Draft Shockers! The Most Surprising Picks and Hidden Gems from the 2025 NFL Draft

The 2025 NFL Draft, held in the iconic Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, delivered a night of unexpected twists and turns, leaving fans and analysts buzzing. While some picks were widely predicted, a handful of selections came completely out of left field, and several lesser-known prospects emerged as potential steals. Let’s dive into the draft’s biggest shockers and uncover some hidden gems who could become future stars.

The Hunter Becomes the Hunted: Jaguars Make a Bold Move

The Jacksonville Jaguars, led by general manager James Gladstone, orchestrated the most stunning move of the first round. In a blockbuster trade with the Cleveland Browns, the Jaguars surrendered the No. 5, No. 36, and No. 126 picks in 2025, along with their 2026 first-round selection, to acquire the No. 2 overall pick. With that pick, they selected Colorado’s sensational two-way player, Travis Hunter.

Hunter, a Heisman Trophy winner, who has expressed a desire to play both cornerback and receiver in the NFL as he did in college. Hunter’s ball skills are among the best scouts have seen in the past 25 years. His addition gives Trevor Lawrence a dynamic weapon and immediately upgrades the Jaguars’ secondary. While the price was steep, the Jaguars believe Hunter’s unique talent is worth the investment.

The Fall of Shedeur Sanders

One of the biggest surprises of the night was the slide of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Initially projected as a potential No. 1 overall pick, Sanders watched as team after team passed on him in the first round. Concerns about his lack of elite traits and the transition to the NFL from Lane Kiffin’s system at Ole Miss may have contributed to his fall. As Day Two begins, Sanders’ landing spot remains a major storyline.

The Rise of Cam Ward

While Sanders’ draft stock plummeted, Miami quarterback Cam Ward saw his rise to the top culminate in being selected first overall by the Tennessee Titans. Ward’s journey from Incarnate Word to Washington State to Miami is a testament to his hard work and determination. The Titans are banking on Ward’s dynamic playmaking ability and improved pocket presence to revitalize their offense under coach Brian Callahan.

Other Surprising First-Round Picks

Seattle Seahawks select Grey Zabel (G): Projected by most to go on day two, the Seahawks surprised everyone by selecting guard Grey Zabel at No. 18.
Dallas Cowboys select Tyler Booker (OG): Many analysts considered this pick a reach, as Booker was projected to be available later in the draft.
Carolina Panthers select Tetairoa McMillan (WR): The Panthers surprised many by taking McMillan with the No. 8 overall pick, passing on other highly-rated wide receivers and tight ends.
New York Giants trade up for Jaxson Dart (QB): After selecting Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State, at No. 3, the Giants traded back into the first round to select Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart with the No. 25 pick.

Hidden Gems to Watch

While the first round is dominated by high-profile prospects, the later rounds often reveal hidden gems who can make a significant impact. Here are a few Day 3 sleepers to keep an eye on:

Marcus Mbow (OT, Purdue): Mbow was on a very bad team last year in Purdue, but he is quick for his size and is able to get out in space and block in the run or screen game.
David Walker (EDGE, Central Arkansas): Walker is quick off the line and he’s strong, too. The Raiders need a guy to be a legit force on the opposite side of Maxx Crosby, and after some development, Walker can be that.
Thomas Perry (OL, Middlebury College): Perry is a D3 Offensive Lineman who could be the next hidden gem of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Jaylen Royals (WR, Utah State): Royals has a really good contested catch profile. he can go up high point the ball really effectively moss defenders. and he’s really good down the sideline.
Jarkez Hunter (RB, Auburn): Hunter dominated the SEC for multiple seasons and is a nasty type runner he’s non nonsense gets north to south really quickly.

The 2025 NFL Draft was full of surprises, with unexpected picks and the emergence of potential hidden gems. As these young players begin their NFL journeys, it will be fascinating to see who lives up to the hype and who emerges as a star from the later rounds.