An NFL draft class is ever-evolving.

Preseason expectations based on the previous campaign’s performance often change as individuals impress or disappoint throughout the regular season and playoffs.

Once collegiate games conclude, prospects participate in all-star festivities, the NFL combine, medical evaluations, interviews, pro-day workouts, and private meetings to showcase their skills.

Static evaluations aren’t realistic; thus, continuous monitoring from August through April is essential for accurate assessments.

The Bleacher Report Scouting Department takes this task seriously. B/R scouts Brandon Thorn, Cory Giddings, Dame Parson, and Matt Holder work diligently throughout the year, assessing as many prospects as possible and continuously refining their evaluations.

Consequently, changes in player stock are inevitable.

With the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff commencing on Friday, the team seized the opportunity to reassess their standings by spotlighting prospects whose stocks have either risen or fallen during the season.

For clarity, players with season-ending injuries or those opting for another collegiate season are not included in this discussion. The highlights focus solely on performance and currently available information.

Scouted by Dame Parson

Riser: Cam Ward, Miami

Ward’s future was uncertain after his transfer from Washington State to Miami last offseason. However, he made a remarkable impact, leading Miami back to relevancy and breaking the program’s single-season passing record.

His performance remained stellar throughout the season, showcasing high-level throws and natural playmaking skills, bringing Miami back into the national spotlight.

Differential: Transitioning from Day 2 prospect to QB1 and top-five lock

Faller: Quinn Ewers, Texas

Ewers is undeniably talented and accurate when protected in the pocket. However, inconsistency plagued his performance this season, particularly during critical matchups.

His pocket presence has been questioned, leading to unnecessary sacks during crucial moments, leaving fans yearning for freshman sensation Arch Manning instead of Ewers.

Coupled with average arm talent, Ewers no longer appears to be a promising candidate for QB3 in the 2025 class.

Differential: From first-round candidate to late Day 2 prospect

Scouted by Dame Parson

Riser: Kaleb Johnson, Iowa

Johnson had a standout season for the Iowa Hawkeyes despite limited support from the passing game, emerging as the driving force of the offense with 1,537 rushing yards and 23 total touchdowns.

His notable patience, vision, and physical strength make him a formidable running back. Additionally, Johnson possesses the speed to break off explosive plays.

A consensus All-American and Big Ten Running Back of the Year, he boasts the ideal build of a bell-cow NFL running back and exhibits proficiency as a pass catcher in third-down situations.

Differential: From unranked to RB3 and a viable second-round candidate

Faller: Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State

Gordon is known for his downhill running style. He excels when given room to build momentum. While he showcases impressive strength to break tackles and fend off defenders, his pass-catching ability remains limited to check-down options.

Despite leading the FBS with 1,732 rushing yards the previous season as the top running back, this year he struggled behind an underperforming offensive line, exposing limitations in his game.

As a result, Gordon’s ranking has plummeted amid a deep running back class, and he now seems likely to be drafted on Day 3.

Differential: From RB1 to potential Day 3 pick

Scouted by Dame Parson

Riser: Matthew Golden, Texas

Golden possesses a remarkable blend of speed, explosiveness, and route-running prowess. He effectively threatens defensive backs vertically with his route stems, demonstrating an ability to create separation as a dynamic Z-receiver.

With effective ball skills and impressive body control during catches, Golden established himself as Texas’ best wide receiver after transferring from Houston, especially considering the competition from Isaiah Bond, who was also a sought-after prospect.

Differential: Transitioning from Day 3 candidate to WR5 and potential Day 2 prospect

Faller: Luther Burden III, Missouri

Burden is recognized as one of college football’s leading run-after-catch wide receivers. He is a versatile asset, capable of aligning across the formation and creating mismatches.

Despite being a two-time first-team All-SEC player, Burden began the season projected as a top-10 pick and was a contender for WR1. However, his performance has seen him slip to the back end of the first round or early Day 2 due to an underperforming season.

Differential: Projected as a top-10 pick to now a possible Day 2 selection

Scouted by Dame Parson

Riser: Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green

Fannin has emerged as one of the top tight ends in college football, showcasing impressive versatility both statistically and in-game performance. He is recognized for his blocking abilities and his strong receiving skills.

As a prominent target, he ranks as the country’s second-leading receiver (across all positions) and effectively stretches defenses from a variety of alignments, thanks to his route-running ability, quickness, and run-after-catch skills.

While largely unknown heading into the season, Fannin’s production against strong competition has garnered attention, establishing him as a high Day 2 choice and possibly a late first-round pick.

Differential: From unranked to potential first-round selection

Faller: Luke Lachey, Iowa

Lachey, with his smooth route-running ability and athleticism, was anticipated to be a solid mid-round prospect. However, as the season unfolded, it became apparent that several more talented players emerged in a deep tight end class.

While proficient when healthy, and capable of high-pointing passes, Lachey’s ranking appears to have slipped towards an early Day 3 projection due to a competitive landscape.

Differential: From early Day 2 to anticipated Day 3 pick

Scouted by Brandon Thorn

Riser: Armand Membou, Missouri

Prior to the 2024 season, Membou had been a starter for only one season, limiting the volume of evaluative material on him beyond a few flashes.

However, after reviewing this year’s film, it’s evident that his explosive movements, innate power, and competitive toughness are the building blocks for him to become an immediate NFL starter with significant potential.

Turning 21 just before the 2025 draft, Membou has ample opportunity to refine his skills before reaching his notable ceiling.

Differential: From Round 4 to a fringe Round 1 prospect

Faller: Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas

Banks entered the season with high expectations but has struggled to replicate his former success as a 5-star recruit, given that his performance hasn’t matched the hype.

