The top of NFL draft boards gets most of the attention leading up to the big event later this month in Wisconsin, but everyone is also looking for value.
College coaches say there’s plenty in the 2025 draft class. Sleeper picks are generally considered to be those outside of the first two rounds, toward the end of Day 2 and throughout Day 3. They’re the types of players who fill out the best NFL rosters, requiring only moderate investment now but bringing the potential for big payoffs down the line.
Sleepers can be found at every position, including the most coveted ones like quarterback, cornerback and pass rusher, and are often overshadowed by the overall depth at their spots. But NFL teams have devoted ample resources to scouting not only the undeniable top-20 prospects but also those who might still be on the board Friday night and into Saturday of the draft.
After talking with coaches in every power conference and several in the Group of 5, here’s a group of potential sleepers to watch when NFL draft weekend kicks off in Green Bay. All these players are rated outside the top 100 prospects according to Scouts Inc. This is by no means a complete list but gives some names to track as the draft nears. Players are sorted by their overall draft ranking.
Jacob Parrish, CB, Kansas State Wildcats
Bio blast: He played the ball well, recording five interceptions and 21 passes defended during the past two seasons as a starter. Parrish was also a sound tackler during that span, making 90 stops (77 solo). He had four interceptions and 13 passes defended in 2023, recording at least one pass defensed in nine games. Parrish clocked the fourth-fastest 40-yard dash time among cornerbacks at the NFL combine (4.35 seconds) and the third-best vertical leap (37.5 inches).
Scouts Inc. ranking: No. 103 overall, No. 11 cornerback, grade of 72
What else to know: Parrish came to Kansas State at only 170 pounds but added more mass before last season. He weighed 191 pounds at the combine, although he’s only 5-foot-10.
“Just an incredible body transformation, and he can run with anybody in the country,” a Kansas State staff member said. “And an incredibly high IQ. He could play nickel, he could play corner. I know [the NFL wants] taller guys at corner, but I’ve seen guys his height play there.”
Ashton Gillotte, DE, Louisville Cardinals
Scouts Inc. ranking: No. 104 overall, No. 18 edge, No. 71 grade
What else to know: Gillotte is a bit undersized at 6-3 and 264 pounds, but he’s a gifted athlete who posted good times in the 40-yard dash and the three-cone drill at Louisville’s pro day.
“He was a great player for us. … I could see him going in the second, third, fourth or fifth round,” Louisville coach Jeff Brohm told ESPN. “He’s strong, he’s durable, he’s played a lot of football. He’s not your prototypical 6-4, 6-5 defensive end, so he doesn’t have the length, but man, he’s productive, so whoever takes him, wherever they do, it will be a steal, without question.”
Ashton Gillotte had 11 sacks in 2023. Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire
Miles Frazier, G, LSU Tigers
Bio blast: Frazier’s accomplishments were overshadowed a bit by those of tackles Will Campbell and Emery Jones Jr., but he had a key role at LSU and also at FIU, where he earned freshman All-America honors in 2021. Frazier showed great durability with 50 career starts, including 39 at LSU, and spent time at both guard positions as well as two appearances at right tackle. He didn’t allow a sack in 2024 and surrendered just four in 1,563 pass-blocking opportunities with LSU. Frazier rarely left the field, appearing on every offensive snap in 22 of the 25 SEC games he played.
Scouts Inc. ranking: No. 122 overall, No. 7 guard, grade of 69
What else to know: He has very good size, at 6-6 and 317 pounds, and logged the seventh-most bench-press repetitions (27) among offensive linemen at the combine. Frazier played guard and tackle at the Senior Bowl and was named the top offensive lineman on the American team.
“He’s going to be a really good player,” an LSU staff member said. “He’s smart. He did a really good job coming from FIU and for three years really guided himself into the SEC, showed development. They say maybe a third-round draft pick.”
CJ West, DT, Indiana Hoosiers
Scouts Inc. ranking: No. 149 overall, No. 20 defensive tackle, grade of 65
What else to know: Cignetti told ESPN that West “opened a lot of eyes” at the combine, where he ran the 40-yard dash in less than five seconds (4.95) and had the fifth-fastest 10-yard split among defensive tackles (1.73 seconds).
