- The Ultimate 2025 Rookie Big Board 4.0 | Best Players You Need To Know
- The Ultimate 2025 Rookie Big Board 3.0 | Best Players You Need to Know
- The Ultimate 2025 Rookie Big Board 2.0 | Best Players You Need to Know
- The Ultimate 2025 Rookie Big Board 1.0 | Best Players You Need to Know
- The Ultimate 2025 NFL Draft Big Board 1.0 | Best Players You Need to Know
- 2025 Rookie Big Board 2.0 | A Defining Look at the Best Dynasty Prospects
One of the most challenging aspects of evaluating prospects is figuring out how to align players at different positions. However, that’s one of the most important parts of the rookie process. We will spend endless hours ranking prospects by position, but we don’t draft that way. We draft from a pool of prospects. Our 2025 Rookie Big Board Series aims to help you navigate the gap in positional rankings and prepare you for upcoming dynasty rookie drafts following the 2025 NFL Draft. These articles will provide you a variety of opinions and will be updated throughout the pre-draft process, leading up to rookie draft season. Each 2025 Rookie Big Board will be tailored for SuperFlex (SF) leagues unless otherwise noted.
2025 Rookie Big Board 2.0 | Tristan Cook
ROUND 1 | 2025 Big Board 2.0
No. 1 | Shedeur Sanders | QB | Colorado | 6’2” | 215 lbs
Previously No. 1 Overall
Shedeur Sanders entered the 2024 season as my top ranked quarterback, was the No. 1 player in my 2025 Big Board 1.0, and remains at the top spot here in 2.0. As I have said before, I believe that in a SuperFlex format, quarterbacks taken in the 1st Round (particularly inside the Top 10 picks) of any NFL Draft should be the first players off the board in rookie drafts. As of now, Shedeur Sanders is poised to be taken in the first handful of picks, so as long as that comes to fruition, he’ll maintain this spot.
My analysis of his game has not changed. Sanders has a strong arm. While he does not have elite arm strength, he’s capable of making any throw on the field. Where he excels is in his accuracy, both with ball placement on tight-window throws and on deep passes. His athleticism isn’t the greatest, but he’s mobile enough to use his legs when needed—routinely extending plays. I understand the appeal of Ashton Jeanty at No. 1 in drafts, but I’m taking Shedeur Sanders.
No. 2 | Cam Ward | QB | Miami | 6’2” | 223 lbs
Previously No. 2 Overall
Despite Miami’s success tailing off down the stretch, Cam Ward’s draft stock continues to ascend upward, as he is currently the odds on favorite to be drafted 1st overall. Ward is one of the most-experienced QBs in recent memory, having started over 50 games at the collegiate level. The experience is evident in Ward’s incredibly calm demeanor. In fact, Ward plays the game with a nonchalant style that sometimes gives the impression that he’s uninterested.
Cam Ward’s best ability is his incredible arm strength. He can throw from a variety of arm angles and platforms—with anticipation and touch—when needed. He shows exceptional poise in the pocket under pressure and is athletic enough to be a threat with his legs. My biggest question mark was if Cam Ward could improve his consistency, and he has emphatically done that. While there is still room for improvement, Ward should go in the top-3 selections of every SuperFlex rookie draft.
No. 3 | Ashton Jeanty | RB | Boise State | 5’9” | 215 lbs
Previously No. 3 Overall
As I’ve said, I firmly believe in taking early 1st Round QBs at the top of SuperFlex rookie drafts. However, if there’s a year where I can see a deviation from that, it is 2025. Ashton Jeanty had an outstanding 2024 season, finishing runner up for the Heisman and led Boise State to a College Football Playoff experience. In doing so, he elevated himself to the top of the 2025 running back draft class and into the discussion for No. 1 overall player in SF rookie drafts.
Again, my evaluation of Jeanty hasn’t changed much since my 2025 Rookie Big Board 1.0. He runs with a combination of short-area quickness and top-end speed. He is able to read the defense, set up his blocks, explode through the hole, and break away from the defense, making him a home run threat on every play. But, Jeanty also runs with impressive contact balance, rarely going down on a defender’s first attempt. All signs point to Ashton Jeanty being drafted in the 1st Round of the 2025 NFL Draft. If he lands somewhere like Dallas, Denver, or even San Francisco, you could see him going No. 1 overall in all formats.
