As the NFL Draft 2025 approaches, attention naturally gravitates toward the big names projected to go in the first round. But history has shown us that the real value often lies deeper in the draft — in the sleeper picks. These under-the-radar players may lack the media spotlight, but can quickly turn into cornerstone players for the franchises that believe in them.
What Exactly Are Sleeper Picks?
In the world of the NFL draft, sleeper picks are players who are not widely recognized or expected to make an immediate impact but have the potential to outperform their draft position. These athletes may come from smaller schools, have limited exposure, or possess unconventional skills that set them apart. They often fly under the radar but can emerge as key contributors in the NFL.
Sleeper picks are valued for their ability to provide excellent return on investment, especially for those who follow live rate match. Teams can acquire these players in later rounds, allowing them to address other needs with higher picks while still securing valuable talent. It takes a talented talent spotter to hunt a sleeper pick.
Recognizing sleeper picks requires a keen eye for talent and an understanding of what makes a player special. It involves looking beyond surface-level statistics and focusing on attributes such as work ethic, adaptability, and potential for growth. This ability to identify hidden talent can give teams a significant advantage over their competition. These picks often provide tremendous return on investment, especially for teams that do their homework and identify talent beyond the obvious.
Why Sleeper Picks Matter
Sleeper Picks matter because they offer high value with low risk, especially for teams that are short on early draft picks. Also, for fans and analysts, it is always exciting to spot a “ diamond in the rough” before it blows up. For fantasy football, picking a sleeper can give you a big edge over your competition.
While top picks bring flash and expectation, sleeper picks bring hunger, grit, and often surprising production. The right sleeper can deliver major upside with minimal cap space, which is gold in a salary-cap-driven league.
- Budget-Friendly Depth: Low-cost contracts with high ceiling potential
- High Motivation: Players often have a chip on their shoulder
- Versatility: Many offer multi-position or special teams value
Top Sleeper Picks to Watch in the NFL Draft 2025
Below is a list of 5 prospects to watch out for in the NFL.
Tory Horton – WR, Colorado State
Projected Round: 4th–5th
Why He’s a Sleeper: Horton boasts elite body control, crisp route-running, and sure hands. He’s produced consistently at CSU, logging over 1,100 yards in back-to-back seasons. While not in a Power 5 school, his polished game and ability to separate against man coverage scream NFL-ready. With the right QB, Horton could become a reliable WR2 early in his career.
Audric Estimé – RB, Notre Dame
Projected Round: 5th–6th
Why He’s a Sleeper: At 5’11” and 227 pounds, Estimé runs with bruising power and deceptive top-end speed. His contact balance is among the best in the class, and he’s a red-zone machine. Scouts have questioned his third-down ability, but his downhill style and goal-line effectiveness could make him a late-round steal in a committee backfield.
Javon Solomon – EDGE, Troy
Projected Round: 5th
Why He’s a Sleeper: Solomon has proven his worth overtime. Despite the fact that he lacks the ideal size for a traditional 4-3 DE, as a 3-4 OLB, he could thrive with creative usage. Don’t be surprised if he ends up leading all rookies in sacks.
McKade Mettauer – OL, Oklahoma
Projected Round: 6th–7th
Why He’s a Sleeper: Mettauer started 50+ games across Cal and Oklahoma, bringing positional flexibility and experience to the table. He’s not flashy but brings technical polish, durability, and toughness — the traits coaches love in developmental linemen. With some pro-level coaching, he could evolve into a starter at guard or center.
Malik Mustapha – S, Wake Forest
Projected Round: 5th
Why He’s a Sleeper: Mustapha is a tone-setting enforcer in the secondary. While questions remain about his coverage skills in space, his physicality and football IQ make him an ideal fit for hybrid safety/linebacker roles in today’s evolving NFL defenses.
How to Evaluate Sleeper Picks
To spot the next breakout star, smart franchises consider:
Production with context: Dominance in smaller conferences still matters
Athletic traits: Speed, strength, and explosion can’t be taught
Coachability and grit: Work ethic often beats raw talent over time
Versatility: Can they line up at multiple positions or contribute on special teams?
Conclusion
The NFL Draft isn’t just won in the first round — it’s won in the trenches of the later rounds, where smart teams find overlooked talent with high ceilings. The 2025 draft class is brimming with such potential, and those who do their homework could land the next Day 3 darling turned Pro Bowler. Whether you’re a fan or front office staffer, keep an eye on names like Horton, Estimé, and Solomon — because sleeper picks aren’t just backups. They’re tomorrow’s breakout stars.