NFL Draft Prospects: Should We Start Planning for the Next Season?
Welcome, gridiron fans, as we peek into the crystal ball to see who might be holding your favorite team’s future in their hands! With the second half of the NFL season kicking off, we’re not just gearing up to watch teams scramble for the playoffs; we’re also preparing ourselves for the 2025 NFL Draft! So grab your pens, because today we’re reviewing the top five prospects for offensive positions. Let’s dive in!
QUARTERBACKS
1. Shedeur Sanders (Colorado)
2. Quinn Ewers * (Texas)
3. Drew Allar * (Penn State)
4. Garrett Nussmeier * (LSU)
5. Jalen Milroe * (Alabama)
Other main players mentioned : Cameron Ward (Miami FL), Carson Beck (Georgia), Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss).
If Shedeur Sanders is the favorite son of Deion, Quinn Ewers is playing the role of the tortured artist, experiencing some existential crises of his own—and trust me, throwing a couple of interceptions doesn’t help! Remember folks, this isn’t a poetry reading; it’s football. Let’s hope Ewers finds his rhythm soon, or he might end up with more “sorry, I didn’t mean to throw that” moments than touchdown passes.
RUNNING BACKS
1. Ashton Jeanty * (Boise State)
2. Quinshon Judkins * (Ole Miss)
3. Ollie Gordon II * (Oklahoma State)
4. Omarion Hampton * (North Carolina)
5. Nick Singleton * (Penn State)
Other players mentioned : TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State), Kaleb Johnson * (Iowa), Jaydn Ott * (California).
Ashton Jeanty is the man of the hour, wiping the floor with defenses like they’re overzealous disco dancers. With over 1,525 yards, he’s giving a new meaning to the term “yard machine.” Meanwhile, Quinshon Judkins had a decent season, but I suspect he’s making more friends than tackles this year—sharing is caring, just not on the field!
RECEIVERS
1. Tete McMillan * (Arizona)
2. Travis Hunter * (Colorado)
3. Luther Burden III * (Missouri)
4. Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State)
5. Evan Stewart * (Oregon)
Other players mentioned : Tez Johnson (Oregon), Elic Ayomanor ** (Stanford), Tre Harris (Ole Miss).
Let’s not forget about Travis Hunter, who seems to be channeling his inner Deion Sanders! He’s a dual-threat receiver and cornerback—basically a Swiss Army knife without the confusing instructions. With the potential to take home the hardware, it’s safe to say teams are more interested in him than TikTok influencers at a product launch!
TIGHT ENDS
1. Tyler Warren * (Penn State)
2. Colston Loveland (Michigan)
3. Harold Fannin Jr. * (Bowling Green)
4. Gunnar Helm (Texas)
5. Luke Lachey (Iowa)
Other players mentioned : Oronsde Gadsden II * (Syracuse).
Could Tyler Warren be the tight end who proves that blocking can be sexy? With the versatility that makes Swiss cheese jealous, he’s turning heads this season! Meanwhile, Fannin Jr. might just be the surprise of the year—Bowling Green is calling up their magic carpet for this one!
OFFENSIVE TACKLES
1. Kelvin Banks * (Texas)
2. Will Campbell * (LSU)
3. Aireontae Ersery (Minnesota)
4. Wyatt Milum (West Virginia)
5. Emery Jones Jr. * (LSU)
Other players mentioned : Josh Conerly Jr. * (Oregon).
There’s nothing quite as reassuring as a good tackle. It’s like having a bouncer at a nightclub, only this one doesn’t care about your shoes. Kelvin Banks is leading the charge, but can we please get LSU’s Campbell to stop guilt-tripping the rest of his team every time he fumbles? They’re not in therapy; it’s just football, after all!
GUARDS / CENTRES
1. Tyler Booker * (G, Alabama)
2. Jonah Savaiinea * (G, Arizona)
3. Donovan Jackson (G, Ohio State)
4. Tate Ratledge (G, Georgia)
5. Luke Kandra (G, Cincinnati)
Other players mentioned : Parker Brailsford ** (C, Alabama).
