- Undersized prospects with elite manufacturing problem NFL norms: From Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel to Michigan’s Josaiah Stewart, a number of gamers missing prototype measurables nonetheless provide confirmed, high-level manufacturing and flexibility that might translate into beneficial NFL roles.
- Distinctive builds might carve out specialist roles within the league: Brief-yardage operating again/defensive lineman JJ Pegues and undersized but explosive cornerbacks like Upton Stout and Robert Longerbeam convey uncommon traits that groups might leverage in artistic, matchup-based methods.
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The NFL is obsessive about peak, weight and pace in relation to evaluating draft prospects — and for good motive. In easy phrases, massive guys beat up small guys, and quick guys run previous gradual ones. Some groups have hard-and-fast thresholds for dimension and athleticism that they refuse to compromise on. Others are extra versatile and prepared to make exceptions for gamers who’ve proven they will produce regardless of missing “ultimate” measurables. However peak, weight and pace are simply a part of the equation — faculty manufacturing issues, too.
Future Corridor of Famer Aaron Donald is an ideal instance. Some of the dominant gamers of the previous 20 years, Donald measured simply 6-foot-1 and 285 kilos on the mix — placing him within the ninth percentile for peak and seventh percentile for weight amongst inside defensive linemen. He was a transparent outlier by conventional requirements, however that didn’t cease him from turning into an all-time nice.
Now, I’m not saying the gamers on this listing are future Corridor of Famers. But when Donald taught us something, it’s that success isn’t all the time tied to dimension. These prospects won’t match the mould — however all they’ve achieved is produce.
THE SHORT QUARTERBACK: QB Dillon Gabriel, Oregon
Gabriel measured 5-foot-11 and 205 kilos on the mix, putting him within the fourth percentile for peak and fifth percentile for weight amongst quarterback prospects traditionally, per the 2025 PFF NFL Draft Information.
Regardless of his dimension, Gabriel’s faculty résumé is as achieved as any quarterback on this class. Throughout stints at three completely different applications, he made an NCAA-record 63 profession begins, holds the FBS report with 189 complete touchdowns and is tied for probably the most profession passing touchdowns in FBS historical past (155).
Gabriel’s intensive expertise has formed him into a fast processor and good decision-maker. He will get the ball out quick — his 2.7-second common time to throw ranks among the many quickest on this draft class — and he’s additionally probably the most correct passer within the group, having led all quarterbacks with an 81.9% adjusted completion fee. Gabriel could also be undersized, however he’s correct, productive and battle-tested — and there’s little motive to imagine his lack of peak will maintain him again on the subsequent stage.
THE LIGHTWEIGHT WIDE RECEIVER: WR Tez Johnson, Oregon
Johnson measured 5-foot-9 and 154 kilos on the mix. And whereas the NFL has seen success from 5-foot-9 receivers, it’s nearly extraordinary for a 154-pound participant to thrive on the subsequent stage. His peak ranks within the ninth percentile amongst extensive receiver prospects, and his weight lands within the zero percentile.
Regardless of his traditionally small body, Johnson is an explosive and agile athlete. He posted a 131-inch broad soar (92nd percentile) and a 6.65-second 3-cone drill (93rd percentile), each elite marks for the place.
Lining up largely within the slot, Johnson delivered a extremely productive 2024 marketing campaign. His 87.0 PFF receiving grade ranked fifth amongst draft-eligible wideouts with no less than 80 targets, and his 7.4 yards after the catch per reception additionally positioned fifth. Whereas he gained’t be requested to dam in heavy formations, Johnson’s quickness and playmaking means make him a dynamic weapon from the slot.
THE SMALL TIGHT END: TE Brant Kuithe, Utah
Kuithe measured in at 6-foot-2 and 236 kilos on the mix, making him each the shortest and lightest tight finish in attendance. His peak locations him within the fourth percentile and his weight within the third percentile amongst historic tight finish prospects.
