We have reached the midway point of the 2024 college football season, which means final evaluations for the 2025 NFL Draft are right around the corner. As evaluators everywhere start really honing in on this class, a deeper understanding of the full draft landscape will come into focus. That includes the risers, fallers, and your position on prospects compared to the consensus.

With that consensus in mind, there are naturally going to players that you are lower and higher on. For the former, there are several defensive prospects that I find myself wanting a lot more, at least compared to the expectations out there. The talent isn’t the issue, but the valuation certainly is.

IDL Walter Nolen (Ole Miss) – 6030e, 305e

A former five-star recruit, a lot of expectations were placed on Nolen when he was originally a part of the Texas A&M program. He started to show flashes of his big time upside during his final year in 2023, and has continued this ascension in his first season with the Rebels.

The issue with Nolen, however, is he just disappears way too often. His effort on a snap-to-snap basis is a major question mark. If you want to fall for flash, Nolen is your guy. If you are searching for substance, this is a player to be very wary of.

IDL Deone Walker (Kentucky) – 6060e, 345e

From a raw talent perspective, Walker has an argument as one of the most gifted overall players in the 2025 class. Guys of this size shouldn’t be able to move the way that Walker can. There are some reps that seem to defy reality, showcasing incredible traits and flashes.

From a technical perspective, Walker is still a major work in progress. His pad level is a major issue, and when opposing offensive and bigger and better, it could be a problem. Walker is still worth a first round selection in this class, but it is a big gamble.

EDGE Jack Sawyer (Ohio State) – 6042v, 265v

If you are just talking about good college football players, then Sawyer might actually be a little bit underrated from a national perspective. The former five-star is one of the best edge setters in college football, and plays with a relentless motor. Sawyer is one of the defenders who really sets the tone for the Buckeyes, and brings an impressive power profile to the table.

There is absolutely a role in the NFL for Sawyer but the first round hype he has gotten over the last few months is way over the top. He is a stiff athlete who is going to really struggle to turn the corner against NFL level offensive tackles. There are clear limitations with Sawyer as a pass rusher, which makes him a very one-dimensional player.

CB Benjamin Morrison (Notre Dame) – 6000v, 186v

My Notre Dame followers aren’t going to like this one, but I just can’t get fully on board with Morrison. It isn’t even about the shoulder or hip surgeries, although that will be questioned. The biggest deficiency in Morrison’s game is still his lack of play strength. He has been a poor tackler the last two seasons, and also struggles to consistently win through contact in the passing game as well.

The ball skills (nine career interceptions) for Morrison are tremendous, and has a very natural feel for pass coverage. There is certainly a lot of good with Morrison’s game, but several things that could hold him back. Continuing to add strength to his profile, and to get back healthy, are the top priorities right now.