Late RD Sleepers?
 

Anyone have some exciting late round sleepers they want to share with us?

Here's a couple I'll submit to get the thread rolling:


Danny Gray, WR, SMU (6'1, 182 lbs) - [49/803/9/16.4]
https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Danny-Gray-WR-SMU

Scouts Notes:
-Elite Speed & Cutting Ability
-Explosive Burst
-Elite Balance

Projected 7th Rd @ PFF


Calvin Austin III, WR, Memphis (5'9, 173 lbs) - [74/1,149/8/15.5]
https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/...III-WR-Memphis

Scouts Notes:
-4.2 Olympic Track Star Speed, Fastest Player in Draft/NFL
-Well disciplined slot receiver, almost impossible to cover
-Amazing Quickness
-Smallest Player in the Draft

Projected 7th Rd @ PFF

I really like Austin as a late rounder.

Eyabi Anoma former 5 star guy transferred to a smaller school payed well could be a 6-8 sack kinda player

Dude got kicked off Alabama and Houston for a bunch of shit.

Yeah he will be a solid player we've certainly never shyed away from troubled players

I've had Gray in multiple mocks already so you know I like him.

Here's a few from me...

RB Dameon Pierce, Florida (5'10" 215)
I like this kid in short-yardage and goalline, and he's a solid receiver out of the backfield. He's got some juice in the open field and he's pretty agile overall. I think he was a bit underused at Florida so he's coming in with low mileage and he's a bit under the radar.

WR Bo Melton, Rutgers (5'11" 194)
I like his ability to create off double moves and quick stutters against man. He's deceptively fast as he's more a glider when he runs but he has good top-end. I think he's going to be a quality slot player in the right system.

TE Cole Turner, Nevada (6'6" 240)
Turner isn't the fastest guy out there but he's quick enough to get himself open and he catches everything thrown his way it seems. He was a big-time target for Carson Strong the past 2 years with over 600 yards in each season, including 62 grabs and 10 TDs this year.

LT Braxton Jones, Southern Utah (6'5" 306)
Jones is athletic and has long arms (36") which already bodes well for him but he's been solid was solid as hell at Senior Bowl practices against top competition. He at least "was" a sleeper but he may now be a minimum of a day 2 guy and that could be relatively high on day 2.

S Dane Belton, Iowa (6'1" 205)
Belton played as Iowa's hybrid Cash player and he could fit a similar role in the pros. I like his style in that he's a swiss army knife DB that fits a lot of things Spags does with his DBs. He reminds me a bit of Mathieu coming out but bigger.

CB Taylor Hawkins, San Diego State (6'0" 198)
He's good in coverage and can tackle. He really had a breakout year this year. Pretty physical player.

LB J.J. Russell, II, Memphis (6'1" 225)
Of course you never know how later fliers on LBs will work out but I feel like this kid is kind of solid everywhere as a WLB-type. I think, with his speed, he'll at least be a solid special teams player.

DT Ben Stille, Nebraska (6'5" 290)
There's just something I like about Stille. He's just a consistent guy IMO and he puts some pressure in the backfield. I don't think he'll ever be a starter but as a rotational 3-tech, I think he has a future. If he's around in the 7th for KC, absolutely. He may go 5th or 6th though.

DT Dion Novel, North Texas (6'3" 315)
Big boy that commands double-teams and has a closing step that makes him a threat as a pass rusher. One of my favorites as a sleeper prospect. Like a big pinball out there sometimes, smashing one o-lineman and bouncing off to the next one and then into the backfield to make a play.

Crow loves him some Stille I've seen you mention him a few times. He will do nothing remarkable but dude is strong so he's not going to get blown off the ball. A decent pick for a late round guy.

Not exactly a "late-round sleeper" but here's a guy going in Mocks around the 4th that we should be interested in:

DeAngelo Malone, DE, 6'4 235Lbs - 9 sacks & 4 Forced Fumbles
https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/...esternKentucky

Scouts Notes:
- Extreme Quickness off the edge
- Ferocious against the run, and very good in coverage
- Very versatile

Isaac Taylor Stuart - CB - USC. Seen a few places mention him as a R6 or 7 type. Production isn't great but he's an elite athlete - good size and speed, has improved, and I'd be confident he'd be another rough diamond we could polish at CB.

I like his counterpart, Chris Steele, late as well.

Going to throw another one in the bin for you guys to take a peek at.

