With the 2025 NFL Draft just around the corner, excitement is building as football fans, draft enthusiasts, and analysts prepare for the next wave of elite talent poised to transform the league. This year’s draft is stacked with exceptional prospects, making the debate over player rankings, team fits, and overall potential more intense than ever. To add to the buzz, ESPN’s panel of NFL draft experts—Mel Kiper Jr., Matt Miller, Jordan Reid, and Field Yates—participated in a unique superteam draft to select their top prospects for a hypothetical 10-man roster. Their picks highlight key insights into positional value, individual talent, and creative roster building.
Here’s a breakdown of the superteams, the standout players, and what makes this draft class so special.
The Rules of the Superteam Draft
The concept was simple, yet fascinating. Each expert drafted a 10-man roster through a 40-pick snake format. The required roster positions included:
- 1 Quarterback (QB)
- 1 Running Back (RB)
- 2 Wide Receivers or Tight Ends (WR/TE)
- 1 Offensive Tackle (OT)
- 1 Interior Offensive Lineman (G/C)
- 2 Front-Seven Defenders (DL/LB)
- 2 Defensive Backs (DB)
The experts could pick their players in any order, giving them the freedom to build their team around their preferred strategies and scheme fit. Below, we analyze the superteams and the thought process behind each expert’s picks.
Field Yates’ Superteam
Key Players:
- Cam Ward (QB, Miami): Yates snagged the top quarterback in the draft with the first overall pick. Ward has a dynamic arm, excellent mobility, and showcased leadership that makes him a highly sought-after franchise QB.
- Luther Burden III (WR, Missouri): A true playmaker, Burden’s run-after-catch skills make him a dangerous weapon for any offense.
- Will Johnson (CB, Michigan): One of the top cornerbacks in the draft, Johnson brings elite coverage skills and the ability to shadow receivers anywhere on the field.
Analysis:
Yates emphasized high-impact players at skill positions, surrounding his QB with talented playmakers and protecting him with standout linemen like Will Campbell (OT, LSU). His defensive strategy focused on versatility, adding stars like Jihaad Campbell (LB, Alabama) and Shemar Stewart (Edge, Texas A&M) to create a balanced and dominant roster.
Strength: Explosive offense with well-rounded playmakers.
Weakness: Potential reliance on younger defensive talent.
Jordan Reid’s Superteam
Key Players:
- Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado): Sanders is an elite passer who excels in clutch moments, and he’s proven to have stellar football IQ.
- Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Arizona): A big-bodied receiver with great hands and the ability to dominate in contested situations.
- Mykel Williams (DL, Georgia): A disruptive pass rusher with incredible versatility to line up anywhere on the defensive front.
Analysis:
Reid built his team around firepower, selecting offensive weapons early to support Sanders. His defense highlights a strong front seven duo with Walter Nolen (DT, Ole Miss) providing stability against the run. Reid’s roster is built to score points and force turnovers.
Strength: Explosive passing game and elite defensive core.
Weakness: Depth in the secondary could be tested.
Matt Miller’s Superteam
Key Players:
- Travis Hunter (WR/CB, Colorado): The most versatile player in the draft, Hunter’s ability to excel on both sides of the ball is a game-changer.
- Kelvin Banks Jr. (OT, Texas): Anchors the offensive line with elite strength and technique.
- Jahdae Barron (CB, Texas): A shutdown corner with the ability to lock down opposing wideouts.
Analysis:
Miller’s focus was speed and versatility. By selecting Hunter, he gained flexibility to use him offensively as a receiver or defensively as a cornerback. Miller further bolstered his defense with elite pass rushers and top-tier talent in the secondary.
Strength: Overall team speed and offensive creativity.
Weakness: Waiting on QB selection could limit offensive consistency.
Mel Kiper Jr.’s Superteam
Key Players:
- Abdul Carter (Edge, Penn State): A relentless edge rusher with a motor that never quits.
- Omarion Hampton (RB, North Carolina): A powerful yet nimble runner who can control the pace of the game.
- Jaxson Dart (QB, Ole Miss): A rising prospect with a strong arm and a quick release that matches well with Kiper’s offensive scheme.
Analysis:
Kiper’s team focused on defensive dominance, building a unit capable of shutting down any opponent. With Mason Graham (DT, Michigan) anchoring the interior defensive line, his front seven will cause serious problems for opposing offenses. On offense, Kiper’s double tight end strategy highlights creatively maximizing matchups.
Strength: Defensive prowess with a versatile offensive approach.
Weakness: Lack of true WR1 could limit offensive explosiveness.
Key Draft Trends for the 2025 NFL Class
The 2025 NFL draft class is defined by its depth at multiple positions, with the quarterback, wide receiver, and edge rusher groups standing out in particular. Analysts highlighted the following trends from the superteam draft:
- Positional Scarcity at QB: Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders led the pack, but experts agreed the drop-off after QB2 was significant. This made early QB picks crucial for team success.
- Versatility Matters: Players like Travis Hunter and Mykel Williams added immense value due to their ability to excel in multiple roles.
- Dominant Defense: Many experts prioritized building a strong defensive front to pressure quarterbacks and disrupt opposing offenses.
The Big Question: Who Built the Best Superteam?
Now it’s your turn to pick a winner. Which expert assembled the best superteam of top prospects? Submit your vote on the ESPN website and join the debate.
Closing Thoughts
The 2025 NFL draft class is packed with game-changing prospects, offering a glimpse into the future of professional football. Whether you’re a fan eagerly waiting for your team’s next big star or an analyst breaking down scouting reports, it’s clear this draft will leave a lasting impact.
Want to stay ahead of the game? Visit ESPN for in-depth analysis and updates on all things NFL Draft.
