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.
Preorder The Best Analytical 2025 Football Preview
Don't miss out on Warren Sharp's 500+ page preview of the 2025 NFL season.
The preview is unlike anything you have ever seen, featuring stunning visualizations built with the reader in mind.
This preview shares insights into players, coaches, teams, and philosophies with one goal in mind: to get you prepared for the 2025 NFL season by delivering the smartest information in the fastest, most direct way possible.
Preorder the 2025 Football Preview now!
Top 10 Biggest Skill Position Steals & Values, 2025 NFL Draft:
10. Jaylin Noel, WR, Houston Texans
Expected to go 56 — Drafted with pick 79
He runs crisp routes with sharp cuts and reliable hands, making him a natural fit to work underneath and move the chains for Houston’s offense.
9. Devin Neal, RB, New Orleans Saints
Expected to go 121 — Drafted with pick 184
He displays excellent vision and balance as a runner and offers three-down value with his ability to catch passes and protect in blitz pickup.
8. Kaleb Johnson, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Expected to go 54 — Drafted with pick 83
He combines a strong lower body with smooth acceleration and fits well in Pittsburgh’s downhill rushing attack that leans on power backs.
7. Brashard Smith, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Expected to go 142 — Drafted with pick 228
He brings game-breaking speed and agility and can line up as a runner, receiver, or returner to create explosive plays in Kansas City's offense.
6. Dylan Sampson, RB, Cleveland Browns
Expected to go 76 — Drafted with pick 126
He shows natural vision and burst between the tackles, and can add a change-of-pace element behind Cleveland’s bigger power backs.
5. Tory Horton, WR, Seattle Seahawks
Expected to go 99 — Drafted with pick 166
He tracks the ball well on deep routes and offers strong body control and reliable hands, giving Seattle another weapon to stretch the field vertically.
4. Tez Johnson, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Expected to go 133 — Drafted with pick 235
He creates separation quickly with explosive cuts and thrives working from the slot, offering Tampa Bay a speedy weapon for quick-hitting plays.
3. Jalen Royals, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
Expected to go 74 — Drafted with pick 133
He brings sharp route running and strong ball skills in contested catch situations, and could develop into a reliable red-zone threat for Kansas City.
2. Elic Ayomanor, WR, Tennessee Titans
Expected to go 70 — Drafted with pick 136
He wins with size and toughness at the catch point, and shows surprising burst after the catch, fitting Tennessee’s plan to add physical receivers.
1. Damien Martinez, RB, Seattle Seahawks
Expected to go 103 — Drafted with pick 223
He runs with excellent patience and power between the tackles and fits Seattle’s physical identity with the potential to handle short-yardage and goal-line work.
