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The backlog of players with COVID eligibility is finally coming to a close and the last of the super seniors are ready to turn pro.

That means the 2025 draft class should bring superior depth with quality talent available deep into the third day of next year’s NFL draft.

Early expectations reveal the class is light at quarterback, with possibly only a couple of first-rounders at the position.

The defensive side of the ball will rebound next year. Mass returnees the past two years loaded the trenches inside and out.

If the top juniors ultimately declare, as many as six defensive tackles could go in the first round, which happened just once in the past decade.

1. James Pearce Jr., OLB, Tennessee
A modern day pass-rusher, Pearce is on the lighter side and will need some seasoning for NFL run defense, but he is a rare bender with outstanding first-step quickness. He’s the early favorite to be the top pick and plays a premium position.

2. Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
In the mold of A.J. Brown, Burden’s strength through the catch point and with the ball in his hands stands out. His testing will be key to whether he can maintain a top offensive billing next year.

3. Travis Hunter, CB, Colorado
One of the best storylines in college football last season, Hunter’s dual-threat ability catches attention, but his play as a cornerback is what NFL teams will love. He is an elite mover with ideal fluidity and ball skills for a pro defensive back.

4. Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
Reminiscent of Peter Skoronski, Banks is a technician with good strength and body control. He lacks ideal length for a tackle. His polish should get him drafted early, although there will be a split on whether to play tackle or guard.

5. Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky
Walker’s body type will be a strike in the mind of some scouts, but he is an extraordinary athlete for his size. There have been only a handful of players ever who can line up against offensive tackles at 350 pounds and succeed, and he’s one of them.

6. Walter Nolen, DT, Mississippi
Twitchy and versatile as a pass rusher, Nolen hasn’t produced up to his physical talent yet, but teams will be captivated by the Texas A&M transfer’s burst and agility.

7. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
A big-bodied target at 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, McMillan has hands as soft as pillows and a feel for crafting openings at the catch point. His speed may end up being a point of deliberation for teams, but he looks like an early favorite for the top of next year’s draft.

8. Landon Jackson, DE, Arkansas
The rise of Darius Robinson toward the top of the 2024 draft is a good sign for Jackson next year, who has even more juice coming off the edge. While he isn’t as bendy as the usual elite pass-rushers, his length and strength through the rush gives him a trump card against most blockers.

9. Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
A defensive pillar during Michigan’s run to the championship, Graham isn’t as toolsy as Nolen or Walker, but his refined pass-rushing may translate more immediately as a pro.

10. Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia
Overlooked in the shadow of Brock Bowers, Delp lacks the same caliber of top-end speed once he gets the ball in his hands, but he is smoother out of his breaks and presents a similarly special receiving option as a tight end.

–Field Level Media