Who made the right 2025 NFL Draft decisions, including: Drew Allar, Jalen Milroe, Carson Beck, and more
The conclusion of the college football season marks a significant moment in the history of every program, as it transcends just the final games played. Many players will graduate or become ineligible to play for their institution again. While college football has introduced measures that allow athletes to delay their injuries through JUCO options, graduate […]
The conclusion of the college football season marks a significant moment in the history of every program, as it transcends just the final games played. Many players will graduate or become ineligible to play for their institution again.
While college football has introduced measures that allow athletes to delay their injuries through JUCO options, graduate student eligibility, and medical redshirts, it's important to note that elite players often exit the scene much sooner.
Most decisions regarding the 2025 NFL Draft have been made, but we’re still awaiting word from a few standout players who might alter their choices. Final decisions will be revealed shortly.
The initial deadline for early entry into the 2025 NFL Draft is on Wednesday, with a later deadline on January 24 for players from Ohio State and Notre Dame. After that, athletes can decide to pull out of the draft and return to college until February 7, 2025.
We’ve pinpointed eight 2025 NFL Draft decisions that warrant further scrutiny. We’re supportive of four and skeptical of four.
When is the deadline for underclassmen to enter the 2025 NFL Draft?
The traditional hard deadline for declaring for the NFL Draft is January 15. However, with the expansion of the College Football Playoff, the league has introduced two additional timeframes. A "soft" deadline is set for January 6 for players whose seasons ended before that date. Meanwhile, players participating in the College Football Playoff National Championship […]
Right or Wrong 2025 NFL Draft Decisions
Good call: Carson Beck, QB, Georgia
Decision: Transferred to Miami
The timing seemed right for Carson Beck to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft after his first season as a full-time starter, but the past season presented considerable challenges. Georgia's supporting players struggled significantly, particularly with Ladd McConkey and Brock Bowers making impactful transitions to the NFL. Beck couldn't raise his performance level when his teammates faltered, highlighting his own limitations.
An elbow injury sustained against Texas during the Conference Championship Game further complicated his prospects. With recovery likely taking up most of the offseason, any NFL team considering him would be getting a player primarily focused on rehabilitation and learning the playbook. As a result, he may find himself a late-round pick rather than the first-round selection some anticipated a year ago.
After initially declaring, Beck chose to follow Cameron Ward's example and move to Miami. This switch not only allows him to benefit from Mario Cristobal's system and Miami's talented offense but also gives him an opportunity to adapt to a new environment against ACC competition. On a personal note, playing at the same university as his girlfriend, Hanna Cavinder, has to feel like a bonus.
As Beck is set to earn over $3 million in NIL earnings, he has a chance to recover and improve his profile before entering a 2026 quarterback class that currently seems lacking in depth.
Bad call: Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
Decision: Declared
The case for Jalen Milroe in the 2025 NFL Draft is straightforward. With five teams among the top seven picks needing quarterback assistance and this draft class featuring only two clear first-round prospects, Milroe is likely to rise in the rankings beyond what might be an ideal investment. It's difficult to watch the NFL playoffs without being intrigued by a player who possesses physical talents reminiscent of Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson.
Milroe's experience under Nick Saban in 2023 was notably better than his output with Kalen DeBoer in 2024. DeBoer's offense struggled to establish a solid run game to support Milroe and relied less on play-action than the previous year, forcing Milroe to adopt a style that didn't suit him, reminiscent of Michael Penix Jr.
Although returning to Alabama might have seemed illogical, transferring like Beck did could have been a smart move. Placing Milroe in a more adaptable offensive scheme with top-tier playmakers might have maximized his potential just before his eligibility expired. Programs like Ohio State, Texas A&M, and Oregon likely would have been eager to utilize his talents and implement a better system.
A top-10 selection in 2025 would be impressive, but a poor pre-draft process could see Milroe slip to Day 2. He will compete with Jaxson Dart and Quinn Ewers to become the third quarterback chosen.
Good call: Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
Decision: Declared
Nic Scourton, a remarkable athlete who transferred to Texas A&M after recording 10 sacks at Purdue in 2023, struggled to find his rhythm with the Aggies. He played closer to 275 pounds at Purdue, but at Texas A&M, he maintained a weight closer to 290 pounds, which posed challenges for him. His numbers in quarterback pressures, pass rush win rate, and overall performance declined significantly.
While the step up in competition played a role, it doesn't fully explain his struggles; he simply wasn't managing that extra weight effectively. Returning to college could have given him an advantage, but pursuing an NFL career might also be beneficial. Although college football has evolved to mirror the NFL, there are notable differences in motivation, resources, and coaching at the professional level.
Standing 6-foot-4, Scourton is a versatile player who can function as both a tackle and an edge defender, showcasing impressive power and quickness when in optimal shape. NFL teams may have concerns about his ability to slim down and maintain high energy levels, but it's likely that some coaching staff will be willing to take a chance on him in the second round. His physicality and potential to contribute on all three downs are simply too appealing to overlook.
The stricter environment and more intense focus of the NFL could catalyze the improvements Scourton needs, and we're supportive of his decision to pursue this path.
