The NFL Draft is a battlefield of hype, hope, and heartbreak. Every year, prospects rise and fall like stocks in a volatile market, and this year is no different. Let’s break down where some of the biggest names stand right now, from the surefire stars to the under-the-radar gems.
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Travis Hunter: The Dual-Threat Phenom
Travis Hunter isn’t just a prospect—he’s a conversation starter. Scouts are buzzing about his rare ability to dominate on both sides of the ball, drawing comparisons to Justin Jefferson at wide receiver and Stephon Gilmore at cornerback. While he’s not the most polished player in the draft, his ceiling is sky-high, and teams are salivating over his potential.
• Projected Range: 1-4 overall. He’s not sliding past the fifth pick.
• Patriots Watch: New England is reportedly considering an offensive lineman at #4 but is also shopping the pick. If they trade down, it could be for a team targeting Hunter, one of the top QBs (Sanders or Ward), or Shemar Stewart, who’s climbing boards fast.
• The Verdict: Hunter’s versatility makes him a top-tier talent, but his development will be key. Whoever lands him is getting a potential game-changer.
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Shedeur Sanders: The Polarizing QB1
Shedeur Sanders entered the season as the undisputed QB1, but the BYU game and a shaky finish have left scouts divided. Some teams still have him as their top quarterback, while others have him closer to QB3. His draft range is all over the place—anywhere from #2 overall to the middle of the second round.
• Teddy Bridgewater Comparisons: Some scouts are throwing around this comp, but let’s be clear—it’s lazy and inaccurate. Shedeur’s accuracy, Football IQ, ball placement, arm talent, arm strength, and poise are on another level.
• Pro Day Pressure: April 4th is D-Day for Shedeur. A strong showing could silence the doubters and push him back into the top-five conversation.
• Cleveland Bound? There’s a 90% chance he lands with the Browns at #2. Cam Ward is the favorite to go #1, but passing on Shedeur could be a franchise-altering mistake.
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LaJohntay Wester: The Process King
Wester has been one of the biggest risers during the pre-draft process. Initially viewed as a fringe top-300 prospect, he’s now firmly in the top 150-200 range. Teams love his film and versatility, with many now seeing him as an inside-out weapon rather than just a slot receiver.
• Projected Range: 5th round lock with 4th round potential.
• The Verdict: Wester’s stock is on the rise, and he’s proving that hard work during the pre-draft process pays off.
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Jimmy Horn Jr.: The Big-Play Machine
Horn has been turning heads at the Shrine Bowl and Combine, solidifying himself as a top 150-250 prospect. While he’s not as polished as Wester, his explosiveness and playmaking ability make him a tantalizing option for teams in need of a spark.
• Projected Range: 4th or 5th round.
• The Verdict: Horn’s ceiling is high, and he’s got the tools to be a difference-maker at the next level.
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Shilo Sanders: The Late-Round Wildcard
Shilo’s draft stock is a bit of a mystery. He’s currently viewed as a top 200-300 prospect, but his performance at the Shrine Bowl has kept him in the conversation.
• Projected Range: 7th round to undrafted free agent.
• Pro Day Importance: A strong showing could lock him into the seventh round.
• The Verdict: Shilo’s got the pedigree and the potential, but he’ll need to prove it on the field.
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Justin Mayers: The Sleeper
Mayers is one of the most intriguing prospects in this class. Despite some struggles at Colorado, scouts love his athleticism and believe he has the tools to be a 10-year pro at guard.
• Projected Range: Top 350 prospect with potential to go as high as the 5th round.
• Pro Day Watch: A strong performance could push him even higher.
• The Verdict: Mayers is a classic case of a player whose best football is ahead of him.
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Will Sheppard: The Underrated Weapon
Sheppard had an excellent Shrine Bowl, earning the highest PFF grade on his team’s offense. While he’s currently seen as a WR5, scouts believe he has the potential to develop into a solid WR2.
• Projected Range: Top 250 prospect (draftable range).
• The Verdict: Sheppard’s got the talent, but he’ll need to find the right system to thrive.
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Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig: The Coach’s Favorite
Silmon-Craig has been a standout at Colorado and Jackson State, but his athletic traits (graded C- to C) are holding him back. Coaches rave about his intangibles and believe he could be an 8+ year pro, but scouts aren’t as sold.
• Projected Range: Undrafted free agent.
• The Verdict: Silmon-Craig is a high-character player who could outplay his draft position.
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The Rest of the Pack
Chidozie Nwankwo
• Performed well at Hula Bowl
• Some teams view as top 250 prospect
• Others see as top 400 prospect without NFL-level traits
• Pro day performance extremely important for draft stock
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Shane Cokes
• Current ranking: Top 400 prospect
• Has some teams as advocates for his NFL upside
• Projected: Training camp invite with practice squad potential
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B.J. Green II
• Productive player with C-/C athletic traits
• Current ranking: Top 450 prospect
• Strong pro day could significantly improve draft position
• Improved tape in final college season
• Good Hula Bowl performance
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Lavonta Bentley
• Current ranking: Top 450 prospect
• Valued primarily as special teams contributor
• Will need to excel on special teams to make an NFL roster
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Mark Vassett & Travis Jay
• No scouting information available
CU NFL Draft Prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft: Current Stock Analysis