“I wish we had him for two or three years because you could tell how good he could have been,” Cignetti said.
“He’s got a great personality and was really athletic for a big guy, can move. He really played good football the last half of the season.” Another Big Ten coach said of West, “He’s one who really popped.”
Jonah Monheim, OL, USC Trojans
Bio blast: He started 46 games and played in a total of 52 at USC, but the position breakdown is fascinating. Monheim started mostly at tackle — with four starts at right guard — from 2021 to 2023. But last season 6-4, 302-pound Monheim shifted to center and started all 12 games in which he appeared, earning third-team All-Big Ten honors. He was a second-team All-Pac-12 selection in 2023, and did not miss a game until declaring for the draft before the Las Vegas Bowl.
Scouts Inc. ranking: No. 152 overall, No. 4 center, grade of 65
What else to know: “He started at guard, tackle and center at USC, which is pretty dang hard to do,” coach Lincoln Riley told ESPN. “His position flexibility, he’s one of the smartest offensive lineman I’ve ever coached, just a tremendous player. Somebody’s going to get a guy who’s going to be a pro for a long time.”
Junior Tafuna, DT, Utah Utes
Bio blast: He started the past four seasons for Utah, recording 108 tackles, including 15 for loss. He added 7.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 9 passes defended, 1 forced fumble and 3 fumble recoveries. Tafuna was named Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2022, earned second-team all-league honors for three straight seasons and earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors in 2024. He had at least three tackles for loss in each of the past four seasons.
Scouts Inc. ranking: No. 160 overall, No. 22 defensive tackle, grade of 64
What else to know: The 6-3, 308-pound Tafuna had a strong week at the Senior Bowl, finishing with a sack and a fumble recovered in the game.
“We asked him to do a lot, and I think that’s what people saw in the Senior Bowl, just how much he could do, the pass rush and how to run to the ball,” a Utah staff member said. “He has great knowledge about football.”
Wyatt Milum, OL, West Virginia Mountaineers
Bio blast: He anchored West Virginia’s offensive line for all four years he played, starting at right tackle as a true freshman before moving to the left side in 2022. He didn’t allow a sack and allowed only eight pressures in 2023, earning second-team All-Big 12 honors. Milum was even better during his senior season, becoming a consensus All-America selection and earning Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year honors. He started 43 of the 47 games he played and did not allow a sack in 34 of the final 36 in which he appeared.
Scouts Inc. ranking: No. 169 overall, No. 11 guard, grade of 62
What else to know: Milum’s lukewarm draft projection doesn’t connect with such an accomplished college profile. “His numbers just scream that he’s better than that,” a former West Virginia staff member said, “but he’s getting hit that his arms are short.” His arms measured 32⅛ inches at the NFL combine, but he consistently held up against talented pass rushers for multiple seasons, including Penn State’s Abdul Carter last fall.
Tai Felton and Kaden Prather, WRs, Maryland Terrapins
Scouts Inc. ranking: Felton is No. 176 overall, No. 20 wide receiver, grade of 60; Prather is No. 239 overall, No. 29 wide receiver, grade of 48
What else to know: Although Maryland struggled throughout the 2024 season, Felton and Prather helped themselves for the next level. The 6-1, 183-pound Felton is a burner, clocking a 4.37 in the 40 at the combine. Prather is a bigger body at 6-3 and 204 pounds, and he averaged 15.9 yards per catch in 2023.
“Those two would be guys to track,” a Big Ten coach said. “I don’t know where they fall, but I really think both of those guys are good pros.”
Elijah Roberts, DE, SMU Mustangs
Bio blast: After three seasons in a reserve role at Miami, Roberts transferred to SMU and immediately became a key contributor. He led the team and ranked 17th in the FBS in sacks with 10 in 2023, adding 12.5 tackles for loss. Roberts then had 7.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss last season, while tying for sixth nationally in defensive pressures with 51, as SMU made a surprise push to the CFP in its first year as an ACC member. He earned second-team All-AAC honors in 2023, and he recorded two forced fumbles in each of the past two seasons. Roberts served as a team captain last fall, when he had three games with multiple tackles for loss.
