Every year, the NFL Draft shines a spotlight on marquee names expected to dominate at the professional level. However, beneath the glitz of first-round selections lies a treasure trove of underrated talent—players who may not command national attention but possess the potential to become game-changers.
The 2025 NFL Draft is no different, with several underrated NFL Draft picks poised to leave an indelible mark on the league. Let’s dive into some of these hidden gems and explore why they are flying under the radar.
1. Donovan Smith (QB, Houston)
Donovan Smith is one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in the 2025 draft class. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing over 230 pounds, Smith boasts a prototypical NFL frame complemented by dual-threat capabilities. In 2023, he was one of just eight Power Five quarterbacks to achieve over 2,500 passing yards, 20 passing touchdowns, and five rushing touchdowns.
Despite his impressive stats, Smith has been overshadowed by bigger names in the quarterback pool due to Houston’s lack of national prominence. His evolving skill set and ability to fit into modern offenses make him a potential steal for teams seeking a versatile quarterback.
2. Elic Ayomanor (WR, Stanford)
Elic Ayomanor is a name that has flown under the radar despite his standout performances at Stanford. Known for his imposing size and playmaking ability, Ayomanor has drawn comparisons to elite possession receivers in the league.
His knack for high-pointing contested catches and creating mismatches against smaller defensive backs makes him a valuable asset. However, Stanford’s lackluster season has kept him out of the national conversation. Teams looking for a red-zone threat with big-play potential should keep an eye on Ayomanor.
3. CJ West (DT, Indiana)
After transferring from Kent State to Indiana, CJ West quickly established himself as one of the top interior defensive linemen in college football. At 6’1″ and 315 pounds, West dominated Big Ten competition as a run-stopper while earning high grades from Pro Football Focus for his disruptive play.
Despite his production, he remains underrated due to questions about how his pass-rush skills will translate to the NFL level. For teams needing a stout nose tackle with upside, West could be an invaluable addition.
4. Abdul Carter (EDGE, Penn State)
Abdul Carter has drawn comparisons to Micah Parsons for his versatility and explosiveness off the edge. A relentless pass rusher with a high motor, Carter has all the tools to succeed at the next level but has been somewhat overlooked due to Penn State’s deep defensive roster stealing some of his spotlight. His ability to disrupt plays in both pass-rushing and coverage scenarios makes him an intriguing prospect for teams seeking a dynamic defender.
5. Xavier Legette (WR, South Carolina)
Xavier Legette emerged as a late bloomer at South Carolina but has proven himself as a legitimate playmaker. At 6’1″ and 221 pounds, Legette combines physicality with speed (4.39-second 40-yard dash) and exceptional ball skills.
His kick-return ability further enhances his value as a multi-dimensional threat. Despite these attributes, Legette is often overshadowed by higher-profile receivers in this draft class. Teams needing depth at wide receiver should consider him as an excellent mid-round option.
6. Mike Green (DE, Marshall)
Mike Green is another high-motor player who has largely gone unnoticed due to playing at a smaller program like Marshall. Green excels as a pass rusher with strong instincts and relentless effort on every snap. While he lacks some of the physical traits scouts covet in top-tier edge rushers, his production speaks for itself. Green’s ability to disrupt opposing offenses could make him an impactful rotational player early in his career.
7. Quinn Ewers (QB, Texas)
Quinn Ewers is an enigma in this draft class—a quarterback with elite arm talent but inconsistent production during his time at Texas. Ewers has shown flashes of brilliance that suggest he could thrive in the right system but has been overshadowed by other quarterbacks with more polished resumes. For teams willing to invest time in developing his raw talent, Ewers could become one of the biggest surprises from this draft.
Why Are These Players Underrated?
Several factors contribute to these players being overlooked:
- Program Visibility: Players from smaller schools or less successful programs often struggle to gain national attention despite their talent (e.g., CJ West and Mike Green).
- Injuries or Inconsistencies: Prospects like Quinn Ewers have faced scrutiny due to inconsistent performances or injury histories that have tempered their hype.
- Crowded Position Groups: Talented players such as Xavier Legette find themselves buried behind more prominent names in deep position groups like wide receiver.
- Developmental Needs: Some players, such as Abdul Carter and Donovan Smith, have immense potential but require refinement before they can fully realize their capabilities.
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The beauty of every NFL Draft lies in its unpredictability—where late-round picks emerge as stars while highly touted prospects falter under pressure. The underrated players highlighted here may not dominate headlines now, but their unique skill sets and untapped potential position them as future difference-makers in the league.
As teams prepare for the 2025 season, these hidden gems could prove invaluable for franchises willing to take a chance on them. Whether it’s Donovan Smith leading an offense or Abdul Carter wreaking havoc on defense, these players are poised to make significant impacts far beyond their draft-day projections.