No. 4 | Travis Hunter | WR | CB | Colorado | 6’1” | 185 lbs
Previously No. 4 Overall
Since the release of my 2025 Rookie Big Board 1.0, Travis Hunter continued his fantastic season for the Buffaloes, culminating in winning the 2025 Heisman Trophy. Part of what makes him unique is his unicorn-esque ability to play full-time on both sides of the football. For most of us, we are only interested in offensive players, and Travis Hunter may only be a part-time offensive player at the next level. Unfortunately, we still do not know what his role will be like in the NFL. This ranking is operating under the assumption that he will play the majority of his snaps at wide receiver.
As a wide receiver prospect, Hunter is still developing, but has shown flashes of elite-level talent. He creates separation with his quick-twitch movement, has elite contested catch skills, is dynamic after the catch, and has a knack for making big plays. He ended the season with 96 receptions, for 1,258 yards and 15 TDs, en route to winning the 2024 Biletnikoff Award (among others). Hunter has the highest ceiling of any receiver in this class and if he shows a little more consistency on the offensive side, the sky’s the limit. I don’t think anyone questions his ability. However, the risk with Hunter is if he doesn’t play enough on offense to be fantasy relevant.
No. 5 | Tetairoa McMillan | WR | Arizona | 6’5” | 212 lbs
Previously No. 5 Overall
Tetairoa McMillan is a safer WR option with a similar upside to Hunter. However, these two players could not be any less similar as prospects. McMillan is a physically imposing prospect that towers over defenders. Along with Hunter, I have McMillan as a Tier 1 WR, meaning I see the appeal with McMillan and would be happy to draft either player. McMillan had another strong year for the Arizona Wildcats, catching 84 passes for 1,319 yards and 8 scores. If you’re looking for a prototypical wide receiver, McMillan fits the bill.
At 6’5”, Tetairoa McMillan moves with surprising fluidity that can get up to top-speed quickly with long strides. While the 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis is important for all of these prospects, it will be particularly important for McMillan. If he’s able to stop the clocks in the 4.55-second range or quicker in the 40-yard dash, McMillan will all but certainly be a top-15 pick in the draft. However, if he’s close to 4.60 or slower, he could fall down into the mid-to-late 1st Round.
No. 6 | TreVeyon Henderson | RB | Ohio State | 5’10” | 212 lbs
Previously No. 10 Overall
Ohio State has a duo of dynamic running backs who are primed for NFL success after taking home the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship. While some of the luster had fallen off TreVeyon Henderson since his promising freshman season, the 2024 campaign brought the shine back. Despite falling 33 yards shy of the 1,000 yard rushing mark, Henderson set a career high with 7.1 yards per carry. But more importantly, he stayed healthy and looked explosive.
Henderson is a dual-threat weapon. He has the ability to turn a check-down into a touchdown in a hurry. His versatility and elite athleticism will play well at the next level, making him a very intriguing prospect. Henderson is a big play waiting to happen. I expect his skillset to be on display throughout the pre-draft process, and think he’ll be drafted on Day 2 of the NFL Draft. Henderson is my RB2 in the 2025 class.
No. 7 | Quinshon Judkins | RB | Ohio State | 6’1” | 219 lbs
Previously No. 11 Overall
Ohio State’s second RB in my rankings is Quinshon Judkins. He has good-not-great athleticism, but Judkins wins on the field through violent, punishing runs. He often looks like he is seeking contact with defenders rather than trying to avoid them. Statistically, 2024 was a down year for Judkins, but on tape he showed the same promise we saw at Ole Miss for two years.
I still have some questions about his top-end speed, as evident by being caught from behind in the National Championship game, but Judkins has a very fast first step and possesses great short-area quickness. He is a solid receiver of the ball, but not exceptional. Judkins is a beast to bring down as he absorbs contact well and bounces off would-be tacklers. If he gets drafted by a team that utilizes a power-run scheme, he could move up my board.
