2025 NFL Draft: Jalen Milroe’s Rise Comes at Georgia Stars’ Expense and Top 10 Mock

The magnitude of one game doesn’t completely define an NFL draft evaluation. However, the grades are weighted based on level of competition and how an individual performs in the biggest moments.

Case in point, this week’s trending lists lean heavily into last weekend’s matchup between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Georgia Bulldogs. Both programs are always littered with future NFL talent, and playing each other is the best overall glimpse toward the next level.

Inevitably, a contest of that caliber will be used as a linchpin regarding specific evaluations, starting with quarterbacks Jalen Milroe and Carson Beck. One looked great. The other didn’t.

1. QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama

Alabama’s Jalen Milroe has been exceptional this season. He opened the campaign with eight passing and six rushing touchdowns through the first three games. He upped the ante Saturday against the Georgia Bulldogs. Milroe threw for 374 yards, ran for 117 more and accounted for five scores.

“Milroe proved against Georgia’s defense last Saturday night that he is a game changer from the quarterback position,” Parson said. “Milroe was highly effective and efficient as a passer in this game, but his rushing ability proved too much for the Bulldogs defense to handle. This was the first time anyone made those athletes look slow on tape. He has access to every blade of grass due to his dual-threat abilities.

“Milroe is creeping forward steadily into first-round territory with his early-season performance.”

2. OT Josh Simmons, Ohio State

The 2024 offensive tackle class is looking a little rough to start the cycle. But Ohio State left tackle Josh Simmons is quickly establishing himself as a potential NFL blindside protector.

“It is important to begin any analysis of Simmons with the fact that Ohio State has played a cupcake schedule so far with just one of their four games being against a Big Ten opponent (Michigan State) and that being the lowest margin of victory at 31 points,” Thorn said. “Even so, Simmons’ wide-bodied frame, quick feet, balance and finishing skills have been eye-catching.

“With shades of what Christian Darrisaw looked and moved like at Virginia Tech a few years ago, Simmons is fluid in pass protection with the range to beat widely aligned rushers to the spot while remaining under control through contact and the top of the drop, a telltale sign of a pro tackle. He also brings an edge as a finisher with the physical, aggressive mindset to set the tone for a line.

“As Ohio State gets further into conference play, the foundation is in place to put him into OT1 consideration.”

3. WR Tre Harris, Ole Miss

The Ole Miss Rebels offense makes it difficult to evaluate prospects, because very little of what the team does translates to the NFL. However, some talents supersede the system. Wide receiver Tre Harris looks the part.

“Harris did not step back in his first action against SEC competition last weekend. He kept his foot on the pedal and made play after play for Ole Miss’ offense,” Parson said. “His quarterback, Jaxson Dart, threw for 261 yards against Kentucky. Harris accounted for 11 receptions, 177 yards receiving and the only receiving touchdown.

“Ole Miss’ WR1 did a nice job with route tempo to keep defensive backs on their toes. Harris was heavily involved in the quick passing game, where his size and strength could shine. He proved to the Rebels’ offensive MVP in the game.”

4. S Jalen Catalon, UNLV

The third time appears to be the charm for UNLV safety Jalen Catalon. The safety prospect spent four seasons with the Arkansas Razorbacks before transferring to the Texas Longhorns for one year. As part of the Rebels, Catalon and his nation-leading four interceptions are a big part of the team’s 4-0 start.

“Catalon has come into his own this season at UNLV,” Giddings said. “The ball-hawking and physicality in the run game that he flashed while at Arkansas and Texas is now on full display. He looks to be comfortable in coverage, playing to his strengths to defend the mid-level routes. He’s flying around the field this year, showing secure tackles in the open field and filling the run with speed and physicality. Catalon has consistently trended up all season.”

5. WR Tez Johnson, Oregon

Earlier in the year, Oregon wide receiver Tez Johnson found himself on the trending down list, because he didn’t seem to be on the same page with quarterback Dillon Gabriel. The duo is humming along now.

