NFL Draft Round 3: Legacy Picks, Underdog Surprises, and Future Stars

The 2025 NFL Draft is lighting up conversations across the nation, and Round 3 delivered a powerful mix of nostalgia, hope, and intense debate. From family legacies resurfacing in rival teams to star quarterbacks still waiting for their NFL dreams to come true, emotions have been running high. Let’s dive into why Round 3 is making waves and the stories that are capturing hearts and headlines.

Headline image for the blog post

The Rich Legacy of the NFL Draft

The NFL Draft has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1936. Designed initially to promote parity among teams, it has morphed into a multi-day televised spectacle that captures millions of viewers’ attention. Learn more about the history of the NFL Draft here.

Day 2 — comprising Rounds 2 and 3 — often showcases hidden gems and strategic picks rather than flashy first-rounders. This year’s event amplified the excitement, thanks to legacy names and a QB class filled with both promise and unanswered questions.

Jets' Emotional Legacy Pick: Mason Taylor

One of the most heartwarming moments came when the New York Jets selected Mason Taylor, tight end from LSU and son of Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, with the No. 42 overall pick.Read more about Mason Taylor’s pick here.

Mason Taylor’s selection by the Jets adds a familial twist: his father played one season for New York in 2010, the last time the Jets made the playoffs.

His pick stirred feelings of nostalgia and hope among Jets fans, who are yearning for a return to playoff glory.

Shedeur Sanders and the Underdog Drama

Perhaps the most debated story so far is the surprising slide of Shedeur Sanders, the dynamic quarterback from Colorado and son of NFL legend Deion Sanders. Despite impressive collegiate numbers, Shedeur remained undrafted through Rounds 2 and 3.

"In terms of just the player itself, I understand what the numbers were in college... But the feeling within the league, you're talking about traits and what that guy's gonna be in the NFL." — Tom Pelissero (NFL Network)

Fans are grappling with whether Sanders is being unfairly overlooked or if concerns about NFL readiness are valid. The emotional stakes are sky-high as Sanders' journey becomes a defining saga of this draft class.

Key Picks and Future Impact

Other notable picks in Round 3 included:

These selections showcase teams' strategies to rebuild and strengthen, banking on young talent. The emotional temperature of fans is a mix between cautious optimism and sheer excitement for the future.

Conclusion

✔️ Round 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft was packed with emotional high notes: from Mason Taylor carrying on his father's legacy to the nail-biting wait for Shedeur Sanders' draft moment.
✔️ As the NFL Draft heads into Day 3, the underdog stories, legacy connections, and strategic franchise moves ensure that hope, debate, and dreams remain front and center for fans everywhere.

Read more