DRAFT TRACKER 2025

Prototypical three-down linebacker who added muscle mass in 2024 without losing playmaking quickness. Carter overcomes average instincts and recognition with full-field range and elite body control in pursuit, though there is room for improvement with both his angles and leverage. Carter can play around or off the block and has the agility and reaction quickness for sudden adjustments as an open-field tackler. He’s capable in man coverage and stands out as both a blitzer and a spy for mobile quarterbacks. Carter’s demeanor, versatility and athletic profile give him a good chance of becoming a quality starter as a run-and-chase Will linebacker.

Four-year starter who plays the game with the instincts and awareness of a player who has seen a lot of football. Mukuba has the athleticism to play in the slot but is best when he’s able to read the field as a “robber” and use his instincts, burst and ball skills to make plays. He moves efficiently in coverage, but that efficiency can get away from him in run support, where he races in too hot and misses tackles. Mukuba possesses the character, physicality and playmaking instincts that will draw NFL teams to him as a future starter.

Mickens has a desirable blend of size and length for his move to the pros. The son of a former NFL cornerback, he plays like a pro with good pre-snap anticipation and post-snap instincts. His field awareness is a plus in zone coverage, but he’s not sudden or fast, so technique and timing will be crucial for man-cover success. His ability to alter pursuit angles and break down in space as a tackler help him stand out against others in this class. He’s technically sound as a wrap-up tackler but his stopping power is fairly average. Mickens answered questions about his speed at the NFL Scouting Combine (4.49-second 40-yard dash), so his consistency in reading and responding to the play should not be diminished.

What Briningstool lacks in mass he makes up for with toughness in both phases. He’s a possession-based tight end who majors in zone-beaters but will struggle to separate against man coverage. He operates in space with good body control and strong hands at the catch point and does an adequate job of keeping defenders on his hip. Despite a high pad level he can help as a run blocker both connected to the line and in space. He’s not a true “Y” or “F” tight end but is capable enough in all areas to become a factor in two-tight end sets.

A four-year starter with good size and strength, Tate’s injuries over the last three years have stolen some shine from his play. He’s better in pass protection than he is as a run blocker. He plays with elevated pads that rob him of drive power, but he can play on the move and has a good feel for angles to execute in space. He’s technically sound in pass pro with a sturdy base, a crisp punch and the ability to keep rushers in front of him, but he has occasional issues with long twists and blitzers. There is some favorable tape for Tate, but his injury history makes projecting his pro potential a bit murky.

Inconsistent wideout with good size and play strength but a lack of quality production. Collins looks the part physically and plays like a well-schooled receiver. He has average vertical speed and runs first- and second-level routes with adequate cut quickness. He lacks trustworthy hands and is inconsistent in becoming catch-ready on anticipation throws but plays to his size when contested. Durability issues, poor hands and a lack of high-level production might be enough for some teams to write him off, but he has enough talent for a look in camp.

Mafah runs hard and keeps the carry on track. He is big and tight-hipped with a linear running style that gathers momentum as the run proceeds. He’s tough but clunky as an interior runner with a lack of vision and wiggle to find additional yards if there isn’t a wide-open lane. Mafah might need to prove himself on special teams to offer enough roster flexibility to make it as an RB3.

Three-technique with good quickness and play strength but a lack of production. Page is a one-year starter but spent time playing behind NFL-caliber defensive tackles while at Clemson. He needs to do more with his penetration quickness, while his short arms make him more of a slow-power grappler than a twitchy shed player. Despite his foot quickness, he had very little sack production. Page’s lack of production will be frowned upon, but there are enough flashes on tape to give him a chance to compete for a backup role.