2025 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch in the Sugar Bowl

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Georgia Bulldogs collide in a highly anticipated AllState Sugar Bowl matchup between two teams with aspirations of the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. In addition to wanting to advance in the inaugural 12-team tournament, there are a host of 2025 NFL Draft prospects looking to raise their stock in front of a national audience.

Notre Dame 2025 NFL Draft Prospects

• Benjamin Morrison, CB (Rounds 1-2) – Injured
• Xavier Watts, S (Round 2-3)
• Howard Cross III, DT (Rounds 4-5)
• Rylie Mills, DL (Rounds 4-5) – Injured
• Mitchell Evans, TE (Rounds 5-6)
• Riley Leonard, QB (Rounds 4-6)
• Jack Kiser, LB (Round 6-7)
• RJ Oben, DE (Round 7-UDFA)
• Beaux Collins, WR (UDFA)
• Jaylen Sneed, LB (UDFA)
• Pat Coogan, Olympic (UDFA)

Benjamin Morrison’s NFL Draft Projection

Unfortunately, Benjamin Morrison is out for the rest of the season with a hip injurybut as the top-rated Fighting Irish NFL prospect, he still warrants attention at the top of this list.

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At 6’0″ and 190 pounds, Morrison is one of the most technically polished cornerback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, displaying sufficient athleticism with fluid body movement, fierce physicality and innate anticipation. Whether the injury causes Morrison to drop to the second round is a question waiting to be answered.

Xavier Watts’ NFL Draft Projection

Xavier Watts leads Notre Dame with five interceptions and nine passes defensed in 2024 and is one of the top safety prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Irish safety shows elite anticipation and physicality, while his explosive downfield trigger and instincts make the 6’0”, 205-pound safety a top Day 2 target.

Howard Cross III’s NFL Draft Projection

Howard Cross is a bully on the cutting edge and creative disruptor. He possesses the dominant strength and underlying awareness to penetrate the backfield, leading to 23 tackles, six TFLs and four sacks in 13 appearances this season. But at 6’1″ and 288 pounds, the former four-star recruit is undersized, which will limit his immediate appeal to NFL teams.

Rylie Mills’ NFL Draft Projection

With a team-leading 6.5 sacks in 2024, Rylie Mills projects as a 3-tech in the NFL, where he can unleash his pass-rushing potential, explosive athleticism and overwhelming strength. The Notre Dame defensive lineman is an excellent athlete at 6’5″ and 295 pounds. However, a knee injury will keep him out of the Sugar Bowl.

Mitchell Evans’ NFL Draft Projection

Mitchell Evans leads Notre Dame in 2024 with three receiving touchdowns. It could be a passing offense charge in South Bend. However, the 6’5″, 253-pound tight end is a natural receiver who creates mismatches with his large frame and spatial awareness.

Georgia 2025 NFL Draft Prospects

• Malaki Starks, DB (Round 1)
• Mykel Williams, EDGE (Round 1)
• Jalon Walker, OLB (Round 1)
• Tate Ratledge (Round 2-3)
• Carson Beck (Round 3-4) – injured
• Smael Mondon Jr., LB (Round 4-5)
• Jared Wilson, Olympics (Rounds 4-5)
• Daylen Everette, CB (Round 4-5)
• Earnest Greene, OT (Rounds 4-5)
• Oscar Delp, TE (Round 5-6)
• Xavier Truss, Olympics (Rounds 5-7)
• Nazir Stackhouse, DT (Rounds 5-7)
• Trevor Etienne, RB (Round 6-7)

Malachi Starks’ NFL Draft Projection

Elite safety Malaki Starks is one of the top 2025 NFL Draft prospects overall and is close to being a guaranteed first-round lock. The Georgia DB has demonstrated his ball-hawking nature by collecting six interceptions during his three seasons in Athens. His athleticism, awareness, football IQ and tackling ability jump out on tape.

Mykel Williams’ NFL Draft Projection

Mykel Williams is a dynamic edge rusher with exceptional size and athleticism, making him a strong candidate for an early selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 265 pounds, he displays elite agility and impressive power, positioning him as a potential top-10 pick.

If Williams can refine his pass-rush strategy and translate his pressure into tangible results, he has the potential to be an outstanding player at the next level.

Jalon Walker’s NFL Draft Projection

Expect Jalon Walker to be drafted higher than many expect. The Bulldogs defensive end has played both edge rusher and off-ball linebacker in the 2024 season under Kirby Smart, but he will likely be used predominantly as an edge rusher in the NFL. This is due to Walker’s explosive movement skills, exceptional bending and flexibility that allow him to excel at winning at the rim.

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In addition, the versatile Georgia product possesses strong hand placement, efficient arm strokes and technical pass-rushing moves that will ease his transition to the next level. Walker has all the necessary attributes, and NFL teams will believe they can take full advantage of his talents.

Tate Ratledge’s NFL Draft Projection

Tate Ratledge is considered one of the top interior offensive linemen eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft and is getting a Day 2 grade. Georgia’s right guard possesses impressive strength, powerful blocking ability and solid mobility.

His experience as a starter, combined with his effective performance in both pass protection and run blocking, makes him well-positioned to contribute to an NFL team in year one.

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