The Most Anticipated Draft Prospects by Position

11 July 2025

There’s something undeniably exciting about draft season. It’s that time of the year when teams get a chance to reshape their future, and fans get to dream about how that next big superstar could be suiting up in their team's colors. Whether it’s football, basketball, or any other sport, draft day is like Christmas for sports fans. You unwrap the gifts (players), and you hope that one of them is the missing piece to your championship puzzle.

But let's be real—while team execs are crunching numbers and scouting tape, most of us are glued to the screen, eagerly waiting to see which college standouts or international prodigies will make the leap to the pros. What makes it even more intriguing is analyzing these players by position. Some positions get more love than others, but every pick matters in building a competitive team.

In this article, we’re going to break down the most anticipated draft prospects by position. These are the players that everyone is talking about, the ones who could change the game. Buckle up, because draft season is about to get even more exciting.

Quarterbacks (QB): The Generals of the Field

If you’re familiar with the draft process, you know that quarterbacks are always the headliners. Why? Because they’re the face of the franchise, the player who touches the ball on every offensive snap, and usually, the one who gets all the glory or takes all the blame.

Caleb Williams, USC

When you talk about highly anticipated quarterbacks in this year’s draft, Caleb Williams’ name is at the top of the list. Coming out of USC, this kid has an arm that can make NFL scouts drool. His ability to throw on the run, make tight-window passes, and his high football IQ make him a can’t-miss prospect. He’s got the mobility to escape pressure and extend plays, much like Patrick Mahomes. If your team needs a QB, Williams is the kind of player you’d trade up for.

Drake Maye, UNC

Another name that’s been buzzing in NFL circles is Drake Maye out of North Carolina. This guy has been quietly putting up video game-like numbers, and people are starting to notice. He’s a prototypical pocket passer with a cannon for an arm. Maye has incredible accuracy in the deep game and can thread the needle on intermediate throws. He’s the type of quarterback who could sit in the pocket and pick defenses apart for years to come.

Running Backs (RB): The Game-Changers

Running backs are often seen as the workhorses, the guys who move the chains and score touchdowns. While the position may not have the same value it once did in the pass-heavy modern game, a great RB can still change the course of a game in an instant.

TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State

Ohio State has a knack for churning out elite running backs, and TreVeyon Henderson is no exception. This guy has a rare blend of speed and power. He’s elusive in the open field, but when he lowers his shoulder, defenders feel it. Henderson’s vision and ability to find lanes make him a dangerous weapon. He’s also a dual-threat out of the backfield, which makes him even more valuable in today’s NFL.

Raheim Sanders, Arkansas

Raheim Sanders is a beast. Standing at 6’2" and weighing around 225 pounds, he’s got the size and strength to bully defenders. What makes Sanders special is his ability to maintain his speed despite his size. He’s a downhill runner who doesn’t shy away from contact, but he’s also got the agility to make defenders miss in the open field. Think Derrick Henry, but with a little more finesse.

Wide Receivers (WR): The Playmakers

There’s nothing quite like watching a wide receiver make a jaw-dropping catch or break away for a long touchdown. Wide receivers are the ultimate game-breakers, and every team wants that guy who can stretch the field and make big plays.

Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State

The son of Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, Marvin Harrison Jr. is already making a name for himself. This guy is the real deal. He’s got size, speed, and hands that are as reliable as they come. His route running is crisp, and he has an innate ability to create separation from defenders. Harrison Jr. is the kind of WR who can take over a game, and he’s been doing that consistently at Ohio State.

Xavier Worthy, Texas

Xavier Worthy from Texas is another wide receiver to watch out for. He’s a speed demon who can blow the top off defenses. What makes him special is his quickness off the line of scrimmage and his ability to make defenders miss in the open field. Worthy has the potential to be a big-play machine at the next level, and his stock will only rise as the draft approaches.

Offensive Linemen (OL): The Unsung Heroes

Let’s be honest: offensive linemen don’t get the love they deserve. They’re the guys in the trenches doing the dirty work, but without them, your quarterback wouldn’t have time to throw, and your running backs wouldn’t have lanes to run through. Every successful team needs an elite O-line.

