The defense is cool again.
The 2024 NFL Draft began with a record 14 consecutive picks on the offensive side of the ball, but there are early projections for the 2025 draft class that could see pass rushers and cornerbacks take the top spots.
At least until the games begin and some quarterbacks start to change their perspective that a downturn is coming after a record six quarterbacks were selected in the first 12 picks.
Below is an unranked list of the top 10 NFL prospects in college football, compiled by The Washington Post based on conversations with NFL talent evaluators.
Carson Beck, QB, Georgia
After sitting on the bench for three seasons during an era of heavy transfers, Beck ranked third nationally in passing yards and fourth in completion percentage last season.
What's even more impressive is that his performance trended upwards as the season progressed.
Beck has classic size (6-foot-4, 220 pounds) and arm strength, and he can make passes with his touch.
NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah likened Beck to a young Eli Manning.
Beck has added a new element to his life: a relationship with influencer girlfriend Hannah Cavinder that has come under scrutiny on social media.
Shedul Sanders, QB, Colorado
As you'd expect from the son of Deion Sanders, Shedur is loaded with talent, toughness and swagger.
What he needs to show under his father and head coach is more consistency, including better performances against top Big 12 opponents.
Sanders allowed just three interceptions on 430 passes last season, and while he trusts his pre-snap instincts, his unwillingness to give up losing plays led to him being sacked 52 times.
He'll scramble, but he's not a true dual threat and isn't built to sustain big hits.
Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
The irony here is that Hunter is mirroring Sanders' explosive versatility.
Hunter is more polished as a catch-and-run receiver, but also has intriguing potential as a press cornerback who can drive to the ball and show quick recovery times.
Could he focus on defense with some offensive packages and special teams returns?
As Deion proved, you don't have to be a great tackler to contain your side of the field.
Last season, Hunter logged 100+ snaps seven times.
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
It's not going to be easy to win 50/50 ball against Johnson.
Johnson makes plays that go beyond his 6-foot-2 frame, whether he's competing with a bigger receiver at the catch point or lowering his shoulder against a running back.
The 2023 national championship defensive MVP recorded his seventh career interception in the game.
New coordinator Wink Martindale's scheme gives Johnson a chance to thrive in man-to-man coverage, but he already has a safe floor.
Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
The former three-star recruit was one of two interior defensive linemen in the country to receive a top-10 rating from Pro Football Focus as both a pass rusher and run stuffer.
Combine a fast first step with a deep understanding of leverage and this is what you get.
Perhaps the best thing is that the tactically adept Graham still possesses the relentless engine of a player who is often overlooked.
With more pass rushing power (5.5 career sacks), he could be a candidate for the No. 1 pick.
Abdul-Kater, EDGE, Pennsylvania State University
The hybrid linebacker wears the same jersey (No. 11) that Micah Parsons wore at Penn State, so it's only natural that comparisons will be drawn to Parsons circa 2021.
Carter had the second-highest pass-rush win percentage (24.8%) among off-ball players in the Power Five conferences last season and will be moved to a more focused pass-rush role this season to take advantage of his agility and closing speed.
He was arrested in April on misdemeanor assault and harassment charges.
James Pierce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
Don't let the scale (243 pounds) fool you.
Pierce has a legitimate combination of size and speed to use his lower body to launch rushes and maintain tight angles when bending the edge.
He played nearly as many snaps against the pass as against the run last season and recorded 10 sacks (52 pressures) to go with 18.5 tackles for loss.
Pierce can also step into cover if necessary.
Michael Williams, DL, Georgia
The next alpha on a perennially talented defensive line has played in deep rotations the past two seasons and recorded nine sacks total.
He's been compared to 2022 No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker as a maverick athlete who is potentially more dangerous in the pros than in college.
Williams is already a good run-stuffer with a knack for blocking, but his pass-rush moves need to be refined and diversified.
He displays versatility both inside and out.
Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
By mirroring his receivers in man coverage, Morrison is able to lure the quarterback into jumping his route.
A natural ball-tough guy, he has recorded nine interceptions in two seasons but also gets to the line of scrimmage (4.5 tackles for loss).
What he lacks in size he makes up for with the athleticism and intelligence that allows him to quickly absorb complex tactics.
The word “engineer” comes up a lot.
Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas
A starter from the moment he stepped on campus, Banks appeared in 27 games over two years and allowed two sacks.
He blocked for the running back who was selected first in each of the past two drafts.
Once the top-ranked recruit in football-crazed Texas, he has lateral agility that belies his 6-foot-4 height and 325 pounds and is already adept at recognizing stunts and using his hands.
If he plays as a guard, his value will go down.
