Mel Kiper updates 2025 NFL Draft big board

By Chris Marler

The NFL Combine begins this week in Indianapolis. Before the field of 329 players take the field at Lucas Oil Stadium, Mel Kiper updated his big board of the top 25 prospects ahead of the events. This is the first update on Kiper’s big board since the Senior Bowl and the underclassmen declaration day on Jan. 15. 

Overa all, there were 10 SEC players included in the top 25. That’s one less than his last big board and the fewest in eight years. However, what was most interesting was that there were only two listed in the top ten and they were at No. 8 and No. 10, respectively. The SEC has had at least three or more top ten picks and at least one top five pick in each of the last six drafts. 

Elsewhere, there was no change in the top three, but some major shake ups behind it as Ashton Jeanty leapt into the top four, up from No. 7 in his last rankings. 

Here’s a look at the Top 25 Players Kiper has on his big board, with the SEC players highlighted.

1. Travis Hunter, DB/WR, Colorado 
2. Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State 
3. Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
4. Ashton Jeanty, RB Boise State
5. Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
6. Cam Ward, QB, Miami
7. Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State 
8. Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia 
9. Will Johnson, DB, Michigan 
10. Will Campbell, OT, LSU
11. Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan 
12. Mike Green, OLB, Marshall
13. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona 
14. Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
15. Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
16. Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&M
17. Mykel Williams, OLB, Georgia
18. Malaki Starks, S, Georgia 
19. Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina 
20. Tyler Booker, G, Alabama 
21. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State 
22. Armand Membou, OT/G, Missouri
23. Kelvin Banks Jr, OT, Texas 
24. Azareye;h Thomas, CB, Florida State 
25. Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

Remember, this isn’t a mock draft with projected landing spots for these players. This is just the top players in the draft regardless of position and team needs, according to longtime NFL Draft scout and analyst Mel Kiper. The draft is set to take place April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.