Deionte Knight, DE, Western Ontario (6'4" 275)

I was looking for Tre Turner to generate a buzz at the senior bowl but I haven't heard anything special. I don't think he's going to wow anyone at the combine with his measurables but if you put on the tape, he gets WIDE open with his routes and is outstanding at tracking the ball. Plucks the ball out of the air, and is pretty good after the catch. He played in a pretty inconsistent offense at VT

Velus Jones Jr, WR, TEN - 6'0 203 lbs - 62/870/7/13
https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/...r-WR-Tennessee

Strengths:

Fits a zone system, can sift through oncoming traffic and explode through tiny creases and cutback lanes. Elite, darting stop-and-go acceleration. Dangerous in the open field.

Balanced, savvy route runner with top field awareness, setting up and selling routes beautifully.

Has the strong hands any NFL wide receiver coach and quarterback would covet. Tracks the deep ball over either shoulder and brings in passes fluidly without breaking stride downfield.

Plays fast and confident. Covers a lot of ground in the short half of the field and is slippery after the catch.

Has rare suddenness with lightning footwork to create in tight areas with elusive shiftiness and change-of direction skills.

An impressive athlete with very quick acceleration to reach his top speed quickly and stretch the field. Very good body control and smooth movements. Plays fast and explosive.

Does a nice job locating and tracking deep passes and is a legitimate vertical threat. Willing to go up and attack the ball.

Good effort and technique as a blocker for his size. Can beat the press with elusiveness or physical contact. Runs crisp routes with sharp cuts.

Weaknesses:

Does not always use his hands to secure deep throws, allowing the ball into his pads and chest.

Charleston Rambo, WR, MIA - 6'1 180 lbs - 79/1172/7/14.8

Strengths

Has smooth acceleration and deceiving speed. Balanced and very fast with the ball in his hands.
Balanced, savvy route runner with top field awareness, setting up and selling routes beautifully.

Shows quickness off the snap to shake off corners and create room. Separates with hesitation moves and nice acceleration.

Fluid athlete with explosive burst and speed to stretch the field and breeze past defenders. Has a quick first step and gets to top speed in a hurry.

Has the strong hands any NFL wide receiver coach and quarterback would covet. Tracks the deep ball over either shoulder and brings in passes fluidly without breaking stride downfield.

Very good hands, accepts the ball fluidly on most throws and is ready to make a play afterward. Makes catches in traffic, even going up over taller defenders with vertical and toughness.

Has elite speed and cutting ability and good hands and toughness. Lacks the ideal size, but has a similar body type to Antonio Brown.

He gets off the line with a nice burst and is very fluid in his movements with little wasted steps in his routes.

Weaknesses:

Lacks ideal size and strength and is a ·mallish target with a lean, frail-looking frame. Can be overmatched at the line of scrimmage when physical defenders get their hands on him.

Struggles in press coverage and was knocked on his back more than a few times.

Doesn't have the size to consistently win on the outside, but can be productive working the middle of the field and as a return man.

If you have a really good player and draft sites have them listed way down on their rankings, so you think sleeper...that sleeper gets drafted in the 3rd or 4th round.

Is there a draft site that you think does a really good job of evaluating college football players?

Agreed lol they all seem to end up climbing into the mid-rounds.

Here's another supposed 6th or 7th rounder:


Jerrion Ealy, RB, Old Miss (5'9 185 lbs) - 5.8 yards per carry
https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/...aly-RB-OleMiss

Elusive, pogo stick-quick back with excellent initial burst and very good long speed. Gets to top speed quickly. Turns the corner and accelerates smoothly with vision to cut or stop-and-start. Tough enough to attack the hole inside and uses electric lateral agility to avoid.

Breakaway threat has improved as a receiver

Natural athlete - played baseball to high level

Possesses very quick feet to accelerate through the hole - set records on the track at high school. Good lateral agility and balance to avoid defenders in tight quarters and can make would-be tacklers look silly in the open field. Surprisingly powerful for his short stature due to a strong lower body, good forward lean and determined running.

Creative with good vision and patience, quick feet and smooth footwork to easily change direction and make sharp cuts to elude defenders in space. Very good lateral agility; difficult to square-up in tight areas with his smallish frame.

Wasn't used as a receiver very often but when he was looked very good and never had a dropped pass

A balanced runner with good combination of wiggle and lower body strength. Possesses above average initial burst with natural explosion and start-and- stop ability to make guys miss - can turn on the jets in a flash.