Ah, the guard position—the unsung heroes of the gridiron, just a heartbeat away from the glory. Tyler Booker is proving just how vital he is in keeping those flashy quarterbacks upright—one block at a time! Jonah Savaiinea’s recent reshuffle should help him fit in better than a kid in a candy store. Just remember, Jonah: no double-dipping on defensive tackle!
Conclusion: Who Will Capture Our Hearts?
As we gear up for the playoffs, the world of college football is brimming with talent. These prospects are driving fans crazy—and I mean that in a good way! Whether you’re prepping for the playoffs or already looking at your team’s 2025 future, make sure to keep an eye on these players as they work their magic. Who will make the cut? Only time will tell, but either way, at this rate, our football Sundays will never be dull!
As the second half of the NFL season kicks off, teams are at a pivotal point: should they begin strategizing for the playoffs or focus on laying the groundwork for next season? With only six months remaining until the 2025 NFL draft, Touchdown News presents a comprehensive review of the top prospects across all offensive positions. Stay tuned for an in-depth analysis of defensive positions, set to be unveiled next week.
(* junior, ** sophomore)
QUARTERBACKS
1. Shedeur Sanders (Colorado)
2. Quinn Ewers * (Texas)
3. Drew Allar * (Penn State)
4. Garrett Nussmeier * (LSU)
5. Jalen Milroe * (Alabama)
Other main players mentioned : Cameron Ward (Miami FL), Carson Beck (Georgia), Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss).
Shedeur Sanders, the son of NFL legend and Colorado’s head coach Deion Sanders, is a widely regarded top prospect by our editorial team. However, opinions diverge when discussing the remaining quarterbacks. Quinn Ewers has shown moments of brilliance but has struggled with physical issues and an underwhelming showing against Georgia’s formidable defense. Cameron Ward, who is vying for the prestigious title of best collegiate player, has showcased his skills, although his more eccentric style raises some questions about consistency as he approaches the draft process. Carson Beck has been a clear disappointment this season, grappling with an alarming rate of turnovers that has hampered his trajectory.
RUNNING BACKS
1. Ashton Jeanty * (Boise State)
2. Quinshon Judkins * (Ole Miss)
3. Ollie Gordon II * (Oklahoma State)
4. Omarion Hampton * (North Carolina)
5. Nick Singleton * (Penn State)
Other players mentioned : TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State), Kaleb Johnson * (Iowa), Jaydn Ott * (California).
This season, Ashton Jeanty has emerged as a standout back, racking up an impressive 1,525 rushing yards as he leads the charge from a less-publicized program at Boise State. This performance includes impressive matchups, notably against the Oregon Ducks, who were ranked number one at the start of November. Omarion Hampton trails Jeanty by nearly 200 yards, showcasing the competitive nature of this group. Intriguingly, while Ollie Gordon’s production has dropped compared to his sensational 2023 year, Quinshon Judkins, a former key contributor to Ole Miss’s offense, is beginning to regain his form at Ohio State, offering a significant threat in tandem with the injury-prone TreVeyon Henderson.
Ashton Jeanty, this blue dream…
RECEIVERS
1. Tete McMillan * (Arizona)
2. Travis Hunter * (Colorado)
3. Luther Burden III * (Missouri)
4. Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State)
5. Evan Stewart * (Oregon)
Other players mentioned : Tez Johnson (Oregon), Elic Ayomanor ** (Stanford), Tre Harris (Ole Miss), Jayden Higgins (Iowa State), Isaiah Bond * (Texas), Xavier Restrepo (Miami FL).
Travis Hunter is without a doubt the standout talent in Colorado’s football program, embodying the legacy of his coach, Deion Sanders. His dual-threat ability as both a cornerback and prolific receiver makes him a highly coveted prospect for the upcoming draft. While the current receiver class may lack the depth of previous years, it features standout talents like Tete McMillan, who has shown to be a reliable target despite Arizona’s less-than-stellar season.
