Not every rookie enters the league with a first-round label or lofty expectations. However, every year, some newcomers surprise and turn heads. They may not be in the headlines yet, but they’re quietly positioned to carve out significant roles in their first NFL season.
Let’s go team-by-team and highlight one player selected in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft or later who can exceed expectations during the 2025 season.
Arizona Cardinals: Cody Simon, LB, Ohio State
The Arizona Cardinals’ defense was a bottom-of-the-barrel unit in 2024, finishing 27th in PFSN’s Defense+ metric. They ranked last in pass defense success rate and 28th in run defense success rate. To improve in 2025, the Cardinals need more reliable playmakers to emerge on that side of the ball.
Cody Simon is a seasoned, high-floor linebacker with the kind of toughness and intelligence that often translates well on special teams and in rotational defensive roles. He consistently found his way on the field for Ohio State, especially in big moments. His best performance came on the biggest stage, earning Rose Bowl Defensive MVP honors with 11 tackles, three tackles for loss, and two sacks against Oregon.
Simon’s film shows a linebacker who thrives attacking downhill. He has some limitations in coverage, but his physicality, football IQ, and reliable tackling make him a great fit for early work on special teams and situational defense. Considering the Cardinals’ thin LB room, Simon could earn significant playing time alongside Mack Wilson Sr.
Atlanta Falcons: Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame
The Atlanta Falcons’ defense finished with a D grade in Defense+ last season (29th in the NFL). The unit struggled against the pass, and the front seven’s inability to generate a consistent pass rush did them no favors. Atlanta ranked 25th in pass success rate (51.9%) and 27th in defensive EPA per pass attempt (-0.12). Justin Simmons is still a free agent, but the Falcons seemingly have drafted his replacement.
Xavier Watts was one of the most instinctive and productive defensive backs in the 2025 class. Originally recruited as a wide receiver, Watts combines elite ball skills with an advanced feel for reading quarterbacks and route concepts. He put together back-to-back dominant seasons at Notre Dame, consistently creating turnovers (13 interceptions). His ability to bait quarterbacks, react with explosiveness, and finish at the catch point makes him a potential Day 1 contributor.
While tackling and run support remain areas that need refinement, Watts’ value lies in his versatility and playmaking range. Those traits could help elevate the Falcons’ pass defense immediately.
Baltimore Ravens: Teddye Buchanan, LB, California
The Baltimore Ravens entered this offseason with a hole at linebacker next to 3-time All-Pro Roquan Smith. Trenton Simpson had every opportunity to lock it down last season, but he fizzled out after a strong start. Malik Harrison and Chris Board left in free agency, leaving Baltimore with unproven depth at the position.
Teddye Buchanan isn’t the flashiest linebacker in this year’s class, but his blend of athleticism, intelligence, and special teams upside fits the mold of players who often thrive in Baltimore’s system. After a standout career at UC Davis, Buchanan took a major leap by transferring to Cal and proved he could hang against Power 5 competition.
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Buchanan’s tape reflects a player who thrives in space, flows smoothly in coverage, and understands how to play within the structure of a defense, even if he’s not the most physical run-stopper. He has the movement skills and football IQ to carve out a role in sub-packages and special teams right away. With an opening at the WILL linebacker spot, he could even land a starting job.
Buffalo Bills: Dorian Strong, CB, Virginia Tech
The Buffalo Bills’ lack of depth at cornerback came to bite them after Christian Benford went down during the AFC Championship Game loss to the Chiefs. Buffalo was totally helpless in stopping Patrick Mahomes, recording a 29.4% pass defense success rate, their worst in 145 games under Sean McDermott.
Dorian Strong isn’t the most dynamic athlete in this year’s cornerback class, but his instincts, length, and discipline in zone coverage make him an ideal fit for Buffalo’s defensive scheme. He possesses a high football IQ and a good feel for the position. In 2023, he allowed fewer than 10 catches and under 100 receiving yards all season.
Strong plays his best ball in press-zone systems where he can use his long frame to disrupt routes early and read the quarterback’s eyes. He brings plug-and-play potential as a boundary depth option and special-teams contributor. His limitations against the run could limit his upside, but he has the skill set to compete for snaps early on.