He has some impressive highlights, plays bigger than expected, can catch, is fast and elusive:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-V49pr8xq0

Case-in-point, Austin is now a high 3rd round prospect on The Draft Network.

I don't know if "sleeper" means they aren't taken in the mid rounds. To me, it means they aren't talked about much and far exceed their draft position. Guys like Stefon Diggs and Maxx Crosby certainly fit the bill to me. They weren't well talked about, teams took a shot on them, and then they turned into studs.

Fair.

Zhamir White, RB, Georgia - 6'0 215 LBS - 856/5.3/11/9/75

Tore his ACL twice in 2017 & 2018, Medical Red Flag, Rounds 3-7 on various draft sites.

Looks great on tape: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0okJpoHamnI

S Nick Cross, Maryland
LB/EDGE James Houston IV, Jackson State
LB Jeremiah Gemmel, North Carolina
EDGE De' Shaan Dixon, Norfolk State
DT Eric Johnson, Missouri State

I love this group a ton and would be ecstatic if we snagged any of them late in the draft or signed a couple as UDFA's, especially Ross and Dixon .

I posted this in another thread but nobody bit. I'm interested to see what people think.

He seems Darrel Williams-ish to me. Not sure he has the speed to be a lead back, but I haven't watched him a bunch (maybe 5-6 Iowa games the past 2 seasons).

He has a ton more functional speed than Williams. I don't know what he runs 40-wise but he broke a ton of big plays last year, on a team that couldn't pass at all.

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Here's the thing about Goodson - I don't know that he has breakaway speed but he has the ability to be a lead back, something we don't have right now. He flat out just moves the chains. Reminds me a bit of Kareem Hunt in that sense.

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He does look Darrel Williams-ish to me. Look like he has way more burst but he's smaller. I don't know if he bringing enough power with his running style at the next level, going by those clips. I'd take a late rd shot at him though

Yeah, I'm not suggesting they target him or anything. He's just a guy that might be there in say the 4th that's worth a shot.

Tay Martin would be an interesting 7th/UDFA WR.

-Tall
-Not overly fast but quite quick
-Willing blocker
-Familiar with air raid and spread offense.
-Willing to go over the middle
-runs will with the ball.

https://youtu.be/RP3IFROb85c
Idk how you guys embed videos but this Martin guy looks like Cornell Powell pt 2



This is my guy though. As a 3rd-4th option in this offense

Tre Turner

https://youtu.be/eDcdrxTL1QM

He looks solid. Not sure comparing him to Cornell Powell is a major plus at this point, but good find!

I really think we need to take a RB no later than the Poole pick.

That's just me.

Keaontay Ingram, RB USC/Texas

5'11" 210-220lbs

USC - https://youtu.be/CCBVBnUCL2Q
Texas - https://youtu.be/NvSmBwAEoXE

I like him quite a bit. Not the fastest but fast enough and looks to have pretty good instincts, vision and burst. He likely goes undrafted but it wouldnt shock me if he were selected on day 3. He'd look good in a Chiefs uniform.

Now ESPN has him as a potential late 1st rounder:

"Another wideout to keep an eye on late in Round 1: Calvin Austin III, a 5-foot-9, 165-pound dynamo who could run a sub-4.4-second 40-yard dash this week. He is one of the most underrated prospects in this draft, and I don't think it's that off the wall to put him to Tennessee here. He had 74 catches for 1,149 yards and eight scores at Memphis last season."

He's not as good as Elijah Moore who went 34 last year. Moore also had about 15 pounds on him and played in the SEC and not the AAC. I just don't see 1st rounder. I don't see high 2nd either. Maybe mid-2 to high 3.

Got my eyes on David Anenih from Houston who is a 3-4 OLB (6'3" 249). Those that like Bonitto may want to check him out.

Velus Jr, Austin III, Gray, and Melton were all previously 7th rounders that will climb due to sub 4.4 40s.

Calvin Austin III, WR, Memphis: It took only one run of the 40-yard dash for Austin to cement himself as one of the biggest winners from the combine so far. Austin's 4.32-second run had the crowd in awe at Lucas Oil Stadium, but his 39-inch vertical jump and 11-foot-3 broad jump are even more impressive for the 5-foot-8, 170-pound receiver. According to ESPN Stats & Information research, just two players since 2006 have posted marks that strong in all three of those drills: Denzel Ward (2018) and Parris Campbell (2019). Austin might not be a Round 1 lock, but he's at least moving into the early-Round 2 range. -- Miller

I think too much stock in this, honestly. Velus was a border 3rd and at least 4th coming in, not a 7th guy. Maybe some of these guys bump up on day 3 to 5th round or something, but they aren't suddenly going to crack day 2.

