2025 Big Board Preview: Meet The Blue Chips ( + High First Round)

Kelvin Banks, 3 year starter for Texas and an athletic specimen who makes our High First Round list.

Editor's Note: Based on feedback, I have split the Blue Chip category into 2 categories: Blue Chips and High First Round . The new criteria is as follows: Blue Chip - These players were first round picks on our grades board, which combines 3 boards before being sorted. These players are top 10 picks in every respect we consider. Additionally, they have a strong projectable NFL role. There is no set number of these from year to year.

High First Round  - These players were first round picks on every metric used to calculate the overall rank and have strong Projectable NFL role grades. These players are elite talents worthy of a high first round pick. There is no set number of these from year to year.

Enjoy the article!

Hello everybody and welcome to the first article in our 2025 Big Board series! If you haven't seen our methodology before, I suggest reading the article on our draft process first Behind the Draft Process. In short we use performance, athleticism and projectable role to rank players on our big board. The other tiers are more defined, but High First Rounders are players with first round grades in every board that we use, and a strong projectable role - meaning they're the best player at their position at some position-relevant trait or role. Blue Chips are players that are top 10 picks on every board we consider for the model in addition to the High First Round criteria.

Without further ado,

Blue Chips

1. Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

The Nittany Lion ended up taking a commanding lead at the number one spot on our board. Even without testing, his production profile, strong projectable role as having the best bend in the class and being the best overall 4-3 DE, and the value of doing it at EDGE, maybe the most valuable non-QB position, all pushed him over the top.

2. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

Another player that didn't test, Jeanty had an all-time running back season for Boise State last year. 2,600 yards and 30 TDs is exactly what the position needed to see a running back picked as high as Saquon Barkley. Positional value isn't the best, but Jeanty is an undeniable talent who will likely be a top 10 running back in his first NFL season.

3. Will Campbell, OT, LSU

The first player with some controversy around him, Will is projected as a guard in the NFL by many. I think he might be an NFL guard, not because he can't play tackle but the team might like him more at guard. I view Campbell as a tackle prospect and the best tackle prospect in the class. Near perfect athletic scores go with strong to elite play each of the last 3 seasons, and a strong role in having the best hands in the class land Campbell squarely on this list.

4. Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

Barron may be a slot corner in the pros, but don't let that fool you into thinking he isn't a top 5 talent. He had the best production for a corner last year and 2 strong years prior. He also had near elite athleticism (especially impressive for his stature) and is the draft's best zone corner. Whether he plays outside or in the slot is likely down to whether he goes to a zone or man team - he has the athleticism and ability to play on the boundary and be damn good at it.

5. Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

The most unique player in this year's class, Hunter is NFL level at both CB and WR. While most project him as primarily a CB, I think his WR production was even stronger. Whether he plays both positions at the NFl is a mystery; I suspect he tries it, and reverts to one position if he has issues keeping his stamina in check. But the value of 2 positions in 1, especially at such vital positions, is hard to pass up.

 High First Round

6. James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee

Pearce has gotten a lot of heat in the press as of late, but we have his profile rivaling the top of this class. Pearce was one of the best EDGE rushers in college football in both 2023 and 2024, and had an elite combine performance. He has the best get off in the class and is the best 3-4 EDGE in the class. There's little in his profile to suggest he won't be a top 10 pick and a future pro bowler despite his work ethic concerns.

7. Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

Membou has only had 1 year of great production, but he had an elite season last year in addition to his near perfect athletic testing. Membou is a mauler that can overhaul a run game just as much as he can anchor the passing game. Membou may play either tackle role in the pros and he can play left or right at an elite level from day 1.

8. Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

Graham gets knocked for not testing, but his production has been elite going on 3 seasons in Ann Arbor. He is the top pass rushing DT and near the top in run defense as well. Graham has elite pass rush moves, both power and finesse. Expect Graham to be a perennial pro bowler.

9. Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall

Unlike Pearce, Green has had much stronger character concern issues in his past. Many teams likely have him off of their board based on those issues, and if they're legiitimate then I wouldn't blame them. He also didn't do athletic testing. However, Green was the best edge rusher in college football last year and had an elite season the year before too. He could play 4-3 EDGE, but he fits better in a 3-4 scheme. He has incredible pass rush moves, and regularly caught tackles flat footed. While he didn't do it against top competition, he looked very good even when he faced stronger tackles and better teams. Green is undeniably a top 10 talent in this class.

10. Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

The only linebacker in the tier, Campbell was very productive for Alabama last year and put up a monstrous combine performance. He is one of a few linebackers in the class that is a regular 3 down starter, and he has all pro potential. He will be expected to develop his instincts more in the NFL, but his talent is immense.

11. Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

Banks was college football's second best tackle last year behind Campbell. He is the best pass protector in the class, with elite movement and great play in space. He also had good athletic testing. Some project that Banks will play guard in the NFL, but Banks is more than talented enough to stay at tackle, especially with his pass protection capabilities.

12. Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

Emmanwori is sure to be the most contentious inclusion in this list. He has only 1 great year of production, but has been above average his whole career. He is also the best box safety in the class. But what made Emmanwori stand out and earn his role in this group is his athletic testing. Emmanwori got a perfect 10.00 RAS score, making him the most athletic safety since 1987. While safety isn't a position as reliant on athleticism, box safeties like Emmanwori do require good atheltic ability. And unlike other workout warriors, Emmanwori has a solid, consistent, strong production profile and did it on a tough schedule. Emmanwori has more he needs to develop, like Jihaad Campbell, but he will be an above average starter on Day 1 and has all pro potential.

That concludes the list. Please, let me know your thoughts - I'm always looking to improve. The remaining first round grades should release within the next 2 weeks, with the other tiers coming shortly after.