Draft Sleepers 2023

[GunnerBill]

I am on record as not thinking this is the strongest draft I've ever seen (understatement). But there are still a few guys that as I have worked through the tape have taken my eye as potential sleepers. This thread in previous years has been where I've highlighted the likes of Robby Anderson, DJ Reed, Juwan Johnson, our own Tyrel Dodson and Jaylen Watson, the Chiefs 7th round rookie corner who started in the Superbowl. 

 

So here is my list for this year's draft (grades are where I have them not where I necessarily think they will be drafted):

 

Jose Ramirez, EDGE, Eastern Michigan

4th round grade

Ramirez flashed for me in the East-West Shrine game back in January. He is just a natural pass rusher. Love his explosion, love his rip move and when he gets those long arms on blockers they find it difficult to get back into the down. He is an older prospect, will turn 24 right after the draft, but that means he comes in as a man ready to go. He is probably a situational pass rusher at the next level in sub packages rather than an every down starter but I expect a team to take a swing maybe around the round 4 comp pick range.

 

Darius Rush, Cornerback, South Carolina

2nd round grade

It is rare I include someone on a sleeper list that I am this high on but even after impressive display at the Senior Bowl the hype train has been slow to kick into gear for Rush. He ran a 4.36 at the Combine, he has size, super long arms and he is aggressive at the catch point. Okay he doesn’t have the quick twitchy feet you might ideally want and maybe he is more of a zone guy than someone who can mirror receivers in man coverage, but I think this is a plug and play outside corner at the next level.

 

Bryce Ford-Wheaton, Wide Receiver, West Virginia

5th round grade

The reasons to like Ford-Wheaton are obvious. He is 6’4, ran a 4.38 at the Combine, has long arms and really good hands in contested catch situations. The reasons to dislike him are the route running which is imprecise, the route tree which is non-existent, and the fact that he doesn’t seem to play to his speed or separate that well. But he must be worth a punt for someone because if you can coach him up he can be a monster.

 

Jalen Graham, Linebacker, Purdue

5th round grade

One of my favourite players in the draft and the consensus on him seems to be he could even go undrafted. But man does this guy play with energy and passion. He is like a cannonball firing at the snap and when he hits you know you have been hit. He also displays good coverage skills as a former safety, especially in zone. You might need to commit some time to his development but this kid can play.

 

Trey Dean III, Safety, Florida

4th round grade

Another that I know I am higher than the consensus on, but I love him. He is probably too easy to manipulate in coverage to be an every down starter early, but he can be used as a matchup weapon in the passing game. I think as a sub package dime he could cover some of the league’s more athletic tight ends and even match up with bigger slot receivers.

 

Jordan Mims, Running Back, Fresno State

6th/7th round grade

Jordan Mims isn’t going to wow anyone with speed, he isn’t a power back either, but he is the kind of guy who can carve out a niche for himself in the NFL as a receiving back on 3rd down. He has good vision both when rushing and running after the catch and he has some return value. Kid has a chance to stick on a roster somewhere and make an impact.

 

Chandler Zavala, Guard, North Carolina State

3rd round grade

I only watched Zavala this week after a friend messaged me on the back of his pro-day. Zavala wasn’t even invited to the Combine but did play at the Shrine game. He wasn’t one that particularly took my eye that day either but watching his film I like this guy. I think he is a better pass blocker than run blocker, but he has nice nimble feet, he can move when he gets out in front and he uses his hands well. The only negative is his age - he is already 24 - but I think he can start in the NFL as a rookie.

 

 

As ever the invitation is for people to flame away / disagree or add their own! Last year Pacheco, Woolen and Malcom Rodriguez were all mentioned by posters in the sleeper thread. 

[mrags]

Huge fan of Ford-Weaton. Think he could be a Gabe Davis like steal in the rounds 4+. 
 

also like Dean and Zavala in later rounds. 

[4merper4mer]

Jose Ramirez has a gigantic payday in the offing from the Guardians.  No way does he start messing with some bird brained two sport idea.

[gonzo1105]

8 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

I am on record as not thinking this is the strongest draft I've ever seen (understatement). But there are still a few guys that as I have worked through the tape have taken my eye as potential sleepers. This thread in previous years has been where I've highlighted the likes of Robby Anderson, DJ Reed, Juwan Johnson, our own Tyrel Dodson and Jaylen Watson, the Chiefs 7th round rookie corner who started in the Superbowl. 

 

So here is my list for this year's draft (grades are where I have them not where I necessarily think they will be drafted):

 

Jose Ramirez, EDGE, Eastern Michigan

4th round grade

Ramirez flashed for me in the East-West Shrine game back in January. He is just a natural pass rusher. Love his explosion, love his rip move and when he gets those long arms on blockers they find it difficult to get back into the down. He is an older prospect, will turn 24 right after the draft, but that means he comes in as a man ready to go. He is probably a situational pass rusher at the next level in sub packages rather than an every down starter but I expect a team to take a swing maybe around the round 4 comp pick range.

