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Each year, Day 3 of the NFL Draft is a grind. There are fewer recognizable names, and most of these picks won’t have long careers. However, teams can still find capable players in the later rounds. Let’s look at a few Day 3 picks who should contribute in 2025.
Walker is a mammoth man, measuring 6’7 ⅜” and 331 pounds. Buffalo has majorly invested in its defensive line, but Walker should be able to contribute next season. He enters a defensive tackle group that includes Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones, DeWayne Carter, and 2025 second-round pick TJ Sanders.
The Bills also added Larry Ogunjobi in free agency, but he’s suspended for the first six games. Walker has the rare combination of elite size and unexpectedly good athleticism. He needs to work on his pad level and technique, but the raw ability is there. Buffalo needs to be better against the run, and with Ogunjobi sidelined, Walker has a golden opportunity to show he belongs and deserves a long-term spot in the rotation during the first six weeks.
For all the attention Cleveland got for drafting Shedeur Sanders, Sampson is a quality pick that’s being overlooked. He’s slightly undersized at 5’8 ⅛”, but he proved he can handle a heavy workload at Tennessee. In his final college season, Sampson led the SEC with 258 carries, 1,491 yards, and 22 touchdowns.
He’s still only 20 and has vision and wiggle that put him on par with or a step above most of the backs in this year’s class. Sampson and second-round pick Quinshon Judkins should form a dynamic duo on a Cleveland team searching for Nick Chubb’s replacement. Judkins is the likely starter, and expect Sampson to be in the rotation all season.
It was somewhat surprising that Horton fell to the fifth round, but the Colorado State product could immediately slide into Seattle’s WR3 role. He has ideal size and proven production (back-to-back 1,100+ yard seasons) on the outside. The Seahawks are full of effective slot options with Cooper Kupp and Jaxson Smith-Njigba, and their best veteran outside receiver is Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
Horton showed good speed running a 4.41 40-yard dash at the Combine, and knows how to use his speed when breaking off defenders. He’ll need time to adapt to physical NFL cornerbacks, but Horton should fit into Klint Kubiak’s offense well and be a productive option for Sam Darnold.
This article originally appeared on Draft Wire: 2025 NFL Draft Day 3 picks poised for big rookie contributions
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Deone Walker, DT, Buffalo Bills No. 109
Walker is a mammoth man, measuring 6’7 ⅜” and 331 pounds. Buffalo has majorly invested in its defensive line, but Walker should be able to contribute next season. He enters a defensive tackle group that includes Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones, DeWayne Carter, and 2025 second-round pick TJ Sanders.
The Bills also added Larry Ogunjobi in free agency, but he’s suspended for the first six games. Walker has the rare combination of elite size and unexpectedly good athleticism. He needs to work on his pad level and technique, but the raw ability is there. Buffalo needs to be better against the run, and with Ogunjobi sidelined, Walker has a golden opportunity to show he belongs and deserves a long-term spot in the rotation during the first six weeks.
Dylan Sampson, RB, Cleveland Browns No. 126
For all the attention Cleveland got for drafting Shedeur Sanders, Sampson is a quality pick that’s being overlooked. He’s slightly undersized at 5’8 ⅛”, but he proved he can handle a heavy workload at Tennessee. In his final college season, Sampson led the SEC with 258 carries, 1,491 yards, and 22 touchdowns.
He’s still only 20 and has vision and wiggle that put him on par with or a step above most of the backs in this year’s class. Sampson and second-round pick Quinshon Judkins should form a dynamic duo on a Cleveland team searching for Nick Chubb’s replacement. Judkins is the likely starter, and expect Sampson to be in the rotation all season.
Tory Horton, WR, Seattle Seahawks No. 166
It was somewhat surprising that Horton fell to the fifth round, but the Colorado State product could immediately slide into Seattle’s WR3 role. He has ideal size and proven production (back-to-back 1,100+ yard seasons) on the outside. The Seahawks are full of effective slot options with Cooper Kupp and Jaxson Smith-Njigba, and their best veteran outside receiver is Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
Horton showed good speed running a 4.41 40-yard dash at the Combine, and knows how to use his speed when breaking off defenders. He’ll need time to adapt to physical NFL cornerbacks, but Horton should fit into Klint Kubiak’s offense well and be a productive option for Sam Darnold.
This article originally appeared on Draft Wire: 2025 NFL Draft Day 3 picks poised for big rookie contributions
Continue reading...
