Biggest Offensive Sleepers To Find on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft

Draft week is here, and all the preparation is about to come to a close. After months of discussion surrounding the top players at each position, it is time to give recognition to some of the more unheralded names you may not have heard about.

I am a firm believer you can still find starting caliber players on Day 3 of the draft, and even though this year’s draft is historically weak, I still believe there are a few diamonds in the rough. We will discuss these players below, going position by position.

Quarterback

Kyle McCord | QB | Syracuse | 6’3″, 218 lbs

McCord did not have a high grade on my board coming into the season, but because his mechanics improved so much in just one season, I believe he has a chance to be a Kirk Cousins-level starting quarterback in the NFL. Here are some key points to his game.

• Improved tremendously in terms of ball placement and processing in 2024
• Above-average arm with enough athleticism to leave the pocket and gain positive yardage with his legs
• Questionable decision-making when throwing under duress or outside the pocket
• Struggled against tougher Big Ten competition in 2023

Tommy Mellott | QB | Montana State | 6’0″, 208 lbs

Mellott may very well become a gadget player and not a true quarterback, but after completing over 67% of his passes in 2024 while only throwing 2 interceptions compared to 31 touchdowns, it is evident he has made strides in his game as a passer. His lack of size could affect his ability to succeed in the NFL, but at the very least, the team that selects him can use his athleticism in a variety of different ways. If this kid is still around in the 6th or 7th round, he is more than worth a flier.

Running Back

Donovan Edwards | RB | Michigan | 5’11”, 205 lbs

Edwards was dominant during Michigan’s championship run just a year ago, but his stock dropped after being in a horrific offense in 2025 and playing second fiddle to Kalel Mullings. His abilities have not changed, though. If he finds the right team, he is 100% capable of being an every-down back. Here are some key traits in his game.

• One of the most explosive runners in the draft
• Possesses breakaway speed, respectable power, and above-average core strength
• Good hands out of the backfield
• Handled an increased amount of pass-blocking responsibilities the past two seasons like a champ
• Poor vision is the only thing that could keep Edwards from being great

Amar Johnson | RB | South Dakota State | 5’10”, 205 lbs

• Speedy running back with proven production, efficiency, and pass-catching ability

Kylin James | RB | UNLV | 5’11”, 226 lbs

• Powerful north-and-south runner with very little tread, impressive straight-line speed, and goal line upside

Wide Receiver

Dont’e Thornton | WR | Tennessee | 6’5″, 205 lbs

Thornton reminds me so much of Martavis Bryant. He is a true speed demon who can stretch the field and make acrobatic catches with his long frame. Bryant may have had a little more explosiveness in his lower body, but Thornton has higher character and provides similar traits in every other area. He will never be a high-volume receiver, but he is the type of receiver every team should have at least one of on their roster. It opens up so much underneath, because it keeps the defense honest. As a deep threat, Thornton has a chance to carve out a nice career for himself.

Xavier Restrepo | WR | Miami | 5’10”, 209 lbs

Restrepo has fallen on draft boards, but going solely by tape, he is a solid Day 2 selection. If he falls any further than that, he is a major bargain. Here are some key traits about his game.

• One of the best route-runners in the class
• Smart, tough, and fights for the football
• Likely limited to the slot in the NFL
• Would be a surefire Day 2 pick if not for a fluke 40 time at his pro day

Others to Consider: Tyrone Broden — Arkansas, Arian Smith — Georgia, Dino Tomlin — Boston College, Nick Nash — San Jose State

Tight End

C.J. Dippre | TE | Alabama | 6’5″, 256 lbs

This tight end class is not as deep as many pundits claim, and honestly, it is hard to find a true diamond in the rough. I do, however, like C.J. Dippre and Thomas Fidone II as Day 3 options at tight end. The former is a surprisingly good positional blocker and displays enough athleticism to be a viable weapon in the passing game, and the latter has natural receiving skills with some sneaky after-catch ability. Both provide some level of value on both running and passing downs.

Shane Calhoun | TE | Texas A&M | 6’2″, 245 lbs

• Elite athlete (4.48 40, 39″ vertical, 11’0″ broad jump)
• Unproductive but could be a better pro than college player in the right scheme; some teams may see him as a versatile fullback

Offensive Line

Leif Fautanu | C | Arizona State | 6’2″, 299 lbs

Fautanu may not be elite in any one area or have any rare athletic trait, but he just gets the job done. He has a nasty streak as a run blocker and always found a way to head the charge in opening holes up the middle for Cam Skattebo. In pass protection, Fautanu possesses sufficient mobility and can actually anchor with some success. While many see him as a back-of-the-roster guy, I believe he could develop into a starting-caliber player down the line.

Carson Vinson | OT | Alabama A&M | 6’7″, 314 lbs

• Impressive athlete with outstanding length, decent (but still improving) footwork, and a smooth kickslide
• Needs to get functionally stronger

Others to consider: Jackson Slater — G — Sacramento State, Clay Webb — G — Jacksonville State, Jake Majors — C — Texas