With all but bowl games and the College Football Playoff remaining on the college football slate, the 2025 NFL draft has become increasingly intriguing.
The first round of the CFP featured a few standout performances, offering top-level organizations an insight into how top prospects have developed and where they will land on leaguewide draft boards.
Here, we'll dive into updated scouting notes on several key prospects. We'll also offer pro-player comparisons beyond simplistic height/weight/length similarities to give you an idea of how each prospect's tools and traits could translate to the NFL.
We'll also name a few other standouts from around the country.
Will Howard, QB, Ohio State
Comparison: Ryan Tannehill
Stats vs. Tennessee: 24-of-29, 311 passing yards, 2 TD
Will Howard was excellent all evening against the Tennessee Volunteers.
The 23-year-old delivered throws with confidence, stood tall under pressure and ripped throws with varying zip and touch to a variety of levels. It was a long overdue performance since transferring in from Kansas State, where expectations surrounding him were overwhelmingly lofty.
Similar to Tannehill, and with similar measurables, the Ohio State QB is a physically impressive signal-caller with the arm talent and dual-threat ability to keep teams off balance.
Howard took a step against the Volunteers, and continued performances of this level will allow the Buckeyes to compete from whistle to whistle against Oregon.
Potential NFL Fits: New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams
Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Comparison: Kyler Gordon
Stats vs. Clemson: 4 tackles, 2 PBUs, 4 catches allowed (eight targets)
It didn't take long for Jahdae Barron to flash during Texas' 14-point win over Clemson.
He's the type of player you throw on the field and know he'll play at a high level, and the fifth-year senior has continued to showcase himself as one of country's most alignment versatile defenders.
Like Kyler Gordon out of Washington a few years back, Barron's ability to play inside-out is expected to be very enticing for teams in need of defenders who can not only wear a multitude of hats but also wear them well.
Whether he's at nickel, on the outside or at safety, Barron's experience at a variety of depths will translate quickly to the next level.
Potential NFL Fits: Arizona Cardinals, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens
Mikail Kamara, Edge, Indiana
Comparison: YaYa Diaby
Stats vs Notre Dame: 7 pressures, 6 hurries, 2 tackles, 1 QB hit
Week after week, Mikail Kamara was the driving force for the Hoosiers' edge group.
A transfer from James Madison, he amassed 13 pressures alone in his final two appearances of his senior campaign and ended the season ranked first in pressures (68) among all FBS-qualified edge-rushers.
Similar to YaYa Diaby, with consistent measurables, Kamara is a nuanced pass-rusher who wins with both speed and power along with the foot quickness and flexibility to mix up his looks from snap to snap.
A "riser" in the process as the season wore on, Kamara is another name to become familiar with in what is a deep and talented edge group in the 2025 draft class.
Potential NFL Fits: Atlanta Falcons, Washington Commanders, New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Other Notable Standouts
TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State: 10 carries, 80 yards, 2 rushing TDs, 4 catches, 54 yards vs. Tennessee
Dani Dennis-Sutton, Edge, Penn State: 7 pressures, 4 hurries, 2 sacks vs. SMU
T.J. Moore, WR, Clemson (true freshman): 9 catches (12 targets), 116 yards, 1 TD vs. Texas
Advanced stats via Pro Football Focus.
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