Potential Future Stars from the 2025 NFL Draft

As we gear up for another exciting year in the world of signed sports memorabilia, it's time to look ahead and get excited about the potential future stars who could make their mark in the NFL — and, with any luck, show up in future live breaks. These college football stars are already creating buzz. And with the NFL Draft fast-approaching, you should get to know them a little better.

Quarterbacks

1. Cam Ward (Miami)

• PFF Grade: 92.9 (21st on Big Board)
• 2024 Stats: 4,313 passing yards, 39 TDs, 7 INTs, 67.2% completion.

Ward has the kind of arm strength that turns heads, and his accuracy makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. After leading Miami to a 10-3 record in 2024, Ward’s NFL potential is skyrocketing. His ability to read defenses and extend plays will make him a name to remember for years to come.

The Tennessee Titans currently hold the first pick in the draft. If they're still in on the Will Levis experiment — they probably are given he's only 25 and flashes elite throws — then they may be in trade-back territory. The most likely suitor is the New York Giants who hold the #3 pick. The Titans likely won't take a QB even if they stay put, meaning Ward could be a Cleveland Brown to start his career.

2. Shedeur Sanders (Colorado)

• PFF Grade: 90.9 (47th on Big Board)
• 2024 Stats: 3,133 passing yards, 37 TDs, 10 INTs, 73.4% completion.

Sanders has been lighting it up in Boulder, following in his father’s footsteps as a playmaker. His combination of poise, mobility, and elite passing accuracy makes him an exciting future star. As a dynamic dual-threat, he's set to make waves in the NFL. The only question is for whom?

Depending on where you look, Sanders could go as high as #2 or slide all the way to the end of the first round. If the Browns take Ward, would the Giants pull the trigger on Sanders? If not, the Raiders hold the 6th overall pick and may bring in a young exciting QB to build around after locking up their stud EDGE Maxx Crosby.

3. Jalen Milroe (Alabama)

• PFF Grade: 87.4 (96th on Big Board)
• 2024 Stats: 2,834 passing yards, 16 TDs, 11 INTs, 63.3% completion.

Milroe’s athleticism is off the charts. As the Alabama quarterback, he’s been taking defenders to school with his powerful arm and jaw-dropping running ability. His combination of speed and accuracy on the run makes him a true dual-threat coming out of one of the top programs in college football.

I honestly wouldn't be surprised if Milroe goes before Sanders. They are similar players, but Milroe needs to show a bit more poise and accuracy to leap Sanders. Teams that need a QB might feel comfortable waiting to see if Milroe falls to them in the second round. So he has a high variance in possible draft spots.

Running Backs

1. Ashton Jeanty (Boise State)

• PFF Grade: 94.9 (5th on Big Board)
• 2024 Stats: 2,595 rushing yards, 29 TDs, 6.9 YPC

Jeanty is a stud with the rock who brings both speed and power to the table. He’s one of the most explosive RBs in the 2025 draft class and has been tearing up the field with his breakaway speed in an offense that relied on him heavily in Boise. His ability to make defenders miss and power through tackles has scouts salivating.

Jeanty is a top 5 player on nearly every draft board and widely considered the top RB in the class. I wouldn't blink an eye if he went in the top 10, but I love the possibility of him falling to the Cowboys and becoming the next legendary RB in Dallas.

2. Omarion Hampton (North Carolina)

• PFF Grade: 88.4 (28th on Big Board)
• 2024 Stats: 1,660 rushing yards, 15 TDs, 5.9 YPC

Hampton is a downhill runner who can flatten defenders and keep pushing the pile with is ideal size (6'1" 220lbs). With his vision and burst, he's ready for the next level. He'll miss his chance to play under Bill Belichick in North Carolina, but he'll be a staple in an NFL backfield for years to come.

If he falls to the second round it won't be due to his ability as a playmaker. It will be because NFL teams don't value the RB position like it used to. If that happens, someone will get an absolute steal in the second round. Look for the Vikings at pick 24 for the earliest suitor for Hampton.

3. Dylan Sampson (Tennessee)

• PFF Grade: 90.5 (64th on Big Board)
• 2024 Stats: 1,488 rushing yards, 22 TDs, 5.8 YPC

Sampson’s versatility as both a runner and a receiver out of the backfield makes him a valuable asset for any NFL team. He ran a 4.32 40-yard dash in high school. Absolute blazer. His ability to hit the hole with quickness and make plays in space will ensure that he’s a big name in the league soon.

