The 2025 NFL Draft is fast approaching, and with free agency in the rearview, front offices have shifted their focus to building through the draft. First-rounders often get the spotlight, but championship-contending rosters are built by finding value in the later rounds.
Every year, hidden gems emerge outside of the first few rounds — players who may not be household names yet but offer the upside, versatility, or scheme fit that can quietly fill a glaring need.
Here’s one sleeper prospect each NFL team could target in Rounds 4 through 7 to round out their roster and potentially develop into a breakout talent.
Arizona Cardinals
Isaac TeSlaa, WR, Arkansas
The Arizona Cardinals finished with the fifth-ranked offense last season, per our Offense+ metric, but they could use more talent in their wide receiver room. Isaac TeSlaa is a terrific athlete with natural ball skills and noticeable confidence. His size, speed, and athleticism could make him a matchup problem on the inside or outside.
Atlanta Falcons
Jamaree Caldwell, DT, Oregon
Many of the Atlanta Falcons’ defensive woes last season started in the trenches. Jamaree Caldwell offers some upside as a disruptive nose tackle at the next level. He can immediately contribute as a run-stopper. He does have some work to do to become a more complete interior pass rusher, but he has the power and quick first step to get there.
Baltimore Ravens
Jeffrey Bassa, LB, Oregon
The Baltimore Ravens finished 2024 with a top-10 defense in our Defense+ metric, but there’s a big question mark at the WILL linebacker spot. Malik Harrison and Trenton Simpson split duties last season. Harrison is gone, and Simpson fell off as the season progressed. Jeffrey Bassa transitioned from safety, and his natural coverage instincts show. He also excels as a blitzer and exudes a dog mentality. That sounds like a Ravens pick.
Buffalo Bills
Kobe Hudson, WR, UCF
The Buffalo Bills don’t have any elite-level wide receivers, so it’s never a bad idea to add more talent to the room. Kobe Hudson doesn’t wow you with his route running, and he’s struggled with drops, but he can still create separation and win as a downfield threat. He may need to develop more, but he has the tools to push guys like Keon Coleman and Joshua Palmer.
Carolina Panthers
Cobee Bryant, CB, Kansas
The Carolina Panthers secured Jaycee Horn with a long-term contract, and Mike Jackson posted a surprisingly strong season. Carolina needs more depth at the cornerback position, though. Cobee Bryant displayed impressive ball skills during his collegiate career with 13 interceptions. He has some technique issues, but his production and instincts are enticing.
Chicago Bears
Devin Neal, RB, Kansas
This is a bit of a luxury pick for the Chicago Bears, with D’Andre Swift still leading the charge. However, Devin Neal could be a Day 3 steal. He was highly productive in college, with three straight 1,000-yard seasons and back-to-back 16-touchdown campaigns. That could mean more tread on his tires than others, but he’s an electric runner with home-run potential.
Cincinnati Bengals
Luke Kandra, OG, Cincinnati
The Cincinnati Bengals don’t have to look far to find a late-round sleeper. Cincinnati’s Luke Kandra is an extremely instinctive player who excels in pass protection, allowing just one sack in 24 games. There are some concerns about his quickness against NFL defenders, but he has good footwork and has proved durable through his collegiate career.
Cleveland Browns
Tai Felton, WR, Maryland
The Cleveland Browns’ wide receiver room lacks overall talent and depth beyond Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman. Tai Felton was outstanding last season, racking up 96 receptions for 1,124 yards, and nine touchdowns. He has elite speed but can also win with his sharp and crafty route-running ability.
Dallas Cowboys
Jackson Slater, OG, Sacramento State
The Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line will be tested next season after longtime cornerstone Zack Martin retired. Cooper Beebe had a solid showing as a rookie, and Brock Hoffman is developing. Adding a player like Jackson Slater could offer some healthy competition. Slater could work on his power, but he’s a smooth athlete who blocks with bad intentions.
Denver Broncos
Tommi Hill, CB, Nebraska
The Denver Broncos don’t have a lot of holes, but they could benefit from adding depth to their secondary. The unit was tested a bit when Riley Moss got hurt last season. Tommi Hill has a proven ability to make plays on the ball. He also has wide receiver and kick returner experience. Hill could contribute as a rotational corner and special-teams player right away.
