NFL Draft

1/15/25

12 min read

Buying or Selling Key 2025 NFL Draft Decisions

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) throws the ball before a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Raymond James Stadium.
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) throws the ball before a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Raymond James Stadium. Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images.

The end of the college football season is a major moment in every program's history beyond wrapping up the on-field action. Swaths of players have or will graduate and lose eligibility to represent their school on the football field again. Even as college football has made it easier for players to extend their injuries through JUCO stipulations, graduate student eligibility, and medical redshirts, the biggest stars in the country are gone much earlier.

The majority of 2025 NFL Draft decisions have been announced. We're still waiting to see if a few playmakers will change their decisions, but we'll have final answers sooner rather than later.

The first deadline for early entrants into the 2025 NFL Draft class is on Wednesday, followed by an extended deadline on January 24 for Ohio State and Notre Dame players. After that, players can opt out of the 2025 NFL Draft and return to school until Feb. 7, 2025. 

We've identified eight 2025 NFL Draft decisions that can be questioned. We're buying four and selling four. 

Buying or Selling 2025 NFL Draft Decisions

Selling: Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama

Decision: Declared

The 2025 NFL Draft case for Jalen Milroe is not a complex one. With five teams in the top seven picks needing help at quarterback, and this looking like a class with only two clear first-round options, Milroe will likely be pushed up and considered higher than what anyone would ideally invest in him.

It's also hard to watch the NFL playoffs right now and not get intrigued by adding someone with a physical acumen similar to Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson. 

For multiple reasons, Milroe's time with Nick Saban in 2023 was better than his output with Kalen DeBoer in 2024. DeBoer's offense failed to establish a decent run game to help Milroe, and the offense featured fewer play actions than the year before. It challenged Milroe to be Michael Penix Jr., and that's simply not Milroe's game.

While returning to Alabama didn't seem to make sense, transferring like Beck did would've been a viable option. Sticking Milroe in a more versatile offensive situation with high-end playmakers could've brought the best out of him right before he ran out of eligibility. Teams like Ohio State, Texas A&M, and Oregon would've surely been over their heels for his talent and been able to craft a better scheme.

Being a top-10 pick in 2025 would be great, but a bad draft process could see Milroe fall into Day 2. He'll battle Jaxson Dart and Quinn Ewers to be the third quarterback selected.

Jalen Milroe's Full Scouting Report, Pro Comp


Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck (15) warms up before the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field.
Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck (15) warms up before the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field. Tanner Pearson-Imagn Images.

Buying: Carson Beck, QB, Georgia

Decision: Transferred to Miami

The iron was hot for Carson Beck to declare to the 2024 NFL Draft after his first season as a full-time starter, but this past season brought significantly more challenges. Georgia's supporting cast struggled mightily to help Beck as Ladd McConkey and Brock Bowers took the NFL by storm. Beck couldn't elevate his play when his supporting cast dipped, and his own weaknesses were exacerbated.

A devastating elbow injury that occurred against Texas in the Conference Championship Game further muddied his outlook. Beck could be out for most of this offseason, so any NFL team interested in him would be acquiring a player who could only rehab and learn the playbook. He might've become a late-round pick instead of the first-round projections he received a year ago.

After initially declaring, Beck opted to follow in Cam Ward's footsteps at Miami. Not only will Beck benefit from playing in Mario Cristobal's scheme and Miami's talented offense, but he'll show his ability to adjust to a new situation against ACC opponents. On a personal level, playing at the same school as his girlfriend, Hanna Cavinder, is also a win.

With Beck set to make more than $3 million in NIL money and a pathway to rehab before leaping to the NFL, he'll have the chance to boost his image and stock in a 2026 quarterback class that doesn't appear overly strong at this very early juncture. 


Texas Longhorns running back Jaydon Blue (23) is tackled by Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (24) during the third quarter of the College Football Playoff semifinal in the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium.
Texas Longhorns running back Jaydon Blue (23) is tackled by Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. (24) in the College Football Playoff semifinal at AT&T Stadium. Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Selling: Jaydon Blue, RB, Texas

Decision: Declared

Expectations were high for Jaydon Blue to take over for Jonathon Brooks, but the junior 6-foot, 200-pounder struggled to take advantage of his opportunity. Maybe the fastest back in the nation, Blue's likely reasoning for making the jump as soon as he became eligible is understandable.

Blue missed two years of high school football due to knee injuries. He then sat out his senior season to protect his body.

A preseason knee injury and a sprained ankle popped up as challenges for Blue this season and likely contributed further to his decision. Looking beyond his lack of durability, though, reveals an explosive rusher and receiver. But he also had five fumbles on 135 carries in 2024.

Undoubtedly, Blue has the speed, receiving ability, and explosiveness to be an asset for an NFL team. The difficult part is valuing a player whose body has already shown that it is incapable of handling the brutality football brings.

Maybe it's good that Blue is looking for a guaranteed paycheck now, but it's hard to imagine he'll get much of one without proving he can make it a few months without suffering a major setback.


Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Nic Scourton defends in coverage against LSU Tigers offensive tackle Will Campbell during college football game action at Kyle Field
Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Nic Scourton (11) defends in coverage against LSU Tigers offensive tackle Will Campbell (66) during the fourth quarter. Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images.

Buying: Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M

Decision: Declared

A physical freak who transferred to Texas A&M after producing 10 sacks at Purdue in 2023, Nic Scourton never fully launched with the Aggies. He played closer to 275 at Purdue than the 290-pound range he maintained at Texas A&M, and that extra weight was a problem. His quarterback pressures, pass rush win rate, and overall production was down across the board.

