The expanded College Football Playoff is a prime opportunity for prospects eyeing the 2025 NFL draft. The second round will showcase one-third of the top-30 talents identified by the Bleacher Report Scouting Department for the upcoming draft.

With a keen evaluation during the season’s most significant games, the showcased talent will set the stage for the NFL’s next roster of stars.

However, sheer talent doesn’t guarantee success at the professional level. A player’s landing spot frequently plays an even more critical role in their development trajectory.

Analyzing each prospect’s strengths and weaknesses along with the overall draft class composition will help assess their chances of success.

For instance, players like Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield are currently thriving after being let go by their original teams, partly due to their previous unfavorable conditions. They lacked the essential support and patience that success necessitates, but have now redirected their careers.

Keeping these examples in mind, it’s essential to employ a bit of game theory to envision where these talents can truly shine once drafted.

Best Case: Lands Outside Top 10, Despite Elite Talent

Malaki Starks of Georgia possesses a legitimate top-10 grade according to the B/R Scouting Department. Despite being one of the premier prospects of the 2025 class, it’s advantageous for him to be drafted below his talent level, which seems paradoxical.

It’s worth noting: A pure safety has not been chosen in the top 10 since Jamal Adams was picked sixth overall by the New York Jets in 2017.

Starks would benefit from entering a better situation without the expectations that accompany a top-10 pick, especially for a non-premium position.

Potential fits: Indianapolis Colts, Cincinnati Bengals

Worst Case: Selected in the Top 10, Where Starks’ Talent Should Be

On the flip side, ending up with one of the league’s weakest teams could lead to overwhelming expectations.

Starks may be compared to stars like Kyle Hamilton, Derwin James, and Minkah Fitzpatrick, which is an unfair expectation for any rookie. All these players were drafted outside the top 10.

Financially, Starks would gain in the short run, but his impact at safety might not be sufficient to change a desperate franchise’s fortunes.

Poor fits: Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets

Best Case: Emerges as RB1 on Playoff Team

It’s crucial to acknowledge that Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty is a genuine top-10 prospect for the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.

The running back position isn’t often discussed this way, but Jeanty’s astonishing contact balance and the relatively weak competition at the top of this class enhance his standing.

However, many teams will discover viable starters later in the draft, which may keep Jeanty out of the top 10 despite his talent.

Potential fits: Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers

Worst Case: Top-10 Team Sees Him as Franchise Focal Point

Once again, Jeanty is genuinely a top-10 caliber talent. However, he is not on the same level as players like Saquon Barkley or Bijan Robinson, who were both high first-round selections.

A team selecting Jeanty high in the draft might do so with expectations for him to carry the team’s offense. While he is capable of handling these expectations, becoming part of a well-rounded unit would better serve him in the long term.

Poor fits: Las Vegas Raiders, New Orleans Saints

Best Case: Thrives with a Creative Coordinator Deploying Him Versatilely

Abdul Carter of Penn State is among the most upside-driven prospects for the 2025 draft class, although he’s still developing in several key areas.

After transitioning from off-ball linebacker to edge-rusher, he excelled, clinching the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year title. His quickness and agility present significant challenges to opposing offenses.

However, Carter lacks the stature or brute strength typically expected of a defensive end. A versatile coaching strategy that utilizes his skills across the front seven can fully capitalize on his substantial potential.

Potential fits: Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers

Worst Case: Placed in a Role as a Traditional Edge Rusher

Carter’s upsides might lead him to be positioned as a top-five pick. However, his lack of bulk and finesse means he may struggle against bigger offensive tackles.

If tasked with a single position and expected to perform as a three-down defender, his best attributes may not be utilized to their full extent.

The unanimous All-American could be miscast, leading to underperformance.

Poor fits: Las Vegas Raiders, Jacksonville Jaguars

Best Case: Integrates as Starting Slot Receiver from Day One

Over the last three seasons, Emeka Egbuka has proven himself as a productive receiver for Ohio State, despite playing in a talented roster.

Though he has never assumed the WR1 position, he has carved a niche as the team’s reliable slot receiver.

This season, he was expected to perform outside more often, but his teammates remained fixtures on the field.

Upon entering the NFL, Egbuka will bring precise route-running and efficiency to any team.

Potential fits: Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Texans

Worst Case: Considered Team’s Top Receiver

In certain circumstances, Egbuka might find himself labeled as his team’s primary target, akin to how Terry McLaurin emerged post-Ohio State.

While Egbuka’s skills are notable, his explosive impact is not on par with others at the position. He thrives as a complementary target, which is essential for any balanced receiving corps.

To maximize his skills as a quarterback security blanket, Egbuka needs to be paired with a higher-threat receiver on the team’s depth chart.

Poor fits: Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts

Best Case: Becomes a Central Weapon in an NFL Offense

Tyler Warren’s performance has vastly improved, significantly contributing to the Penn State offense.

Under new offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, Warren’s role expanded from just a 34-catch, 422-yard season to a multifaceted threat with 92 receptions for over 1,000 yards.

