2025 NFL draft prospects- SEC

The 2024 college football season is right around the corner, so you know what that means? The 2025 NFL draft is coming soon, as well. Draft Nation is here to guide you through the prospects and how they can help NFL teams.

Here is a three pack of SEC players who are looking to get selected in the 2025 NFL draft.

G Tate Ratledge, Georgia

• 6-foot-6 308 lbs
• 2023 stats: Started 13 games

What to like about Tate Ratledge

He is a consistent competitor that plays with a good base and fires off low, giving him the upper hand in one-on-one battles. He is fluid getting to the second level and he has the situational awareness of what the defense is trying to do with stunts and spin moves. He is a mauler in the run game and uses his lower half well to hit and drive opponents through the whistle. He relies on his strength to battle defenders one-on-one and works better in tight quarters than he does in the open. 

Reason for concern

Tate Ratledge needs to improve his hand placement and the way he utilizes his initial blow. He relies solely on his strength and this will be less successful at the NFL level. He is not technically or mechanically sound for the position and will need to be taught different techniques by an offensive line coach. He hesitates when pulling and struggles to put a square hit on a moving target. He can be sloppy in his pass protection and his footwork is too choppy for a 6’6” player. Injuries have played a big part in his collegiate career and have cut down on his available game film.

Draft Projection

Third-round pick

Edge Landon Jackson, Arkansas

• 6-foot-7 281 lbs
• 2023 stats: 44 tackles 6.5 sacks

What to like about Landon Jackson

Jackson is a smooth edge rusher with length and speed, using both abilities to cover a lot of ground in a short period of time. Has an explosive burst off the snap and instantly puts pressure on offensive lineman. His versatility is his big calling card, dropping into coverage out of a 3-point stance, or using his speed to cover tight ends. He plays with strong hands and once he locks on to a lineman, he disengages quickly. He has enough flexibility and speed to get around tackles and it feels like he is always causing chaos in the backfield. He has room to add some weight and muscle without losing his athleticism, which is scary.

Reason for concern

As with any other prospect, Jackson has some faults that need to be fixed. When he lines up in a 3-point stance he has a tight base, and quicker offensive lineman can create balance issues right off the snap. He is very raw in his mechanics and more times than not, he gets by on his athleticism and size. In the NFL he will need to be more creative with pass rushing moves because some of his tricks will not work as well as they do in college. He needs to do a better job of reading traps and misdirections and not take himself out of plays. 

Draft Projection

Second-round pick

DT T.J. Sanders South Carolina

• 6-foot-5 298 lbs
• 2023 stats: 43 tackles 4.5 sacks

What to like about T.J. Sanders

Sanders possesses near-elite strength, shedding blocks well and is a reliable tackler. He plays with heavy hands which he uses well when fighting off blocks. He has good instincts to “read and react” and may not have remarkable speed, but his chase down ability and athleticism is above average for the DT position.

Reason for concern

Sanders shows decent burst off the line, but lacks suddenness and explosiveness as plays develop. He is not an extremely quick mover, but possesses quality lateral movement and length to make up for this. He also lacks a deep repertoire of line moves as he tends to just use his strength to push through or bounce off blocks. His spin and other moves are a bit slow and lack the surprising element which is valued in the NFL.

Draft Projection

Fourth-round pick