TIGHT ENDS
1. Tyler Warren * (Penn State)
2. Colston Loveland (Michigan)
3. Harold Fannin Jr. * (Bowling Green)
4. Gunnar Helm (Texas)
5. Luke Lachey (Iowa)
Other players mentioned : Oronsde Gadsden II * (Syracuse), Eli Stowers (Vanderbilt), Terrance Ferguson (Oregon), Jake Briningstool (Clemson), John Michael Gyllenborg * (Wyoming), Brant Kuithe (Utah), Mason Taylor * (LSU).
Tyler Warren’s outstanding versatility as a tight end has propelled his draft stock upward, demonstrating his effectiveness coming out of blocks and as a key player in the goal-line offense for Penn State. Meanwhile, Harold Fannin Jr. has emerged as a surprising talent for Bowling Green, delivering noteworthy performances against formidable teams, including a strong showing against Penn State’s defense earlier in the season.
OFFENSIVE TACKLES
1. Kelvin Banks * (Texas)
2. Will Campbell * (LSU)
3. Aireontae Ersery (Minnesota)
4. Wyatt Milum (West Virginia)
5. Emery Jones Jr. * (LSU)
Other players mentioned : Josh Conerly Jr. * (Oregon), Cameron Williams * (Texas).
Despite entering the season with high expectations, the duo from LSU has faced challenges with inconsistent performances, especially in critical matchups against teams like South Carolina. However, both still possess the potential to break into the first round of next year’s draft. Aireontae Ersery from Minnesota mirrors the promising trajectory of last year’s standout, Taliese Fuaga, exhibiting his strength in run-blocking and establishing himself as a potential top-tier right tackle in the NFL.
GUARDS / CENTRES
1. Tyler Booker * (G, Alabama)
2. Jonah Savaiinea * (G, Arizona)
3. Donovan Jackson (G, Ohio State)
4. Tate Ratledge (G, Georgia)
5. Luke Kandra (G, Cincinnati)
Other players mentioned : Parker Brailsford** (C, Alabama), Jaeden Roberts* (G, Alabama), Armaj Reed-Adams* (G, Texas A&M), Jonah Monheim (G, USC).
Jonah Savaiinea’s ability to transition from an outside position to guard has sparked some optimism regarding his future, particularly as it minimizes technical shortcomings. After starting strong, Tate Ratledge battled injuries, but his recent return offers an opportunity to evaluate his growth potential moving forward.
Old Fannin Jr. is quickly becoming a notable name, showcasing his skills at Bowling Green and surprising many with his standout performances this season.
OFFENSIVE TACKLES
Leading the list of top offensive tackles is Kelvin Banks from Texas, who has been solid in protecting his quarterback’s blind side. Will Campbell from LSU follows closely, but he needs to work on managing his temper on the field—his teammates would appreciate a few fewer heart palpitations during games! Aireontae Ersery from Minnesota is making waves, displaying impressive footwork and technique, while Wyatt Milum and Emery Jones Jr. from West Virginia and LSU respectively, provide a good mix of experience and talent to round out the list.
GUARDS / CENTERS
As usual, the guards and centers are the unsung heroes of any offense. Tyler Booker from Alabama is proving invaluable, showcasing his ability to protect and create running lanes. Jonah Savaiaina from Arizona has adapted well to his recent position changes, and Donovan Jackson at Ohio State has been a steady force. Tate Ratledge and Luke Kandra have also played key roles for their respective teams. Keep an eye on Parker Brailsford as a notable mention—his performance at center for Alabama could propel him up draft boards if he continues on this trajectory.
Conclusion: Excitement on the Horizon
With the playoffs fast approaching and the 2025 NFL Draft on the horizon, now is the perfect time to get familiar with these rising stars. As scouts hone in on the best of the best, expect the intensity to ramp up, particularly among these skilled offensive players. Whether you’re a fan seeking thrills or a team strategizing for the future, the excitement of college football provides plenty of reasons to stay glued to the action. Who will ultimately capture the hearts of teams and fans alike? Only time will tell!
Stay tuned for more evaluations and insights in upcoming editions, where we’ll discuss defensive prospects who are equally electrifying and essential for the future of the NFL.
