2025 NFL Draft: The Best Sleeper Picks Who Could Change the Game
The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine is upon us, and while marquee names dominate the headlines, the real intrigue lies with the under-the-radar talents determined to make a splash. These sleeper prospects, often overshadowed by their higher-profile counterparts, are ready to display their skills and athleticism and potentially reshape draft boards and team strategies. Keep an eye on these emerging players eager to prove they belong on football’s grandest stage.
Dillon Gabriel, Oregon Ducks
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Teams want a quarterback who operates with speed, accuracy, and confidence. Dillon Gabriel has been that guy throughout his college career. His deep ball is smooth, his decision-making is quick, and his ability to move in the pocket keeps defenses guessing. The big test at the combine is proving that his mechanics translate against top-tier competition.
Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech
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Bhayshul Tuten deserves more attention with his explosive cuts, tough running, and underrated receiving skills. He’s been a problem for defenses, bounces off tacklers, and accelerates through gaps like a player built for the next level. Will his speed and agility numbers pop in testing? His draft stock will rise fast if they do.
Logan Brown, Kansas Jayhawks
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Dominant offensive linemen block defenders and erase them. Logan Brown has the size and raw power coaches love, but his technique determines his future. Teams will be locked in on his footwork, hand placement, and drill recovery ability.
Jalen Rivers, Miami Hurricanes
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Plug him in anywhere, and Jalen Rivers will hold his own. The Miami lineman is flexible enough to play multiple spots, which could make him invaluable to a team that needs depth. His lateral movement and ability to anchor in pass protection will be under the microscope. He needs to shine in agility drills to be a strong mid-round option.
Jordan Burch, Oregon Ducks
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Quarterbacks hate when a defender gets off the line before they even finish their drop. Jordan Burch does that better than most. His first-step explosiveness is his calling card, but the NFL will want to see his ability to bend and counter against tackles. Testing well in lateral quickness is his trump card for getting picked.
Alijah Huzzie, North Carolina Tar Heels
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Instincts and ball skills have always been Alijah Huzzie’s strengths, and they’ve led to plenty of big plays in coverage. He doesn’t simply react to throws but anticipates them. The biggest test at the combine will be his fluidity in movement drills. The crowded DB class means he must stick with elite athletes to get a chance.
Craig Woodson, California Golden Bears
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Some safeties hit, some cover, and others do both. Craig Woodson falls into the last category. His ability to diagnose plays and close quickly makes him an intriguing prospect, but his straight-line speed will be a key question mark. Running well in the 40 and moving fluidly in drills will have teams taking a closer look.
Will Howard, Ohio State Buckeyes
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Will Howard has a strong arm and pro-style experience, which makes him an interesting project for teams needing depth at quarterback. He’s flashed moments of high-level play, but consistency will be the focus at the combine. Accuracy in throwing drills and clean footwork will be his ticket to a better draft grade.
Cam Skattebo, Arizona State Sun Devils
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Cam Skattebo runs like he’s trying to bulldoze through a brick wall while keeping his balance. That’s a rarity for power backs with agility who don’t come around often. His ability to shed tacklers and stay upright through contact is impressive. Teams will want to see his burst to ascertain his speed drills.
Dont’e Thornton, Tennessee Volunteers
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Dont’e Thornton’s long strides, big hands, and knack for making tough catches make him a receiver to watch. He’s got the size-speed combo that teams love, but his route running is the biggest test. The rookie’s sharp breaks and consistent hands in drills will sneak him into a much higher draft position.
Harold Fannin, Bowling Green Falcons
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Tight ends who can play like oversized receivers are always interesting. Who fits the bill, if not Harold Fannin? His college stats show he’s a legitimate passing-game weapon, but scouts will closely watch his athletic testing. He needs to move well and show solid blocking technique; they could make him a good mid-round pickup.
Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona Wildcats
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At 6-foot-5 and over 330 pounds, Jonah Savaiinaea looks like a roadblock in human form. His strength in the run game is clear, but pass protection will be his biggest test at the next level. Quick feet and balance will be key for him at the combine, especially in one-on-one drills against explosive defenders.
James Pearce Jr., Tennessee Volunteers
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James Pearce Jr. is a speed rusher who makes life miserable for quarterbacks. He can get around tackles quickly and become a nightmare off the edge. Scouts will pay close attention to his explosiveness in the broad jump and 10-yard split to measure his burst.
Shavon Revel, East Carolina Pirates
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Shavon Revel has the size to match up with bigger receivers, but teams will want to see how he moves in space. Fluidity in coverage drills and solid numbers in speed testing could push the Winston-Salem-born cornerback into higher rounds than many expect.
Eugene Asante, Auburn Tigers
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Speed and instincts are everything for linebackers in today’s NFL. Eugene Asante has plenty of both. His ability to read plays and close gaps quickly has been impressive. Teams would want to see if he can stay disciplined in coverage. A strong showing in agility drills and positional workouts will strongly solidify his stock.