2025 NFL Draft Preview with Nate Tice

It's time for our annual NFL Draft preview! In this college football podcast episode, we welcome back Nate Tice of Yahoo Sports for an in-depth look at this year's class. Can Cam Ward's "jazz player" style translate to the pros? Where do Shedeur Sanders and Riley Leonard fit in this QB class? What trends are emerging while evaluating college tape? Who are Nate's pet players, and who are the "Purple Chips" in this year's Draft. Plus, Ty looks for advice for the New York Giants and Dan debuts "The Shania Line."

🔑 KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED 🔑

Draft Philosophy & Process

• How Nate Tice evaluates QBs (structure vs. out-of-structure play)
• The balance between athleticism and mental processing in QB evaluation
• "Day Two Dart Throws" and risk profiles for developmental QBs
• "The Shania Line" for various evaluating various position groups

Quarterback Breakdown

• Cam Ward: High ceiling, strong in-structure play despite unconventional style; likely QB1
• Shedeur Sanders: Ranked QB2 by default, concerns over processing speed and tools
• Riley Leonard: Viewed as a developmental QB with elite athletic traits and upside
• Tyler Shough: Older prospect (age 26), impressive arm talent, high risk/reward
• Kyle McCord: Strong in-structure, limited improvisation ability—"point-and-shoot" passer

Offensive Trends

• College defenses increasingly using cornerback blitzes
• More split-back formations and evolution in QB run schemes
• RPO innovation plateauing
• Certain college defenses mimicking NFL-style aggression, e.g., NC State using Cover-0

Offensive Line & Position Development

• Modern O-linemen are more athletic, less reliant on power
• Right tackles now viewed as nearly equal in value to left tackles
• Oregon and Florida praised for offensive line coaching
• Concerns persist about inconsistent O-line development across programs

Skill Positions

• Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State): Compared to Priest Holmes; exceptional balance, receiving skills, pass protection; a potential top-10 pick
• Trey Henderson (RB, Ohio State): Coach’s dream, plug-and-play reliability
• Receiver depth is strong; polished route runners emerging earlier
• Tight ends now being asked to do more NFL-style blocking and route work

Defensive Prospects

• Travis Hunter: Described as a "tiny Randy Moss"—dynamic as a corner, raw as a receiver but freakish athleticism
• Jihaad Campbell: Top LB prospect, rare skill set in today’s game
• Abdul Carter: Flashy pass rusher, needs polish in run game and consistency

Draft Trends & Tiering

• Few "generational" or "blue-chip" talents at the top; more depth than elite stars
• Many prospects are "green chip" players—solid but with one major flaw
• Possible record number of running backs drafted in top three rounds (projected 11+)

Some players discussed: Aaron Donald, Abdul Carter, Alex Smith, Andy Dalton, Andrew Thomas, Armand Membou, Ashton Jeanty, Bijan Robinson, Bill Belichick, Bobby Bowden, Bradyn Swinson, Brandon Weeden, Brian Thomas Jr, Bryce Young, Caleb Williams, Cam Ward, Carson Schwesinger, Chad Ochocinco, Chris Weinke, Colston Loveland, Damien Martinez, Daniel Jones, Darnell Wright, David Montgomery, Deion Sanders, Devin Neal, Dillon Gabriel, Donovan Jackson, Drake Maye, Elijah Arroyo, Evan Neal, Graham Barton, Gus Frerotte, Jack Campbell, Jahmyr Gibbs, Jalon Walker, Jameis Winston, Jayden Daniels, Jaxson Dart, Jihaad Campbell, Jimbo Fisher, Joe Schoen, Jonathan Ogden, Josh Allen, Julius Peppers, Kaleb Johnson, Kelvin Banks, Kirk Cousins, Kyler Murray, Lamar Jackson, Lane Johnson