As mock draft season heats up, NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein has released his annual ranking of the strongest position groups in the 2025 NFL Draft. This year’s class has star power and depth at multiple positions, but others are lacking. If your team needs help at edge defender or running back, you’re in luck. But if safety or quarterback is the need, don’t expect fireworks early on. Let’s dive into Zierlein’s rankings and what they mean for teams heading into the draft.
1. Edge Defender: A Treasure Trove of Pass Rushers
If your team needs help on the edge, this draft is a treasure trove. According to Zierlein, Abdul Carter is the top blue chip prospect, but players like Mike Green, James Pearce Jr., and Donovan Ezeiruaku have high ceilings and versatility. The depth at this position is ridiculous—teams can find future starters and rotational guys all the way into Day 2 and even the 4th round.
Zierlein notes the abundance of high-energy, high-aggression talent that can thrive in even-front and 3-4 schemes. Whether you’re looking for a pass rusher or a 2-way defender, this class has it all.
2. Running Back: A Rare Gem in the Draft
Running backs don’t get this kind of love in today’s NFL but the 2025 class is an exception. Ashton Jeanty is the headliner with star power like Saquon Barkley. Behind him, players like Omarion Hampton, TreVeyon Henderson, and Quinshon Judkins have early impact potential.
For teams looking for value, mid-round guys like Bhayshul Tuten and Dylan Sampson have upside without breaking the bank. Even late round picks like Trevor Etienne and Jaydon Blue could be contributors. If your team needs a backfield weapon, this draft won’t disappoint.
3. Interior Defensive Line: Future Stars Abound
The defensive tackle position is the second best group outside of edge rushers. Four players— Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant , Derrick Harmon, and Walter Nolen — are first round locks with Pro Bowl potential.
But it doesn’t stop there. Players like T.J. Sanders, Joshua Farmer, and Tyleik Williams will go in the second round and quality starters will come off the board all day two. This group is deep, and full of pass rushers, a dream for teams that need help up front.
4. Tight End: Star Power Meets Limited Depth
The Tight end is a mixed bag this year. The top talent is undeniable—Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland —but the depth is lacking.
Players like Mason Taylor and Elijah Arroyo have upside, but beyond the top four prospects, the class drops off to backup level. But late round gems like Thomas Fidone II and Jackson Hawes could surprise teams that take a chance.
5. Offensive Tackle: Solid but Speculative
Compared to last year’s tackle class, this is more hit or miss. Armand Membou is the safe bet, and Ozzy Trapilo and Anthony Belton are solid starters. But many of the tackles in rounds 2 and 3 are average grade, which is not high impact players that teams want.
Still, teams looking to rebuild their o-line can find serviceable starters even if they aren’t stars.
6. Wide Receiver: Role Players Over Stars
This year’s wide receiver class is nowhere near last year’s. No true superstar in this class. But players like Matthew Golden, Luther Burden III, and Tetairoa McMillan have upside. Teams looking for WR3 or WR4 will find value in the 5th round with late round fliers like Nick Nash and Dominic Lovett. It’s worth noting that Travis Hunter, who is also a cornerback, wasn’t included in this evaluation—but if he was, his inclusion would have moved this group up a few spots.
T-7. Cornerback: Travis Hunter Leads a Weak Group
Cornerbacks are always at a premium in the NFL, but this year’s class is shallow. Travis Hunter is the clear headliner, with elite traits and instincts. Beyond him, Will Johnson has the tools to be a starter but needs to show speed at the combine.
There will be a run on future starters in the 2nd and 3rd round and the middle class is thin. Teams may need to prioritize cornerbacks early or miss out altogether.
T-7. Interior Offensive Line: Guard Your Expectations
Unless a tackle prospect moves inside, the interior offensive line class is meh. Donovan Jackson, Tyler Booker, and Grey Zabel are the “big three” at guard and center, but the drop off after that is huge.
Late round picks like Tate Ratledge and Wyatt Milum could develop into starters, but teams may want to wait until the 5th round for depth options. If you need help inside now, the clock is ticking.
9. Linebacker: Underrated Potential
Linebacker isn’t the most exciting position but this year’s class has some sleepers. Jalon Walker is a versatile linebacker and occasional edge rusher, while Carson Schwesinger and Demetrius Knight Jr. project as starters.
While the depth is better than 2024, this class still lacks a name. If you’re prioritizing linebackers early you may find a long term contributor.
10. Quarterback: Depth Without Elite Talent
Quarterbacks never fly under the radar but this year’s class is quiet. Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders are the leaders of the pack, neither of which is a franchise savior.
On the bright side the depth is decent. Late round picks like Tyler Shough, Jaxson Dart, and Quinn Ewers could develop into solid backups or even starters with the right coaching. Keep an eye on Jalen Milroe, he’s a wild card.
11. Safety: Struggling to Shine
For the 3rd year in a row safety is near the bottom of the position rankings. Nick Emmanwori has elite traits but is a projection player. Others like Malaki Starks, Xavier Watts, and Kevin Winston Jr. are starters but the lack of star power and depth makes this group unappealing.
If you draft safeties early, you may struggle to justify it, so later rounds are the way to go for contributors.