Prospect X: The Hidden Gem of the 2025 NFL Draft
Somewhere in America, under the bright sun of a 70-degree spring afternoon, a young athlete known only as Prospect X is putting in the work. The stadium is empty, save for the echoing voice of an NFL coach who has traveled nearly 1,500 miles for a 30-minute workout with this intriguing prospect. X, a college player who didn’t see much action as a slot receiver, is now being evaluated for his potential role in the NFL. His body type suggests a shift in position, and this coach’s team is keen to understand how they might utilize his versatile speed.
As X flips his hips and makes a back shoulder catch, he asks the coach, “What’s my landmark? Do you want a certain depth?” His questions are detailed, reflecting his desire to understand rather than just know. This trait is echoed by his college advisor, who recalls X’s relentless pursuit of understanding in his challenging major. “There’s a difference between understanding something and knowing something,” the advisor says, “and he really wanted to understand it.”
After running about 25 routes, the coach is satisfied. X’s college is filming the workout, and they’ll send the video back to the club. X, cut like granite and ready for more, is asked to take a walk around the field with the coach. Out of earshot of others, X seeks advice. The coach tells him, Be available, learn as much as you can, and remember that any team who takes you knows that you’re not a finished product. They want you for your potential.
This is reassuring for X, a sub-power 4 prospect who has been worried about learning a new position and being judged on his current knowledge. His blistering 40 time at his pro day has recently attracted much more NFL attention, despite not receiving any offseason attention like a combine invite or all-star game appearance.
ESPN has been on a quest to find the most overlooked prospect in the 2025 NFL draft. After polling scouts and coaches, tracking pro days, and watching tape, they believe they’ve found the draft’s best-kept secret in Prospect X. For the past six years, readers have tried to guess X’s identity, which will be revealed in a follow-up story after the draft. But for now, he remains “Prospect X.”
Life Beyond the Field
After his workout, X heads downtown with his girlfriend to one of their favorite restaurants. Recognized by the server, X is thanked for his contributions to his college football team. His girlfriend enjoys the perks of being with a local hero, like extra scoops of homemade ice cream and a complimentary appetizer. Despite the attention, X is a quiet, serious, and studious type who doesn’t particularly enjoy the spotlight.
He didn’t even drink coffee in college, knowing that caffeine in high amounts is an NCAA-banned substance. “He’s very strict with himself,” his mom says. “He doesn’t do well with free time,” adds his dad. X looks forward to the anonymity of the NFL, where he can earn everything anew.
Despite his local hero status, X was an “afterthought” to scouts at the start of the past football season. His head coach, respected for producing NFL players, says scouts initially overlooked X. The director of strength and conditioning recalls a scout visiting campus in October who didn’t even ask about X, despite his career season.
The Road to Recognition
Throughout the season, X’s strength coach campaigned for him, sending clips to a popular college football analytics Twitter account, hoping to feature X’s speed. But they never responded. “He never really put crazy miles per hour out there because his first three steps, he separates so much that he doesn’t have anybody that’s actually pushing him to his highest velocity,” the strength coach explains.
At his pro day, X ran just as expected, impressing the scouts. “You know it’s a good time when the scouts all smile at each other and then show each other their watches,” the strength coach said. An NFC West scout expressed interest, saying, “We’re gonna try to go after him.”
Since his pro day, X has had phone calls with several NFL coaches and worked out for two NFC teams. “People are feeling like they forgot, like they missed something,” X says. “And so everyone’s kind of jumping on the scene right now.”
Preparing for the Draft
Back home, X paces in his parents’ kitchen, trying to track down his immunization records for an upcoming ’30 visit’ with an NFL team. His mom offers to dig out his baby book, while his sister suggests checking MyChart. X’s mom proudly shares stories of his brilliance, recalling how professors were amazed by his work.
As a high school junior, X thought his football days were nearly over due to a lack of recruitment. Inspired by Josh Allen’s story, he emailed his tape to dozens of college coaches but received no traction. He eventually chose a smaller school for its academics.
Now, X is preparing for the draft, with his parents opting to stay home instead of attending a concert in Las Vegas. They’re eager to be with X on his big day, whether he gets drafted or signs as a priority free agent. “Either way,” his mom says, “we’re so nervous and excited.”
- Prospect X’s journey from overlooked college player to potential NFL draft pick is a testament to his dedication and talent.
- His story highlights the importance of perseverance and the impact of a strong support system.
- As the draft approaches, X remains focused on his goals and ready to seize any opportunity that comes his way.
Originally Written by: Kalyn Kahler
