Best Player-Team Fits From the 2025 NFL Draft: Top Rookie Picks by Position
The 2025 NFL Draft brought exciting new talent into the league, but beyond the top selections, several under-the-radar player-team pairings stand out as perfect fits for long-term success. Rather than simply focusing on early-round picks, we’re highlighting ideal draft fits by position — balancing short-term contributions with long-term potential.
Whether you’re a fantasy football enthusiast, a die-hard NFL fan, or scouting rookies for your dynasty league, this analysis is your go-to guide for the most impactful 2025 NFL Draft selections.
📈 Want more draft insights? Subscribe to PFF+ for player grades, advanced stats, and draft research tools.
Quarterback: Jalen Milroe – Seattle Seahawks
Former Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe landed in an ideal developmental situation with the Seattle Seahawks. Sitting behind veteran Sam Darnold gives Milroe time to refine his game without pressure to start immediately.
Despite a strong arm and elite athleticism, Milroe’s inconsistency — including a 74.7% adjusted completion rate and 2.5% turnover-worthy play rate — shows he’s not NFL-ready yet. But Seattle offers a patient environment to unlock his potential.
🔍 Learn more about Jalen Milroe’s college stats at Sports Reference
Running Back: Kaleb Johnson – Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers added depth to their backfield by selecting Kaleb Johnson, a natural fit for offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s zone-heavy run schemes. Johnson earned an 82.6 PFF rushing grade behind zone-blocking at Iowa and joins a rotation with Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell.
🏈 Dive into Kaleb Johnson’s scouting report on Draft Network
Wide Receiver: Matthew Golden – Green Bay Packers
Green Bay’s offense thrives on big plays, and Matthew Golden is the perfect deep threat for quarterback Jordan Love. Golden posted a 92.1 PFF receiving grade on 20+ yard passes in 2024, and with Christian Watson recovering from an ACL tear, Golden could make an early impact.
Tight End: Mason Taylor – New York Jets
The Jets desperately needed an upgrade at tight end, and Mason Taylor fits the bill. After earning a 69.5 PFF grade at LSU, he could see significant targets alongside WR1 Garrett Wilson, especially with Tyler Conklin gone.
📰 Catch up on Jets roster updates at NFL.com
Offensive Tackle: Kelvin Banks Jr. – New Orleans Saints
With no Saints lineman topping a 70.0 PFF grade in 2024, Kelvin Banks Jr. is a welcome addition. He logged an 89.0 pass-blocking grade at Texas and will solidify the left side, allowing other linemen to shift to their natural roles.
Offensive Guard: Donovan Jackson – Minnesota Vikings
Donovan Jackson returns to his natural guard position after filling in at tackle in college. He’ll join a top-tier interior line featuring Ryan Kelly and Will Fries, giving Minnesota a much-needed boost up front.
🧠 Explore 2025 NFL Draft grades on CBS Sports
Center: Jared Wilson – New England Patriots
Although Jared Wilson won’t start immediately due to the signing of Garrett Bradbury, he’s a long-term solution at center. His 81.2 PFF grade at Georgia and elite Combine metrics make him a high-upside pick.
💪 Compare Combine results on NFL Draft Buzz
Interior Defender: Jamaree Caldwell – Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers filled a big defensive gap by drafting Jamaree Caldwell, who earned 80+ PFF run-defense grades for three straight seasons. He’s a stout presence against the run and a solid third-round pickup.
🧱 Read more about Chargers’ 2025 Draft strategy on Yahoo Sports
Edge Rusher: Landon Jackson – Buffalo Bills
Landon Jackson brings explosiveness the Bills hoped to get from A.J. Epenesa. Ranking in the 96th percentile in vertical and 97th in broad jump, Jackson is a physical upgrade with massive upside.
🔍 Profile Jackson’s athleticism via NFL Combine Tracker
Linebacker: Demetrius Knight Jr. – Cincinnati Bengals
Demetrius Knight Jr. offers an immediate upgrade at linebacker next to Logan Wilson. With an 85.4 run-defense grade in 2024, Knight is poised for early snaps on a defense needing more playmakers.
📋 Check out Bengals depth chart at OurLads
Cornerback: Azareye’h Thomas – New York Jets
With D.J. Reed gone, Azareye’h Thomas is an excellent man-coverage addition under new head coach Aaron Glenn. He excelled in press at Florida State and could earn the starting job opposite Sauce Gardner.
🔎 Learn more about Thomas’ college performance on 247Sports
Safety: Xavier Watts – Atlanta Falcons
Xavier Watts is a ball-hawking safety who complements Jessie Bates III perfectly. His 89.4 PFF coverage grade and 13 interceptions over two years make him a game-changer for Atlanta’s secondary.
🛡️ View Falcons’ secondary depth at ESPN
Final Thoughts
These rookie fits from the 2025 NFL Draft may not have dominated the headlines, but they’re poised to make major impacts—some right away, others as key future contributors. Keep an eye on these names as the season unfolds.
🔗 For more NFL Draft coverage and player analysis, visit Pro Football Focus.
Let me know if you’d like this turned into a blog post, social media content, or need an image pack to go with it.
Read our previous article: The Best Water Quality Test Kit for Your Home