Who will be the second defensive back taken in the 2025 NFL Draft?
NFL Draft month as arrived, as teams aim to find future stars.
Held in Green Bay, there will be plenty of big names that will be drafted early, such as Travis Hunter.
Hunter is a unique player, one who can play on both sides of the ball as either a cornerback or wide receiver. He had some great success for the Colorado Buffaloes, playing under former NFL superstar Deion Sanders, who was also a player who could play on both sides of the ball.
During two college seasons, Hunter recorded 1,979 receiving yards, 20 receiving touchdowns, three tackles for loss, 66 total tackles, one forced fumble, 16 passes defended and seven interceptions. His 2024 campaign earned him the Heisman trophy, which has further increased his draft stock. It would take a lot for any other defensive back to go ahead of him in next month’s draft.
The first defensive back taken in 2024 was Quinyon Mitchell, who ended up winning a Super Bowl for the Philadelphia Eagles in his rookie season. There will be a lot of pressure on Hunter to repeat this success.
Everyone knows Hunter, but there are other defensive backs getting far less attention. Here are the three candidates to be the second taken.
Will Johnson (4/5)
After three seasons with Michigan, where he won a National Championship in the 2023 campaign, Will Johnson is the favourite to be taken next with odds of 4/5.
During his time with the Wolverines, he recorded 57 total tackles, nine interceptions for a return of 237 yards. This includes 128 in 2024 with an average of 64 yards gained per interception.
Johnson has been described in his scouting report as a strong tackler, someone with the ability to play both man and zone, with an excellent anticipation, length and size.
The San Francisco 49ers would be his best fit, with defensive back one of their biggest needs. Despite boasting the fifth best pass defense in 2024, they have lost some key members to their secondary after the departures of Charvarius Ward and Talanoa Hufanga.
Jahdae Barron (6/5)
Johnson has been described as a “gambler mentally” in his scouting report with some concerns over his ability to handle double moves. Should these doubts kick in, then Texas’ Jahdae Barron (6/5) could rise up the draft board and be taken before.
After five seasons with the Texas Longhorns, he certainly has experience on his side, which might appeal to NFL front offices. During his 2024 seasons, Barron recorded 67 total tackles, five interceptions for 82 yards and 11 passes defended.
In 2024, the Cincinnati Bengals had an MVP nominee quarterback in Joe Burrow but they still missed out on the playoffs. Having recently paid Ja ’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, there is doubt over whether they will pay defensive end Trey Hendrickson. Ranked 21st in pass defense and with only seven teams allowing more points in 2024, their secondary is sure to be a target for their front office.
A team looking to win now, after the aforementioned deals for Chase and Higgins, they may look at experience over talent should they have both Johnson and Barron available to choose from.
Nick Emmanwori (9/1)
A dark horse when it comes to the betting odds, South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori could be the guy to take a punt on.
With 244 total tackles, 11 passes defended and six interceptions across three seasons, he is a worthy outsider, with odds of 9/1 that are worth taking a chance on.
Andy Davies