Every week, Yardbarker is monitoring the 2025 NFL Draft, scheduled for April 24-26 in Inexperienced Bay.
From a Heisman Trophy finalist to an excellent offensive sort out, listed below are 5 gamers we’re monitoring:
Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel might be the QB who soars within the Faculty Soccer Playoff
After the QB accepted his Senior Bowl invite Tuesday, The Athletic’s Dane Brugler wrote, “I will wager Dillon Gabriel goes to be a ‘riser’ over the subsequent 5 months of the draft course of.”
By means of 13 video games, the sixth-year senior has accomplished a career-high 73.2 p.c of his passes for 3,558 yards and 28 TDs and has posted the FBS’ second-best QBR (86.5). His stellar play helped the Geese (13-0) clinch the No. 1 seed within the 12-team Faculty Soccer Playoff.
In a Wednesday column, The thirty third Group’s Tyler Brooke rated the Heisman finalist the second-best QB prospect within the CFP behind Penn State’s Drew Allar.
Scouts will probably have considerations about Gabriel’s dimension (6-foot, 200 kilos), however guiding the Geese to their first nationwide title might mitigate them. As of Thursday, FanDuel Sportsbook lists Oregon and Texas as co-favorites (+360) to win the nationwide championship.
Michigan CB Will Johnson is a ballhawk who groups will probably covet
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Johnson (6-foot-2, 202 kilos) declared for the NFL Draft on Wednesday. Toe and shoulder accidents restricted him to 6 video games this season, however he is nonetheless thought-about one of many high CBs within the draft.
On his up to date huge board, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. rated Johnson the No. 5 prospect within the 2025 class.
“Johnson is so instinctive in protection, and his means to learn quarterbacks jumps out while you watch him,” wrote Kiper. “He has nice quickness in transition, permitting him to make performs on the ball.”
In three seasons with the Wolverines, Johnson had 9 interceptions, together with three pick-sixes. According to Tankathon’s projections, the Jacksonville Jaguars (3-10) will take him with decide No. 5.
Might Oregon WR Tez Johnson be a steal for this NFC East staff?
In a 45-37 victory over Penn State for the Large Ten Championship, Johnson (5-foot-10, 165 pounds) logged 11 receptions for a season-high 181 receiving yards and one TD catch.
“Penn State had no reply for Johnson’s quickness and open-field creativity,” wrote The thirty third Group’s Ian Valentino in his weekly draft inventory report. “Whereas the primary spherical is a harder promote due to Johnson’s weight, the senior should not final lengthy on Day 2.”
Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder not too long ago recommended the Philadelphia Eagles (11-2) ought to goal Johnson within the draft to enhance their Thirty first-ranked passing assault (180.6 YPG). He might present the playmaking means they want.
Pro Football Focus credit Johnson with the FBS’ sixth-most yards after the catch (586 in 11 video games).
Why Texas A&M D-lineman Shemar Stewart might be a top-20 decide
Stewart solely had 1.5 sacks in 12 video games this season, however his elite bodily traits make him a possible first-rounder.
In his newest mock draft, ESPN’s Field Yates had the Atlanta Falcons (6-7) taking Stewart (6-foot-6, 290 kilos) with the seventeenth total decide.
“Stewart has simply 4.5 profession sacks however boasts energy, agility, fluidity and size coming off the sting,” wrote Yates. “A number of scouts have pointed him out as a participant who might skyrocket through the pre-draft course of as a mix standout.”
The staff that drafts Stewart — who had six tackles for a loss this season — might use him as a run-stopper as an alternative of a pass-rusher. PFF gave him an elite 89.7 run-defense grade.
Stewart will not play within the Las Vegas Bowl towards USC on Dec. 27.
LSU LT Will Campbell has lofty aspirations
On Wednesday, Campbell confirmed he’ll decide out of the Texas Bowl towards Baylor on Dec. 31, per NOLA.com’s Wilson Alexander. The O-lineman stated he is transferring to Frisco, Texas, to coach for the draft and to change into a cornerstone for the staff that selects him.
“I wish to carry the group a man that they will rely on, a pivotal level for the staff, a franchise man,” Campbell stated. “I wish to be the face of a corporation. No matter staff will get me. I’ll be excited for it, and I’ll go win a Tremendous Bowl.”
Campbell (6-foot-6, 323 kilos) might change into the category’s high LT. Per PFF, he allowed only one sack on 557 pass-block snaps in 12 video games this season.
In his newest mock draft, CBS Sports activities’ Chris Trapasso has the Tennessee Titans taking Campbell with decide No. 6. He might fill one of many greatest holes for Tennessee (3-10), which has allowed the league’s third-most sacks (45).
