Top Prospects to Watch in the Upcoming Draft

25 June 2025

The draft season is almost here—and if you're anything like me, you're already knee-deep in highlight reels, mock drafts, and hot takes. There's something electric about this time of year. Hope is in the air. Teams can turn their fortunes around overnight, and fans are dreaming of the next superstar in their team’s jersey.

But here's the kicker—not every top pick turns into a Hall of Famer. That's what makes the draft so fascinating. It’s part science, part gamble, and all drama.

In this article, we’re taking a closer look at the top prospects to watch in the upcoming draft. These athletes have been grinding for years, and now they're on the brink of stardom. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a casual follower, or just in it for fantasy bragging rights, this breakdown’s tailor-made for you.

Let’s dive in.

Why Draft Season Matters

Let’s be honest, drafting well is the heartbeat of building a strong franchise. You can throw all the money at free agents, but nothing beats the thrill (and value) of landing a game-changer straight out of college or international leagues.

Think about it—Patrick Mahomes, Luka Dončić, Connor McDavid... all drafted. Some names are franchise saviors before they even touch the field, court, or ice. That’s why people get obsessed with scouting reports and combine stats.

This is where futures are made.

What Makes a Prospect “Top”?

Before we jump into names, let’s quickly break down what separates a top prospect from the rest of the pack:

- Elite physical tools: Size, speed, agility—all the stuff you can’t teach.
- High IQ and decision-making: Coaches want players who can think on their feet.
- Work ethic and character: Teams do their homework on personality.
- Production at the college/club level: Stats and game tape don’t lie.
- Upside: Some prospects are drafted as much for what they will become as what they are now.

Now, let’s meet the stars of tomorrow.

Football: Gridiron Goldmines

1. Caleb Williams – QB, USC

If you’re talking about can’t-miss prospects, look no further than Caleb Williams. This dude has Patrick Mahomes-level improvisation skills. No joke.

He throws lasers off-platform, reads defenses like a seasoned vet, and has that "it" factor you can’t coach. Some scouts call him a generational talent. Think of him as the LeBron of quarterbacks—expectations are sky-high.

- Strengths: Elite arm, mobility, poise under pressure
- Potential Fit: Chicago Bears or any QB-needy team
- Draft Buzz: Locked in as the top overall pick by most analysts

2. Marvin Harrison Jr. – WR, Ohio State

The name sound familiar? Yep, his dad is one of the greatest receivers ever. But Marvin Jr. is no shadow-chaser; he's crafting his own legacy.

He’s a smooth route-runner, catches everything within a zip code, and has that polished pro-ready game. Wideouts this complete don’t come around often.

- Strengths: Hands, technique, football IQ
- Potential Fit: Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts
- Draft Buzz: Potential Top-5 pick, WR1 on almost every board

3. Brock Bowers – TE, Georgia

Tight ends often get overlooked, but not Bowers. He can block, catch, and break tackles like a running back. Watching him play is like seeing Rob Gronkowski and George Kittle mashed into one.

He’s a matchup nightmare. Too fast for linebackers, too strong for safeties. Good luck defending him.

- Strengths: Versatility, YAC ability, toughness
- Potential Fit: New York Giants, Tennessee Titans
- Draft Buzz: Top 10 potential—a rare TE with star power

Basketball: Court Kings in the Making

4. Victor Wembanyama - C, France (Already Drafted But Let’s Talk 2024 Class)

Okay okay—Wemby was last year's unicorn. But who’s stepping up in 2024? Let's pivot to the next wave.

5. Ron Holland – SF, G League Ignite

Holland is explosive. Straight-up lightning on the fast break. He’s athletic, aggressive, and has that two-way potential scouts drool over.

He’s still polishing his shot, but his ability to affect the game without the ball already makes him dangerous.

- Strengths: Defense, transition game, energy
- Potential Fit: Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets
- Draft Buzz: Top-5 lock with All-NBA upside

6. Matas Buzelis – PF, G League Ignite

At 6’10” with guard skills, Buzelis is a matchup puzzle. He can shoot, dribble, pass—and he’s still just scratching the surface. Scouts love his versatility and unselfish play.

He reminds people of a young Toni Kukoč with a modern twist. He might not light up the stat sheet from Day 1, but long-term? Big-time upside.