Accidents have hampered Kuithe’s faculty profession, however he’s confirmed to be one of many extra productive tight ends within the draft class when he has been wholesome. He ranks sixth amongst tight ends in each PFF receiving grade (79.8) and yards after the catch per reception (8.5), whereas his 2.55 yards per route run ranks fifth. Given his dimension, Kuithe tasks finest as a transfer or receiving tight finish slightly than a standard inline choice.
THE HEFTY SHORT YARDAGE RUNNING BACK: DI JJ Pegues, Mississippi
Pegues was launched on the Ole Miss professional day as an “offensive weapon,” and it’s simple to see why. Measuring 6-foot-2½ and 309 kilos on the mix, Pegues is a uniquely constructed short-yardage operating again who’s been surprisingly efficient with the ball in his fingers. In 2024, he logged 21 carries for 69 yards — with 11 leading to first downs and 7 going for touchdowns. He compelled 9 missed tackles and averaged 3.0 yards after contact per try, incomes a 92.3 PFF offensive grade. Pegues even took half in fullback drills on the mix.
In fact, Pegues’ major place is inside line of defense, the place he posted an 81.8 PFF run-defense grade final season. That’s the place he’ll line up within the NFL — however right here’s hoping his new crew nonetheless offers him the occasional short-yardage carry.
THE UNDERSIZED INTERIOR OFFENSIVE LINEMEN
iOL Willie Lampkin, North Carolina
Willie Lampkin didn’t obtain a mix invite — possible on account of his non-traditional dimension for an NFL offensive lineman — however he did make it to the Senior Bowl as a late addition from Jim Nagy. Measuring 5-foot-10 and 270 kilos, Lampkin could be the smallest offensive lineman within the NFL by a large margin.
A former wrestler, Lampkin makes use of leverage and method to his benefit within the trenches, persistently gaining positioning on defenders regardless of his dimension. He thrives in zone-blocking schemes, posting an elite 90.6 PFF run-blocking grade on zone runs over the previous two seasons. He additionally didn’t permit a sack in 2024. With expertise at each guard and heart, his finest NFL match is probably going at heart for a crew that emphasizes zone ideas within the run recreation.
G Marcus Wehr, Montana State
Wehr was one other notable mix snub, however he made his mark on the East-West Shrine Bowl, the place he measured in at 6-foot-2, 298 kilos with 32 3/8-inch arms. Wehr has expertise at each sort out and guard, and he excelled at every spot. In 2023, he didn’t permit a sack and earned a 92.7 PFF run-blocking grade whereas enjoying sort out. He adopted that up in 2024 with one other sack-free season at guard, posting an 88.8 run-blocking grade.
Wehr’s lack of ultimate sort out peak and arm size possible limits him to the inside on the subsequent stage, however his constant manufacturing makes him a robust candidate to thrive as a guard in a zone-heavy run scheme.
Click on right here to obtain PFF’s 2025 NFL Draft Information, loaded with three-page draft profiles on lots of of prospects.
THE SHORT INTERIOR DEFENSIVE LINEMAN: DI Aeneas Peebles, Virginia Tech
Peebles measured in at simply 6 ft and 1/2 inch, 282 kilos with 31 3/8-inch arms on the NFL mix — putting him within the first percentile for peak and fourth percentile for arm size amongst historic inside line of defense prospects.
Regardless of these measurables, Peebles has been probably the most productive inside cross rushers in faculty soccer over the previous two seasons. He posted back-to-back elite PFF pass-rushing grades — 90.1 in 2023 and 91.2 in 2024 — through the use of his fast first step, agility and a deep arsenal of pass-rush strikes, together with a devastating spin transfer. Throughout his profession, he recorded 98 complete pressures, together with 14 sacks, 9 quarterback hits and 75 hurries. Whereas his dimension might restrict him in some roles, Peebles might thrive as a third-down inside pass-rush specialist within the NFL.
