Top Sneaky Steals of the 2025 NFL Draft Round 1: Highlighting CB Jahdae Barron’s Surprise Pick by the Denver Broncos

The 2025 NFL Draft has wrapped up, and it brought some surprising moves. While the top picks mostly followed expectations, several teams made choices that could really pay off in the future. Some players slipped down the board further than many thought, while others found the perfect fit for their skills.

Let’s take a look at some of the standout picks from Round 1 that could be considered steals.

1. Denver Broncos – CB Jahdae Barron, Texas
The Broncos have chosen to strengthen their defense further by adding Jahdae Barron alongside Pat Surtain II, last season’s Defensive Player of the Year. Barron was the top cornerback in college football, boasting a remarkable coverage grade of 91.1. His ability to play different positions adds flexibility to the secondary, allowing him to read the game effectively.

2. Baltimore Ravens – S Malaki Starks, Georgia
Starks fell into the Ravens’ hands at the 27th pick, seen as one of the draft’s best prospects. His versatility allows the Ravens to use Kyle Hamilton in different ways while benefiting from Starks’ impressive run-defense grade of 85.6. With a low missed tackle rate of just 8.1%, Starks is known for his smart play and quick decision-making, making him a solid addition to their secondary.

3. Arizona Cardinals – DI Walter Nolen, Mississippi
Nolen adds serious muscle to the Cardinals’ defensive lineup. He earned a standout run-defense grade of 91.6, ranking him second in the FBS. This move is crucial for a team that struggled with rush defense last season, ranking 27th in EPA allowed per rush. Nolen’s impact will help improve that statistic significantly.

4. Philadelphia Eagles – LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
Campbell is an athletic linebacker who can move quickly and make tackles. He has a solid track record, with a low missed tackle rate of 5.9%. While he needs to polish his coverage skills, learning from veterans like Zack Baun will help him grow. This pick enhances the Eagles’ defense as they continue to build a strong lineup.

5. Kansas City Chiefs – T Josh Simmons, Ohio State
After struggling with pressure in the Super Bowl, the Chiefs reinforced their offensive line by drafting Simmons. Despite suffering a season-ending injury last year, he showcased strong skills before that, allowing only one sack over two seasons. He brings needed stability, giving Patrick Mahomes more time to execute plays effectively.

Recent trends show that teams are increasingly focused on securing young, versatile players who can adapt to multiple roles on the field. According to a survey by The Athletic, 85% of NFL coaches believe positional versatility is essential in building a modern roster. This flexibility allows coaches to adjust strategies more easily during games.

As the NFL evolves, drafting players who can fulfill various roles is becoming a standard practice. Fans and analysts alike are excited to see how these picks will influence the upcoming season.

For more insights on player stats and analysis, check the PFF Draft Guide. It’s a great resource for understanding draft performances and player evaluations.

Check out this related article: 2025 NFL Draft Grades: Did the Giants Make a Mistake by Choosing Shedeur Sanders Over Jaxson Dart?