Inside: Examining how the 2025 class compares to past drafts dominated by specific positions, including 2017 and 2014. Plus, the latest on Matthew Stafford.
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Defining draft classes: 2014 WRs, 2017 RBs … and 2025?
As I prepared for this year’s draft, which features standout talent in three key position groups (more on those below), I reflected on how certain positions have historically defined draft classes.
Quarterbacks were the story last year, when six went in the first round, matching the historic 1983 class (which featured three Hall of Famers in John Elway, Jim Kelly and Dan Marino). With situations improving for most of last year’s class, that story will continue to draw at least as much interest as this year’s likely much smaller list of first-round QBs.
Previously, quarterbacks also define the drafts of 2018 (Baker Mayfield, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson) and 2004 (Eli Manning, Philip Rivers, Ben Roethlisberger).
The 2017 running back class still surprises me with its unmatched depth and star power. Since 2000, 108 running backs have recorded more than 700 NFL carries, per TruMedia. Most classes had four players on that list; the 2017 class had 10.
Headlined by Christian McCaffrey and Alvin Kamara, this class also featured James Conner, Aaron Jones, Joe Mixon, Kareem Hunt and Dalvin Cook. It was a fantasy football dream. In the past quarter-century, only 2008 (Jamaal Charles, Chris Johnson, Matt Forte) comes close.
As for receivers, we’ve been spoiled. From the historic 2014 class, Mike Evans is still putting up 1,000-yard seasons, while Odell Beckham Jr. and Davante Adams each have been the league’s best receiver at times.
Then 2020 delivered star power in Justin Jefferson and CeeDee Lamb, plus borderline stars Jerry Jeudy, Tee Higgins, Brandon Aiyuk and Michael Pittman Jr.
The trend continued with Ja’Marr Chase, Nico Collins, and Amon-Ra St. Brown in 2021; Drake London, Chris Olave, and Garrett Wilson in 2022; Puka Nacua, Zay Flowers, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba in 2023; and Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas Jr., and Ladd McConkey in 2024. Yet, somehow, the Patriots still can’t find a true No. 1 receiver.
The defining tight end class was probably 2010, which featured a Hall of Famer in Rob Gronkowski, five-time Pro Bowler Jimmy Graham and two-time Pro Bowler Jermaine Gresham, as well as Aaron Hernandez. The 2010 class (Travis Kelce, Zach Ertz and Jordan Reed) was also strong, as was 2023 (Sam LaPorta, Dalton Kincaid, Tucker Kraft).
On the defensive side, 2011 saw J.J. Watt, Cameron Jordan, Cameron Heyward, Von Miller and Patrick Peterson. How many Hall of Famers are in that sentence? Recently, in 2022, the top five picks were all on defense, starting with Travon Walker and Aidan Hutchinson.
Strengths of 2025 NFL draft
This 2025 class might never rival any of those historic groups, but its best chances are at the following three positions.
Defensive line: A quick scan of Dane Brugler’s top 100 prospects evidences this strength, with 11 of his top 30 prospects listed at either defensive tackle or edge rusher.
Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart, currently No. 9 on Dane’s list, could enter top-five territory after dominating yesterday’s combine with a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) that makes him the most athletic DE among the 1,802 tested since 1987.
After his 40-yard dash, Lucas Oil Stadium filled with comparisons to Garrett and Walker, though some onlookers pointed to Stewart’s lack of college production (4.5 sacks in three seasons) as a limiting factor.
Running back: Last year was the second time in NFL history that a running back was not drafted among the top 45 picks. Well, 2025 will fix that, starting with Ashton Jeanty, Dane’s overall No. 5 for obvious reasons:
But keep scrolling the top 100, and the depth of this class also stands out: Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson (35th), UNC’s Omarion Hampton (36th), Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson (49th), Oregon’s Jordan James (62nd), Ohio State’s Quinshon Judkins (70th), Tennessee’s Dylan Sampson (80th) and UCF’s RJ Harvey (90th).
Tight end: It’s rare that two of Dane’s top 12 players are at tight end, but Penn State’s Tyler Warren and Michigan’s Colston Loveland offer QB-friendly skillsets as yards-after-catch threats. LSU’s Mason Taylor, fluid at 6-5, is a lesser-known prospect who could sniff the first-round, as could the highly athletic Elijah Arroyo of Miami.
Today, drills begin for the TEs and defensive backs. Quarterbacks, running backs and receivers are tomorrow, and offensive linemen are on Sunday. (Travis Hunter won’t participate in any of those drills, part of a trend that could be here to stay.) For the latest, follow our live combine tracker.
Current combine records
To save you the time you would’ve spent looking up records later, here’s a quick rundown of every combine top performer:
- 40-yard dash: Xavier Worthy’s 4.21 seconds (2024)
- Bench press: Stephen Paea’s 49 reps (2011)
- Vertical jump: Chris Conley’s 45 inches (2015)
- Standing broad jump: Byron Jones’ 12-foot-3 jump (a world record in 2015)
- Three-cone: Jeff Maehl’s 6.42 seconds (2011)
- Shuttle: Brandin Cooks’ 3.81 (2014)
Next, Dianna has the latest on the Matthew Stafford news.
What Dianna’s Hearing: Stafford’s next step
The 37-year-old quarterback spent the past few days gauging his market value, specifically in conversations with the Raiders and Giants, both of whom are interested in trading with Los Angeles for him.
Today, Stafford will meet with the Rams in person to discuss what’s next. The Raiders and Giants both discussed contracts that would pay him between $90 and $100 million guaranteed over two seasons. More details here.
Back to you, Jacob.
Every Friday, I share three stories from The Athletic that you might have missed.
How do Ravens and NFL respond?
Greg Fiume / Getty Images
As columnist Jason Lloyd writes this morning, the allegations against Justin Tucker are a test for both the Ravens and the league. Given the parallels to the Deshaun Watson situation, which resulted in an 11-game suspension, Jason notes, “It’s worth considering whether there are other instances that have not received public attention.” Read his column here.
Thomas the Tank
WooDoo Photography / Rodney Wooters
I’m immediately intrigued when someone is labeled the smartest, toughest prospect you’ve likely never seen play. That prospect is Thomas Perry, who carried a 3.92 GPA while studying molecular biology and mathematics at Middlebury, a Division III school in Vermont. He also became the only player in school history to earn an invite to either the Shrine Bowl or Senior Bowl. From doing the splits to 4 a.m. workouts, the depth of his story is fascinating.
From death’s door to the first round
East Carolina CB Shavon Revel Jr. is currently the No. 32 prospect on The Athletic‘s draft board. His 40-yard dash time is projected at 4.3 seconds, though he won’t be running today. More importantly, it’s a miracle he’s even alive. Dane Brugler shares the story of a prospect who has overcome everything in his way.
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(Photo: Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images, Joe Robbins / Getty Images)
