Rather than grading draft classes, an exercise I enjoy doing and believe has some merit, I like evaluating draft classes based on a “wisdom of crowds” approach.
This approach looks at where a player was expected to be drafted and compares that to where they were drafted.
Using that, we can see which players were draft day steals and which players were drafted well ahead of consensus.
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Top 10 Biggest Overall Steals & Values, 2025 NFL Draft:
10. Xavier Watts, S, Atlanta Falcons
Expected to go 48 — Drafted with pick 96
He reads plays quickly and attacks the ball with confidence, giving Atlanta a versatile defender who can help in both deep coverage and run support.
9. Bradyn Swinson, EDGE, New England Patriots
Expected to go 68 — Drafted with pick 146
He fires off the line with good burst and bend, offering the Patriots a developmental pass rusher who can rotate early and grow into a larger role.
8. Damien Martinez, RB, Seattle Seahawks
Expected to go 103 — Drafted with pick 223
He runs with patience and power, thriving between the tackles and fitting Seattle’s tough, physical offensive style perfectly.
7. Shavon Revel Jr, CB, Dallas Cowboys
Expected to go 35 — Drafted with pick 76
He combines strong ball skills with aggressive press coverage, giving Dallas a young corner who can develop into a starter on the outside.
6. Jihaad Campbell, LB, Philadelphia Eagles
Expected to go 14 — Drafted with pick 31
He brings elite speed and quick reaction ability at linebacker, and gives Philadelphia a modern defender who can stay on the field in any package.
5. Cameron Williams, OT, Philadelphia Eagles
Expected to go 92 — Drafted with pick 207
He has rare size and length and shows strong power in the run game, offering the Eagles a projectable lineman with long-term starting upside.
4. Marcus Mbow, OG, New York Giants
Expected to go 63 — Drafted with pick 154
He explodes off the ball and finishes blocks with strength and intensity, giving New York a versatile and powerful piece for the offensive line.
3. Mike Green, EDGE, Baltimore Ravens
Expected to go 17 — Drafted with pick 59
He flashes a deadly first step and relentless pursuit, making him an ideal fit for Baltimore’s aggressive defensive front.
2. Will Johnson, CB, Arizona Cardinals
Expected to go 9 — Drafted with pick 47
He locks down receivers with smooth footwork and strong instincts and has the physical tools to become a true No. 1 corner for Arizona.
1. Shedeur Sanders, QB, Cleveland Browns
Expected to go 22 — Drafted with pick 144
He processes defenses quickly and throws with pinpoint accuracy, giving the Browns a poised quarterback who can command a timing-based passing game.
