The 2025 NFL Draft is in the books, and now it's time to check out the picks that truly stood out. While first-rounders get most of the attention, every round offers a chance to find key contributors — from future stars to under-the-radar gems. This article highlights the best selection from each round, focusing on players who landed in the right situation and could make an immediate impact.
Whether it’s a top-10 pick or a late-round sleeper with something to prove, each player featured brings a mix of talent, opportunity, and value. If you're tracking breakout candidates for training camp, fantasy football, or just want to see how your team did, this list is a must-read.
From early-round headliners to Day 3 steals, here are the top picks from every round of the 2025 NFL Draft — and why they could be difference-makers this season.
Round 1, Pick 13: Miami Dolphins
Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
One of my favorite picks in the draft has to be the Dolphins’ selection of Kenneth Grant. He fills a massive need and fits their scheme to a tee. At 6-3, 339 pounds, Grant is an elite run defender who brings rare quickness and sideline-to-sideline range for someone his size. He immediately upgrades a thin interior defensive line and brings a physical, tone-setting presence Miami desperately needed.
While his pass-rush skills are still developing, Grant has flashed disruptive traits — including burst, power, and a high motor — that suggest he can grow into more than just a traditional nose tackle. Critics may question the value of drafting a potential nose tackle this high, but Grant’s upside, versatility, and fit with Zach Sieler in the trenches make this pick a smart investment. Miami needed toughness up front, and Grant brings exactly that.
Honorable Mention: Pick 32: Kansas City Chiefs – Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Round 2, Pick 39: Chicago Bears
Luther Burden, WR, Missouri
The Bears may have pulled off the biggest steal of the 2025 NFL Draft by landing Missouri WR Luther Burden III at pick No. 39. Once considered a top-10 prospect, Burden saw his draft stock slip due to poor quarterback play in 2024 — not because of a lack of talent.
He’s one of only six SEC receivers to post a 1,200-yard season as a freshman or sophomore and brings elite yards-after-catch ability to a Bears offense that just added play-caller Ben Johnson.
With DJ Moore and Rome Odunze on the outside, Burden can thrive in the slot without immediate pressure to be the WR1. Johnson’s scheme is known for creating space, and Burden’s skill set is a perfect fit for that system. The Bears are giving him the ideal situation to grow, and if he develops as expected, this pick could end up being the defining moment of Chicago’s 2025 draft class.
Honorable Mention: Pick 57: Detroit Lions – Tate Ratledge, OG, Georgia
Round 3, Pick 95: New England Patriots
Jared Wilson, C, Georgia
In March, the Patriots signed veteran center Garrett Bradbury—who started six seasons with the Vikings—to a two-year deal with just $3.8 million guaranteed. But with Jared Wilson in the mix, Bradbury could face serious competition for his spot as early as this summer.
At 6'3", 310 pounds, Wilson combines elite mobility, advanced technique, and strong football IQ — traits that make him an ideal long-term anchor for New England’s offensive line. His athleticism even turned heads at the combine with a 4.8 40-yard dash.
With the Patriots using free agency to shore up the defense, they wisely turned their draft focus toward offense. Wilson gives Josh McDaniels a key piece up front and should step in as an immediate contributor, with the potential to grow into one of the league’s top centers in years to come.
Honorable Mention: Pick 65: New York Giants – Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo
Round 4, Pick 124: Green Bay Packers
Barryn Sorrell, EDGE, Texas
The Packers may have landed a hidden gem in fourth-round edge rusher Barryn Sorrell, a high-motor pass rusher out of Texas who brings toughness, production, and potential to Green Bay’s front seven. Though he wasn’t a Day 1 or 2 selection, Sorrell stayed at the draft to hear his name called live — a sign of his passion and resilience. That mentality, paired with his relentless play style, makes him a perfect fit for a Packers team that values effort and development.
With 6 sacks and 44 tackles in 2024, Sorrell consistently disrupted plays both inside and off the edge. While he may not start right away, he’s expected to push Lukas Van Ness and others for rotational snaps behind Rashan Gary. He’s not just a great story — he’s a player with the drive and skill to make an early impact. Packers fans shouldn’t sleep on Sorrell becoming a starter in the near future.
Honorable Mention: Pick 105: New York Giants – Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona State
Round 5, Pick 172: Los Angeles Rams
Chris Paul Jr., LB, Ole Miss
The Rams may have found a major steal in Ole Miss linebacker Chris Paul Jr., who they traded up 29 spots to secure. Despite being the No. 172 pick, Paul was ranked No. 83 on Pro Football Focus' Big Board. He brings a versatile skill set that includes strong run defense, solid pass-rush ability, and reliable coverage — earning PFF grades above 84 in both run defense and pass rushing.
With a clear path to playing time behind a thin linebacker group that includes Omar Speights, Nate Landman, and Troy Reeder, Paul could carve out a role early in Chris Shula’s defense. The Rams have a history of hitting on Day 3 picks, and Paul fits that mold perfectly — a productive, high-effort player who could make a quick impact and develop into a long-term starter.
Honorable Mention: Pick 146: New England Patriots – Bradyn Swinson, EDGE, LSU
Round 6, Pick 184: New Orleans Saints
Devin Neal, RB, Kansas
Neal was a smart late-round pickup for the Saints, addressing a long-standing need for a true running mate to Alvin Kamara. Neal brings physicality, vision, and consistency to the backfield — traits the Saints have lacked behind Kamara for years. A three-time 1,000-yard rusher at Kansas, Neal showcased a powerful, one-cut running style that fits well in a zone-blocking scheme.
While he lacks elite speed and still needs work as a blocker, his burst, lateral agility, and ability to break tackles give New Orleans a reliable between-the-tackles option. His presence should allow the Saints to use Kamara more creatively across formations and reduce his workload. If Neal can continue developing his all-around game, he has the potential to become a valuable rotational back and give the Saints a more balanced and dangerous ground attack heading into next season.
Honorable Mention: Pick 206: Buffalo Bills – Chase Lundt, OT, UConn
Round 7, Pick 221: Jacksonville Jaguars
Jonah Monheim, C, USC
The Jaguars continued to add to their offensive line room by drafting Monheim, a four-year starter with experience at multiple positions. Monheim brings versatility, athleticism, and a high football IQ to Jacksonville’s interior offensive line. His quickness, pad level, and hand placement make him effective in zone run schemes, while his mobility and awareness allow him to mirror speed rushers in pass protection.
Though he lacks elite size and power to consistently handle NFL nose tackles one-on-one, his technique, leverage, and experience give him a strong foundation to compete as a backup — particularly at center.
Monheim also excels on pulls, screens, and second-level blocks, making him a valuable asset for a team looking to increase its offensive efficiency. With continued development in his play strength, Monheim has the tools to become a reliable interior lineman and an underrated contributor to the Jaguars' offense.
Honorable Mention: Pick 223: Chicago Bears – Kyle Monangai, RB, Rutgers