Scouts Inc. ranking: No. 177 overall, No. 27 edge, grade of 59
What else to know: Listed at 295 pounds while playing for SMU, 6-4 Roberts weighed 285 pounds at the combine, where he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.78 seconds. Although some NFL teams have scouted him as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, his natural position is at end.
“Elijah will play 10-plus years in the NFL,” SMU coach Rhett Lashlee said.
Elijah Roberts had 17.5 sacks over the past two seasons. Grant Halverson/Getty Images
Tim Smith, DT, Alabama Crimson Tide
Scouts Inc. ranking: No. 178 overall, No. 24 defensive tackle, grade of 59
What else to know: An Alabama staff member predicted Smith to be a “mid to late” selection. Smith isn’t overly flashy and didn’t make a ton of plays on his own, but at 6-4, 314 pounds, he’s a space eater who sets up his teammates well and holds up against the run. The fact he never missed games at such a physically imposing position should be appealing for NFL teams.
Raheim Sanders, RB, South Carolina Gamecocks
Bio blast: Sanders earned All-SEC honors at two schools, making the first team with Arkansas in 2022 and then the second team at South Carolina last fall. He made 29 starts in 44 career games and finished with 3,111 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns, eclipsing 100 rushing yards in 12 games. Sanders also showed his versatility with 76 career receptions for 771 yards and five touchdowns. His 1,443 rushing yards in 2022 marked the fourth most for an Arkansas player. The 6-foot, 217-pound Sanders also earned SEC All-Freshman honors in 2021.
Scouts Inc. ranking: No. 190 overall, No. 21 running back, grade of 57
What else to know: Sanders battled knee and shoulder injuries midway through his career and missed spring practice at South Carolina last year. But he appeared in all 12 regular-season games in 2024, starting 11.
“I still felt like he was still nursing the injury a touch from Arkansas,” an SEC defensive coordinator said, “but down the stretch he was killing it when they started rolling a little bit more on offense and he was playing well.”
Pat Bryant, WR, Illinois Fighting Illini
Scouts Inc. ranking: No. 199 overall, No. 24 wide receiver, grade of 55
What else to know: At Illinois’ pro day last month, coach Bret Bielema approached every scout with a message: “I said, ‘Listen, whatever you have written down on your little sheet of paper where you got him drafted, if you draft him a round earlier than that, you’re going to be extremely excited,'” Bielema said.
Bryant’s 40-yard dash time of 4.61 seconds at the combine is holding him back on draft boards, despite averaging 18.2 yards per catch last fall.
“He plays really fast, and he runs well enough,” Illini offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. said. “He can move all over the place. He can play in the slot and he’s very, very smart. Whoever picks him will be pleased they did, no matter when they do it.”
Hunter Wohler, S, Wisconsin Badgers
Bio blast: A decorated in-state recruit from Muskego, Wisconsin, Wohler developed into one of the better defensive backs in the Big Ten. He had a breakout season in 2023, leading all Big Ten defensive backs with 120 tackles, the most for a Badgers defensive back since 1991. He was the only defensive back in the FBS to record at least 110 tackles and two or more interceptions. After earning first-team All-Big Ten honors that year, he again led Wisconsin in tackles last fall with 71, adding six pass breakups. Wohler earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors.
Scouts Inc. ranking: No. 203 overall, No. 12 safety, grade of 55
What else to know: Wohler has good size at 213 pounds. He didn’t have the best 40 time (4.57 seconds) at the combine, but he led safeties in the 3-cone drill (6.72 seconds) and finished second in the 20-yard shuttle (4.25 seconds).
“I f—ing loved that guy,” a Big Ten coach said. “In the right scheme fit, he’s a really good player.”