 

Darius Rush, Cornerback, South Carolina

2nd round grade

It is rare I include someone on a sleeper list that I am this high on but even after impressive display at the Senior Bowl the hype train has been slow to kick into gear for Rush. He ran a 4.36 at the Combine, he has size, super long arms and he is aggressive at the catch point. Okay he doesn’t have the quick twitchy feet you might ideally want and maybe he is more of a zone guy than someone who can mirror receivers in man coverage, but I think this is a plug and play outside corner at the next level.

 

Bryce Ford-Wheaton, Wide Receiver, West Virginia

5th round grade

The reasons to like Ford-Wheaton are obvious. He is 6’4, ran a 4.38 at the Combine, has long arms and really good hands in contested catch situations. The reasons to dislike him are the route running which is imprecise, the route tree which is non-existent, and the fact that he doesn’t seem to play to his speed or separate that well. But he must be worth a punt for someone because if you can coach him up he can be a monster.

 

Jalen Graham, Linebacker, Purdue

5th round grade

One of my favourite players in the draft and the consensus on him seems to be he could even go undrafted. But man does this guy play with energy and passion. He is like a cannonball firing at the snap and when he hits you know you have been hit. He also displays good coverage skills as a former safety, especially in zone. You might need to commit some time to his development but this kid can play.

 

Trey Dean III, Safety, Florida

4th round grade

Another that I know I am higher than the consensus on, but I love him. He is probably too easy to manipulate in coverage to be an every down starter early, but he can be used as a matchup weapon in the passing game. I think as a sub package dime he could cover some of the league’s more athletic tight ends and even match up with bigger slot receivers.

 

Jordan Mims, Running Back, Fresno State

6th/7th round grade

Jordan Mims isn’t going to wow anyone with speed, he isn’t a power back either, but he is the kind of guy who can carve out a niche for himself in the NFL as a receiving back on 3rd down. He has good vision both when rushing and running after the catch and he has some return value. Kid has a chance to stick on a roster somewhere and make an impact.

 

Chandler Zavala, Guard, North Carolina State

3rd round grade

I only watched Zavala this week after a friend messaged me on the back of his pro-day. Zavala wasn’t even invited to the Combine but did play at the Shrine game. He wasn’t one that particularly took my eye that day either but watching his film I like this guy. I think he is a better pass blocker than run blocker, but he has nice nimble feet, he can move when he gets out in front and he uses his hands well. The only negative is his age - he is already 24 - but I think he can start in the NFL as a rookie.

 

 

As ever the invitation is for people to flame away / disagree or add their own! Last year Pacheco, Woolen and Malcom Rodriguez were all mentioned by posters in the sleeper thread. 

 

I love Zavala as well. His other negative is he only plays LG. Dude has no position versatility which NFL teams love. I could see that hurting him compared to other prospects.  I dont know if Rush is really a sleeper at this point as hes likely to go in the 2nd round. 

[GunnerBill]

3 minutes ago, gonzo1105 said:

 

I love Zavala as well. His other negative is he only plays LG. Dude has no position versatility which NFL teams love. I could see that hurting him compared to other prospects.  I dont know if Rush is really a sleeper at this point as hes likely to go in the 2nd round. 

 

Maybe he isn't with teams and I usually don't include the guys everyone has cottoned onto. However, I am still seeing more hype for guys like Stevenson and Brents than I am for Rush and I think he is better than those guys.

[SoCal Deek]

Chase Brown, Illinois RB has the potential to be the next Ekeler. 

[Mark80]

I like Cedric Tillman out of Tenn.  Not sure if he is sleeper or not though.

[Nephilim17]

Bryce Ford-Wheaton is 221 lb. Holy cow. That size/speed/weight combo is enticing. If he's a 4th round project(ion), considering the Bills pick at the bottom of each round, is it reasonable to spend a third on him?

[GunnerBill]

10 minutes ago, Nephilim17 said:

Bryce Ford-Wheaton is 221 lb. Holy cow. That size/speed/weight combo is enticing. If he's a 4th round project(ion), considering the Bills pick at the bottom of each round, is it reasonable to spend a third on him?

 

I think late 3rd is too early. He is a total size-speed projection. 

[OldTimer1960]

50 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

I am on record as not thinking this is the strongest draft I've ever seen (understatement). But there are still a few guys that as I have worked through the tape have taken my eye as potential sleepers. This thread in previous years has been where I've highlighted the likes of Robby Anderson, DJ Reed, Juwan Johnson, our own Tyrel Dodson and Jaylen Watson, the Chiefs 7th round rookie corner who started in the Superbowl. 

 

So here is my list for this year's draft (grades are where I have them not where I necessarily think they will be drafted):

 

Jose Ramirez, EDGE, Eastern Michigan

4th round grade

Ramirez flashed for me in the East-West Shrine game back in January. He is just a natural pass rusher. Love his explosion, love his rip move and when he gets those long arms on blockers they find it difficult to get back into the down. He is an older prospect, will turn 24 right after the draft, but that means he comes in as a man ready to go. He is probably a situational pass rusher at the next level in sub packages rather than an every down starter but I expect a team to take a swing maybe around the round 4 comp pick range.

