With the long-awaited expansion of the College Football Playoff, the landscape of collegiate football is changing forever. Starting with Indiana and Notre Dame’s kickoff this Friday, expect to see exciting new dynamics.

Yet, some things remain unchanged: NFL scouts are eager to spot top talent in high-stakes games, and with more playoff action, that audience expands.

This weekend marks a thrilling opportunity as evaluators will witness premier talent, including the top two edge-rushers from the 2025 draft class.

Among the top 50 draft prospects assessed by the Bleacher Report Scouting Department, 11 will be showcasing their skills this weekend. This doesn’t account for individuals sidelined due to season-ending injuries, such as Ohio State’s left tackle Josh Simmons and Notre Dame’s cornerback Benjamin Morrison, nor those who have opted to return to school, like Penn State’s quarterback Drew Allar.

As these athletes hit the field, fans should pay close attention — these players could be tailor-made fits for their teams if selected in the first or second rounds.

In the NFL, a player’s ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks is nearly as valuable as being a quarterback. The four highest-value contracts after quarterback deals all belong to dominant defensive linemen.

An elite pass-rusher, like Abdul Carter from Penn State, is typically one of the first players to be selected in any draft, and 2025 is no exception.

While Carter initially faced challenges transitioning from off-ball linebacker to a full-time edge defender, he quickly proved his worth by season’s end, showcasing remarkable speed and agility on the field.

According to Pro Football Focus’ Max Chadwick, Carter is currently rated as the most valuable edge defender in the nation.

Coaches have recognized his immense talent, naming him the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.

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

Before Abdul Carter’s rise, Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. was often viewed as the top edge rusher with potential to be the No. 1 overall pick. However, his performance this season has raised questions.

After an impressive 9.5 sacks in 2023, Pearce experienced a slow start this fall, prompting inquiries about his drop in production. Nevertheless, a solid performance against Alabama revived some confidence in him.

Scouts see Pearce as an athlete with explosive speed off the edge but lacking a refined pass-rush strategy. To succeed in the NFL, he needs to develop his skills as a versatile player against bigger linemen.

Despite these challenges, rushing the passer remains a vital skill set, and Pearce is working to refine the rest of his capabilities.

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

Utilization strategy will be crucial for Ohio State’s WR Emeka Egbuka at the next level.

Often playing out of the slot, he was expected to move outside this season due to the emergence of fellow wide receivers Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate. Nevertheless, Egbuka consistently provided reliable performance.

Despite not being the primary target, Egbuka has amassed over 2,409 yards and 23 touchdowns in his career, including a challenging 2023 season.

In the NFL, Egbuka could excel in a defined role that complements a more traditional X-receiver, making him a valuable asset for any offense.

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

Entering the 2024 season, Tyler Warren was not widely regarded as the top tight end, but he has since claimed that distinction.

While Michigan’s Colston Loveland struggled in a stagnant offense, Warren excelled, becoming a focal point in Penn State’s passing strategy.

Warren achieved remarkable stats last season, catching 34 passes for 422 yards. In this campaign, he further established himself with 88 receptions for 1,062 yards.

Utilized in various formations, Warren emerged as the John Mackey Award winner, leading in receiving grades and yards after catch among Power Five tight ends, as reported by Pro Football Focus.

In the NFL, a creative coach can leverage Warren’s talent to make him a game-changing offensive weapon.

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

In the modern NFL, safeties play a crucial role as erasers, mitigating potential deep threats and maintaining defensive integrity.

Xavier Watts of Notre Dame is notable for his defensive prowess, tying for the FBS lead with seven interceptions last season. However, his strongest attributes lie in his tackling and run defense.

B/R scout Cory Giddings remarked, “Watts excels in run defense, triggering swiftly and tackling with physicality. Yet, he faces challenges due to a lack of elite speed on the edge.”

With two years of solid performance, Watts has shown he can perform well with the right opportunities at the professional level.

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

In a surprising turn, Jahdae Barron from Texas was awarded the Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back, showcasing his excellence amidst strong competition.

A versatile chess piece, Barron has played multiple positions, including outside corner, slot, and even free safety, demonstrating impressive skill.

Despite not being the focal point in the offense, he showcased his abilities with a considerable number of interceptions this season, ranking third nationally.

The value of defensive versatility in today’s NFL cannot be overstated, allowing him to adapt quickly to various roles on the field.

Barron can serve as an immediate slot defender while being equipped to contribute extensively in his early career.

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

The Bleacher Report Scouting Department’s analysis highlighted Kelvin Banks Jr. from Texas as a rising prospect, but also flagged concerns over his draft stock.

Once projected as a top tackle prospect, questions have emerged about his suitability for the position.

Banks has shown substantial strengths in run and screen game blocking while maintaining solid pass protection, but certain skills must be refined for pro success.

Concerns persist regarding his ability to handle elite edge-rushers individually and his reactions after an initial move, which could lead him to excel better as an interior lineman.

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

Tyleik Williams, a defensive tackle from Ohio State, is currently positioned in the Day 2 range of prospects, highlighting the necessity for improved skill sets.

Weighing in at 6’3″ and 327 pounds, he showcases versatility, possessing the size to play both on the inside and as a gap disruptor, making him an enticing option for NFL teams.

At his best, Williams presents a constant threat in opposing backfields. Though he needs to work on his pad level and pass-rushing techniques, his physical traits signal potential for a future starter role.

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

JT Tuimoloau from Ohio State has been a consistent presence on the draft radar, expected to be a top prospect since his recruitment.

Despite not fully meeting the lofty expectations initially set for him, he remains a capable edge defender with power and tenacity.

Throughout his four seasons, he has recorded 13 sacks, with six coming this year. His strengths lie in his power-rushing technique rather than agility.

To maximize his potential in the NFL, it’s crucial for coaching staff to place him in environments that cater to his skill set.

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

If Barrett Carter of Clemson had declared for the 2024 draft, he would have likely been the first off-ball linebacker chosen.

This year’s linebacker class isn’t particularly strong, and Carter has seen his stock diminish compared to versatile players from other programs.

Despite this, Carter possesses a skill set that translates well to the NFL, particularly in coverage situations. He excels in space and in sub-packages.

With room for improvement in run defense and gap discipline, he remains a strong option for teams seeking a coverage linebacker.

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

In a league that often relies on three-receiver sets, slot receivers have evolved from being perceived as secondary options to becoming crucial starters.

Matthew Golden, who transferred from the Houston Cougars, made a significant impact at Texas, emerging as their WR1 with career highs in receptions, yards, and touchdowns.

He projects as a valuable WR2/3, likely to act as a movement Z receiver in the NFL thanks to his speed and explosiveness.

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