One of the last pre-draft spectacles that occurs each offseason is about to begin. With over 300 players set to test and/or interview with teams, here are just a few of the biggest 2025 NFL Combine sleepers.
Five 2025 NFL Draft Combine Sleepers To Keep An Eye On Throughout The Event
RB Brashard Smith, SMU
Smith is a prospect with a wildly intriguing profile for several reasons, mainly surrounding his general lack of experience at running back. His receiving abilities have been well documented and he turned in an impressive lone season for the Mustangs. He looked more comfortable as the season went on, and the combine is his chance to show teams that he truly fits the position. He’s projected to run a low 4.4s 40-yard dash and could substantially raise his stock with good compact movement test results.
Potential Team Fit: Green Bay Packers
Brashard Smith Scouting Report
TE Jalin Conyers, Texas Tech
Conyers has yet to really explode within draft media circles, but that could dramatically change at the combine. He’s never lit up the stat sheet in college but has put out some solid tape to go with his NFL-ready frame. His run-blocking abilities were solid on tape and he has enough athleticism to make a name for himself in a deep TE class. Showcasing his movement skills and strong hands that he put on tape could go a long way toward teams drafting him before his current projection.
Potential Team Fit: Atlanta Falcons
OL Charles Grant, William & Mary
Grant has long been a darling of sleeper-focused scouts and he could thrust himself into the national spotlight at the combine. He’s got some kinks to work out in his game, like most FCS prospects, but the foundation is enough to salivate over. He moves well and operates on the line at a high level, with most of his issues seemingly fixable. There’s a high chance he could test as the most athletic lineman at the event, and by a decent margin. However, a lingering injury will be important to watch for if/when he participates.
Potential Team Fit: Detroit Lions
LB Teddye Buchanan, California
Like Conyers, Buchanan is a sleeper prospect who simply needs eyes on him at the combine for draft media to fully realize his potential. He went from the FCS level to a green-dot LB at a Power 5 program in just a year and his abilities in coverage are extremely desirable. The increase in coverage-first backers opens up more opportunities for him and his testing numbers could be eye-popping. It’s just speculation as of now, but some believe he could be just the third ILB prospect since 2015 to run a sub-4.5 40-yard dash and do 20 or more reps on bench press.
Potential Team Fit: New England Patriots
Teddye Buchanan Scouting Report
DB O’Donnell Fortune, South Carolina
Fortune has seen his name begin to float within draft media after a stellar East-West Shrine Bowl performance. He’s a prospect with NFL-caliber film and, although there are mixed reviews, could find a nice role at the next level. The combine is often a time when scouts find their “pound the table” sleepers before the draft begins. If he continues to perform the way he has recently, he could easily become that guy for multiple teams.
Potential Team Fit: Dallas Cowboys
O’Donnell Fortune Scouting Report
Main Photo: Chris Day – Imagn Images