“Johnson is coming off back-to-back games with over 100 yards receiving,” Parson said. “Last weekend against the UCLA Bruins, he caught 11 passes for 121 yards and two touchdowns. He was used in the field’s short, intermediate and deep areas. He is a strong option/choice route-runner out of the slot and displayed that well in this game. Oregon’s offensive staff did a good job scheming by creating advantageous opportunities for him to succeed.”

1. QB Carson Beck, Georgia

Concerns simmered under the surface after Carson Beck’s performance against the Kentucky Wildcats. His start against the Alabama Crimson Tide didn’t help matters at all. At best, Beck is a facilitator while working from a clean pocket. At worst, he can be rattled without as much upside to create.

“Beck is coming off a tough two-week stretch against Kentucky and Alabama,” Parson said. “He did not play to the level of a quarterback most had labeled as QB1 entering the 2024 campaign. His first half against Alabama was rough, but he rebounded admirably. Beck finished the game 27-of-50 for 439 passing yards, three touchdowns, three interceptions and a fumble lost. Some throws did not have enough velocity behind them, and Beck did not look the same against even competition. This game could be one to haunt Beck during the 2025 NFL draft cycle.”

2. S Malaki Starks, Georgia

Poor angles, missed tackles and an inability to make plays on the ball are so out of character for Georgia safety Malaki Starks. But that version showed up against the Alabama Crimson Tide, which created some doubt regarding how high he could ultimately be drafted.

“Starks is arguably the best safety in this year’s NFL draft,” Giddings said, “but this past week against Alabama created some concerns. The typically aggressive player, who runs around with reckless abandon, was timid at times, slow to come downhill and gave up his leverage repeatedly. He allowed blockers to get into his chest and was slow to disengage.

“After halftime, he and the rest of the Georgia defense looked better. He still had some mishaps in coverage, specifically the insane circus catch by Alabama’s Ryan Williams and a goal-line touchdown to Germie Bernard.

“One bad game won’t nosedive Starks’ overall stock, but these are red flags that will be monitored.”

3. WR Antwane Wells Jr., Ole Miss

Ole Miss’ Tre Harris has been fantastic as the nation’s leading receiver (by a whopping 157 yards). Antwane Wells Jr. was supposed to be the perfect running mate after transferring from the South Carolina Gamecocks. Wells hasn’t developed into the type of weapon many expected upon joining the Rebels’ explosive offense.

“Wells played 42 total snaps offensively against Kentucky. He did not notch a single reception throughout the game from his two targets,” Parson said. “Wells is a talented receiving option, but he needed to perform to a similar level against equal-level competition as he did against the weaker opponents. In games before Kentucky, Wells averaged 68.5 yards receiving and a touchdown per game. SEC play is here, and it is time to step up.”

4. TE Oscar Delp, Georgia

Nobody could fill the shoes left by Brock Bowers, who departed Georgia as arguably the greatest tight end in college football history. But the program still had significant talent at the position. The Bulldogs tight ends have barely been used, specifically Oscar Delp, who has three receptions through four games.

“Delp has been one of the more disappointing players in college football this season,” Parson said. “He was expected to be the Bulldogs’ next great tight end but hasn’t live up to the hype. As a promising and talented player, we hope to see a strong close to the season to build his status as a legitimate draft prospect.”

5. Edge Mykel Williams, Georgia

Georgia’s Mykel Williams is another prospect, similar to Travon Walker, whose draft status is far more about the idea of what he can be rather than the reality of what he currently is.

“Williams has a ton of potential with his combination of size, strength and athleticism,” Holder said. “However, he’s far from a finished product, especially as a pass-rusher. Getting injured in the season opener and missing two games means he’s missed valuable reps for his development.

“Obviously, the injury plays a big factor, but nothing about Williams’ performances so far this season have screamed first-round pick, let alone a top-10 or -15 selection some had hoped he’d be heading into the campaign.”

Dennis Gardeck has turned into a reliable and functional defender. The same can be said about Zaven Collins. But the Arizona Cardinals lack dynamic edge-rushers.

