Observations as final Big Board takes shape … With now just over two weeks to go until the start of the 2025 draft, we’re in the process of putting together the final version of the GBN Big Board which we plan to post early next week. And while most teams around the league also now have their respective boards complete, there still appears to be a certain level of fluidity at several positions. No one should be surprised, for example, if Armand Membou of Missouri is ultimately the first OT off the board on the 24th as he appears to have edged ahead of LSU’s Will Campbell on several team’s boards. In fact, Campbell is conceivably one of those guys who could slip a bit in the opening round, in large part because of concerns about his length as his arms are under 33-inches which is kind of the lower end of the bar for an NFL LT. That has led to an ongoing debate whether Campbell could actually end up inside at the next level. At the same time, nobody should be surprised if Jahdae Barron of Texas is the first corner selected ahead of Will Johnson of Michigan who has not been able to work out to date because of a shoulder and foot injuries. And it is a similar story at WR where no one should be surprised if Texas’ Matthew Golden is the 2nd WR selected after Colorado’s Travis Hunter. The key there is speed: Golden has it – he led this year’s combine with a sub-4.3 40 clocking – while Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan, who has generally been considered the #2 prospect at the position, looks to be more of a 4.55 guy. One other player to watch is North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton; with the RB position enjoying something of a renaissance these days, no one should be surprised if he were to sneak into the top dozen or so picks later this month.