Concerns about his recovery skills have emerged due to skilled rushers manipulating him out of position, raising questions about whether he can succeed as a tackle or transition inside to guard.

Differential: From fringe top-10 to Round 2 projection

Scouted by Brandon Thorn

Riser: Jalen Rivers, Miami

Rivers has faced injury setbacks throughout his college career, leading to two season-ending injuries in 2021 and 2022 while also missing five games in 2024, keeping him under the radar.

With a sizable frame, excellent length, and impressive movement skills, Rivers caught scouts’ attention during his seven starts in 2024, displaying refined footwork and the ability to control defenders effectively.

His balanced posture through contact makes him a challenging matchup for defenders, and he has also shown versatility by rotating to left guard during games.

Rivers is expected to shine in upcoming practices, allowing scouts the chance to see his skills in action.

Differential: From Round 4 to fringe first-round prospect

Faller: Emery Jones Jr., LSU

Entering the season with significant hype as a critical member of LSU’s offensive line, Jones struggled consistently to protect his edges throughout the season.

While he possesses an aggressive playstyle, moving to the interior of the line might provide him with the best opportunity for long-term success given his struggles against edge rushers.

Differential: From Round 1 to likely third-round prospect

Scouted by Matt Holder

Riser: Derrick Harmon, Oregon

Before transferring to Oregon, Harmon had solid performances at Michigan State but wasn’t considered a draft prospect. However, he has emerged as one of 2025’s top defensive tackles after demonstrating substantial improvement.

Known for his stout run defense, Harmon has significantly improved his pass-rushing abilities, making him a target for late-first to early second-round selections.

Differential: Moving from Day 3 to potential first-round choice

Faller: Deone Walker, Kentucky

Walker, initially seen as the second-best defensive tackle behind Michigan’s Mason Graham due to his impressive build (6’6″, 345 lbs), has faced a notable decline in productivity this season.

His condition seems to have worsened, as he struggled to hold his ground, resulting in a drop to a Day 2 projection.

Differential: Once a top-15 talent to now a Day 2 candidate

Scouted by Matt Holder

Riser: Mike Green, Marshall

Green emerged as a strong contender after leading the nation in sacks (17) and tackles for loss (23), rising from obscurity to potentially being a first-round pick.

He has an impressive array of pass-rushing moves and great bend when cornering at the top of his rush.

While he may need to add size and strength to excel consistently, his physicality suggests he can develop into a complete player in time.

Differential: From unranked to first-round grade

Faller: James Pearce Jr., Tennessee

Although this year’s edge-rusher class lacks a dramatic dropout from first-round considerations, Pearce’s stock has declined.

Seen as a potential top-three edge-rusher entering the season, his performance hasn’t met the expectations set upon him, mostly due to needing to refine his technique.

Nonetheless, Pearce remains likely to be a Day 1 pick, but expectations of being the top choice in his position group have diminished.

Differential: From top-three talent to mid-to-late first-round positioning

Scouted by Matt Holder

Riser: Jihaad Campbell, Alabama

After not becoming a full-time starter last season, Campbell blossomed into a key contributor for Alabama’s defense in 2024, leading the team with 106 total tackles and 12 tackles for loss.

His youth, as he doesn’t turn 21 until April, adds to his draft stock, indicating considerable potential moving forward.

Differential: Transitioning from unranked to a strong Day 2 selection

Faller: Lander Barton, Utah

Barton entered the season with second-round potential, noted for his strong run defense and athleticism. However, he regressed in coverage and did not show notable improvement in run support throughout the season.

Concerns about his abilities could drop him to a fourth-round grade if he chooses to declare this offseason.

Differential: From a second-round prospect to a potential fourth-round selection

Scouted by Cory Giddings

Riser: Azareye’h Thomas, Florida State

Thomas is a riser among cornerbacks after announcing his decision to enter the 2025 draft following a standout junior year.

His combination of size, athleticism, and physicality has grabbed the attention of scouts, standing at 6’2″ and weighing 198 pounds, making him an ideal NFL cornerback prospect.

While his technique requires refinement, including press coverage and recovering against agile receivers, his physical attributes suggest he has significant upside.

With further development, Thomas exhibits the potential to become a starting outside cornerback in the NFL.

Differential: From unranked to Day 2 candidate

Faller: Denzel Burke, Ohio State

Burke entered the season projected as a top cornerback but has experienced a disappointing performance.

While he maintains ideal size (6’1″, 193 lbs), inconsistent play against elite receivers has led to a drop in his draft stock.

His lack of consistent production in coverage and occasional missed tackles raise concerns about his development into a top-tier cornerback.

Differential: From top-25 prospect to a potential third-round selection

Scouted by Cory Giddings

Riser: Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma

Bowman’s ascent can be attributed to his dependable contributions across various facets of the game.

Despite Oklahoma’s defensive struggles, he has consistently been a standout performer, excelling in both run support and coverage.

His exceptional football IQ, quick reactions, and versatility have notably increased his draft stock.

Though his height (5’10”, 194 lbs) and speed may limit him against larger NFL targets, his skills position him as an early-round pick with starting potential owing to his adaptability.

Differential: From outside the top 10 to a top-four safety prospect

Faller: Jaylen Reed, Penn State

Although Reed has been a multi-year starter for Penn State, his draft stock has dwindled due to unmet expectations.

Despite earning second-team All-Big Ten honors and contributing to a strong secondary, inconsistencies and missed tackles have raised concerns about his efficiency.

Differential: From potential top-five safety to ranking outside the top 15