NFL Draft 2025: Five Sleepers Flying Under The Radar
Every year, the NFL Draft presents us with so many interesting and unpredictable storylines, and not just from the prospects drafted in the first round. So let’s dive into the under-the-radar players who will most likely be available from Day Two of the draft and highlight their abilities and which teams should go after them.
1. Damien Martinez, RB, Miami
What to expect
Not your prototypical NFL running back who will juke you every which way, however, this 214 lbs back will generate extra yardage with his intelligence in reading defences. So often in his Miami days, he displayed excellent vision in finding holes as well as getting downfield to block for teammates.
Don’t expect the highlight-reel plays from Martinez, but don’t count out his grind of finding a few more yards to move the chains.
Best fit
I like the Buffalo Bills for the Miami running back, particularly with the rumours surrounding the future of James Cook. The team could use another reliable back to complement Josh Allen’s passing attack. Martinez will offer that powerful running style as well as the ability to catch passes out of the backfield to upgrade the offence.
Likely to be a fourth or fifth round selection, the Bills could get their man on Day Three.
2. Aeneas Peebles, DT, Virginia Tech
What to expect
A 335 lb nose tackle with a blend of quickness and smart hands? Say no more. There is a lot to like about DT Aeneas Peebles from Virginia Tech, with an impressive frame and size to eat up both single blocks and double teams.
Peebles can also be quick on his feet to gain good angles and leverage against the offensive linemen to snuff the run. Teams will be wary of his underwhelming tackling ability, and his scouting combine numbers showed no real intrigue at the time, but don’t be surprised if he becomes a difference-maker on the defensive line this year.
Best fit
The interior defensive line position seems to be highly sought after this off-season, so the Virginia Tech DT could be a reach in order to beat out other teams for his services. I could see him going to the Chicago Bears at number 61st or 64th overall.
The Bears have been very active in free agency and addressed a number of needs, but they’re still in need of an inside rusher who can cause trouble for their opponents’ run and pass attacks. Aeneas Peebles can be that guy and slot in to be that disruptive nose tackle on an improving Bears team.
3. Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&M
What to expect
Another freak of nature, Shemar Stewart, predominantly played DE at Texas A&M and with his size (285 lbs) and freakish wingspan, there’s no wonder there is a buzz around this guy. Not a clunky big guy either, he has very smooth movement and his timings are very good for such an athlete.
Each year has shown improvement in his pass-rushing game; however, it’s his run-defending ability that stands out. Stewart loves to use his frame and hands to put guys exactly where he wants them.
Best fit
Stewart is a hard one to predict; some experts have him going in the first round, but for me, I see a team like the Atlanta Falcons taking a shot at Stewart in the later rounds of the Draft.
3. Quincy Riley, CB, Middle Tennessee State
What to expect
Riley had a down year statistically in 2024, but his previous seasons showed promise. He has good size at 5’11” and 195 pounds and ran a 4.48 40-yard dash at the combine. His physical tools and previous performances make him a potential steal.
Best fit
The Cincinnati Bengals need to bolster their secondary, and Riley could be a good fit. With their third-round pick, they could add him to their defence.
4. Demetrius Knight, LB, South Carolina
What to expect
Knight is an athletic linebacker who has shown improvement in coverage. At 6’2″ and 235 pounds, he has the size and speed to be a versatile player in the NFL. In 2024, he had 80 tackles and 3 interceptions.
Best fit
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers need to add youth and athleticism to their linebacker corps, and Knight could be a good fit. With their second or third round pick, they could select him.
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These five prospects might not be the most hyped names in the draft, but they possess the skills and potential to make a significant impact in the NFL. Teams looking for value on Day Two should keep an eye on these sleepers—they could be the steals of the draft.