Sampson is only 20 years old but plays like a grown man. His upside will get him drafted likely in the second round. I could see the Pats or Bears bringing him in to take over the backfield. 

Wide Receivers

1. Tetairoa McMillan (Arizona)

• PFF Grade: 84.8 (#3 on Big Board)
• 2024 Stats: 1,316 receiving yards, 8 TDs, 15.7 YPC

Tet has the speed, route running, and hands to become one of the top wide receivers in the NFL. His 15.7 yards per catch last season shows his ability to stretch the field and make big plays. With a solid 2024 campaign under his belt, McMillan is set to be a future star.

McMillan will be the first WR off the board come April and could go as early as pick 4 to the Patriots. The Raiders hold the 6th pick and without a clear answer at QB after Ward and Sanders go, either squad could solidify their WR rooms for the future QB.

2. Luther Burden III (Missouri)

• PFF Grade: 77.9 (15th on Big Board)
• 2024 Stats: 676 receiving yards, 6 TDs, 11.1 YPC

Burden is a polished posession receiver with long speed to pull away from defenders. His speed (4.4 40-yard dash) makes him a nightmare matchup, and his ability to make acrobatic catches only adds to his appeal. Burden is poised to make an impact at the next level. Burden suffered from poor QB play this year at Missouri, but last year he put up 1,209 receiving yards and 9TDs.

Burden will get scooped up in the first round and will be a day-one starter in the league. He's just a good football player. He could go as early as #9 to the Saints who desperately need an infusion of young talent to their WR room.

3. Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State)

• PFF Grade: 79.5 (19th on Big Board)
• 2024 Stats: 1,011 receiving yards, 10 TDs, 12.5 YPC

Egbuka has everything an NFL team could want in a receiver — hands, speed, and separation ability. With his precise route running and ability to turn a short catch into a long gain, Egbuka’s NFL future is bright.

He's a full year older than Burden, which may see him slip to the second round. But I expect a WR-needy team will take him in the first.

Tight Ends

1. Tyler Warren (Penn State)

• PFF Grade: 91.3 (8th on Big Board)
• 2024 Stats: 1,230 receiving yards, 8 TDs, 11.1 YPC

Warren is a big-bodied (6'6" 261lbs) target with soft hands, ideal for tight end-needy teams. His ability to block and catch makes him one of the most complete tight ends in this class. In an era that prizes 3-down TEs and 12-personell, expect him to contribute immediately in the NFL.

Warren is expected to be the first TE off the board in April and for good reason. Penn State's offense went through him in 2024 as he often bailed them out of bad situations on offense. A popular landing spot for him is at #14 to the Colts. But as a Bengals (pick 17) fan, I'm hoping they pass on him. "Burrow to Warren. TOUCH DOWN BENGALS!" has a nice ring to it.

2. Colston Loveland (Michigan)

• PFF Grade: 85.9 (29th on Big Board)
• 2024 Stats: 582 receiving yards, 5 TDs, 10.4 YPC

Loveland’s blend of size and agility make him a nightmare mismatch for defenders. His ability to stretch the field up the seam or outside while also making tough catches in the red zone gives him a great chance to thrive at the next level.

The Michigan offense didn't feature Loveland quite like the Penn State offense featured Warren. But both of these guys can ball. Colston can be trusted as a 3-down player who can help the run game. In an era of smaller LBs, he can also bully defenders in the Red Zone. The Chargers at 22 or the Rams at 26 might just draft this guy, both needing to get younger and more talented at TE.

3. Terrance Ferguson (Oregon)

• PFF Grade: 73.9 (76th on Big Board)
• 2024 Stats: 591 receiving yards, 3 TDs, 13.7 YPC

Ferguson’s combination of speed and strength sets him apart as a dynamic TE prospect. At 6'5" 255lbs, he's has great TE size to hold his own in the run game while still being a receiving weapon. He’s a perfect fit for teams looking for a playmaking tight end who can run after the catch as well.

If the pipe dream of Tyler Warren doesn't come true for the Bengals, I'm hoping they take Ferguson in the second round. But don't be surprised if a team falls in love with him late in the first round either.