No. 8 | Omarion Hampton | RB | North Carolina | 6’0” | 220 lbs
Previously No. 12 Overall
This ranking may surprise some folks. Many people have North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton as the RB2 in this class, rather than below the Ohio State duo. Hampton (like Judkins) is a powerful runner that has great short-area burst and power. While he does have a little bit of wiggle, he doesn’t possess elite open-field elusiveness. However, what he lacks in evading defenders with misdirection, he makes up for in running over defenders with power. I firmly believe that Hampton is the most violent runner in the 2025 RB class.
Omarion Hampton can show good vision and patience to find the hole. He has plenty of burst to hit the hole as it opens and the power to make it through to the other side. However, (and again like Judkins) I do have concerns about his long-speed as he rarely runs away from trailing defenders. Top-end speed is not the most important skill for running backs, so this may not be something that slows him down at the next level. Hampton is also an above-average pass catcher, enabling him to stay on the field for three downs. I expect Hampton to be in the mix for the second running back drafted if he runs well at the NFL Combine.
No. 9 | Luther Burden III | WR | Missouri | 5’11” | 208 lbs
Previously No. 9 Overall
Coming into the 2024 season, I wouldn’t have expected Luther Burden III to be in the back half of the top-12 rankings in my 2025 Rookie Big Board 2.0. However, due to a lackluster season and the emergence of several others, Burden is down at 9. His 676 receiving yards this season were barely more than half of what he did in 2023. However, the talent is still there, so having Burden at No. 9 is still great value.
The biggest concern I have with Burden is whether or not he has the high-end speed to attack defenses down the field. However, that may not hurt him too much as we have seen receivers dominate at the NFL level without elite speed. I could see Burden playing a role like we saw in San Francisco 49ers with Deebo Samuel, or previously with how Minnesota utilized Percy Harvin. If Burden wants to answer the speed question, he needs to run a sub-4.50-second 40-yard dash. If he does, he’ll likely be selected in the 1st Round.
No. 10 | Emeka Egbuka | WR | Ohio State | 6’1” | 205 lbs
Previously No. 13 Overall
One of the simplest evaluations for me is Emeka Egbuka. He is poised to immediately start at slot receiver at the NFL level. Like his aforementioned teammate, TreVeyon Henderson, Emeka Egbuka put up strong numbers in his last season in Columbus, OH, tallying 75 receptions for 947 yards and 10 TDs. The numbers weren’t quite as high as his freshman season, but the important part was making it through a season without injury.
Egbuka is a well-polished route runner who can find the holes in a defense and excels after the catch. Egbuka is quicker than he is fast, but can surprise you with his smooth running style. He should be a borderline 1st Round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft and your SuperFlex rookie drafts, depending on where the other quarterbacks land.
No. 11 | Kaleb Johnson | RB | Iowa | 6’0” | 225 lbs
Previously Not Ranked
Kaleb Johnson inserted himself into the upper-echelon of the 2025 running back class with a monster year for Iowa. After two uneventful seasons for the Hawkeyes, Johnson exploded for 1,537 yards and 21 TDs on 240 carries (6.4 YPC). He has steadily risen up my running back rankings. Johnson was RB7 in the December update to my 2025 RB 2.0 Rankings and has moved up to RB5 in version 3.0 (coming next week). Not only does he have the size to be a three-down running back but Johnson showed that he’s more than capable as a receiver out of the backfield.
He has great vision, quickly hitting the hole with a deadly combination of speed and power. The biggest knock on Johnson is a lack of long-speed. But, that’s question for many of the backs in this class. Additionally, as we know, that’s not always problematic for running backs. If he runs during the upcoming 2025 NFL Combine and is sub-4.55 seconds, that question will be answered and he may creep even higher up my 2025 Rookie Big Board.
No. 12A | Tyler Warren | TE | Penn State | 6’6” | 257 lbs
Previously No. 23 Overall
One of the biggest risers since my 2025 Rookie Big Board 1.0 is Penn State’s do-it-all tight end, Tyler Warren. Despite a strong pipeline of tight ends from Happy Valley, PA to the NFL (Mike Gesicki, Theo Johnson, Brenton Strange, Pat Freiermuth), there had never been a TE to win the prestigious John Mackey Award, given yearly to the top tight end in college football. That changed this year when Tyler Warren brought home the honor.
