
2025 NFL draft sleepers: These seven players are being undervalued
2025 NFL draft sleepers: These seven players are being undervalued
Show Caption
Hide Caption
2025 NFL Draft offers tons of offensive and defensive line help
USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon breaks down the deepest part of the 2025 NFL Draft, offensive and defensive lineman.
Sports Pulse
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. USA TODAY Sports examines seven draft sleepers who have a good chance to grab our attention in the NFL.
NFL DRAFT PROSPECTS: Best landing spots for Abdul Carter, Travis Hunter, more
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.
TOP WR PROSPECTS: Best landing spots for Hunter, McMillan, Golden
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.
Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Business Insider
18 minutes ago
- Business Insider
I'm 45 and survived an hourlong workout with NFL players. I'm proud that I was able to keep up.
At 45, I often wonder if I can still do what I was able to do in my 20s. During those glory years, I did a lot of physically challenging things: I served in the Marine Corps, I completed an Ironman triathlon, and I worked as a personal trainer. Almost two decades later, I can appreciate that I'm now in a different era. While I've stayed in shape in the years since, time has taken its toll on my body. Recently, a gym in Miami invited me to meet active NFL players and complete an offseason workout with them. At first, I was hesitant to join, but I wanted to prove to myself that I could still perform with the best. So, I said yes. Learning the workout at Legacy The workout took place at Legacy, a gym in the Little River section of Miami and run by a former college football player named Manning Sumner. He built the gym out, complete with a coworking space, a podcasting studio, and a smoothie bar selling $12 shots of kale. I walked in with visions of NFL offseason workout videos, where guys pull farm equipment up hills with a bungee cord and run wind sprints around Lake Tahoe. The players' trainer, Isaiah Ross, aka Rozay, assured me no farm equipment would be involved and then introduced me to the players. I was paired with Janarius "J-Rob" Robinson, a defensive end for the Kansas City Chiefs who, after football, could have a solid career as a stand-in for Bane, or, in a pinch, the Great Wall of China. Pull day began, and I was able to kind of keep up The pull day workout was a series of circuits, where each pair moved from station to station with minimal rest. Our first exercise was a cable twist, where we were told to "explode" while pulling an entire stack of weights from our hip over our shoulder. Once I got the form down, I was able to keep up with J-Rob. I felt good about this until Rozay said, "Yeah, they just finished an hour of position drills outside." The next exercise involved doing push-ups on an exercise band stretched across the bottom of a squat rack — with your feet on a Bosu ball. J-Rob said he was going to "take it easy" because he had a shoulder injury. He stopped after doing 25. With that number in mind, I put my arms on the band and was determined to at least make it to 25, which I proudly did. You've got to use your hips Fresh off this triumph, we began a second circuit by tossing a 50-pound medicine ball to each other, backward over our heads, from a kneeling position, roughly 30 yards apart. J-Rob casually tossed his right to me. "You gotta use your hips," he said. Hips, and 250 pounds of NFL muscle mass, I figured. Still, I took his advice, and to my surprise, my toss made it all the way to his feet. I impressed even myself. Next, we were to pull a weight sled toward ourselves using a pair of straps, hoisting the straps over our head with each rep. I watched as defensive end Marcus Bragg ripped each rep about as casually as I'd open an umbrella. "Use your hips," he said. I listened, and using my hips, I completed every round of this sled pull. It turns out that if you use the correct form, you can accomplish a lot in the gym. I'm proud of what I was able to do Mercifully, after about an hour, Rozay decided we'd had enough and led us in some cool-down stretches. That's when I realized that even though I'm getting older, I can still push my body to do something amazing. I had managed to at least keep up with NFL players for an hour, if nothing else. Once I took their advice, adjusted my form, and got into the right mindset, I realized I can still get through harder things. I also proved to myself that even though my body isn't the same as it was in my 20s, I can still keep up. And for that, I'm proud.


