2025 NFL draft: Jeff Legwold ranks the top 100 prospects - ESPN

It hasn't been easy for talent evaluators to make sense of the 2025 NFL draft class. The combination of COVID-19 seasons, prospects in their mid-20s, transfers and NIL have created several obstacles for scouts to sift through.

«Maybe this is how it's going to look [from now on], but this year feels different,» a longtime AFC scout said. "[It's] pretty thin on top [of the board], thick in the middle, and NIL probably carved out the back end [of Day 3]."

That leaves a class with fewer players with first-round grades than usual. But it does have one of the most unique prospects of the modern era, as Colorado wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter is ranked as the No. 1 player at two different positions by much of the league. It also has a polarizing group of quarterbacks. While Cam Ward (Miami) seems destined to be the first overall pick, the rest of the crop — led by Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) and Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss) — has drawn a variety of reactions from decision-makers.

With those factors in mind, here is my annual top-100 list heading into the draft, which starts Thursday at 8 p.m. ET in Green Bay, Wisconsin (ESPN, ABC and the ESPN App). This list is based on grades, not position value. This isn't meant to be a mock draft, just a pure ranking of the top prospects. Thanks to all those around the league who took the time to chat and answer piles of questions around this annual project.

Note: Listed 40 times are best verified or electronically timed.

Height: 6-foot-1 | Weight: 188 pounds | 40 time: Did not run (DNR)

There are minor concerns that Hunter's frame won't hold up in the NFL, especially if he plays offense and defense. But let's face it: The 2024 Heisman winner is the No. 1 player at wide receiver and corner