2025 NFL draft: Louis Riddick's favorite prospects, sleepers - ESPN

Preparing for the NFL draft is a labor of love. It's a grind to study an entire class, but it's also one of my favorite times of the year. The long process for 2025 is finally coming to an end, as Round 1 is April 24 — less than one week away.

I wanted to pick a few prospects who jumped out to me on tape. The first five are names you already know — true can't-miss first-rounders who are going to be stars. The second five are Day 2 sleepers I really like. These are guys I'd target if I were running an NFL team, and I could see all of them outperforming their eventual draft slots.

My 2023 list had C.J. Stroud and Jayden Reed, and my 2024 list called out Jayden Daniels, Edgerrin Cooper and Quinyon Mitchell. This year's list begins with the quarterback expected to go No. 1 overall and ends with a safety who might have to wait until later in Day 2 to get picked; I tried to hit a little bit of everything. Let's get to it.

Jump to:
First-rounders that I love
Sleepers who could be stars

Ward has gone from zero-star recruit to Incarnate Word (FCS) to Washington State to Miami. And now he seems destined to be the No. 1 pick after throwing for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns last season. It's an incredible journey, and it's a testament to his determination and resilience.

He is totally deserving of being the top selection for the Titans. Ward blends competitiveness, high football IQ, leadership traits and impressive physical skills. I love his command at the line of scrimmage and the way he recognizes coverage rotations after the snap. His overall arm strength and lightning-quick release make opponents defend every blade of grass. There's so much horsepower in his right arm. And Ward (6-foot-2, 219 pounds) is mobile enough to throw on