Predicting the highest prospects within the subsequent NFL Draft, a mere 360 days previous to the occasion, is an train in futility that has develop into vastly harder within the age of the switch portal.
Any but, we trudge on.
The Hotline’s chief goal isn’t to precisely challenge draft positions for gamers within the western third of the nation, though any success is most welcome. Somewhat, our purpose is to supply context on the distribution of expertise throughout the area and assist body expectations for the upcoming season.
In 2025, that expertise might be closely concentrated within the Pacific Northwest.
A fast notice on the methodology: We targeted on the gamers deemed (by yours actually) almost certainly to enter the draft, which is scheduled for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
For instance, UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava, the heralded switch from Tennessee, has first-round potential. However the Hotline is skeptical of his efficiency — given the modest surrounding expertise, troublesome schedule and inexperienced teaching — justifying the leap to the NFL as a third-year junior.
Like many gamers listed beneath, Iamaleava may make us look prescient … or silly.
1. Utah OT Spencer Fano: The previous blue-chipper has met the usual that adopted his dedication to Utah. He began for the Utes at left sort out as a real freshman (in 2023) and was named first-team all-Massive 12 final season. (Fano additionally acquired second-team AP All-American honors.) He’s dominant within the run recreation, has NFL bloodlines and is monitoring to be a first-round choice subsequent spring. Elite tackles are coveted yearly, by each crew.
2. Oregon OLB Matayo Uiagalelei: He has acquired far much less consideration than his older brother, DJ, however emerged because the Uiagalelei with the brightest NFL future. Matayo led the Geese in sacks final season (10.5) and was an all-Massive Ten honoree. He’s an out of doors linebacker on Oregon’s official roster however may doubtlessly play defensive finish or the sting place. What’s past query: He’s a Day 1 candidate.
3. Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt: A revelation final season after transferring from Michigan State, Leavitt will face immense strain in 2025 — partly as a result of ASU figures to develop into extra reliant on the passing recreation with out Cam Skattebo within the backfield. Our projection is rooted within the assumption that Leavitt’s growth will proceed at its present price beneath coach Kenny Dillingham.
4. Washington CB Tacario Davis: The previous Arizona star has the construct of a security — he’s 6-foot-4 with lengthy arms — however at present initiatives as a cornerback. The excellent news: We’ll have readability Sept. 27, when the Huskies host Ohio State. (If Davis runs with Jeremiah Smith, he can play cornerback within the NFL.) Related nugget: 15 cornerbacks, however solely six safeties, had been chosen within the prime three rounds final week.
5. Oregon WR Evan Stewart: Though barely constructed at 175 kilos, Stewart has the velocity to develop into a Day 1 draft choose, together with the resume: He was the No. 1 receiver within the nation when he signed with Texas A&M in December 2021. After two seasons in School Station, Stewart moved to Eugene and was a task participant with the Geese in 2024 (48 catches and 5 touchdowns). We anticipate a breakout season within the fall.
6. USC DT Keeshawn Silver: Considered one of a number of sleeper prospects on our checklist, Silver has not performed a down for the Trojans. However the 330-pounder was a five-star prospect in the highschool class of 2021 earlier than spending two forgettable years at North Carolina and two extra at Kentucky. Any indicators of dominance subsequent fall will supercharge his draft worth.
7. Oregon OT Isaiah World: In the event you’re unfamiliar with the title, that’s comprehensible. The huge World (6-foot-8) was a three-star recruit who spent 4 years at Nevada, finally incomes all-Mountain West honors and morphing into the No. 2 prospect within the switch portal this offseason. He’s projected to interchange Josh Conerly Jr. because the anchor of Oregon’s line — and doubtlessly observe Conerly into the primary spherical of the draft.
8. Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson: After a stellar season, Tyson mulled a leap to the NFL however opted to return to Tempe, refine his recreation and improve his draft inventory. He has terrific chemistry with Leavitt. If ASU’s aerial assault operates at most effectivity and Tyson stays wholesome — he missed the playoff with a damaged collarbone — the transfer may repay spectacularly.
9. Washington WR Denzel Boston: After two quiet seasons behind UW’s stellar assortment of receivers in 2022-23, Boston had a gap final fall and took full benefit with 63 receptions, 9 touchdowns and honorable point out all-Massive Ten recognition. Regardless of his dimension (6-foot-4), Boston separates properly and runs precision routes. He may not develop into a Day 1 choice, however Day 2 is a definite risk.
Associated Articles
NFL Draft winners, losers: From Shedeur Sanders, Mel Kiper to SEC, Massive Ten
Shedeur Sanders plunges, Rose Bowl time change, Home approval on maintain
Mailbag: Pac-12 media timeline, Home replace, prime teaching staffs
CFB recruiting: Washington flips 5-star Greene from Oregon, lands QB
NCAA switch portal winners (BYU, Utah) and losers (Arizona, USC)
10. Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq: No participant listed right here comes as near attaining freak standing as Sadiq, who performed a backup function behind Terrance Ferguson however is poised for a breakout season in 2025. He’s 245 kilos however runs like he’s 210, with energy and a fluid stride. We anticipate Sadiq to provide a first-rate season and a fully stellar NFL mix.
11. Utah LB Lander Barton: An enormous title within the 2021-22 recruiting cycle, Barton adopted his older brothers, Jackson and Cody, to Salt Lake Metropolis. He missed half his sophomore season with an harm and doesn’t play a high-value place. However he’s too sensible, and too good, to drop into the late rounds subsequent spring. Like his brothers, Barton ought to have a protracted, affluent NFL profession.
12. Washington DT Simote Pepa: One other sleeper prospect, to the extent {that a} 350-pounder might be thought-about a sleeper. Pepa spent 4 years at Utah, beginning sometimes. Now in his remaining 12 months, we anticipate him to develop into an affect participant every week and emerge as an intriguing prospect subsequent April.
13. Oregon S Dillon Thieneman: Final on the checklist, Thieneman may make our projection look foolish — not for together with him within the first place however for slotting him too low. The Purdue switch is a first-rate athlete and playmaker who earned all-Massive Ten recognition as a sophomore in 2024. Safeties don’t carry the identical worth as cornerbacks and edge rushers, so this might develop into an instance of school manufacturing far exceeding draft place.
*** Ship options, feedback and suggestions (confidentiality assured) to wilnerhotline@bayareanewsgroup.com or name 408-920-5716
*** Comply with me on the social media platform X: @WilnerHotline
