NFL Draft
1/22/25
9 min read
Biggest 2025 NFL Draft Winners from College Football Playoff
The Ohio State Buckeyes are the National Champions after disposing of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Monday night. The 12-team College Football Playoff was a huge success in Year 1, allowing fans and evaluators to see matchups that were only possible in our dreams. Instead of wondering how games would play out, we saw the results for ourselves.
The 2025 NFL Draft now awaits the top playmakers from college football. In about three months, seven rounds of selections will directly impact how Super Bowl runs play out in the coming years. We know the top names in the 2025 NFL Draft, but there have been significant winners as competition improved throughout the College Football Playoff
We've narrowed the field to six players who stood out more than anyone else compared to their previous stock. There were other winners, especially from the Buckeyes, but these individuals were the superstars who had the biggest effect on their respective teams and improved their draft range the most.
Top CFP 2025 NFL Draft Winners
Donovan Jackson, OT, Ohio State 
The story of how Donovan Jackson saved the Ohio State Buckeyes' season is hard to understate. The Buckeyes suffered season-ending injuries to their two best blockers, Josh Simmons and Seth McLaughlin, and most programs would've crumbled as competition ramped up. Instead of seeing their eventual championship go down the drain, Jackson kicked out from left guard to tackle right before facing Abdul Carter and Penn State.
Jackson's debut at left tackle wasn't perfect, as he allowed two sacks, but it was a springboard performance to a dominant eight-game stretch. Jackson's impact on the run game was remarkable, as the left side of Ohio State's line had significant success clearing lanes for TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins. The unit's pass-blocking improved as well, with Jackson preventing a single sack and only three quarterback hurries after the Penn State game.
Fully caught up on Donovan Jackson’s tape & the shift he made in the playoffs was incredible.
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) January 21, 2025
W10-14 when he first moved to LT was an admirable performance from someone playing out of position. Last 4 games was legitimately shutdown tackle tape. Verified 36-in arms in HS btw pic.twitter.com/317jxT7CQj
With almost 2,000 career snaps at left guard, Jackson's projection to the NFL included a Day 2 grade where his inconsistent technique was a concern. But his 529 snaps at left tackle maximized his 34-inch arms and downhill power better than the phone booth that guards have. NFL teams will now consider Jackson as a left tackle prospect despite him standing only 6-foot-4.
This dramatically helps his draft stock. If he's considered a viable left tackle in the NFL, as he should be, Jackson has a case to be one of the first blindside blockers off the board. That's a first-round value.
Donovan Jackson's Full Scouting Report, Pro Comp
I don't think JT Tuimoloau gets enough credit for how impactful he was (stats and tape) during OSU's National Title run.
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) January 21, 2025
Four playoff gms: 20 pressures, 10 TFL, 6.5 sacks, 1 FF, A+ vs. the run. pic.twitter.com/2zDCXf0X3Z
JT Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State 
Both Ohio State pass-rushers sparked the team's playoff recovery after its shocking loss to Michigan. The senior duo of Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau went on a tear that redefined how they'll be remembered in Columbus. Each went through forgettable stretches of play at various points in the last few years, but the playoffs brought out their best.
While Sawyer may have earned his way into the first round, Tuimoloau ended up being more consistent compared to Sawyer, providing bigger spark plays. Tuimoloau's four-game run included 20 quarterback pressures, 10 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and his usual elite run defense. He totaled at least three pressures and one sack in each game.
With more than 2,000 snaps under his belt, Tuimoloau has been considered a finished product who can play right away at a solid baseline level in the NFL. His production spiked this season, reaching 12.5 sacks after totaling only 12 in his first three years. But it's also the improved consistency and the timeliness of when those impact plays came that have everyone re-writing the narrative on Tuimoloau.
His top-notch run defense, improved timing as a pass-rusher, and toughness to play through an ailing ankle to deliver three sacks against Texas and Notre Dame are enough to vault Tuimoloau's stock. He now has to be considered a Round 2 lock.
Matthew Golden is a stud. Keep feeding him pic.twitter.com/72BJp3O6Zl
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) January 1, 2025
Matthew Golden, WR, Texas 
Matthew Golden only played 26 snaps against Ohio State, but his play against Arizona State and the eventual champions was impactful enough to consider him a winner. Factoring in the poor play of Isaiah Bond and the lack of depth in the 2025 class due to players going back to school, Golden is a massive riser. He should now be a top-50 lock.
