2025 NFL Draft: Cobee Bryant, Andrew Mukuba, and other “my guys” in the deep defensive class

This time of the year is when most are starting to get heavily into their scouting for the prospective NFL Draft class. For the 2025 NFL Draft, the all-star circuit and scouting combine are just on the horizon. That means that a lot of film work is taking place now, and ready to ramp up […]

Ryan Roberts — National College Football Writer
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Kansas Jayhawks cornerback Cobee Bryant (2) runs on to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium to take on TCU Saturday, September 28, 2024.
Evert Nelson/The Capital-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

This time of the year is when most are starting to get heavily into their scouting for the prospective NFL Draft class. For the 2025 NFL Draft, the all-star circuit and scouting combine are just on the horizon. That means that a lot of film work is taking place now, and ready to ramp up in the next couple of months.

As I have worked through the film, there are several prospects that have really grabbed my interest in a big way. It is a deeper defensive class, and there are several players who I would label as “my guys” early on in this process. Here are the five who are standing out next.

EDGE Princely Umanmielen (Ole Miss)

There are some concerns over work ethic when talking about Umanmielen, but there is none over talent. The former Florida transfer is one of the more gifted pure pass rushers in the 2025 class. Boasting an NFL frame and legitimate explosiveness, Umanmielen is able to threaten the outside track with high regularity. He has also been a lot more consistent on a snap to snap basis, and has been a ton more impactful as a run defender. If motivated, you are getting a plus starter with huge upside.

LB Chris Paul Jr. (Ole Miss)

Going into the season, the 2025 linebacker group looked very underwhelming. While it’s not a great class still, there are several linebackers who are rising at the right times. That includes Chris Paul Jr., who led Ole Miss with 88 total tackles. The former Arkansas transfer also recorded 11 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and an interception. Paul is the ideal blend of size (6-1, 240 pounds), movement skills, and instincts.

LB Demetrius Knight (South Carolina)

The South Carolina defense is loaded with 2025 prospects, including defensive end Kyle Kennard, defensive tackle TJ Sanders, and safety Nick Emmanwori. Even when you’re trying to focus on those three, it’s impossible not to notice Knight. For a player who is a hair under 6-2 and 248 pounds, the range that Knight possesses is eye popping. He’s had an odd journey as a player, from Georgia Tech quarterback to the Charlotte 49ers, and now a fast riser in the 2025 class.

CB Cobee Bryant (Kansas)

Some people are going to be lower on Bryant due to him being a lighter frame. He has good height and length overall, but Bryant does have a wiry build. You wouldn’t expect him to be physical, but then you turn on the tape. Bryant is dynamite against the screen games, and remains physical in pass coverage as well. He’s also a player whose play style should allow him to play inside at nickel when needed.

S Andrew Mukuba (Texas)

Mukuba was good at Clemson, but he has been a completely different player with the Longhorns. Athletically, he is solid overall. His change of direction is good and he’s comfortable in and out of his pedal. The physicality we have seen from him has been the major difference. Mukuba has been all over the field, and consistently making big plays this fall. In a two high system that likes to rotate a good bit, Mukuba could be a difference maker.

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