His 104 receptions for 1,233 yards and 8 TDs were impressive, but Warren was more than a tight end. He spent time as a wildcat quarterback, tacking on another 218 rushing yards and 4 more scores. Warren even threw a touchdown against Kent State this year. Tyler Warren is undoubtedly the most-complete tight end in the 2025 NFL Draft. My only worry with Warren is that he may be too good of a blocker to the detriment of his receiving opportunities. That said, he’s still my TE1 in this class.
No. 12B | Colston Loveland | TE | Michigan | 6’5” | 245 lbs
Previously No. 16 Overall
Right behind Warren at the tight end position is Michigan’s Colston Loveland. He was pretty much the only positive on the offensive side of the ball for the Wolverines in 2024. Looking strictly at his statistics doesn’t tell the whole story for Loveland. His 56 receptions for 582 yards and 5 TDs pale in comparison to Warren’s gaudy numbers.
Colston Loveland is quick on his feet, especially for someone his size. He is a natural hands catcher and has the athleticism and body control to make acrobatic contested catches. For all of the attention that other TEs have received this season (deservingly so), Loveland has flown under the radar. I expect that to change as we approach the 2025 NFL Draft. Colston Loveland has a very good chance to get drafted in the middle of the 1st Round.
ROUND 2 | 2025 Big Board 2.0
No. 13 | Jalen Milroe | QB | Alabama | 6’2” | 225 lbs
Previously No. 8 Overall
After soaring up some draft rankings early in the season, Alabama’s Jalen Milroe has come crashing back to earth. He struggled with reading defenses, decision making, and performing well when the game was on the line. It was a little surprising to see Milroe declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. There is no denying his upside, but right now that’s mostly all that he is. Unfortunately, Milroe also has one of the lowest floors in the draft. Because we see quarterbacks get pushed up early nearly every year, it wouldn’t shock me if Milroe goes on Day 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft.
No. 14 | Jaxson Dart | QB | Ole Miss | 6’2” | 225 lbs
Previously Not Ranked
Unlike Milroe, Jaxson Dart is rising up draft boards since my 1.0 Rookie Big Board. Once again, this ranking is buoyed by the expectation that Dart gets taken in the 1st or early 2nd Round of the upcoming draft. While he doesn’t have the strongest arm, Dart is fully capable of making all the throws on an NFL field. Furthermore, he throws with anticipation and accuracy, which is paramount at the NFL level. Jaxson Dart also gives some rushing upside. He’s more athletic than he gets credit for and can add a rushing floor to fantasy managers’ weekly points.
No. 15 | Devin Neal | RB | Kansas | 5’11” | 215 lbs
Previously No. 17 Overall
Devin Neal is slowly creeping his way up my 2025 Rookie Big Board 2.0. Neal has quick feet, varies his speed to take away pursuit angles, and seems to elude at least one tackler on every play. He is a good receiver and can turn dump offs/screens into big plays. My biggest concern for Neal is his overall athleticism and how he’ll stack up at the NFL level. If he tests well, particularly his speed drills, being selected on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft is not out of the question.
No. 16 | Trevor Etienne | RB | Georgia | 5’9” | 205 lbs
Previously Not Ranked
After reportedly deciding to return to Athens, GA for one more year, Trevor Etienne decided to pack his bags and declare for the 2025 NFL Draft to join his brother (Travis) at the pro level. Trevor Etienne is more of a power back than his brother. He runs downhill with good contact balance and toughness, unafraid to run between the tackles. As a receiver, he is capable, but not elite. His biggest weakness/question is speed. He doesn’t have home run speed, but as long as he runs a solid 40-yard dash and puts up sufficient quickness metrics, Etienne should be fine.
No. 17 | Quinn Ewers | QB | Texas | 6’2” | 210 lbs
Previously No. 6 Overall
One of the toughest evaluations in my 2025 Dynasty Rookie Big Board 1.0 was Quinn Ewers. In 2.0, the evaluation is still challenging. For me, the talent is there, but the consistency needs to improve. Ewers has a side-arm delivery that generates good velocity on throws, but is capable of putting touch on passes when needed. As I said before, his draft stock is going to greatly affect where he ends up in my 2025 Dynasty Rookie Rankings. If he goes on Day 2 of the NFL Draft, this feels like an appropriate ranking. However, he remains someone to monitor.
