2025 NFL draft sleepers: These seven players are being undervalued
Each year, there are NFL draft prospects who go unnoticed and end up making significant impacts as rookies.
For example, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving finished in the top 10 in the NFL in rushing yards and led all rookies in the category after being a fourth-round selection in 2024. The year prior, then-Los Angeles Rams rookie fifth-round pick Puka Nacua broke the NFL’s all-time receiving yards and receptions record for a rookie.
Some players in this draft class are currently being slept on but will soon make a name for themselves once the games begin. Paste BN Sports examines seven draft sleepers who have a good chance to grab our attention in the NFL.
2025 NFL Draft: 7 prospects being undervalued
Harold Fannin Jr. TE, Bowling Green
Fannin isn’t a “sleeper,” based on statistics. He set FBS single-season records in both receptions (117) and receiving yards (1,555) for a tight end. He won MAC Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year, becoming the first tight end in FBS history to win conference Player of the Year.
Despite the collegiate success, Fannin isn’t considered a top-three tight-end prospect. Some scouts note he’s a poor blocker, has a limited route tree and didn’t compete against top-tier competition. However, Fannin starred in his role at Bowling Green.
The 6-foot-3 tight end possesses good hands, he’s a playmaker with the football and is tough to tackle. Plus, he’s proven capable of a heavy workload. Penn State’s Tyler Warren and Michigan’s Colston Loveland are the consensus top two tight ends in this year’s draft. But Fannin can potentially develop into the number one tight end in this year’s draft.
Kyle Williams WR, Washington State
The fifth-year senior ranked fourth in college football with 14 touchdowns and eighth in receiving yards. His 70 catches led Washington State.
Williams is a deep threat with 4.4 40-yard dash speed. He tracks the football well and creates good separation.
The 5-foot-11, 190-pound receiver has a slight frame so physical corners and press coverage could give him problems. Still, Williams can use his quickness to his advantage. He has the versatility to play outside or in the slot having played 541 snaps outside and 166 snaps in the slot with the Cougars in 2024.
JT Tuimoloau EDGE, Ohio State
There were times when Tuimoloau was the best player on Ohio State’s defense.
Tuimoloau uses his hands, footwork and overall technique to shed blocks. He doesn’t have the athleticism or quickness of the highly-touted edge rushers, but he relies on fundamentals and power to be effective.
The defensive end amassed 144 tackles, 23.5 sacks and 43.5 tackles for loss during his college career. He ranks in the top 10 in Ohio State history in career sacks and tackles for loss. Tuimoloau was a three-time All-Big Ten performer.
The 6-foot-4, 265-pound defensive end figures to be a Day 2 pick, but he could be a steal.
Tory Horton WR, Colorado State
Horton might’ve been mentioned among the top wide receivers in this year’s draft if he hadn't suffered a brutal knee injury.
Unfortunately, the injury cut Horton’s 2024 season short. He was 30 yards shy of Colorado State’s all-time receiving record when he went down. He produced 193 receptions for 2,620 receiving yards and had 17 touchdowns in three seasons in Fort Collins.
The 6-foot-2 wide receiver is an instinctive route runner with sure hands. He ran a 4.41 in the 40-yard dash at the combine, which should quell concerns about his knee recovery.
Horton compiled 16 catches for 133 yards and one touchdown against a Travis Hunter-led Colorado defense in 2023. He led Colorado State with 96 receptions for 1,136 yards and eight touchdowns that year.
Joshua Farmer DT, Florida State
At 6-foot-3 and 305 pounds, Farmer possesses the frame to be a stout NFL defensive tackle. The Florida State product is powerful, plays the run well and has position versatility as an interior lineman. He doesn’t have a great first step or quickness but can clog lanes and rush the passer from the inside.
Farmer shared a team-high with four sacks last season. He also tallied 32 tackles, eight tackles for loss and 26 pressures. The defensive line is the deepest position group in this year’s draft. Farmer is projected to be a mid-round pick but he could develop into a good starting defensive tackle.
Charles Grant OL, William & Mary
The William & Mary tackle was a standout lineman in college with elite traits and impressive fundamentals.
Grant is 6-foot-5 and 311 pounds. He could add a little more weight and muscle as he transitions into a more physical brand of football.
Grant was named an AP FCS All-American after starting 12 games at left tackle in 2024. He allowed only two sacks and nine pressures during his final college season. Grant has the footwork and technique to play tackle, and the tools to transition inside to guard at the next level. Many scouts project him to be selected in round three or four.
Jordan Phillips DT, Maryland
Phillips is a sturdy nose tackle who is violent at the point of attack. The defensive tackle produced 29 tackles, one tackle for loss and 16 pressures in 12 games last year for the Terrapins.
Phillips is 6-foot-2, 312 pounds. He is twitchy, and his strong upper body doesn't have tremendous length but that helps him spring off blocks.
The Maryland product is projected to be a late-round pick but could be a solid contributor in the right situation.
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