Carolina Panthers: Lathan Ransom, S, Ohio State
The Carolina Panthers upgraded at safety already this offseason, landing former Raider Tre’von Moehrig in free agency. With Xavier Woods and Jordan Fuller both departing, Dan Morgan and company needed to continue to address the position that was particularly weak on the only defense to receive an F grade in our rankings last season.
Lathan Ransom brings a hard-nosed, versatile skill set to the safety position that could fit perfectly in Carolina’s rebuilding defense. A five-year contributor at Ohio State, Ransom is a battle-tested leader who thrived in a variety of roles across the Buckeyes’ secondary. Whether aligning deep, in the slot, or down in the box, he consistently showcased his toughness, physicality, and football instincts.
Ransom profiles as an ideal sub-package defender with immediate special teams value. He’s a downhill striker who excels against the run, delivers forceful hits over the middle, and plays with the kind of urgency and aggression that can spark momentum-shifting plays. His versatility could allow him to step in early as a big nickel or rotational safety while he develops the rest of his game.
Chicago Bears: Zah Frazier, CB, UTSA
With Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, the Chicago Bears have a strong foundation at the cornerback position. Johnson is a two-time Pro Bowler, and Gordon just became the highest-paid slot corner in the league. Ryan Poles added an athletically gifted prospect to the mix who can compete with Tyrique Stevenson and Terrell Smith for reps on the outside.
Zah Frazier has a lot to offer that many teams find attractive — size, speed, ball skills, and the versatility to play in different schemes. He’s raw with limited college starting experience, but standing at 6’3″ and weighing 189 pounds, Frazier possesses the ideal length and speed to play as an outside corner. During his one season as a starter at UTSA, he certainly made an impact, recording 15 pass breakups and six interceptions in 2024.
Frazier’s long arms and impressive jumping ability allow him to disrupt passing lanes and contest catches effectively. Additionally, he’s a tenacious run defender who isn’t afraid to step up and tackle.
Cincinnati Bengals: Dylan Fairchild, G, Georgia
With Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and the emerging Chase Brown, the Cincinnati Bengals’ offense is capable of lighting up the scoreboard against just about anybody. Inconsistent offensive line play has plagued them, though. After finishing last in pass block win rate and 30th in run block win rate, this unit needs to get tougher in the trenches.
Dylan Fairchild is a physically gifted interior lineman with the frame, athleticism, and tenacity that fit what the Bengals look for in developmental offensive linemen. While his technique still needs refinement, his natural tools stand out. He has good size, plays with a nasty edge, and shows the foot quickness and recovery ability to hold up in pass protection — an area of focus for a Bengals team committed to keeping Joe Burrow upright.
In the run game, Fairchild isn’t a mauler at the point of attack, but he does well working in space. With his skill set and coachable traits, he should at least offer valuable depth as a rookie, but he has the potential to compete for a starting spot.
Cleveland Browns: Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee
Four-time Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb is still a free agent, and it seems unlikely that the oft-injured will be returning to Cleveland after the Browns selected two backs in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Browns were one of the least productive rushing attacks in 2024, finishing with just eight TDs on the ground (30th in the NFL) and a 33.3% conversion rate on third downs (32nd).
Dylan Sampson enters the NFL with a rare blend of vision, burst, and discipline that makes him a strong candidate to contribute early. Despite being a one-year starter at Tennessee, Sampson shattered school records and emerged as one of the most productive backs in the country during the 2024 season, proving his playmaking ability could hold up against SEC competition.
At 5’11”, 190 pounds, Sampson doesn’t win with size — he wins with instincts and quickness. He’s especially effective in inside zone and gap schemes, both of which align well with Cleveland’s ground attack. While he’ll need to improve his ball security and pass protection, his speed, change of direction, and ability to run through arm tackles make him a potentially game-changing change of pace back alongside Quinshon Judkins.
Dallas Cowboys: Jaydon Blue, RB, Texas
The Dallas Cowboys’ ground game was among the NFL’s worst last season, ranking 30th in yards per carry (4.0) and last in touchdowns (6). The front office addressed the glaring need in free agency, adding Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders. While they should be upgrades, neither profile as a lead back. Their lack of recent production leaves the door open for their newest addition to earn opportunities early.
