As is the case every year, the 2025 NFL Draft saw some prospects get selected much later than they should have. That set up a lot of teams to score some absolute steals on Day 3 in Rounds 4-7.
Plenty will be made of potential early-round studs or busts over the next few days, but success in the NFL is often defined by the diamonds in the rough found outside the first round.
Based on Sporting News’ final big board rankings of the draft’s top 250 players, here’s looking at the best of those standout fallers who can provide their new teams some great return on late-round investments.
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NFL Draft 2025: The best late-round stealsÂ
Cleveland Browns: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado (Round 5, No. 144 overall)
The Browns didn’t take him with their previous six picks after trading out of No. 2 overall in the first round, but they saved him for their final selection — and their second QB taken after Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel. Other than a massive dropoff in rookie contract money, Sanders steps into a similar situation he would have if taken much earlier, a favorable Kevin Stefanski-Tommy Rees pocket passing offense. Now he’ll also need to compete with Gabriel along with Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco to start and replace a shelved Deshaun Watson.
Whatever the concerns about Sanders’ mental makeup, he does have favorable physical tools and ended up on the right team to give him the best chance to succeed in the NFL.
Tennessee Titans: Elic Ayomanor, WR, Colorado (Round 4, No. 126 overall)
The Titans needed to upgrade weaponry for No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward. Ayomanor is a step in that direction with his smooth route running and good hands. After also adding athletic tight end Gunnar Helm, Ayomanor has a nice blend of size and speed (6-2, 206 pounds) to support Calvin Ridley well.
Miami Dolphins: Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas (Round 7, No. 231 overall)
Ewers was the other more forgotten faller at quarterback as the 13th QB off the board, well after Sanders. He made the most sense for a 49ers-adjacent system given his arm and quick release as a pocket passer with limited mobile qualities. He was a good extra development backup to get for Mike McDaniel, as the oft-injured Tua Tagovailoa needed a more bona fide contingency option.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Jack Sawyer, EDGE, Ohio State (Round 4, No. 123 overall)
The Steelers get their style of versatile, high-energy impact defender. He can help their top pass rush well, but he also gives them a bigger boost outside vs. the run.
New York Giants: Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona State (Round 4, No. 105 overall)
The Giants had been tied to adding Skattebo’s relentless power running to help their new-look QB room of Jaxson Dart, Russell Wilson, and Jameis Winston. Skattebo is the needed early-down and red-zone complement to Tyrone Tracy Jr.
Philadelphia Eagles: Cameron Williams, OT, Texas (Round 6, No. 207 overall)
Williams lasted way too long after Longhorns teammate Kelvin Banks Jr. was taken in the first round. Williams’ power and athleticism are made for right tackle, and he can be groomed and developed well behind Lane Johnson.
Miami Dolphins: Jordan Phillips, DT, Maryland (Round 5, No. 143 overall)
Phillips keeps helping to beef up their new defensive front, joining massive rookie first-round Kenneth Grant. He is a nice complement to Zach Sieler, too, with his athleticism.
Kansas City Chiefs: Jaylen Royals, WR, Utah State (Round 4, No. 133 overall)
The Chiefs, between Hollywood Brown, Xavier Worthy, and Royals, have made it a point to surround big-armed Patrick Mahomes with speedy vertical threats. Royals qualifies as one with some reliable route-running to boost.
San Francisco 49ers: C.J. West, DT, Indiana (Round 4, No. 113 overall)
The 49ers also invested in tackle during their defense-themed draft with Alfred Collins for the inside pass rush, but now they get this high-ceiling disruptor who can be their new DeForest Buckner in time.
Los Angeles Chargers: Oronde Gadsden II, TE, Syracuse (Round 5, No. 165 overall)
Gadsen has fine NFL receiving pedigree from his namesake father, and he can develop into a good athletic target in Greg Roman’s offense to boost the intermediate passing of Justin Herbert.
Los Angeles Rams: Chris Paul Jr., LB, Ole Miss, Round 5, No. 172 overall)
The Rams needed to get more active on the second level with a rangy playmaker, and Paul can be latest impactful sleeper for Les Snead’s reloading front seven.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Will Howard, QB, Ohio State (Round 6, No. 185 overall)
The Steelers hinted at taking more of a developmental QB than a sure starter over Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson. Howard is ideal for them with his toughness, athleticism, and the arm to push it well downfield to their speedy wideouts.
Dallas Cowboys: Ajani Cornelius, OT, Oregon (Round 6, No. 204 overall)
The Cowboys had another methodical strong draft, going for real substance over flash and style. Cornelius’ frame is familiar to their past starters at tackle and guard. At worst, he can be a strong backup for years to come.
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