The evaluations for the 2025 NFL Draft are being finalized, and as expected, there are varying opinions among scouts and analysts. Some prioritize certain traits over others, while some project prospects into different roles.
But some players receive unfair hype. As we approach the three-day event, let’s explore a few players who could be considered overrated.
Most Overrated 2025 NFL Draft Prospects
We have compared the CSN Top 300 NFL Draft Big Board to the consensus board on Mockdraftdatabase.com and identified players who we seem to rank significantly lower.
The players with the largest numerical differences between the two lists appear on this list, where we explain why these 10 players are ranked lower on the CSN Top 300. This analysis isn’t intended to criticize the players; instead, it aims to provide context for their draft stock and explain our reasoning.
Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky
At this point, Deone Walker could be one of those prospects that NFL teams let someone else be right on. After much hype through the summer scouting period, the Kentucky Wildcats’ defensive tackle failed to live up to expectations in 2024.
While his combination of size and traits provides a high ceiling at the next level, there are far too many inconsistencies on tape, and Walker can’t adequately use his natural gifts to generate leverage.
The 6’7”, 331-pound defender is alien in size, but he plays with his pad level far too high and has a below-average first step. Therefore, Walker appears 140 places lower on the CSN big board at No. 224 than the consensus.
Consensus: 84
CSN: 224
Willie Lampkin, OL, North Carolina
There is a lot to like about Willie Lampkin. His tenacity and relentless mentality are easy to appreciate. But his size is difficult to overlook. At 5’10” and 279 pounds, he is the shortest and lightest offensive lineman since mockdraftable started data collection in 1999.
It means that Lampkin is on an island as an outlier. And NFL scouts and teams simply don’t make a living betting on outliers of this nature.
It means that Lampkin features at 295 on the CSN big board, 127 places lower than the consensus. There is no doubt that there are traits to like from Lampkin. If he were bigger, he would feature much further up our board. But the growth and development of the small North Carolina Tar Heel prospect isn’t a bet we are willing to take.
Consensus: 168
CSN: 295
Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
Quinn Ewers was expected to challenge the top of the 2025 NFL Draft quarterback class in the preseason. However, anything but that has happened in reality.
While there is a physical profile and natural playmaking tendencies to like, there are far too many inconsistencies and improvements needed to be made to Ewers’ mechanics, technique, and vision to be an early selection.
In fact, the Texas Longhorns’ quarterback is ranked No. 210 on CFN’s draft board, 118 places lower than the consensus. His decision to declare for the draft is questionable, and Ewers would likely have been better served by remaining in college, even if that would have been with a different program.
His clunky mechanics, sporadic footwork, and tendency to force the ball unnecessarily all factor into the evaluation, which, unfortunately, sees Ewers rank significantly further down the board than many expect.
Consensus: 92
CSN: 210
Connor Colby, OL, Iowa
Connor Colby is a talented guard prospect who has started over 50 games for the Iowa Hawkeyes, but he features further down the CFN big board compared to the consensus. While he is by no means being written off, his lack of scheme versatility and proactive pass-protection traits mean he slips down our board.
The Hawkeye lands 112 places lower on our board and is ranked at No. 265. His ability to be proficient as a run blocker and his flashy quickness means there is an upside to his selection in the right scheme.
However, Colby’s upright stance and severe lack of leverage creation and sustainment as a pass blocker mean that a zone scheme landing spot may be needed to get the most out of the Iowa guard in the NFL.
Consensus: 153
CSN: 265
Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
Denzel Burke is another player who was expected to challenge for a first-round selection in 2025 but has ended up falling down draft boards. He ranks 111th on the consensus board and is ranked 100 places lower on our big board.
The 2024 tape revealed a lack of anticipation, situational awareness, and ball skills. The Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback struggled in man coverage, where his shortage of body control and tight hips meant Burke couldn’t mirror athletic receivers, allowing too much separation.
Consensus: 111
CSN: 211
Dean Clark, SAF, Fresno State
Dean Clark is an ascending prospect who is highly experienced. A versatile six-year player, the Fresno State Bulldog does many things well but lacks an elite trait.CSN has more of a priority-free agent grade on Clark, ranking him 94 lower than the consensus, although it is understandable why some will be higher on the safety prospect.
While he has a 9.32 RAS, that athleticism doesn’t always translate onto the field. Clark has sideline-to-sideline range but needs a runway to get up to speed and lacks sudden short-area movement.
Consensus: 193
CSN: 287
Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
The rumor mill over Jaxson Dart’s draft positioning is running wild right now. But the tape doesn’t show the type of prospect that the Ole Miss Rebel is being hyped up to be. In truth, it is unfair to put unrealistic expectations on his shoulders.
He has traits, which is why he is CSN’s 118th-ranked prospect. However, his game has significant flaws, meaning he is 88 spots lower on our board than the consensus.
Dart is a good athlete and shows flashes, but his arm strength is below average, he is a slow processor, and lacks anticipation as a thrower. Plus, Lane Kiffin’s offensive scheme on Oxford isn’t translatable to the NFL level. It features limited reads and is QB-friendly. But even then, sloppy mechanics and inconsistent footwork are littered all over his tape.
Consensus: 30
CSN: 118
Jake Briningstool, TE, Clemson
Jake Briningstool has traits as a pass catcher to like. However, his projection currently is limited to being a big slot pass catcher at the next level, which limits his ceiling. The Clemson Tigers’ tight end ranks 84 places lower on CSN’s board than the consensus at No. 222.
At 6’6 “and 241 pounds, Briningstool lacks physicality and needs to add mass if he is to be more sustainable as a blocker. This also means he lacks physicality through routes and at the catch point. Meanwhile, his lack of shifty movement and speed means he struggles to separate in man coverage.
Consensus: 138
CSN: 222
Vernon Broughton, DT, Texas
Vernon Broughton is a flashy player. He has excellent physical traits and outstanding movement skills, but teams drafting the Texas Longhorns’ defensive tackle only have those tools to bank on.
The versatile defensive lineman is extremely inconsistent. There are moments of brilliance, but the lack of efficient, consistent work in the run and passing game means he is ranked 84 places lower on CSN’s board at No. 207.
However, if a team can harness those physical traits and coach technique into his game, he could be a solid rotational NFL option. Where you are comfortable drafting that developmental prospect will depend on the draft value.
Consensus: 123
CSN: 207
KEEP READING: The 10 Most Underrated Players in the 2025 NFL Draft: Jaylin Lane, Elijah Badger Rank Highly on the CSN Big Board
Jabbar Muhammad, CB, Oregon
To draft Jabbat Muhammad, there has to be a vision for his usage. He played 80% of his snaps on the perimeter over the last three seasons, but at 5’9” and 182 pounds, he projects best as a nickel. The fact is, the Oregon Ducks’ defensive back is small. His extremely undersized frame, paired with his lack of long speed, means his projection and evaluation are difficult.
Muhammad lands at 271 on our big board. The lack of size, speed, and awareness is concerning, moving to more of a slot role at the next level. While he is a twitchy athlete, he doesn’t have the eyes to react in zone, and his lack of physicality means he struggles to secure tackles.
Consensus: 189
CSN: 271
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
