The 2025 NFL Draft class is beginning to take form, and meaning we’re getting a clearer image of a number of the high prospects and the place teams with essentially the most depth.
The working again, tight finish and offensive sort out positions appear to be the deepest and strongest on the offensive aspect of the ball. On protection, the sting defender group is as deep as we’ve seen in a number of years, dominating the projected high 50. There are additionally extra influence defensive backs this yr than a yr in the past, with loads of choices on all three days of the draft, particularly on Days 2 and three.
Listed here are PFF’s high security prospects within the 2025 NFL Draft, together with some preliminary scouting notes courtesy of lead draft analyst Trevor Sikkema.
For the complete rating of draft prospects, together with their three-year participant grades and place rankings, click on right here.
S1. Malaki Starks, Georgia
Large board rank: 7
Strengths:
• Decrease weight quantity, however a well-built security
• Lengthy wingspan for move breakups
• Prime velocity may be very spectacular (sprinter background)
• Fixed pre-snap communicator
• Easy, fluid hips to maximise vary in deep protection
• Sound tackler with coordination and energy; low missed sort out fee
• Elite ball abilities
Weaknesses:
• Actions can look a tad uncontrolled at occasions
• Generally is a little too aggressive in his pursuit angles
S2. Kamari Ramsey, USC
Large board rank: 52
Strengths:
• Excessive IQ. Reveals a stable really feel for the sport
• Quick to anticipate and set off downhill
• Can play within the slot on account of dependable run protection
• Dependable tackler with potential for giant hits
Weaknesses:
• Can take poor run-defense angles
• Appears to dive at ankles greater than you’d suppose
S3. Kevin Winston Jr., Penn State
Large board rank: 57
Strengths:
• Good peak/size for man protection and to disrupt the catch level
• Nice downhill velocity
• Bodily participant who can flip his velocity into energy
• Has some flexibility and bend to him when blitzing
Weaknesses:
• Slender construct, however that does not appear to restrict his tackling efficacy
• Can get fooled by play motion and misdirection performs on account of a extra aggressive method
• Missing anticipation in protection; an excessive amount of reacting after the transfer is made
S4. Sebastian Castro, Iowa
Large board rank: 62
Strengths:
• Has the energy to line up 1-on-1 vs. TEs
• Dependable and relentless run defender
• Decently fast footwork/hips for change of course and acceleration
• Highly effective tackler who can influence even the most important ball carriers
• Excessive soccer IQ; not often out of place
Weaknesses:
• Shorter arms do make it harder to get off blocks
• Footwork is fast, however high velocity is proscribed
• Struggles to reflect a number of the higher athletes within the slot
S5. Lathan Ransom, Ohio State
Large board rank: 75
Strengths:
• Good dimension and size to cowl quite a lot of defenders
• Flipping hips, footwork is clean in protection
• Excellent vary in protection and pursuit
• Would not draw back from taking up blocks; took his physicality to a different stage in 2024
Weaknesses:
• Construct is slender to tackle larger ball carriers, although he does have good weight
• Has the eyes to play within the field however can get pushed round