With the conclusion of the Super Bowl and the 2024-25 NFL season behind us, attention is now focused on the journey to Super Bowl 60 next year. Teams are gearing up for an offseason that will be crucial to their success, and a significant factor in that will be the 2025 NFL Draft.

The ability to strategically take risks and identify which players are worth investing in is essential for building a long-lasting contender. While most drafted players will possess the athletic skills necessary to thrive in the NFL, it’s their character, work ethic, and determination that will ultimately dictate whether they reach their full potential or fall short.

We've pinpointed six players who exemplify the boom or bust potential typical of top prospects. These individuals represent the six most notable boom or bust candidates in the 2025 NFL Draft, as they are expected to be high-round picks with the physical talent to shape the future of the NFL for years to come.

Which of these players will realize their potential?

2025 NFL Draft: Boom or Bust Prospects

Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas

Everyone appreciates speed, but it's not the sole measure of success. Texas learned this lesson the hard way with Isaiah Bond last year, who came on board to be their next Xavier Worthy. Instead, it was Matthew Golden who took full advantage of the opportunity, while Bond struggled with inconsistent effort and performance.

Bond's ability to block for the run was nearly nonexistent, raising concerns among teams about his willingness to take on the tough, gritty aspects of the game. Running a 4.2 only provides so much leeway for a receiver who isn't a strong contender for contested catches, doesn't generate much yardage after the catch, and often plays in the slot. While Bond can be a finesse player, his chances will be limited if he can't deliver big plays and contribute effectively on all three downs.

Nevertheless, there is still significant potential in Bond. His drop rate was just 4.5% over the past two years, and he's shown explosive capability no matter where he lines up. In 2023 at Alabama, he spent 59% of his snaps in the slot, then transitioned to playing as an outside receiver 77% of the time at Texas this past year. This versatility is a considerable advantage.

Offenses will need to adjust to Bond’s style of play, especially if he starts engaging defenders more effectively in the run game. He managed to catch just six of 19 contested passes and forced 17 missed tackles throughout his three-year career. 

These are uncomfortably low figures, indicating that a lot of his production will need to come before the ball is thrown, relying on his ability to create separation and the precision of his quarterback.

Nic Scourton, DL/EDGE, Texas A&M

Nic Scourton, a standout physical talent who transferred to Texas A&M after posting 10 sacks at Purdue in 2023, struggled to find his rhythm with the Aggies. After playing around 275 pounds at Purdue, he gained nearly 290 pounds at Texas A&M, which proved to be a challenge. 

His stats in terms of quarterback pressures, pass rush efficiency, and overall performance saw a notable decline.

While the heightened competition certainly played a part, it doesn’t tell the whole story; Scourton struggled to manage that extra weight effectively. Although returning for another year could have been advantageous for him, the prospect of entering the NFL also offers enticing opportunities. 

Despite college football's efforts to emulate the NFL in various aspects, significant differences in motivation, resources, and coaching standards at the professional level are apparent. This creates a dilemma for a larger defender who hasn't yet unlocked his full potential, akin to the situation with Nolen.

At 6-foot-4, Scourton possesses the traits of both a hybrid tackle and edge rusher, demonstrating impressive strength and agility when in peak condition. NFL teams may question his ability to shed weight while maintaining his intensity, but it's likely that many coaching staffs would be willing to take a gamble on him in the second round.

His blend of physicality and capability to play all three downs is simply too enticing to ignore. However, the variability in his potential outcomes could be concerning for everyone in the draft room before they decide to call his name.

Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia

The 2024 season didn't unfold as many had anticipated for Mykel Williams. At one point during the preseason, I even projected him to go No. 1 overall due to the impressive flashes he displayed in 788 snaps across his first two years. 

Unfortunately, an ankle injury nagged him throughout the season, limiting his contributions to just 402 snaps.

