We’re currently in Week 8 of the NFL season, marking nearly the halfway point of the 2024 campaign. At this stage, teams and their supporters are starting to discern whether they’re in contention for the playoffs or if they’re already focusing on next year.

Part of this forward-looking process includes preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft. The previous year saw a remarkable selection of offensive talent, highlighted by an unprecedented number of quarterbacks picked within the first 12 selections and a record equal number of wide receivers chosen in the first round.

However, the upcoming draft may differ significantly. Here’s the current draft order as we wrap up Week 8 games, along with some of the leading prospects anticipated in this class.

2025 NFL Draft Order

The draft order after the initial series of games in Week 8 is as follows:

1. Carolina Panthers
2. Tennessee Titans
3. New England Patriots
4. New York Jets
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
6. New Orleans Saints
7. Las Vegas Raiders
8. Cleveland Browns
9. Miami Dolphins
10. New York Giants
11. Cincinnati Bengals
12. Los Angeles Rams
13. San Francisco 49ers
14. Indianapolis Colts
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
16. Seattle Seahawks
17. Dallas Cowboys
18. Chicago Bears
19. Arizona Cardinals
20. Los Angeles Chargers
21. Denver Broncos
22. Atlanta Falcons
23. Baltimore Ravens
24. Philadelphia Eagles
25. Pittsburgh Steelers
26. Minnesota Vikings
27. Buffalo Bills
28. Green Bay Packers
29. Houston Texans
30. Washington Commanders
31. Detroit Lions
32. Kansas City Chiefs

Top Prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft

Below are eight of the most highly regarded prospects expected to enter the upcoming draft.

CB Travis Hunter, Colorado

Hunter is versatile, with the ability to excel as either a cornerback or wide receiver, though he is projected to thrive in the corner position. With an ideal physique for the role, he showcases strong ball skills and performs well in both man-to-man and zone coverage. His athleticism and tackling abilities make him a standout in run defense. As a wide receiver, he could have easily been a top-three pick due to his potential.

DT Mason Graham, Michigan

Graham, standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 320 pounds, effectively utilizes his size and leverage to excel against both runs and passes. He is powerful enough to break free from blocks or resist double teams in critical moments. As no interior defensive lineman has been picked in the top five of the draft since Quinnen Williams in 2019, Graham could potentially change that trend.

WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona

McMillan is a standout athlete, measuring 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 210 pounds. His impressive catch radius greatly enhances his potential as an offensive threat, especially after making the catch. His physical size provides an advantage against smaller defensive backs and sluggish linebackers. While he might not be a deep threat, he excels at making contested catches, reminiscent of the Atlanta Falcons’ Drake London.

CB Will Johnson, Michigan

If it weren’t for Hunter, Johnson would likely be recognized as the premier cornerback prospect. At 6-foot-2 and 202 pounds, he has the perfect dimensions for the position, utilizing his length effectively in both man and zone coverage. He performs admirably in run support and is capable of contributing as a blitzer.

EDGE James Pearce Jr., Tennessee

Pearce Jr. is an exceptional athlete, standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 242 pounds. Although his sack totals have not yet surfaced in 2024, he led the SEC last season with 9.5 sacks. He boasts long arms that enhance his edge-rushing capabilities, and he can effortlessly convert speed into power. While he may need to bulk up to compete effectively in run defense in the NFL, his athleticism ensures he will make an impact quickly in passing scenarios.

OT Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas

Banks Jr. is viewed as the top tackle prospect in this draft and is expected to remain in that position at the professional level. He may also find success as a guard. His footwork in pass protection is among the best available, and he possesses the agility to counter rushers and execute combo blocks. Occasionally, he may struggle to maintain blocks on extended plays, but this minor flaw is overshadowed by his impressive performances.

EDGE Mykel Williams, Georgia

Williams showcased an outstanding performance in the Bulldogs’ victory over Texas, registering two sacks and forcing a fumble. He stands at 6 feet 5 inches and weighs 265 pounds, with considerable power that allows him to effectively tackle against the run and rush quarterbacks. He will need to refine his hand techniques and pass rush strategies as he transitions to the NFL. Like Pearce Jr., Williams has a high potential outlook, even though his stats may not be extraordinary due to Georgia’s defensive rotation.

OL Will Campbell, LSU

Campbell is among the many elite offensive tackles in college, although he may lack the arm length to remain in that role in the NFL. Should this happen, he is projected to excel as a top guard prospect. His refined footwork and hand placement accentuate his effectiveness in run blocking and provide reliable pass protection. Remarkably, he is the first offensive lineman in LSU’s history to receive the top playmaker award, wearing Number 7 due to a restriction on offensive lineman numbers on the team, which he earned last season alongside standout players Jayden Daniels, Brian Thomas Jr., and Malik Nabers.