NEW ORLEANS — The Superdome’s glitz has faded a bit by Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft, but the war rooms are still buzzing. Scouts hunch over laptops, coaches whisper about sleepers, and teams hunt for the steals that could define their rosters. Rounds 4 through 7 kick off today, April 26, and a handful of prospects—overlooked but loaded with potential—remain available. These aren’t the flashiest names, but they’re the kind of players who could haunt teams that pass them up.
Luke Kandra, a guard from Cincinnati, is one to watch. An Elder High School grad, he earned All-America nods in college and has the tape to back it up. At 6-foot-4, 320 pounds, he’s a mauler in the trenches, with zero sacks allowed in his last two seasons. His stocky frame and relentless motor make him a fit for teams needing interior line grit. Kandra’s no stranger to leadership, either—he was a captain at Cincinnati, trusted to anchor a line that powered a top-25 offense in 2024.
Another lineman turning heads is Donovan Jackson from Ohio State. A 6-foot-4, 320-pound guard, Jackson’s a technician with quick feet and a nasty streak. He started 38 games for the Buckeyes, giving up just one sack in 2023 and none in 2024. His pass-blocking prowess—honed against Big Ten edge rushers—has teams like the Steelers and Ravens circling. Jackson’s versatility to slide to tackle in a pinch only boosts his value.
Out wide, Iowa State’s Jaylin Noel is still waiting for his name to be called. The 5-foot-11, 200-pound receiver, who landed with the Houston Texans in mock drafts, brings explosive slot potential. Noel racked up 1,092 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024, with a knack for turning short catches into chunk plays. His 4.4 speed and crisp route-running make him a headache for linebackers. Houston, already pairing him with teammate Jayden Higgins in projections, could double down on Cyclone firepower.
On the defensive side, South Carolina’s T.J. Sanders stands out. A 6-foot-4, 295-pound interior lineman, Sanders blends size with surprising burst. He notched 6.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss in 2024, disrupting backfields with ease. His ability to clog run lanes and pressure quarterbacks has drawn comparisons to mid-round steals like Zach Carter. Teams like the Giants, desperate for defensive line depth, could pounce.
Then there’s Donovan Ezeiruaku, a Boston College edge rusher with a relentless motor. At 6-foot-2, 250 pounds, he’s not the biggest, but his 9.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss last season scream playmaker. Ezeiruaku’s first-step quickness and bend around the edge make him a nightmare for sluggish tackles. He’s the kind of prospect who could thrive in a 3-4 scheme, maybe with a team like the Jets.
The draft’s third day is a grind, but it’s where rosters get built. On April 16, NFL Network reported 87 players still available after Round 2, with several projected Day 3 picks boasting starter potential. These prospects—Kandra, Jackson, Noel, Sanders, Ezeiruaku—aren’t headlining ESPN montages, but they’re battle-tested and ready. By tonight, some will be packing bags for rookie minicamps. Others might slip to undrafted free agency, scrapping for a shot. Either way, the board’s still loaded, and the clock’s ticking.
Teams have until 7 p.m. to make their picks in Rounds 4-7. The draft concludes today at the Caesars Superdome.