Paris Johnson Jr., Ohio State

Paris Johnson Jr. is the best offensive lineman eligible for the draft, bar none. At 6’6” and 310 pounds, he’s got the size to stonewall the best edge rushers. What sets Johnson apart is his versatility—he can play both tackle and guard positions at a high level. His footwork and technique are polished, and he’s great at both pass protection and run blocking. You don’t hear his name much, but you’ll see his impact on Sundays.

Peter Skoronski, Northwestern

Peter Skoronski is another offensive lineman who’s been turning heads. He’s not as physically imposing as Paris Johnson Jr., but what he lacks in size, he makes up for with technique and intelligence. Skoronski is a master at using leverage and positioning to keep defenders at bay. He’s reliable, consistent, and exactly the kind of player you want anchoring your line for the next decade.

Defensive Linemen (DL): The Game-Wreckers

On the defensive side of the ball, linemen are the disruptors. They’re the ones who can blow up plays before they even start. A dominant defensive lineman can completely change the dynamic of a game by applying constant pressure on the quarterback or stuffing the run.

Jalen Carter, Georgia

Jalen Carter might be the best defensive prospect in this draft. Coming out of Georgia, this guy is an absolute monster. At 6’3” and 310 pounds, he’s incredibly quick for his size. Carter has a rare combination of strength and athleticism that makes him a nightmare for offensive linemen. Whether he’s collapsing the pocket or stopping the run, Carter is always around the ball. He’s the type of player who can single-handedly wreck a game plan.

Bryan Bresee, Clemson

Bryan Bresee is another defensive lineman that teams should be drooling over. He’s a versatile player who can line up inside or outside, depending on the scheme. Bresee has excellent burst off the line of scrimmage and is relentless in pursuit. His ability to quickly shed blocks and get into the backfield makes him a disruptive force. If your team needs a pass rusher, Bresee should be high on the wish list.

Linebackers (LB): The Leaders of the Defense

Linebackers are the heart and soul of a defense. They’re the ones calling the plays, making tackles, and covering ground from sideline to sideline. A great linebacker can diagnose plays in real-time and make the stops that keep the defense in control.

Noah Sewell, Oregon

Coming from a football family, Noah Sewell has been on scouts' radars for a while, and for good reason. He’s a big, physical linebacker who can do it all—stuff the run, drop back in coverage, and rush the passer. Sewell has excellent instincts and rarely gets caught out of position. He’s the kind of linebacker who can be the leader of a defense for years to come.

Trenton Simpson, Clemson

Trenton Simpson is another linebacker who’s been making waves. He’s incredibly fast for a linebacker, which allows him to cover a lot of ground. Simpson is great in pass coverage but can also come downhill and make plays in the backfield. His versatility and athleticism make him one of the most intriguing defensive prospects in this year’s draft.

Defensive Backs (DB): The Ball Hawks

Defensive backs are the last line of defense. They’re tasked with covering the league’s best wide receivers and making game-changing plays in the secondary. In today’s pass-heavy game, having an elite defensive back is more important than ever.

Kelee Ringo, Georgia

Kelee Ringo is a physical cornerback who has the size and speed to match up with any receiver. He’s excellent in press coverage, and his ball skills are top-notch. Ringo has a knack for breaking up passes and coming down with interceptions. He’s the kind of corner who can lock down one side of the field.

Joey Porter Jr., Penn State

Yes, he’s the son of former NFL linebacker Joey Porter, and he’s making a name for himself in the secondary. Joey Porter Jr. is a long, athletic corner who excels in man-to-man coverage. His physicality at the line of scrimmage gives receivers fits, and he’s got the speed to keep up with the fastest players. Porter Jr. is poised to be one of the first defensive backs off the board.
Draft season is always full of surprises, but one thing is clear: these prospects are ready to make an impact. Whether they’re calling the shots at quarterback, breaking tackles at running back, or locking down receivers in the secondary, these players are the future stars of the game. Now it’s just a matter of which team will take a chance on them.