So many clamored for an expansion of the College Football Playoff, and it's finally here. Once Indiana and Notre Dame officially kick off on Friday, the collegiate game will never be the same.

Some things never change, though. NFL scouts want to be see the best talent on the biggest stage. There are simply more games and opportunities to do so now.

Once this weekend's action kicks into high gear, evaluators watching with an eye toward the NFL draft will indulge in a cornucopia of talent, starting with the best two edge-rushers in this year's draft class.

Among the top 50 prospects currently ranked by the Bleacher Report Scouting Department, 11 will be active participants this weekend. That figure doesn't include season-ending injuries to Ohio State left tackle Josh Simmons and Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison or those who already declared they're going back to school for another season, such as Penn State quarterback Drew Allar.

With those ready to take the field, fans of specific teams should be watching closely because they could be excellent fits after being selected in the first or second rounds.

Edge Abdul Carter, Penn State

Applying pressure to opposing quarterbacks is nearly as valuable as the quarterback position itself. The four contracts in highest total value beyond QB all belong to game-wreckers along the defensive front. Those don't even include Myles Garrett, who signed a five-year, $125 million contract extension in 2020.

Obviously, an elite pass-rusher is almost always one of the first prospects off the board in any draft class. For 2025, Penn State's Abdul Carter has slowly worked his way into that standing.

Initially, he struggled as he made the full-time transition from off-ball linebacker to starting edge defender.

By the end of the season, Carter terrorized opponents with a lightning-quick first step, ability to bend the edge and closing speed to secure sacks.

As Pro Football Focus' Max Chadwick noted: "He's currently the most valuable edge defender in the nation according to PFF's wins above average metric and fourth in pass-rushing grade."

Ultimately, coaches named Carter this year's Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. His upside is as immense as any other prospect among the 2025 crop.

Best Fits: New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears
Worst Fits: Las Vegas Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans

Edge James Pearce Jr., Tennessee

Prior to Abdul Carter's ascension to Edge1, Tennessee's James Pearce Jr. held that spot.

The 21-year-old even entered this season as the potential No. 1 overall pick after a superb sophomore campaign in SEC play. He didn't quite live up to that potential this season, though, which has knocked his standing slightly.

After notching 9.5 sacks in 2023, Pearce started slowly this fall, to the point where he was publicly answering questions about why he struggled to produce. But a strong effort against the Alabama Crimson Tide in mid-October elevated some concerns. Still, he has yet to replicate last year's figure, with at least one more game to play.

Right now, what scouts see is a player with explosive traits off the edge but lacks nuance within his pass-rush plan, positional versatility and the sand to consistently hold up against bigger offensive linemen. Unlike Carter, who tends to play bigger than his listed size, Pearce struggles at times to take on blocks and disengage.

Again, the ability to rush the passer is invaluable. Everything else needs refinement regarding his skill set.

Best Fits: Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals, Washington Commanders
Worst Fits: Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers

WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State

Utilization will be the key for Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka.

Throughout his collegiate career, he's primarily played out of the slot. Some thought went into him bumping outside this season, at least on a more consistent basis. However, Ohio State featured two extremely talented young targets in Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate to work outside the numbers.

All the while, Egbuka continued to plug along and provide a quality target.

Despite never serving as Ohio State's No. 1 option in the passing game, the senior prospect still amassed 2,409 yards and 23 touchdowns (and counting) over the last three seasons, which included an injury-plagued 2023 campaign.

Upon reaching the NFL level, the expectations shouldn't be to start Egbuka as an X-receiver. He probably could be a solid option working outside, though he has a clear and defined role from Day 1. As such, he can be an ideal, effective and complementary piece for multiple NFL offenses looking to flesh out their wider receiver corps.

Best Fits: Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Texans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Worst Fits: Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Rams

TE Tyler Warren, Penn State

Tyler Warren wasn't anywhere near TE1 when the 2024 season started, but he's claimed that spot along the way.

With Michigan's Colston Loveland stuck in a floundering offense with no real direction and then dealing with injury, his status took a hit. Whereas, Warren sparkled as the focal point of the Penn State passing attack.

A season ago, Warren caught 34 passes for 422. He reached S-tier status as a senior, as new Penn State offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki used him as an offensive weapon, lining the tight end up all over the formation. He'll play in-line, on the wing, in the slot, out wide, in the backfield and even take the snap.

As Penn State's point of emphasis, he more than doubled his previous output, with 88 receptions for 1,062 yards.

The John Mackey Award winner led Power Four tight ends in receiving grades and yards after catch, according to Pro Football Focus.

At the NFL level, a creative mind can have this tight end become the leading target in their offense.

Best Fits: Indianapolis Colts, Cincinnati Bengals, San Francisco 49ers
Worst Fits: New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys, Seattle Seahawks

S Xavier Watts, Notre Dame

In today's NFL, safeties essentially serve as erasers, particularly when it comes to wiping out any shot at potential deep shots.

Defensive coordinators want backline defenders, who can keep the ball in front of them, then quickly trigger to limit any potential yards after the catch.

Notre Dame's Xavier Watts is an interesting study. A year ago, he tied for the FBS lead with seven interceptions. Yet his best attributes aren't found in coverage.

"Watts shines as a run defender," B/R scout Cory Giddings wrote. "He triggers quickly, aggressively coming downhill to the ball, and tackles with physicality. His ability to stop ball carriers with minimal yards after contact is notable. However, his lack of elite speed may lead to overextension on the edge, limiting his effectiveness when running the alley."

Instead, the last two seasons show that the senior prospect does the things necessary to excel at the professional level, with enough ball skills to take advantage of opportunities but to also minimize any damage created by a ball-carrier.

