The NFL Draft is finally here, and for the first time in over a decade, we're entering it with a fully licensed college football video game-EA Sports College Football 25-featuring many of the prospects who will hear their names called this weekend.

We've been playing with these guys all season, breaking records and winning Heismans. Now, we get to watch them take the next step-except this time, it's for real.

Real Players, Real Ratings-But Do They Match Draft Stock?

You might assume that the top players in CFB 25 are destined to be first-round NFL picks. But that's not quite how it works. EA rated these players based on college performance, not NFL potential, and the draft is a different beast entirely.

Some stars in the game will tumble down boards because they lack ideal size, speed, strength, or translatable traits. Others might have dominated college despite serious flaws that scouts expect NFL defenders or schemes to exploit. And so, being a 95 OVR in-game doesn't necessarily mean you're a Day 1 pick.

Let's break down the top five in-game players by position who are entering the draft, and take a look at where they're most likely to land based on expert mocks, athletic profiles, and plain old draft nerd knowledge.

Quarterbacks

Top CFB 25 QBs:

Cam Ward

Shedeur Sanders

Jalen Milroe

Quinn Ewers

Dillon Gabriel

Draft Outlook:

Locks for Round 1: Ward and Sanders are the real deal. Both have the tools to start early.

Mid-round Development Guys: Milroe and Ewers are talented but raw-look for them on Day 2 or early Day 3.

Fall Candidate: Gabriel is accurate and experienced, but age (24), size, and arm strength may push him into Day 3 or even UDFA territory.

Running Backs

Top CFB 25 RBs:

All five rated backs are draft-worthy, with TreVeyon Henderson being the wildcard-he might sneak into Round 1.

Draft Outlook:

Most will be gone by the end of Day 2, as NFL teams value versatility and college production more than just blazing speed at this position.

Wide Receivers

In-Game Stars:

Tre Harris

Matthew Golden

Others...

Draft Outlook:

Harris is underrated despite a great college résumé.

Golden will likely be the third receiver off the board thanks to elite traits.

Tight Ends

Surprise Pick:

Oronde Gadsden II has the athleticism but was overlooked in-game.

NFL scouts question his blocking and separation ability, but he could prove to be a steal.

Offensive Line

Takeaway:

The third through fifth-best linemen in the game won't crack the top 10 of the real-life class.

EA whiffed on prospects like Armand Membou, Josh Simmons, and Tyler Booker, who are all rising fast on NFL boards.

Defensive Tackles

Finally, Some Agreement:

The top five DTs in CFB 25 are also the top five in the real draft class.

Expect all to go in the first 50 picks-this position is stacked and NFL-ready.

Edge Rushers

In-Game Bias:

EA favored big-name schools over smaller-school production.

Jack Sawyer and Nic Scourton get the nod, but guys like Mike Green (17 sacks) and Donovan Ezeiruaku (16.5 sacks) are more likely first-rounders.

Linebackers

Reality Check:

This group is a mess.

Higgins, Dolac, and Johnson/Dumas-Johnson aren't expected to make 53-man rosters without serious development.

Barrett Carter likely starts on special teams.

Jalon Walker is the only one truly living up to his in-game rating.

Cornerbacks

Draft Outlook:

Will Johnson and Jahdae Barron are first-round locks.

Nohl Williams and Jabbar Muhammad might slide due to size and tackling concerns.

Muhammad had 28 pass breakups in two seasons, but being 5'8" still hurts his stock.

Safeties

Wild Card Pick:

Malachi Moore is getting unfairly dinged.

He's battle-tested from Alabama, and while scouts nitpick every rep, he could become a late-round All-Pro if he lands with the right team.

Final Thoughts

This draft is a special one-not just for the players, but for fans who've been hands-on with their favorite prospects all year thanks to EA Sports College Football 25. It's never been easier to feel connected to these young stars, and now we get to cheer them on as they chase their NFL dreams.

Whether you're building your dynasty in Dynasty Mode or stacking your roster in Ultimate Team, having CFB 25 Coins on hand makes the journey even better. Make sure you're game-day ready-pick up your NCAA Football 25 Coins and take your squad to the next level.