The uptick in competition doesn't tell the full story, as Scourton just didn't effectively carry that extra bulk. Returning to school could have benefitted him, but so can going to the NFL. As much as college football has changed to replicate the NFL, there will be a difference in motivation, resources, and coaching at the next level.

The 6-foot-4 hybrid defensive tackle and edge defender has excellent power and quickness when he's in shape. NFL teams will be concerned as to whether he can lean out and keep his motor hot, but there's little doubt some coaching staff will be ready to roll the dice early. His physicality and three-down potential are simply too enticing. 

A culture change and more serious nature of the NFL could be what spurs the change for Scourton, so we're buying the decision. 

Nic Scourton's Final Scouting Report, Pro Comp


An Arizona State Sun Devils player reflects in the helmet visor of Arizona Wildcats cornerback Tacario Davis (23) in the first half of the Territorial Cup at Mountain America Stadium.
An Arizona State Sun Devils player reflects in the helmet visor of Arizona Wildcats cornerback Tacario Davis (23) in the first half of the Territorial Cup at Mountain America Stadium. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.

Selling: Tacario Davis, CB, Arizona

Decision: Transferred to Washington

The 2025 cornerback class is filled with high-end talents and intriguing Day 2 sleepers. It might be the best positional group in terms of depth and range of options. One of the expected names to be in the late first-round mix was Tacario Davis.

The massive 6-foot-4, 190-pound cornerback turned in an excellent season for Arizona despite the team struggling to recapture the magic they found in 2023. A scheme shift had Davis in space more, and not all aspects of his game benefitted. For example, he failed to log an interception and saw his passes defensed go from 12 to three.

This past season didn't help his case to stay at corner for teams wanting a ballhawk presence. While Davis boasts a stellar 6.3 percent missed tackle rate, 48.7 percent completion rate against, and has allowed only four touchdowns and seven penalties in 1,430 career snaps, there are teams concerned he's too big and stiff to avoid a transition to safety.

Nothing will likely win those teams over. While the move from Arizona to Washington gives Davis the chance to play on a bigger stage for his former head coach, Davis should've been a hot name this spring regardless. 


LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier looks to pass the ball in the fourth quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field.
LSU Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (13) looks to pass the ball in the fourth quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images.

Buying: Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU

Decision: Returning to school

One of the more explosive gunslingers in the nation, Garrett Nussmeier, made the right decision to return to LSU and get more experience. A first-year starter in relief for Jayden Daniels, Nussmeier came out with his hair on fire. He came out chucking the ball around to a depleted playmaker corps and learned a lot of lessons along the way.

Sometimes, it doesn't work for Nussmeier as he tests tight windows with an average arm. However, he has the guts to be an impactful player when he's on the field. That's the memorable takeaway from his 2024 campaign.

Getting back for his fifth year on campus and second season under center is huge. His end to the 2024 season saw an uptick in turnover-worthy throws and some deer-in-the-headlight moments as defenses adjusted. Nussmeier was clearly not ready for the NFL and may have been a mid-round pick in the 2025 class.

LSU has been active in the transfer portal as they seek out upgrades. The offense won't be a juggernaut, but Nussmeier's decision-making and throwing motion will hopefully be more consistent and lead to an even better year that boosts his value. 


Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) throws downfield during the first quarter against the Oregon Ducks in the 2024 Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) throws downfield during the first quarter against the Oregon Ducks in the 2024 Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Jordan Prather-Imagn Images.

Selling: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State

Decision: Returning to school

We're selling Drew Allar's decision to return to school a little differently than we're selling Milroe's. Allar improved his play throughout 2024, even if his showing against Notre Dame failed to put an exclamation point on his season. Everything else was better this year, making it likely that Allar would land as a top-three pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The 20-year-old has plenty to work on, but his physical tools in the pocket are the best in this class. With a strong arm, a little mobile, and improved accuracy, Allar is a promising ball of moldable clay with time on his side. His situational play under pressure and aggression overall have to improve, but the context of how Penn State ran its offense with such a bad receiving corps explains some of those deficiencies.

As with Milroe, it's justifiable why Allar would skip on the NFL right now, as he's not ready to start Day 1 and find success. However, the other option besides declaring early and returning to Penn State made the most sense. Considering Penn State is losing its top tight end (Tyler Warren), Allar will be stuck with a receiving corps that failed to generate a single reception against the Fighting Irish.

While it's somewhat refreshing to see Allar stick by his pledge to Penn State and work to improve, the Nittany Lions have failed to give him the quality weapons and scheme to push his game to the next level. 


Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Mykel Williams (13) celebrates after a tackle against the Clemson Tigers in the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Mykel Williams (13) celebrates after a tackle against the Clemson Tigers in the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports.

Buying: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia

Decision: Declared

An ankle injury derailed Mykel Williams' bid to become the top overall pick in the 2025 class. Instead, Abdul Carter grabbed the crown for defenders, and Williams is still considered a top Tier 2 option behind Carter. When Williams was healthy, he showed off the tantalizing speed, power, and flexibility through contact needed to become a Pro Bowl talent.

It's not ideal that Williams' production stagnated since his first season, and he never played more than 407 snaps in a year. Sometimes, though, that's the way the cookie crumbles. NFL teams will bank more on Williams' physical tools than ask him to prove his durability in college.

The good news for Williams is his production was remarkably similar all three seasons, including quarterback pressures, sacks, missed tackle rate, and alignment. The toughest part of his projection has less to do with his natural gifts and ability to maximize his workload but rather with whether his ceiling is achievable or if something is missing that has kept him from becoming a more dominant presence.

Going back to Georgia would've possibly led to gaudier stats, but the evaluation of his talent wouldn't have significantly changed. 

Mykel Williams' Full Scouting Report, Pro Comp


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