Even when Darius Robinson is cleared to return from injured reserve, he’s better rushing from the interior.

Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. is a ball of potential right now. With just a half sack through four games, he has been disappointing for a prospect with the potential to be a No. 1 overall pick.

To be fair, the Volunteers run 8-10 deep along their defensive front. Pearce isn’t on the field constantly to consistently produce numbers. At the same time, he should be doing more to regularly disrupt opposing offenses.

What makes Pearce’s value remain relatively high is his burst and bend off the edge. He has the potential to be a sub-package pass-rusher from day one. As he continues to develop and add bulk, his upside can reach difference-maker status.

Malaki Starks may be coming off his worst game as a member of the Georgia Bulldogs. At the same time, it’s difficult for an organization to overlook a prospect with his playmaking skill along the back end.

The Los Angeles Rams, meanwhile, are a team in transition. They have an aging quarterback. The franchise’s best player, Aaron Donald, retired this past offseason. Injuries have obliterated the roster.

The Rams are still capable, but they lack a complete roster.

One look at the secondary shows a squad in trouble. Los Angeles brought back Darious Williams and John Johnson III, both of whom are currently on injured reserve. Tre’Davious White is trying to return to form after multiple injury-plagued campaigns as a member of the Buffalo Bills. The safeties aren’t playing particularly well, either.

Generally, the safety position doesn’t hold much value. However, Starks can be a key piece for the Rams if he cleans up some of the mistakes seen against the Alabama Crimson Tide.

The Denver Broncos need a long-term wide receiver pairing with quarterback Bo Nix.

Both Courtland Sutton and Josh Reynolds turn 30 next year. Neither is signed beyond the 2025 campaign. Another legitimate weapon is necessary to help in Nix’s development.

Missouri’s Luther Burden III came on strong during the Tigers’ last two contests. The wide receiver caught 12 passes for 193 yards and three touchdowns during that stretch. What makes Burden such a perfect fit in Denver is his inside-outside flexibility paired with a special ability to create after the catch.

With Nix behind center and head coach Sean Payton calling plays, the Broncos offense will be predicated on getting the ball out quickly, accurately and in-rhythm.

Once upon a time, Payton’s scheme leaned heavily on Marques Colston working from the slot. While the 5’11”, 208-pound Burden doesn’t have the same size as Colston, he presents a strong lower body to work through traffic and break tackles to produce similar results.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovaolia being “symptom-free” after suffering his third diagnosed concussion since joining the team is great news.

With his potential return in the coming weeks, the Dolphins could get back on track. Right now, Miami fields a 1-3 squad that has lost three straight contests. Obviously, Tagovailoa’s absence has played a significant part in that record. At the same time, we’ve yet to see when he returns and how he’ll perform.

Until then, the Dolphins reside among the league’s worst and look to add a premium talent at another position.

Michigan cornerback Will Johnson is dealing with an injury and didn’t play this past weekend against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. When healthy, he’s the closest thing to a lockdown corner in the class.

The Cleveland Browns entered this season not knowing whether they were set at left tackle. Jedrick Wills had something to prove, as he played out the entirety of his rookie contract. So far, Wills has appeared in one game because of injury.

Nagging injuries have been a problem for Wills throughout his five-year career. Even when healthy, Cleveland still has no clue whether he’s anything better than a marginal blindside protector.

Furthermore, left tackle isn’t the only concern. Injuries have ravaged the entire the offensive line. Standout guards Wyatt Teller and Joel Bitonio will both be on the wrong side of 30 by the end of this season with only one year remaining on their current deals. The latter turns 33 next week.

Basically, O-line reinforcements are absolutely necessary.

LSU’s Will Campbell is the class’ best blocker. The question is whether he’ll stay at left tackle or move inside to guard. For Cleveland, he’d get a look at staying on the blind side. Either way, his addition greatly helps.

The New York Giants could very well be placed in a difficult position next offseason, where they’re potentially looking to replace Daniel Jones but might not find themselves properly situated to do so.