Another innovative offensive mind may find ways to utilize Warren similarly to Travis Kelce or George Kittle, enhancing his professional prospects.

Potential fits: Indianapolis Colts, Cincinnati Bengals

Worst Case: Drafted as a Traditional Tight End

While a traditional tight end role can be valuable, the expansion of the position now accommodates different offensive schemes.

Warren, capable of being a game-changer, may be relegated if he’s anticipated to play exclusively inline, constraining his potential.

Poor fits: New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys

Best Case: Joins a Defense as a Versatile Player

Modern defensive backs need to be adaptable, and Jahdae Barron exemplifies this with his ability to excel in diverse roles.

Utilized in multiple ways, including corner and safety roles, Barron’s skill set allows him to be an invaluable asset to any defensive coordinator.

As the Jim Thorpe Award winner, he stands out by making impactful plays wherever he lines up on the field.

Potential fits: Los Angeles Rams, Cincinnati Bengals

Worst Case: Limited to One Position

Versatility is key in modern football, but Barron should not be pigeonholed into a single position, as he possesses the skill set to thrive in multiple roles.

While he can be an effective corner, his ability to defend quarterbacks and create turnovers means he can impact games in various ways.

Poor fits: Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts

Best Case: Maintains Off-Ball Linebacker Role with Pass-Rush Opportunities

Jalon Walker is the standout linebacker prospect of the class, showcasing versatility in his on-field deployment.

The 6’2″, 245-pounder exhibits prowess as both an inside linebacker and an edge rusher, thriving in blitz scenarios.

With teams evaluating him for multiple roles, a solid plan is pivotal to his successful deployment across different positions.

Potential fits: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Minnesota Vikings

Worst Case: Graded as a Traditional Three-Down Linebacker

Although Walker can play effectively in coverage, he may fall short when it comes to routinely matching up against receivers or tight ends.

This limits his potential impact as a game-changer. A smart defensive coordinator will find ways to utilize him effectively on either a traditional or pass-rushing-based defensive scheme.

Poor fits: Cincinnati Bengals, Jacksonville Jaguars

Best Case: Drafted in First Round for His Comprehensive Skillset

Much like Starks, Watts could potentially slip in the draft, despite being a capable first-round talent.

While not as athletically gifted as Starks, Watts showcases elite ball skills, boasting 13 interceptions and the same number of defended passes over two seasons.

The Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner demonstrates quickness in reacting to plays, making him a valuable asset.

Potential fits: Houston Texans, Washington Commanders

Worst Case: A Slide in the Draft Pushes Him to Day 2

Three safeties hold first-round grades despite a crowded talent pool, resulting in potential sliding for talented players like Watts.

If he falls to Day 2, a team will likely benefit significantly from acquiring him at a value pick.

Poor fits: Green Bay Packers, Buffalo Bills

Best Case: Establishes Himself as a Full-Time Edge Rusher

Mykel Williams’s shift to a full-time edge-defender parallels successful past draft picks, underscoring the necessity for him to continue that growth trajectory.

While Williams’s sack numbers may not impress immediately, they have potential for growth as he hones his craft in the NFL.

If he can improve his technique and fully realize his size and athleticism, he could prove to be a game-changer.

Potential fits: Cleveland Browns, Atlanta Falcons

Worst Case: Stuck in a Rotational Role Without Development Opportunities

For Williams to reach his potential, he requires consistent playing time. Without that, he may not develop into a premier defensive end.

Poor fits: Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Chargers

Best Case: Selected as Top Offensive Tackle

The 2025 offensive tackle class has its concerns; however, with certain prospects emerging, Josh Conerly Jr. may cement his spot at the top.

His skill set is well-rounded, and he showcased his prowess against formidable opponents like Michigan and Ohio State, allowing him to compete at a high level.

Conerly could capitalize on the demand for offensive tackles and might be the first to go in the draft.

Potential fits: Los Angeles Rams, Baltimore Ravens

Worst Case: Falls to the 2nd Round as Fourth or Fifth Offensive Tackle

There’s a scenario where Conerly’s evaluation works against him, potentially placing him among the later rounds.

The offensive tackle pool’s inconsistencies might lead to differing opinions about Conerly’s draft standing.

Poor fits: Cleveland Browns, Chicago Bears

Best Case: Sneaks into 1st Round as DT3

Elevating himself to potential top-30 consideration, Derrick Harmon has proven to be a formidable prospect following well-timed transfers.

His consistent development makes him a strong candidate as a complete interior defender, providing impact against both the run and pass.

This combination of skills can grant him a first-round selection scenario if an NFL team is looking for high-impact talent.

Potential fits: Houston Texans, Los Angeles Chargers

Worst Case: Teams Perceive Harmon as a One-Year Wonder

Harmon was not as high profile at Michigan State as he blossomed after transferring to Oregon, potentially raising doubts about his consistency in performance.

Some franchises could view Harmon as a late bloomer unready for the rigors of the pros, leading to a potential slide.

While his capabilities are evident, skepticism may hinder his overall draft stock.

Poor fits: Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers