Brett's Cowboys Corner

The NFL Draft is a unique event where no two drafts are really the same. Each year you can find future pro bowlers in every round of the draft. Though some positions may be more top heavy with talent, and others might have the best value later on in the draft as potential role players. It is still worth to know some of these names, as they potentially could be helping your team win a Superbowl one day.

Allow this to be a guide to discover potential gems in every position at each round of this years draft. Starting with the offense.

Note: I can’t list all 200 scouted players…so these are few names that standout as some of my favorites.

Format: [PLAYER NAME], [COLLEGE] [(Ranking)]:

Quarterbacks

This years quarterback class doesn’t have the stand out star or the pick one of the five that will go in the first. This will be an interesting position to examine how teams will attack it. The QB tax is real, teams will overspend for a QB and to see success stories like CJ Stroud and Jayden Daniels, both who make immediate impacts on their teams. NFL teams dream of this happening to them.

In 2024, there were 6 QBs selected in the first 12 picks…that won’t happen this year. There is only two QBs that would be worth a 1st round selection but we could see a third get into that mix due to that QB tax.

Note on the weirdness of the position: Bo Nix was the 6th QB taken with the 12th pick. The 7th QB taken was at pick 150 in round 5.

Round 1 (Day 1):

Cam Ward, Miami (QB1): Playing with the gunslinger mentality. He will constantly try to extend the play, which under pressure can lead to a poor decision. But more often than not it works out for him, especially when he uses his elite running ability. He has a quick release and likes to work the middle of the field. Ward is expected to be the first QB off the board, and likely will be a Titan in April.

Shedeur Sanders, Colorado (QB2): The name that has been followed for multiple years. With a hall of famer as a dad, Deion Sanders has been his HC for the past 5 years. You can see good arm talent, as he gets the ball into tight windows. 74% completion percentage. He needs to work on navigating the pocket, he tends to drift backwards and take sacks (52 sacks last year). Sanders will be the 2nd QB off the board, though his dad called for New York to take him, we could see Shedeur going to Cleveland.

Rounds 2 & 3 (Day 2):

Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss (QB3): Shooting up the draft boards, the rhythm and arm talent impresses many scouts. He works the sideline and loves to go to the deep ball. He will work safer and open throws, not taking too many risks. When under pressure he gets rid of the ball and tends to sail the passes over the receiver. He has the ability to pick up 1st downs with designed QB runs. Dart will flirt with being a 1st round selection because of the value of a QB.

Will Howard, Ohio State (QB4): The National Champion QB will hope that his postseason performance will raise his stock. Showing off his athleticism and his ability to run the ball, you will see situations where Ohio State would let him ice the game with his running ability. He will show off his arm strength and can put the ball on target deep down field. Howard will need to refine some of his skills at the pro level, with accuracy and reading the play post-snap.

Rounds 4-7 (Day 3):

Jalen Milroe, Alabama (QB6): A great athlete, runs the ball with a good combination of power and speed. When throwing he puts good velocity on the ball, needs to work on his touch. He had a much better 2023 season, this past year he was a sometimes guy. He will bail on a clean pocket too early at times but seems to be a more clean passer when on the move. His speed at the combine kept him on the radar for scouts. Milroe could be a gadget QB and use his athleticism to give himself a specialized role at the NFL level.

Dillon Gabriel, Oregon (QB9): The duel-threat, lefty QB has made great plays and led the Oregon Ducks to 1st in the nation for many weeks. His small stature will flag him for many teams. Though when he plays he shows off a quick release and great awareness. Gabriel will need to go into the right system at the pro level, a team that won’t have to change too much of their game plan, like Miami.

Seth Henigan, Memphis (QB10): Not a flashy or big play machine. This is a smart QB who has a great touch on the ball. High IQ passer, makes good throws and doesn’t put the ball into harms way. Has some running ability. In the Senior Bowl he led the game winning TD drive. Henigan can be a serviceable back-up, a guy who can come in and win you a game and not completely tank your season.

