The opinions expressed in this article are based solely on Logan Paulsen's opinions and expertise as a draft analyst and do not reflect those of the Commanders' front office.
We're just a few days away from the start of the NFL Draft, and draft boards across the league are getting finalized to rank the best players available in this year's crop of prospects.
So, in preparation for the three-day event, we asked Command Center analyst Logan Paulsen to give us his top 100 players based on his expertise. Let's dive into Paulsen's thoughts on the 2025 class.
There is magic in his get off, his ability to stress the opposing tackle off the first step is perhaps the most impressive thing in this entire draft class.
There are workload concerns with Jeanty, who had 397 touches in 2024. However his ability to make people miss -- he had 106 broken tackles -- and elevate his offensive line make him a special prospect.
The best football player in the class needs no introduction. He is the top corner and wide receiver in the same draft with special ball skills and football instincts. The only question is whether the NFL can figure out how to use him best.
There is not a lot of flash to Graham's game, but he is a technician who has plus fluidity for a man of his size. I'm not sure about his ceiling, but the floor sky high.
Lots of questions about his measurables. There are blemishes on the film, but he has special balance for the position, and his football character is off the charts.
He was injured in 2024, but when you look at the aggregate of the last two seasons, Loveland is an offensive mismatch weapon waiting to happen. His body control and route running feel special.
Ward took the long road to Miami. He was a zero-star recruit with stops at Incarnate Word and Washington state. His improvement coupled with his playmaking instincts make him the only quarterback in this class who could change a franchise.
Membou's combination of freakish size (6-4, 332 pounds) coupled with his electric 4.91 40-yard dash at the combine put him in a rare pantheon of athletes for the position, and the film backs it up.
He's not the most dynamic athlete, but don't let his average testing numbers fool you. Starks has everything you look for in an NFL safety/nickel. He can cover in man and is a physical tackler. He's a football player's football player whose lack of consistent ball production has people spooked.
Harmon was built to play defensive tackle at 6-4 and 313 pounds with 34 3/8 inch arms. You feel him almost every play; his ability to lock offensive linemen out with his length and sit double teams is awesome. Couple that with his 10.7% pressure rate (second for DT's in FBS) and you see the makings of a special player at the NFL level.
He has a tremendous feel for playing the position and understands when and how to vary the speed of his routes while not losing any speed through his cuts. He also catches the football at an extremely high level.
If Johnson came out in 2023, he would for sure be a top five player after accruing nine interceptions. However, after an injury-riddled 2024 season that saw inconsistent effort, he leaves the 2024 season with more questions. Despite that, he plays with outstanding technique and feel for the football.
Green plays the game like a Tasmanian Devil, flying all over the field. He led the nation in sacks in 2024, showing his full complement of pass rush moves. The small school competition and some off-field concerns might see him slide, but he is an exceptional football player.
Warren is a big, strong presence and plays the game with the physicality it is supposed to be played with. There are concerns about his short area quickness, but I love what he stands for as a player.
The game looks easy for Barron; he an explosive athlete, as evidenced by his 4.39 40-yard dash at the combine. Despite his plus athleticism, his instincts are the biggest draw for me. He can play inside or outside but is probably better suited as a nickel.
In 2024, Walker looked dominate. His ability to blitz and rush the passer as a true edge player is elite. However, his lack of ideal measurables make his transition to a full-time NFL edge uncertain.
As far as off-ball linebackers go, Campbell is special. Rarely do you see an off-ball linebacker do it all. He shows a rare fluidity in coverage while also being able to shed blocks and is dangerous as a blitzer. There are some health concerns with a shoulder injury showing up late in the process, but his 2024 film is excellent.
McMillan might have the highest upside of any pass-catcher in the draft. For a man of his size, he can really sink in and out of breaks. Couple that with his strong hands, and he is an intoxicating talent. However, he needs to play with more urgency and physicality to maximize that potential.
While Banks played left tackle at Texas, his home in the NFL seems to be guard. He is explosive and does a great job of creating power through his hips.
