NFL Draft Steals: Shedeur Sanders' Day 3 Hidden Gems
Day 3 Diamonds: Shedeur Sanders Scouts 2025 NFL Draft Steals
The Waiting Game: Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft
So, the first three rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft are history. The big names have mostly found their homes, the highlight reels are playing, and the mock drafts are already being torn apart. But the draft is far from over! In fact, for many teams, Day 3 is where the real magic happens. Where hidden gems are unearthed, and potential Pro Bowlers are snagged in the later rounds. Two days down, and three rounds completed. This is where the real value begins.
Interestingly enough, the Cleveland Browns decided to bolster their defense with UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger and add some punch to their running game with Ohio State's Quinshon Judkins instead of taking a flyer on a quarterback. Was that a wise move? Only time will tell. But the Browns weren't the only team making headlines. The New Orleans Saints, facing some uncertainty with Derek Carr, opted for the experience of Louisville's Tyler Shough. Will that be enough to keep Carr on his toes?
The quarterback carousel continued to spin, with Jalen Milroe heading to the Seattle Seahawks and Dillon Gabriel joining the Browns. But what about Shedeur Sanders? Well, he's still on the board, and with that in mind, who else might be a steal as we head into Day 3? Let's dive into some of the top prospects still available, according to Sanders' own (hypothetical, of course!) scouting report.
Shedeur's Quarterback Quandary: Is He the Steal of the Draft?
Alright, let's address the elephant in the room: Shedeur Sanders himself. He's still on the board after Round 3. Why? That’s the million-dollar question, isn't it? Is it his arm strength? The competition he faced at Colorado? The "baggage" that sometimes comes with a high-profile name? Whatever the reason, one thing is clear: a team is going to get a quarterback with incredible poise, accuracy, and leadership. Don't be surprised if he becomes the steal of this draft. He has the potential to lead a franchise. Don't sleep on Shedeur. He's got the potential to be a superstar.
Potential Landing Spots for Sanders
- Minnesota Vikings: A developmental QB with a strong coaching staff could be perfect.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Can Shedeur fill the big shoes of Tom Brady?
- Las Vegas Raiders: A fresh start with a team needing a spark?
Offensive Line Anchors: Building a Foundation for Success
As any good quarterback (Shedeur included!) will tell you, you're only as good as your offensive line. A strong O-line can turn a good offense into a great one. So, let's take a look at some potential Day 3 offensive line studs.
Hidden Gems in the Trenches
- Anthony Belton, OT, NC State: A powerful run blocker with room to grow in pass protection. Think of him as a diamond in the rough, ready to be polished.
- Zak Zinter, OG, Michigan: A mauler in the run game, Zinter brings a nastiness that coaches crave. Can he become a Pro Bowl guard?
- Andrew Raym, C, Oklahoma: A smart, technically sound center who can anchor an offensive line for years to come. A solid addition to any line.
Wide Receiver Wonders: Adding Explosive Playmakers
Every team needs a receiver who can stretch the field and make those highlight-reel catches. And Day 3 is a great place to find them. Here are a couple of WRs that could make an impact.
Speed and Agility: Finding the Next Star
- Jalen McMillan, WR, Washington: Excellent route runner, great hands. McMillan has the speed to challenge any corner.
- Luke McCaffrey, WR, Rice: A converted quarterback with incredible athleticism and a knack for finding the end zone. He's the kind of player who just makes plays.
Running Back Bargains: Finding the Next Day 3 Star
Sure, Quinshon Judkins got drafted, but there are plenty of other potential stars in the backfield. Let's look at some Day 3 running back bargains.
Late-Round Rushing Power
- Audric Estime, RB, Notre Dame: A bruiser with surprising agility, Estime is a workhorse back who can wear down defenses.
- Bucky Irving, RB, Oregon: Excellent pass-catcher out of the backfield, Irving is shifty and explosive. He can be a real weapon in the passing game.
Defensive Line Dynamos: Disrupting the Backfield
Defense wins championships, right? So, let's examine some potential defensive line difference-makers who could be available on Day 3.
Pressuring the Quarterback: Day 3 Options
- Gabe Murphy, DE, UCLA: Explosive pass rusher, quick off the line. He has the potential to be a double-digit sack guy.
- T'Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas: Massive run-stuffer, Sweat is nearly impossible to move off the line of scrimmage. He's a true anchor in the middle.
