2025 NFL Draft: 10 best available players after Round 1

The first round of the 2025 NFL Draft is in the books. That means it’s on to Round 2, and ESPN has the 10 best available players after Round 1.

One of the biggest storylines entering Thursday was where Shedeur Sanders would go off the board. Multiple landing spots were floated, but the night came and went. Sanders is still available and is among the best available players entering the second round.

There’s also a slew of defensive talent still on the board, headlined by Will Johnson and Mike Green. Here are the 10 best players available entering Round 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft, according to ESPN.

1. Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

ESPN’s top available player, injury concerns played a role in Will Johnson’s slide out of Round 1. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the former Michigan star is dealing with a knee issue, which is why he dropped to Day 2.

Johnson only appeared in six games this past year due to a shoulder injury, but both his interceptions turned into pick-sixes. In 2023, he had a career-high four picks while anchoring the Michigan secondary to end the Wolverines’ title drought.

2. Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall

The top pass rusher still on the board, Mike Green received some first-round buzz heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. Now, he’ll have to see if his name gets called on Day 2 after dropping out of the first round.

Green had a monster junior season at Marshall in 2024 as he cemented himself as one of the top edge rushers in the draft. He had 84 tackles, including 23 tackles for loss and 17 sacks – leading the Sun Belt in both categories.

3. Nick Emmanwori, DB, South Carolina

After showcasing his athleticism at the NFL Scouting Combine, Nick Emmanwori became a coveted safety in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, he dropped out of the first round and will be one of the best available players as Round 2 gets underway Friday.

Emmanwori played a crucial role on the South Carolina defensive line the last three seasons, but saved his best year for last. In 2024, he totaled 88 tackles, three tackles for loss and added four interceptions, including two pick-sixes.

4. Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College

Another top pass rusher available heading into the second round, Donovan Ezeiruaku put together a standout career at Boston College. He saved his best for last, though, and became a highly rated draft prospect.

Ezeiruaku had a monster senior season, totaling 80 tackles, 21 tackles for loss and 16.5 sacks. All told, across his four years at Boston College, he had 215 tackles, 47 tackles for loss and 30 sacks as the anchor of the defense.

5. Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo

The top defensive tackle on the board, according to ESPN, Darius Alexander put together an impressive five-year career at Toledo. He is part of a deep class at the position, and will wait to see when his name will be called after the first round.

Alexander had a career-high 40 tackles in 2024, along with eight tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. He also had a 58-yard pick-six to his name – his first career interception.

6. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State

One of the key pieces of a historic running back class, TreVeyon Henderson is the top player still on the board at the position. He helped lead Ohio State to a national championship this past season as part of a two-headed monster in the backfield alongside Quinshon Judkins.

Despite splitting carries in 2024, Henderson still topped 1,000 yards for the second time in his career. He had 1,016 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground while also adding 284 receiving yards and a touchdown in the passing game.

7. Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina

Injuries derailed his 2024 season at East Carolina, but Shavon Revel was still one of the top cornerback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, he will have to wait to see when his name will be called after falling out of the first round.

Revel had 54 tackles, including four tackles for loss and a sack, as well as an interception a year ago. But three games into his junior year, he suffered a season ending injury after recording two interceptions – including a pick-six.

8. Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

After entering the 2025 NFL Draft as Mel Kiper Jr.’s top quarterback prospect, Shedeur Sanders fell out of Round 1 entirely. Two quarterbacks went off the board Thursday, meaning Sanders is the top QB still available entering Round 2.

Sanders put together a standout senior season at Colorado in 2024, leading the nation with a 74% completion percentage. He also totaled 4,134 passing yards and 37 touchdowns while leading the Buffaloes to a bowl game as part of an impressive turnaround under his father, Deion.

9. Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami

A key weapon for No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward at Miami in 2024, Elijah Arroyo was part of an impressive class of tight ends in the 2025 NFL Draft. Two went in the first round, and he is now the top tight end available entering Round 2.

Arroyo had a breakout senior season in Coral Gables in 2024. He hauled in 35 receptions for 590 yards and seven touchdowns as one of Ward’s top target, and he’ll now see what the future holds in the NFL.

10. Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss

After a standout career at Ole Miss, Trey Amos became one of the top cornerbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft. He’ll look to hear his name called in the second round after dropping out of Day 1, and he rounds out ESPN’s 10 best available players following the first round.

Amos recorded career-highs with 50 tackles, including tour tackles for loss, along with three interceptions as he recorded 13 passes defended. That came after he played at defensive back at Alabama in 2023, totaling 12 tackles.

The 2025 NFL Draft continues Friday night with Rounds 2 and 3 from Green Bay on Friday. Rounds 4-7 will then close things out on Saturday.