AFC West Gold: Hidden Gems from the 2025 NFL Draft Ready to Explode

While the spotlight shines on first-round stars, it’s the grinders from the later rounds who often bring the fire. The AFC West might have struck gold from Rounds 4 to 6, with rookies already flashing playmaker potential. These underdogs are ready to make noise, and possibly steal the show.

Kansas City Chiefs (Royals and Bassa Bring the Boom)

Jalen Royals (WR, Utah State)

Royals is speed, swagger, and splash plays all rolled into one. He dominated college defenses with over 1,000 yards and 15 TDs in 2023. Now? He’s quickly becoming Mahomes’ next deep-ball weapon, a burner who can score from anywhere.

Jeffrey Bassa (LB, Oregon)

With sideline-to-sideline range and natural instincts, Bassa could be Kansas City’s next linebacker surprise. He’s already showing flashes in camp and could slide into sub-packages early, bringing speed and smarts to the middle of the defense.

Denver Broncos (Quiet Storms Brewing)

Que Robinson (OLB, Alabama)

Robinson plays with violent hands and a relentless motor. He fits Denver’s pass-rush rotation perfectly and could be a headache for AFC West quarterbacks on third downs before we hit midseason.

Jeremy Crawshaw (P, Florida)

It’s rare a punter makes this list but Crawshaw isn’t your average leg. He pins teams deep, flips the field, and plays the field-position chess game like a master. In tight AFC West games, that’s invaluable.

Las Vegas Raiders (Hidden Raiders, Big Potential)

Cam Miller (QB, North Dakota State)

A sixth-round quarterback who plays like a seasoned vet. Miller’s calm under pressure, quick release, and football IQ have turned heads in Vegas. Don’t be surprised if he leapfrogs into QB2, and eventually more.

Dorian Strong (CB, Virginia Tech)

This corner isn’t just depth, he’s disruption. Strong’s elite instincts and sticky coverage make him a dark horse to grab nickel snaps early. He doesn’t just cover, he competes.

Los Angeles Chargers (Power and Precision)

Kyle Kennard (EDGE, South Carolina)

Kennard’s got twitch, bend, and hunger. He’s been living in opponents’ backfields during camp drills. Expect him to be a situational sack machine in LA’s edge rotation.

KeAndre Lambert-Smith (WR, Auburn)

Smooth routes. Great hands. Big-play energy. Lambert-Smith is a plug-and-play option who could become a go-to weapon for the Chargers’ young offense. Don’t blink, he’ll be in the end zone.

Final Word: Underdogs, Overachievers

The AFC West didn’t just reload, they reloaded with attitude. These fourth-to-sixth-rounders have the hunger, the heart, and the game to crash the rotation and turn doubters into believers.

Keep your eye on these names, they’re coming, and they’re coming fast.