Todd McShay Disputes Criticism 2025 NFL Draft Is 'Terrible': It's 'Loaded Depth-Wise'

The 2025 NFL draft has been labeled as “terrible” by many, but draft analyst Todd McShay thinks otherwise given its loaded depth.

“But I will say this—and I think it has a lot to do with NIL and the incentive NIL presents to stay in college, and still some leftovers from COVID-19 and then also the transfer portal—this draft is loaded depth-wise,” McShay said, per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. “It’s absolutely loaded at certain positions. It’s not all positions, but I laugh, because everyone’s like, It’s a terrible draft.”

Bleacher Report’s NFL Scouting Department has these five topping its latest big board: 

1. CB Travis Hunter, Colorado  

2. EDGE Abdul Carter, Penn State 

3. DL Mason Graham, Michigan

4. WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona

5. S Malaki Starks, Georgia

The draft is set for April 24 as the NFL's biggest offseason event. Despite concerns about its television appeal, it remains a crucial event with significant talent at each position.

“It’s a terrible television draft,” McShay said, per Breer. “Outside of (Colorado QB) Shedeur (Sanders) and Travis (Hunter) and I guess (Miami QB) Cam (Ward) at this point and a couple other guys, it’s just not the same group that we’re used to seeing at the top of the draft. That’s what everyone’s frustrated by.”

The 2024 NFL draft featured an exciting top four, including Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.

Last year's draft is a tough one to follow, as NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah is calling the 2025 draft a “starter draft, not a star draft.”

“Go plug holes. Go find starters. You’re going to get really solid. There’s just not a lot of special. There’s not a lot of superstars,” Jeremiah said, per Breer. “There’s a lot of supporting actors and character actors. I don’t know if there’s a lot of leading men.”

The Tennessee Titans (No. 1 pick), Cleveland Browns (No. 2), New York Giants (No. 3), New England Patriots (No. 4) and Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 5) will undoubtedly gain top-notch talent, even if there isn't a lot of mainstream star power.