here.
22. Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina, Jr.
Hampton is a bruising (6-0, 219), north/south runner who plays with patience and impressive contact balance. The two-time first-team All-American produced 1,726 total yards and 16 TDs his sophomore season with Drake Maye under center. With Maye in the NFL, and his heir apparent Max Johnson knocked out for the season in the opener, Hampton faced defenses geared to stop him with stacked boxes galore. He responded with 2,033 total yards (a Tar Heels’ single-season record) and 17 TDs.
23. Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss, Jr.
Nolen was ranked as the No. 1 overall recruit by ESPN and USA Today in the 2022 recruiting class. The Texas A&M transfer began to live up to the hype in his sophomore season with the Aggies. He finished with 48 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 6½ sacks while also batting down three passes and recovering two fumbles in his only season with the Rebels. Nolen also doesn’t lack for confidence. In a recent interview with The Draft Network, he proudly proclaimed, “I’m the next Aaron Donald, man … I feel like I can do it all. Aaron Donald did it all at the highest level. I’m a younger, upcoming version of Aaron Donald.”
24. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio St., Sr.
Henderson isn’t a juke-machine, but he’s shifty and fast, which can be a problematic combination for defenders. He’s a fearless, downhill runner who hasn’t fumbled in 667 career touches. He’s slightly undersized (5-10, 208), so it’s probably best to pair him with a bruiser who mixes in on early downs, but passing downs will be his domain. Henderson has soft hands, and is a capable route-runner. He’s the best pass-protector in this running back class, and showed he was also capable of clearing a path on designed runs by QB Will Howard.
25. Alfred Collins, DT, Texas, Sr.
Imagine an ox who looks at other oxen and asks, “Do you even lift, bro?” That’s how strong Collins is. The former five-star recruit was considered an “underachiever” before leveling up his senior season, earning first-team SEC and second-team All-American honors for the CFP Semifinalist Longhorns. How much he’ll contribute as a pass rusher in the pros remains up in the air, but his size (6-5, 320), raw power and athleticism will make him a problem against the run right away. He’s already proven adept at batting down his share of passes.
26. Armand Membou, T, Missouri, Jr.
Membou started 30 games at right tackle for the Tigers, but he doesn’t meet the height standard for NFL starting tackles (he’s 6-3). Regardless, he’s a technically sound pass-protector with elite body control, prototypical athleticism (No. 39 on Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List) and agility.
27. Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia, Jr.
A former five-star recruit, Williams hasn’t put it all together yet, but it doesn’t require a lot of imagination to foresee him having success at the next level. He oozes the physical traits and talent defensive coordinators seek, and is already a plus-run defender. His biggest flaws, like gap discipline, can be coached up.
28. Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado, Sr.
Coach Prime’s progeny is a polished pocket passer. His pinpoint accuracy, fearlessness and production are the top selling points. The lack of elite arm strength, and his propensity for holding onto the ball for too long will have to be addressed during the draft process. Sanders will meet with teams in Indianapolis, but won’t work out. He’s expected to throw at Colorado’s pro day next month.
29. Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame, Sr.
Watts is a former four-star recruit who joined the Fighting Irish as a wide receiver and won the Bronco Nagurski Award (best defensive player) after leading the nation with seven interceptions in 2023, two years after switching to defense. Watts finished his collegiate career as Notre Dame’s first two-time consensus All-American in over 30 years. You’d be hard-pressed to find better instincts or ball skills from a defensive back in this draft class.
30. Matthew Golden, WR, Texas, Jr.
Most of us expected Isaiah Bond to be the Longhorns best receiver last year, but as the season progressed, it was Golden who emerged as Quinn Ewers top target, catching 58 passes for 987 yards and nine touchdowns. The Houston transfer has shades of Brandon Aiyuk in his game. There’s also special teams value here — Golden averaged 25.8 yards per kick return in his three seasons and ran back two scores for the Cougars as a sophomore.
31. Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida St., Jr.
Speed isn’t Thomas’ game, but badgering receivers into submission until the QB decides to stop looking their way works just as well. He’s big (6-1, 191), physical and capable of imposing his will in press coverage before a wideout even crosses the line of scrimmage. Thomas only had one interception over the last two seasons, but that’s likely because quarterbacks avoided his side of the field as a rule.
32. Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo, Sr.
Alexander is the epitome of a disrupter. He’s already an elite run defender, and only scratching the surface as a pass rusher, although his bull rush consistently pushes the pocket. His size (6-4, 304), length and physicality will play well in odd or even fronts. Alexander was named the top defensive lineman at the Senior Bowl in a vote by the offensive linemen participating in the practices. He turns 25 in August, which could impact his draft stock a bit.
33. Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College, Sr.
Ezeiruaku was second in the FBS with 16½ sacks and fourth with 20½ tackles for loss, earning the Ted Hendricks Award (best defensive end) and the ACC Defensive Player of the Year. He wins with speed and an elite swim move, while being slippery at the point of attack. A diversified rush plan would make him even more dangerous as a pass rusher, but he doesn’t offer much as a run defender.
34. Josh Simmons, T, Ohio St., Sr.
Simmons suffered a season-ending knee injury in October against Oregon, but should be ready for training camp. The San Diego State transfer was making a play to be this draft’s top tackle before getting hurt, not allowing a sack or pressure in the six games he played. If fully healthy, Simmons has the prototypical size (6-5, 310) and features the fluid movement skills to handle NFL-caliber speed off the edge.
35. Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame, Jr.
Morrison is a former four-star recruit with premium coverage instincts and elite ball skills — he had nine interceptions in his first two seasons in South Bend. He suffered a season-ending hip injury in October, so his draft stock will be affected by medical clearances and how he recovers.
36. Mike Green, Edge, Marshall, So.
Green was the Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year while leading the nation with 17 sacks. The Virginia transfer’s 22½ tackles for loss was also tops until Penn State’s Carter surpassed him during the College Football Playoff. Green has arguably been the biggest riser in this year’s draft class, considering 2024 was his first season as a full-time starter. He’s a twitched-up sack artist who didn’t look out of place against Ohio State in September or at Senior Bowl practices last month, but he’s a work in progress against the run. There are also questions surrounding his departure from the Virginia program in 2022.
37. Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa, Jr.
Johnson is built (6-0, 225) to handle an NFL workload. The 2024 Big Ten Running Back of the Year combines the patience of an ice fisherman with the precision of a train conductor. The Hawkeyes were one of the worst passing offenses in the nation last season, which really puts Johnson’s junior year in perspective. He had 1,537 yards on 240 carries (6.4 yards per carry) and 21 TDs up against a wall of defenders on almost every down. He has decent hands catching the ball out of the backfield, but there’s a lot of work to do with his technique as a pass protector.
38. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio St., Sr.
Egbuka is a smooth route-runner who has a knack for finding the soft spot against zone coverage, and could thrive across the middle if he’s paired with a receiver who threatens defenses vertically. He has the most career receptions (205) in Buckeyes’ history, ranks second in receiving yards (2,868) and tied for seventh in receiving TDs (24). That’s saying something considering he played next to four other receivers who ended up being drafted in the first round — Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Marvin Harrison Jr. — and another who will almost certainly be a future top 10 pick (Jeremiah Smith).
39. Aireontae Ersery, T, Minnesota, Sr.
Ersery was a three-year starter at left tackle for the Gophers and features an impressive athletic profile for such a massive frame (6-6, 339). The 2024 Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year is a pro-ready run blocker, who is less polished as a pass protector (especially against speedy rushers), but his long arms and elite strength will force defenders to get creative in their approach.
40. Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina, Jr.
Emmanwori is a hybrid safety-linebacker whose size (6-3, 227), range and physicality will endear him to most defensive coordinators. He led the Gamecocks in tackles (85) as a true freshman, and did it again as a junior (88). His wingspan and ball skills are reminiscent of a top-tier wide receiver prospect — Emmanwori was one of just three FBS players in 2024 with multiple pick sixes — but he lacks urgency at times.
41. J.T. Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio St., Sr.
Only QB Quinn Ewers was ranked higher in Tuimoloau’s recruiting class. I’ve allocated too much mental real estate to his performance against Penn State in 2022. He had six tackles, two sacks, two interceptions (one returned for a TD), a forced fumble he recovered, and a pass deflection that was intercepted by a teammate. He had 6½ of his 12½ sacks last year in four playoff games to help the Buckeyes secure their first national title in a decade. Tuimoloau is a rugged edge defender with the size (6-5, 269), length and the ability to shed blocks, meaning he could become an elite run defender in the NFL right away. However, his pass rush plan begins and ends with power, and will need to be developed/expanded if he hopes to maintain even half of his 2024 sack production in the pros.