Best Fits: New York Jets, Washington Commanders, Miami Dolphins
Worst Fits: Green Bay Packers, Buffalo Bills, Arizona Cardinals

CB Jahdae Barron, Texas

In somewhat of a surprise, Texas' Jahdae Barron claimed this year's Thorpe Award as the nation's best defensive back despite Colorado's Travis Hunter going on to win the the Heisman Trophy.

To be fair, Hunter won the award because of his contributions on both sides of the ball, though he's a gifted cover corner.

Meanwhile, Barron is a versatile chess piece in a different manner. He's regularly found at multiple different positions, be it outside corner, over the slot, in or around the box and even a little free safety.

He may not be found on the other side of the ball, but he had his fair share of catches this season with the nation's third-most interceptions. The consensus All-American also led the Longhorns with nine passes defended.

Defensive versatility is more valuable than ever. The chance for a coaching staff to place an individual onto the field with him not being a mismatch in a specific area allows it to do more from a play-calling perspective.

Barron can be an immediate impact slot defender, with the chance to do a whole lot more very early in his career.

Best Fits: Los Angeles Rams, Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers
Worst Fits: Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts, Baltimore Ravens

OT Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas

Interestingly, the Bleacher Report Scouting Department ran a post-regular season look at which prospects rose and fell the most throughout this year's draft cycle, with Brandon Thorn targeting Texas' Kelvin Banks Jr. in the latter category.

The 20-year-old entered the campaign in contention for OT1. Now, he may not even be viewed as a tackle prospect depending on the team.

"Banks has made plenty of big blocks in the run and screen game this season while largely being solid as a pass protector, which has been enough to rack up accolades (Outland and Lombardi awards) but has left something to be desired for his projection to the pro game, with lingering questions on whether he can stick at tackle or would be best served kicking inside to guard," Thorn wrote.

The concern is whether Banks can be left on an island and not get exploited by the NFL's mega-talented edge-rushers. He does have issues with recovery after a defender's first move. Thus, his strengths can be better accentuated by a team looking to improve its offensive interior.

Best Fits: Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, Cincinnati Bengals
Worst Fits: Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Rams, Kansas City Chiefs

DL Tyleik Williams, Ohio State

Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams is the first (of multiple) prospect who aren't currently viewed as a first-round projection, according to the Bleacher Report Scouting Department. Now into the Day 2 range, useful skill sets that project well to the next level become a necessity.

He presents three-down potential as a 6'3", 327-pound defender, with the size and strength to play over the center as a nose tackle/1-technique but also the initial quickness to shoot gaps and disrupt plays.

When he is at his best, he's a consistent presence in opposing backfields. He can stack-and-shed while defeating one-on-one blockers, which bodes well for NFL teams searching for big bodies to hold the point and make plays.

Like many collegiate defensive tackles, Williams can a better job with his pad level and his development as a pass-rusher is still a work in progress. But the physical traits are present to be a long-term starter.

Best Fits: Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets
Worst Fits: New York Giants, Carolina Panthers, Tennessee Titans

Edge JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State

Ohio State's JT Tuimoloau has been on the draft radar for what feels like forever.

Originally, the defensive linemen joined the Buckeyes as a 5-star recruit, which already made him a talent to watch over the subsequent years.

Now a senior, Tuimoloau hasn't developed into the star may initially envisioned. Though he does remain a very capable edge-defender with the power to set the edge and work his way through pass protection.

To the earlier point, the three-time first-team All-Big Ten honoree has never posted big sack numbers. He has 13 over his four seasons, with a career-high six coming this year. He is more of a straight-line power-rusher, who often wins with tenacity instead of explosive quickness or flexibility.

Pass-rushers can find multiple ways to win. They must be placed in a position to succeed, particularly if they're not the traditional edge-winner and rely on other strengths. Tuimoloau is a base end, who is a reliable contributor, even if he's not an elite pass-rusher.

Best Fits: Detroit Lions, Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots
Worst Fits: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Philadelphia Eagles

LB Barrett Carter, Clemson

Had Clemson's Barrett Carter entered the 2024 NFL draft, he could have been the first off-ball linebacker off the board. After all, no LBs heard their name called until the 45th overall pick, which has worked out quite well for Edgerrin Cooper and the Green Bay Packers.

Next year's position group isn't particularly strong, either. Still, Carter isn't in that same spot as a year ago. Georgia's versatile Jalon Walker and Alabama's Jihaad Campbell have outplayed him this season.

Obviously, draft status doesn't automatically equate to NFL success. Carter has the type of skill set that lends well to the professional ranks. He's at his best working in space, as a rare collegiate linebacker more comfortable in coverage than playing the run.

Improvement can still be made at the point of attack and maintaining gap discipline, but the first-team All-ACC performer should have a tailor-made role as a sub-package linebacker at the onset of his professional career.

Best Fits: Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals
Worst Fits: Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, Green Bay Packers

WR Matthew Golden, Texas

Three wide receiver sets have long been viewed as the NFL's base offensive formation. Slot receivers are no longer seen as smallish, less-athletic options. They're starters. Today's game requires a variety of skill sets to affect opposing defenses in the passing game.

Texas' Matthew Golden impressed greatly after transferring from the Houston Cougars. He became the Longhorns' WR1 despite high preseason expectations for teammate Isaiah Bond. The former set new career highs with 47 receptions, 738 yards and eight touchdowns grabs.

Golden immediately slots into a specific role.

"In all, Golden projects as a WR 2/3 to assume the role of a movement Z receiver," B/R scout Dame Parson wrote in the wide receiver's scouting report. "With his speed and explosiveness Golden will be a nice complement to a traditional X-receiver. He will be the quick separator in the offense."

Best Fits: Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars
Worst Fits: New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens