2025 NFL Draft- An Early Look at the Biggest Sleepers and Possible Hidden Gems

At the end of January, we had the Shrine Bowl and Senior Bowl, and now that the scouting combine is just around the corner, NFL draft analysts are busy putting together their early mock drafts.

It’s easy to focus on the players in the spotlight, but today, we’re here to evaluate the NFL Draft prospects that could very well be hidden gems in their rookie seasons.  

 Dillon Gabriel (QB) – Oregon

The diminutive left-handed quarterback, a unique presence in the field, has competed for UCF, Oklahoma, and Oregon. His numerous games and significant productivity have not gone unnoticed, securing him third place in the Heisman Trophy voting. His achievement of a minimum of 30 touchdown passes on three occasions is a testament to his unique skills.

The Cardinals were identified alongside the Miami Dolphins as teams where he could seamlessly integrate.

Walter Nolen (DT) – Ole Miss

Nolen's length and explosive initial movement generate immediate force, enabling him to disrupt plays through rapid gap penetration. He creates leverage that compels holding calls.

He does not depend solely on speed to achieve victory, yet his offensive strategy is inefficient, particularly when he is tardy in reading the play.

As a pass rusher, he exhibits remarkable intensity in his first burst and adeptly utilises his hips to displace blocks. He executes a forceful hump manoeuvre and can redirect effortlessly. Nolen is exceptionally brilliant and disruptive; nonetheless, he has yet to approach his full potential. Should he align with an appropriate scheme or coach, he has the potential to become one of the superior players in this draft class. 

NFL Draft 2025: First Round Pick Odds

We’re currently discussing the sleeper picks of the NFL Draft, but the spotlight always shines bright on the first-round pick. This year will see the Tennessee Titans receive the first first-round pick, and prior to the Scouting Combine, oddsmakers from the top sportsbooks at Gambling.com have four key players who are leading the pack:

Cameron Ward @ -140

Abdul Carter @ +175

Travis Hunter @ +600

Shedeur Sanders @ +750

The gap in expectancy for the first-round pick from Sanders presents a huge margin, with Jaxson Dart at +6600 next on the betting line.

Shemar Stewart (EDGE) – Texas A&M

The potential inherent in sheer physical attributes frequently outweighs any apprehensions over production or its absence when assessing a candidate.

In step Shemar Stewart.

In the past three seasons, the former 5-star recruit recorded merely 4.5 sacks. However, evaluations should be prompted into this specimen due to his evident physical attributes alone. Not to mention, Stewart arrived in Mobile prepared to earn money and succeeded. He utilised his height, power, and explosiveness to dominate all-star offensive linemen. His performance generated considerable excitement throughout the NFL scouting community, thus making him one sleeper to watch.

Every draft pick carries inherent risk, and Stewart's insufficient output raises significant worries. Nevertheless, he demonstrated just why some are highly optimistic about his potential.

Kenneth Grant (DT) – Michigan

Grant is a formidable 340-pound force capable of employing two-gap methods or effectively stacking single blocks while demonstrating agility along the line. He aims to release the ball explosively, but his elevated pads will undermine his leverage and lower-body strength, reducing his bull rush and constraining his ability to affect the quarterback.

Grant is a substantial defensive tackle possessing notable agility and strength. He is significantly a work in progress as a pass rusher. He employs rapid and aggressive hand movements to secure victories; however, he frequently lacks a strategy and becomes stagnant. Assembly is necessary; nonetheless, his physical instruments are notably loud and merit the expenditure.

Andrew Armstrong (WR) – Arkansas

Armstrong concluded 2024 as the fifth-most-valuable receiver in the country, as per PFF’s wins above-average statistic. His 18 challenged catches ranked sixth among FBS wide receivers, while his 1,140 receiving yards placed fifth among Power Five receivers. Armstrong possesses impressive stature at 6 feet 4 inches and is exceptionally dependable.

Here’s the crazy part: Despite performing as one of the premier receivers in the SEC, he is not ranked among the top 300 prospects on the consensus board.

Matthew Golden (WR) - Texas

He demonstrates strategy as a route runner, has smooth releases and breaks, and has an amazing knack for breaking down corners while maintaining perfect synchronisation between his eyes, hips, and feet.

Golden plays with great polish, instincts, and toughness; his average size is not really important. He spends plenty of time running out of the slot. He can quickly or powerfully defeat news attention. His on-field attitude is great; he plays with an edge. Golden is a natural football player and a quarterback's companion; he generally lacks dynamic qualities, but most importantly, he's reliable.

Damien Martinez (RB) - Miami

Often disregarded in Cam Ward's gallantry is Martinez's running performance for the Hurricanes. The 2024 FBS running back who transferred from Oregon State was third in the nation with a 94.3 rushing grade, behind only Cam Skattebo and Ashton Jeanty, and placing second among Power Five tailbacks, he averaged 4.5 yards after contact each attempt.

This is not unusual for Martinez, who has an outstanding running grade of 96.8. He is undervalued in a very competitive running back class and shows better mobility than his 232-pound weight.