Jaydon Blue brings explosive, big-play potential to the Cowboys’ backfield and could become a dynamic weapon in a complementary role. Though he never served as Texas’ primary back, Blue consistently flashed high-level speed, agility, and receiving upside that make him an intriguing fit in today’s NFL. He comes in with fresh legs, and his development down the stretch showed clear growth.
At 5’9″, 196 pounds, Blue is a slashing runner who thrives in space. He’s a threat to hit the edge and turn upfield in a hurry, with a 4.38-second 40-yard dash confirming his track-level acceleration. Where he truly separates himself is as a receiving threat, creating mismatches for linebackers. With unreliable veteran options, Blue has a lane to at least be part of the committee in Dallas.
Denver Broncos: Sai’vion Jones, EDGE, LSU
The Denver Broncos ranked No. 1 in our Defense+ metric at the end of the 2024 season. This was an overall elite unit that thrived in creating havoc behind the line of scrimmage. Denver ranked first in sacks (63) and pressures (282), while finishing sixth in tackles for loss (94). An already talented group got even better through the draft.
Sai’vion Jones brings a blend of size, motor, and raw power that fits exactly what the Broncos value on the defensive side of the ball. At nearly 6’5″, 280 pounds, Jones is a prototype 4-3 defensive end with the toughness and effort to contribute early as a rotational piece while he refines the technical parts of his game.
Jones plays with explosive get-off and a relentless motor, often flashing the ability to bend and finish around the edge. He also offers scheme versatility, as his size and strength allow him to kick inside on passing downs, providing value as a power rusher from multiple alignments. He may not be an immediate starter, but he’s the kind of high-upside athlete who could carve out early third-down snaps as a situational pass rusher.
Detroit Lions: Miles Frazier, G, LSU
The Detroit Lions finished with a top 10 offensive line last season in our OL+ metric. However, some of their worst performances of the season came against other playoff teams. With Kevin Zeitler leaving in free agency and Graham Glasgow’s play declining, both guard spots could be up for grabs in 2025, with Tate Ratledge and Christian Mahogany in the mix.
Miles Frazier is a powerful, battle-tested interior lineman who fits the physical, tough-minded identity the Lions have built in the trenches. A four-year starter with ideal size and frame for the NFL, Frazier brings knock-back strength at the point of attack. Where Frazier stands out most is in pass protection. Over his final 20 college starts, he didn’t surrender a single sack despite facing elite competition.
Frazier isn’t a polished product, as his pad level, footwork, and hand placement still need work. However, his frame, play demeanor, and pass protection skills give him a clear path to earning playing time, and possibly even playing his way into a starting spot by season’s end.
Green Bay Packers: Collin Oliver, EDGE, Oklahoma State
The Green Bay Packers were a solid pass-rushing defense in 2024. They finished with 45 sacks (8th in the NFL), 227 pressures (10th), and a pressure rate of 35.2% (13th). Still, the Packers needed to add more juice off the edge on passing downs alongside Rashan Gary, Kingsley Enagbare, and Lukas Van Ness.
Collin Oliver exploded onto the college scene with a record-setting freshman campaign at Oklahoma State, finishing his career with 22.5 sacks and 38.5 tackles for loss. His explosiveness and ability to bend around the edge make him a dangerous pass-rushing threat, especially on third downs or in sub-packages. While his size and length fall short of prototypical NFL edge standards, he compensates with quickness, agility, and creativity as a rusher.
Oliver brings the kind of hybrid skill set that fits seamlessly into the Packers’ evolving defensive front. Though a foot injury sidelined him for most of the 2024 season, his earlier body of work shows a disruptive defender with rare movement skills, pass-rush instincts, and a relentless motor. His ability to play both on the edge and off the ball makes him a versatile chess piece for a defense that thrives on flexibility and speed.
Houston Texans: Jaylen Reed, S, Penn State
Jaylen Reed profiles as a tough, versatile safety who fits the Houston Texans’ emphasis on physical, instinctive defenders. A two-year starter at Penn State with NFL-caliber size, Reed brings a blend of football IQ, downhill aggression, and special teams value that could make him a meaningful contributor early in his career. His experience playing in multiple alignments gives him the kind of positional flexibility that appeals to modern defenses.
