Every year, the NFL Draft produces surprise stars from under-the-radar schools, players who may not have the national spotlight but have the skills to thrive at the next level. In this article, we’re diving into some of the best small-school sleepers in the 2025 NFL Draft.
We’ll break down what makes each player special, from their traits to the areas they need to improve. More importantly, we’ll match them with the best NFL team fits, looking at schemes, coaching staffs, and roster needs that could help them succeed. Whether it’s a dominant edge rusher from an FCS school, a dynamic wide receiver from a lesser-known program, or a versatile lineman flying under the radar, these players have the potential to make a real impact.
If you’re looking for future draft steals or just love learning about draft prospects before they hit the mainstream, this is the perfect read. Get ready to meet the next wave of small-school standouts who could hear their names called on draft weekend—and might just become household names in the NFL. Let’s get into the list!
Mike Green
(EDGE, Marshall)
Mike Green might not be from a powerhouse FBS school, but he’s one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. After transferring from Virginia to Marshall, he racked up 102 pressures and 24 sacks over three seasons, recording an FBS leading, 17 sacks in the 2024 season.
Green is a super explosive pass rusher with a quick first step, the ability to bend around the edge, and a powerful speed-to-power move. He keeps tackles guessing with a strong spin move and hesitation step, making it tough for lineman to stay in front of. His motor never stops, and he’s constantly hunting quarterbacks, even when plays break down.
Against the run, Green’s agility helps him slip past blockers, but bigger linemen can overpower him if he doesn’t win early. He’ll need to add a bit more strength for the NFL, but his versatility and relentless energy makes him a high-upside defender who could thrive in the right system.
Potential Fits: Falcons, Cardinals, Seahawks
Darius Alexander
(DL, Toledo)
One of the most fun defenders to watch during the draft process for me has been Darius Alexander. The Toledo standout is an extremely dominant run defender with the size (6’4”, 310 lbs) and strength to control the line of scrimmage. He’s an elite two-gapper who can take on double teams and clog running lanes, making life miserable for opposing offenses.
While his run defense is top-tier, his pass-rushing game is still developing. He really has the athleticism and power to be disruptive, but his motor and consistency in passing situations need work. When he’s locked in, his quick lateral movement and swim move can beat slower linemen, but he needs to bring that effort on every snap to win pass rush reps at the next level.
Alexander has the tools to be an early contributor in the NFL, especially on early downs. If he lands with the right coaching staff and develops as a pass rusher, he could turn into a high-impact defensive tackle.
Potential Fits: Saints, Chargers, Chiefs
Grey Zabel
(OT, North Dakota State)
Grey Zabel could be the next big thing out of North Dakota State’s O-line factory, and he’s got the tools to be a long-term NFL starter. He’s a nasty, athletic lineman who plays with natural power and a relentless motor—exactly what you’d expect from an NDSU prospect.
Zabel has experience all over the line but projects best at center, where his patience in pass protection and football IQ will take over. He’s got the size (6’5”, 312 lbs) and strength to hold his ground, plus the athleticism to handle different blocking schemes. When he’s on, he finishes plays with authority.
That said, he can get a little wild at times, throwing his body around instead of landing clean hand placement. He’ll need to refine his footwork, especially in zone schemes. Zabel has all the makings of a versatile NFL starter for years to come if he can refine some of his mechanics.
Potential Fits: Lions, Rams, Steelers
Shavon Revel
(CB, East Carolina)
Shavon Revel’s journey from working the night shift at Amazon to becoming an NFL Draft prospect is straight out of a movie. The 6’3”, 193-pound corner burst onto the scene in 2023 at ECU, turning heads with his elite speed (4.40), freakish athleticism, and physical play. He was locking down receivers, breaking up passes, and even blocking kicks on special teams—until an ACL tear in 2024 put his meteoric rise on pause.
Revel has the ideal length and speed for an NFL boundary corner, using his frame to disrupt routes and recover quickly when beaten. He’s smooth in coverage, physical in press, and aggressive in run support. However, with just one full season of top-level production, teams will need to weigh his upside against his limited experience and medical concerns. If he bounces back strong, he has the tools to be an absolute steal in the draft.
Potential fits: Jets, Packers, Ravens
Marcus Yarns
(HB, Delaware)
Marcus Yarns is the kind of player who makes defenses hold their breath every time he touches the ball. The Delaware standout is pure speed, tracked at over 22 mph in-game, and once he finds a crease, it’s game over. In 2024, he racked up 844 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns on 133 carries (6.3 YPC). Over his career, he’s totaled 2,345 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns, adding another 812 yards and 11 scores as a receiver.
Yarns thrives in wide-zone schemes where he can press the edge and turn on the jets. His hands are reliable in the passing game, with 64 career receptions, and he’s got just enough toughness in pass protection to stick his nose in against bigger defenders. The downside? He’s more of a straight-line sprinter than a shifty, make-you-miss type of back. His lateral agility and change of direction could use work, and he sometimes hesitates too long at the mesh point.
