Day three of the NFL Draft is excellent for teams to build depth for their roster; however, there are always a sneaky few that find their way into the starting lineup. Here are five prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft that should be getting noticeable snaps in year one.
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Kyle Monangai
If you want Ashton Jeanty, but your mom says “We have Ashton Jeanty at home,” she is referring to Rutgers product Kyle Monangai.
Rutgers has been churning out NFL talent for several years at a multitude of positions. Running back surely has not been the exception, most notably featuring Isaiah Pacheco of the Kansas City Chiefs. That trend continues with Monangai.
The blend of physicality, contact balance, and short-range burst combines well with his vision to give a formidable short-yardage back for any system. His athleticism may be limited (he ran a 4.6 forty-yard dash), but it rarely hampers Monangai’s effectiveness on the field.
Look out for the Rutgers product to come off the board in round four, and pray it is to your team.
Jaylin Smith, CB, USC
For a deeper look at USC’s newest gem product, check out the scouting report here on the site!
Jaylin Smith brings ferocity, tenacity, and versatility at the cornerback position. He has experience both in the slot and on the boundary (albeit his most recent year-when he transitioned to boundary corner-was his best year per PFF). Combine that with his blend of physicality and zone instincts, and you get a prospect that seamlessly fits into most systems.
In fact, he even played reps at safety (and really well), so systems that utilize cover three and four heavily may not love him on the boundary given his frame and athleticism combination (which is not bad-it just does not blend well with him still learning how to play boundary corner), but they will have a legitimate role for him there.
Look out for the USC product to come off the board in rounds four to five.
Danny Stutsman, LB, Oklahoma
Nowadays, a lot of attention is focused on the flashy plays prospects make in college. Danny Stutsman won’t be your cup of tea if you are looking for a consistent highlight reel maker, but if an NFL team is looking for a consistent, experienced, and balanced linebacker, look no further.
The Oklahoma product has nearly every tool in his arsenal apart from pass-rushing ability (and that is okay). While he may overpursue some run lanes, Stutsman is generally the most reliable defender on the field. In fact, a lot of big plays let up by the defense can be attributed to other defenders not doing their job correctly, so NFL teams may look at the slip-ups to a lesser degree, given the issues with trusting his teammates to do their jobs effectively.
Look out for the Oklahoma product to come off the board in rounds four to five.
LeQuint Allen, RB, Syracuse
Every team wants a running back who can play wide receiver and block at a high level. Syracuse product LeQuint Allen provides both at a near-elite level.
So, why is he considered day three if he is the dream third-down back? It all boils down to straight-line speed. Allen is not the flashiest athlete- his 4.59-second forty-yard dash was backed up on tape.
And no, speed is not the end-all. The Syracuse product’s explosiveness was perfectly adequate, especially when combined with his ability to change direction. The burst and fluidity allowed Allen to create quick separation at a consistent rate.
His blocking is Allen’s best trait, arguably. Sure, he has a slip-up here and there, but defenders consistently got excited to see a hole open only to be stuffed (or, in some cases, pancaked) moments later.
Look out for the Syracuse product to come off the board in rounds four to five.
Aeneas Peebles, DI, Virginia Tech
Who doesn’t want a defensive tackle that can win in a microsecond? Virginia Tech’s Aeneas Peebles mastered the art of the quick blockshed with a multitude of moves.
His frame (6’0 282 lbs) limits the role he can play, but offensive linemen all agree that the former Hokie is nearly unblockable when he is hellbent on sacking the quarterback.
Combine the quick block shedding with short-area quickness and solid run defense, and you get the makings of an absolute steal.
Peebles was unblockable in Mobile at the Senior Bowl in one-on-ones. Expect the same in the NFL.
Look out for the Virginia Tech product to come off the board in early round four.
