NFL Draft 2025: Hidden gems at WR, D-Line, CB, and TE for Day 3 picks

Yesterday at 01:25 PM

These guys might not get drafted early, but have a chance to make an instant impact.

The 2025 NFL Draft is one that many pundits agree might not have the top end talent of previous years, but due to NIL and the transfer portal keeping guys in college football longer, the depth in this draft might be better than previous years. That means this year there's going to be more guys that get drafted late who have a chance to make an instant impact from round four and beyond.

Here are 5 guys who I think can be an instant impact player in the NFL that'll get drafted on Day 3 in 2025.

LaJohntay Wester, WR, Colorado

Wester is going to fall down the board because of his size (5'10 and 163 pounds), but he's lightning in a bottle as a receiver. He can create explosives downfield from the slot, but he's at his best in the short areas, using his dynamic ability after the catch to make plays and move the chains. Wester also is going to be an impactful special teamer, with touchdowns as a punt returner in his career. He transferred to Colorado from FAU, and with the bigger spotlight he improved drastically. I'm a huge fan of his game, and wouldn't be surprised if he makes an impact from the start for an NFL team. His game is very similar to Houston Texans' WR Tank Dell.

CJ West, DT, Indiana

In an absolutely loaded defensive tackle class this year, West remains a guy that I think is going to get drafted around the fourth round and be an impactful player. He's a sawed off defensive tackle with shorter arms, but he wins with leverage and quickness in the run game. In Indiana's mint front, he would play over the center or the guard and has a lot of experience two gapping, but might be at his best in a four down, one gap defense where he can play the 1T against the run really well. He's a bit limited as a pass rusher, but he can fill a day one role as a run defender.

Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville

Riley is an older prospect, but you truly can't quantify the dawg level that he has. At an undersized 5'10, he might be best on the inside as a slot defender, but he's feisty in man coverage and makes plays on the ball. His reaction time and closing speed is also impressive, making him a nice player in the slot for an NFL franchise. A 4.48 40 at the NFL combine helps ease some long speed concerns a bit, but he's a competitor who won't give up on plays, something that'll stand out on Day 3.

Mitchell Evans, TE, Notre Dame

Another guy who has gone under the radar due to the monsters in this tight end class, Evans might end up being a better pro than college player. Coming from the tight end factory that is Notre Dame, Evans is a strong blocker both in line and flexed outside, making him a nightmare for second level defenders. As a receiver, he only dropped two passes in three years with the Irish, and isn't exactly an explosive guy, but has underrated wiggle to create separation. His injury luck hasn't been the best (torn ACL in 2023), but he can make an impact as a TE2 in the NFL.

Elijah Roberts, EDGE, SMU

Roberts is an interesting prospect, another player who is coming from the tite/mint front and transitioning to a pure edge defender in the NFL. He's not the most juiced up or explosive pass rusher, but he wins with near 34-inch arms and generating power and force. He's got a nice inside swim move that he pops out with as a counter to the bull rush, but his game is all about power. He's a stout run defender when setting the edge, and can be a factor as a hammer on pass rush games as well. His athletic upside is limited, but he can be a more than serviceable role player.