2025 NFL Draft Stock Up
Jack Sawyer, DE, Ohio State
Sawyer has been phenomenal in the college football playoff games, which continued in the semifinal win over Texas. Sawyer had a batted pass on the game’s first drive and was getting some pressure on Ewers in the early going. Late in the fourth quarter, Sawyer deflected a pass on a third-and-goal to force an incompletion. The next play, Sawyer made of the plays of the year. He burned the right tackle with speed and strip-sacked Ewers with a bone-rattling hit. Sawyer caught the fumble after it bounced up off the turf, and Sawyer ran down the field for an 83-yard touchdown that clinched the win for the Buckeyes. Sawyer was quiet at times in 2024, but he has been on fire the last few games, so that could cause him to rise into being a second-rounder during the lead-up to the draft.
J.T. Tuimoloau, DE, Ohio State
Like Sawyer, Tuimoloau has been red hot to end the 2024 season. In the first quarter against Texas, Tuimoloau bull rushed through the left tackle and swallowed up Quinn Ewers for a sack. Later on the same drive, Tuimoloau had a bull rush through the right tackle and joined tackle Ty Hamilton at Ewers for another sack. After an excellent first quarter, Tuimoloau went down with an ankle injury midway through the second quarter. He returned in the third quarter with the ankle wrapped and gutted out the remaining two quarters. Tuimoloau had some good run defense plays, including stuff for a loss of one on a first-and-goal from the one. Team sources say Tuimoloau has a shot at sneaking into late in the first round.
Cody Lindenberg, LB, Minnesota
In 2024, Lindenberg totaled 94 tackles with an interception and six passes broken up. He had 71 tackles in 2022. Lindenberg earned an invitation to the Senior Bowl. Lindenberg needs to show pass coverage potential in pre-draft workouts.
Tyreem Powell, LB, Rutgers
Powell had a solid season for Rutgers, totaling 57 tackles with a forced fumble and two passes defended. He had 52 tackles in 2023 and 70 stops in 2022. Powell earned an invitation for the Senior Bowl. At 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, Powell has versatile size to play outside linebacker or defensive end in the NFL.
Connor Watkins, QB, Villanova
Watkins flashed a strong arm at Villanova in 2024, completing 52 percent of his passes for 2,102 yards with 13 touchdowns and five interceptions. In 2023, he completed 57 percent of his passes for 2,681 yards with 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Sources say Watkins threw the ball well and was impressive at the CGS All-Star Game in Dallas in January.
2025 NFL Draft Stock Down
Mike Green, DE, Marshall
Green accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl, and that will be a great opportunity for him to show what he can do for the NFL. Green is a fast edge rusher who was a productive quarterback hunter, but some sources are concerned about Green lacking strength and being unable to rush with any power. Hence, Green might be more of a day-two pick rather than a first-rounder. The Senior Bowl will be crucial for him to show he has next-level strength.
Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
In speaking with some team sources, they have some conflicted opinions on Amos. Some feel he is a worthy first-round pick, while others have him as a third-round pick. The big concern with Amos is if he has enough speed for the NFL and if he can run with fast pro receivers. Amos needs to test well in the lead-up to the draft.
Bradyn Swinson, DE, LSU
Swinson played well in 2024, and team sources like how hard he plays. However, they see some skill set limitations. Hence, he received some grades as a rotational starter/backup. That could lead to him being a day-two pick.