USA Today
25 minutes ago
- USA Today
Los Angeles Rams are 'right place' for wide receiver Davante Adams
Los Angeles Rams are 'right place' for wide receiver Davante Adams Show Caption Hide Caption Aaoron Rodgers on new chapter with Pittsburgh Steelers Aaron Rodgers met with the media after his first practice with the Pittsburgh Steelers and explained why now was the right time to sign with the team. Sports Pulse Editor's note: This story is a part of a series by USA TODAY Sports called Project: June. We will publish at least one NFL-themed story every day throughout the month because fans know the league truly never sleeps. Puka Nacua was already in the process of changing his number from 17 to 12 when Davante Adams signed with the Los Angeles Rams. 'Yeah, I had already planned to make the switch over to number 12. It was perfect timing,' Nacua said last week. Nacua is more than happy to wear No. 12, as Adams will continue to don No. 17. The seamless transition epitomizes Adams' fit early on with the Rams. 'It's been exactly what I've needed. I'm feeling rejuvenated,' Adams said Tuesday. 'It feels like I've been on this team for a couple years now based on how open and receptive the guys have been to me.' The Rams are Adams' third team in two seasons and fourth overall. Adams noted the atmosphere already feels a lot different on the Rams following a bitter breakup with the Raiders and a disappointing finish as a member of the Jets. 'It feels like a college-type of camaraderie. I don't think I've seen a linebacker and a punter talking as much as I have since I've been here, or the kicker and quarterbacks, or whoever it is. There's just so much crossover. 'Adams said. 'I feel like this is what I needed just based off the vibe and the aura of the building. Everybody's in a good mood. It's not like a dark cloud over the building, and I've experienced that quite a bit over the last few years. So, it's a glaring difference when you come into a building like this." The quarterback and wide receiver connection is important on all teams, but particularly for Adams. Adams has been close with his starting quarterback for most of his career. The wideout played with Aaron Rodgers for eight seasons in Green Bay before he reunited with his college teammate Derek Carr with the Raiders. Carr signed with the Saints in 2023 after being released by the Raiders. Adams became disgruntled in Las Vegas, was traded during the 2024 season and rejoined his friend Rodgers with the Jets. The relationship between Adams and Matthew Stafford has grown since the wide receiver joined the Rams in March and continues to develop. 'It's always a work in progress. We're always talking out there, which is a lot of fun. A guy that's a veteran player, has played a lot of football, and had a lot of success, so it's fun just trying to communicate as much as I can with him,' Stafford said. 'It's fun to work with guys that understand the game and still have a lot left in the tank. So, it was good.' The connection between Adams and Stafford on and off the field could determine whether the Rams can repeat as NFC West champions and be a legitimate contender. Stafford's already built chemistry with Nacua and had a well-documented rapport with Cooper Kupp that helped the franchise win Super Bowl 56. The Rams essentially replaced Kupp, who's battled injuries since the Super Bowl-winning season, with Adams. Adams is one of best wide receivers of his era. He's produced five straight 1,000-yard seasons, tied for the second-longest active streak in the NFL. Additionally, he's one of four players in NFL history to record 100-or-more receptions and 1,000-or-more yards in four consecutive seasons (2019-22) and is the only player in NFL history to tally three seasons of at least 110 receptions, 1,350 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Adams averaged over three yards of separation last season. He's 32 years old and is entering his 12th season, but he's shown he's got plenty of Pro Bowl-level football in front of him. And the onboarding process thus far is going as seamless as obtaining his No. 17 jersey number. 'We've got a really good quarterback in here. You've got a really good young team that shows a lot of promise and was obviously really close to being able to have a chance at the whole thing last year,' Adams said. 'So just knowing how hungry this team is and seeing the work they're still putting in after having a year like last year—it just kind of confirms that I'm in the right place." Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.


New York Times
31 minutes ago
- New York Times
Could James Cook and the Bills provide the juicy storyline ‘Hard Knocks' cameras covet?
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — James Cook participated in the Buffalo Bills' mandatory minicamp Tuesday so he wouldn't get fined. 'I like my money,' Cook said. 'I definitely do. So that's why I'm here.' As such, Cook added he'll also report when training camp opens next month at St. John Fisher University, despite wanting to be paid more like a two-time Pro Bowler and reigning league co-leader in rushing touchdowns. Advertisement Cook, however, didn't pledge to practice without the new contract he covets. At first, he replied 'Yeah, it's my team,' when asked if he would fully participate in training camp. Then, upon being asked about the possibility of a hold-in, where players attend but don't work out, Cook said with a big smile, 'I don't know, man. We'll see when camp comes.' That's all 'Hard Knocks' producers needed to hear. The chance that Cook shows up for training camp just to satisfy his attendance obligation and watches practice in protest keeps one of the Bills' juiciest storylines alive. The cameras might provide him added PR leverage as viewers watch the front office feud with a star player. The show will capture every awkward glance, harrumph and tense exchange. Then again, 'Hard Knocks' also could be a boon for backup running back Ray Davis, whose inspirational origin story is perfect for an HBO program that loves to grab its audience right in the feels. 'That's the way of the world,' said Herm Edwards, the Kansas City Chiefs' coach when they were featured on 'Hard Knocks' in 2007. 'Somebody wants to take a side. There's got to be a good guy and a bad guy. 