LT Overton, Jalon Walker, and Trey Amos have broken out as potential first-round prospects
If you've been browsing through 2025 NFL mock drafts since the summer and are tired of seeing the same 32 names in each projection, you've come to the right place. With the college football regular season wrapping up this weekend, draft enthusiasts will start to follow what NFL personnel have to say about this class […]
If you've been browsing through 2025 NFL mock drafts since the summer and are tired of seeing the same 32 names in each projection, you've come to the right place. With the college football regular season wrapping up this weekend, draft enthusiasts will start to follow what NFL personnel have to say about this class and make their own evaluations.
We’re ahead of the curve in that regard, as we've been diligently watching as many games as possible each week. Although the 2025 NFL Draft will feature 257 selections, our big board will evaluate well over 300 players.
With the all-star circuit, the NFL Scouting Combine, and pro days still to come, there are seven players who are not frequently projected in the first round but have positioned themselves in the conversation after a breakout 2024 season. Each of these individuals has maximized their opportunities so far and stands to benefit if that trend continues into April.
Sleeper First-Round Prospects in 2025 NFL Draft Class
Jalon Walker, LB/EDGE, Georgia
Jalon Walker has made the leap from a part-time player in 2023 to the standout star of Georgia's defense this fall, establishing himself as the top linebacker. Standing at an elite 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 245 pounds, he offers impressive versatility, excelling as a pass-rusher and a strong presence against the run. While linebackers often don't attract first-round interest anymore, teams are likely to overlook Walker's limited playing time prior to 2024, as he is a three-down contributor with remarkable traits.
He has recorded 21 quarterback pressures and 5.5 sacks while allowing only six missed tackles compared to 24 run stops. Walker is expected to be a Day 1 impact player, particularly in the box. Although his length may not match that of 2024 third-round pick Payton Wilson, Walker's robust frame and speed for his size make him more effective in passing situations. It’s easy to picture him transitioning from a Mike linebacker role to a pure edge rusher when necessary.
One reason Walker is considered a fringe candidate despite his talent is his limited experience in coverage. Georgia typically keeps him moving downhill rather than having him drop into zones or take on man assignments frequently. He has only been targeted seven times this season, yielding five receptions for 65 yards.
Nevertheless, teams are unlikely to expect Walker to become the next Fred Warner in coverage. Instead, he’s more comparable to Patrick Queen, but with heightened effectiveness when it comes to pressuring the quarterback.
Wyatt Milum, OT, West Virginia
The offensive tackle class for 2024 has been largely disappointing. Among the individual talents, the standout duo from Texas is often regarded as the top prospects. Meanwhile, Josh Simmons from Ohio State is currently dealing with a torn ACL. There are also a couple of players from LSU who might be better suited as guard prospects, along with a few other intriguing options that have their limitations. However, West Virginia's Wyatt Milum appears to be a late-blooming savior for this group.
Milum stands at 6 feet 6 inches and weighs 317 pounds, possessing both the size and physicality expected from someone with his length. Impressively, he has not allowed a sack in three seasons, boasting an incredible pass block efficiency of 98.2 percent over 1,355 snaps. This achievement is particularly noteworthy considering he faced impactful pass rushers like Abdul Carter during the recent season.
A solid athlete and run blocker, Milum's greatest strength lies in his ability to combine raw power, length, and quick feet to form a formidable presence on the field. While his first year may present some challenges as he continues to improve his functional strength and adapt to stronger defenders, he possesses the tools and efficiency that suggest he has the potential to be a first-round talent.
Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
The cornerback class has been in worse shape than the tackle class, mainly due to injuries and disappointing seasons from many second-tier defenders. Players like Denzel Burke, Shavon Revel Jr., and Benjamin Morrison may not be first-round picks despite the excitement surrounding them just a few months ago. Instead, prospects such as Darien Porter and Zy Alexander from LSU could fill the void.
The NFL consistently values size, and Porter certainly has that. At 6-foot-4, he stands out as a significant presence, tying with Arizona’s Tacario Davis. Porter went from being relatively unknown to a rising star in no time. In fact, he had fewer than 100 coverage snaps in three consecutive seasons leading up to 2024.