Offensive Linemen (OL)

1. Will Campbell (LSU)

• PFF Grade: 72.2 (6th on Big Board)
• 6'6" 323lbs.

Campbell has been an immovable force on the offensive line in Baton Rogue. His incredible size, combined with his agility and technique, make him the top O-lineman in this class. He’s ready to dominate at the next level. The PFF grade doesn't blow you away, but the tape does. He was an elite tackle tasked with blocking the best EDGE players in the SEC for 3 straight years.

There was some buzz at the combine that Campbell could have to play guard in the NFL for one of the dumbest reasons (in my opinion): arm length. He measured at 32 5/8" for arm length. Average arm length for OTs in the NFL is about 34 1/2". This is important because tackles need to keep defenders away from them to avoid bull rush techniques. But look, if you can move and block like Will Campbell, arm length isn't an issue. He should go top 10. 

2. Armand Membou (Missouri)

• PFF Grade: 90.6 (11th on Big Board)
• 6'3" 314lbs.

Membou is a mauler in the trenches, and his strength and athleticism are off the charts. He can bulldoze defenders in the run game and stick with elite pass rushers one-on-one. He has the potential to be a long-term star in the NFL, although it might be at guard. The NFL is a copycat league and the Eagles just won a Super Bowl with absolute behemoths across the OL. Membou is big by normal people standards, but not by NFL tackle standards.

While he may start out as a guard, Membou has the ability and athleticism to step in at tackle when (not if) a starter gets hurt. That makes him very valuable to an offense. He'll likely go top 20 in this draft. Whoever takes him will not be disappointed.

3. Kelvin Banks Jr. (Texas)

• PFF Grade: 86.2 (20th on Big Board)
• 6'4" 320lbs.

Banks is a dominant force at tackle. With his quick feet and power in pass protection, he's built to protect a future NFL quarterback’s blindside. He posted a better PFF grade than Campbell at the same position playing against the same SEC competition. Impressive. His arms are almost a full inch longer than Campbell's (although still a touch shy of the NFL average for OTs). If teams feel Campbell is a guard at the NFL level, Banks may actually go before him. I wouldn't bet on it, but the draft is always a bit crazy. Banks is definitely a first rounder, though. Look for the Rams to be interested.

Defensive Linemen

1. Abdul Carter (Penn State)

• PFF Grade: 91.3 (2nd on Big Board)
• 2024 Stats: 13 sacks, 43 hurries, 43 tackles

Carter is the most polished EDGE player in the class. His explosiveness off the edge makes him one of the most feared pass rushers in the country and his relentless motor and ability to disrupt the pocket will make him a star in the NFL.

I wouldn't be surprised even a little bit if the Titans take Carter #1 overall. They likely want to give Levis another year to figure it out, so why not make the safest pick in the draft by taking Carter?

2. Mason Graham (Michigan)

• PFF Grade: 91.1 (4th on Big Board)
• 2024 Stats: 5 sacks, 20 hurries, 24 tackles

I know those numbers don't jump off the screen. But this is very simple: Mason Graham is a complete beast. He wins with power, excellent hand placement and an ability to shed blocks fast. His skill set will translate well to the next level as a force in the interior.

A 6'3" 320lbs man simply should not be able to move the way Graham does. He has the potential to be an interior game wrecker in the NFL. Sound familiar? cough, Eagles, cough. Every team is looking to emulate Philly's interior DL and Graham will get you half way there. He'll go top 5. The Jags will draft him.

3. James Pearce Jr. (Tennessee)

• PFF Grade: 87.1 (12th on Big Board)
• 2024 Stats: 8 sacks, 43 hurries, 38 tackles

Pearce is a twitched up speed demon off the edge. He has the size and technique to be a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. His pass-rushing prowess and ability to contain and chase down running backs make him an invaluable asset for any team.

At 6'5" 243lbs, Pearce has room to add weight to his lean frame and the fact that he's only 21 years old makes that even more likely. This guy ran a 4.47 second 40 at the combine. That's ridiculous. I think his future is in Chicago as the Bears draft him at #10.

