2025 NFL Draft: Mel Kiper shakes up Big Board Top 25 player rankings in big way

Ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, ESPN’s Mel Kiper has made changes to his Big Board, ranking the top 25 players. Some more information has come to fruition via the NFL Combine in Indianapolis and Pro Days getting started across the country.

Kiper still has a ton of familiar faces at the top, staying true to previous rankings. A previous unranked quarterback does enter the mix though, while another running back made a big jump.

Just over a month remains before Roger Goodell is on stage in Green Bay. Kiper will continue to update his board but for now, here is his latest top 25.

1. Colorado CB/WR Travis Hunter

Hunter worked out as a cornerback at the NFL Combine but seems prepared to play both positions as a rookie. Kiper has kept the two-way star at the top of his big board as we get later in the process.

Kiper: “Hunter has tremendous hand-eye coordination and elite ball skills. His physical traits and quickness are off the charts, but the Heisman winner also thinks about the game at a high level. He is a highly competitive prospect who works hard to maximize his potential.”

2. Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter

Maybe the favorite to go No. 1 overall, Carter is a spot lower in Kiper’s rankings. The ESPN analyst did note the injury discovered in Indianapolis but still has a high ranking on the Penn State product.

Kiper: “Carter is versatile and has plenty of experience effectively operating as an off-ball linebacker… But he has now shown the ability to make a dent in opponents’ game plans as a pass rusher off the edge, as well. Carter has the traits to wreak havoc there.”

3. Michigan DT Mason Graham

Graham has been on NFL radars for a couple years now after Michigan won the national title. Kiper does not like the lack of production from a stat standpoint but still finds it tough to knock Graham in any fashion.

Kiper: “I love Graham’s technique. His leverage gives him an advantage at the point of attack, and interior offensive linemen struggle with his power and quickness. Graham has strong and active hands, and he has proved effective against the run and pass from inside.”

4. Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty

Not too long ago, Kiper would have been against a first-round running back. Now, he has one ranked at No. 4 inside his overall big board. Jeanty is slowly creeping up in mock drafts and receiving a ton of love.

Kiper: “Jeanty displays excellent contact balance and toughness, which help him skirt past the first line of defense and through traffic… And don’t sleep on his receiving skills. Jeanty has sure hands out of the backfield and can be a true all-purpose back in the NFL.”

5. Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders

Not many people out there have Sanders rated as the top quarterback. In fact, the current trend sees Sanders sliding down, if not out of, the first round. Kiper has stayed true and kept Sanders inside the top five.

Kiper: “You won’t find a tougher or more resilient quarterback prospect than Sanders, who took 99 sacks over the past two seasons but still put up really strong numbers. I’m always impressed watching him throw on the move, rolling either left or right. He is very accurate in those spots and has the arm to drive the ball.”

6. Miami QB Cam Ward

Ward is another player in contention to be the first overall pick. A trade might be needed via a quarterback-needy team as a lot of traits will stand out to them during the process.

Kiper: “Ward has an unorthodox delivery, but he throws with accuracy and velocity from different arm angles. He displays solid game management traits, and while he had some ball security issues in 2023 at Washington State, that wasn’t an issue in 2024… I like his toughness, swagger, and confidence.”

7. Penn State TE Tyler Warren

Not many players had a breakout season like Warren. Kiper noted Penn State’s win over USC as the real standout game, seemingly doing it all for the Nittany Lions. An NFL offensive coordinator is going to have quite a weapon on their hand.

Kiper: “Warren is super versatile. He can be used as a traditional in-line tight end, at H-back, at fullback, out of the slot or lined up out wide. He’s a reliable pass catcher, and once the ball is in his hands, he can break free.”

8. Georgia LB Jalon Walker

Georgia was not afraid to line Walker up in multiple spots this season. He is one of the more disruptive players available and in a loaded LB/EDGE class, Walker will compete to be the second one off the board behind Carter.

Kiper: “Walker gets into the backfield as if he were shot out of a cannon, and his bend and explosion off the edge help him beat blockers and get to the quarterback or ball carrier. He’s a versatile defender, with experience as an off-ball linebacker and a pass rusher. His sideline-to-sideline speed gets your attention when you watch the tape.”

9. Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell (+3)

Campbell is the first riser inside Kiper’s updated top 25, moving up three spots. Running an impressive 40-yard dash played a role along with the ability to play multiple positions at the next level.

Kiper: “Simply put, Campbell is a complete football player. He does everything that an NFL defensive coordinator wants from an off-ball linebacker. He has impressive speed getting to the football against the run (4.52-second 40), along with the instincts and explosion to make plays in pass coverage.”

10. Michigan CB Will Johnson (-1)

Somebody would have to fall with Campbell entering the top 10 and Johnson was one. Even so, the Michigan cornerback is still top at his position in Kiper’s mind.

Kiper: “Johnson is so instinctive in coverage, and his ability to read quarterbacks jumps out when you watch him. He has great quickness in his transition, allowing him to make plays on the ball. Johnson returned both of his interceptions this past season for touchdowns.”

Mel Kiper Top 25 Big Board: Nos. 11-25

11. Missouri OT Armand Membou
12. Michigan TE Colston Loveland (-2)
13. LSU OT Will Campbell
14. North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton (+2)
15. Marshall EDGE Mike Green (-1)
16. Georgia EDGE Mykel Williams (+2)
17. Texas A&M DE Shemar Stewart (-2)
18. Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart (NR)
19. Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan
20. Georgia S Malaki Starks (+2)
21. South Carolina S Nick Emmanwori (+2)
22. Ohio State OT Josh Simmons (-5)
23. Texas CB Jahdae Barron (+1)
24. Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka (-4)
25. Texas WR Matthew Golden (-4)