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NFL Draft: Underrated skill position prospects, debunking rumors + worst landing spots for top stars

We’re almost there! Just three days away until the 2025 NFL Draft. Our gurus continue to dig for analysis on this year’s incoming prospects, and recently shared a few interesting lists that I wanted to highlight: underrated running back and receiver prospects, controversial draft rumors that surely won’t happen, and the worst landing spots for some of the most coveted prospects. Let’s go over each.

Underrated RB and WR prospects

D.J. Giddens, RB, Kansas State: “In the modern space game that the NFL has turned into, finding running backs that effectively navigate tight quarters and create hidden yardage is becoming more and more important. That’s exactly where Kansas State star D.J. Giddens thrives most in his game. There are some cuts he makes on film that not only rely on general athleticism (which he has a lot of), but also need incredible spatial awareness. The pace Giddens runs with, and changing of direction, is something to behold. He has left more than a linebacker or two grasping air as he breaks to the third level.

“In the passing game, there is an interesting conversation that also needs to happen surrounding Giddens. He struggled as a receiver in 2024 with drops, but was impressive the year prior. The ability is clearly there for Giddens as a receiver but figuring out the step back in 2024 will be important. If you can, his three down upside is there. If not, you are still getting a potent early down runner with explosiveness, patience, and outstanding vision.” —Ryan Roberts

Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee: “The former Tennessee Vol was the safety valve, a “get a bucket player,” and big play threat all in one for the Orange and White in 2024. Do I wish he were a little taller? Yes. Do I think he's a three-down workhorse? Probably not. But you know what he is? He’s Jaylen Warren from the Pittsburgh Steelers. A compact, springy back that can get vertical with the requisite burst and speed to eliminate pursuit angles. Oh, and he doesn't turn 21 until the season starts.” —Rob Gregson

Devin Neal, RB, Kansas: “Neal is one of my absolute favorites in this class. I love slasher backs who can make one cut and weave their way through crowded boxes, emerging on the other side of traffic with space in front of them. It surprised me that Neal didn't declare last year, but his return revealed even more about someone who projects to be a solid NFL starter.

“Spending time in balanced offenses that exposed him almost equally to zone and gap-scheme runs, Neal carves defenses before the point of attack with high efficiency. He's smooth and svelte, showing the nuanced footwork and explosive little steps that torture and embarrass defenders squared up to him. His power and deconstruction of tackling angles also improved over the last two years. He increased his average yards after contact from 2.88 to 3.73 in 2024. Add in his receiving ability, and there's a good chance Neal can produce like James Cook has in Buffalo.” —Ian Valentino

Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State: “Williams doesn't get nearly the level of recognition he deserves. It seems like people are starting to realize that he is worthy of being drafted in the second or third round, but I’d urge people to prepare themselves to hear his name called inside the top 40 picks. A very twitchy route runner who is a YAC machine, Williams may not be as popular as some of the players considered near the consensus top wide receiver in the class, but he's going to end up being drafted before many other favorite WR prospects. So try to not act surprised when you hear his name called early in the NFL Draft.” —Destin Adams

Tre Harris, WR, Ole Miss: “Harris was accurately ranked in the 2025 NFL Draft class several months ago before the end of the 2024 college football season, but for some reason he continues to drop down consensus boards ahead of draft day. Following his 1000-yard explosion in just the first seven games last fall, Tre Harris soared up NFL Draft boards. Unfortunately he got injured against LSU, missing almost the entire rest of the season. At the time, only Travis Hunter (Colorado), Tetairoa McMillan (Arizona), Luther Burden (Missouri), and maybe Emeka Egbuka were considered better wide receiver prospects. It was thought by many that he could go inside the first round.

“Now? He’s considered a fringe round two or three prospect for some reason, despite no new information surfacing that should incite significant doubt. Harris posted more than five yards per route run last season, three straight years over 950 total yards, and extremely impressive efficiency marks across the board. Somehow there are still a ton of doubters.

“When I spoke with Harris at the NFL Combine he broke down how the complex pre and post-snap reads in the Ole Miss Rebels’ scheme that helped prepare him to be an instant-impact professional at the NFL level (as you can see in the post below). Given his incredible mix of skill, intelligence, production, and adequate athleticism Harris should be at worst the WR5 in the class, if not higher. Not just barely good enough to sneak into round two or three.” —Travis May

➡️ Click here to check out more underrated RB prospects, and here for more WRs.

