Every week, Yardbarker is monitoring the 2025 NFL Draft, scheduled for April 24-26 in Inexperienced Bay.
From a surging quarterback to an neglected broad receiver, listed here are 5 gamers we’re monitoring.
Two-time Professional Bowler loves Penn State QB Drew Allar
Former Penn State QB Kerry Collins — who performed 17 seasons within the NFL — lately praised Allar (6-foot-5, 238 kilos).
“He is bodily imposing,” Collins advised ESPN’s Jake Trotter. “He is acquired an NFL physique and skillset. There are different [Penn State QBs] who had large success. However I would not say that they had translated into what is required within the NFL. Drew has that, one hundred percent.”
By 5 begins, Allar has 1,101 yards, 9 TDs and one decide and has posted the FBS’ fifth-best QBR (88.8).
Penn State hasn’t had a QB drafted within the first spherical because the Carolina Panthers took Collins with the fifth pick in 1995. Maybe Allar will snap the streak. An NFL government advised Trotter Allar’s arrow is “pointing up.”
Do not forget about Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka
Though sensational freshman WR Jeremiah Smith leads the Buckeyes in receiving yards (453 in 5 video games), do not overlook Egbuka. In 4 seasons with Ohio State, he has the sixth-most receptions (154), Tenth-most receiving yards (2290) and is tied for the Tenth-most TD catches (19) in program historical past.
Buckeyes WR coach Brian Hartline lately advised Senior Bowl director Jim Nagy that Egbuka (6-foot-1, 205 kilos) reminds him of Detroit Lions star Amon Ra. St-Brown (6-foot-1, 202 kilos).
In a 35-7, Week 6 win over Iowa, Egbuka had 9 receptions for 71 yards and three TD catches. If he has an encore efficiency in Saturday’s highway sport in opposition to No. 3 Oregon (5-0), that might present why he is a possible first-rounder.
CBS Sports activities’ Chris Trapasso has the Pittsburgh Steelers choosing him with decide No. 21 in his newest mock draft.
Does LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier already seem like an ‘NFL starter?’
Coming into the season, it wasn’t clear whether or not Nussmeier was a viable alternative for 2023 Heisman winner Jayden Daniels, now with the Washington Commanders. Nevertheless, he is 4-1 in 5 begins and producing wonderful numbers.
Nussmeier (6-foot-2, 200 kilos) is tied for the fifth-most TD passes (15) within the FBS and has the seventh-most passing yards (1,652). In fact, Nussmeier has solely performed one ranked opponent — then-No. 23 USC (3-2) — however he is nonetheless impressing the consultants.
“Garrett Nussmeier is a man that I do not assume individuals we’re speaking about coming into the 12 months,” Nagy said on a Wednesday episode of the “Transfer The Sticks” podcast. “However should you watch Garrett Nussmeier’s tape proper now, I imply, he seems like an NFL starter.”
Nussmeier has solely made six begins in 4 seasons with the Tigers. Whereas he is producing buzz, he ought to think about returning to LSU subsequent season to achieve extra expertise.
Head coach has daring proclamation about Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders
Earlier than its highway matchup vs. Colorado on Saturday, Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman raved about Sanders, who’s Tenth within the FBS in passing yards (1,630).
“I feel Sanders would be the first quarterback picked off the board,” Klieman told the media Monday. “He ought to be.”
ESPN’s Pete Thamel lately surveyed 20 NFL scouts and executives to find out the highest QB within the 2025 NFL Draft. Sanders acquired essentially the most votes (9), adopted by Georgia’s Carson Beck (5) and Alabama’s Jalen Milroe (4).
In two seasons with Colorado, Sanders (6-foot-2, 215 kilos) nonetheless would not have a win over a ranked opponent. Beating No. 18 Kansas State (4-1) might strengthen his QB1 case.
Texas A&M edge-rusher Nic Scourton is rising as an early riser
On Thursday, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. rated Scourton (6-foot-4, 285 kilos) as his No. 6 prospect on his up to date massive board. He was beforehand ranked No. 14.
“[Scourton] makes use of his body and energy to cease ball carriers of their tracks,” Kiper wrote. “Scourton is an influence rusher off the sting, however he additionally reveals spectacular closing velocity to the QB and is all the time hustling.”
By six video games, Scourton has 10 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. Do not be shocked if Scourton, Penn State’s Abdul Carter and Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. maintain vying for the highest edge-rusher spot.