The former Houston playmaker who transferred to Texas to fill Adonai Mitchell's shoes delivered an excellent 2024 season. Catching almost 70 percent of targets for 58 receptions, 987 yards, and nine touchdowns, Golden displayed versatility, smooth route-running ability, after-the-catch instincts, speed, and reliability on contested catches; Golden is a premium value who will contribute Year 1 to any offense.
Golden's sweet route-running and ability to create separation stems from excellent footwork and attention to detail, but his nuanced movements overshadow his athleticism. He's explosive in the details of his game, producing 26 missed forced tackles to only 14 drops on 202 targets in three seasons. He's proven reliable and productive regardless of his role and the offense, and his stint at Texas confirmed that as he played in the slot more than ever.
Emeka Egbuka is a higher-end version of Golden in this class, but Golden and Tre Harris are at the top of the second-tier of receiving talents before there's a huge drop in the position. An early run at receivers could spring Golden to the end of the first round, and his back-to-back games with 166 yards against Georgia and then his 149-yard performance against Arizona State are key pieces of that momentum.
Matthew Golden's Full Scouting Report, Pro Comp
Watts begins as the single high and quickly closes on Stockton. Speed and athleticism >>> pic.twitter.com/rfXK3vexRk
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) January 2, 2025
Xavier Watts, SAF, Notre Dame 
Notre Dame's run to the National Championship Game and final push to beat Ohio State before falling short was nothing short of spectacular. The Irish are in great hands under coach Marcus Freeman, and his ability to get the most out of every player on the roster is a big reason why. Xavier Watts is a good example of a player reaching his ceiling when the team needed it the most.
With 21 tackles, eight run stops, and only one missed tackle in three games against Ohio State, Penn State, and Georgia, Watts was the solidifying presence on an elite defense. Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden had Watts line up all over, with 61 snaps in the box, 92 as a free safety, and 32 in the slot. Few defensive backs in the nation bring that type of quality play to so many alignments against three completely different offensive attacks.
The senior racked up 13 interceptions during the last two years as well, so he's a major force to be reckoned with. He turns 24 later this year, but his resume is otherwise so strong that teams will overlook his age a bit to justify getting a Day 1 starter who can do it all.
Xavier Watts' Full Scouting Report, Pro Comp
Jalon Walker is one of my absolute favourite players in the 2025 NFL Draft.
— SCOUTD (@scoutdnfl) January 15, 2025
➖ I’m especially impressed with the discipline and fundamentals he plays with in the run game.
Currently the 5th ranked prospect on my Big Board 📣 pic.twitter.com/F6erjHNCi8
Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia 
Georgia didn't last long in the College Football Playoff, but their three top defenders were fantastic. Jalon Walker, Mykel Williams, and Damon Wilson Jr. are all departing the program but at least went out with memorable plays. The two former are entering the 2025 NFL Draft and should be top-15 picks.
Walker was especially dominant. The hybrid linebacker and pass-rusher has the versatility and instincts that allowed Micah Parsons to dominate at two positions at Penn State. Walker isn't quite as fast as Parsons, but he has the same physical brutality and strength that allows him to win consistently at the point of attack.
His resume against Texas and Notre Dame includes creating 11 quarterback pressures, one sack, four run stops, and splitting his 101 snaps between the defensive line, linebacker, and even in the slot. Walker's tape is highly impressive, and he has matching production.
No other defender in the class boasts the 6-foot-2, 245-pounder's blend of skill and athleticism. He could be a top-six pick this spring.
Jalon Walker's Full Scouting Report, Pro Comp
Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona State 
Arizona State's incredible journey ended in a thrilling overtime loss to Texas, but they walked away with their heads held high. Cam Skattebo introduced himself to the national spotlight throughout the year, totaling 1,712 rushing yards and 21 scores. He saved his most impressive performance for a loaded Longhorns defense that kept taking haymakers.
Skattebo did more than just carry the load as a rusher, totaling 39 touches for 284 yards and three scores. His 42-yard touchdown pass stunned everyone in the crowd and revived the Sun Devils as they made one final push late in the game. It was a performance that had evaluators envisioning a future beyond being a power back.
The 2025 running back class has so much talent that it's hard to project when the run on ball-carriers will begin. Skattebo isn't the most impressive athlete or best pass blocker, but he's strong, tough-nosed, and hard to bring down. His pass-catching ability and tenacity mean there's a role for him on high-end teams.
He might not hear his name called until Day 3, but his showing against Texas opened scout's eyes as to what he can do against elite defenses.
Cam Skattebo's Full Scouting Report, Pro Comp
Make sure to check out our new home for all of our NFL Draft content.