Tyler Shough, Louisville (QB13): An experienced QB, has seen a lot of snaps as a 6-year player. He has great processing pre and post-snap, he can make the throw at every level. He struggles under pressure, some due to the flurry of injuries he’s sustained. A broken collar bone followed by a broken fibula ended two of his seasons. Shough will be 26 his rookie season, and may be aged out for some teams.

Running Backs

The value of a running back is confusing in the NFL. While most will argue that it isn’t confusing because you should never take one early and never pay one a second contract…no matter what. Others see the value in having a dominant run game and see the position still able to dominate a football game. The problem is…it doesn’t last long.

Seemingly the leading rusher changes every year, and comparing the 2025 class to others. This is another year of a deep class. You can absolutely wait and find runners who will be rotational and make an impact on the game late in day 3. There are just a few in my eyes that can be a starter out of the gate for any NFL team.

Round 1 (Day 1):

Ashton Jeanty, Boise State (RB1): Lit up college football last season, coming up just shy of Barry Sanders all-time rushing record. A playmaker in the run and pass game. No wasted movements, each cut is meaningful. Bounces off tackles, if you can even get your hands on him. Some teams will be scared by his high workload already, 8 games last season with 30+ carries. In a draft class full of questions, Jeanty will likely be a top-10 pick.

Omarion Hampton, North Carolina (RB2): A physical runner with good balance. The perfect build and play style for an every down back. Makes first contact miss, and always falls forward. Not looking to juke the defender, he would rather create contact and run through them. Hampton has made a name to move himself into the first round.

Rounds 2 & 3 (Day 2):

TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State (RB3): The quick cuts and lateral movement stand out. Falls forward and puts his shoulder down. A wrecking ball with solid hands. Stood out as the primary back for Ohio State. Henderson has moved his way up boards because of his ability to do it all and can make an immediate impact at the next level.

RJ Harvy, UCF (RB5): A quick racer mentality. He wants to race the defender to the sideline and will usually beat them. Redirects his runs, can lead to a loss or a big game. 32 carries of 15+ yards. Small stature at 5’9″ but runs like a big guy. Patient runner, but needs to be a bit quicker in decisions. Always finds the endzone. Harvey will dance

Jaydon Blue, Texas (RB7): A big play machine, plays with good speed and a strong finish. Not patient but finds the hole quickly and hits it. Gets a lot of work as a receiver. Has a bit of a fumbling issue. Blue may be available in later rounds but his upside as a receiver bumps him up my rankings.

Rounds 4-7 (Day 3):

Trevor Etienne, Georgia (RB12): A one cut back, doesn’t make anything look too fancy. Just gets production. Natural pass catcher, gets a lot of yards after catch. Stays balanced and likes to create contact. He doesn’t have much long speed but wowed scouts at the combine with a 4.42 40 yard dash. Being the younger brother of Travis Etienne will get Trevor some attention alone. Etienne wasn’t used much at Georgia but had better production in previous years at Florida.

Brashard Smith, SMU (RB13): A previous WR, you can see that in his game. Makes the chunk play and has a good burst. Doesn’t run much between the tackles, prefers getting to the outside. Sees opportunities to make a juke or spin in the open field. Smith can be a rotational piece and can be a spark for any offense.

Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech (RB15): A breakout senior season, showing off sharp cuts and ability to run through tacklers. He is a built low to the ground. Good patience and hits you with breakaway speed. Tuten won the NFL combine and will see his stock rise, as one of the fastest backs in the draft. Fastest 40 yard dash for the position at 4.32

Jarquez Hunter, Auburn (RB19): A balanced runner, makes the smart decision finding the hole. He will get caught up trying to race the defender to the outside but is much better off when he’s being patient. Has the ability to be a good pass catcher. Hunter will be looked at in this draft for his pass block ability, a skill that is becoming more rare for backs in today’s game.