Everyone on the planet knew these guys were fast before the combine. It really only could have been disastrous had they not run fast. I 100% expected every one of those guys to at least flirt with mid 4.3's.

I think the problem lies in guys you expect to run that fast because of what you see on tape and then they lay an egg.

That's kind of how I see Burks. Watching him torch just about everyone's secondary at one point or another, you expected him to be faster than 4.55. He didn't look 4.3 but he looked solidly 4.4 at times. It doesn't drop him much for me, he's still a big dude that can run plenty fast enough to get by alot of corners and most safeties. Now, if a dude like that did run a low 4.4 or in the 4.3's, then that's a guy I think moves up the ladder for you.

I don't get the craziness for Austin. he's 5'7-3/4" and 170 pounds. He better ****ing run real fast and jump real high else he isn't going to amount to piss in this league. That's his only hope. He's a slightly faster version of Isaiah McKenzie. That's it. He's basically a slot-only/gadget guy in the NFL simply because of size. Yet, we have people talking bout him being a round 1 pick? I don't think so. I'd be floored. Maybe if he had the size of Bo Melton at 5'10-7/8" and 189 pounds. Now that's a guy that can be a Z at least.

The Austin I'm most intrigued by is Kevin Austin, Jr from Notre Dame. He only had one year of production at Notre Dame because of injuries, so it was hard to say what he was, but he came in at 6'2" 200 and put up a 4.37 and 4.43, but even better is a 39" vertical, 11' broad, and 6.71 3-cone. I think he's a guy I'd maybe put up on the radar on day 3 if medicals were to check out.

Know anything about Pacheco? Rutgers rb.

https://youtu.be/n1M6dhrTJd8

I think that'd be a fairly rich price for us especially after having spent a first on CEH recently.

CEH is a sunk cost.

Veach has shown no problem moving on from sunk costs in the past.

Definitely intriguing but 5' 9" 162lb taking hits in the NFL has the shelf life of a ripe banana.

However, lining him up next Hill on deep routes could prove a nightmare. Like I said, intriguing.

Mike Rose, LB, Iowa State. Get Nieman out of here.

Just out of curiosity what does everyone consider late round? When I hear that term I'm thinking 4th round and on.

I thought you didn’t like small wrs?

Early, 1-3
Mid, 3-5
Late, 5-7

Kevin Harris has some burst too for 221 lbs.

https://youtu.be/4JHFK3byucE

Pacheco isn’t patient but really leaves guys. He’s physical and a burner.

Who’s your late round rb?

I'm adding Dion Novil, DT North Texas to this group.

Also, I see some have jumped on the Nick Cross train. Good stuff.

Keaontay Ingram RB USC transfer from Tx?

https://youtu.be/CCBVBnUCL2Q

These RBs aren’t sleepers but maybe around late…

Dameon pierce

https://youtu.be/r18YtdttP2c

Brian Robinson

https://youtu.be/iuHLDYw9WaY

Yep...

He looks like a perfect fit for this offense. I just wish I could see a little more power for a 220 pounder. I don't see him going undrafted though

Jeffery Gunter

I remember 3 games against us he seemed to be held in check then all 3 games boom he ran for over 100 I want to say and I'm pretty sure he scored atleast 1 TD in each game. Kid looked plenty fast to me and I'm glad he's going pro :)

Adding Kyron Johnson, EDGE/LB Kansas

Really liking Khalil Shakir, WR Boise State.

Chiefs reps were in attendance....

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tl" dir="ltr">��PRO-DAY UPDATE:<br>Kansas EDGE Kyron Johnson<br>HT: 6003 <br>WT: 231 <br>40-YD: 4.36/4.39 ������<br>VJ: 39.5��<br><br>Combine snub ✅ <a href="https://t.co/9WrNkuu1BB">https://t.co/9WrNkuu1BB</a></p>&mdash; Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) <a href="https://twitter.com/JimNagy_SB/status/1501659814144978946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We knew <a href="https://twitter.com/krjohn15?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@krjohn15</a> was fast…<br><br>But ��.���� ��*�� <a href="https://t.co/R3RxiOvqNF">pic.twitter.com/R3RxiOvqNF</a></p>&mdash; Kansas Football (@KU_Football) <a href="https://twitter.com/KU_Football/status/1501698685008232450?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Zyon McCollum is 6'4" 200 lbs and ran a 4.33 at the combine. How's that for a corner with length?