Williams was one of the more difficult players to evaluate in the 2025 Draft. He has everything NFL teams are looking for but an injury muddied the evaluation. Ultimately, NFL teams will be betting on the freaky athletic upside.
Simmons is the most athletically gifted tackle in the draft and could have been a top five player had it not been for a knee injury during the sixth game of the year. He has all the talent in the world, but questions about maturity and the injury might lead to a slide.
The classic "traits versus production" player. Stewart looks like he was built in a lab and blew up the NFL Combine with his athletic testing. However, the lack of consistent production could push him down boards.
Ezeiruaku is a pass rusher's pass rusher who possesses a deep arsenal of moves and knows how to set up offensive lineman over the course of a game, as evidenced by his 16.5 sacks in 2024.
There are times on film when he looks like a man amongst boys. He has great physicality, catches the ball well and has enough athletic upside to create explosives for an offense. In a draft light on playmakers, Hampton may go higher than people think.
He's an easy player to love. Embuka seemingly does everything the right way; route running nuance, blocking and catching the football. The only knock is that he is not a top flight athlete, but that hasn't stopped Puka Nacua.
From a raw horsepower standpoint, Emmanwori is probably the freakiest player in this draft class. There are flashes on tape that back it up. However, there are some effort and physicality concerns on tape that push him down the board.
Grant was built to play defensive tackle (6-4, 330 pounds), but don't let his size fool you; he is a deceptive athlete who is only scratching the surface of what he can be.
A small school prospect who has killed the pre-draft process. Zabel was a left tackle at NDSU who dominated the Senior Bowl practices at guard. His quick feet and high football IQ make him feel like a Day One starter.
Such a solid football player. Jackson plays with great technique and understands language and leverage at the highest of levels. He is an extremely high-floor player.
The inconsistent tape in 2024 coupled with the stellar 2023 performance makes it hard to place Burden. I am betting on the play making from 2023.
Revel had an injury 2024, resulting in a three-game season. However, he has all the qualities you look for in a corner. He's physical in man-to-man situations and a competitive tackler with the length and frame to go with it.
He's big and physical, and from all accounts, has some of the highest football character in this class. Concerns about general athleticism caused him to be pushed down the board.
A traditional pocket passer who sees the field well. He needs more polish than the national media is willing to acknowledge.
He's an explosive, powerful and penetrating player who needs to go to the right system to maximize his skill set. Despite his athletic build, he needs to develop as a pass rusher.
He's a high upside tackle prospect from Oregon. When you watch him, he has all the traits you are looking for out of an NFL tackle. He needs to grow and get stronger but has the potential to be a difference maker at tackle in the NFL.
Hairston is a player who as all the athletic upside you are looking for. He ran a 4.29 at the combine and plays to that speed. He has great instincts and understands how to track the football. There are concerns about his lack of ideal size.
Taylor does nothing great but everything well. He is someone who has the potential to be a better pro than a college player. He's physical, tough and has plus athleticism makes me excited about what he could be at the NFL level.
Draws inspiration from Ricky Bobby -- he likes to go fast. With one of the best 10-yard splits at the combine, he is able to stress tackles on every play. Rumors about lack of effort pushed him down my board, but the talent is undeniable.
Higgins is one of the biggest enigmas in the class. He does most of his work from the slot at Iowa State but is a special athlete and could make the transition to outside.
Plays very hard and has as a diverse pass rush portfolio. Production was down in 2024, but the 2023 tape shows what he can be.
Plays the game with a "want-to" and violence that makes him an easy watch. Couple that with his frame and his exceptional testing at the combine, and he is one of my favorite players in this class.
Collins is one of the biggest players in the entire draft. Not only does he play to his size, but he has quickness and athleticism to go with it. He would be higher on my list, but there are concerns about his conditioning.
He is a bigger corner who has tremendous ball skills and can play in a variety of systems. Not as urgent on tape as I would like, but the talent is there.
Henderson is a big play waiting to happen. He's not as explosive as the Jahmyr Gibbs but could bring that style of playmaking to an offense.