Ollie Gordon, Oklahoma State (RB22): In 2023, this may be a top back in the class. 2023 was full of explosive plays with hurdles and spins. Exciting runner that plays with great momentum, not afraid to lower the shoulder. His 2024 would start off with a DUI, followed by a down year compared to last. Gordon’s name has unfortunately been removed from a lot of draft boards in the NFL, but hopefully a team will take a chance on him.

Wide Receivers

Most national media will say this a weak receiver class, that is if they haven’t watched this receiver class. What they mean is Justin Jefferson nor Ja’Marr Chase is in this class. Receiver is becoming more and more valuable of a position, as now they are getting paid 40 million a year. Teams are now constantly looking for playmakers outside.

In the 2025 class you can find plenty of WR2 and slot receiver options in every round. This year has its share of contested catchers and speedsters to make an impact. The challenge for these guys is trying to be the standout and prove to be a future WR1.

Round 1 (Day 1):

Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona (WR1): A tall receiver with a great catch radius and can work well on the move. He finds the holes in zone coverage. Picks up extra yards after the catch with long strides. Will use body to be a physical runner and to help create space with catches. Some scouts have worried about his speed, while he doesn’t have a quick burst, on tape he moves really well. McMillan should and will be a 1st round pick, though many media scouts have him going from a top 10 pick to falling into the 20s.

Luther Burden III, Missouri (WR2): A natural playmaker. His best production comes after the catch. The best plan of attack is getting him the ball quickly and letting him go to work. Missouri used him on motion, sweeps and lined him up in the backfield. He will be restricted to the slot at the pro-level, 5’11”. Burden has unfortunately been a victim of the rumors of ‘character concerns’ which will cause him to fall down boards. Potentially could end up in the 2nd round, which will be a steal for any team.

Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State (WR3): The all-time receiving yards leader for The Ohio State Buckeyes. One of the most consistent receivers in the class. Makes good adjustments toward the ball. Natural route runner. He is a career WR2 but has plenty of big moments in big games. Egbuka will be a 1st round selection, some may not want to use a premium pick for a #2 WR but if they want someone reliable than he is a clear choice.

Matthew Golden, Texas (WR4): A riser in this years class. A break out season in 2024. He will make tough catches, bringing in a lot of poorly thrown balls. Ability to adjust routes and change tempos. Great route runner and tracks the ball well. Golden made a big name for himself after a great combine, he will definitely be a late first round addition and pair nicely with another WR.

Rounds 2 & 3 (Day 2):

Savion Williams, TCU (WR5): A tall receiver with great ability to high point the ball. Didn’t have an accurate QB at TCU but made him look good a lot of times, a bad ball catcher. He lines up everywhere, including the back field. He doesn’t have the most complete route tree but his homerun speed makes up for it. Williams is dynamic with the ball in his hand, and will be a great X receiver paired with a shifty #1 WR.

Elic Ayomanor, Stanford (WR8): A possession receiver who can make every catch. He will either run a go route or a slant. But he showcased great hands at Stanford. Plays with good straight line speed but doesn’t get a lot of separation in other routes. Scouts will value a great combine, good vertical jump and 4.44 40-yard dash. Ayomanor has the exact build teams look for in a receiver and has consistent hands that will make any team want him.

Tre Harris, Ole Miss (WR10): A simple run route runner with the ability to go and get the ball. Shows off strong hands, and has the ability to kill you on the double move. Though a majority of his routes are slants, screens and go routes. He gets to his land marks and makes the catch. He starts with a slow release but gets faster as the play develops. Harris looks smooth when he is playing and with the right QB he can be a dangerous ball catcher at the next level.

Pat Bryant, Illinois (WR12): A tall receiver that uses his height to his advantage. He knows how to use his hands to be physical with the corner and will get away with some hand fighting during his route. Throw the ball up to him, and he will come down with it. After the catch he is a tough runner and will pick up extra yards without much effort. Bryant found the endzone often and will be looked at as a deep threat and redzone target.