No. 18 | Matthew Golden | WR | Texas | 6’0” | 195 lbs
Previously Not Ranked
Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, the highest ranked Texas receiver is Matthew Golden, not Isaiah Bond. Golden really emerged in 2024 as the top wideout for the Longhorns. His 58 receptions for 958 yards and 9 TDs ranked 2nd, 1st, and 1st on his team. Golden may not have the world-class speed of Isaiah Bond, but has plenty of speed for the NFL and looked like the more reliable option out wide. Golden is a good route runner with explosive playmaking ability. I think he’ll continue to rise from now until the draft.
No. 19 | Tre Harris | WR | Ole Miss | 6’3” | 210 lbs
Previously No. 19 Overall
My evaluation of Ole Miss wideout Tre Harris hasn’t changed. His best trait is his physicality and ability to make contested catches. Unfortunately, my biggest concern remains the same. His ability to separate leads to the need for contested catches. If he struggles at the collegiate level, the NFL could be a big challenge. However, Harris could end up playing (and testing) his way into the 1st Round of the NFL Draft with good athletic scores at the NFL Combine.
No. 20 | Jalen Royals | WR | Utah State | 6’0” | 205 lbs
Previously No. 24 Overall
Jalen Royals was a dominant force in the passing game for the Utah State Aggies. Prior to cutting his season short, Jalen Royals totalled 55 receptions for 834 receiving yards and 6 scores. He has an intriguing combination of speed and ball skills. Being from a smaller school, the pre-draft process will be especially important for Jalen Royals. With all the big schools and big names in the 2025 NFL Draft, Royals might slide under the radar a bit.
No. 21 | Isaiah Bond | WR | Texas | 5’11” | 180 lbs
Previously No. 15 Overall
Isaiah Bond is one of my biggest fallers in this 2025 Rookie Big Board 2.0. He didn’t have a very good season after struggling with injuries for much of the year. But, he also underperformed. When he’s healthy, Bond’s straight-line speed paired with his quick-twitch athleticism is a nightmare for defensive players. My biggest concerns for Bond are his size, contested-catch skills, and his occasional over-reliance on his speed. If Bond cleans up his route running and concentration drops, he could be a dynamic weapon in the NFL.
No. 22 | Ollie Gordon II | RB | Oklahoma State | 6’2” | 225 lbs
Previously Not Ranked
Entering this season, I thought there was a better chance that Ollie Gordon II would be my RB1 than outside my top 20 players—but here we are. After putting up massive rushing numbers in 2023 (1,732 yards and 21 TDs), he has been massively disappointing. There were rumors that Gordon would enter the transfer portal rather than head to the NFL, but he chose the latter. This ranking feels too high for what we saw in 2024, but too low for the type of player Gordon can be. I’ll be monitoring his pre-draft process closer than most players.
No. 23 | Oronde Gadsden II | TE | Syracuse | 6’5” | 236 lbs
Previously No. 21 Overall
I’ve said it a million times, but it bears repeating. The tight end position is one of the hardest to project from the collegiate level to the NFL. Syracuse’s Oronde Gadsden II is the perfect example of this challenge. He dominated the tight end landscape in college tallying 73 receptions for 934 yards and 7 TDs. For Gadsden, it was good to see him bounce back after an injury ended his 2023 campaign. However, he profiles as someone in between a TE and WR. So, his future will depend on how he’s viewed by the NFL team that takes him.
No. 24 | Harold Fannin Jr. | TE | Bowling Green | 6’4” | 230 lbs
Previously No. 25 Overall
Very similar to Gadsden, Bowling Green’s Harold Fannin Jr. is tough to project. After a solid season in 2023, Fannin had one of (if not THE) greatest seasons for a TE in collegiate history. He caught 117 passes for 1,555 yards and 15 TDs, including a 17-reception performance in his bowl game. This position in my 2025 Rookie Big Board 2.0 is assuming he (and Gadsden) is used as a receiving weapon much more than a blocker. His draft position will be a major tell in how NFL teams view him.