Oronde Gadsden II, TE, Syracuse Orange
Scouts Inc. ranking: No. 219 overall, No. 13 tight end, grade of 51
What else to know: Gadsden is a big target at 6-5 and 243 pounds, and he had incredibly productive numbers in the two full seasons he started. “I thought he was a really talented guy,” an ACC coach said. “Would be a good addition.” He had a 34.5-inch vertical leap at pro day and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.59 seconds.
Oronde Gadsden II set multiple records at Syracuse. Rich Barnes/Imagn Images
Kobe Hudson, WR, UCF Knights
Bio blast: Hudson didn’t put up overwhelming numbers but was remarkably consistent during his college career, which began at Auburn before he joined coach Gus Malzahn at UCF. He had between 39 and 47 catches and between 580 and 900 receiving yards in each of his final four college seasons — one at Auburn and three at UCF. Hudson had 2,961 career receiving yards and 23 touchdowns and earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors in the past two seasons. The 6-1, 193-pound Hudson was seventh nationally in yards per catch in 2023 at 20.5.
Scouts Inc. ranking: No. 228 overall, No. 27 wide receiver, grade of 50
What else to know: Hudson isn’t a speed burner, but Big 12 coaches respect his ability.
“I don’t know where he’s going to be ranked or where he’s going to be taken, but he’s a good player,” a Big 12 coach said. “If he’s not going ’til late, I would take Kobe Hudson. We struggled to single [cover] him. He’s just big, strong; he’s a good player.”
Jamon Dumas-Johnson, LB, Kentucky Wildcats
Scouts Inc. ranking: No. 232 overall, No. 18 linebacker, grade of 49
What else to know: His experience jumps out, as he started 34 games in the SEC. Dumas-Johnson lacks overwhelming size at 6-1 and 238 pounds, but he ran a 4.5 in the 40-yard dash at pro day and had a 37.5-inch vertical leap. “He had a really good pro day,” a Kentucky source said. Dumas-Johnson’s weight has fluctuated, but if he can play in the NFL at around 240 pounds, the athletic qualities that really popped early in his career at Georgia can shine through.
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Jay Toia, DT, UCLA Bruins
Bio blast: After starting his career across town at USC, Toia became one of the faces of UCLA’s defensive front during the past four seasons. He started all but one game (36 total) during the past three seasons and made 50 appearances for the Bruins, anchoring a line that helped UCLA finish second nationally in rushing defense in 2023 and sixth last year. Toia was extremely consistent, registering 25 to 30 tackles in each of his last three seasons, while adding one sack and multiple tackles for loss in each of those campaigns. He earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors in 2024.
Scouts Inc. ranking: No. 234 overall, No. 29 defensive tackle, grade of 49
What else to know: Toia is massive at 6-2 and 342 pounds, and would need to find the right scheme fit.
“Jay’s being underrated,” Bruins coach DeShaun Foster told ESPN. “He’s somebody that’s going to come in and be like an early leader. He takes it seriously. He likes football when you hear him talking about it. He’s very intelligent and he understands his role and what he’s supposed to be doing.”
Nick Nash, WR, San Jose State Spartans
Scouts Inc. ranking: No. 242 overall, No. 30 wide receiver, grade of 47
What else to know: The 6-2, 203-pound Nash doesn’t have overwhelming measurables and clocked a 4.57 in the 40 at the combine. But he averaged 15.2 yards per catch under a different coaching staff in 2023 and took off with coach Ken Niumatalolo and offensive coordinator Craig Stutzmann last fall.
“Why he hasn’t gotten even more buzz is honestly frustrating to me,” a Mountain West coach said. “I honestly think he’s a Pro Bowl receiver. We’ve played a lot of good receivers, and he’s one of the best ones we’ve ever gone against. We went into the game with a really good plan, and he just went to work, man. I think the world of Nick Nash.”
Elijah Simmons, DT, Tennessee Volunteers
Bio blast: Tennessee’s defense truly propelled the team’s push to its first CFP appearance, and several Vols defenders will hear their names called in Green Bay. Simmons isn’t as decorated as linemates James Pearce Jr. or Omarr Norman-Lott, but he played a role in the unit’s success. He logged 55 career games for the Vols, mostly as a reserve, although he started four games in 2021. His career numbers aren’t overwhelming — 59 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 3 pass breakups — but he filled space with a 334-pound frame and helped Tennessee finish 10th nationally against the run in 2024.
