2025 NFL Draft Stock Up
Abdul Carter, LB, Penn State
As we reported in the Hot Press, some team sources think Carter is the best prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. Carter (6-3, 250) was a tough defender for the Nittany Lions this season, playing edge rusher and linebacker. In 2024, Carter has 60 tackles with 10 sacks, two forced fumbles, and three passes broken up. “Both players play premium spots and have really good upside,” said an NFC national scout. “Carter is just bigger, more position multiple, and has been very productive.” Carter has a real shot to be one of the first players drafted next April.
James Pearce Jr., DE, Tennessee
Some team sources have Pearce as one of the best players in the draft, and think he has the potential to be a dynamic quarterback hunter in the NFL. While Pearce is still needing development as a run defender, he is fast off the edge with a natural ability to get after the quarterback. Some team sources have compared Pearce to Giants edge rusher Brian Burns coming out of Florida State. Pearce stands a very good chance of being a top-10 pick next April.
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Shemar Turner, DT, Texas A&M
Turner has 36 tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble thus far. He has been solid but not dominant. Some team sources say that Turner’s instincts are just okay, he doesn’t know how to use his hands, isn’t overly explosive, and needs to get stronger. Other sources say that Turner is too twitched up to get out of the second round, and he might go late in the first round. Turner (6-3, 289) had a strong 2023 season for the Aggies, recording 33 tackles with six sacks and two forced fumbles.
Alfred Collins, DT, Texas
Team sources really like Collins, as he is a nasty defender at the point of attack. Collins is strong as a run defender, and while he does not produce a ton of pass rush production, eams like how Collins pushes the pocket consistently and takes away lanes for quarterbacks to step up.
Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
The 6-foot-3, 244-pound Campbell is a big linebacker with speed and athleticism to go with his size. Campbell has shown versatility by dropping into coverage, defending the run well, and rushing the passer. That versatility really appeals to evaluators In 2024, he has 108 tackles with five sacks, two forced fumbles, one interception, and two passes broken up. Campbell looks like a first-round talent for the 2025 NFL Draft and could appeal to teams needing linebacker and edge rusher help.
2025 NFL Draft Stock Down
Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Campbell could be the first offensive lineman drafted next April, but team sources do not see him as an elite offensive line prospect. Campbell has not graded out as high as Joe Alt and J.C. Latham did a year ago. Campbell lacks some power to his game and has a bad habit of playing over his toes. That leads to him getting off balance. Campbell could be a solid starter, but some sources feel he is more of a Jonah Williams-caliber prospect than a true top-10 offensive tackle.