Detroit Lions
Pat Bryant, WR, Illinois
The Detroit Lions feature one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL, finishing last season as the No. 1-ranked offense in PFSN’s Offense+ metric. While the Lions have weapons all over the field, an injury or two could set the passing attack back. Adding depth to the receiving corps in the later rounds makes sense. Pat Bryant isn’t the most explosive wideout, but he has strong hands and thrives in contested catch situations.
Green Bay Packers
Nick Nash, WR, San Jose State
Much is made about the Green Bay Packers lacking a true No. 1 wide receiver. Well, they likely won’t find one this late in the draft, but they can add another solid contributor, especially with Christian Watson potentially missing the start of next season due to a torn ACL. Nick Nash led the nation with 16 touchdowns in 2024. He features an imposing frame that could create mismatches and a rare IQ from being a former quarterback.
Houston Texans
Jaylin Lane, WR, Virginia Tech
Another season-ending knee injury for Tank Dell means that C.J. Stroud will be without one of his top weapons for a chunk of the 2025 season. Stefon Diggs is also gone. Nico Collins is a stud, but the Houston Texans must keep defenses honest. Jaylin Lane is an explosive speedster who can challenge defenses as a vertical threat. He has a smaller frame, but so does Dell.
Indianapolis Colts
Miles Frazier, OG, LSU
The Indianapolis Colts lost two strong interior offensive line starters to free agency in Ryan Kelly and Will Fries. 2024 draftees Tanor Bortolini and Matt Goncalves appear ready for more responsibility, but the unit’s depth took a hit. Miles Frazier is a four-year starter, including three in the SEC. He excels in pass protection but is less impressive as a run blocker. Still, he offers durability and positional versatility.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Chase Lundt, OT, UConn
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ offensive line endured several changes last season, and while they held their own, the season-long numbers weren’t great. Chase Lundt is an intriguing prospect with a solid combination of size and athleticism. We’ll see if he can handle NFL power, but he has the experience and durability that teams value.
Kansas City Chiefs
Logan Brown, OT, Kansas
The Kansas City Chiefs must attack the trenches early and often in this draft. The 2024 season saw mixed results on the offensive line. They ranked eighth in pass block win rate, but their issues at left tackle got exposed in the Super Bowl. Kansas City signed Jaylon Moore, but Logan Brown has eventual starter upside. He has undeniable power and athletic talent. He’s just inexperienced, with a single season as a starter.
Las Vegas Raiders
Nohl Williams, CB, California
The Las Vegas Raiders should be looking to add depth to their secondary after losing cornerback Nate Hobbs. They did add Eric Stokes, but he’s struggled in recent years. Nohl Williams is a long, physical presence who possesses elite ball skills (14 career interceptions). He’s inconsistent as a tackler, but he could find his way onto the field early with sub-packages.
Los Angeles Chargers
J.J. Pegues, DT, Ole Miss
The Los Angeles Chargers had a slightly above-average run defense last season, finishing with the ninth-best defensive rush EPA (53.36). However, they lost Poona Ford to free agency and need help next to Teair Tart. J.J. Pegues is a solid athlete for a big man. Ole Miss even used him as a short-yardage back. He’s explosive off the ball, and he can become a force if he improves his technique.
Los Angeles Rams
Oronde Gadsden II, TE, Syracuse
The Los Angeles Rams aren’t necessarily weak at tight end, but Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson, and Davis Allen are a bit limited as offensive weapons. Enter Oronde Gadsden II — a natural receiver who can create mismatches with his physical gifts. He doesn’t offer much as a blocker, but if anybody can maximize his skills at the NFL level, it’s Sean McVay.
Miami Dolphins
Jaylen Reed, S, Penn State
The Miami Dolphins and Jevon Holland parted ways this offseason, meaning there are some unanswered questions at safety. Jaylen Reed is a versatile player who can operate in multiple roles. He played against top competition, and his combination of physicality and instincts could allow him to see the field in Year 1.
Minnesota Vikings
Garrett Dellinger, OG, LSU
The Minnesota Vikings were a top-10 offensive line, according to our OL+ metric. They revamped the interior this offseason and could be significantly better in 2025. They should continue to add to J.J. McCarthy’s protection plan. Garrett Dellinger doesn’t project as a Day 1 starter, but he’s versatile, strong in pass protection, and played against elite competition in college.
