The NFL season acts as a testing field, which shows new stars while top draft picks receive preseason attention, but underdog rookies who enter as late-round picks or undrafted free agents often surprise the league with their determination and surprising achievements. These determined players strive to overcome adversity, transform game momentum, and win over fan support. In places like Texas, where football is a passion, and across the country, fans are betting on these rookies. They are taking advantage of online sports betting Texas platforms to place wagers on player props like sacks, receiving yards, or tackles, eager to back the next talent.
Why Underdogs Steal the Show
The NFL underdog stories from year to year capture the league’s unpredictable nature. The journey of late-round picks and undrafted players becomes extremely difficult because they must overcome obstacles while proving their worth to the team. Their hard work and talent shine in critical moments. These efforts can shape the entire season. The NFL history is full of underdog stories such as Kurt Warner or Terrell Davis, who were underdogs but became legendary players. The rookie draft of 2026 has a number of names that indicate it could mean a good year, and these four are a must-watch even before their seasons start.
Jaylin Noel, WR, Houston Texans
Jaylin Noel brings polish, intelligence, and versatility to the Texans. His sharp route-running and separation skills make him a reliable slot and special-teams contributor from Day 1. If he cleans up drops and adapts to press coverage, he could develop into a high-end WR3 with a chance at meaningful rotational reps in his rookie year.
Cam Skattebo, RB, New York Giants
A tough, high-contact running back with 1,892 yards and 13 TDs at Sacramento State, followed by a dominant season at Arizona State (1,711 yards, 21 TDs, 45 catches, 605 yards). Known for his physicality, breakaway ability, and receiving, Skattebo offers everything a zone-heavy NFL team could ask for.
Cam Skattebo brings a bruising, high-contact running style with excellent contact balance and dependable receiving skills. He may not produce highlight-reel speed plays, but his power, effort, and situational versatility give him a clear path to carve out a meaningful rotational—and possibly three-down—role for the Giants as early as his rookie year.
Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Dallas Cowboys
Joining Micah Parsons, Ezeiruaku enters an elite pass-rush room with situational opportunities. Donovan Ezeiruaku is a technically gifted, explosive edge specialist with rare bend and move variety right out of the gate. Though undersized for certain NFL schemes, his high football IQ and elite pass-rush toolkit make him an ideal early-down sub-package rusher with double-digit sack upside. This rookie season, he’s likely to thrive as a passing-down weapon, and with physical development, could evolve into a three-down threat alongside Parsons.
Xavier Restrepo, WR, Tennessee Titans
Xavier Restrepo is a technician—an intelligent, precise route runner with built-in QB rapport and special-teams value. While not a vertical field-stretcher, his high football IQ, hands, and schemed role make him a candidate to stick on the Titans roster and produce early. Think Julian Edelman meets Danny Amendola in craft and grit.
Restrepo will likely become a stronghold of the Titans offense with his relationship with Cam Ward. Restrepo’s instincts let him predict plays early, and his hits echo.
Conclusion
The 2025 NFL season will be electric, with underdog players like Jaylin Noel, Cam Skattebo, Donovan Ezeiruaku, and Xavier Restrepo ready to shine. These players aim to transform their teams with talent and grit, thrilling fans from Texas to New York. They are making their mark by disrupting backfields, scoring touchdowns, and shutting down receivers. Their journey from unknown to superstars is a story to follow. Keep these rookies on your radar—they’re not here for the sidelines; they’re chasing NFL greatness.
NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com