His frame and feel the position make him one of the safer picks in the class.
Norman-Lott is the ultimate disrupter in this class. He uses his hands well and has a wide array of pass rush moves. I think when it is all said and done, he could be the best interior pass rusher in this class.
Jaylen Noel is awesome to watch. He is undersized but plays like a ball of lightning, competes his face off and plays bigger than his frame would suggest. He reminds me a little bit of Santana Moss.
Morrison might be drafted later than this because of the hip injury. But his film in 2023 -- and when he did play in 2024 -- is fun to watch. If the medical information checks out, he will be a solid pro.
Some guys exemplify what it means to play football; Jack Bech is one of them. He is tough, competitive and smart, which makes it easy to ignore his athletic limitations.
A player with tremendous instincts. His foot work and vision in zone coverage are some of the best in the class. I worry about his ceiling as an athlete, but his production is undeniable.
Ersery is a little stiff, which hurts his ability to bend, but has quick feet for a man his size and knows how to mirror pass rushers. He's big tackle who can pass protect play a long time in the NFL.
Savaiinaea played right and left tackle at Arizona, but I think his full time home will be at guard. He is a plus athlete with a massive frame.
This former walk-on is the model of a modern NFL linebacker. He can cover and can run to the football well. He needs to work on defeating blocks, though.
There is no doubt he has some athletic limitations, but I love how he goes about his business. He is confident and physical in man-to-man situations and isn't afraid to tackle.
A player with tremendous instincts. His foot work and vision in zone coverage are some of the best in the class. There are concerns about his top end speed, but his production is undeniable.
Don't let his testing at the combine fool you. This guy is the best zone running back in this class and understands how to break tackles and hit home runs.
After only playing two games last year because of a torn ACL, Winston is a player that feels like people forgot. But watching 2023 seeing his size, range and sure tackling on full display makes me excited about what he could be in the NFL.
When it is all said and done, I might be too high on him, but the Senior Bowl performance sold me his leadership, and his pass rush upside is why I am all in.
He looks the part and is a tough competitive runner who can flick the football. The questions about his ability to consistently read NFL defenses make me nervous.
Has to work on his pass protection, but he has the ability to make something out of nothing and hit the home run.
He was electric at the Senior Bowl and almost unrecoverable, but an extensive injury history and one year of production pushed him down the board.
Knight is a true throwback linebacker. There are concerns about his ability to cover, which might cause him to fall, but I love the physicality and leadership that he plays with.
There are some concerns about his lack of size and anchor, but Mbow is possibly has the best feet of any offensive lineman in the class.
Harris is a big-body wideout who had a limited route tree at Ole Miss. However, the physical traits and big play ability are exciting.
He's a little high cut and not the best athlete but plays through the whistle and has a high football IQ.
At just under 6-8, he is one of the tallest players in the class. He is well coached, smart and plays with a nice physical edge. He might not have the ceiling of some of the other offensive lineman, but his floor is comforting.
One of the best athletes at the position in this year's draft and could develop into a true offensive weapon.
He's such a fun player to watch and a great athlete for a man who weighs over 330 pounds and understands the dark arts of stopping the run. Doesn't have a ton to offer as a pass rusher at the moment, but maybe he blossoms at the NFL level.
Plays with a beautiful attacking style that I love. Bursts through the hole with violence. He would be higher on the list, but I thought there were times he struggled when the runs were muddy.
Has good size with length and plenty of pass-rush production. He could be more physical as a run defender, but I love his athleticism.
Slightly undersized, but I love the way he plays. He's physical when running downhill to the football, a sure tackler and has enough ball production to get you excited.
Parrish is probably more of a nickel that true outside corner, but he is a heck of a football player who reminds me of Mike Sainristil.
With beautiful releases, high level stems and great after the catch ability, Williams is the best recovery receiver in this year's class.
Uses his hands well and has a good feel for rushing the passer. Offensive tackles are shocked by his arm length on film. Would be a nice addition to a defensive line rotation.