Bad call: Tacario Davis, CB, Arizona
Decision: Transferred to Washington
The 2025 cornerback class features exceptional talent along with some intriguing Day 2 prospects, making it one of the deepest positional groups available. Tacario Davis, a standout expected to be in the late first-round conversation, is among the notable players.
At an impressive 6-foot-4 and 190 pounds, Davis had a strong season with Arizona, even as the team struggled to replicate its success from 2023. A change in scheme had him positioned differently, which did not necessarily benefit all aspects of his performance. For instance, he did not record an interception, and his passes defensed dropped significantly from 12 to just three.
This past season may not have solidified his standing as a cornerback for teams looking for a player who can create turnovers. Despite a commendable 6.3% missed tackle rate, a 48.7% completion rate against him, and only four touchdowns and seven penalties allowed over 1,430 snaps in his career, concerns remain that his size and stiffness could lead to a shift to safety.
There may be little that can change the minds of those skeptical teams. Davis’s move from Arizona to Washington provides an opportunity to showcase his skills on a larger stage with his former head coach. Nevertheless, he should have been a highly regarded prospect this spring.
Good call: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
Decision: Returning to school
Garrett Nussmeier, one of the nation’s most dynamic quarterbacks, made a smart choice by returning to LSU for more experience. As a first-year starter who stepped in for Jayden Daniels, Nussmeier burst onto the scene, showing off his strong arm while playing with a limited group of playmakers and learning valuable lessons along the way.
While there are moments when Nussmeier struggles, particularly when attempting throws into tight coverage with average arm strength, his determination to make a significant impact on the field stands out as a key takeaway from his 2024 season.
Returning for his fifth year and second season as a starter is a significant opportunity for him. Towards the end of the 2024 season, he faced a rise in turnover-worthy throws and had some moments of uncertainty as defenses adapted. It was clear that he wasn't quite ready for the NFL and might have been a mid-round pick in the 2025 draft.
LSU has been actively searching for talent in the transfer portal to strengthen its roster. While the offense may not become a powerhouse, there is hope that Nussmeier’s decision-making and throwing mechanics will improve, leading to a stronger performance and an increase in his draft value.
Bad call: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State
Decision: Returning to school
We're approaching Drew Allar's decision to return to school differently than we are with Milroe's. Allar showed improvement throughout the 2024 season, even though his performance against Notre Dame didn't quite highlight his growth. Overall, his game has advanced this year, making it likely he would be a top-three pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
At just 20 years old, Allar has areas to develop, but his physical attributes are the best among this year's class. He possesses a strong arm, decent mobility, and has enhanced his accuracy, making him a promising prospect with time to hone his skills.
However, his performance under pressure and overall aggression need work, and the context of Penn State's offense—particularly with a struggling receiving corps—helps explain some of these shortcomings.
Like Milroe, it makes sense for Allar to forgo the NFL this year, as he isn't yet ready to start and succeed right away. Opting to declare for the draft or return to Penn State seems wise. With Penn State losing its top tight end (Tyler Warren), Allar will face challenges with a receiving corps that was unable to record a reception against Notre Dame.
While it's commendable that Allar is committed to Penn State and eager to improve, the Nittany Lions have struggled to provide him with the quality weapons and scheme needed to elevate his game further.
Good call: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
Decision: Declared
An ankle injury interrupted Mykel Williams' pursuit of being the top overall pick in the 2025 draft. Instead, Abdul Carter secured that honor for defensive players, while Williams remains a strong Tier 2 candidate just behind Carter. When healthy, Williams demonstrated the impressive speed, power, and flexibility to become a Pro Bowl-level player.
It's not ideal that Williams' production has plateaued since his freshman year, and he hasn't exceeded 407 snaps in a season. However, that’s often how things turn out. NFL teams are likely to focus more on Williams' physical attributes rather than requiring proof of his durability during his time in college.
The positive aspect for Williams is that his production metrics—such as quarterback pressures, sacks, missed tackle rate, and alignment—have been strikingly consistent across all three seasons. The challenge in assessing his potential lies less in his natural talents or ability to maximize his opportunities, but more in whether he can reach his ceiling and what might be holding him back from being a more dominant force on the field.
Returning to Georgia might have led to more impressive statistics, but it wouldn't have fundamentally changed the assessment of his talent.
Bad call: Jaydon Blue, RB, Texas
Decision: Declared
There were high expectations for Jaydon Blue to step in for Jonathan Brooks, but the junior, standing 6 feet tall and weighing 200 pounds, has struggled to seize his chance. As potentially the fastest running back in the nation, his decision to make the leap as soon as he became eligible is understandable.
After missing two years of high school football due to knee injuries and sitting out his senior season to safeguard his health, Blue faced further challenges this season with a preseason knee injury and a sprained ankle.
Although his durability is a concern, it's important to recognize his talent as an explosive rusher and receiver. However, he also recorded five fumbles on 135 carries in 2024.
Blue undoubtedly possesses the speed, receiving skills, and explosiveness that could benefit an NFL team. The challenge lies in assessing a player whose body has already shown signs of struggling with the physical demands of football.
While it may be wise for Blue to seek a guaranteed contract now, it's difficult to envision him securing a significant deal without first demonstrating his ability to remain healthy for an extended period.
