Predicting Best Undrafted Rookies from the 2025 NFL Draft

Before every draft, teams spend weeks combing through all the scouting reports to decide which players to select with the picks they have at their disposal. In the 2025 NFL Draft, they did exactly that for seven rounds spread over three days.

This season’s draft was not like last season, when teams had the option of selecting from the multitude of good to great quarterbacks and wide receivers. The flavor of this season was linemen, with 12 players spanning both sides of the ball going in the first round.

Teams generally need reinforcements in every position. But every draft does not necessarily give them the best options. But there are still some gems to be found, and teams who continue evaluating players in training camps do stumble upon such diamonds in the rough.

The NFL is littered with stories of those rough, uncut diamonds who, when given the opportunity, shone like the best that could come from a mine. Among them, undrafted players take the cake, as they did not even get to hear their name called. Some of the best undrafted players to make it to the Hall of Fame are Kurt Warner, Warren Moon, and Antonio Gates.

Their legacies have given teams the impetus to keep searching and allowing players a chance to show why they belong. This year’s draft could also have some of those uncut gems in the mix. Let us look at seven undrafted rookies from the 2025 NFL Draft who could make a name for themselves down the line.

Nick Nash, WR, San Jose State, Atlanta Falcons

Nick Nash was a quarterback until 2021. The following year, the 6′ 3″ star changed positions to a receiver. That change saw an instant impact, and he pulled down more than 150 catches and racked up 2000 yards over his final two seasons.

The icing on the cake, he tallied 24 touchdowns in that span, with 18 of them contested. If the Atlanta Falcons see signs of that in training camp, he could be an extra weapon to help unlock Michael Penix Jr. down the line.

Logan Brown, OT, Kansas, Minnesota Vikings

Logan Brown was once a five-star recruit who was forced to transfer to Kansas. That is after Wisconsin dismissed him for striking a teammate. That might have been the reason he fell out of the draft completely.

If the Minnesota Vikings can keep his nerves in check, he will be a good problem when handling edge rushers. If he can keep his calm and continue to fix his run blocking, he can become a starter and maybe end up becoming a good to great player.

Elijhah Badger, WR, Florida, Kansas City Chiefs

Some scouts had Elijhah Badger going in the second round. It is unknown what led him to drop out of the draft, but at least the Kansas City Chiefs believe they can get the best out of him. His frame and speed are traits that the Chiefs like.

If he can earn a spot, Patrick Mahomes can have a reliable target on hand just in case Xavier Worthy‘s hype starts to fade. They need rotational pieces until their current receiver group finds its stride. Moreover, he can be a good and inexpensive replacement if injuries strike again.

Seth McLaughlin, C, Ohio State, Cincinnati Bengals

Seth McLaughlin was named the best center in college football. He helmed the championship-winning Ohio State Buckeyes until he tore his Achilles before the game against Michigan. Once he returns to full health, the Cincinnati Bengals will have a solid football player on their roster.

McLaughlin knows how to play the center position well enough to be a starter in the league. More importantly, he was also the de facto leader of that Buckeyes offense. Joe Burrow needs an anchor whom he can depend on.

Willie Lampkin, C, North Carolina, Los Angeles Rams

Rarely do NFL teams draft offensive linemen who are under 6 feet tall. Willie Lampkin might be short, but he uses that to his advantage and tackles defenders at the point of attack differently. The former wrestler uses his lower center of gravity and strong hands to wreak havoc.

The Rams know all too well how a similarly undersized player dominated wearing their jersey. If Lampkin can develop into someone who is even 20% of what Aaron Donald was, he could have a long career in front of him.

Desmond Watson, DT, Florida, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have 350-pound Vita Vea as one of their most important defensive tackle on their roster. They probably thought, why not bring in someone who is more than 100 pounds heavier? Desmond Watson is 6′ 6″ and weighs 464 pounds, and has been manhandling opponents in college.

If he can stay healthy, the Buccaneers could place him in situations to create mismatches. If he can man the nose tackle spot on his own, they will have a fearsome line in place. The combination of Watson and Vea will not be something running backs would like to see.

Nazir Stackhouse, DT, Georgia, Green Bay Packers

Nazir Stackhouse has played alongside Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter at Georgia. Not that he is as good as them, but he is both powerful enough to man the middle and can move out to disrupt offenses. He could be a situational piece at first, and if he can develop, maybe he can be a starter down the line.

Stackhouse has battled narcolepsy and still won two CFP national championships and was a starter in his last year. His determination to battle through adversity could make the difference for the Green Bay Packers down the line.

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