By: OOSSports
May 6, 2025
Best Fits of the 2025 NFL Draft: OOSSports’ Top 9 Rookie-Team Pairings
The 2025 NFL Draft has officially wrapped, and with 257 players hearing their names called, it was a weekend full of big-time moves, head-scratching picks, and franchise-altering decisions. Team grades and overall class breakdowns have their place. However, we’re kicking off the OutOfSightSports NFL Blog with a look at the 9 favorite fits of this year’s draft. These are players whose selection wasn’t just about value. It was about opportunity, system fit, and long-term upside.
These aren’t necessarily the most hyped names or highest overall grades—but they’re the prospects we believe landed in the perfect spot to succeed. Let’s get into it.
1. Luther Burden III, WR — Chicago Bears (2-39)
Burden was our WR1 in the class when evaluating pure offensive impact, and Chicago is an ideal landing spot. With new head coach Ben Johnson at the helm, the Bears’ offense will prioritize space and versatility. Burden’s yards-after-catch ability and quick-twitch burst are tailor-made for the creative formations Johnson is known to run. With DJ Moore and Rome Odunze already in place, Burden can thrive in the slot. He can become an early mismatch nightmare.
2. Will Johnson, CB — Arizona Cardinals (2-47)
Johnson’s drop to Round 2 was unexpected—injuries played a role—but don’t let that distract from the fact that Arizona just landed a potential top-10 talent. Jonathan Gannon’s defense thrives with instinctive ball-hawks, and Johnson fits that mold perfectly. He plays with a smooth backpedal, elite ball skills, and has a high football IQ. If he stays healthy, this is a steal and a long-term cornerstone for the Cardinals’ secondary.
3. Ashton Jeanty, RB — Las Vegas Raiders (1-6)
Many questioned the pick at first glance, but this was one of the cleanest scheme fits of the entire draft. Jeanty, the top back on our board, now lands in a Pete Carroll/Chip Kelly offense that’s expected to lean heavily on tempo and downhill runs. Jeanty can carry the load and contribute as a pass-catcher—don’t be surprised if he’s a 1,500+ all-purpose yard guy as a rookie. This is a new identity for Vegas, and Jeanty is at the center of it.
4. Jihaad Campbell, LB — Philadelphia Eagles (1-31)
The Eagles did what the Eagles do: got great value at a premium defensive position. Campbell plays with violent speed and is a three-down threat—he can blitz, cover, and read the run. He reminds many of Zack Baun, who had an All-Pro year in Philly, but Campbell might be more explosive. Even with an offseason surgery, his ceiling is through the roof. This is a long-term play that could pay off as early as midseason.
5. Jalon Walker, EDGE — Atlanta Falcons (1-15)
Walker had no business falling to 15, and Atlanta fans should be ecstatic. A hybrid front defender with sideline-to-sideline range, Walker can be deployed standing up or with his hand in the dirt. New DC Jimmy Lake will have a blast moving him around the formation. The Falcons needed speed and intensity off the edge, and Walker fits the bill—he’ll be a defensive anchor in year one.
6. Travis Hunter, WR/CB — Jacksonville Jaguars (1-2)
Hunter is the ultimate chess piece. Jacksonville traded up aggressively to land him, and they’ll be using him early and often. Offensively, he gives Trevor Lawrence another electric playmaker alongside Brian Thomas Jr. Defensively, he’ll likely rotate in as a nickel and boundary corner. The Jags’ willingness to fully utilize his versatility shows they’re thinking big picture—and Hunter has the talent to back it up.
7. Colston Loveland, TE — Chicago Bears (1-10)
The Bears double up on our list, and for good reason. Loveland was our TE1, and he lands with a coach who helped develop Sam LaPorta into a breakout star in Detroit. Loveland’s fluidity as a route-runner and vertical threat separates him from his peers. Chicago’s new-look offense is clearly prioritizing weapons with after-the-catch ability, and Loveland is going to be a mismatch machine against both linebackers and safeties.
8. Abdul Carter, EDGE — New York Giants (1-3)
Carter was our No. 1 overall player, and somehow the Giants got him at No. 3. He’ll slot in next to Brian Burns and Dexter Lawrence II, forming one of the most dangerous front sevens in the NFC. Carter’s role may vary depending on matchup—he’s that flexible—but expect him to generate pressure right away. His Micah Parsons-style hybrid usage will make the Giants defense more dynamic and harder to gameplan for.
9. Malaki Starks, S — Baltimore Ravens (1-27)
Malaki Starks was born to play in this Ravens defense. Pairing him with Kyle Hamilton creates arguably the league’s most versatile safety duo. Starks is instinctive, fast, and doesn’t hesitate to strike. He’ll play single-high, in the box, and even man coverage against slot receivers. Baltimore prioritizes smart, adaptable defenders, and Starks checks every box.