These controversial draft rumors ain’t happenin’, per Travis May

Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan is not falling past pick 20: “McMillan has long been considered the consensus WR1 in the 2025 NFL Draft class. In fact, he's been considered a Top 10 pick by the vast majority of draft experts for over three months. However, just as of this week his average mock draft position has been slipping with surprising buzz about him dropping down NFL Draft boards. That can be almost completely ignored. This is simply just a case of prospect fatigue. McMillan is still the same 6'4", 220-pound wide receiver who accounted for over 40% of Arizona's production while maintaining elite first round production profile efficiency.

“Part of the McMillan's slide can be attributed to the forced ascension of Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden in recent weeks, with some expecting him to be the first pass catcher off the board. Part of it has to do with speed concerns or "film grinding" issues with McMillan. Those concerns are completely overblown, and the vast majority of league sources that A to Z Sports has reached out to still fully expect him off the board in the early first round.”

Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders not a Top 3 pick: “For the first time in several months the sports books have finally downgraded Shedeur Sanders' odds to the point that he is no longer "chalk" to be a Top 3 pick. It's wild that it took them this long, but the masses need to understand this: Shedeur Sanders is not going inside the Top 3 picks of the NFL Draft. And for good reason.

“Sanders has nice passing volume stats thanks to the scheme at Colorado and the horrible defenses the Buffaloes trotted out onto the field while he was there. Unfortunately that's where the good news ends with his profile. Shedeur struggled with poor decision-making in what should have been his defining season last year, playing terribly against a few defenses with a pulse.

“If Shedeur Sanders does end up being selected inside the first round at all he'll be the first quarterback since the 2017 NFL Draft to post negative rushing yards in his peak passing season and see round one capital. The only other quarterback to fit that description? Josh Rosen. Sanders has decent arm talent. He's a great distributor of the football on underneath routes. He can even make a clutch deep throw from time to time. That doesn't mean he's worth a Top 3 pick in any NFL Draft.”

➡️ Click here to check out two more draft rumors that just won’t happen.

Worst landing spots for a few star prospects, by Ian Valentino

Shedeur Sanders to the New York Giants: “The New York Giants have compelling reasons to consider Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders with the third overall pick, but that doesn’t necessarily make it the best decision. Sanders is a solid prospect with the potential to secure the starting role over Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson. However, it would be shortsighted to throw him into what could be the least talented offense in the NFL before the rest of the team is prepared to support him.

“Despite the urgency emanating from the current Giants leadership, decision-makers must recognize a key truth: this roster isn't equipped to support a rookie quarterback as it stands. While Malik Nabers is likely to be a star and Tyrone Tracy shows promise, the offensive line is still in disarray, and the receiver depth is insufficient.”

Georgia LB Jalon Walker to the Carolina Panthers: “This is essentially the conventional prediction for the Carolina Panthers, and it makes a lot of sense. The talent level in this draft seems to decline significantly around the eighth pick, but that doesn’t mean Carolina should select an inside linebacker who has limited potential as an edge rusher. The team currently has the weakest pass-rushing group in the league, so opting for a 6-foot-2, 245-pound linebacker may not be the best use of their top pick.

“While Walker is a solid player who would address Carolina’s significant need for an inside linebacker, investing a high draft pick in what is generally viewed as a non-premium position isn’t advisable. Instead, the Panthers would gain more value by selecting a second or third pass-rusher, which could provide a cornerstone for their defense. Although Walker could thrive under defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, his ability to transition into a full-time edge rusher is limited.”

Georgia S Malaki Starks to the Miami Dolphins: “Selecting Starks could make sense given their needs, but the Dolphins might have opted to retain Jevon Holland during free agency if they considered the safety position a priority. Instead, they chose to spend a total of $6.5 million on Ashtyn Davis and Ifeatu Melifonwu. There’s also the question of how they would utilize Starks.

