NFL Draft Round 3: Surprises and Standouts
The 2025 NFL Draft's first three rounds delivered some exciting moments, unexpected twists, and plenty of questions. While Cam Ward and Travis Hunter headlined Round 1, Round 3 saw several intriguing players selected, leaving fans wondering about the biggest surprise: Shedeur Sanders’ dramatic slide down the draft board.
Shedeur Sanders' Unexpected Fall
Shedeur Sanders, once projected as a first-round pick, went undrafted through the first three rounds. This unexpected turn of events sparked significant debate among analysts and fans alike. Some point to concerns about his size, arm strength, and interview performance, while others suggest off-field factors contributed to his drop. Whatever the reason, Sanders' absence from the first three rounds is undoubtedly a major talking point. His eventual landing spot in the later rounds will be closely scrutinized.
Notable Round 3 Picks
Despite the Sanders saga, Round 3 featured several promising players. Teams bolstered their rosters with talented prospects at various positions. The Seattle Seahawks, for example, added Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, while the Cleveland Browns selected Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel. These selections illustrate the depth of talent available even beyond the first two rounds, emphasizing the importance of Rounds 2 and 3 in team-building. Other notable Round 3 picks include TreVeyon Henderson (RB, Ohio State) to the Patriots and Kyle Williams (WR, Washington State) also to the Patriots, strengthening their offensive arsenal.
Best Available Players Remaining
Several highly-rated players remained available after Round 3. Shedeur Sanders is the most notable, but others such as Marcus Mbow (OL), Jack Sawyer (EDGE), and Bradyn Swinson (EDGE) offer considerable potential for teams looking to add depth or starting talent in later rounds. Running backs Damien Martinez and Dylan Sampson are also still on the board, presenting intriguing options for teams seeking a strong ground game.
Day 3 Anticipation
With the final day of the draft approaching, all eyes are on where the remaining players, particularly Shedeur Sanders, will land. The fourth round and beyond will be crucial for teams to fill remaining holes and add valuable depth to their rosters. Will Sanders prove the doubters wrong and find a team that believes in his potential? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Round 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft set the stage for a fascinating conclusion.