NFL draft’s 10 safest picks in 2025

The NFL draft is days away and there will be some major hits and some ugly swings and misses.

It happens every year. There will be future superstars selected and there will be major busts. The annual NFL crapshoot makes and breaks front-office people across the league. They spend the offseason trying to figure out how to stay employed.

If that’s where your general manager is, we have a look at the top bust-proof prospects who are expected to be taken in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft:

Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter

The Penn State edge rusher looks like he will be become an above-average sack artist in the near future. He will likely land with the Cleveland Browns or New York Giants with the New England Patriots at No. 4 being his floor. He should fit in with all three teams and become an impact player quickly.

Colorado CB/WR Travis Hunter

He’s just too unique and too good at both wide receiver and cornerback to be a bust. It won’t happen. Honestly, his ceiling is probably if he and his new team agree to have him concentrate either on offense and defense and let him soar. He could get worn down quickly if he’s actually playing 80-90 percent of a game’s total snaps. But, no matter his role, Hunter will be a special fabric of this league.

Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty

I have understood those in league circles who subscribe to the notion that running backs shouldn’t be taken too high. But that theory is out the door with this guy. He is expected to be a top-10 pick and I’m all in. Everyone in the league (including people who played the running back position) think Jeanty can be a generational talent. Draft him and watch him give your offense a special element.

Penn State TE Tyler Warren

The Penn State tight end has few flaws. He is NFL-ready. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if the 2024 rookie success of Las Vegas Raiders’ first-round pick Brock Bowers could push Warren up the draft board and he could be taken much higher than Bowers was at No. 13. And like Bowers, Warren won’t disappoint.

Photo by Sarah Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell

The Alabama linebacker is just a down-and-dirty old-school linebacker that is going to play for a decade and be a tackling machine. He will be quite the efficient first-round pick for years to come.

LSU OT Will Campbell

Campbell is being victimized by the ove-thinking of the pre-draft process a bit. Some are tied up in knots over his arm length. The LSU tackle has called BS on that criticism and he’s right. He a smart, savvy skilled player who will be an instant starter, short paws be damned.

Michigan CB Will Johnson

Cornerback can be a high-bust position. But that shouldn’t be a worry for Johnson. He’s anatural playmaker who has excelled at the highest level in the college game. It will translate to the NFL and he has fast Pro Bowl potential.

Photo by Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images

Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka

He can be the next big-time wide receiver to come out of Ohio State. There just aren’t many worry areas about Egbuka, who plays a highly bust-able position. He is a high-character person who is a polished player. Scouts think he can become the league’s next high-level slot receiver and he could fall to the 20s. He’ll be a great value.

Alabama guard Tyler Booker

The Alabama guard is a steady player who could be a late first-round steal. He’s a plug-and-play type who offensive coordinators will never fret about.

Oregon DT Derrick Harmon

I see a good team, such as the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills or Baltimore Ravens, landing the defensive tackle from Oregon late in the first round and laughing all the way to the postseason with him. He has a huge ceiling with little concerns.