Rounds 4-7 (Day 3):

Nick Nash, San Jose (WR14):

Jayden Higgins, Iowa State (WR15): A physical pass catcher. He plays with a good IQ and will use his body to box out receivers on all catches and knows how to position himself. This is because he does one thing that I usually dislike, he is a body catcher. Traps the ball in chest to make the catch instead of just using his hands. He doesn’t create a lot of separation but knows how to manipulate the corner, especially in the redzone. Higgins reminds me of Allen Lazard in his route running and can develop at the next level much like Lazard.

Isaac TeSlaa, Arkansas (WR17): One of the last receivers I watched and I’m glad I did. This is a great athlete who makes sharp cuts and can cover a lot of ground with long strides. Standing 6’4″ he makes a lot of high catches and can make some moves after the catch. TeSlaa has shown some upside as a receiver, but will need to show for the production. He played D-II for two seasons before transferring to Arkansas, and never had a high volume of targets.

Xavier Restrepo, Miami (WR20): A specialized route technician. Has great breaks out of his routes. Always catching the ball short and picking up 1st downs. He will be restricted to the slot at 5’10”. He doesn’t play fast or super athletic on tape, but is seemingly always open. He ran a 4.83 40-yard dash at the Miami Pro Day, which has tanked his draft stock in many eyes. Restrepo has been one of the biggest fallers in this draft because of size concerns matched with not being a speedy guy.

Tight Ends

Tight end has a history of being an undervalued position in the draft. Recently the position has evolved from a strong blocking, 6th linemen toward a big receiver. The receiving tight end used to be an archetype you’d keep around and now has become a necessity. Todays tight ends need to know how to run routes and make catches in stride.

Recently we have seen premium picks at the position be used with Brock Bowers, Dalton Kincaid, and the highest drafted tight end Kyle Pitts in 2021. This class has a few tight ends that could be considered with high picks along with some classic in-line blockers.

Round 1 (Day 1):

Tyler Warren, Penn State (TE1): The top tight end in this class. He did everything at Penn State including taking some snaps at QB in the wildcat. This is a guy you want to have the ball in his hands. We have seen tight ends be valued early in recent drafts and he will be treated the same. A great mover with the ball, creates contact and is a willing blocker. Has a great catch radius and makes contested catches. Warren will likely be taken in the top-15 of this years class.

Rounds 2 & 3 (Day 2):

Harold Fanin Jr., Bowling Green (TE2): A great catch radius, and ability to run routes. He will work the seams, crossers, and out routes. He lines up at every spot, in-line and as a big receiver. Super productive, 1,555 receiving yards. Fanin should be considered as a top tight end in this class, he will take some hits as he played at a lower level of competition for the Bowling Green.

Terrence Ferguson, Oregon (TE5): A slippery target over the middle. He is hard to bring down. Will catch a short pass and take it long. His ability to move after the catch is one of his elite traits. Not a traditional TE, will play more as a big WR. He lined up in a slot WR position more than actual in-line TE sets. Not much of a blocker but willing. Ferguson will have to learn to play a more NFL style of TE as his current play style may be too WR-ish at this time.

Gunnar Helm, Texas (TE6): A great player to put the ball in his hands. Reliable target and can gain plenty of yards after the catch. Not afraid to use the stiff arm or hurdle. Finds a way to be open. Not speedy, but moves well after the catch. Helm will make his money in the NFL as a reliable target that is a good mover, he reminds me of Dalton Schultz.

Rounds 4-7 (Day 3):

Jake Bringinstool, Clemson (TE8): A natural redzone threat standing tall at 6’6″. That is where he was primarily used at Clemson. But don’t sleep on his route running ability, he finds the holes in the defense and can work the middle of the field. A physical runner after the catch, not speedy but can pick up a few extra yards. Bringinstool will be a late option for a team looking to add depth and a big receiver to their team.

Oronde Gadsden II, Syracuse (TE9): Another tight end that plays like a big receiver. Strong hands, and will use his size to his advantage. He doesn’t play with a lot of speed but can make it work. A 900 yard receiver, though he had a lisfranc fracture to end his 2023 season. Gadsden will be a solid depth piece at the next level as a tall pass catcher.