Scouts Inc. ranking: No. 244 overall, No. 31 defensive tackle, grade of 44
What else to know: Simmons was mostly a rotational player for Tennessee and must overcome concerns about his endurance at the pro level after logging a smaller number of snaps in college. He showcases athletic ability, though, and can be more than a space eater.
“He’s going to be one of those surprise guys,” a Tennessee staff member said. “He’s your big stocking stuffer and helps the pass rushers get loose.”
Kurtis Rourke, QB, Indiana Hoosiers
Bio blast: The Canada native ended a prolific college career by helping guide Indiana to a historic 10-0 start and a shocking CFP appearance. He was among the many notable transfers who joined Cignetti, after earning MAC Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2022 at Ohio, where he made 33 starts. Rourke was a second-team All-Big Ten selection in his only season with Indiana, where he was a finalist for the Manning Award and a semifinalist for other national honors. He became the first Big Ten quarterback since 2000 to pass for 250 yards and three or more touchdowns in his first three conference road games. Rourke completed 69.4% of his passes for 3,042 yards, 29 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions.
Scouts Inc. ranking: No. 252 overall, No. 10 quarterback, grade of 45
What else to know: Rourke has good size at 6-4 and 220 pounds. He played through a thumb injury last fall and went the entire season with a torn ACL, his second during his college career.
“He made great decisions, accurate throws, played within the chains,” a Big Ten coach said. “He knew where he was on the field, played highly intelligent. They called a really good game around him because they could see he could process it. So I think he’s very special, and I could see that being reflected in the draft.”
Ahmed Hassanein, DE, Boise State Broncos
Bio blast: He started the past two seasons for Boise State and camped out in opposing backfields, recording 22 sacks and 28 tackles for loss during the span. His 24 career sacks rank fourth in team history, even though he was primarily a reserve in 2021 and 2022. Hassanein earned first-team All-Mountain West honors in each of the past two seasons, helping Boise State to consecutive league titles and the school’s first CFP appearance in 2024. He showcased his talent against top competition, recording a career-high three tackles for loss against Penn State in the CFP quarterfinal, and a sack at Oregon early in the season.
Scouts Inc. ranking: No. 272 overall, No. 34 edge, grade of 40
What else to know: Hassanein is a bit undersized at 6-2 and 267 pounds, but he generated some buzz during on-field drills at the combine.
“Wherever he goes, he will not only be a really good defensive player for them, he’ll change their culture,” Boise State coach Spencer Danielson told ESPN. “I honestly believe he’s a 10-year NFL guy. How he works, how he loves the game, how he’s a relentless learner, who he is, also athletically, who he is from a physical standpoint, there’s no way he wouldn’t be able to impact a team in his rookie year.”
Dan Jackson, S, Georgia Bulldogs
Bio blast: There were more decorated Georgia defenders than Jackson, who didn’t play at all in his first two seasons with the Bulldogs and became a full-time starter only in 2024. But the former walk-on ended on a very strong note, earning third-team All-SEC honors after a 64-tackle season that also included two interceptions, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a blocked kick. Jackson also started four games during Georgia’s 2021 national championship season, and twice led the team in tackles.
Scouts Inc. ranking: No. 278 overall, No. 19 safety, grade of 39
What else to know: He wasn’t invited to the combine but had an impressive workout during Georgia’s pro day.
“He’ll be a guy who can be on all the [special] teams, can play safety or nickel,” a Georgia staff member said. “He’s smart. You tell him to do something different one time, he’ll do it. You never have to worry about him.”
Justin Walley, CB, Minnesota Golden Gophers
Bio blast: Minnesota has a good history of sending defensive backs to the draft, and Walley could be an intriguing pickup this year. He started his final 3½ seasons in college, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2024 and honorable mention honors in 2023. Walley eclipsed 20 solo tackles in each of the past four seasons and had 7 career interceptions to go along with 34 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles and 4 fumbles recovered. Last fall, he had a 70-yard interception return against North Carolina and a 32-yard pick-six against Maryland.
