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 & ProcessHow 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 groupsQuarterback BreakdownCam Ward: High ceiling, strong in-structure play despite unconventional style; likely QB1Shedeur Sanders: Ranked QB2 by default, concerns over processing speed and toolsRiley Leonard: Viewed as a developmental QB with elite athletic traits and upsideTyler Shough: Older prospect (age 26), impressive arm talent, high risk/rewardKyle McCord: Strong in-structure, limited improvisation ability—"point-and-shoot" passerOffensive TrendsCollege defenses increasingly using cornerback blitzesMore split-back formations and evolution in QB run schemesRPO innovation plateauingCertain college defenses mimicking NFL-style aggression, e.g., NC State using Cover-0Offensive Line & Position DevelopmentModern O-linemen are more athletic, less reliant on powerRight tackles now viewed as nearly equal in value to left tacklesOregon and Florida praised for offensive line coachingConcerns persist about inconsistent O-line development across programsSkill PositionsAshton Jeanty (RB, Boise State): Compared to Priest Holmes; exceptional balance, receiving skills, pass protection; a potential top-10 pickTrey Henderson (RB, Ohio State): Coach’s dream, plug-and-play reliabilityReceiver depth is strong; polished route runners emerging earlierTight ends now being asked to do more NFL-style blocking and route workDefensive ProspectsTravis Hunter: Described as a "tiny Randy Moss"—dynamic as a corner, raw as a receiver but freakish athleticismJihaad Campbell: Top LB prospect, rare skill set in today’s gameAbdul Carter: Flashy pass rusher, needs polish in run game and consistencyDraft Trends & TieringFew "generational" or "blue-chip" talents at the top; more depth than elite starsMany prospects are "green chip" players—solid but with one major flawPossible 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, Marvin Harrison Jr, Marvin Harrison Sr, Mason Graham, Mason Taylor, Mewelde Moore, Mike Vick, Mitchell Evans, Montez Sweat, Mykell Williams, Noah Fifita, Omarion Hampton, Onterrio Smith, Priest Holmes, Randy Moss, Riley Leonard, Robert Smith, Russell Wilson, Saquon Barkley, Scott Tolzien, Shedeur Sanders, Steve Smith, Steve Spagnuolo, Teddy Bridgewater, Terrance Ferguson, Tez Johnson, Tory Horton, Travis Hunter, Trent Williams, Trey Amos, Trey Henderson, Tristan Wirfs, Tyler Shough, Tyler Warren, Xavier WattsA fan of our college football podcast? 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