42. Josh Conerly Jr., T, Oregon, Jr.
Conerly was the No. 1 offensive tackle in the 2022 recruiting class and allowed only one sack in his first season as a full-time starter, protecting Bo Nix’s blind side as a sophomore. He was chosen first-team All-Big Ten in the Ducks’ first season in the conference, holding his own against Penn State’s Carter in the Big Ten Championship. The 6-foot-4, 315-pound Conerly allowed only five total pressures in protecting Heisman Trophy finalist Dillon Gabriel. He features the athleticism to recover when beaten, but he’ll need to improve his play strength against NFL power rushers.
43. Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA, Jr.
A former walk-on turned first-team All-American, Schwesinger has catapulted up draft boards since the beginning of last season. He wasn’t even starting last August, but he finished the year with 136 tackles (third in the nation), including the most solo tackles (90) in the country. He wins with elite instincts and athleticism, but he’s a bit undersized (6-2, 225), and needs to get stronger or he’ll get pushed around in the pros as a run defender. Schwesinger finished his Bruins career with over 500 snaps on special teams, including 15 tackles, and could develop into a core special teamer at the next level.
44. Charles Grant, T, William & Mary, Sr.
Grant started 41 games at left tackle for the Tribe, earning FCS All-American honors his last two seasons. He’s slightly undersized (6-4, 300) for a tackle, but his long arms and premium athleticism more than makes up for it. He’s a finisher in the run game and more technically sound in pass protection than many of the prospects coming out of the Power Four conferences these days. The only question left to answer is can he handle the massive leap in competition?
45. Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon, Jr.
Harmon made the most of his one year with the Ducks, making 45 tackles, including 10½ for a loss and five sacks while forcing two fumbles after transferring from Michigan State. Playing 30 pounds lighter (he’s 6-5, 310) than his time with the Spartans enabled the Detroit native to lead all interior defensive lineman in total pressures with 55.
46. Donovan Jackson, OL, Ohio St., Sr.
There’s an argument to be made Jackson was the Buckeyes’ MVP last season. He had started at left guard since his sophomore year, before replacing Josh Simmons at left tackle after he was lost for the season. Jackson hadn’t played left tackle since high school, and struggled in his first start up against Penn State’s Carter. He settled down and was dominant during Ohio State’s championship run.
47. Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M, Jr.
Scourton led the Big Ten in sacks (10) and produced 15 tackles for a loss as a sophomore at Purdue. The 6-foot-4, 280 pounder took his inside-outside versatility and nasty spin move to the SEC in 2024, where he had five sacks and 14 tackles for loss in his only season with the Aggies.
48. Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota St., Sr.
Zabel is one of the top FCS prospects in this draft class. He started 38 games across five seasons with the Bison, appearing at both tackle positions and left guard. The unanimous FCS first-team All-American also worked out at center in Mobile at the Senior Bowl. Zabel’s size (6-5, 316), premium athleticism and advanced technique, especially in the run game, will excite offensive line coaches. Powerful rushers can get the best of him at times, which is something he’ll have to address in the pros, considering his short arms will necessitate a move to the interior.
49. Landon Jackson, Edge, Arkansas, Sr.
Jackson’s size (6-7, 280), reach and elite power makes him a finisher against the run, and a vacuum for any QB who happens to drift anywhere near his vicinity. Despite struggling during practices, the former four-star recruit was impressive during the Senior Bowl itself, making several plays for the National team, including a forced fumble with a strip-sack on former Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart late in the second quarter. Jackson spent one season at LSU before transferring.
50. Mason Taylor, TE, LSU, Jr.
The son of first-ballot Hall of Fame defensive end Jason Taylor, Mason rewrote the tight end record book in Baton Rouge, becoming the first to surpass both 100 receptions and 1,000 receiving yards in a career. He features prototypical size (6-5, 250) and reliable hands, converting almost 70% of his receptions in 2024 for a first down. The former three-star recruit is a fluid route runner who excels against zone coverage. There’s still work to do as a run blocker, where he’ll need to up his play strength and physicality at the point of attack in the pros.