With the college football season starting, all eyes will likely be on players like Luther Burden III, Quinshon Judkins, Carson Beck, Travis Hunter, and Shadeur Sanders. While these are amazing players in their respective positions, we must remember there are many more terrific players across the NCAA. Furthermore, while these players are likely first-round locks for the 2025 NFL Draft, we must also not forget that the draft is seven rounds long. With that being said, which players would benefit the most from having a productive year?
Image: Notre Dame Athletics
Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
While Morrison is easily a premier corner of this year’s draft class, there’s fierce competition between him, Will Johnson, and Travis Hunter for the CB1 spot. Many have Will Johnson holding that distinction while others give it to Hunter given how good he is at both the WR and CB positions. Still, in the shadows, Morrison consistently puts on phenomenal performances for the Fighting Irish. He may not have the size and length that Johnson and Hunter possess, but he can be a CB1 in the NFL.
Image: ESPN
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Going into last year, Emeka Egbuka was widely considered one of the best receivers in the nation. Going into this season, Egbuka will hold the same distinction. Still, he’ll have to do more should he wish to remain a first-round prospect. With prospects like Tre Harris, Tetairoa McMillan, Luther Burden, and Evan Stewart rising, Egbuka has slowly been falling. A good season as Ohio State’s WR1 could stop this slide.
Image: CBS Sports
Mitchell Evans, TE, Notre Dame
As of right now, Michigan’s Colston Loveland is this year’s TE1. But with decent play during his time in South Bend, Evans isn’t too far behind. A torn ACL suffered last year wasn’t ideal for Evans staying up to par with the Wolverine, but the time he spent rehabbing his body could be what was needed in order for him to have an explosive year.
Image: Yahoo Sports
Emery Jones, RT, LSU
During this draft season, Will Campbell will be the focal point. However, lining up opposite him is his teammate Emery Jones. While Arizona’s Jonah Savaiinaea is this year’s best RT, Jones isn’t too far behind. With good play from himself and the Tigers this year, Jones could climb into first round conversations. Jones has the size, strength, and feet to be an elite OT, he just needs to be more consistent.
Image: 247 Sports
RJ Oben, Edge, Notre Dame
After a phenomenal year leading the Blue Devils, Oben decided to transfer to Notre Dame with his Duke teammate Riley Leonard. With size, length, agility, and speed, Oben would be a terrific complement to any current NFL edge rusher. Still, with his athleticism being a tick behind most top-edge prospects, a good year could lead to Oben being an early Day 2 selection.
Image: Mike Farrell Sports
AJ Haulcy, S, Houston
Starting his career in New Mexico before transferring to Houston, AJ Haulcy is a reliable tackler who can also hit-stick ball carriers when given the opportunity. He has decent range and is the size to cover bigger receivers and tight ends. Currently, Haulcy is way down this year’s list of safety prospects. Yet, with stellar play this year in the AAC, Haulcy could create some distance between him being drafted and not.
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