Linebackers

Jihaad Campbell (Alabama)

• PFF Grade: 81.6 (10th on Big Board)
• 2024 Stats: 89 tackles, 5 sacks, 1 INT

Campbell is a sideline-to-sideline linebacker with incredible instincts and speed. He’s a tackling machine who will be a major asset at the next level, both against the run and in pass coverage.

Campbell is a rare breed in today's NFL. Linebackers are getting smaller and faster. But Campbell goes 6'3" 244lbs and rarely misses tackles, making him ideal for defending the run. He can cover too. You won't find many TEs or even RBs who can outrun him in coverage. More Bengals fan perspective here: Cincy is reportedly looking to move on from their leading tackler Germaine Pratt. Campbell at 17 would plug that hole immediately.

2. Jalon Walker (Georgia)

• PFF Grade: 73.1 (30th on Big Board)
• 2024 Stats: 36 tackles, 6.5 sacks

Many think Walker will play EDGE in the NFL. But at 6'2" 245lbs, he's built more like a LB. He could be a great fit for a 3-4 defense as an OLB that also rushes the passer. Walker’s versatility allows him to line up in a variety of positions, which makes him an asset in any defensive scheme at the end of the day. His playmaking ability will have NFL teams clamoring for his services.

A tweener EDGE/LB who people think is more of an EDGE, but shows great LB instincts. Sounds like Zach Baun 2.0 to me. But Walker actually has a higher upside. So, with the success of Baun in Philly, I expect Walker to go top 20.

3. Demetrius Knight Jr. (South Carolina)

• PFF Grade: 82.8 (33rd on Big Board)
• 2024 Stats: 64 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 FF, 1 INT

Knight came out of nowhere to hit the PFF Big Board in March. Knight is a tough, hard-nosed linebacker who thrives in both run defense and coverage. His speed and ability to read plays make him a future leader of a defense.

Knight is almost the exact same size as Walker (6'2" 245lbs) but plays a true LB position at South Carolina. It's hard to project where he might go, but I can't imagine him getting very deep into the second round.

Defensive Backs

1. Travis Hunter (Colorado)

• PFF Grade: 88.2 (1st on Big Board)
• 2024 Stats: 25 tackles, 4 INT, 96 REC, 15 rec TDs

I could have put Hunter in the WR section, but I just think he's a better CB than WR. His value will be maximized if the team that takes him figures out how to use him on both sides of the ball, though. Hunter is the total package as a cornerback, combining elite ball skills with the ability to shut down the best receivers in the country.

The real question is: what if Hunter is your best WR AND best CB? Can he handle the load of 100+ snaps a game during an NFL season? I'd be very surprised if so. NFL playbooks are so complex that it's a very tall order to ask one guy to know the offensive and defensive playbooks in their entirety. My guess is he'll play full-time at CB and have special packages on offense. He's so intriguing and good that he might go #1 overall.

2. Jahdae Barron (Texas)

• PFF Grade: 90.7 (7th on Big Board)
• 46 tackles, 5 INT, 1 sack

Barron is a fast, aggressive cornerback who excels in both man-to-man coverage and as a ballhawk. His ability to make plays on the ball will make him a key defensive asset at the next level. Barron allowed just a 34.2 Passer Rating to QB throwing his way last year. He also has CB/S versatility.

Jahdae is 23 years old, so he may slide as the younger stars go ahead of him. But that extra year or two was well spent refining his game. Barron is a future long-term starter with a high upside. Look for him to go in the first round in April.

3. Will Johnson (Michigan)

• PFF Grade: 76.5 (14th on Big Board)

Johnson is a lockdown corner with great instincts and coverage ability. He’s been a standout in Michigan’s secondary, and his future in the NFL looks bright. He has ideal size for a #1 CB at 6'2" 202lbs. He has the play strength to cover bigger WRs and the speed to stick with the burners.

He only played in 5 games this past season. But those 5 games saw him get two picks and he returned both for TDs. Johnson will be 22 at the time of the draft, making him potentially more appealing to teams than Barron. With Hunter you're getting a potential 2-way player. Jahdae is great but older than teams like in the first round. Will Johnson is a young star and a pure CB. Teams will covet that and he'll hear his name on day one of the draft.

As these players make their way to the league, we'll be keeping an eye on them and getting their memorabilia for you to scoop up in the break room. Let us know in the comments who I missed (or should have mentioned) and who you'd like to see first in the Break Room at Ultimate Autographs.