Scouts Inc. ranking: No. 287 overall, No. 29 cornerback, grade of 38
What else to know: The 5-10, 190-pound Walley went to the combine and ran a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash, which ranked eighth among cornerbacks. Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck told ESPN that Walley can play nickel, cornerback or on special teams. He plays the ball well and can thrive in primarily zone schemes. He’s a bit undersized but should hear his name called in Green Bay after a strong pre-draft period.
Craig Woodson, S, California Golden Bears
Bio blast: He played six seasons at Cal and is entering the draft as one of the nation’s most experienced defensive backs. Woodson started throughout the past three seasons, playing alongside fellow NFL draft prospect Nohl Williams and others. He had 70 or more tackles in each of the past three seasons and finished with 5 career interceptions, 21 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles and 9 tackles for loss.
Scouts Inc. ranking: Not rated
What else to know: The 6-foot, 200-pound Woodson ran a 4.45 in the 40-yard dash at the combine, the sixth-fastest time among safeties.
“Craig ran really well at the combine; he interviewed extremely well,” Cal coach Justin Wilcox said. “I don’t know where he’s going to get drafted, but he’s going to make it.”
Zah Frazier, CB, UTSA Roadrunners
Bio blast: After earning junior college All-America honors for Coffeyville Community College, Frazier came to UTSA and had a quiet first two seasons. But he emerged in a big way last season, setting a team record with six interceptions and finishing second nationally. Frazier had three games with two interceptions and added 24 tackles with a forced fumble. He earned first-team All-AAC honors and some All-America recognition.
Scouts Inc. ranking: Not rated
What else to know: Frazier impressed at the combine, recording the fifth-fastest 40-yard dash time among cornerbacks (4.36 seconds) and the sixth-fastest 10-yard split (1.51 seconds). At 6-3, he also has the size more NFL teams are seeking at corner.
“I could see him going third or fourth round,” UTSA coach Jeff Traylor told ESPN. “[Former UTSA cornerback] Tariq Woolen obviously helped him a lot with his success in Seattle, but Zah’s long like Tariq. He didn’t run exactly like Tariq, but he was very similar to that. He’s got raw speed.”
Donovan McMillon, S, Pittsburgh Panthers
Bio blast: After playing two seasons at Florida as a reserve, McMillon transferred to Pitt and soon entered the starting linebacker corps. He led the Panthers in tackles in each of the past two seasons and became the first Pitt player to record consecutive 100-tackle seasons since linebacker Scott McKillop in 2007 and 2008. The 6-1, 203-pound McMillon had a forced fumble in each of his two seasons with the Panthers and earned second-team All-ACC honors last fall.
Scouts Inc. ranking: Not rated
What else to know: McMillon might be a reach for some teams and wasn’t invited to the NFL combine, but he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.48 seconds at his pro day.
“He’s a big safety that could be an outside linebacker,” Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi told ESPN. “This kid’s a great tackler, he’s fast, he’s athletic, he’s smart, he’s got it all. He’s maybe not a flashy safety, but he’s a sleeper because he wasn’t at the combine.”
Shamari Simmons, S, Arizona State Sun Devils
Bio blast: Simmons was a playmaker and leader for an Arizona State defense that helped the team to a Big 12 title in its first year in the league and a CFP appearance. He tied for the Big 12 lead in forced fumbles with four while recording 73 tackles for the second straight season. The big difference in his game came as a pass rusher. Simmons went from just 1.5 tackles for loss in 2023 to nine this past season, as well as four quarterback hurries.
Scouts Inc. ranking: Not rated
What else to know: The 6-foot, 195-pound Simmons won’t wow NFL evaluators with his speed or measurables, but his production at Arizona State, after starting his college career at Austin Peay, should help his chances.
“He’s just tough, natural instincts for the ball,” Sun Devils coach Kenny Dillingham said. “Super instinctive, good hands, physical as crap. He’s not very fast, but other than that, he’s everything you would want.”