“At Georgia, Starks excelled in a single-high safety role, but Miami’s defensive coordinator, Anthony Weaver, rarely employed single-high formations with Holland and Jordan Poyer in 2024. Would he adjust his strategy to match Starks' strengths, or would he force him into a less effective role, like Cover 2 or slot coverage?”

➡️ Click here for two more bad landing spots.

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Is Jaxson Dart a first-round talent? A case for and against

QB hype is a huge part of the draft, but there are some prospects who may receive too much hype. One QB who has seen plenty of hype (but also criticism) is Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss, who has been mocked to fall in almost every round at some point during this draft season.

Several of our draft experts got together and examined whether Dart is truly a first-round talent, or whether he’s more of a mid-round QB, providing a case for and against each.

The case for Jaxson Dart as an early-round QB

Travis May: “Are there concerns with the complexity of the offense he played in? Sure. Does he have a rocket arm like the best of the best in the NFL? No, but he’s still likely the best deep ball passer in the 2025 NFL Draft class. And on top of being an efficient deep ball artist, Jaxson Dart also provides value with his legs consistently. It’s quite difficult to look at Dart’s total body of work, traits, efficiency, decision making, and not come away impressed. Many have him ranked outside their top three at quarterback this year. That's a mistake. There’s a real argument for QB1 on paper. And at worst he should be QB2.”

Destin Adams: “Dart has above average arm strength, solid mobility and had production at Ole Miss that is going to make him desirable to many teams around the NFL whether people like it or not. Some may disagree but I think Dart offers enough upside to warrant being a first round pick for a QB needy team. On top of his enticing skill set Dart is a leader that has earned the respect of his teammates due to his overall ability and his leadership on and off the field. You definitely wouldn't have to worry about no one showing up to his birthday party (if you know you know).”

Rob Gregson: “Look, should Jaxson Dart go in the first round? Probably not. Will he be better than Cam Ward or even Shedeur Sanders? Doubtful. But as the great Bill Parcells would say, “We can only draft what the colleges send us.” And Ole Miss is sending an athletic, dual-threat quarterback with moxie, anticipation, and the traits required to play in the NFL at a starting level. That doesn't mean he can or should play right away or will ever be a top 15 guy, but in a bad draft overall and questionable QB class, Dart is a risk I’d be willing to take early in the 2025 NFL Draft.”

The case against Jaxson Dart as an early-round QB

Ryan Roberts: “There’s two major issues with Dart, and they’re interrelated. From a pure arm strength perspective, and ability to generate velocity, Dart is very average but is teetering more on the below average side. That would be okay if he was a fast processor and gets through his reads quickly, but he doesn’t. When you have a quarterback who is late on throws and lacks velocity, that is a potential disaster. Without those plus passing tools to work with, he does have some real limitations.”

Ian Valentino: “The problem I have with Dart is the lack of high-level processing beyond what Ole Miss tees up for him, and how his playmaking trait just isn't really there. Most highlight tapes of Dart have the same couple of throws for a reason, but he's not consistently going above and beyond the scheme. Too often, he's unsure of his advanced reads, which should never be the case for someone as experienced as he is. Without top-end traits and impressive mental processing, I think he's a typical Day 2 prospect who is highly reliant on his landing spot. Can he succeed? Sure. But he's also someone the fan base will be split between desiring a replacement or fiercely defending beyond reason.”

A.J. Schulte: “The offense moved well when he could press the easy button against low-end competition, but fell apart against better competition, and he frequently made poor decisions with the football. His mechanics in the pocket and on the move are janky, and he doesn’t throw with much anticipation. He is a major developmental project, but with an arm on the wrong side of average, I don’t see the payoff for a guy that needs that much refinement.”

How early should Jaxson Dart be selected in the 2025 NFL Draft? Experts make the case for and against first round draft capital

The quarterback debate through 2025 NFL Draft season has been hotly contested and Jaxson Dart has been at the center of it all. Is he potentially the QB2 in the class and worthy of a first round draft pick? Or is he just a talented mid to late round quarterback in most draft classes? Our […]

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_{By submitting this form, you hereby acknowledge and agree to receive email communications from A to Z Sports. We value your privacy and will handle your information with care. You will have the option to unsubscribe from our emails at any time through a link provided in each correspondence. Please review our Privacy Policy for more details about how we manage your information.}