I'll bet that'd put a smile on Spags' face.

Not a late-round guy, probably a 4th type though, that I've come around to like quite a bit is Dominique Robinson from Miami of Ohio.

Has a profile similar to Danielle Hunter but not quite as good of a 10-yard burst. Lance Zierlein compared him to Whitney Mercilus.

6'5" 253, 4.72 40, 41" vertical, 10'1" broad, 25 bench, 33.25" arms.

A recent convert from WR to DE so he has alot of growth ahead. I think he could be a big-time sleeper type.

Also, I think Quay Holmes is a guy to watch at RB. May or may not get drafted but saw a comp to James Robinson. He was ultra-productive at East Tennessee State.

I can’t remember a draft with this many late round picks to be excited about. Have I been asleep or am I right?

Adding Neil Farrell Jr., DT LSU to this crew.

Adding Florida A&M safety Marquese Bell to the group above. Will likely be my last lol! Really liking this collection of talent.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">James Houston IV def stole the show today. Numbers below. Also had an eye-opening 83” wingspan. Hybrid LB who can really rush the passer (16.5 sacks), good technique/hand use, plays special teams. Scouts were buzzing about him. Type of player worth taking a shot on developing. <a href="https://t.co/qsVYz8Zmmc">https://t.co/qsVYz8Zmmc</a></p>&mdash; Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) <a href="https://twitter.com/CameronWolfe/status/1506070955256385537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JacksonState?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JacksonState</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IBelieve?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IBelieve</a> Found some pro day results for JSU DE/LB James Houston IV.... Houston ran a 4.6 second 40-yard dash, posted a 39&quot; vertical, &amp; 10.6 foot broad jump. Couldn&#39;t find his size but Houston is a force off the edge. Relentless player who had 16 sacks this season.</p>&mdash; Armsteeld Rocks (@ROCSTEEL) <a href="https://twitter.com/ROCSTEEL/status/1506082565639348228?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Chiefs were reportedly one of 22 NFL teams in attendance...

Am I missing something? I see in his stats only 4.5 sacks this last season?

You looked at his "season highs". He had 4.5 sacks in a single game against Tennesee State.

Isiah Weston, a 6'3", 219 lb. WR with a 9.99 RAS score.

Going to put another up here... Tyrese Dedmon, S, Idaho

Danny Gray looks like Antonio Brown in this video. Jesus.

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This guy is interesting, developmental type. He flashed at the senior bowl occasionally. You could see some burst but he’s obviously still learning.

Went to check on Pierre Strong's Pro Day and stumbled on this kid:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">When your vert elicits shrieks, I think you tested pretty well.<br><br>South Dakota State S Michael Griffin II&#39;s pro day results:<br><br>6-0, 213 pounds<br>43.5-inch vertical leap<br>11-5 broad jump<br>4.47-4.52 40<br>6.82 3-cone<br>4.15 short shuttle <a href="https://t.co/8KQHStdaxZ">https://t.co/8KQHStdaxZ</a></p>&mdash; Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) <a href="https://twitter.com/DougKyed/status/1506732065991049219?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

His RAS is 9.8 as a free safety...9.89 as a strong.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chiefs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chiefs</a> are hosting Jackson State hybrid DE/LB James Houston IV on a top-30 visit. <a href="https://t.co/c98uadMDcr">https://t.co/c98uadMDcr</a></p>&mdash; Chiefs Wire (@TheChiefsWire) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheChiefsWire/status/1509275869948395523?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

One of my guys! LFG!

Some great additions here!

Emeka Emezie, WR NC State - 6'3" 212 lbs - Liking his game quite a bit. Not fast or particularly explosive but very crafty, strong and physical. Savvy route runner that does some good things after the catch. Looked good against Clemson (Andrew Booth Jr.) Likely a Day 3 or UDFA.

16.5 Sacks!? Is there anyone out there with more last season? He's considered either an "off-ball linebacker" or MLB, but looks like coach Sanders put him at DE because he was gifted at the pass rush.

I've been watching some Jashaun Corbin - RB Florida State,over the last few days. I like what I've seen from him, especially his vision and ability as a pass catcher. Liked his work in the Shrine Game as well.

Take a look at Pierre Strong Jr

https://youtu.be/bYnAkfAM6HM