Runs a little hot and cold, but the athletic upside us undeniable.
One of the most underrated players in this draft class. Coming off an ACL in 2024, it feels like the draft community has forgotten about him. That is their mistake.
The lack of length and elite athleticism shows up on tape, but he is incredibly instinctive and plays extremely hard. Reminds me a little bit of Sam Hubbard.
Might have the highest upside in this class with the athleticism at length that NFL teams covet. Despite being from a small school, Grant won't have to wait long to hear his name called.
Extremely quick and plays with great snap. There are times when he can get overpowered because of his lack of ideal body weight, but he has the ability to be a starting center because of his athleticism.
Running back converted to wide receiver, and it shows up on tape. He has dominant flashes on tape and runs violently with the football. He's new to the position and is coming off an injury but feels like this year's Deebo Samuel.
Not the biggest or strongest but runs with contact balance rivaled only by Ashton Jeanty. There are concerns about his ability to maintain this style of play at the next level and lack of burst, but part of me doesn't care; he is a heck of a football player.
If I was more confident in my defensive back evaluations, I would put him higher. I love the player; he has great feel for man coverage and understands when he can turn and play the football.
A little stiff and does not have the best ball skills, which is concerning, but Ayomanor is a physical specimen who plays hard and has "X" upside.
If he was younger, he would be higher. I love how he spins the the football and has a clear feel for the position. How much of that stems from the fact that he is the oldest player on the field is unclear.
There are certain guys you just fall in love with, and Ransom is one of those for me. Not the best athlete at the position but has a nose for the football and plays with an edge that keeps you watching.
A huge defensive end that brings flexibility to a defensive front with inside outside flexibility. Sneaky good pass rusher, but a ack of consistent effort shows up on tape.
Safety, linebacker, edge hybrid and might be one of the more interesting athletes in the class with the ability to run with wide receivers and rush like a defensive end. Determining where his best fit is will make or break is NFL career.
A dancing bear of a man who moves extremely well for his size. He's raw with his hand placement and has some pre snap penalties, but his upside is tremendous.
Porter might be the biggest freak in this years draft class with all the height length speed and agility you could ask for at the position. However, after one year of playing defensive back at Iowa State, he still needs to work on the nuances of the position.
Played right tackle at LSU but probably moves to guard. I love his length and toughness. He feels like an NFL football player when you watch the film.
Converted safety who plays the way the modern linebacker needs to play. He can cover and is relentless to the ball carrier.
Not the fastest but has great route running nuance and catch radius and competes inline.
Plays wide receiver but is probably more impressive for his snaps at wildcat quarterback. There is uncertainty about what he will be at the next level, but he is an explosive playmaker when the ball is in his hands.
A small school player who does not have the traditional measurements for an edge player (6-0, 263 pounds) with sub 32-inch arms. However, he plays with elite power that seems to always surprise the offensive tackle.
Squatty back that can catch the football and hit the home run with his 4.40 speed.
Will be the smallest player in this draft and might turn to dust if someone tackles him, but he looks uncoverable at times.
Is a sawed-off run stopping defensive tackle that has surprising burst and pass rush upside.
Fifth year senior out of Miami who is not the greatest athlete but understands offensive line play and plays with tremendous strength.
A big edge defender who can play inside and out. Plays with great length and power, but most importantly plays like each play may be his last.
This big board is probably higher on him than the consensus. He is a mountain of a man who tested well at the combine. His best football is ahead of him.
Honorable mentions
- Barryn Sorrell, EDGE, Texas
- Shemar Turner, DT, Texas A&M
- Wyatt Milum, G, West Virginia
- Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green
- Cameron Williams, T, Texas
- Josiah Stewart, EDGE, Michigan
- Kyle Kennard, EDGE, South Carolina
- Ashton Gillotte, EDGE, Louisville
- Ty Robinson, DT, Nebraska
- Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Virginia Tech
- Tai Felton, WR, Maryland
- Billy Bowman, S, Oklahoma
- Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas
- DJ Giddons, RB, Kansas State
- CJ West, DT, Indiana