Ranking the Top SEC NFL Draft Prospects for 2025
The pick is in! Well- kind of. NFL Draft Analyst, Dane Brugler of The Athletic put out a “Way too Early 2025 NFL Mock Draft” which was recapped by Chat Sports’ YouTube channel.11 SEC players were drafted into the first round in 2024, and 155 have been drafted in the first round since 2010. This is by far the most successful stat of any league.
According to Brugler, it looks like 2025 will be no different as 17 players out of the SEC are projected by him to be taken in the first round. With another full year of college football, a lot unquestionably will change, but it is at least intriguing to think about.
Here are my Rankings of the SEC Players Projected to be Drafted in the First Round of the 2025 NFL Draft
#1 Will Campbell (OT, LSU)
LSU head coach Brian Kelly has a history of developing offensive lineman, and Campbell appears to be the next in line. Barring injury, Campbell seems like a near lock to be a top five pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft as he has been starting on the offensive line for the Tigers since his true freshman season.
Dallas Cowboys center, Zack Martin and Denver Broncos offensive tackle, Mike McGlinchey may be two names from Kelly’s time at Notre Dame that sound familiar that have had success on the offensive line in the NFL.
Protecting a franchise quarterbacks’ blindside is paramount in the NFL with the amount of money teams are spending on quarterbacks, so do not be surprised if Campbell is the first SEC player off the board. It may not be the most appealing pick given the position, but it is invaluable. And Campbell has proven to be stead for three seasons in Baton Rouge at this point.
Campbell is projected by Brugler to go fourth overall and be the first offensive tackle off the board.
#2 James Pearce Jr. (Edge, Tennessee)
Pearce Jr. is viewed as the number one overall prospect by many services. Considering that, Bugler ranked him pretty far down at number 10.
Pearce Jr. started all 13 games for the Volunteers in 2023 and emerged totaling 10 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss.
Pearce Jr. is projected by Brugler to go 10th overall. If Pearce Jr. even matches the same production from 2023, there is no way he falls anywhere close to 10th.