2025 NFL Draft: Shedeur Sanders among best players available on Day 2 – FOX Sports
2025-04-26T02:14:00Z
The Shedeur Sanders slide that had been rumored for days has manifested beyond belief. He’s now among Rob Rang’s best players available heading into Day 3 of the NFL Draft.
National Football League 2025 NFL Draft: Shedeur Sanders among best players available on Day 3 Updated Apr. 26, 2025 1:28 a.m. ET share facebook x reddit link
A Shedeur Sanders slide had been rumored for days, but no one knew for certain when the polarizing quarterback would be selected. After Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft, that still remains a mystery.
Three more QBs came off the board Friday — Tyler Shough to the Saints at No. 40, Jalen Milroe to the Seahawks at No. 92 and Dillon Gabriel to the Browns at No. 94 — while Sanders will have to wait until Saturday to hear his name called.
Here are my best players available heading into Day 3 of the draft.
1. Shedeur Sanders , QB, Colorado (6-2, 212): The flashy personality is a turnoff for some, but in the most important elements of quarterback play — accuracy and anticipation — Sanders is the most polished of this class.
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2. Jack Sawyer , DE, Ohio State (6-5, 260): While not in the same class of athlete as some of this year’s twitchy edge rushers, Sawyer played the role of Freddie Freeman in Ohio State’s title run, using his powerful frame, keen awareness and intensity to rack up 4.5 sacks and six pass breakups in four CFP contests. x
3. Quincy Riley , CB, Louisville (5-11, 194): A gambling man-to-man corner with terrific ball awareness and body control, Riley leads this cornerback class with 15 career interceptions.
4. Isaiah Bond , WR, Texas (5-11, 180): Played second-fiddle to Matthew Golden down the stretch for Texas, but this Alabama transfer offers an exciting combination of quickness, speed and tenacity — though teams will want to closely vet his character following recent allegations of sexual assault.
5. Billy Bowman, Jr. , S, Oklahoma (5-10, 192): What Bowman lacks in size, he makes up for with instincts, tenacity and playmaking ability, taking three of his 11 career interceptions back for touchdowns.
6. Joshua Farmer , DT, Florida State (6-4, 305): The aptly-named Farmer is a well-proportioned, blue-collar run-stuffer whose long arms and stout lower half allow him to grow roots at the point of attack.
7. Jeffrey Bassa , LB, Oregon (6-1, 232): A former safety who just kept growing, Bassa possesses the awareness, coverage skills and scrappy playing style to project as a three-down starter in the NFL.
8. Marcus Mbow , OG, Purdue (6-7, 313): Mbow possesses the mobility and football IQ to fit well in a zone blocking scheme, though he’s a bit of a tweener with the height and athleticism to remain outside at tackle and the arm length (32″) better suited for inside.
9. Elic Ayomanor , WR, Stanford (6-2, 206): A native Canadian whose game is clearly NFL-caliber, Ayomanor offers an impressive combination of size, speed and grace to win contested passes.
10. Bradyn Swinson , Edge, LSU (6-4, 255): An Oregon transfer coming off a breakout 2024 campaign, Swinson has all the traits scouts are looking for but needs time to develop a more diverse pass rush arsenal.
11. Kyle McCord , QB, Syracuse (6-3, 218): A rhythm passer whose highlight reels are as impressive as any quarterback in this class, McCord could surprise in the NFL, if protected by quality blocking.
12. Dylan Sampson , RB, Tennessee (5-9, 200): Among the most creative and entertaining runners of this class, Sampson could be nicknamed “Spin Cycle” for his ability to brush off contact and leave opponents in his wake.
13. Danny Stutsman , LB, Oklahoma (6-4, 233): Stutsman’s relatively lanky frame leaves him catching more blocks than you’d like, but he offers excellent key and diagnosis skills and sideline-to-sideline speed.
14. Jalen Royals , WR, Utah State , (6-0, 205): A savvy route-runner who pairs quickness and spatial awareness, Royals is one of several quality Day 2 wideouts who could ultimately outproduce some of this year’s more well-known (and earlier drafted) prospects.
15. Bhayshul Tuten , RB, Virginia Tech (5-10, 200): Clocking in at a sizzling 4.32 seconds, Tuten proved the fastest of this year’s gifted RB class, demonstrating the home-run-hitting ability to project as a starting RB and returner.
16. Lathan Ransom , S, Ohio State (6-1, 206): A classic strong safety at his best in the box and intimidating receivers across the middle, Ransom was often overshadowed by all the talent at Ohio State but quietly led the Big Ten with three forced fumbles in 2024.
17. Smael Mondon Jr. , LB, Georgia (6-3, 224): His first name might be pronounced “Smile,” but Mondon plays with a ferocity and speed certain to illicit more groans than laughter from NFL opponents.