Reed is not yet a finished product in coverage and lacks top-end speed, but his motor, intelligence, and hitting ability give him a firm foundation to build on. His tape suggests he’s more than just a depth piece, but a player who can play meaningful snaps in Year 1, whether it be on special teams or in sub-packages.
The Texans have done a tremendous job drafting talent to their secondary over the past few seasons. Derek Stingley Jr., Jalen Pitre, Kamari Lassiter, and Calen Bullock have delivered early in their careers. Reed could follow a similar path.
Indianapolis Colts: DJ Giddens, RB, Kansas State
The Indianapolis Colts’ offense was hit or miss last season. Quarterback woes held the unit back, but the run game was strong, averaging 4.7 yards a carry (8th in the NFL) and 1.96 yards before contact per rush (3rd). Jonathan Taylor had his third campaign of 1,110-plus yards. However, the mileage is adding up for him, so the Colts needed to upgrade behind him.
DJ Giddens was highly productive as a college running back and brings a unique blend of size, vision, and patience that could complement Jonathan Taylor in the Colts’ backfield. Giddens posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and a career 6.55 yards per carry, which is a Kansas State record.
At 6-foot-1 and over 210 pounds, Giddens offers the physical profile of a power back, but his game is built more on finesse and feel than brute force. While he lacks the top-end speed and quick lateral burst, he consistently generates positive yards and displays elusiveness in tight spaces. Giddens has work to do in pass protection and as a receiver, but there’s no reason he can’t see the field as a rookie.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Virginia Tech
Considering the Jacksonville Jaguars have Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby, running back wasn’t exactly the most glaring need on the roster — on the surface, that is. However, their ground attack was middling at best in 2024 and lacked playmaking juice.
Bhayshul Tuten is a legitimate home-run threat. With a dynamic skill set, featuring elite straight-line speed, excellent contact balance, and the ability to create chunk plays in both the run and return game, the Jaguars will want to get the ball in his hands as much as possible.
Tuten’s notable one-cut ability, natural acceleration, and open-field instincts make him a strong candidate for early touches in space. Jacksonville already has capable options at the position, but Tuten’s explosiveness should earn him early opportunities. He can also make an immediate impact as a kick returner while working his way into the offensive rotation.
Kansas City Chiefs: Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State
The Kansas City Chiefs finished outside of the top 10 in our 2024 regular-season rankings, but they flipped the switched in the postseason once again. Even though Patrick Mahomes never really had his full complement of weapons, Kansas City’s depth allowed them to get production from different places. The Chiefs added a potential steal to an already explosive WR room that features Rashee Rice, Hollywood Brown, and Xavier Worthy.
A two-year starter at Utah State, Jalen Royals made a significant impact in a relatively short period. During his breakout junior year, he led all FBS players in receiving touchdowns. Beyond numbers, it’s his dynamic play style and versatility that could make him one of the biggest steals of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Royals primarily stands out as a vertical threat. His explosive speed, quick acceleration, and exceptional body control allow him to excel downfield. What sets him apart, however, is his ability to make plays after the catch.
Las Vegas Raiders: Dont’e Thornton Jr., WR, Tennessee
Finishing 29th in our Offense+ metric, the Las Vegas Raiders’ offense lacked explosiveness in all facets. Struggles at the quarterback position certainly played a factor. However, outside of rookie tight end Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers, the unit also lacked proven pass-catching talents. In the draft, they added an explosive weapon that they hope can take the top off defenses in the NFL as well.
Dont’e Thornton Jr. offers the kind of size-speed profile that can transform an NFL offense, and he fits the mold of a Raiders-style deep threat. At 6’5″ with 4.30 speed, Thornton is built to stretch the field and force defensive backs to turn and run. His game centers around vertical explosion, which could open up the rest of the field for Las Vegas’ offensive weapons.
Thornton’s route tree in college was limited, but his tape suggests he has untapped potential with NFL coaching. He’s not your typical speedster — he’s a natural ball-tracker and thrives in contested catch situations. Thornton is a legitimate big-play threat who can make defenses pay over the top.
Los Angeles Chargers: Kyle Kennard, EDGE, South Carolina
For the first time since the 2015 season, the Los Angeles Chargers will enter an NFL season without Joey Bosa. They moved on from the 5-time Pro Bowler this offseason, leaving a hole opposite Khalil Mack on the edge. Tuli Tuipulotu broke out for 8.5 sacks in 2024. Still, depth became a concern heading into the draft.