ROUND 3 | 2025 Big Board 2.0
No. 25 | Elic Ayomanor | WR | Stanford | 6’2” | 210 lbs
Previously No. 22 Overall
Stanford’s Elic Ayomanor has some of the most impressive highlight plays you’ll see from a college wide receiver in any game. He does not appear to have elite speed, quickness, or overall athleticism, but routinely finds himself running open underneath defenses or in jump ball situations down the sideline. Ayomanor has Day 2 upside.
No. 26 | Dylan Sampson | RB | Tennessee | 5’11” | 201 lbs
Previously Not Ranked
The Dylan Sampson train seems to have stalled out a little bit from the runaway track we were on late in the season. While his draft stock may have stalled, Dylan Sampson is still intriguing. Speed is his best asset overall, but Sampson also is a true threat in the receiving game. If he can regain momentum during the pre-draft process, we’ll likely hear his name called on Day 2.
No. 27 | Xavier Restrepo | WR | Miami (FL) | 5’10” | 198 lbs
Previously Not Ranked
Xavier Restrepo is a prototypical slot wide receiver at the NFL level. His short-area quickness allows him to shake defenders in man coverage and his natural feel for defenses helps him find soft spots in zone coverage. If Restrepo goes to a team that heavily targets the slot, he could be a fantasy monster.
No. 28 | Gunnar Helm | TE | Texas | 6’5” | 240 lbs
Previously Not Ranked
The 2025 class is chock-full of promising TE prospects. Gunnar Helm led the Texas offense in receptions in 2024, utilizing his great route running, exceptional athleticism, and soft hands to attack defenses. He would be the perfect future replacement for someone like Travis Kelce.
No. 29 | Tez Johnson | WR | Oregon | 5’10” | 165 lbs
Previously Not Ranked
One of the most electric players in the 2025 NFL Draft is Oregon’s Tez Johnson. He has speed and quickness, good route running, and reliable hands. His major concern is size. Listed at only 165 pounds, durability will be the biggest question for Johnson detractors.
No. 30 | Jordan James | RB | Oregon | 5’10” | 210 lbs
Previously Not Ranked
I seem to be lower on Jordan James than many people. He does a lot of things well but nothing exceptionally so. He has good vision and sufficient power, always seeming to fall forward. James has good quickness, but the long speed and lack of a stand-out trait are my major questions.
No. 31 | Savion Williams | WR | TCU | 6’5” | 225 lbs
Previously Not Ranked
One of the most intriguing prospects in this draft for me is TCU’s Savion Williams. He had an uninspiring collegiate career prior to 2024. This season, he put up career bests across the board in receiving and was used extensively in the rushing game. Expect a big performance at the NFL Combine.
No. 32 | Ricky White III | WR | UNLV | 6’1” | 190 lbs
Previously Not Ranked
Ricky White III is one of the best deep-ball threats in this draft—but he’s much more than that. He wins at all three levels of the field and is a weapon with the ball in his hands after the catch. I’m hoping for late Day 2 or early Day 3 draft capital for Ricky White III.
No. 33 | Jaydon Blue | RB | Texas | 6’0” | 200 lbs
Previously Not Ranked
Jaydon Blue could be the best receiving back in this entire draft class. He has game-changing speed out of the backfield and is always a threat if left 1-on-1 with a linebacker or safety. The biggest question for me is durability.
No. 34 | Tai Felton | WR | Maryland | 6’2” | 181 lbs.
Previously Not Ranked
Tai Felton was one of the best receivers in college football this season. Despite the strong season, Felton seems to be under the radar. He is one of the best route runners in this class and is a major threat once he has the ball in his hands.
No. 35 | Kyle Monangai | RB | Rutgers | 5’9” | 209 lbs
Previously Not Ranked
Like many of the backs in this class, Kyle Monangai lacks elite top-end speed. However, he makes up for it somewhat with power and short-area quickness. He has very good vision behind the line, setting up his blocks nicely. If he lands in a situation where he can see the field early, I’ll be stocking up on Monangai shares in the middle rounds of rookie drafts.
