The 2025 NFL Draft is loaded in the secondary, which includes a long list of potential sleepers
It looks like it could be an outstanding secondary class for the 2025 NFL Draft. There are some big headliners that already have captured everyone’s attention. Those are the names that mainstream analysts continue to regurgitate, and for very good reason. What makes the class so good is that there is a long list of […]
It looks like it could be an outstanding secondary class for the 2025 NFL Draft. There are some big headliners that already have captured everyone’s attention. Those are the names that mainstream analysts continue to regurgitate, and for very good reason.
What makes the class so good is that there is a long list of potential sleepers, ones who haven’t gotten nearly the credit that they deserve. Here are several of those early favorites. Calling it a talented list would be a drastic understatement.
Cobee Bryant, CB, Kansas
It’s not a direct parallel but a lot of the things we loved about Devon Witherspoon, we also see with Bryant. At 6-0 and 168 pounds, Bryant is unusually physical for his size. He plays with a chip on his shoulder, and always seems ready to set the tone. The first thing that popped on his film was his run defender and tenacity. Bryant plays well above his size profile.
In pass coverage, Bryant is also a twitched-up outside cornerback with a good change of direction. With that combination of movement skills and tenacity, that could allow him to play in the slot at times as well. Bryant is a modern cornerback with a skill set that could eliminate matchups.
Shavon Revel, CB, ECU
Perhaps the most well-kept secret in college football, Revel is very firmly on the NFL radar. Revel began his career at Louisburg College before transferring to ECU ahead of the 2022 season. Now he is one of the top draft eligible cornerbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft class, and needs a lot more attention.
The first thing that pops about Revel is his size and length. He is a legitimate 6-2 with very, very long arms. For a taller cornerback, you would assume that Revel would be slightly stiff when changing direction. In reality, his ability to open up to turn and run is outstanding. He is an extremely unique player with about as much upside as any cornerback in the class.
Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
It feels like Kentucky has begun putting out more consistent secondary talent in recent seasons. The best could be Hairston, who seems well-regarded by the NFL early on. A couple of big reasons for that are his ball skills and playmaking ability. Hairston not only has the ability to create turnovers, but the damage after the football in his hands.
The short area explosiveness is excellent. Hairston makes a living in off coverage, showing the ability to trigger back toward the line of scrimmage and create some big plays. That allows him to squat on routes and consistently affect the catch point.
Zemaiah Vaughn, CB, Utah
When you are in summer scouting it is important to isolate traits and project forward. That’s the type of player Vaughn is, a projection – but that upside is very intriguing. At 6’ 2 ⅛” and 175 pounds, Vaughn isn’t quite ready for prime time yet.
Despite that, it’s hard to watch Vaughn’s film and not get excited about what the future can bring. He is tall, long, and surprisingly tenacious. That allows him to disrupt opposing wide receivers throughout their stem. Vaughn also has good straight line speed to match vertically. The building blocks are very much there.
Dante Trader Jr., S, Maryland
A part of a really good safety due for the Terps last season, Trader has largely underrated heading into the offseason. Trader is also a lacrosse player for Maryland, showcasing his overall athletic talent. The spotlight will be on him this season and chances are that Trader becomes a household name this season.
At a verified 6-0 and 190 pounds, Trader is an extremely gifted athlete who does his best work from depth. He was active last season, including posting 53 total tackles, two interceptions, and six pass breakups. Those plays are made due to his productiveness and explosiveness as an athlete. Both stand out a ton on film.