Kyle Kennard is bringing length, burst, and production to the Chargers’ front seven. After a dominant final season at South Carolina, where he earned SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors and captured the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Kennard enters the NFL as one of the most productive edge rushers in college football. His numbers reflect a player who consistently disrupted plays against high-level competition.
With Joey Bosa gone, the Chargers needed to add more pass-rushing juice on the edge. There are concerns about his ability to hold up against the run and shed blocks, but Kennard’s tools should allow him to have an instant impact as a pressure specialist.
Los Angeles Rams: Chris Paul Jr., LB, Ole Miss
General manager Les Snead and the Los Angeles Rams’ front office have nailed several picks on the defensive side of the ball over the past couple of seasons — including Jared Verse, Kobie Turner, and Byron Young. There’s reason to believe they may have found another gem.
Chris Paul Jr. brings the kind of instinctive, high-motor play that fits well within the Rams’ defensive identity. For a defense that thrives on speed and pursuit, Paul offers real value. He plays with strong instincts, and he has the versatility to contribute on passing downs.
While he lacks ideal size and top-end speed, Paul compensates with a high football IQ and consistency. Paul checks a lot of boxes — he’s a smart, tough, and ascending talent with leadership traits and a nose for the football. He won’t wow anyone with his physical traits, but he has starter upside. He’ll have every opportunity to compete for meaningful snaps in Year 1.
Miami Dolphins: Jordan Phillips, DT, Maryland
Jordan Phillips comes with a rare combination of power, leverage, and raw explosiveness. Though his game is still evolving, his ability to generate force at the point of attack and his natural leverage give him the foundation to thrive as a disruptive nose tackle. Built low to the ground with a compact, 320-pound frame, Phillips is tough to move and flashes serious pop off the line. He plays with violent hands and a quick first step.
Phillips’ lack of pass rush production could limit his ceiling, but he turns just 21 years old this year, and his best football is well ahead of him. He has the tools to be a difference-maker against the run with upside for more as he develops.
The Miami Dolphins’ defense was solid against the run in 2024, ranking 12th in yards per carry allowed (4.4) and seventh in touchdowns allowed (12). After moving on from veteran Calais Campbell this offseason, Miami needed to add depth to its defensive front. With Zach Sieler, Kenneth Grant, and Phillips, the Dolphins should be an above-average run defense again in 2025.
Minnesota Vikings: Tai Felton, WR, Maryland
In 2024, the Minnesota Vikings fielded an explosive offense (24.2 points per game), but they fell off towards the end of the season. Now, with Sam Darnold in Seattle, the Vikings are preparing for J.J. McCarthy to take the reins. The WR room is loaded with talent, led by Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Third-round pick Tai Felton could compete with Jalen Nailor for WR3 snaps.
Tai Felton brings big-play potential and reliable production to a receiving corps looking for depth and explosiveness behind its stars. A tall, lean wideout with a smooth stride and track speed, Felton turned heads at Maryland with a breakout 2024 campaign, becoming the first player in program history to start a season with four straight 100-yard games. While his frame isn’t built for physical battles at the catch point, he can create separation with savvy route running.
Felton is more than just a vertical threat. He can move the chains and produce chunk plays in the short-to-intermediate game. His 4.3 speed makes him dangerous after the catch as well. The Vikings don’t need him to be a star, but he has the tools to get reps early on.
New England Patriots: Bradyn Swinson, EDGE, LSU
The New England Patriots’ defense consistently struggled to generate a pass rush last season, ranking last in sacks (28) and 31st in pressure rate (28%). The front office prioritized bolstering their roster with capable edge rushers in free agency, adding Harold Landry III and K’Lavon Chaisson, who combined for 14 sacks in 2024. However, that didn’t stop them from adding more talent through the draft.
Bradyn Swinson is a high-upside edge defender with a high motor, explosive hands, and deceptive quickness. Swinson broke out in 2024 after transferring to LSU, posting 13.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks in the SEC while flashing disruptive ability week after week.
Swinson’s game is built on length, timing, and relentless pursuit. He still needs to refine his pass-rush arsenal and improve as a run defender, but he possesses the tools and proven production to become a starter early in his career.
