2025 NFL Draft: 25 prospects who are diamonds in the rough

Bryant isn't the fastest player on the field, running a 4.61 40-yard dash, but he had a way of coming up with 50/50 balls in college at Illinois. He finished just short of 1,000 yards rushing last season with an amazing 18.2 yards per catch and 10 touchdowns. His strength could make him a nice late-round find.

A former top recruit, Burden's stock is down after regressing last season. He had only 676 yards receiving after recording over 1,200 in 2023, but Burden's YAC and return abilities still make him an elite prospect. He'd be a great value if he falls to Round 2.

Dart showed improvement in every season at Ole Miss, including 69% completion rate and over 4,200 yards passing last year. He lacks elite athleticism but could emerge as a starter in the later rounds.

The younger brother of Jags star Travis Etienne, Trevor could be the victim of a deep running back draft class. He had an excellent 4.42 second 40-yard time, and shows the ability of a three-down back.

Ewers saw his accuracy slip in the SEC last season, and he's more of a pocket passer. NFL teams likely see Ewers as an NFL backup, but his experience in the Texas offense makes him NFL-ready.

It's hard to find a more productive tight end than Fannin, who recorded 117 catches for 1,555 yards last season. He still needs to prove his blocking and ability against tougher competition, likely pushing him to later in the draft.

Ferguson was a productive player at Oregon, and helped himself by running a 4.63 40 at the combine. There are questions about his blocking, but Ferguson could emerge as a strong Day 3 pick.

Giddens put together a strong resume at K State, with over 2,500 yards rushing in the last two years. He has good size and capable hands, and could emerge as a starter from later in the draft.

Green was one of the most productive players in college football last season with 17 sacks. Yet, his lack of big-time competition is a knock he will have to contend with, but he could still emerge as an excellent NFL pass rusher.

Hairston had an outstanding season in 2023 with five interceptions, but missed time last season due to a shoulder injury. Any fears were put to rest at the combine with a blazing 4.28 40-yard dash, but he could still drop due to injury concerns.

Harvey has been one of the college games' most productive backs, including 1,844 yards from scrimmage and 25 touchdowns last year. He has elite speed for a back, but lack of height at 5-foot-8 could push him beyond Round 2.

Henderson upped his stock with a spectacular senior season, with over 1,000 yards rushing and 7.1 yards per carry. His strong combine performance adds even more hype, yet Henderson could slip past Day 1 due to a strong running back class.

Howard proved highly accurate in Chip Kelly's offense last season after transferring from Kansas State, completing 73% of his passes. However, his lack of elite arm strength and athleticism could push him lower in the draft.

McGlaughlin was a key part of offensive lines at Alabama and Ohio State, winning the Rimington Trophy last season as the nation's top center. However, his stock took a big hit due to an Achilles tear, likely dropping him to Day 3.

Noel showed marked improvement in each season at Iowa State, finishing with 80 catches for 1,194 yards and eight touchdowns last year. He ran a sub-4.4 40 at the combine, but his lack of height will likely push him well into Day 2.

Pearce regressed last season after recording 10 sacks in 2023. His physical tools should outweigh the production as a possible 4-3 defensive end who ran a sub-4.5 40-yard dash.

Porter is very much a developmental prospect, lacking experience at cornerback and spending six years in college. However, his tools are off the charts at 6-foot-4 with a 4.3 40-yard dash. The right team could turn Porter into a strong contributor down the line.

Revel played only three games last season due to injury, a blemish that likely pushes him out of the first round. He has great physical ability at 6-foot-2, and showed strong production in 2023.

Scourton has looked like a first-round pick at times, including his 10 sack season with Purdue in 2023. His production fell last season, and has the size and power to be a great 4-3 defensive end on Day 2.

Sawyer made a name for himself in four season at Ohio State, including nine sacks. He will likely be pushed to Day 3 due to a lack of speed, but a high motor and production in college shows solid pro potential.

Schwesinger was a tackling machine in a breakout season for the Bruins in 2024, recording 136 tackles and four sacks. He still plays a role that isn't highly thought of early in drafts, but should emerge as an inside linebacker starter on Day 2.

Skattebo put the Sun Devils on his back last season with over 2,300 yards from scrimmage and 24 touchdowns. There are questions about his lack of speed and contact running style, but the worst case looks like a quality third down back on Day 3 of the draft.

Tuimoloau profiles as a powerful 4-3 defensive end, though his lack of quickness could push him to Day 2. The production at an elite program is undeniable, recording 23.5 sacks in four seasons with the Buckeyes.

Umanmielen will likely fall at least into Round 2 due to his lack of strength, but his production in the SEC was promising. He had 25.5 sacks in five seasons with Florida and Ole Miss, taking a strong step forward last season.

Zabel's main knock is his college competition at North Dakota State, but he's one of the most versatile prospects in the draft with experience at tackle and guard. At worst, he looks like a solid backup immediately.