While 257 prospects have their dreams come true, hearing their name announced at the 2025 NFL Draft, many players will go undrafted, hoping to secure a free agency deal after the draft ends. While this is the likely outcome for many NFL hopefuls, there are always a few surprises who drop out of the draft entirely.
Six Shocking Undrafted Free Agents from the 2025 NFL Draft
While the 2025 NFL Draft is in the books, the action is just getting started as all 32 NFL franchises rush to sign the players they want who did not get selected. While the road from UDFA to the 53-man roster is difficult, plenty of diamonds are in the rough to be found after the draft. Here are some of the most shocking UDFAs from the 2025 NFL Draft.
WR Xavier Restrepo, Miami
Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Xavier Restrepo was a popular name heading into the draft cycle following the 2024 college football season and was, without a doubt, Cam Ward’s favorite target in the 2024 Miami offense. He recorded back-to-back 1,000+ yard seasons, hauling in 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2024.
However, some concerning pre-draft testing, including a 4.83-second 40-yard dash at Miami’s Pro Day, seems to have caused his surprising slide.
MORE: Undrafted Free Agent Tracker
According to PFSN’s Ian Cummings, Restrepo was incredibly productive in college, but how he projects to the NFL is unclear. Restrepo has a strong frame at 5’10”, 209 pounds, and his superpower is his short-area quickness as a route runner and RAC threat. But Restrepo lacks great speed and explosiveness, and his sub-30″ arms significantly reduce his catch radius and viability against press coverage.
Restrepo likely projects as a slot-only target at the NFL level, and his limited athletic ceiling may impact his draft capital. Still, he can exceed his draft billing in the right role with his toughness, separation IQ, and sturdy hands.
CB Zy Alexander, LSU
Zy Alexander saw a productive stint at LSU after transferring from Southeastern Louisiana. Alexander took his FCS stardom to the FBS and continued to display his production and physicality in the secondary. Testing numbers, specifically his size, caused quite the slide for PFSN’s 104th overall prospect.
At 6’1″, 187 pounds, Alexander isn’t the heaviest player nor has high-end proportional length. But he can give WRs fits in contested situations with his frame and tenacity. Despite his non-elite burst and vertical speed, he’s a fleet-footed, agile, and fluid mover with exceptional coverage mobility.
While 27 other cornerbacks have been drafted, teams will take every chance to let the best players make the roster. While Alexander hoped to get drafted, he will surely make a mark in training camp as a UDFA. Regardless, he has the tools to be a potential NFL starter with a particular affinity for man coverage.
WR Isaiah Bond, Texas
Another popular pass-catching name heading into the 2025 NFL Draft cycle was Texas Longhorns WR Isaiah Bond. While teammate Matthew Golden led the team, Bond was a solid weapon for the Longhorns after transferring from Alabama.
Bond is an explosive wide receiver with game-breaking speed and can stretch the field vertically or create separation underneath. He accelerates quickly off the line and is a threat to score whenever he touches the ball, especially on deep routes and screens. He’s also a dangerous returner, adding special-teams value.
Bond is a developmental pick, but for being the 186th overall rated prospect, being a UDFA is a bit puzzling. His route tree is still developing, and he can struggle against physical corners at the line of scrimmage. Adding strength and refining his timing will elevate his game.
CB Cobee Bryant, Kansas
While Alexander was small, Kansas Jayhawks cornerback Cobee Bryant is even smaller, at least weight-wise. He is an instinctive defensive back with a knack for making plays on the ball. He combines length and athleticism at 6’0” and 170 pounds to challenge receivers at the catch point.
A natural ballhawk, he’s also a physical defender who isn’t afraid to step up against the run. Still, as his eight interceptions and 12 pass breakups over the past two seasons show, Bryant’s best trait is his playmaking ability, and the speed he utilizes to close gaps and hawk in front of ill-fated passes.
How his light frame translates to the NFL is likely why he will be looking to sign a UDFA deal. However, in the right scheme, he could thrive.
[the_ad id=”310498″OG Joshua Gray, Oregon State
Fourteen offensive guards were selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, Oregon State’s Joshua Gray was not one of them. Gray has plenty of experience, taking over 3800 snaps at left guard and tackle during his six years with the Beavers.
He has average pass-blocking production, having given up 25 pressures over the past two seasons as a starter. He is a high-motor player who finishes plays off. He has shown he can play with a low pad level and has good running and pass blocker technique.
Gray plays the game with above-average strength and drive. He is a physical player in the trenches who lets his presence be known. Gray is a good athlete who moves well in space and has no physical restrictions. He will be a solid UDFA addition for an NFL franchise, providing solid competition on the offensive line in training camp and preseason, possibly even making a final 53-man roster.
WR Nick Nash, San Jose State
San Jose State’s Nick Nash was another receiver who surprisingly dropped out of the 2025 NFL Draft. He is a versatile playmaker with a wide receiver’s skill set and a quarterback’s instincts, bringing dynamic athleticism and creativity to the field. He’s a fluid route runner with reliable hands and the ability to make contested catches in traffic. Nash excels after the catch, using quickness and vision to turn short throws into significant gains.
However, a drop was inevitable for Nash after rough testing at the NFL Combine, including a 4.57-second 40-yard dash. He lacks elite top-end speed and can struggle to separate consistently against physical man coverage. However, his experience as a former quarterback gives him a strong understanding of coverages and soft spots in zone.