Ben Yurosek, Georgia (TE10): If you are looking for a blocking tightend, they are rare but here’s a great option. At Georgia he was the lead blocker but at Stanford the previous year, he had a productive receiving season. He can work the seams and a quick curl at the sticks. Yurosek will be drafted for his willingness to do the dirty work, which he showcased at Georgia. He lined up on both sides, motioned and even got some work as a full back.

Mitchell Evans, Notre Dame (TE11): A solid dump off target with reliable hands. He will pick a few short 1st downs for you. He is not a vertical threat or super speedy. But more of a reliable set of hands. He didn’t have a high catch volume at Notre Dame. Evans can be a solid special teams contributed at the next level.

Offensive Tackles

The offensive line in the 2025 class is part of the reason this year feels so weird. There are usually a couple of linemen that will come out and prove that drafting a stud left tackle is one of the most important things you can do.

Last year we saw 8 tackles get drafted in the first round. You will not see that happen this year. We have a seen a few tackles be late risers in this process. It will be interesting to see if a similar tax will be put on the tackles as it is with QBs. Maybe we could see some reaches, as tackle is a valuable position.

Round 1 (Day 1):

Justin Simmons, Ohio State (OT1): The undisputed best tackle in this class. Only if it weren’t for him tearing his patella tendon in October, he’d be a top 5 pick. Some teams will be scared away from him and he may fall. There are rumors that he could be ready for training camp. This is a good mover who will create holes for runners. On pass blocks he will wrestle with edges, great hand fighter. Consistent footwork and handles gap exchanges well. Simmons is the ideal build for a tackle and if it weren’t for an injury he would be a top pick, we will see how far this drops him.

Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas (OT2): Plays with his upper body. Strong hands and will hit you with his head and shoulders to rough up the rushers. Gets low and plays with leverage. He will likely play as a guard at the next level. Banks needs to work on his footwork and can be a solid blocker, I believe he can play both tackle or guard.

Armand Membou, Missouri (OT4): A great combine performance and lack of true tackles will help his stock raise to the moon. A natural athlete and uses his hands and feet to combo block and makes consistent blocks. He has the ability to anchor his blocks, but will give up the bull rush at times. He struggles with quickness at the edge but has enough ability to catch up. Membou will likely be a top-15 draft pick, and that will be a huge jump, credited to his great athleticism.

Rounds 2 & 3 (Day 2):

Charles Grant, William & Mary (OT6): I have never heard of William & Mary, and was surprised to see this name so early in the process. I am glad I did. One of the most skilled offensive linemen in this class. He is a great mover, and good athlete. Not necessarily a fast guy but makes up for it with good lateral movement and quick reactions. He has the ability to hand fight, and play with great balance. Grant will be questioned by the school he played at, but he more than dominated competition and should be considered as a day 2 option.

Emory Jones, LSU (OT8): Great size and measurable. Can use his movement and his hands to dominate. He is best in the run game. He needs to work on his hand fighting to be more consistent and can potentially be an elite blocker. Needs to strike first. Jones has some skills that need to be refined at the next level but otherwise can be a dominate blocker especially in the run game.

Rounds 4-7 (Day 3):

Chase Lundt, UConn (OT10): A tall tackle at 6’8″ will be a coaches dream. Already has some great skills with his footwork, which can be the toughest thing to teach to tall tackles. Needs to work on keeping his hands steady. Has the ability to get to the next level. Lundt will need to work on how he plays with his power but has the mold to be drafted in this class.

Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson, Florida (OT12): The ideal body type. Will his power to shove rushers around. Needs to work on foot quickness and lateral movement. Has great length and uses that to his advantage. Gets to the block and needs to work to maintain it. Crenshaw-Dickson will be a perfect mold to develop as a late round talent and can be seen as a project pick.

