Predicting the top prospects in the next NFL Draft, a mere 360 days prior to the event, is an exercise in futility that has become vastly more difficult in the age of the transfer portal.
Any yet, we trudge on.
The Hotline’s chief objective isn’t to accurately project draft positions for players in the western third of the country, although any success is most welcome. Rather, our goal is to provide context on the distribution of talent across the region and help frame expectations for the upcoming season.
In 2025, that talent will be heavily concentrated in the Pacific Northwest.
A quick note on the methodology: We focused on the players deemed (by yours truly) most likely to enter the draft, which is scheduled for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
For example, UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava, the heralded transfer from Tennessee, has first-round potential. But the Hotline is skeptical of his performance — given the modest surrounding talent, difficult schedule and inexperienced coaching — justifying the leap to the NFL as a third-year junior.
Like many players listed below, Iamaleava could make us look prescient … or foolish.
1. Utah OT Spencer Fano: The former blue-chipper has met the standard that followed his commitment to Utah. He started for the Utes at left tackle as a true freshman (in 2023) and was named first-team all-Big 12 last season. (Fano also received second-team AP All-American honors.) He’s dominant in the run game, has NFL bloodlines and is tracking to be a first-round selection next spring. Elite tackles are coveted every year, by every team.
2. Oregon OLB Matayo Uiagalelei: He has received far less attention than his older brother, DJ, but emerged as the Uiagalelei with the brightest NFL future. Matayo led the Ducks in sacks last season (10.5) and was an all-Big Ten honoree. He’s an outside linebacker on Oregon’s official roster but could potentially play defensive end or the edge position. What’s beyond question: He’s a Day 1 candidate.
3. Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt: A revelation last season after transferring from Michigan State, Leavitt will face immense pressure in 2025 — in part because ASU figures to become more reliant on the passing game without Cam Skattebo in the backfield. Our projection is rooted in the assumption that Leavitt’s development will continue at its current rate under coach Kenny Dillingham.
4. Washington CB Tacario Davis: The former Arizona star has the build of a safety — he’s 6-foot-4 with long arms — but currently projects as a cornerback. The good news: We’ll have clarity Sept. 27, when the Huskies host Ohio State. (If Davis runs with Jeremiah Smith, he can play cornerback in the NFL.) Relevant nugget: 15 cornerbacks, but only six safeties, were selected in the top three rounds last week.
5. Oregon WR Evan Stewart: Although slightly built at 175 pounds, Stewart has the speed to become a Day 1 draft pick, along with the resume: He was the No. 1 receiver in the country when he signed with Texas A&M in December 2021. After two seasons in College Station, Stewart moved to Eugene and was a role player with the Ducks in 2024 (48 catches and five touchdowns). We expect a breakout season in the fall.
6. USC DT Keeshawn Silver: One of several sleeper prospects on our list, Silver has not played a down for the Trojans. But the 330-pounder was a five-star prospect in the high school class of 2021 before spending two forgettable years at North Carolina and two more at Kentucky. Any signs of dominance next fall will supercharge his draft value.
7. Oregon OT Isaiah World: If you’re unfamiliar with the name, that’s understandable. The massive World (6-foot-8) was a three-star recruit who spent four years at Nevada, eventually earning all-Mountain West honors and morphing into the No. 2 prospect in the transfer portal this offseason. He’s projected to replace Josh Conerly Jr. as the anchor of Oregon’s line — and potentially follow Conerly into the first round of the draft.
8. Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson: After a stellar season, Tyson mulled a jump to the NFL but opted to return to Tempe, refine his game and increase his draft stock. He has terrific chemistry with Leavitt. If ASU’s aerial attack operates at maximum efficiency and Tyson remains healthy — he missed the playoff with a broken collarbone — the move could pay off spectacularly.
9. Washington WR Denzel Boston: After two quiet seasons behind UW’s stellar collection of receivers in 2022-23, Boston had an opening last fall and took full advantage with 63 receptions, nine touchdowns and honorable mention all-Big Ten recognition. Despite his size (6-foot-4), Boston separates well and runs precision routes. He might not become a Day 1 selection, but Day 2 is a distinct possibility.
10. Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq: No player listed here comes as close to attaining freak status as Sadiq, who played a backup role behind Terrance Ferguson but is poised for a breakout season in 2025. He’s 245 pounds but runs like he’s 210, with power and a fluid stride. We expect Sadiq to produce a first-rate season and an absolutely stellar NFL combine.
11. Utah LB Lander Barton: A huge name in the 2021-22 recruiting cycle, Barton followed his older brothers, Jackson and Cody, to Salt Lake City. He missed half his sophomore season with an injury and doesn’t play a high-value position. But he’s too smart, and too good, to drop into the late rounds next spring. Like his brothers, Barton should have a long, prosperous NFL career.
12. Washington DT Simote Pepa: Another sleeper prospect, to the extent that a 350-pounder could be considered a sleeper. Pepa spent four years at Utah, starting infrequently. Now in his final year, we expect him to become an impact player each week and emerge as an intriguing prospect next April.
13. Oregon S Dillon Thieneman: Last on the list, Thieneman could make our projection look silly — not for including him in the first place but for slotting him too low. The Purdue transfer is a first-rate athlete and playmaker who earned all-Big Ten recognition as a sophomore in 2024. Safeties don’t carry the same value as cornerbacks and edge rushers, so this could become an example of college production far exceeding draft position.
*** Send suggestions, comments and tips (confidentiality guaranteed) to wilnerhotline@bayareanewsgroup.com or call 408-920-5716
*** Follow me on the social media platform X: @WilnerHotline