Rather than emerging as a dynamic and dependable pass-rusher, Williams now stands as a wildcard among first-round prospects. While he undeniably possesses the attributes of a player capable of achieving double-digit sacks, the questions remain: Can he maintain his health and effectively contribute against the run to warrant being a foundational player?

With only 14 sacks and 67 tackles to his name over three seasons, Williams presents a bit of a mystery. If he can stay on the field, remain engaged, and add more strength to his physique, he has the potential to become one of the standout players from this draft class.

However, there's just as much chance that he could fade into obscurity by the end of his rookie contract.

Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas

Some might be taken aback by Quinn Ewers' inclusion, as he is generally seen as a solid but not exceptional quarterback prospect who requires significant guidance to succeed. He lacks elite athleticism, has difficulty making post-snap adjustments with his reads, and his passing mechanics tend to be inconsistent. At times, he hindered Texas with questionable decisions and a lack of self-assurance.

Nevertheless, Ewers possesses the physical attributes to become an above-average quarterback. Similar to Jared Goff, his best throws are outstanding. He has an unmatched ability to manipulate the ball, delivering it with various velocities and release points. When his footwork is correct, and he drives the ball, Ewers becomes difficult to stop.

However, Ewers needs considerable mental development and mechanical adjustments to reach his full potential. Like Goff, he will require a strong offensive line and sufficient time to implement the changes necessary to achieve his ceiling.

If the franchise fails to tailor an offense that suits Ewers' style or if he doesn't meet the required standards, it could overwhelm him and reveal his weaknesses significantly.

Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama

The argument for Jalen Milroe in the 2025 NFL Draft is quite clear. With five teams among the top seven picks on the lookout for quarterbacks and only two players in this draft class being regarded as first-round talents, Milroe is likely to be more highly valued than many might expect.

It's also hard to overlook the excitement of adding a player with physical characteristics echoing those of Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson, especially during the NFL playoffs.

Milroe's performance under Nick Saban in 2023 was notably stronger than during his time with Kalen DeBoer in 2024 for several reasons. DeBoer’s offense had trouble establishing a consistent running game to support Milroe and utilized fewer play-action plays compared to the previous season. This pressure forced Milroe into a role more suited for Michael Penix Jr., which doesn't match his abilities.

Sadly, the Senior Bowl did not serve as a significant opportunity for Milroe to solidify his position as a top-10 pick. With hand measurements under the 9-inch mark, his turnover rate also reflects his fumble issues. While he possesses an impressive arm, his smaller hands likely contribute to his difficulties in delivering the ball with finesse.

The contrast between Milroe's impressive physical potential and his ability to serve as an offensive catalyst, combined with his inconsistencies as a passer, presents teams with a familiar challenge. Milroe will need time, experience, and a tailored situation to truly thrive.

Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

Walter Nolen had already garnered significant attention before being a unanimous standout at the 2025 Senior Bowl. The former top recruit and 5-star athlete is making his way to the NFL following his strongest season in college. As a key player on a talented Ole Miss defense, he recorded 48 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks.

His speed off the line, ability to change directions quickly, and overall agility are impressive, especially for a 6-foot-3, 305-pound interior defender. Given the scarcity and importance of effective pass-rushing defensive tackles, there's a compelling case for Nolen to be a top-five prospect and selection in the upcoming draft. Only Michigan's Mason Graham matches or surpasses Nolen in terms of traits and highlight reel moments.

Despite this, Nolen's inconsistent performances raise concerns about whether he can truly serve as a foundational pillar for a defense. He frequently finds himself on the ground too often, sometimes opting to just take up space during plays, and at times, he gets pushed out of his gap due to his high pad level and disengagement. His performance has varied greatly throughout his career.

If coaching can effectively inspire his passion and consistency, they could see him evolve into a multiple-time Pro Bowl player. However, interior linemen often struggle with conditioning as they advance in their careers, making it challenging to predict if someone can maintain their intensity upon entering the NFL. 

The spectrum of possibilities for Nolen's career is as broad as it is for anyone else in this draft class.