Esa Pole, Washington State (OT15): The definition of a raw prospect. He didn’t start playing football until 2021 at a community college. Transferring to Washington State, he started at left tackle for the past two seasons. He is a long armed, 6’6″ tackle who grew up playing basketball. He only had 21 starts but has shown the ability to move fluidly and get into pass sets. All of his skills need further development but he has the athleticism to do it. Pole was not invited to the combine nor did he have an official physical, so teams have already requested to him to visit their facility for a 30 visit.

Interior Offensive Line

This year I have enjoyed looking at the interior offensive linemen. Though there aren’t any stand out centers like there has been in previous years. The best centers are going to be some guards moving to center. There are plenty of physical dominating guards and some good movers dominating this class.

Usually teams don’t invest too highly in interior offensive line, but with this class many scouts around the NFL will be suggesting the idea that you pluck one of these guys this year.

Round 1 (Day 1):

Tyler Booker, Alabama (OG1): Moving up quickly in the draft. Draft him in the 1st and you won’t have to worry about guard for 5 years. The most powerful player in the draft. Bends his knees and gets great leverage. Nasty player that moves people out of the way. Uses weight to overpower defensive tackles. Booker will be a top-20 pick in this years draft and will solidify any interior.

Rounds 2 & 3 (Day 2):

Donovan Jackson, Ohio State (OG2): A good fighter with a strong mindset. He plays his best at guard. Success as a pull blocker and can wrestle with defensive tackles. Gritty and thumps at the second level. He was asked to play left tackle for his final season for an injured Josh Simmons. He didn’t play great but he survived and was apart of a great post season run. He shows toughness and resilience with that move alone. Jackson’s willingness to do whats best for his team will not be overlooked by NFL scouts and he will get great consideration early in this draft.

Wyatt Milum, West Virginia (OG4): Another strong people mover. He is a tall guard at 6’6″ which some teams won’t like but needs to stay inside because of his play style. He is best in the run game creating running lanes. He gets to the second level and plays with great strength. Milum will be a solid interior choice if you are looking for powerful players, his height is a concern as he plays a little tall and defensive players can get underneath him.

Grey Zabel, North Dakota State (OG5): With experience playing all over the offensive line, his value is high. As a tackle he is better at moving people, but when inside his power is more at an equal playing level. He can stalemate defenders, but has a tendency to trap defenders in his arms which will draw flags. Speed will get him off balanced. At the Senior Bowl he played LG, C, and RG. Zabel’s success in the NFL will be determined if a team can decide what position he plays and allows him to perfect the craft.

Tate Ratledge, Georgia (OG6): Another powerful guard that gets to the second level and moves bodies. He is best in the run game creating lanes. He needs to work on his balance and can be a good moving guard. Ratledge is a nasty player but will fall down draft boards because he dealt with ankle and foot injuries and missed a large majority of his final season at Georgia.

Rounds 4-7 (Day 3):

Willie Lampkin, North Carolina (OG7): Stands out as a small guard at 5’11”. But shows good ability as a blocker that he deserves some serious draft consideration. Given the size he is not pushed around. He always wins leverage, and lands a good first strike. Puts his facemask in your chest and pushes people. Could be considered as a potential switch to fullback like Ravens FB Patrick Ricard. Lampkin was a championship wrestler and shows that on the field, if a smart team gets a hold of him, he could really develop.

Jake Majors, Georgia (OC1): Centers are not filling up this class like in years past. The only center of note for me. He shows the ability to handle stunts and is a good mover into the second level. Not super powerful. Majors will be considered in a lackluster center class, he dominated most competition but struggled against this years top DTs.

Anthony Belton, North Carolina State (OG11): A good fighter against powerful players. His tape at tackle wasn’t anything great, he had problem where he would hop when trying to set his anchor. He had much better tape at the senior bowl where he played guard. Needs to work on playing against speed but on the inside he won’t have to worry about that as much. Belton stands at 6’6″ and will be a good developmental project for an NFL team to try and make him a contributing piece on their offensive line.