Preview of the candidates for the 2025 NFL Draft: Cameron Ward, Oronde Gadsden II, Jonah Monheim

The 2024 college football season has already begun, which means we now have new data to consider when analyzing the 2025 NFL Draft prospects!

We start our preview of the young players with USC center Jonah Monheim, Miami FL quarterback Cameron Ward and Syracuse tight end Oronde Gadsden II..

Let’s dive in!

Preview of the candidates for the 2025 NFL Draft

Jonah Monheim (C – USC)

I know scouting offensive and defensive linemen isn't for everyone, but I just can't help it. I love watching football in the trenches, and if you're like me, you'll like Monheim's video.

Monheim is 6'5″ and 300 pounds. He is a versatile offensive lineman who has found his way into the middle of the Trojans' offensive line. During his 40-plus game career, he has started 34 times, including 18 at right tackle, 12 at left tackle and four at right guard. He returns as captain this season and has already played over 100 snaps and has not allowed a single sack.

He really stands out on video with his lower body mobility and lateral movement skills. Best suited to play the interior, I would expect teams to see Monheim as a center or guard in the NFL. He allowed just two sacks last season and has played over 1,800 snaps before 2024. Teams will value the versatility and experience he brings to an offense. Already playing against teams like LSU, Monheim and the USC offense have another tough task ahead of them this weekend when they face Michigan. We'll see how he fares against first-round picks like Mason Graham of the Wolverines.

Cameron Ward (quarterback – Miami, Florida)

There is probably no quarterback doing more for the Hurricanes' draft stock than the Hurricanes' Ward. When he transferred from Washington State after 25 starts (13-13 record), there were moments of Ward on video. His greatest strength was undoubtedly his mobility and how easily he could extend plays beyond the pocket. But scouts wanted to see more of him as a passer.

Through three games, he has shown incredible improvement as a passer. He has completed 73% of his passes (65 of 89) for 1,035 yards with 11 touchdowns and one interception this season. Looking at his performance against Florida and Ball State, he is very accurate and seems quite comfortable in the Hurricanes offense. He throws from a variety of arm angles and makes calculated throws down low, while being able to tear defenses apart with his quick passing game.

In Week 4, Ward and the Hurricanes travel to South Florida. While this isn't the toughest opponent, it's still a road game and it's important for Ward to stay consistent. He may not have made the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, but he's definitely worth keeping an eye on every week this season.

Oronde Gadsden II (TE – Syracuse)

Coming from NFL bloodlines, it should come as no surprise that Gadsden II is a successful receiver. His father, Oronde Gadsden, played for the Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins. As for Gadsden II, he switched to tight end in 2022 and it may have been the best move for his career. He's recovering from a season-ending Lisfranc injury last season, but it doesn't look like he missed a step.

He's off to a great start this season and is already the leading pass receiver and yardage leader for the Syracuse offense. Last week against Georgia Tech, we saw Gadsden make six receptions for 93 yards and two touchdowns. He'll look to stay in top form this week against Stanford.

Gadsden's size is noticeable on video at 6'4″ and 230 pounds. His long catch radius is noticeable and whether he's on the “X,” in the slot, or in the line, positive things seem to happen when you throw the ball his way. He's fluid after the catch, but his pad level needs to be adjusted in the NFL as he sometimes runs a little too high. Overall, his skill level leaves a lot to be desired and he'll get another opportunity to show what he can do this week against Stanford.

Dynasty Trade Value Table