NFL GM: Draft Has 4-5 'Blue-Chip' Prospects and 40 Players Graded 1st-2nd Round

Teams picking later in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft will love to hear what one general manager told ESPN's Matt Miller for a Monday story.

"There are four, maybe five, blue-chip players," the GM said. "After that, it's 40 guys with a late-first-round or second-round grade."

In essence, there seems to be some agreement that this year's draft will feature a number of quality starters but not many franchise-altering superstars.

"You're going to see a ton of rookie starters from this class because it's such an experienced group," an AFC South area scout said.

That's not exactly what teams picking in the early portion of the first round want to hear considering front offices are looking for foundational Pro Bowlers when selecting that high. Still, it will give more teams around the league the opportunity to fill needs with immediate starters even if they aren't in full-on rebuilding mode picking at the top of the draft.

Which players are seen as blue-chip prospects likely differs from team to team, but the latest big board from B/R's NFL Scouting Department serves as a solid estimation. 

Colorado cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter, Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter, Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham, Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan and Georgia safety Malaki Starks make up the top five.

There are notably no quarterbacks in the top five of what is seen as a rather pedestrian draft class at signal-caller, although Miami's Cam Ward is in the top 10 at No. 8. Colorado's Shedeur Sanders checks in at No. 16, while Ohio State's Will Howard is next up all the way down at No. 51.

Hunter, Carter, Graham, McMillan and Starks all have excellent tape from the college level and will have the opportunity to bolster their already high evaluations at the NFL Scouting Combine or their respective pro days.

But it seems like even the teams that aren't in position to select those elite playmakers will still have the chance to draft impact rookies.