2025 NFL Draft: Rising Stars to Watch
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the excitement is palpable. With less than two weeks to go, the buzz around which players have made significant strides in their draft stock is reaching a fever pitch. NFL evaluators have spent the better part of a year meticulously crafting their draft boards, and with the increasing reliance on analytics, the “race for information” is more competitive than ever. Denver Broncos general manager George Paton aptly describes this process, highlighting the importance of data in today’s scouting landscape.
While the era of the true “come-from-nowhere” sleeper story may be dwindling, there are still a few prospects who have managed to climb the ranks through sheer on-field performance and impressive predraft work. Let’s dive into some of the players who have made the most significant leaps over the past seven months. Last year’s list of risers included notable names like quarterback J.J. McCarthy (pick No. 10), tight end Ben Sinnott (No. 53), and offensive tackle Patrick Paul (No. 55), among others.
Here are some of the top risers in 2025, starting with two players in the trenches who have made significant leaps from their preseason evaluations.
Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
Scouts Inc. ranking: 8
How far he climbed boards: Initially seen as a late Day 2 or early Day 3 pick, Membou’s stellar play and predraft workouts have catapulted him into first-round consideration. He might even be picked in the top 10 and could be the first lineman off the board.
Turning point: Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 332 pounds, Membou’s powerful presence on the field has been undeniable. His consistent dominance against SEC pass rushers, allowing just one sack over 12 games in 2024, has been a key factor in his rise.
Why he rose: Despite concerns about his height, Membou’s tape and predraft testing have showcased his potential at tackle. His 82-inch wingspan at the combine is comparable to some of the tallest tackles in this class.
What they’re saying: “At tackle, you have to be a little more athletic to handle that speed off the edge. I think most teams think I’m athletically capable enough to play tackle … it just depends on what their needs are.” — Membou on where NFL teams see him playing
Grey Zabel, C/G, North Dakota State
Scouts Inc. ranking: 41
How far he climbed boards: Zabel has moved from a Day 3 option to a likely early Day 2 or even late Round 1 pick, thanks to his versatility and strong performances.
Turning point: His standout performance at the Senior Bowl, where he dominated drills, significantly boosted his draft stock.
Why he rose: Zabel’s ability to play multiple positions on the line, combined with his power in the run game and improved pass protection, has made him a valuable prospect.
What they’re saying: “The biggest thing is understanding the different responsibilities depending on which hand you have down, which stance you’re in, and even if you have to snap the football. You never know where a team might need you in any given week, so just being the best football player you can be is the most important thing. … I think my ability to play multiple spots is something that teams value.” — Zabel on where he could play in the NFL
Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
Scouts Inc. ranking: 53
How far he climbed boards: Initially a Day 3 “maybe,” Porter has worked his way into a solid Day 2 selection.
Turning point: Porter’s two interceptions in a win over Iowa early in the season helped put him on the map.
Why he rose: His impressive combine measurements and elite traits, including a 4.3-second 40-yard dash, have made him an attractive prospect.
What they’re saying: “I had to work a lot on my press [coverage skills]. I converted from wide [receiver] to corner, and especially with my frame, I’ve got long arms and really make receivers uncomfortable at the line of scrimmage. … I had great success this past season but still think that there’s a lot left. And really I’m just scratching the surface. My best football is still ahead of me.” — Porter on moving from receiver to corner
Jack Bech, WR, TCU
Scouts Inc. ranking: 58
How far he climbed boards: Bech has moved from a late Day 3 pick to a solid Day 2 selection after a standout season and impressive Senior Bowl performance.
Turning point: Bech’s MVP performance at the Senior Bowl, following a 1,034-yard receiving season, solidified his status as a top prospect.
Why he rose: His precise routes, impeccable hands, and ability to compete against top defensive backs have made him a sought-after player.
What they’re saying: “I feel like I have the best hands in this draft class. That comes with just a lot of hard work after practice, trying to catch the most Jugs, not only on the team but out of anybody in the country, day in and day out. There wasn’t a practice that I skipped, where I wasn’t out there catching extra Jugs balls. That’s just where my confidence comes from.” — Bech on his potential
Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State
Scouts Inc. ranking: 105
How far he climbed boards: Williams has moved from a Day 3 range to potentially early Day 3 or late Day 2, thanks to his explosive play.
Turning point: His 14-touchdown season, including back-to-back three-touchdown games, caught the attention of scouts.
Why he rose: His 4.4-second 40 at the combine confirmed his dynamic speed, and his potential versatility has intrigued teams.
What they’re saying: “He’s got the easy speed. There’s some drops and he’s late with his hands sometimes, but when he crosses the field he creates space, and I watched him beat press over and over again.” — NFC personnel executive
Mac McWilliams, CB, UCF
Scouts Inc. ranking: 209
How far he climbed boards: McWilliams has made significant strides, moving from obscurity to a potential early or middle Day 3 pick.
Turning point: His aggressive play in run support and special teams potential have caught the eye of scouts.
Why he rose: His improvement over the past two seasons and 4.41 40 at the combine have made him an intriguing prospect.
What they’re saying: “I wish he located the ball better — he doesn’t always find it when he’s not facing the play — but he’ll tackle and he’s got some burst when he closes to the ball. Think people can work with that.” — AFC area scout
Thomas Perry, G/C, Middlebury
Scouts Inc. ranking: Unranked
How far he climbed boards: Perry has emerged as a potential Day 3 selection, thanks to his impressive play at the East-West Shrine Bowl.
Turning point: His performance at the Shrine Bowl, where he showcased his exceptional play strength, has made him a player to watch.
Why he rose: Perry’s power, flexibility, and football knowledge have made him a hidden gem in this draft class.
What they’re saying: “Talk to the kid, you’re impressed with all of it. I’ll say in our meetings there’s a place for this guy and let’s see what he becomes.” — AFC area scout
Originally Written by: Jeff Legwold