Still, Yarns brings legit game-breaking ability and should find a role as a gadget player or return specialist at the next level. With just two career fumbles on 364 carries, he’s also one of the more secure ball carriers in this draft. Teams looking for speed late in the draft will have him high on their boards.
Potential Fits: Browns, Bears, Patriots
Charles Grant
(OT, William & Mary)
Charles Grant’s late transition from wrestling to football didn’t stop him from becoming one of the FCS’s top offensive linemen. At William & Mary, he transformed his body, adding 60 pounds while keeping his elite agility and balance. A three-year starter at left tackle, he allowed just one sack in 2024 and helped power one of the nation’s top rushing attacks (232.1 yards per game). His dominance earned him Consensus First-Team All-America honors and a Senior Bowl invite.
Grant’s quick feet, leverage, and relentless motor make him a great fit for zone-heavy schemes. However, at 6’5”, 300 pounds, he needs to add strength to handle NFL power rushers. While he’ll face a steep jump in competition, his skill set, and mentality make him an intriguing Day 2 prospect. With the right development, he has the potential to become a high-end starter in the NFL.
Potential Fits: 49ers, Rams, Lions
Harold Fannin Jr.
(TE, Bowling Green)
Harold Fannin Jr. is a dynamic offensive weapon who brings versatility and toughness to the tight end position. A former strong safety and receiver, the First-Team All-MAC selection developed into one of the nation’s most productive playmakers at Bowling Green. Despite being 6’3”, 241 pounds, smaller than most in-line tight ends, he plays with physicality and technique in the run game, excelling as a blocker against bigger defenders.
Fannin’s biggest strength is his route-running—he attacks all levels of the field, manipulates defenders, and plays through contact. He’s a mismatch nightmare, capable of lining up as a traditional TE, in the slot, or even in the backfield. His yards-after-catch ability and north-south running style make him dangerous with the ball in his hands. While his size and competition level may raise questions, his versatility, intelligence, and toughness give him Pro Bowl potential and make him an intriguing prospect.
Potential Fits: Jaguars, Commanders, Eagles
David Walker
(EDGE, Central Arkansas)
David Walker is an explosive and highly productive edge rusher coming off a dominant season at Central Arkansas, where he racked up 10.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. His performance earned him the Buck Buchanan Award as the top FCS defender, making him one of the most intriguing small-school prospects in the draft.
Walker wins with speed, lateral agility, and hand usage, consistently pressuring quarterbacks with his burst and flexibility. He’s a relentless pass rusher who can bend the edge and close quickly, though his lack of length and inconsistent rush plan could be concerns at the next level.
Against the run, he’s a high-motor, backside pursuit defender who beats blockers with quickness but needs to get stronger against bigger linemen. His raw explosiveness and pass-rushing traits should get him into Day 3, making him a developmental prospect with upside.
Potential Fits: Ravens, Vikings, Colts
Efton Chism
(WR, Eastern Washington)
Efton Chism III is a highly productive slot receiver with an elite combination of route-running, quickness, and hands. A two-time FCS All-American, he was a dominant force at Eastern Washington, finishing his career with 341 receptions, 3,795 yards, and 37 touchdowns. His ability to separate against both zone and man coverage makes him a reliable target, particularly in a spread or West Coast offense that values quick, efficient routes.
Chism’s sharp footwork and lateral agility allow him to consistently create space, though his lack of top-end speed limits his ability as a deep threat. His strong hands and tracking ability make him dependable, but his average length restricts his ability to win in jump-ball situations.
Beyond offense, he adds value on special teams as a punt returner, using his vision and elusiveness. While he may not project as a top receiver, his versatility and reliability make him a strong WR3/WR4 option with special teams upside.
Potential Fits: Rams, Texans, Raiders
Chase Lundt
(OT, Connecticut)
The last player on the list is Chase Lundt, an undersized two-star recruit who has transformed into a reliable Day 3 prospect. After redshirting in 2019 and losing 2020 to COVID, Lundt became a staple at right tackle for UConn, starting 36 games over three seasons. At 6'8" and 305 pounds, Lundt played a critical role in UConn's offensive turnaround, especially in pass protection and the run game, helping the team finish 13th nationally in sacks allowed in 2024.
Lundt's strengths include his exceptional lateral mobility, ability to mirror speed rushers, and refined kick-slide technique in pass protection. His range and footwork in the run game allow him to execute combination blocks and reach the second level effectively. However, his lean frame and limited length create challenges against power rushers. Despite these weaknesses, Lundt’s foundation, durability, and mental processing make him an intriguing swing tackle with starter upside.
Potential Fits: Dolphins, Giants, Bears