Bleacherreport
2025 NFL Draft: Bryce Young's Replacement in New Top 10 Mock and Trending Prospects
S.Wright2 hr ago
- Michael Hickey/ Not many opponents can stack up with the Georgia Bulldogs' physicality at the line of scrimmage. Kentucky's Deone Walker proved up to the task. In a close contest, Walker made multiple pushes into the backfield, particularly during the first half. "The sell for Walker is pretty simple: Guys with his size (6'6", 345 lbs) aren't supposed to move the way he does," Holder said. "Walker's physical traits allow him to be disruptive in the trenches, and that's what we saw during the first half against Georgia last Saturday. However, conditioning was one of his biggest issues last year and that also showed up in the second half last weekend. "The Wildcat has plenty of size to spare and could afford to slim down a bit to get in better shape and help keep his pads down consistently throughout the game. And if he does that, Walker could be a disruptive player at the next level." Alabama's Tyler Booker is one of the top guard prospects. But he began his junior season at left tackle before finally moving back inside in Week 3. A world of difference could be seen in his play between the two positions. "After making it work at left tackle in place of injured starter Kadyn Proctor, Booker went back to his natural guard spot against Wisconsin and put on a show with the amount of displacement and knockdowns he was able to dish out," Thorn said. "Booker is a massive, thickly built blocker with a nasty demeanor and the power to back it up. "There is a bit of a wild element to his play style that shifty, quicker defenders can exploit that exposes middling recovery skills. Against most competition, Booker's strengths shine and did in a major way last weekend." Even as reigning national champs, the Michigan Wolverines didn't truly have an identity entering this season. Head coach Jim Harbaugh left. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy declared for the NFL draft. They also lost Blake Corum, Roman Wilson and several offensive linemen. The Wolverines needed an offensive reset and found a focal point in running back Kalel Mullings. "Mullings has been a bright spot through three games," Parson said. "He is tied with Donovan Edwards in carries but has rushed for 120 more yards and one more touchdown. The 6'2", 233-pound Mullings boasts NFL size and runs with every pound on his frame. He has strong contact balance to absorb defenders' hits and stays upright to keep his legs driving forward for extra yardage. "Mullings is also fleet-footed to string together multiple cuts and spin moves as he evades defenders in the open field. The former linebacker (22 games played) has made the transition to running back look effortless." Hybrid prospects tend to fall into one or two categories. Either they go on to become defensive weapons (e.g., Derwin James) or NFL defensive coordinators fail to employ them correctly (e.g., Isaiah Simmons). It's important to have a plan for versatile defenders. South Carolina's Nick Emmanwori will be the next test for an organization. "The 6'3", 227-pound Emmanwori brings an imposing frame. As a big safety who excels in the run game, he also shows very good athleticism when working in space. Emmanwori does a great job of fitting the run with physicality at the point of attack when taking on blocks and tackling. "In the few games so far, he has shown the ability to play from depth but can easily move down to the Will linebacker position." Everyone better take notice of Indiana Hoosiers football, because head coach Curt Cignetti appears to be working his magic at yet another program. Quarterback Kurtis Rourke, who transferred from the Ohio Bobcats program, is a big reason it's working so far. "Rourke has been one of the best-kept secrets to the early portions of this season," Parson said. "He tends to play mistake-free, smart and efficient football, though he did get away with one ill-advised pass against the UCLA Bruins. "In three games, the former MAC Offensive Player of the Year completed 73.3 percent of his passes for 755 yards, seven touchdowns and zero interceptions. Rourke brings a savvy veteran feel to the passing offense, takes what the defense gives him, rarely puts the ball in harm's way and distributes the ball to his playmakers in space. His awareness and navigation in the pocket are outstanding. He steps and slides up to allow his offensive tackles to wash edge-rushers around the arc. "At 6'5", he has no issues seeing over the offensive line and finding his receiving options at every level of the defense."