'Who are we putting the black hat on today? Well, let's put the black hat on this guy.' Mike Tannenbaum was the New York Jets' general manager when they did 'Hard Knocks' in 2010, the summer future Hall of Fame cornerback Darrelle Revis' holdout was among the NFL's biggest stories. The first episode featured Tannenbaum's clandestine meeting with Revis' agents at a diner in Roscoe, N.Y., between Manhattan and the Jets' training camp at SUNY Cortland. Revis signed a four-year, $46 million contract in time for the 'Hard Knocks' finale. 'I didn't realize how it was playing out until afterwards because you're living it day to day,' Tannenbaum said. 'You're not really paying attention to all the noise around you. Advertisement 'But 'Hard Knocks' definitely brought a lot more eyeballs and attention to it.' Kansas City dealt with two prominent contract squabbles during their 'Hard Knocks' summer. All-Pro running back Larry Johnson demanded a new contract and sat out 25 days into training camp, while rookie receiver Dwayne Bowe didn't come to terms until 10 days into camp. 'It can be a distraction if you allow it to be, but in today's world,' Edwards said, 'if that is a distraction, then you've got a bigger problem.' Much of Cook's contract tension was relieved Tuesday by his mere presence at One Bills Drive. He finally joined his teammates, albeit motivated by an NFL fine schedule that would have cost him $17,462 for missing one practice, $34,925 for missing a second practice and $52,381 for missing a third practice. Cook wasn't a spectator. He participated in all the drills. 'I mean, why not?' Cook said. 'I'm here. I'm part of the team. … I'm a leader, so I just got to practice and get a job.' An optimist will assume that Cook's take on minicamp indicates he'll practice at training camp, too. He must report for the first practice to lock in his fourth accrued NFL season, required for him to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season. He also would be fined $40,000 for each training camp absence. But losing an accrued season and amassing $40,000 fines would be moot if Cook can wrangle that big extension. He is entering the final season of a four-year rookie contract worth about $5.8 million. He posted on social media in February that he wanted $15 million a year. Michael Ginnitti, founder of sports contract analysis site Spotrac, calculates Cook is worth $10 million a year. 'I'm very, very proud that he's here and he's working as hard as he is being on the field with us, and a lot of guys wouldn't do that,' quarterback Josh Allen said. 'But he's out there and working hard and showing everybody that he is here for the right reasons and hopefully that can get solved. Advertisement 'I love Jimbo. I think the whole team does. He's one of the best backs in the league, and hopefully that can be reflected soon.' The Bills meticulously have built a successful culture within their walls, but they also are hyper-vigilant about defending the way they're viewed by outsiders, protective of their revamped reputation as a destination franchise after decades of ridicule and no longer that frigid, forlorn outpost that free agents avoid and young talent flees. Unlike questions that arose during the drought under previous management, Buffalo is grateful to be known today as an organization that takes care of its own. The Bills this offseason signed receiver Khalil Shakir, edge rusher Gregory Rousseau, linebacker Terrel Bernard and cornerback Christian Benford to extensions — yet not Cook, who plays a position Beane doesn't value as much as others. Running backs league-wide regained some lost prominence last season, with Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley amassing insane stats with new teams. Cook doesn't have to look far for an example of fighting for your worth before it's too late. His big brother, Dalvin Cook, got tough with the Minnesota Vikings in 2020. Dalvin Cook had been to two Pro Bowls and threatened to hold out if his rookie contract wasn't extended before the season. But he showed up to training camp, got a five-year, $63 million contract and made two more Pro Bowls before his production plummeted at 28 years old. Running backs must get paid before an expiration date nobody can peg for certain. Cook, who turns 26 in September, had thoughts about why running backs sometimes need to fight for what they believe they're worth. 'Because we do a lot and I think we should be valued for that — all the hard work we put in on the ground, pass blocking, and all those types of things,' James Cook replied. 'I think we should be valued more.' Advertisement Some fans and analysts wonder if Buffalo would be fine simply to let Davis take over, perhaps even wise to trade Cook rather than risk losing him as a free agent in nine months. Those willing to turn the backfield page reason that Davis (with greater opportunity) and Allen (with more tush pushing) could make up Cook's production. The problem with that premise is Cook had +13.9 EPA last year, while Davis posted a -19.3 EPA. Davis, although entering just his second NFL season, also will turn 26 in November. Buffalo needs Cook. The issue general manager Brandon Beane must weigh is how important Cook's happiness is. 'Behind the scenes, when that was going on, I was talking to those guys every day,' Edwards said of Johnson and Bowe. 'And I was talking to the team about, 'Hey, when these guys come back it's open arms. One day, you might have to go through what these guys are going through. It's not like they don't want to be here. It's business.' And I told the team leaders, 'Make sure you're calling our guys.' When you're left at home, negotiating a contract, you want him to know he's part of the team.' There's added value to keeping contenders content. The Jets in 2010 were considered on the cusp of glory. As a wild card, they'd reached the AFC Championship Game in coach Rex Ryan's rookie season and, in trying to get over that hump, were desperate to topple the New England Patriots from atop the division. 'For me, it was always about doing whatever we could within reason to win right now,' Tannenbaum said. 'That was always my mindset. 'Darrelle checked every box, and we wanted to get a deal done as quickly as possible, but it was more because he deserved it more than any other pressure we may have felt.' With Revis satisfied, the Jets returned to the AFC title game as a wild card, beating Tom Brady and Peyton Manning on the road before bowing to the Pittsburgh Steelers one game shy of the Super Bowl. The Bills have avoided these situations in the past, and although everything looked hunky-dory Tuesday, Cook's contract issue is far from settled. 'Hard Knocks' will work that angle for all it's worth.