2025 FCS NFL Draft Prospects: The Hidden Gems Poised to Shake Up the Big League

They say good things come in small packages — but have you ever met a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) player dreaming big enough to shake up the NFL Draft? The so-called “small school” level might not pack the same punch as the Power 5 conferences, yet these 2025 prospects are making waves that draft analysts can’t ignore. With the number of FCS draftees dwindling, you might be wondering: Is this the quiet before a storm of underdog brilliance? From the grit-showing offensive linemen of North Dakota State to the lightning-quick backs and savvy safeties from all corners of Division I’s underrated tier, these guys are not just hoping to get a call—they’re ready to redefine what it means to come from “small school.” So, what are the scouts whispering as the draft approaches? Let’s dive into the buzz and see who might just surprise everyone. LEARN MORE.

The Football Championship Subdivision is often called the small school level of college football, but the goals remain big for FCS NFL Draft prospects. Members of the 2025 class have caught the attention of draft analysts. Let’s see what they’re saying.

College football players always anticipate their names being called during the NFL Draft, from All-Americans to unheralded players.

With the average number of FCS NFL Draft picks declining within the lower half of Division I football, there’s been plenty of talk surrounding what’s ahead for the level. This year’s three-day draft, set for April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, will provide some answers.

Over the past three months, former FCS stars have turned heads at postseason all-star games, the NFL Combine and various college pro days across the country.

What is the buzz surrounding the top FCS prospects as we approach the 2025 NFL Draft?

We check in on what analysts are saying.

Grey Zabel, North Dakota State

Position: C/OG; Height: 6-5; Weight: 312

What They’re Saying: “Zabel opened the season well below his current ranking. Many in the league saw the versatile lineman as a quality option early on Day 3. Now he’s most likely to hear his name on Day 2 or even late in Round 1.” – Jeff Legwold, ESPN

(Offensive linemen a big part of North Dakota State’s NFL Draft selections)

David Walker, Central Arkansas

Position: Edge; Height: 6-1; Weight: 263

What They’re Saying: “We’ve seen guys like Walker before; as a matter of fact, one might play in the Super Bowl in Brandon Graham (recently retired Philadelphia Eagles defensive end). With the way he got off the ball and was able to convert speed to power, look for Walker to have a lengthy career on Sundays.” – Emory Hunt, CBS Sports

Charles Grant, William & Mary

Position: OT; Height: 6-5; Weight: 311

What They’re Saying: “Grant has ample potential to tap into with a leap in coaching and strength and conditioning resources. He also possesses all of the clear benchmarks of a quality starting offensive tackle at the NFL level.”– Kyle Crabbs, The 33rd Team

Carson Vinson, Alabama A&M

Position: OT; Height: 6-7; Weight: 314

What They’re Saying: “Vinson had a strong (postseason), beginning with a solid showing at the Senior Bowl. While he had some inconsistent moments in the game, he rebounded well with a strong NFL Combine performance, showcasing his athleticism and fluidity in drills. Vinson is in a good position to be selected late on Day 3 or as a priority free agent.” – Gerald Huggins II, FCS Football Central on SI

Jackson Slater, Sacramento State

Position: OG; Height: 6-3; Weight: 311

What They’re Saying: “Mark my words, some zone-heavy team is going to steal this kid in the mid-rounds and look like geniuses by midseason. The combination of pass protection polish, positional versatility and untapped athletic upside are exactly what smart offensive line coaches dream about.” – NFL Draft Buzz

Keondre Jackson, Illinois State

Position: SS; Height: 6-1; Weight: 211

What They’re Saying: “Jackson’s profile intrigues as an athlete with good instincts on the back end. Powerful hands when battling pass catchers in the air with the football IQ of where opponents tend to sit routes against zone.” – Ryan Fowler, The Draft Network

Marcus Yarns, Delaware

Position: RB; Height: 5-11; Weight: 193

What They’re Saying: “When you dig a little deeper, you find that he is one of the most versatile backs in this draft. First, he has ‘right now’ speed, and it is home run hitting. He gets through an open hole so quickly that it catches the defense off guard. He also has natural pass-catching ability.” – Gene Clemons, Fantasy Life

Efton Chism III, Eastern Washington

Position: WR; Height: 5-10, Weight: 195

What They’re Saying: “While the catch numbers might stand out, the real eye-opener is Chism’s blend of play strength and competitiveness. He can make the first tackler miss and will do whatever it takes to pick up yardage.” – Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

Robert McDaniel, Jackson State

Position: SS; Height: 6-2, Weight: 207

What They’re Saying: “Despite being overlooked for other major all-star games and the NFL Combine, his film showcases his versatility and physicality. His ability to play multiple positions in the secondary makes him a valuable asset for teams looking for depth and special teams contributions.” – Gerald Huggins II, FCS Football Central on SI

(Jackson State leads the way in most NFL Draft picks during the FCS era)

Marcus Wehr, Montana State

Position: OG; Height: 6-4; Weight: 300

What They’re Saying: “With experience at practically every position across the line (especially the right side), Wehr will be an attractive mid-round prospect for NFL squads looking to bolster depth.” – Jared Miller, Underdog Dynasty

Other Notable FCS NFL Draft Prospects

• Cam Miller, QB, North Dakota State
• ShunDerrick Powell, RB, Central Arkansas
• Lan Larison, RB, UC Davis
• Chandler Brayboy, WR/KR, Elon
• Elijah Ponder, Edge, Cal Poly
• Elijah Williams, Edge, Morgan State
• Isas Waxter, CB, Villanova
• Mike Smith Jr., SS, Eastern Kentucky

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