The Beast Unleashed: 5 Biggest Shocks And Key Takeaways From Dane Brugler's 2025 Top 100 Big Board

The NFL Draft cycle is officially in full swing, and no analyst’s rankings carry more weight and meticulous detail than those compiled by Dane Brugler of The Athletic. As of December 15, 2025, his latest Top 100 Big Board for the 2025 NFL Draft has been released, shaking up the consensus and providing a deep dive into a class that many view as lacking a true "can't-miss" prospect at the top.

This comprehensive list—a precursor to his legendary annual guide, "The Beast"—is mandatory reading for fans, scouts, and fantasy enthusiasts alike. Brugler’s rankings are not a mock draft; they are a pure evaluation of talent, and the positional value he assigns to players like Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter is already generating intense debate across the league.

Dane Brugler: Biography and Professional Profile

Dane Brugler is one of the most respected and prolific NFL Draft analysts in the industry, currently serving as a lead Draft Analyst for The Athletic. His reputation is built on an unwavering dedication to film study and an exhaustive scouting process that covers hundreds of prospects from all levels of college football, not just the Power Five conferences.

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• Current Role: NFL Draft Analyst for The Athletic.
• Signature Work: Author of "The Beast," his annual, in-depth NFL Draft guide. This guide is renowned for its sheer volume, featuring hundreds of detailed scouting reports, player rankings, and contextual background.
• Education: He is a 2004 graduate of John F. Kennedy High School (JFK graduate), demonstrating a long-standing commitment to his craft that predates his national prominence.
• Career Philosophy: Unlike many analysts who focus on projection, Brugler's work is grounded in assessing a player's ability to stay on the field and factoring in the risk associated with those who have a significant injury history. This meticulous, pro-style evaluation makes his Top 100 a trusted resource for NFL front offices.

The Defensive Revolution: Breaking Down the Top 5 Prospects

One of the most immediate and striking takeaways from Brugler’s latest 2025 Top 100 is the overwhelming strength of the defensive side of the ball. For the first time in a long time, the top of the board is dominated by defensive talent, signaling a potential shift in how the 2025 NFL Draft will unfold in the first round.

The rankings suggest that teams picking at the very top of the draft may be forced to choose an elite defensive player over a less-certain quarterback or offensive lineman, a major departure from recent draft trends.

The Top 5 Rankings and Positional Value

The biggest surprise on the entire board is who sits at the No. 1 spot. It is not a quarterback, nor a premium offensive tackle, but a dominant edge rusher, solidifying the defensive theme of the class.

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1. Abdul Carter, DE/Edge Rusher (Penn State): Brugler’s No. 1 overall player. Carter is viewed as a tremendous space athlete with the physicality and range to be an immediate difference-maker in the NFL. Placing a non-quarterback at the top sets the tone for a defensive-heavy draft.
2. Travis Hunter, CB/WR (Colorado): Ranked No. 2, Hunter’s evaluation is fascinating. His dual-threat ability as both an elite cornerback and a capable wide receiver gives him unique positional value. Brugler's high ranking suggests a belief in his ability to be a true lockdown corner at the next level.
3. Ashton Jeanty, RB (Boise State): The inclusion of a running back at No. 3 is a massive shock to the draft community, where the running back position has been devalued. Jeanty’s elite ranking speaks volumes about his rare talent and three-down potential, positioning him as the clear RB1.
4. Mason Graham, DL (Michigan): A powerful defensive lineman, Graham’s ranking at No. 4 further emphasizes the strength of the defensive trenches in this class. He is viewed as a high-floor prospect who can anchor a defensive line immediately.
5. Jalon Walker, Edge Rusher (Georgia): Another elite edge presence, Walker’s inclusion in the top five highlights the positional depth that Brugler has identified. He rounds out a top five where four of the five players are on the defensive side of the ball.

Key Takeaways: Risers, Sleepers, and the Quarterback Question

Beyond the top five, Dane Brugler’s Top 100 Big Board provides critical insights into the depth of the 2025 class, particularly concerning position groups and potential sleepers who could climb into the first round before the NFL Scouting Combine.

The Dominance of Edge Rushers and Defensive Backs

The most loaded position on Brugler’s board is undoubtedly edge rusher. His Top 100 features a staggering 10 edge rushers, making it the deepest positional group in the entire class. This high volume suggests that teams needing defensive help will have ample opportunity to find elite talent well into the second and third rounds.

The depth at cornerback and safety is also notable, reinforcing the idea that defense will be the story of the 2025 NFL Draft. Players like Will Johnson (Michigan CB) and Malaki Starks (Georgia Safety) are highly valued and could see their stock continue to rise as the process moves forward.

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The Curious Case of the Quarterbacks

One of the most significant takeaways is the lack of a surefire, "can't-miss" quarterback prospect. While players like Shedeur Sanders (Colorado QB) and Carson Beck (Georgia QB) are prominent names, Brugler’s rankings suggest a degree of uncertainty. The absence of a consensus top-tier signal-caller is what allows the defensive players to dominate the top of the board.

This analysis implies that any team trading up for a quarterback will be taking a calculated risk, as the positional value is not as clear-cut as in previous years with prospects like Caleb Williams or Trevor Lawrence.

The "Sleepers" and Surprise Value Picks

Brugler is known for identifying small-school or under-the-radar prospects who end up being mid-round steals. While the full list of his favorites is reserved for "The Beast," his analysis consistently highlights players who offer exceptional value outside of the typical first-round discussion. These "hidden gems" are often players with high football character and NFL bloodlines, a detail Brugler’s scouting reports are famous for including.

The high ranking of a running back like Ashton Jeanty is itself a surprise, but watching which other non-traditional positions (like tight end Brock Bowers in previous years, or a high-ranking interior lineman) crack the top 30 will be a key indicator of Brugler's unique positional valuation.

Conclusion: Setting the Stage for the 2025 NFL Draft

Dane Brugler's latest 2025 Top 100 Big Board has firmly established the narrative for the upcoming NFL Draft: it is a defensive-heavy class with elite edge rushers and defensive backs, and a highly uncertain quarterback landscape. The rankings are not just a list of names; they are a reflection of a detailed, film-first scouting methodology that prioritizes pure talent and positional scarcity.

As the NFL Scouting Combine approaches, the rankings will inevitably shift. However, Brugler’s list provides the essential foundation, offering a unique perspective that will guide the conversation for the next few months. For those looking to understand the true talent pool of the 2025 NFL Draft, "The Beast" and his Top 100 remain the gold standard.