2025 NFL Draft Stock Up
Devin Neal, RB, Kansas
Neal ran wild to lead Kansas to a surprising upset over Colorado. Neal ran for 307 yards on 37 carries with three touchdowns on the ground. Through the air, he had four catches for 80 yards and a touchdown. The 5-foot-11, 215-pounder has a strong build with the speed to rip off yards in chunks. In 2024, Neal has averaged 5.7 yards per carry for 1,133 yards with 15 touchdowns. He has 23 catches for 249 yards and a touchdown. Team sources say that Neal has mid-round potential for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
Johnson has been one of the best running backs in college football this year and he has been a devastating runner in the Big 10. The 6-foot, 225-pounder has a very good skill set with size, speed, power, and natural running instincts. In 2024 he has averaged 6.7 yards per carry for 1,492 yards with 21 touchdowns. He has 20 catches for 115 yards and a touchdown. Team sources say that Johnson is a first- or second-round talent but maturity issues will push him into day two.
D.J. Giddens, RB, Kansas State
The 6-foot-1, 212-pounder Giddens has been a tough runner for the Wildcats this season. He has averaged 6.7 yards per carry for 1,271 yards with seven touchdowns. Giddens has also caught 21 passes for 258 yards with a touchdown. Team sources say that Giddens could sneak into the second day of the draft, and he looks like a quality mid-round pick.
Tyler Baron, DE, Miami
The 6-foot-5, 260-pounder Baron has been an active defender for Miami this season. He has 33 tackles with 4.5 sacks. Last year, he had six sacks with 28 tackles. Baron has a good skill set with upside to develop. If he performs well at the Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine, he could continue to be a riser.
Gabe Jacas, DE, Illinois
Jacas has played really well for the Fighting Illini this season, providing a big impact at the point of attack. In the ground game, Jacas has functional strength to hold his ground and get in on runs outside of his gap. Jacas is strong and quick in the pass rush, showing the ability to get after the quarterback as a versatile rusher. He has eight sacks, 61 tackles, and three forced fumbles this season. Jacas (6-3, 275) is a riser with early-round potential.
iv id=”mtc-incontent-ad-2″>
C.J. West, DT, Indiana
West was phenomenal against Ohio State. In the first half, West was an animal making plays in the backfield. He helped make a fourth-and-goal stop for a loss to get the ball back for his offense. Shortly later, West burst into the backfield to get a tackle for a loss on a zone read run. On the very next play, West knocked the guard off balance and then fired down the pocket to get pressure on Will Howard to force an inaccurate throw. The ball was deflected and intercepted by the Hoosiers. In the third quarter, West plugged up a running lane as Ohio State tried to stretch the Hoosiers to the left side, but West got a push and started a gang tackle for no gain.
West is an impressive defender at the point of attack. He is a thick, strong, and quick tackle. West has a burst to close and fires off the ball. With a strong build, he has the strength to knock blockers back and shed blocks. This tape will really help his draft grade with NFL scouts.
Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas
Team sources have said they like Bond and think he could be a selection in the back half of the first round. Bond is a dangerous speed receiver to challenge defenses vertically. In 2024 he has 32 catches for 510 yards and five touchdowns. In 2023 at Alabama, Bond had 48 catches for 668 yards and four scores. Bond (5-11, 180) has upside and is capable of producing more with more targets. Bond could go late in the first round or early in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
2025 NFL Draft Stock Down
Patrick Payton, DE, Florida State
Last year, Payton flashed pass-rush ability and had a real presence across from Jared Verse. With Braden Fiske on the inside, the Seminoles had a dangerous trio. This year, Payton has not grown and shown development from last year, and the entire Florida State defensive line has been disappointing. Team sources feel Payton should go back to the Seminoles next year and improve rather than enter the 2025 NFL Draft.