No. 36 | Cam Skattebo | RB | ASU | 5’11” | 215 lbs
Previously Not Ranked
This is probably the most controversial ranking in my list. I struggle to see NFL-level athleticism when I watch Skattebo play. He does everything for ASU, but I’m not sure how it’ll translate. His speed scores are going to be more important than nearly every other player at the Combine. If he proves me wrong at the NFL Combine, Skattebo will get a boost up my rankings.
ROUND 4 | 2025 Big Board 2.0
No. 37 | Jack Bech | WR | TCU | 6’2” | 215 lbs | Previously Not Ranked
No. 38 | Jayden Higgins | WR | Iowa State | 6’4” | 215 lbs | Previously Not Ranked
No. 39 | DJ Giddens | RB | Kansas State | 6’1” | 212 lbs | Previously Not Ranked
No. 40 | Luke Lachey | TE | Iowa | 6’6” | 247 lbs | Previously Not Ranked
No. 41 | LeQuint Allen | RB | Syracuse | 6’0” | 201 lbs | Previously Not Ranked
No. 42 | Pat Bryant | WR | Illinois | 6’3” | 200 lbs | Previously Not Ranked
No. 43 | Mason Taylor | TE | LSU | 6’5” | 255 lbs | Previously Not Ranked
No. 44 | Donovan Edwards | RB | Michigan | 6’1” | 212 lbs | Previously Not Ranked
No. 45 | Oscar Delp | TE | Georgia | 6’5” | 245 lbs | Previously Not Ranked
No. 46 | Jaylin Noel | WR | Iowa State | 5’11” | 200 lbs | Previously Not Ranked
No. 47 | Tahj Brooks | RB | Texas Tech | 5’10” | 230 lbs | Previously Not Ranked
No. 48 | Woody Marks | RB | USC | 5’10” | 208 lbs | Previously Not Ranked
SLEEPERS | 2025 Rookie Big Board 2.0
No. 49 | Will Sheppard | WR | Colorado | 6’3’ | 205 lbs
Previously Not Ranked
Colorado’s Will Sheppard (formerly of Vanderbilt) is my first sleeper. He does everything you want in a receiver. Sheppard runs very clean routes, creating separation all over the field. His hands are spectacular (although he is prone to concentration drops), and is hard to bring down after the catch. As I’ve mentioned many times, his major concern is top-end speed. If he runs well at the NFL Combine, his draft stock arrow will be pointed straight up.
No. 50 | Dont’e Thornton Jr. | WR | Tennessee | 6’5” | 214 lbs
Previously Not Ranked
My other sleeper, Dont’e Thornton Jr., is the opposite of Will Sheppard. Thornton has elite size and speed, making him nearly unguardable. However, he is still a work-in-progress. He doesn’t always run good routes and his hands can be quite suspect at times. However, when he puts everything together, Dont’e Thornton Jr., is mesmerizing. If he puts it all together, it’ll be the steal of the century for someone.
Whenever you have a list of of prospects, the focus will inevitably shift toward the players not included. Several players decided to return to college for the 2025 season like California’s RB Jaydn Ott, Penn State’s RBs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton as well as QB Drew Allar, Oregon’s WR Evan Stewart, LSU’s QB Garrett Nussmeier, while others like Georgia’s QB Carson Beck decided to transfer. One 2025 player that is notably off this list is LSU’s Kyren Lacy who is dealing with an ongoing legal issue.
The beauty of the 2025 Rookie Big Board Series is that it is a living thing. Prospects will move up and down the rankings throughout the remainder of the pre-draft process, based on performance, new information, and potential draft stock. Players will be added, and players will fall out. That is the nature of the beast. Please check back regularly to see our most recent 2025 Rookie Big Board update.
This 2025 Rookie Big Board 2.0 was aided by the Dynasty Nerds Film Room!
The video clips used in this 2025 Rookie Big Board were curated and arranged by Dynasty Nerds Film Room Manager Matt Cooper (@CouchScoutsFF). A special thanks to Matt and all the Film Room crew for the awesome quality content they provide for us and our subscribers. Use code tcook for 15% off your own Film Room Subscription and start scouting rookie prospects like a Nerd!
Our staff is working on a new mock draft each week, so be sure to check back regularly for more 2025 NFL Draft content. In case you missed it, here’s our most recent SuperFlex Rookie Mock Draft: