The 2025 NFL Draft brought the usual chaos, surprises, and “wait, how did he fall that far?” moments we all live for. And let’s be honest—some of the biggest steals don’t happen in Round 1, they occur when a team takes a flyer on someone who looks like a genius pick.
These 20 value picks from the 2025 NFL Draft could become steals. From late-round gems to perfect fits, these moves might define future success.
20. Ahmed Hassanein, EDGE, Detroit Lions (Pick 196)
Detroit didn’t overthink it—they grabbed a pass rusher with real upside late in the game. If he develops right, this could be a sneaky win for a defense that loves to bring the heat.
19. RJ Mickens, S, Los Angeles Chargers (Pick 214)
Mickens was floating around in top-110 territory on some boards, so getting him this late was a pleasant surprise. He brings energy and versatility to a Chargers secondary that could use both.
18. Kobe King, LB, Minnesota Vikings (Pick 201)
Kobe King feels like the guy who sticks around a roster for years. Hard-nosed, dependable, and the depth piece teams love finding late.
17. Marcus Mbow, T, New York Giants (Pick 154)
New York needed help up front, and Mbow was waiting to be taken. This is one of those mid-round picks that could quietly end up in the starting lineup.
16. Connor Colby, G, San Francisco 49ers (Pick 249)
San Francisco doesn’t usually wait for offensive line help, but they might have found a gem in Colby. He’s raw but has the tools, and there’s no better place to learn the ropes.
15. Brashard Smith, RB, Kansas City Chiefs (Pick 228)
The Chiefs keep adding fun pieces to their offense. Smith is electric with the ball and could be a gadget player nightmare for defenses.
14. Jonah Monheim, C, Jacksonville Jaguars (Pick 221)
Monheim is one of those linemen who could be around forever. Maybe not flashy, but solid, reliable, and probably a future fan favorite in Jacksonville.
13. JJ Pegues, DI, Las Vegas Raiders (Pick 180)
Pegues has the kind of motor coaches that he loves. If everything clicks, he could be a wrecking ball in the middle of that Raiders D-line rotation.
12. Chris Paul Jr., LB, Los Angeles Rams (Pick 172)
The Rams might’ve found a spark plug on defense with Paul Jr. He’s quick, aggressive, and already looks like a special-teams stud with more potential on the way.
11. Trey Amos, CB, Washington Commanders (Pick 61)
Trey Amos was supposed to go higher, but Washington didn’t mind the fall. They might’ve landed a plug-and-play starter at a discount.
10. Riley Leonard, QB, Indianapolis Colts (Pick 189)
Leonard has traits you can’t teach—size, athleticism, and a bit of swagger. Indy’s playing the long game here, and it might pay off.
9. Jaylen Reed, S, Houston Texans (Pick 187)
Reed plays with an edge and seems like the guy who’ll quickly make a name for himself. Houston might’ve found a future tone-setter for their defense.
8. Damien Martinez, RB, Seattle Seahawks (Pick 223)
The Seahawks love tough runners, and Martinez fits that bill. He slipped further than expected, but Seattle might’ve just scored big.
7. Tez Johnson, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Pick 235)
Tez torched everyone at the Senior Bowl and still fell to the seventh round. Tampa gets an explosive playmaker with serious chip-on-his-shoulder energy.
6. Elic Ayomanor, WR, Tennessee Titans (Pick 136)
Ayomanor has the size, hands, and highlight tape to make people wonder how he was still available here. Tennessee might’ve lucked into a legit threat on the outside.
5. Bradyn Swinson, EDGE, New England Patriots (Pick 146)
New England saw value and didn’t hesitate. Swinson has pass-rush juice and could be one of those who thrive under Belichick’s watch.
4. Devin Neal, RB, New Orleans Saints (Pick 184)
Neal can do almost everything and was ranked way higher on most boards. He’s a perfect change-of-pace guy who could carve out a fundamental role.
3. Quinn Ewers, QB, Miami Dolphins (Pick 231)
Say what you want about his college career—Ewers still has arm talent for days. Miami took a flier in the seventh round, and it might look genius down the road.
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2. Shedeur Sanders, QB, Cleveland Browns (Pick 144)
This might steal the draft if Shedeur lives up to the hype. A Day 2 talent falling to Round 5? The Browns will take that swing.
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1. Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Jacksonville Jaguars (Pick 2)
Yes, he went early, but Jacksonville traded up to get him, and somehow it still feels like a steal. Two-way star, elite talent, and endless upside—Hunter is worth every pick they gave up.
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