The organization can move off the quarterback’s contract next offseason and save $19.4 million with his release or $30.5 million with a June 1 designation, per Over The Cap. At the same time, they must do so knowing better options will be available.

In the case of this projection, the top two quarterback prospects are already off the board. The Giants could take a swing at another quarterback or look to reevaluate the game’s most important position a year later while adding an elite talent elsewhere.

At one point, New York’s defense featured an elite interior duo with Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams. But the Giants chose to trade Williams to the Seattle Seahawks instead of signing him to a second contract extension.

Michigan’s Mason Graham can help recreate the previous dynamic by giving Lawrence another bully to play alongside.

Until Bryce Young reenters the Carolina Panthers lineup and plays well, the Panthers will be going back to the well for their next quarterback.

Carolina tried and failed to obtain a quality starting quarterback for years. Owner David Tepper pushed the franchise’s entire allotment of chips in for Young, and he has already been benched 17 months after becoming the No. 1 overall pick.

Carolina has played better with Andy Dalton behind center. He’s clearly nothing more than a veteran stopgap, though. Tepper’s long and winding journey to find a quality quarterback should continue unabated into the offseason.

Shedeur Sanders understands how to take over floundering programs, elevate their status and bring along an exciting brand of football. He’s already done so at his two collegiate stops with the Jackson State Tigers and Colorado Buffaloes.

Sanders is also a legitimate prospect who thrives thanks to his natural accuracy. The Buffaloes haven’t placed the best cast around their quarterback, but Sanders continues to produce huge numbers and place his squad in positions to win.

The Tennessee Titans know where they stand at quarterback.

“Will [Levis] is our starting quarterback,” head coach Brian Callahan told reporters after Levis suffered through a slow start in Week 4 and then a shoulder injury. “And I said it last night and I’ll reiterate it again that when he’s healthy, he’s starting. Hopefully he’s healthy for Indy and we’re ready to roll.”

OK, that’s the immediate answer. The future solution may be drastically different, especially if the Titans get a top-three pick.

The organization can’t realistically look at itself and think it has a deep investment into Levis, who is a 2023 second-round pick and not the preferred choice of the current coaching staff.

In this instance, the Titans have their choice of the quarterback prospects and select Miami’s Cam Ward. Ward debuted as the B/R Scouting Department’s QB1 among the site’s initial 2025 draft board.

“Simply put, Ward has superstar tools and abilities for the next level,” scout Dame Parson said. “His concerns are coachable, but his natural abilities are not.”

Four weeks into the regular season, the New England Patriots’ leading wide receiver ranks as follows:

And Ja’Lynn Polk is the only wide receiver with a touchdown catch.

Tight end Hunter Henry is New England’s top receiving threat, but even he isn’t putting up exceptional numbers. Some may point to poor protection from the offensive line and inferior quarterback play. But it’s all bad, including the lack of talent found at wide receiver.

Eventually, this year’s third overall pick, Drake Maye, will enter the lineup as the starting quarterback. He just needs to survive this season. Next year, the Patriots must do everything in their power to surround Maye with quality talent.

Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan is a 6’5″ target with tremendous ball skills and fluidity that belies a receiver of his size. He can immediately enter the lineup as WR1 and give Maye someone who can grow with the quarterback.

McMillan has experienced an up-and-down season production-wise, but he brings the complete package as a future X-receiver at the highest level.

Much bigger conversations will need to be had if the Jacksonville Jaguars find themselves as holders of next year’s No. 1 overall pick after owner Shad Khan said prior to the season that “this is the best team assembled by the Jacksonville Jaguars, ever” and “winning now is the expectation.”

An 0-4 start all but dooms this season since only one team in NFL history—the 1992 San Diego Chargers—started as poorly and still made a playoff appearance.

Either Jacksonville shows signs of life and becomes competitive over the final three-fourths of the season, or the team spirals out of control, signaling wholesale changes to the front office and coaching staff.

The No. 1 overall pick may even place quarterback on the table, though Trevor Lawrence’s recent contract extension makes that all but impossible.

Instead, the Jaguars invest in a rare and unique talent with the selection of Colorado wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter.