The 2025 NFL Draft class is limited in top-tier talent, and teams around the league have given out first-round grades scarcely so far in the cycle.
Why Is the 2025 Draft Class Seen as Weak?
Senior Bowl director Jim Nagy said on X, “I’m talking to teams with (only) 8, 9, 10 first-round grades right now.”
With draft classes like this, we usually see some surprises in the early rounds as teams have completely different-looking boards. The 2023 class was similar in this respect.
We saw surprising picks early on, such as Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson. In these kinds of classes, we can expect the unexpected.
Teams are always looking to select players at premium positions early in the draft. The high-end talent at the most premium positions is limited. Quarterback, the most premium position, is not as strong as we’ve seen in recent years.
Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders are widely viewed as the top two QBs in this class, but many believe they would not be in most classes. Both prospects could be limited in terms of upside. Many teams will likely have one or fewer QBs holding first-round grades in this year’s class.
Another position group that is weaker than usual is offensive tackle. The top linemen on many boards, such as Kelvin Banks and Will Campbell, may not even project to play their normal position at the next level. Early in the draft, many teams look for their franchise offensive tackles.
That franchise guy is missing from this year’s class, and the guys ranked near the top may project better as guards at the next level.
This could result in a guy like Josh Connerly getting drafted earlier than anticipated, but because of the limited first-round grades given out, it’s all dependent on who is on the clock.
Overall, the class lacks star power. After the initial group of highly exciting prospects, which could include Penn State’s Abdul Carter and Colorado’s Travis Hunter, the gap in talent is large. Nagy’s conversations with teams support this.
It will be interesting to see how teams arrange their boards. Will teams draft based on need or take their highest-graded player? With teams not giving out many first-round grades, how aggressive will they be in getting their guys?
KEEP READING: Which College Football Team Has the Most Players at the 2025 Senior Bowl?
Teams are starting to be around these prospects in person. The Senior Bowl is underway and we will be getting a better feel as to which prospects are most coveted.
This draft is set to be very unique. Where will teams find value, and how will teams approach this unusual class?
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