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COLUMBUS, OH - DECEMBER 21: Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard (18) passes the ball for a touchdown during the college football playoff first round game against the Tennessee Volunteers and the Ohio State Buckeyes on December 21, 2024, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - DECEMBER 21: Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard (18) passes the ball for a touchdown during the college football playoff first round game against the Tennessee Volunteers and the Ohio State Buckeyes on December 21, 2024, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

2025 NFL Draft: Updated Scouting Notes, Pro Player Comps After CFP First Round

Dec 25, 2024

With all but bowl games and the College Football Playoff remaining on the college football slate, the 2025 NFL draft has become increasingly intriguing.

The first round of the CFP featured a few standout performances, offering top-level organizations an insight into how top prospects have developed and where they will land on leaguewide draft boards.

Here, we'll dive into updated scouting notes on several key prospects. We'll also offer pro-player comparisons beyond simplistic height/weight/length similarities to give you an idea of how each prospect's tools and traits could translate to the NFL.

We'll also name a few other standouts from around the country.

Will Howard, QB, Ohio State

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COLUMBUS, OHIO - DECEMBER 21: Will Howard #18 of the Ohio State Buckeyes throws a pass against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first quarter in the Playoff First Round Game at Ohio Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio.  (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO - DECEMBER 21: Will Howard #18 of the Ohio State Buckeyes throws a pass against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first quarter in the Playoff First Round Game at Ohio Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)

Comparison: Ryan Tannehill

Stats vs. Tennessee: 24-of-29, 311 passing yards, 2 TD


Will Howard was excellent all evening against the Tennessee Volunteers.

The 23-year-old delivered throws with confidence, stood tall under pressure and ripped throws with varying zip and touch to a variety of levels. It was a long overdue performance since transferring in from Kansas State, where expectations surrounding him were overwhelmingly lofty.

Similar to Tannehill, and with similar measurables, the Ohio State QB is a physically impressive signal-caller with the arm talent and dual-threat ability to keep teams off balance.

Howard took a step against the Volunteers, and continued performances of this level will allow the Buckeyes to compete from whistle to whistle against Oregon.


Potential NFL Fits: New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams

Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

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AUSTIN, TEXAS - DECEMBER 21: Jahdae Barron #7 of the Texas Longhorns reacts after breaking up a pass during the second quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the Playoff First Round Game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TEXAS - DECEMBER 21: Jahdae Barron #7 of the Texas Longhorns reacts after breaking up a pass during the second quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the Playoff First Round Game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

Comparison: Kyler Gordon

Stats vs. Clemson: 4 tackles, 2 PBUs, 4 catches allowed (eight targets)


It didn't take long for Jahdae Barron to flash during Texas' 14-point win over Clemson.

He's the type of player you throw on the field and know he'll play at a high level, and the fifth-year senior has continued to showcase himself as one of country's most alignment versatile defenders.

Like Kyler Gordon out of Washington a few years back, Barron's ability to play inside-out is expected to be very enticing for teams in need of defenders who can not only wear a multitude of hats but also wear them well.

Whether he's at nickel, on the outside or at safety, Barron's experience at a variety of depths will translate quickly to the next level.

Potential NFL Fits: Arizona Cardinals, Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens

Mikail Kamara, Edge, Indiana

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BLOOMINGTON, IN - NOVEMBER 09: Indiana Hoosiers DL Mikail Kamara (6) during a college football game between the Michigan Wolverines and Indiana Hoosiers on November 9, 2024 at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, IN (Photo by James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN - NOVEMBER 09: Indiana Hoosiers DL Mikail Kamara (6) during a college football game between the Michigan Wolverines and Indiana Hoosiers on November 9, 2024 at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, IN (Photo by James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Comparison: YaYa Diaby

Stats vs Notre Dame: 7 pressures, 6 hurries, 2 tackles, 1 QB hit


Week after week, Mikail Kamara was the driving force for the Hoosiers' edge group.

A transfer from James Madison, he amassed 13 pressures alone in his final two appearances of his senior campaign and ended the season ranked first in pressures (68) among all FBS-qualified edge-rushers.

Similar to YaYa Diaby, with consistent measurables, Kamara is a nuanced pass-rusher who wins with both speed and power along with the foot quickness and flexibility to mix up his looks from snap to snap.

A "riser" in the process as the season wore on, Kamara is another name to become familiar with in what is a deep and talented edge group in the 2025 draft class.


Potential NFL Fits: Atlanta Falcons, Washington Commanders, New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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Other Notable Standouts

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COLUMBUS, OHIO - DECEMBER 21: TreVeyon Henderson #32 of the Ohio State Buckeyes makes a run for a touchdown during a game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO - DECEMBER 21: TreVeyon Henderson #32 of the Ohio State Buckeyes makes a run for a touchdown during a game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State: 10 carries, 80 yards, 2 rushing TDs, 4 catches, 54 yards vs. Tennessee

Dani Dennis-Sutton, Edge, Penn State: 7 pressures, 4 hurries, 2 sacks vs. SMU

T.J. Moore, WR, Clemson (true freshman): 9 catches (12 targets), 116 yards, 1 TD vs. Texas


Advanced stats via Pro Football Focus.

EPIC NFL Thanksgiving Slate 🙌

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