The 2025 NFL Draft is in the books and there were several familiar names that Big 12 fans saw take their next career step from college football to the NFL. Some of these players will be flameouts, some will meet expectations, and some will be total steals.
And when it comes to steals, there will be multiple names from the Big 12 who could turn into solid pros. With the 2025 NFL Draft wrapping up on Saturday afternoon in Green Bay, Wisconsin, here are the top 5 Big 12 steals from this weekend.
1. Ollie Gordon, Oklahoma State RB: Miami Dolphins, 6th Round
Ollie Gordon had a 2023 season for the ages. Gordon led the FBS in rushing yards and ranked second in rushing touchdowns in 2023. He’s a big back with the size and strength to break tackles. Unfortunately, his 2024 season came up well short of expectations as the Cowboys had their worst season ever under Mike Gundy going 0-9 in the Big 12. And for Gordon, he was playing behind a really bad offensive line. He had no chance to duplicate his 2023 success.
Granted, he needs to work on his pass blocking to succeed at the next level, but he has the size and strength to develop in that part of his game. The Dolphins got a great deal here for Gordon this late in the draft.
2. Cam Skattebo, Arizona State RB: New York Giants, 4th Round
Cam Skattebo became a household name after his performance in the College Football Playoff vs. Texas. But for Big 12 fans, they knew about Skattebo all season long.
He probably had a ceiling of the late second round, so for the Giants to pick him up in the 4th is a great deal. Skattebo is the first FBS player since Christian McCaffrey in 2015 to have at least 1,500 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in a single season. He can break tackles and has excellent balance, and is a great ball catcher.
Oh, and no one is going to work harder. He will quickly become a fan favorite in New York.
Related: Kenny Dillingham Has a Message for NFL Teams Wary of Drafting Cam Skattebo
3. Wyatt Milum, West Virginia OG: Jacksonville Jaguars, 3rd Round
Milum was a consensus All-America selection in 2024. He also was the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2024 after being a second-team All-Big 12 selection in 2023.
He has played left side and right side and is projected as a guard at the next level. He greats a great initial push and held up well against top pass rushers as well. Milum was a consistent stud during his time in Morgantown who did not get the credit he deserved during his time with the Mountaineers.
Milum has the makings of a long-time productive player in the NFL and the Jaguars got him at good value in the 3rd round.
4. Devin Neal, Kansas RB: New Orleans Saints, 6th Round
Devin Neal became the first Kansas football player to record 1,000 rushing yards in three straight seasons. He’s elusive and over three seasons Big 12 fans saw him make defenders miss consistently, but he also has the ability to power run when he needs to. He’s capable of catching the ball out of the backfield, and while it’s not his strong suit, he can catch the short pass and then turn a short gain into a big one by making a key defender or two miss.
Neal is the third Big 12 running back on this list, and it’s well deserved given how strong the conference was at this position during the 2025 season.
5. Shedeur Sanders, Colorado QB: Cleveland Browns, 5th Round
I never thought I’d put him on this list, but as a 5th round pick, there’s absolutely value here and very little downside for Cleveland. Shedeur Sanders had a first round grade, but of course it came with plenty of red flags that have been discussed ad nauseum.
His arm isn’t huge, but it’s big enough. He is physically and mentally tough. When he’s not trying to do too much, he’s a much better quarterback. His accuracy is solid, and he is able to hit the open receiver. Also, it’s the most important position in football, and if the Browns hit on Sanders, it will totally change the future of the franchise.
The Browns had very little downside in taking Sanders this late, and if it comes with a piece of humble pie for the signal caller, it can be a win for everyone involved.
