From NIL to NFL: Paid Before They Played
Top NFL Draft prospects are leveraging their social media influence and brand partnerships, with athletes like Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter leading the way in engagement and NIL valuations, showcasing a shift towards digital-first branding in sports.
These draft picks weren’t just scouted—they were sponsored.
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Before they ever stepped onto an NFL field, these athletes were already winning— on TikTok, on Instagram, in marketing decks, and in boardrooms. Using real-time social performance data pulled directly from the PlayersOnly platform, we analyzed the top NFL Draft prospects through a new lens: brand power.
From engagement rates to audience interests, from tunnel fits to partnership potential, we broke down who’s not just next up on the field—but next up in influence.
The Headliners
Shedeur Sanders – The CEO QB
With a staggering 2.18 million followers and a 3.55% engagement rate, Shedeur Sanders isn’t just Colorado’s golden-armed quarterback—he’s a walking enterprise. Known for his luxury lifestyle and curated content, Shedeur’s NIL valuation hit $5.1 million, thanks to partnerships with Gatorade, Google, Beats by Dre, Urban Outfitters, Mercedes-Benz, and EA Sports. His social media reads like a Forbes feature: polished, exclusive, aspirational.
Travis Hunter – The Two-Way Sensation
Travis Hunter, one of the most electrifying athletes in the country, boasts 1.99 million followers and a 2.20% engagement rate. His NIL-era moves include a limited edition SNICKERS x Travis Hunter Two-Pack, a nod to his rare ability to dominate both sides of the ball. His audience is obsessed with music, culture, and food—making him perfect for lifestyle brands.
The Rising Stars
Abdul Carter – The Tunnel Visionary
Abdul Carter’s 11.13% engagement rate (with 106K followers) speaks volumes. His audience is locked in—and loyal. With a strong foothold in fashion and tech, Carter’s presence is quiet but calculated. His aesthetic? Grit-meets-glam.
Kelvin Banks Jr. – The Fashion Forward Tackle
With 21.6K followers and an off-the-charts 28.85% engagement rate, Banks is quietly killing it. His audience is drawn to clothing, watches, and accessories—giving him elite crossover potential with fashion brands. The lineman you didn’t see coming… but brands absolutely should.
The Underdog Influencers
Josh Simmons – The Cult Favorite
Only 3.48K followers, but a 36.49% engagement rate. Let that sink in. Simmons’ audience is locked in. With a strong male audience aged 25–34 and brand affinity toward Nike, Disney, Vans, and beauty/wellness, Simmons is perfect for lifestyle collabs that break the athlete mold.
Armand Membou – The Gymshark Prototype
Armand’s 4.17K followers and 17.72% engagement rate signal serious potential. His content is performance-focused, with fans deep into fitness, music, and training. With a growing 18–24 base and brands like Nike and Gymshark on his radar, he’s ready for partnerships that prioritize discipline, hustle, and aesthetics.
The Silent Forces
Mason Graham – The Gentle Giant
With 36.7K followers and a 12.65% engagement rate, Graham’s profile is built on quiet strength and trust. His following leans younger (18–24) with interests in toys, fashion, and Disney. Think wholesome, approachable, and relatable—but with NFL power.
James Pearce Jr. – The Stoic Powerhouse
With 29.7K followers and a lower 0.18% engagement rate, Pearce is less influencer, more icon-in-waiting. His presence is strong, silent, and steady—perfect for bold brands that lean on image and legacy.
Walter Nolen – The Understated Force
Walter’s 30.9K followers, 0.17% engagement rate, and alignment with activewear and entertainment make him the kind of brand partner who won’t flood the timeline—but when he posts, people listen. He’s built for fitness brands, wellness, and classic gear drops.
Final Word
This year’s NFL Draft class walked so no one had to crawl to a brand deal. They didn’t wait for ESPN cameras or rookie minicamp—they built real-time audiences, mastered content strategy, and positioned themselves as digital-first athletes. Some built empires. Others built cult followings. But all of them understood the assignment: From NIL to NFL wasn’t a moment. It was the blueprint.
Now the only question left is—who's going to sponsor the future of football?
