With the 2025 NFL Draft fast approaching, football enthusiasts are already turning their attention to budding talents from both the FCS Championship and elite college programs. These prospect analyses will not only shape the futures of the young athletes but also provide NFL teams with necessary insights as they prepare for the pivotal selection rounds.
The FCS Championship Game, though often overshadowed by its FBS counterpart, features some compelling players who could make significant impacts at the professional level. For coaches and scouts alike, North Dakota State University's (NDSU) prospects are particularly noteworthy. Leading the charge is junior quarterback Cam Miller, who has established himself as one of the most formidable players to wear the Bison jersey. With 9,084 career passing yards and 74 touchdowns to his name, Miller has proven his mettle over 53 games, boasting a 45-11 record—a reflection of his success since the 2021 spring playoffs. This season, he raised his completion percentage to 73.7%, throwing 26 touchdown passes to only two interceptions.
Not just limited to passing, Miller’s dual-threat capability is underscored by his 2,023 rushing yards and 44 scores on the ground. Scouts may find him lacking raw arm strength, but as noted by College Football Network, "Miller has the experience, résumé, and tape to earn late-round consideration."
While Miller’s explosive gameplay garners headlines, fellow Bison player Grey Zabel quietly solidifies his spot as one of the top offensive linemen. His outstanding performance at left tackle—including allowing just six pressures across 365 pass-blocking snaps—showcases exceptional technique and strength. Analysts have indicated Zabel's athleticism and versatility, highlighting his explosive blocks and quick pivots as major plus points. "Zabel’s anchor is a standout trait," the College Football Network reported.
Not to be overlooked, defensive tackle Eli Mostaert has been equally impressive. Known for dominating the B gap, Mostaert has led NDSU with remarkable defensive stats, including 11.5 tackles for loss and six sacks this past season. Standing tall at 6'3" and weighing 287 pounds, his ability to generate push against opposing linemen demonstrates the unyielding nature coaches covet for interior linemen.
Turning the spotlight to Montana State, the Bobcats have produced their share of formidable prospects. Quarterback Tommy Mellott has been instrumental to the team’s success this season, leading them to a perfect 12-0 record and capturing the Big Sky Conference championship. His offensive prowess, illustrated by both his rushing and passing capabilities, has earned him recognition within the draft community. Though concerns linger about his arm talent, Mellott's leadership and past accolades could turn heads—especially if the team secures the FCS title.
Meanwhile, offensive lineman Marcus Wehr stands out as another key prospect. After transitioning from defense to O-line, Wehr has thrived, dominating opponents whether at guard or tackle. His accolades include first-team All-America and All-Big Sky honors, but evaluators caution about his limited experience with high-level pass blocking.
Though the focus may lie on up-and-coming FCS talent, top college quarterbacks are likely to dominate the draft conversation. ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has consistently ranked Colorado's Shedeur Sanders at the top of his draft projections, after he completed 74% of his passes for 4,171 yards and 37 touchdowns this past season. His impressive completion rate makes him the best of the class, and Kiper's ranking supports the idea of his first-overall potential. "There were debates about whether Shedeur Sanders would be the top quarterback on the board," Kiper noted, confirming his exceptional performance.
Also generating buzz is Cam Ward from Miami, who led the country with 39 touchdown passes and finished fourth overall for the Heisman Trophy. With both players showcasing their talents through impressive performances, the competition for the highest draft slots continues to heat up.
Controversy looms over the position of the New England Patriots, who currently sit at the top of the draft board. A recent surge of performance has sparked analysis about their potential draft strategy. If they retain the first overall pick—which many analysts predict based on their standings—the expectation shifts from selecting another quarterback to possibly reinforcing their offensive line or acquiring standout talent like Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter.
The ramifications of draft decisions may soon encapsulate the league’s aspirations—potentially altering team compositions and impacting future seasons. With four NFL teams scrambling for top draft positions, the stakes couldn't be higher as teams begin to strategize around selecting the best talent available.
Although much could change leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft slated for April 24-26, the evaluation period is already palpable. Current speculation assesses numerous talents, establishing clear frontrunners and surprising prospects, all striving to make their mark—and potentially their future—in the NFL. For fans, these decisions are more than mere statistics; they represent hopes, dreams, and the evolution of franchises.