The 2025 NFL Draft class is an interesting one. On the surface, it seems like a relatively weak class; however, the more you dig, the more gems you discover. While watching the tape, three guys stood out as guys with immense talent and upside that haven’t gotten the recognition they deserve yet in this draft cycle. These players aren’t under the radar, and all seem like near-locks to be selected early in the draft, but I see them as legitimate blue-chip prospects and guys who should be looked at as the best at their position in the 2025 NFL Draft class.
Hidden Blue-Chip Prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft
Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Matthew Golden has a skillset that will transition cleanly to the NFL. His route running combined with the twitch and athleticism he possesses are top tier. Golden might be the best separator in this class. He can separate and run routes at any part of the field. Golden has elite speed and burst on tape. He verified this by running a 4.29 40-yard dash at the scouting combine. Golden has elite body control and shows good instincts against both man and zone coverage.
Matthew Golden is going to be a star. He has all the tools and he showed up in every big game for Texas in 2024. Golden is versatile and can play at any receiver position. He will win most of his reps wherever he is put. The ceiling for Golden is extremely high and the floor is there as well. He will be an impact player right away and could quickly become a star player at the next level. Matthew Golden’s NFL-ready skillset and high ceiling earn him blue-chip status.
Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
Benjamin Morrison is the top coverage corner in this class. He is a true boundary corner that will shut down whoever is lined up in front of him. Morrison is a good athlete and an absolute technician at the cornerback position. The knock on Morrison has been an injury that ended his 2024 season. Morrison is now healthy and ready to become the top corner in the 2025 NFL Draft.
On tape, Benjamin Morrison is elite. He limited separation with his savvy instincts and elite technical ability. Morrison has fluid hips and a ton of range. He does well breaking on the football and while he wasn’t targeting much in college, he managed to come away with interceptions at a good rate. Morrison is a good man coverage corner but his skills stand out when he is in zone coverage. Morrison is twitchy and quick while breaking on the ball and his eyes are always in the right place.
He does well-disrupting receivers and rerouting them while maintaining zone discipline. Overall the game looks slow to Morrison. He is always in control and manages to use his length and quickness to limit separation. Morrison has all the tools to become a lockdown corner at the next level and his instincts and technique earn him blue-chip status.
Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Josh Simmons is the top offensive lineman in this class by a wide margin. He suffered a season-ending injury in the middle of the 2024 season and his draft stock has cooled since. Simmons is expected to be ready for training camp in the 2025 NFL season. Many look at the top of this draft and struggle to find an offensive lineman that stands out, Josh Simmons is the guy. He is a phenomenal talent and absolutely dominates on tape.
Josh Simmons is a strong athlete with high-level foot quickness and controls his body well to create a strong anchor. Simmons is a good run blocker and can get out in space and maul. His fluid movement ability allows for him to work across the face of blocker and blow open running lanes. He is the best pass-protecting tackle in this class. He has long arms and a strong frame and can secure blocks with his grip strength and can handle any type of rush with his quickness and strong footwork. Simmons is a true left tackle. He can plug and play right away and can become a star in whatever scheme he ends up in. Josh Simmons is the perfect blend of technique and athleticism, earning blue-chip status.
Main Photo: Tanner Pearson – Imagn Images