New England Patriots
Tyler Baron, EDGE, Miami (FL)
Despite adding Harold Landry III and K’Lavon Chaisson in free agency, the New England Patriots could use more depth on the edge. Tyler Baron comes with a lot of experience after playing five years in college, so he may have a shorter developmental curve. He has ideal NFL size and also offers alignment versatility.
New Orleans Saints
Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee
Alvin Kamara will turn 30 before the 2025 season. Kendre Miller has suffered multiple injuries. The New Orleans Saints should be looking to add to their running back room, and Dylan Sampson could be a perfect fit. Sampson is a one-cut back with excellent burst and yards after contact ability. He has the upside of a lead back down the road.
New York Giants
Jordan Phillips, DT, Maryland
The New York Giants’ lack of depth on the interior of the defensive line was exposed when Dexter Lawrence suffered a season-ending injury in 2024. Jordan Phillips doesn’t have high-level college production, but his raw physical traits show up on the tape. He has rare athleticism and mobility for his size, coming from a wrestling background. It may take a few years to reach his full potential, but he’ll learn from a three-time Pro Bowler in Lawrence.
New York Jets
Dont’e Thornton Jr, WR, Tennessee
Outside of Garrett Wilson, no New York Jets wide receiver scares defenses. After parting ways with Davante Adams, it would be wise to add more talented offensive weapons. Dont’e Thornton has some legit deep speed, making him a dangerous vertical threat. His route tree is a bit limited, but he could be another big-play receiver for Justin Fields.
Philadelphia Eagles
Cam Jackson, DT, Florida
After losing Milton Williams in free agency, the Philadelphia Eagles will likely look to replace him in the draft and continue their dominance in the trenches. Cam Jackson is massive and has the raw power to be an immediate contributor as a run-stuffer. He has a relatively safe floor, but Vic Fangio and Co. could help him maximize his physical gifts at the NFL level.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Virginia Tech
Najee Harris is no longer in Pittsburgh, meaning Jaylen Warren appears set to take over as the lead back. The Steelers added Kenneth Gainwell in free agency, but it’s unlikely they’re done adding talent to the RB room. Bhayshul Tuten has home-run speed and is a playmaker in the passing game. He could be the element this running game is missing.
San Francisco 49ers
LB Smael Mondon Jr., Georgia
The impact of losing Dre Greenlaw in free agency cannot be overstated. Dee Winters gained valuable starting experience, but even if he locks down the starting WILL spot, the San Francisco 49ers need depth behind him and Fred Warner. Smael Mondon Jr. is raw as a technical linebacker, but he’s a rare athlete oozing with untapped potential.
Seattle Seahawks
CB Quincy Riley, Louisville
The Seattle Seahawks have a solid foundation at cornerback, led by Riq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon. Seattle was a great pass-rushing defense, and they should continue to solidify the back end. Quincy Riley displays strong route recognition and elite ball skills. While he may be a bit undersized for the position, Riley plays with a competitive edge.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LB Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma
Lavonte David isn’t getting any younger. SirVocea Dennis showed brief flashes, but he’s coming off a season-ending injury. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers also added veteran Anthony Walker, but who doesn’t love healthy competition? Danny Stutsman had impressive college production, posting three straight seasons of 100-plus tackles. His instincts and play recognition may be his best attributes.
Tennessee Titans
EDGE Oluwafemi Oladejo, UCLA
The Tennessee Titans moved on from Harold Landry III this offseason, leaving Arden Key and Dre’Mont Jones as the team’s primary pass rushers. Oluwafemi Oladejo is a developmental prospect with a somewhat limited pass rush repertoire after making the switch from linebacker, but he has the athletic traits to become a difference-maker.
Washington Commanders
S R.J. Mickens, Clemson
The Washington Commanders’ defense struggled at times last season, but it was an improvement over 2023, and it’s easy to forget 2024 was supposed to be a rebuilding year. Washington could have the chance to upgrade their back-end depth with a player with an NFL pedigree. R.J. Mickens, son of Ray Mickens, has a unique knowledge of the game and the physicality that Dan Quinn values.
