After months of mock drafts, rumors, and anticipation, the 2025 NFL Draft has finally come to a close. Throughout the first round, front offices across the league face pressure to select their next star; one wrong move and their career could be on the line. While many fans are drawn to flashy picks and aggressive trades, the teams that consistently find success in the early rounds often let talent fall to them, capitalizing on the guys who slip through the cracks. Take the Baltimore Ravens, for example, who found their franchise quarterback, Lamar Jackson, with the final pick in the first round, while superstars like Justin Jefferson and T.J. Watt also fell to the later end of Day 1. In 2025, several more players will have the potential to make their team’s front office look like geniuses. Here are five first-round steals that can offer incredible value and immediately impact their new teams.
Tyler Warren-14th Overall, Indianapolis Colts
Tyler Warren was a name many experts expected to hear within the top-10 picks, so the Indianapolis Colts wasted no time securing a versatile playmaker without the need to trade up. The former Penn State tight end, who set school records with 104 catches, 1,233 yards, and eight touchdowns in 2024, brings much-needed production to a Colts tight end room that ranked dead last in yards after catch in 2024. Warren offers unique versatility, having played snaps at quarterback, running back, slot, wide receiver, and tight end all in the same season. He’s a matchup nightmare for defenses, capable of contributing both as a pass catcher and a blocker. He’s the perfect weapon for the Colts to help unlock the potential of Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones in Shane Steichen’s offensive scheme. Warren at No. 14 is a major steal, filling a critical void on the roster.
Jalon Walker-15th Overall, Atlanta Falcons
Jalon Walker is another player who was widely expected to be drafted in the top-10 but fell right into the lap of the Atlanta Falcons at pick No. 15. Walker fills a significant need for the Falcons, bringing a versatile skill set to Raheem Morris’ defense with the ability to line up on the edge or as a stand-up linebacker. Last year’s Butkus Award winner as the nation’s top linebacker, Walker was the Georgia Bulldogs’ most consistent pass rusher, leading the team in tackles for loss and tying for the team lead in sacks. “The first time I saw Jalon, it was like, ‘Woah,'” said Falcons southeast area scout Shepley Heard in an interview with AtlantaFalcons.com, “There are so many players on that Georgia defense and you’re watching everybody, but then you see Jalon and he’s flying all over the place. And you love what he can do because you can move him around.” Walker’s exceptional athleticism and versatility make him a potential game-changer for Atlanta’s defense, and he came at incredible value in the middle of the 1st round.
Jahdae Barron-20th Overall, Denver Broncos
Jahdae Barron slipping to pick No. 20 gave the Denver Broncos a rare chance to grab a top defensive back in college football without moving up. The 2024 Jim Thorpe Award winner and first-team All-SEC selection was the heartbeat of Texas’s secondary last season, earning a reputation as one of the country’s most instinctive and versatile defenders. While many expected Denver to go offense in the first round, Barron was too good to pass up. He fills a significant need behind reigning Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II, offering the Broncos depth and flexibility in the secondary. Whether lining up in the slot, at safety, or outside, Barron brings a high football IQ and the ability to impact the game in multiple ways. For a defense already ranked among the league’s best, adding a dynamic playmaker like Barron is a move that could help take pressure off young quarterback Bo Nix and allow Denver to stay competitive while they develop their offense.
Jihaad Campbell-31st Overall, Philadelphia Eagles
There’s a reason the Philadelphia Eagles are perennial Super Bowl contenders: their front office knows how to identify value, especially late in the first round. This year was no exception, as they landed Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell with the 31st pick. Once considered a top-10 prospect, Campbell’s stock dipped due to a shoulder injury, but his talent was never questioned. When his name was still on the board late in Round 1, Howie Roseman didn’t hesitate, trading a spot to secure him. Campbell brings even more depth, explosiveness, and long-term upside to a talented defensive roster. His “Swiss Army Knife” versatility fits in perfectly with the reigning Super Bowl champs, making the best roster in the NFL even better.
Josh Simmons-32nd Overall, Kansas City Chiefs
Josh Simmons falling to the final pick of the first round may be one of the draft’s biggest steals. Despite being widely projected as a top-10 pick earlier in the process, Simmons slipped to the final pick of the first round due to a torn patella tendon that cut his senior season short. The former Ohio State left tackle was dominant during his two years with the Buckeyes, showcasing an elite blend of size, footwork, and power that made him a premier prospect. At 6’5” and 317 pounds, Simmons has all the physical tools to anchor a line at the NFL level, and he steps into a Chiefs offense that desperately needed help at tackle. Kansas City’s front office, led by Brett Veach, did extensive medical work and felt confident in Simmons’ recovery, allowing them to capitalize on his draft-day slide. With a clear path to early playing time and the opportunity to protect Patrick Mahomes, Simmons has the chance to become a foundational piece on one of the league’s most high-powered offenses.