- Strengths: Size, floor vision, shooting
- Potential Fit: Washington Wizards, San Antonio Spurs
- Draft Buzz: Top-10 with potential to sneak into the Top 3

Baseball: Diamonds in the Rough

7. Dylan Crews – OF, LSU

This guy's bat is loud. Like, crack-it-into-the-next-county loud. He’s got plate discipline, elite contact ability, and enough power to hit 30+ homers a year.

Crews is as pro-ready as they come, and he’s got a championship pedigree to boot.

- Strengths: Bat speed, discipline, leadership
- Potential Fit: Pittsburgh Pirates, Kansas City Royals
- Draft Buzz: No. 1 pick conversation all year

8. Paul Skenes – RHP, LSU

Teammate of Dylan Crews and equally elite. Skenes throws gas—regularly hitting 100 mph. But he’s not just a flamethrower, he’s got command and poise that screams ace.

He’s drawn comparisons to Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg. That’s some pretty exclusive company.

- Strengths: Velocity, command, strikeout upside
- Potential Fit: Washington Nationals, Oakland A’s
- Draft Buzz: First pitcher off the board guaranteed

Hockey: Future On Ice

9. Macklin Celebrini – C, Boston University

Celebrini is a name you're going to hear a LOT in the NHL circles. This kid is the total package at center—speed, hands, hockey IQ, and a motor that doesn’t quit.

At just 17, he’s playing like a seasoned pro, and has that rare ability to take over games. Scouts call him a franchise cornerstone.

- Strengths: Skating, offensive instincts, grit
- Potential Fit: San Jose Sharks, Anaheim Ducks
- Draft Buzz: The consensus No. 1 in most mock drafts

10. Ivan Demidov – RW, SKA St. Petersburg

If you’re craving a high-skill, electrifying winger, Demidov might be your guy. He’s flashy, he’s fun, and he’s fearless on the attack.

He brings that Alex Ovechkin flair with creative puck handling and a sniper’s touch. NHL teams will be lining up for this guy.

- Strengths: Creativity, puck control, offensive upside
- Potential Fit: Columbus Blue Jackets, Montreal Canadiens
- Draft Buzz: Top 5 candidate, depending on availability

International Flavor: Don’t Sleep on These Names

11. Alexandre Sarr – C, Perth Wildcats (NBL)

Sarr is a 7-footer with serious range and rim protection skills. He’s been making noise in Australia’s NBL, and NBA scouts are intrigued by his tools. Think young Rudy Gobert with a jumper.

- Strengths: Shot-blocking, mobility, shooting touch
- Draft Buzz: Rising fast—lottery pick lock

12. Hugo González – SG/SF, Real Madrid

If you love Euro-style basketball with smart passing, solid defense, and sharpshooting, González is your guy. He’s got shades of Manu Ginóbili with a little more size.

- Strengths: Basketball IQ, shooting, versatility
- Draft Buzz: Dark horse first-round pick who could surprise

The X-Factor: Who Could Rise Fast?

Every draft has those late risers—guys who explode at the combine, crush Pro Days, or simply start turning heads during March Madness or playoffs. Keep an eye out for:

- Keon Coleman (WR – FSU): Physical, athletic, and built like a freight train.
- Ja’Kobe Walter (SG – Baylor): Smooth scorer with a deadly mid-range game.
- Chase Burns (RHP – Wake Forest): Underrated arm that could climb the MLB board fast.

What to Watch Leading Up to Draft Day

Want the truth? The build-up is half the fun.

Make sure you’re checking:

- Combine results and Pro Days
- Team interviews and private workouts
- Injury updates
- Mock draft changes (they flip faster than pancakes)
- Insider buzz on trades and team needs

And, of course, stay locked into your favorite sports blogs (wink wink). We’ll keep you covered every step of the way.

Wrapping It Up

Draft day is where hope begins.

Whether you're an optimistic fan dreaming of glory or a fantasy die-hard planning five steps ahead, knowing the top prospects gives you an edge. The athletes on this list aren’t just names—they’re futures in motion.

Some of them will become stars. Some will surprise us. Others might falter. But one thing’s certain: the journey starts here.

So, grab your popcorn, clear your schedule, and buckle up. The next generation of greatness is moments away.