New Orleans Saints: Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma
Run defense let the New Orleans Saints down last season. They finished 30th in both EPA per rush and success rate. The Saints have a solid linebacker duo in Demario Davis and Pete Werner, but Davis is 36 years old. New Orleans drafted Danny Stutsman, who can learn behind a proven vet and get valuable reps.
Stutsman brings a blend of size, instincts, and playmaking ability that can immediately make him a valuable asset to the Saints’ defense. A 6’4″, 241-pound linebacker, Stutsman is known for his play recognition and being a tackling machine.
Stutsman’s instincts and ability to read plays allow him to excel against the run. He’s a surprisingly good athlete, and his special teams background makes him more valuable heading into the NFL. He may not excel in coverage, but Stutsman’s effectiveness against the run and as a pass rusher provides clear value.
New York Giants: Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo
Standing 6’4″, 310 pounds, Darius Alexander possesses an impressive blend of size, explosiveness, and power, one you don’t normally see coming out of the Group of Five. A Second-Team All-MAC pick and a feature on Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks List,” he showcased standout athleticism with eye-popping testing numbers.
On the field, Alexander plays with authority, using his strength to penetrate gaps and disrupt plays right from the snap. His versatility allows him to line up at various positions along the defensive front, and he has demonstrated the ability to shed blocks and apply pressure from the inside.
The Giants’ lack of depth on the interior of their defensive line got exposed when Dexter Lawrence went down last season. In Alexander, the Pro Bowl defensive tackle would have a talented running mate to take under his wing.
New York Jets: Tyler Baron, EDGE, Miami (FL)
The New York Jets’ defense took a significant step back last season (15th in Defense+) after finishing as a top-5 unit in each of the previous two seasons. They didn’t do a bad job of getting after the quarterback, though. New York has a promising young duo of pass rushers in Jermaine Johnson and Will McDonald IV. New head coach Aaron Glenn has another edge defender with upside on his hands.
Tyler Baron possesses a solid combination of size, athleticism, and technical refinement that could make him a valuable addition to the Jets’ defensive front. A fifth-year senior with versatility to play in both odd and even fronts, Baron offers NFL-level size and the ability to line up in multiple alignments, either with his hand in the dirt or standing up.
Baron isn’t a speed demon off the edge, but he has a strong work ethic and solid pass-rush technique. His best role early on will likely be as a designated pass rusher, but his upside will depend on his ability to be a more consistent run defender.
Philadelphia Eagles: Ty Robinson, DT, Nebraska
The Philadelphia Eagles were dominant in the trenches on both sides of the football, carrying them on their Super Bowl run last season. Ranked the No. 2 defense in our 2024 rankings, this unit was elite, and it started up front. Led by Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis, Vic Fangio’s defense is stout in the middle. However, Howie Roseman knew he needed to account for the loss of Milton Williams in free agency.
Ty Robinson is a tough, physical presence on the defensive line, so he’ll fit right in with the rest of the Eagles’ defensive front. Known for his relentless, bully-ball style, Robinson is built to thrive in the trenches, with the strength to set the edge and the frame to overwhelm blockers.
Robinson lacks ideal length, but his high motor and active hands help him make plays. His versatility makes him a valuable piece, as he can play both odd and even fronts. Robinson’s physicality will make an immediate impact in run defense, and he has the physical tools to generate pressure while he refines his technique.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
Kaleb Johnson’s powerful blend of size, vision, and big-play ability should thrive within Pittsburgh’s physical, smashmouth identity. Though built like a traditional bruiser at 6’0”, 225 pounds, Johnson’s game is more about rhythm and decisiveness than sheer power. He reads blocks well and consistently picks up chunk plays.
Johnson would be an ideal complement in a two-back system, pairing especially well with a shiftier or more explosive change-of-pace option like Jaylen Warren. His ability to stay efficient between the tackles and wear down defenses makes him a potential closer late in games. He’s also flashed upside as a pass catcher, though his limitations in pass protection may keep him off the field on third downs early in his career.
Johnson’s tape reveals a back who not only holds up to a heavy workload but gets stronger as the game goes on. That could allow him to take over the starting running back job before the season is over.
