2025 NFL Draft curveballs: Three wild card prospects who could shake up the draft order

No matter how much time teams, analysts, and fans invest in analysing draft prospects and team needs ahead of the NFL draft, it never goes exactly as planned.  The 2025 edition will be no different.

Whether it's a surprise early pick or a shock slide down the board, the unexpected should be expected. The uncertainty adds to the drama and excitement.

These three prospects are prime candidates to break from the consensus and shake up draft night.

Shedeur Sanders, quarterback, Colorado

Fans of Sanders point to his accuracy, pre-snap recognition, seemingly unshakeable confidence, and an excellent senior year, during which he threw for over 4,000 yards and 37 touchdowns.

Critics of Sanders question his brash style, footwork issues, and lack of discipline in the pocket.

The contrasting opinions on Sanders have led to a massive disparity in where experts predict he will be selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.

In his latest mock, ESPN's Peter Schrager said, "He [Sanders] could go anywhere from No. 3 to the Giants to the second round."

Conversely, NFL insider Bucky Brooks views Sanders as the best quarterback in the draft.

Mindful that quarterbacks are the most coveted position in the NFL, the DAZN panel predicted the New Orleans Saints would take Sanders ninth overall.

Still, there are sufficient question marks over his talent and potential to make Sanders a wild card in this draft.

Matthew Golden, wide receiver, Texas

The hype surrounding Golden increased after he blazed the fastest time among all wide receivers at the 2025 NFL Combine.

However, his time in the 40-yard dash was so fast that it prompted player analysts to question why his speed wasn't always evident on the field, especially after the catch.

Golden produced extremely well for Texas toward the end of the season. Yet, his performances earlier in the year were far less impactful, raising additional concerns about his lack of consistency.

Despite his apparent shortcomings, Golden's performance in the 40-yard dash has made him one of the biggest risers among NFL analysts during the pre-draft process. Whether NFL teams view his outlook the same way remains to be seen.

Shemar Stewart, edge rusher, Texas A&M

Every year, an edge rusher crushes the athletic testing at the NFL Combine, demonstrating the kind of physical prowess that drastically changes their pre-combine perception among analysts.

In 2025, Shemar Stewart was that man.

On paper, Stewart checks every box NFL teams look for in a future star pass rusher. But on the field, his production tells a different story. Despite 680 pass rush snaps at Texas, he recorded just 4.5 sacks.

While there are plenty of similarly athletic edge prospects who have found success in the NFL, very few did so after posting such minimal production in college.

Undeterred by his meagre sack numbers, many NFL analysts have predicted the 21-year-old will be a top-15 pick on draft night. Time will tell whether NFL teams agree.

Watch the NFL draft live and for free on DAZN

The 2025 NFL Draft begins on Thursday, April 24 at  8pm  on the East Coast /  1am  Friday in the UK.

This year's NFL Draft will be available to watch for free on NFL Game Pass on DAZN (excluding the US and China).

For more information and to watch for free,  click here .

NFL Draft schedule

• Round 1 : Thursday, April 24 (8pm ET / 1am BST)
• Rounds 2 and 3 : Friday, April 25 (6pm ET / 11pm BST)
• Rounds 4-7 : Saturday, April 26 (12pm ET / 5pm BST)