NFC South Underdogs Unleashed: Late-Round Rookies Ready to Set 2025 on Fire”

They were called Day 3 picks. Afterthoughts. Developmental guys. But the NFC South’s newest batch of late-round rookies didn’t get the memo, they’re coming in hot, hungry, and ready to shake the depth charts from the jump. Here’s your inside look at two hidden gems from each team who are already flashing big-league potential.

Atlanta Falcons (Building a New Breed of Defense)

Xavier Watts (S, Notre Dame)

The heart of Notre Dame’s defense is now Atlanta’s Swiss Army knife. Watts plays like a coach on the field, fast, instinctive, and fearless. He’s already in the mix for sub-package snaps and looks like the Falcons’ next ballhawk.

Billy Bowman Jr. (DB, Oklahoma)

Explosive. Versatile. Confident. Bowman’s ability to line up anywhere in the secondary gives Atlanta a dynamic weapon on defense. He’s turning heads in camp and he’s just getting started.

Carolina Panthers (Speed, Power, and Grit)

Jimmy Horn Jr. (WR, Colorado)

Blink and he’s gone. Horn brings elite burst and separation to Carolina’s offense. With room on the depth chart, don’t be surprised if he rockets up the rotation and becomes Bryce Young’s surprise favorite target.

Tonka Hemingway (DL, South Carolina)

Tonka doesn’t just hit, he detonates. A relentless motor and SEC-tested strength make him a dangerous rotational piece on the D-line. Carolina found a mauler with upside to become a three-down menace.

New Orleans Saints (Silent Killers with Star Power)

Teddye Buchanan (LB, Cal)

Underrated no more. Buchanan flies around the field with purpose and punishes ball carriers. His instincts and coverage ability are already drawing praise, he’s one play away from a breakout.

Bilhal Kone (CB, Western Michigan)

Kone is a lockdown artist in the making. His quick feet and fluid hips allow him to stick to receivers like glue. With a few camp highlights under his belt, he’s earning a spot and maybe even a role on Sundays.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers ( Grit Meets Game-Breakers)

Elijah Roberts (DL, SMU)

One word: disruptor. Roberts lives in the backfield. He posted elite pressure numbers in college, and his first NFL reps look like a continuation. Tampa may have landed a late-round gem who can wreck games inside.

LaJohntay Wester (WR, FAU)

Slippery, smooth, and sure-handed, Wester is quickly making a name for himself. He thrives in space and is already flashing special teams value and slot potential. He’s your classic “how did he fall that far?” prospect.

The Bottom Line:

These aren’t your average late-round rookies. They’re camp crushers, sleeper stars, and future fan favorites. The NFC South didn’t just draft depth, they drafted firepower, and it’s only a matter of time before these rookies go from overlooked to unstoppable.

2025 belongs to the bold. These late-round picks are ready to explode.

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