THE SHORT EDGE DEFENDERS: ED Josaiah Stewart, Michigan
Stewart measured 6-foot-1 and 249 kilos on the mix with 31 7/8-inch arms — putting him within the second percentile for peak and fifth percentile for arm size amongst edge prospects. However regardless of his lack of prototypical dimension, Stewart was probably the most productive pass-rushers in faculty soccer — and, in some metrics, traditionally so.
He burst onto the scene as a freshman with 15 sacks and led the nation in pass-rush productiveness towards true cross units (26.2). As a senior, he posted a 93.7 PFF pass-rush grade in those self same conditions — the most effective within the nation — and his 41.2% win fee on true cross units ranks second-best during the last seven draft courses, behind solely Chase Younger and narrowly forward of Nick Bosa.
Whereas pace is his calling card, Stewart can also convert pace to energy and has totaled 33 profession sacks and 147 pressures. He’s not only a pass-rush specialist, both — his 83.7 run-defense grade in 2024 exhibits he’s a whole participant. Stewart might not match conventional edge dimension thresholds, however his on-field efficiency factors to a possible affect starter on the subsequent stage.
ED David Walker, Central Arkansas
Walker measured 6-foot, 263 kilos on the mix with 31 7/8-inch arms — putting him within the first percentile for peak and fifth percentile for arm size amongst edge prospects. Whereas these measurements fall properly outdoors the NFL prototype for edge defenders, Walker has realized to make use of his shorter, stockier body to his benefit by getting underneath taller blockers and successful leverage battles.
Regardless of the dimensions issues, Walker delivered probably the most dominant faculty careers in current reminiscence. His 94.6 general PFF grade in 2024 led all edge defenders at each the FBS and FCS ranges. He additionally posted the highest run-defense grade (92.6) and prime pass-rush grade (94.0) within the nation. That 12 months, he totaled 12 sacks, six quarterback hits and 37 hurries on simply 351 pass-rushing snaps. And it wasn’t a one-off — Walker earned a 90.3 pass-rush grade in 2023 and a 91.5 in 2022, with 151 complete pressures over the previous three seasons (37 sacks, 17 QB hits, 97 hurries).
His constant manufacturing as each a pass-rusher and run defender factors to every-down potential within the NFL. At minimal, Walker’s means to win in numerous methods — and his distinctive construct — might make him a beneficial rotational presence immediately.
THE LIGHTWEIGHT DEFENSIVE BACKS
CB Upton Stout, Western Kentucky
Stout measured 5-foot-8, 181 kilos on the mix — putting him within the first percentile for peak and sixth percentile for weight amongst defensive backs, per MockDraftable. Whereas undersized, he’s each explosive and powerful: his 128-inch broad soar ranks within the eighty fifth percentile, and his 21 bench press reps landed within the 89th percentile.
Stout has delivered back-to-back sturdy seasons for Western Kentucky, posting an 80.9 PFF grade in 2023 and an 84.4 in 2024. His 90.9 run-defense grade final season ranked fifth amongst all FBS safeties. Primarily deployed within the slot, Stout’s physicality and instincts make that probably the most pure NFL match for him — particularly given his body and ability set.
CB Robert Longerbeam, Rutgers
Longerbeam measured in at 5-foot-11 and 175 kilos on the mix, along with his weight touchdown within the first percentile traditionally amongst defensive backs. Regardless of the sunshine body, he examined as a dynamic athlete — his 4.39-second 40-yard sprint ranked within the 87th percentile, and his 134-inch broad soar was within the 97th.
A collegiate outdoors nook, Longerbeam has the pace to stay with vertical routes however lacks the play energy to persistently match up with bigger-bodied receivers on the catch level. His elite change-of-direction expertise and light-weight body make him a greater match within the slot on the subsequent stage. He posted a 71.3 PFF protection grade from the slot in 2024, didn’t permit a single slant completion all 12 months and added two interceptions and 9 cross breakups for good measure.
