2025 NFL Draft Stock Up
Jack Sawyer, DE, Ohio State
Sawyer did not have a big senior year, but he picked a great time to have a dominant performance. From the start of the game, Sawyer was active and making plays for the Buckeyes. He was part of a pressure and sack early in the first quarter. Shortly later, he batted down a third-down pass, showing good vision to adjust to block the throwing lane. At the end of the first quarter, Sawyer went around the right tackle to get a sack. Just before halftime, he had another batted pass. In the third quarter, Sawyer got another sack using speed to go around the backup right tackle after shedding a block off the snap.
This will be a really good tape for Sawyer in the lead-up to the draft. He showed strength in getting off blocks with closing speed to collapse the pocket. Sawyer had good instincts and vision to adjust to pass plays, and he was able to disrupt passing lanes. Sawyer looked like a mid-round backup, but this tape could help him get second-day consideration next April.
Gunnar Helm, TE, Texas
Texas lost two talented receivers to the 2024 NFL Draft, and this season, they have had to rely on other players to step up and help replace the production of Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell. Helm is one of those players, as the senior tight end was a dangerous seam weapon for Quinn Ewers. In 2024, Helm has 55 catches for 688 yards and six touchdowns. It has been a huge jump in production from 2023 when he had 14 catches for 192 yards and two touchdowns as Ja’Tavion Sanders was the featured tight end. The 6-foot-5, 250-pound Helm has quality size to be a blocker and has flashed some functional receiving ability. Helm could be a sleeper who is a nice value pick in the 2025 draft.
iv id=”mtc-incontent-ad-2″> Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
With Isaiah Bond dealing with an injury, Golden has stepped up late in the season to provide some clutch receptions for Texas. Golden has shown the speed to get vertical and is a scoring threat. In 2024, Golden has 49 catches for 787 yards with eight touchdowns. The 6-foot, 195-pounder has enough size and speed to be a potential No. 2 or 3 receiver in the NFL.
R.J. Mickens, S, Clemson
The Clemson defense struggled as the Longhorns ran all over the Tigers, but Mickens was one of the only Clemson defenders who impressed. He had a clutch interception catching a tipped pass, made some impressive open-field tackles, and was around the ball throughout the game. The 6-foot, 210-pounder has good size and showed nice instincts against Texas. He is an intriguing prospect that stepped up in the playoff game.
2025 NFL Draft Stock Down
Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
Speaking with team sources, they see Ewers as having starting potential for the NFL. They like his throwing mechanics, anticipation, and accuracy. However, Ewers got rattled in games against Georgia, and evaluators are concerned about his composure. As a result, some are projecting him to be a backup at the pro level, but a backup with upside to be a starter if Ewers develops well. The interviews will be important for Ewers leading up to the draft.
Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
Milroe is similar to Ewers, where team sources say they see him as having starting potential, but his developmental flaws push him into more of a day-two prospect. Milroe is a dynamic runner with size, power, and shocking speed. However, he has accuracy issues throwing in the short to intermediate part of the field and needs a lot of development as a pocket passer. Milroe needs to improve his recognition of coverage and understanding of defensive schemes. Milroe would be better served going back to school and developing his passing ability before going pro.
