Mel Kiper releases final Big Board Top 50 player rankings ahead of 2025 NFL Draft

ESPN NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper released his final Big Board Top 50 player rankings ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. With the first round set for Thursday, we’re just two days away.

This ranking is not necessarily a reflection of the actual draft order. But, this is how Kiper would rank these players based on overall quality.

Without further ado, let’s dive into Kiper’s final ranking before he rests. Just kidding, he’ll be on 2026 by Sunday.

1. Travis Hunter, WR/CB – Colorado

Hunter is the best overall player on Kiper’s board going into Thursday’s draft. Whether he plays both ways or not is anyone’s guess.

However, it seems like the Heisman Trophy winner will attempt to play offense and defense. He could very well excel at both too!

2. Abdul Carter, EDGE – Penn State

Carter might have an argument for top overall player in this draft class, but Kiper has him No. 2. He’s the next version of Micah Parsons and he might find his way to the NFC East!

Carter didn’t mince words when he believed he should be the first pick. But like he did at Penn State, he’ll be an instant impact player scaring opposing offenses in the NFL.

3. Mason Graham, EDGE – Michigan

Graham is also a scary individual on defense. Kiper has him in the top three and there’s very little chance the former Wolverine will get out of the top five picks.

He is an elite run stuffer in the middle of the defensive line and can also rush the passer very effectively. Graham’s been linked heavily to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

4. Ashton Jeanty, RB – Boise State

Jeanty is the top running back in the class according to Kiper and a top five player. He was the Heisman runner up following a historic campaign with the Broncos.

With running backs becoming a resurging item among NFL circles, Jeanty is very unlikely to slip out of the top 10 Thursday night. It’s just a matter of which team will add the dynamic back up top.

5. Shedeur Sanders, QB – Colorado

There’s a lot of intriguing conversation surrounding Sanders, Kiper’s top rated quarterback. Most pegged Cam Ward to the Titans with the first selection, leaving Sanders in limbo.

Colorado’s all-time leading passer could go in the top five, top 10, or heck, fall out of the first round entirely. The evaluations are truly all over the place.

6. Cam Ward, QB – Miami

Kiper is one of the few draft analysts that has Ward below Sanders in their player rankings. But, the former Miami quarterback is the projected top pick Thursday.

Ward consistently got better each season at Incarnate Word, Washington State and Miami. Buckle your seatbelts Tennessee Titans fans!

7. Tyler Warren, TE – Penn State

Warren is this draft’s top tight end according to Kiper. This hybrid weapon can be used all over the field and even carry the football.

It’s a matter of where he’ll get selected in the first round. Warren is a popular selection for the top 10, but could slip a tiny bit depending upon needs and go within the top 15.

8. Armand Membou, OT – Missouri

Membou soared up draft boards following his scouting combine performance. It did the same for Kiper’s big board as Membou is a top 10 player.

He might even be viewed as the top tackle in the draft! The former Mizzou product has been a popular selection for the New York Jets in mock drafts.

9. Will Campbell, OT – LSU

Campbell was widely considered the best offensive tackle prospect at the start of the season. Kiper has him as the second best going into Thursday, but you can’t really go wrong it seems.

His short arms are seemingly the big criticism, but he makes up for it in his blocking ability. It remains to be seen if his future team eventually moves him to guard.

10. Jalon Walker, LB – Georgia

Walker is a dog in the middle of the defense and can even play the edge. Kiper has him in his top 10 on the final big board.

He’s likely a top 10 pick as well, most likely going to the Carolina Panthers based on most mock drafts. A future captain of a defense, Walker is NFL ready, today!

Mel Kiper Final Big Board Top 50

11. Will Johnson, CB – Michigan
12. Colston Loveland, TE – Michigan
13. Kelvin Banks Jr., OT – Texas
14. Omarion Hampton, RB – North Carolina
15. Josh Simmons, OT – Ohio State
16. Matthew Golden, WR – Texas
17. Nick Emmanwori, S – South Carolina
18. Mike Green, EDGE – Marshall
19. Tetairoa McMillan, WR – Arizona
20. Jahdae Barron, CB – Texas
21. Jihaad Campbell, LB – Alabama
22. Malaki Starks, S – Georgia
23. Donovan Ezeiruaku, OLB – Boston College
24. Mykel Williams, OLB – Georgia
25. Tyler Booker, G – Alabama

Mel Kiper Final Big Board Top 50 cont’d

26. Grey Zabel, G, North Dakota State
27. Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&M
28. Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
29. Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State
30. Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
31. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
32. Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
33. Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
34. James Pearce Jr., OLB, Tennessee
35. Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
36. Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
37. Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami
38. Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
39. Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo
40. Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
41. Mason Taylor, TE, LSU
42. Oluwafemi Oladejo, OLB, UCLA
43. Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
44. Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
45. Jared Wilson, C, Georgia
46. Tyler Shough, QB, Louisville
47. Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State
48. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
49. Kevin Winston Jr., S, Penn State
50. Harold Fannin Jr., HB, Bowling Green

For Mel Kiper’s full list and players listed No. 51 to 150, click HERE.