Playing in Iowa State's zone-heavy defense, Porter is considered a better prospect than T.J. Tampa, a fourth-rounder from the same Cyclones program in 2024. Porter effectively utilizes his length and has a clearer understanding of his physicality. He has allowed only four receptions on 15 targets while producing three interceptions and two pass breakups, all without committing a penalty.
For Porter to be selected in the first round, he will need to perform well in testing, but the possibility for him to make that leap remains open.
Nick Emmanwori, SAF, South Carolina
One standout defender in the current class is Nick Emmanwori. Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 227 pounds, he appears more like a linebacker than a safety, but he excels in any role on the field. This fall, he has emerged as one of the standout performers for the Gamecocks' defense.
Emmanwori has proven himself to be highly reliable, finishing the season with 53 solo tackles and only seven misses. He consistently commands the offense's attention, as teams actively seek ways to counter the strength of the Gamecocks' defense. In addition to being an elite tackler, he also excels in coverage.
This season, he has allowed 20 receptions on 34 targets but has limited opposing receivers to just 156 yards, while also forcing four interceptions. With experience playing in the box, at free safety, and in the slot, Emmanwori brings a lot of the qualities of former NFL star Kam Chancellor to his game. While we would like to see him cut down on the five penalties he has incurred, I would feel confident in selecting Emmanwori in the first round, right after Malaki Starks.
Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
Trey Amos is an excellent choice for teams that are not seeking a high-profile or recovering cornerback. The Ole Miss standout has enjoyed success at three different programs throughout his college career, including Alabama in 2023. His lone season with the Rebels has been his best to date.
Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 190 pounds, Amos meets almost every team's expectations in terms of production. He has allowed only 28 receptions on 54 targets, resulting in 262 yards, two touchdowns, and three penalties. Offenses have recorded a mere 54.7 passer rating when throwing in his direction. His three interceptions and ten pass breakups are significant contributors to this impressive statistic.
As a playmaker in the air, Amos also demonstrates physicality in the run game. He competes well and has recorded 30 solo tackles with an 11.3% career missed tackle rate, showcasing his abilities in run support, which is exceptional for a cornerback.
With his combination of size and straight-line speed, it is easy to see Amos landing in the top 40 of the draft, and he deserves to have his name called on the first night.
LT Overton, EDGE, Alabama
The last month has been relatively quiet for LT Overton, but his growth since transferring from Texas A&M to Alabama is undeniable. At an impressive 6-foot-5 and 285 pounds, he has the versatility to play both defensive end and tackle in various schemes, making him a matchup nightmare for opposing offenses. His tremendous strength, quickness, and agility allow him to shed blocks while pursuing the ball carrier.
Although Overton has recorded only two sacks, he has consistently posed problems for offenses. He has made 18 run stops and generated 31 quarterback pressures while playing in different alignments. This level of performance is particularly noteworthy given the lack of other quality pass-rushing threats on Alabama's roster.
Whoever decides to select Overton will be taking on a bit of a project. However, his size and athleticism are rare, making it difficult to let him slide too far in the draft. He possesses an upside that many players lack, and his occasional flashes of high-level performance make him a worthwhile gamble.
Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
Everyone is familiar with Ashton Jeanty, and it's difficult to envision the Boise State star falling out of the first round of the NFL Draft. However, another running back has made a compelling case to sneak into the top 32 selections: Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson.
The imposing 6-foot, 226-pound running back is much more than just a power player. Although his impressive production after contact highlights his strength, he is also explosive and quick enough to become a standout in the NFL. Out of Johnson's 1,490 rushing yards, 1,004 have come after making contact, and he averages 4.5 yards after contact per carry.
Johnson forced 62 missed tackles on 223 attempts, making him an ideal counter to defenses that frequently use Cover 2 alignments. If a defense does not drop a safety into the box to help tackle Johnson as he steamrolls through the line, it can be a disastrous decision. Relying on a defensive back to bring him down one-on-one is equally risky.
With 20 receptions for 117 yards this season, Johnson has demonstrated that he is an exceptional athlete who can perform well regardless of his role or the offensive scheme. If he joins a more dynamic passing team, his efficiency is likely to increase. The best part about Johnson’s career is that he will have fewer than 600 carries when he enters the NFL, alleviating concerns about overuse.
