Inside: Analyzing the 2025 NFL draft class in relation to previous drafts that highlighted certain positions, specifically those from 2017 and 2014. Additionally, insights into the current status of Matthew Stafford are included.

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Defining NFL Draft Classes: 2014 WRs, 2017 RBs … and 2025 DL?

While I prepare for this year’s draft, which showcases outstanding talent across three primary position groups (details below), I find myself reflecting on how particular positions have historically influenced the identity of draft classes.

Last year’s narrative revolved around quarterbacks, as six were selected in the first round, tying the historic 1983 draft that featured three Hall of Famers: John Elway, Jim Kelly, and Dan Marino. With many from last year’s class seeing improved circumstances, this story will likely continue to capture attention, especially compared to this year’s expected smaller roster of first-round quarterbacks.

Previous drafts dominated by quarterbacks include 2018 (with Baker Mayfield, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson) and 2004 (featuring Eli Manning, Philip Rivers, and Ben Roethlisberger).

The depth of the 2017 running back class continues to impress, showcasing unparalleled talent. According to TruMedia, since 2000, 108 running backs have surpassed 700 NFL carries, with most classes featuring about four players on that list. The 2017 class, however, boasted ten standout names.

This class, led by Christian McCaffrey and Alvin Kamara, also included notable players like James Conner, Aaron Jones, Joe Mixon, Kareem Hunt, and Dalvin Cook, making it a tremendous pool for fantasy football enthusiasts. The 2008 class, with Jamaal Charles, Chris Johnson, and Matt Forte, is the only one in the last 25 years that comes close.

As for wide receivers, we’ve experienced a golden age. The legendary 2014 class introduced us to Mike Evans, who consistently hits 1,000 yards in seasons, while Odell Beckham Jr. and Davante Adams have both claimed their place as top receivers at various times during their careers.

Then came the 2020 class, showcasing talents like Justin Jefferson and CeeDee Lamb, along with emerging talents such as Jerry Jeudy, Tee Higgins, Brandon Aiyuk, and Michael Pittman Jr.

This trend continued into 2021 with Ja’Marr Chase, Nico Collins, and Amon-Ra St. Brown; 2022 brought us Drake London, Chris Olave, and Garrett Wilson; 2023 introduced Puka Nacua, Zay Flowers, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba; and for 2024, we look at Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas Jr., and Ladd McConkey. Yet, somehow, the Patriots are still searching for a true No. 1 receiver.

The standout tight end class is arguably from 2010, which included Hall of Famer Rob Gronkowski, five-time Pro Bowler Jimmy Graham, two-time Pro Bowler Jermaine Gresham, and Aaron Hernandez. Notable tight ends also emerged from the 2010 class (like Travis Kelce, Zach Ertz, and Jordan Reed) as well as from 2023 (Sam LaPorta, Dalton Kincaid, Tucker Kraft).

On the defensive front, 2011 witnessed players like J.J. Watt, Cameron Jordan, Cameron Heyward, Von Miller, and Patrick Peterson. Count how many Hall of Famers appear in that lineup! Recently, in 2022, all top five draft picks focused on defense, starting with Travon Walker and Aidan Hutchinson.

Strengths of the 2025 NFL Draft Class

While the 2025 class may not match the legendary groups of the past, it excels in these three positions:

Defensive Line: A glance at Dane Brugler’s top 100 prospects reveals that 11 of his top 30 prospects are defensive tackles or edge rushers, showcasing the class’s strengths.

Shemar Stewart from Texas A&M, currently ranked 9th on Dane’s list, is set to rise into top-five discussions after making an impressive showing at the combine, achieving a Relative Athletic Score that deems him the most athletic DE tested since 1987.

After clocking his 40-yard dash, comparisons surfaced with Myles Garrett and Travon Walker, although some spectators noted Stewart’s limited college production (only 4.5 sacks over three seasons) as a potential drawback.

Running Back: The previous year marked only the second instance in NFL history where no running back was chosen within the top 45 picks. The 2025 draft will rectify this, beginning with Ashton Jeanty, who is currently ranked 5th by Dane for compelling reasons:

Continuing through the top 100, Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson (35th), UNC’s Omarion Hampton (36th), Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson (49th), Oregon’s Jordan James (62nd), Ohio State’s Quinshon Judkins (70th), Tennessee’s Dylan Sampson (80th), and UCF’s RJ Harvey (90th) further illustrate the exceptional depth of this class.

Tight End: It’s uncommon to see two of Dane’s top 12 players come from the tight end position, but Penn State’s Tyler Warren and Michigan’s Colston Loveland provide quarterback-friendly skill sets as threats for yards after the catch. LSU’s Mason Taylor, standing tall at 6-5, is a lesser-known prospect with the potential to enter the first-round conversation, as is the highly athletic Elijah Arroyo from Miami.

The drills kick off today for tight ends and defensive backs, with quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers scheduled for tomorrow, and linemen on Sunday. (Travis Hunter will not participate in these drills, part of a growing trend of opting out.) For the latest updates, follow our live combine tracker.

Current Combine Records

To expedite your search for combine record information, here’s a quick summary of the top performers:

• 40-yard dash: Xavier Worthy’s 4.21 seconds (2024)
• Bench press: Stephen Paea’s 49 reps (2011)
• Vertical jump: Chris Conley’s 45 inches (2015)
• Standing broad jump: Byron Jones’ 12-foot-3 jump (a world record in 2015)
• Three-cone: Jeff Maehl’s 6.42 seconds (2011)
• Shuttle: Brandin Cooks’ 3.81 seconds (2014)

Next, Dianna will provide updates on Matthew Stafford’s situation.

What Dianna’s Hearing: Stafford’s Next Steps

The 37-year-old quarterback has spent the last few days assessing his market value, engaging in discussions with the Raiders and Giants, both of which are interested in negotiating a trade with Los Angeles.

Today, Stafford will meet in person with the Rams to outline the next steps. Both the Raiders and Giants have proposed contracts offering between $90 and $100 million guaranteed over two seasons. Find more details here.

Now back to you, Jacob.

Every Friday, I share three stories from The Athletic that you may have overlooked.

How Will the Ravens and NFL Respond?

Greg Fiume / Getty Images

As columnist Jason Lloyd discusses, the allegations against Justin Tucker pose a significant challenge for both the Ravens and the league. Citing parallels to the Deshaun Watson case, which resulted in an 11-game suspension, Jason notes, “It’s important to ponder whether other situations have potentially gone unnoticed.” Read his column here.

Thomas the Tank

WooDoo Photography / Rodney Wooters

I’m instantly drawn in when a prospect is dubbed the smartest and toughest player you’ve likely never seen in action. This prospect is Thomas Perry, who achieved a remarkable 3.92 GPA while pursuing molecular biology and mathematics at Middlebury, a small Division III school in Vermont. Additionally, he made history as the only player from his school to receive an invite to either the Shrine Bowl or the Senior Bowl. From showcasing his flexibility to participating in 4 a.m. training sessions, his story is captivating.

From Near-Death to the First Round

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(Photo: Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images, Joe Robbins / Getty Images)