Linebacker Leaders: The Heart and Soul of the Defense
Linebackers are the quarterbacks of the defense. They need to be smart, athletic, and tough. Here are a couple of potential Day 3 gems.
Finding the Next Great Linebacker
- Cedric Gray, LB, North Carolina: A tackling machine, Gray is always around the ball. He's a true leader on the field.
- Tommy Eichenberg, LB, Ohio State: Physical and instinctive, Eichenberg is a run-stopping force. He can be a dominant player in the middle of the defense.
Secondary Saviors: Lockdown Cornerbacks and Ball-Hawking Safeties
In today's NFL, you need to be able to cover. So, let's take a look at some potential Day 3 defensive backs who could make a difference.
Securing the Secondary: Day 3 Defensive Backs
- Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama: Lockdown corner, solid tackler. He can be a true shutdown corner in the NFL.
- Calen Bullock, S, USC: Ball-hawking safety, great range. Bullock has the potential to be a turnover machine.
Special Teams Specialists: The Underrated Advantage
Don't forget about special teams! A good kicker, punter, or return specialist can be the difference between winning and losing.
Special Teams Stars
- Harrison Mevis, K, Missouri: Nicknamed "The Thiccer Kicker", Mevis has a huge leg and is incredibly accurate.
- Tory Taylor, P, Iowa: A booming punter with excellent accuracy. Taylor can flip the field with his leg.
The Undrafted Free Agent Frenzy: The Next Chapter
Even after the draft is over, the work isn't done! Teams will be scrambling to sign undrafted free agents. This is where some of the biggest steals can be found.
The Importance of Versatility: Players Who Can Do It All
In the later rounds, versatility is key. Players who can play multiple positions or contribute on special teams are incredibly valuable.
The Intangibles: Character, Work Ethic, and Leadership
Coaches love players with high character, a strong work ethic, and leadership qualities. These are the guys who can help build a winning culture.
The Medical Factor: Weighing the Risks and Rewards
Medical concerns can cause players to drop in the draft. But sometimes, taking a chance on a player with a checkered medical history can pay off big time.
Trusting the Process: The Art of Scouting and Evaluation
Drafting is an inexact science. But teams that have a well-defined scouting process and trust their evaluations are more likely to find success.
Shedeur Sanders' Day 3 Draft Philosophy: Value and Potential
So, what's Shedeur Sanders' Day 3 draft philosophy? It's all about finding value and potential. Identifying players who have the raw talent and the right attitude to develop into impact players.
The Unexpected: Day 3 Surprises and Sleepers
Every year, there are players who come out of nowhere on Day 3 and make a huge impact. Who will be this year's Day 3 surprise? That's what makes the draft so exciting!
Conclusion: The Value of Day 3 in Shaping NFL Rosters
Day 3 of the NFL Draft is where teams can find the depth, the special teams aces, and the developmental players that can transform a roster. While the early rounds grab headlines, the later rounds are where championship teams are built. The best teams are always on the lookout for those diamonds in the rough. Don’t discount the hidden potential found in the later rounds. Day 3 is a critical opportunity for teams to make impactful acquisitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between a bust and a steal in the NFL Draft?
A "bust" is a highly-drafted player who fails to live up to expectations and perform at a high level in the NFL. A "steal" is a player drafted in a later round who significantly outperforms their draft position and becomes a valuable contributor to their team. - What are some key traits that scouts look for on Day 3 of the NFL Draft?
On Day 3, scouts often prioritize traits like versatility, special teams ability, high character, strong work ethic, and any untapped potential that they can develop. Medical evaluations also play a crucial role in determining whether a player is worth taking a risk on. - How can I follow the 2025 NFL Draft Day 3 coverage?
You can follow the action through live television broadcasts on ESPN and NFL Network, as well as online via the NFL's official website, various sports news outlets, and social media platforms. - What is an undrafted free agent (UDFA) and why are they important?
An undrafted free agent is a player eligible for the NFL Draft who goes unselected. These players are then free to sign with any team. They are important because they represent another avenue for teams to acquire talent and often provide surprising contributions on the field. Many NFL stars started their careers as UDFAs. - Why do some players drop lower than expected in the NFL Draft?
Several factors can cause a player to drop lower than expected in the NFL Draft, including concerns about their medical history, off-field issues, perceived limitations in their skillset, or simply the needs of the teams selecting ahead of them.
