The Solid Verbal College Football

2025 NFL Draft Preview with Nate Tice

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Episode notes

It's time for our annual NFL Draft preview! In this college football podcast episode, we welcome back Nate Tice of Yahoo Sports for an in-depth look at this year's class. Can Cam Ward's "jazz player" style translate to the pros? Where do Shedeur Sanders and Riley Leonard fit in this QB class? What trends are emerging while evaluating college tape? Who are Nate's pet players, and who are the "Purple Chips" in this year's Draft. Plus, Ty looks for advice for the New York Giants and Dan debuts "The Shania Line."

***KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED***

Draft Philosophy & Process

How Nate Tice evaluates QBs (structure vs. out-of-structure play)
The balance between athleticism and mental processing in QB evaluation
"Day Two Dart Throws" and risk profiles for developmental QBs
"The Shania Line" for various evaluating various position groups

Quarterback Breakdown

Cam Ward: High ceiling, strong in-structure play despite unconventional style; likely QB1
Shedeur Sanders: Ranked QB2 by default, concerns over processing speed and tools
Riley Leonard: Viewed as a developmental QB with elite athletic traits and upside
Tyler Shough: Older prospect (age 26), impressive arm talent, high risk/reward
Kyle McCord: Strong in-structure, limited improvisation ability—"point-and-shoot" passer

Offensive Trends

College defenses increasingly using cornerback blitzes
More split-back formations and evolution in QB run schemes
RPO innovation plateauing
Certain college defenses mimicking NFL-style aggression, e.g., NC State using Cover-0

Offensive Line & Position Development

Modern O-linemen are more athletic, less reliant on power
Right tackles now viewed as nearly equal in value to left tackles
Oregon and Florida praised for offensive line coaching
Concerns persist about inconsistent O-line development across programs

Skill Positions

Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State): Compared to Priest Holmes; exceptional balance, receiving skills, pass protection; a potential top-10 pick
Trey Henderson (RB, Ohio State): Coach’s dream, plug-and-play reliability
Receiver depth is strong; polished route runners emerging earlier
Tight ends now being asked to do more NFL-style blocking and route work

Defensive Prospects

Travis Hunter: Described as a "tiny Randy Moss"—dynamic as a corner, raw as a receiver but freakish athleticism
Jihad Campbell: Top LB prospect, rare skill set in today’s game
Abdul Carter: Flashy pass rusher, needs polish in run game and consistency

Draft Trends & Tiering

Few "generational" or "blue-chip" talents at the top; more depth than elite stars
Many prospects are "green chip" players—solid but with one major flaw
Possible record number of running backs drafted in top three rounds (projected 11+)

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