18. Cameron Williams , OT, Texas (6-6, 317): He struggled with consistency at Texas, but Williams’ absolutely hulking frame and surprising athleticism are traits worthy of developing.
19. Ty Robinson , DT, Nebraska (6-6, 288): While perhaps lacking the twitch and agility to ever be a top rush threat, Robinson has a relatively high ceiling, using his bulk and his hands as sledgehammers to beat up opponents (and knock down passes).
20. Quinn Ewers , QB, Texas (6-3, 214): A relatively slim frame raises all sorts of questions about Ewers’ durability, but he possesses the accuracy (including on the move), sneaky athleticism and confidence that project well to the next level, reminding me a bit of Brock Purdy .
21. Tory Horton , WR, Colorado State (6-3, 191): Among the most productive pass-catchers in this class (265 catches for 3,615 yards and 27 TDs over his career), Horton proved at the Combine that he was over the knee injury which limited him in 2024 by posting a 4.41 in the 40.
22. Will Howard , QB, Ohio State (6-4, 236): Sure, he was surrounded by a virtual All-Star cast in Columbus, but Howard’s prototypical frame, powerful running, steadily improving accuracy and composure are earning him some Jalen Hurts comparisons from scouts.
23. Miles Frazier , OG, LSU (6-6, 316): A plug-and-play right guard candidate best suited for a gap or power-based team, Frazier didn’t have to compete in the Senior Bowl but did so anyway, being voted the week’s top blocker for the American Team.
24. Jordan James , RB, Oregon (5-10, 208): James isn’t the biggest or fastest of this year’s backs, but his lateral quickness and balance through contact project very well to the NFL — and, unlike many of this year’s top runners, James has lots of tread left on his tires.
25. Denzel Burke , CB, Ohio State (6-0, 186): With 51 career games over four seasons in Columbus, Burke is as battle-tested as it gets (including in practice), showing the awareness, closing speed and physicality to project best in a zone-heavy scheme.
26. Jalen Rivers , OL, Miami (6-6, 319): Rivers struggled with injuries at Miami, but he has the look of an NFL starting offensive lineman, showing the physicality and frame to help at either tackle or guard.
27. Cam Skattebo , RB, Arizona State (5-10, 219): A Sherman tank of a runner whose powerful frame, aggression and contact balance make him a real chore to tackle one-on-one.
28. Ty Hamilton , DT, Ohio State (6-3, 299): Overshadowed by all the talent on Ohio State’s defensive line, Hamilton is pro-ready, offering scheme and positional versatility due to his awareness, physicality and underrated quickness.
29. Chris Paul , Jr., ILB, Mississippi (6-1, 222): Given his size, Paul won’t be a fit for everyone, but his speed to the flanks and tenacious playing style are well-suited for the pass-happy NFL.
30. Trevor Etienne , RB, Georgia (5-9, 198): The NFL respects athletic bloodlines and consistent production against elite competition. Etienne checks boxes on both, averaging a healthy 5.6 yards per run (and 7.0 per reception) over three years at Florida and Georgia, respectively.
31. Kyle Kennard , Edge, South Carolina (6-4, 254): It isn’t often that the SEC’s sack king makes it to the mid-rounds, but Kennard’s average get-off could push him down the board — where he could prove to be a steal.
32. Tyler Baron , Edge, Miami (6-5, 258): A celebrated transfer from Tennessee who led the Hurricanes in tackles for loss (11) and sacks (5.5) in 2024, Barron pairs upfield burst with quality hand-play.
33. Jaylin Lane , WR, Virginia Tech (5-10, 191): Among this year’s best big-play specialists, Lane averaged nearly 28 yards on his 21 career touchdowns as a receiver and runner, with three more scores as a punt and kickoff returner.
34. Joshua Gray , OG, Oregon State (6-5, 299): Durable, agile and versatile, Gray started 56 games at OSU — mostly at LT — but starred at LG in 2024 and looked good at center at the East-West Shrine Bowl, as well.
35. Tommi Hill , CB, Nebraska (6-1, 213): Physical press corner with rare size, suggesting a move to safety might be in his NFL future.
36. RJ Mickens , S, Clemson (6-0, 199): A jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none type with NFL bloodlines and soft hands to turn PBUs (19) into interceptions (seven), Mickens’ instincts and versatility could make him a Day 3 steal.
37. Barrett Carter , LB, Clemson (6-1, 231): A three-year standout at Clemson, Carter is arguably this year’s best linebacker against the pass, showing agility and awareness in coverage, as well as terrific timing and closing speed on the blitz.
38. Deone Walker , DT, Kentucky (6-8, 328): Arguably this draft’s most imposing player, Walker can simply engulf would-be blockers and ballcarriers at the point of attack, and he’s surprisingly agile. But he struggles with leverage and wasn’t as effective in 2024 as he was earlier in his career.
