2025 NFL Draft: Small-school prospects who will make a big impact

A centerpiece of Toledo's defense for four seasons, Alexander is capable of rushing the passer from the interior. He recorded nine sacks over the last three seasons.

A participant in the Senior Bowl, Bayer is hoping to hear his name called on Day 3 of the draft. He started his college career at Lamar.

Fannin had an epic 2024 season, recording 117 catches for 1,555 yards and 11 total touchdowns. The All-American could go as high as Day 2 of the draft.

The 6-foot-5 Grant was a starting left tackle for multiple seasons at William & Mary. He could hear his name called on Day 3.

A transfer from Virginia, Green is coming off an extremely productive season with 17 sacks. His production could put him on the map as a potential edge-rushing specialist.

Hook appeared in games during five seasons at Toledo and recorded seven interceptions over the last three years. The safety's eye for the ball could provide him some draft consideration.

Horton transferred from Nevada to Colorado in 2022 and accumulated back-to-back 1,100-yard seasons. Unfortunately, he played only six games last year due to a knee injury, but could be a nice buy-low draftee.

Jeanty was a star at Boise and is expected to be the top running back selected in 2025. He has a chance to be a top-10 pick after gaining over 2,700 yards and 30 touchdowns last season.

Kone was very productive over the last two seasons for Western Michigan. He had 70 tackles, one pick, and nine passes defensed in his final college season as he eyes the draft.

Lane had seven interceptions in four years at Navy, including six of the last two years. He's slightly undersized but remains a strong pro prospect.

Converted from quarterback to wideout, Nash showed his athleticism last season with 104 catches for 1,382 yards and 16 touchdowns. He remains a work in progress but could be a sleeper in the middle rounds of the draft.

Ransaw had an eye for the ball in the last two seasons at Troy and Tulane, with a combined 10 interceptions. His ability to create turnovers could entice NFL teams.

Revel could be an early-round pick in spite of missing most of 2024 due to a torn ACL. He shined in 2023 with 54 tackles and 13 passes defensed in 12 games.

Royals emerged in 2023 with over 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns, but he missed time in 2024 due to a foot injury. He re-emerged as an excellent draft prospect at the Senior Bowl.

Slater was an FCS All-American at Sacramento State and started for three seasons. He missed time in 2024 but still has a chance to be drafted.

Stout recorded six picks over the last three seasons at Western Kentucky. He's undersized at 5-foot-9 but profiles as a slot corner.

Vinson has ample size and athleticism at 6-foot-7 and started four seasons at left tackle. He could need time as a developmental prospect.

Walker recorded 10.5 sacks last season and is on the map as a 3-4 defensive end. While he lacks great height, Walker has the strength to contribute immediately.

A transfer from Georgia, Webb is a former top recruit with elite physical tools. He got plenty of playing time and experience after transferring in 2022.

A Michigan State transfer, White is coming off back-to-back huge seasons at UNLV. He had over 1,400 yards in 2023 and accumulated over 1,000 yards again last season. He's also capable as a punt returner.

Woodard might lack the physical traits to be a top NFL talent, but his college production doesn't lie. The Arkansas transfer had over 100 tackles in back-to-back seasons and four picks last year.

Yarns still stands out in a deep running back class, after accumulating over 1,000 yards from scrimmage last year. He was very production in three straight seasons at Delaware.

Zabel was a two time National Champ for the storied North Dakota State program and a key cog in their offensive line. He played both tackle and guard in college.