- Kyle Rivas/ When facing the Alabama Crimson Tide, the now-Kalen DeBoer-led offense will lean on its physicality up front and a vertical passing attack. Wisconsin's Ricardo Hallman didn't get the memo. To start, the 5'10", 185-pound athlete is more of a pure cover corner. Second, he surrendered two big downfield catches, which resulted in Alabama's third touchdown of Saturday's contest. The second one is particular looked like a cornerback sniffing to make a play in front of him instead of staying in-phase down the field. "Hallman has been up and down in the short season," Giddings said. "The best part of his game is his athleticism in coverage. He's got quick feet and a fluid backpedal that allows him to quickly get out of breaks. "But his inconsistent eye discipline gets him in trouble with zone coverage. His lack of size and strength has also shown up too often when taking on blocks. Bigger blockers easily wall him off, making it difficult to disengage. When tackling he also bounces off bigger backs and struggles to wrap up." The Kansas Jayhawks are an up-and-coming program. Quarterback Jalon Daniels has been a big part of that rise. But when he's in a position to show who he is as an NFL prospect, he tends to fall flat. "After returning from an injury that limited him to three games in 2023, Daniels was expected to be a difference-maker for the Jayhawks offense," Parson said. "Instead, he has struggled mightily this season. "Daniels has completed 38-of-70 pass attempts for a 54.3 completion percentage. He has yet to throw for over 200 yards in any game this season. Daniels has thrown more interceptions (six) than touchdowns (three). His legs are still a weapon as a dual-threat quarterback, but he is less efficient and productive as a passer this season. "Kansas is on a two-game losing skid, and its hopes for the College Football Playoff might be over already." The 2025 offensive tackle class is looking for prospects to step up and claim a spot. West Virginia's Wyatt Milum was a preseason favorite to do so, with the potential to possibly slide into the first-round range. He doesn't look a professional-level blindside option, though. "Milum is a skilled run-blocker and underdeveloped pass protector, who benefits from operating inside a run-first scheme at West Virginia that typically puts him in positions to shine," Thorn said. "That changes when the team is down big and in too many obvious passing situations. Milum has been exposed a bit more this season with struggles creating space out of his stance to beat rushers to the spot. This has disrupted his strike timing and caused him to scramble a bit. "Milum's play strength is notable as a run-blocker and looks like enough of a plus to warrant consideration for a move inside at the next level." Can the entire Florida State Seminoles roster be included? It probably should be after the program's embarrassing 0-3 start. Plenty of blame can be passed around, and it may be unfair to name only one individual. However, expectations were high for Williams upon joining the program after four seasons with the Alabama Crimson Tide. "The 5'10", 215-pound ball-carrier was expected to be a main feature in the Seminoles offense," Parson said. "That has not transpired. "Williams opened the season against Georgia Tech with 13 carries and has not eclipsed five over the last two games. The senior running back has not been productive and has struggled to find running room behind his offensive line. "In one of the most talent- and depth-rich running back classes in recent years, a lackluster start to the season could damage his draft stock." The Texas A&M Aggies defensive front is supposed to be loaded. The individuals counted among the group need to fulfill that promise, though. "At 6'4" and 300 pounds with decent movement skills and strength to win at the point of attack, Shemar Turner has some traits that NFL teams will like," Holder said. "However, he's still a project who is struggling to put it all together as he has subpar use of hands when rushing the passer and doesn't hold up well against double-teams and combo blocks. That leads to Turner blending in more than standing out, and he had a tough day against Florida last Saturday where he was unproductive."
- Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Daniel Jones may very well be on a one-way ticket to leaving the New York/New Jersey area unless a dramatic turnaround occurs for the Giants. While it's only been two games, frustration with Jones and the offense continues to mount. Currently, the Giants' starting quarterback is 29th in completion percentage. According to quarterback rating, Jones ranks above the likes of the Indianapolis Colts' Anthony Richardson, Cleveland Browns' Deshaun Watson, Chicago Bears' Caleb Williams, Denver Broncos' Bo Nix and Carolina Panthers' Bryce Young. In other words, Jones is better than another quarterback who's been a severe disappointment, three developmental options and a fifth who's already been benched. The Giants have an escape hatch built into Jones' contract next year. The team can release him with a June 1 designation and save $30.5 million toward the 2025 salary cap, per Over The Cap . By picking this high again, another quarterback is the logical choice. Georgia's Carson Beck didn't perform particularly well against the Kentucky Wildcats this past weekend. He's currently dealing with a sprained AC joint in his non-throwing shoulder. Beck is a facilitator. He will work within the offensive structure while delivering the ball on time and accurately. He can do things that Jones has proved he can't.
- Andrew Wevers/ Make no mistake: The Carolina Panthers made a franchise-changing decision this week. They've moved on, even if Bryce Young is still on the roster. A team doesn't bench its No. 1 overall pick—knowing the ramifications publicly and privately—and expect that situation to be reconciled down the road. Carolina's brass watched Young for just over a season and basically said, "Yep, we've seen enough." Keep in mind, neither general manager Dan Morgan nor head coach Dave Canales were in their current positions when the franchise chose to trade up, surrender multiple early-round draft picks and select Young with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. They're not tied to the 23-year-old quarterback. They're trying to win. If the Panthers still land the first selection, quarterback has to be the choice. The franchise can move on and reset. Colorado's Shedeur Sanders is a mercurial talent with significant upside. After being shelled by the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Sanders was a little tentative at the start of the Buffaloes' in-state meeting with the Colorado State Rams. Once the quarterback got into a rhythm, he once again looked like a future top pick by throwing for 310 yards and four scores. The accuracy, arm talent, athleticism and creativity are apparent. Sanders simply needs to shine against top competition to secure this spot.
Read the full article:https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10135912-2025-nfl-draft-bryce-youngs-replacement-in-new-top-10-mock-and-trending-prospects
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