San Francisco 49ers: CJ West, DT, Indiana
The San Francisco 49ers entered this offseason with multiple needs on defense, but defensive tackle was arguably the most pressing. Stopping the run was a constant struggle. The unit ranked 29th in total rush EPA (2.89) and 25th in rush success rate (58.1%). San Francisco moved on from Javon Hargrave in the offseason, leaving a massive hole on the interior of their defensive line.
Given the 49ers’ thin depth on the interior of their defensive line, CJ West’s gritty, disruptive energy could make him a valuable rotational piece early in his rookie season. An experienced player, West made a name for himself by doing the dirty work and consistently freeing up playmakers around him. He was a tone-setter for Indiana’s revamped run defense, helping to elevate it from one of the Big Ten’s weakest to one of the nation’s best.
Though West lacks elite length and first-step explosion, he has the traits to make an impact on early downs. His performances against Ohio State and Michigan suggest he can hold is own against NFL-caliber competition. West will need to develop as a pass rusher, but he could immediately this defense as a run stuffer.
Seattle Seahawks: Tory Horton, WR, Colorado State
The Seattle Seahawks’ offense will look significantly different in 2025 after replacing Geno Smith with Sam Darnold. They also moved on from DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, adding Cooper Kupp and Marquez Valdes-Scantling in their place. With so many new faces, Kupp and Jaxon Smith-Njigba should be considered the only locks.
Tory Horton might not be the most polished receiver among this year’s prospects, but his knack for stretching the field and creating big plays offers insight into his potential with the Seahawks. Before a knee injury cut short his 2024 season, Horton consistently demonstrated the qualities of a deep threat, utilizing his speed and natural ability to track the ball.
While Horton may not be an elite technician capable of running the full route tree, he provides instant explosiveness as a vertical threat. He can stretch the field and compel defenses to respect his speed on every rep.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: David Walker, EDGE, Central Arkansas
David Walker made a significant impact at Central Arkansas, establishing himself as one of the most accomplished defenders in the program’s history. He concluded his college career with three consecutive First-Team All-American selections and impressive numbers — 31 sacks, 63 tackles for loss, and 55 pressures over three seasons.
Walker combines a powerful build with a quick burst off the line, allowing him to excel off the snap. Although he may not possess the typical height of an edge rusher, his athleticism provides valuable flexibility across different defensive schemes.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers excelled at pressuring opposing quarterbacks last season, recording 46 sacks (6th in the NFL) with a 37.3% pressure rate (5th). Still, general manager Jason Licht wanted to add more juice off the edge, and Walker provides that.
Tennessee Titans: Kevin Winston Jr., S, Penn State
The Tennessee Titans’ lackluster depth at the safety position was a significant concern heading into the draft. However, they landed one of the more promising prospects in this year’s class. The Titans’ defense ranked 26th in rushing yards allowed and 23rd in rush EPA allowed. Adding a physical presence who thrives in the box was a priority.
Although a season-ending ACL injury in 2024 cut his junior campaign short, Kevin Winston Jr. showed enough in 2023 to prove he belongs in the league. At 6’2”, 205 pounds with long arms and a physical play style, he projects as an enforcer who thrives close to the line of scrimmage. His presence in the box adds a layer of run support that few safeties in this class can match. He closes with purpose, punishes ball carriers, and brings an edge that defensive coordinators love.
Winston is still developing in coverage, but the upside is evident. He offers immediate value as a matchup piece and run-stopping specialist while he develops the rest of his game. Winston has all the tools to evolve into a long-term starter for Tennessee.
Washington Commanders: Jaylin Lane, WR, Virginia Tech
Led by Offensive Rookie of the Year, the Washington Commanders shocked a lot of people in 2024. Finishing as a top-10 offense in Offense+ (28.1 PPG), there’s plenty of optimism they can build on their success heading into 2025. The Commanders upgraded their wide receiver room by acquiring Deebo Samuel, and they added another playmaker in the draft.
With 4.34 speed and a track record of explosive playmaking, Jaylin Lane offers a dynamic presence out of the slot and as a returner. His ability to flip field position and generate chunk plays from simple touches makes him a great fit for the Commanders.
Lane isn’t a polished route technician yet and struggles to win contested catches, but he has a knack for using his speed to create separation. He should be able to carve out a role on special teams from Day 1 while competing for offensive snaps alongside Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel.