39. Tez Johnson , WR, Oregon (5-10, 154): Though his frame suggests that a stiff breeze could knock him over, Johnson’s electric stop-start quickness would add instant juice to any NFL offense.
40. Dorian Strong , CB, Virginia Tech (6-1, 185): Strong is a tall, physical perimeter corner with five years of starting experience (including on special teams). Strong might lack elite twitch (4.50 in the 40-yard dash), but he’s got one of the higher floors of the so-called second-tier corners.
41. Bilhal Kone , CB, Western Michigan (6-1, 190): Teams willing to gamble on traits will be intrigued by the length and speed of Kone, whose play steadily improved even as he jumped program to program, leading the Broncos in PBUs the past two seasons.
42. Chase Lundt , OT, Connecticut (6-8, 303): Lundt’s height and 78-inch wingspan are imposing, but it is his durability (four-year starter) and agility that has the NFL intrigued.
43. Zy Alexander , CB, LSU (6-1, 187): Few teams can match LSU when it comes to producing quality defensive backs, and Alexander offers the length, physicality and ball-skills (13 career INTs) worthy of gambling on.
44. Woody Marks , RB, USC (5-10, 213): A bowling ball who runs with burst and bounce and possesses some of the most reliable hands out of the backfield in this class, Marks is a rare prospect from USC who actually qualifies as an underrated prospect.
45. Karene Reid , OLB, Utah (5-11, 229): Reid possesses a combination of instincts, tenacity and playing speed that could make him highly effective as a coverage-specialist and special teams ace.
46. Aeneas Peebles , DT, Virginia Tech (6-1, 282): Teams looking for a quick-twitch defensive tackle will be intrigued by Peebles, who lacks the bulk to be an every-down player but is quick with a high-revving motor.
47. Tahj Brooks , RB, Texas Tech (5-9, 214): Underestimate Brooks at your own peril. He ran for 45 touchdowns against quality competition, offering a frame and game similar to former Jaguars star Maurice Jones-Drew.
48. JJ Pegues , DT, Mississippi (6-3, 309): Pegues is an intriguing athlete who flashes quickness as a pass-rusher and the contact balance and agility to double as a pass-catching and lead-blocking fullback.
49. KeAndre Lambert-Smith , WR, Auburn (6-1, 190): Asked to stretch the field at Penn State and Auburn, Lambert-Smith is currently just a vertical threat, but I think he could see a Stefon Diggs -like awakening in the NFL.
50. Carson Bruener , ILB, Washington (6-1, 227): Typecast as instinctive but possessing subpar athleticism, Bruener showed impressive speed (4.58) at the Combine on the heels of a breakout senior campaign that included eight passes defensed and three interceptions.
51. Logan Brown , OT, Kansas (6-6, 311): A former five-star recruit for Wisconsin who finally seemed to put it all together this past season for the Jayhawks , Brown might only need a little patience to emerge as a better pro than collegiate tackle.
52. Nick Nash , WR, San Jose State (6-3, 203): A former quarterback turned slot receiver, Nash quietly won the receiving triple crown in 2024, leading all FBS players in catches (104), receiving yards (1,382) and touchdowns (16) at the end of the regular season.
53. Elijhah Badger , WR, Florida (6-1, 200): Following the same path as his former teammate — 49ers ‘ 2024 first-round pick Ricky Pearsall — Badger transferred from ASU to Florida, showing the size, speed and soft hands to surprise.
54. Collin Oliver , Edge, Oklahoma State (6-2, 240): Among this year’s most challenging “tweeners,” Oliver offers eye-popping production (40.5 TFL and 23.5 sacks) but a stubby frame that could limit his NFL opportunities.
55. Jonah Monheim , C, USC (6-4, 302): A three-year starting left tackle who wisely moved to center in 2024, Monheim lacks ideal arm length and power, but possesses the light feet and a high football IQ to compensate.
56. Tyler Batty , DL, BYU (6-6, 271): An older prospect whose “grown-man strength” and effort consistently stand out on tape, Batty is a good bet to outperform his draft slot.
57. Dont’e Thornton, Jr. , WR, Tennessee (6-5, 205): Thornton is a bit of a one-trick pony, but his height and 4.3 speed make him one of this year’s better vertical threats, comparing nicely to Marques Valdez-Scantling, a fifth-round pick back in 2018.
58. LeQuint Allen , RB, Syracuse (6-0, 204): This year’s running back class is deep, but Allen stands apart from many due to his talent in the passing game, demonstrating the route-running acumen, soft hands and physicality as a blocker to help on every down.
Rob Rang is an NFL Draft analyst for FOX Sports. He has been covering the NFL Draft for more than 20 years, with work at FOX, Sports Illustrated, CBSSports.com, USA Today, Yahoo, NFL.com and NFLDraftScout.com, among others. He also works as a scout with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League. Follow him on X @RobRang .
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