Scouts across the country are already looking at the 2025 class, even if the 2024 NFL draft is several months away. You heard that right.
As the excitement of the current NFL season unfolds, teams are setting their sights on the future. Scouts and talent evaluators have begun their diligent search for potential stars for their 2025 NFL draft. The hunt for promising prospects has become an ongoing process as teams look at who to pick.
As we near the season’s close, NFL draft odds will solidify after events like pro days, NFL scouting, and the underclassmen declaration deadline. With each new draft pick, betting odds can fluctuate wildl¾as analysts and fans speculate on the potential impact of new talent and team dynamics.
Having a grasp on next year’s potential is a smart move that helps in long-term decision-making. Although it’s months away, teams will have 12 months to weigh on the draft prospects and assess positions of need in the current class.
The 2024 NFL draft features three first-round quarterbacks, LSU’s Jayden Daniels, North Carolina’s Drake Maye, and USC’s Caleb Williams. Oregon’s Bo Nix, Washington’s Michael Penix Jr., and Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy possess the potential to secure a spot in the first-rounders list.
Texas’ Quinn Ewers, Georgia’s Carson Beck, and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders are top picks as quarterback positions in the 2025 draft.
As it is right now, no Caleb Williams-level talents may be getting back to college. Who will be the next breakout star? Which prospects will live up to their potential? These are some of the questions due to be answered as the scouting efforts intensify leading up to the draft day. What are the top names?
While some players may dominate in college, scouts will look beyond statistics and accolades to identify players who possess intangibles necessary in the competitive NFL world. Will players like Shedeur Sanders hack into the first QB? And will OT and WR classes match the 2025 draft class?
The Bears own the No. 1 pick, thanks to the 2023 trade with the Carolina Panthers. But there is a heated discussion on whether they should give up Justin Fields for Caleb Williams. Should they draft some help for Fields in the form of Harrison Jr.?
There is some speculation Harrison and Williams could be in play for the 2024 season.
As the dust settles on the NFL season and how the draft order falls, will teams like the Bears consider swapping picks with the New England Patriots or Washington Commanders, who may be in pursuit of drafting a promising quarterback for the season?
The Jan. 15th declaration deadline has passed, giving light to the 2024 draft group and potentially those who could be in the 2025 class. Who could be in the April 2025 NFL draft in Green Bay?
What are the Positions?
With a keen eye for talent and an insatiable drive to discover the next football superstars, scouting departments are working tirelessly to identify quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive tackles, interior offensive linemen, edge rushers, defensive tackles, linebackers, cornerbacks, and safeties.
In the quarter position, for instance, Carson Beck of Georgia replaced the graduated Stetson Bennett and there is potential that scouters could look for the 2025 season. Quinn Ewes of Texas could be a prospect too if he works on his accuracy and decision-making.
For offensive tackles, Kelvin Banks of Texas has agility in space and has improved in power quite well, which could list him as a top-five pick in 2025.
Jonah Savaiinaea of Arizona is exceptionally quick and aggressive, something that offensive line coaches will be looking for. James Pearce demonstrates an outstanding burst and explosion, which scouts want in an outside track rusher.
It may come as a surprise for a returning player to appear on the list but that’s the reality. Danny Stutsman has the skills to disrupt passing lanes, making him a potential linebacker first rounder in 2025.
There is a long list of different players that scouts and talent evaluators could be eyeing up for the 2025 season.
Has the Scouting Started Too Early?
While it may seem early to start scouting for the 2025 draft, it’s not uncommon for teams to keep an eye on promising athletes.
Starting early, 12 months to the 2025 season, gives NFL teams time to thoroughly assess prospects, track their progress, analyze their skills and make informed decisions when it comes time for the draft.
The evaluation process is subject to change. Players’ performances can fluctuate while new prospects may emerge. When they start early, talent evaluators have a comprehensive understanding of potential draft picks.
As we all know, the best part of finding prospects is evaluating the current ones early enough. In the NFL world, there is a notion that “the next player is always better,” although this may not be one hundred percent true. The 2024 NFL draft class had a deadline of January 5th.
Scouters have a lot to look at, having to assess talent spread from quarterbacks to safeties and linebackers.
Nic Scourton, a former Purdue EDGE, and James Pearce Jr., former Tennessee pass rusher, are just some of the potentials in the draft prospect list. They bring a profile that is slightly similar to Brian Burns of the Carolina Panthers.
With proper development and adequate time to assess the prospects, players have a chance to showcase their skills and attract interest from talent evaluators.