 

Darius Rush, Cornerback, South Carolina

2nd round grade

It is rare I include someone on a sleeper list that I am this high on but even after impressive display at the Senior Bowl the hype train has been slow to kick into gear for Rush. He ran a 4.36 at the Combine, he has size, super long arms and he is aggressive at the catch point. Okay he doesn’t have the quick twitchy feet you might ideally want and maybe he is more of a zone guy than someone who can mirror receivers in man coverage, but I think this is a plug and play outside corner at the next level.

 

Bryce Ford-Wheaton, Wide Receiver, West Virginia

5th round grade

The reasons to like Ford-Wheaton are obvious. He is 6’4, ran a 4.38 at the Combine, has long arms and really good hands in contested catch situations. The reasons to dislike him are the route running which is imprecise, the route tree which is non-existent, and the fact that he doesn’t seem to play to his speed or separate that well. But he must be worth a punt for someone because if you can coach him up he can be a monster.

 

Jalen Graham, Linebacker, Purdue

5th round grade

One of my favourite players in the draft and the consensus on him seems to be he could even go undrafted. But man does this guy play with energy and passion. He is like a cannonball firing at the snap and when he hits you know you have been hit. He also displays good coverage skills as a former safety, especially in zone. You might need to commit some time to his development but this kid can play.

 

Trey Dean III, Safety, Florida

4th round grade

Another that I know I am higher than the consensus on, but I love him. He is probably too easy to manipulate in coverage to be an every down starter early, but he can be used as a matchup weapon in the passing game. I think as a sub package dime he could cover some of the league’s more athletic tight ends and even match up with bigger slot receivers.

 

Jordan Mims, Running Back, Fresno State

6th/7th round grade

Jordan Mims isn’t going to wow anyone with speed, he isn’t a power back either, but he is the kind of guy who can carve out a niche for himself in the NFL as a receiving back on 3rd down. He has good vision both when rushing and running after the catch and he has some return value. Kid has a chance to stick on a roster somewhere and make an impact.

 

Chandler Zavala, Guard, North Carolina State

3rd round grade

I only watched Zavala this week after a friend messaged me on the back of his pro-day. Zavala wasn’t even invited to the Combine but did play at the Shrine game. He wasn’t one that particularly took my eye that day either but watching his film I like this guy. I think he is a better pass blocker than run blocker, but he has nice nimble feet, he can move when he gets out in front and he uses his hands well. The only negative is his age - he is already 24 - but I think he can start in the NFL as a rookie.

 

 

As ever the invitation is for people to flame away / disagree or add their own! Last year Pacheco, Woolen and Malcom Rodriguez were all mentioned by posters in the sleeper thread. 

Many thanks!  Dean is also smart - academic all-conference every year, but is he too slow?  I am not one who obsesses about 40 times, but I think he ran 4.75 at the Combine.

 

I saw that PFF is touting Zavala recently, too.  I have not watched any game tape on him, but read that he missed a year with back surgery- that seems like a big red flag, but team Docs will check that.

 

I’m starting to set Carter Warren’s name as an OT who some say could go day 2. Have you watched him?

[ScorpionZero]

I like Wheaton to, and isn't that why we have coaches and trainers to help bring out there best. He's got the things you can't teach, size and speed for that size. I think he could be had at 137.

 

Always enjoy your posts gunner.

Edited April 5, 2023 by ScorpionZero

[Alphadawg7]

44 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

As ever the invitation is for people to flame away / disagree or add their own! Last year Pacheco, Woolen and Malcom Rodriguez were all mentioned by posters in the sleeper thread. 

 

I wouldn't call Woolen a "sleeper" last year, he was one of the most talked about DB's after he crushed the combine and was widely believed he would go in the 2nd round.  I was pounding the drum for him to be our 2nd round pick if we didn't go DB in the first, and a lot of mock drafts had him going in the 2nd round, often high 2nd round, after his combine.  I was even hoping the Bills would trade down in the first and then take Woolen in the 2nd.  

 

Ultimately, he slipped in the draft, but I wouldn't label him a sleeper heading into it.  I would define a sleeper is someone not getting a ton of buzz and not predicted to go early.  There was a ton of buzz and intrigue around him and he was most often seen as someone who was going to go in the 2nd.  

 

Funny in the 3rd round last year, the two players I wanted most that were on the board were Woolen and Shakir.  We had already taken Elam, so was hoping for Shakir even though I was higher on Woolen.  After we took Bernard I went and did other things since we didn't have a 4th rounder.  When I came back, we were literally on the clock and I was stunned both Shakir and Woolen were still on the board.  So was stoked we got Shakir, someone I am still high on today.  But would have been thrilled with either pick.  

 

 

[ScorpionZero]

I'd like to add Bumper Pool as a PUFA, He could be a special teams demon from the seventh ring of hell.

[Paup 1995MVP]

1 hour ago, GunnerBill said:

I am on record as not thinking this is the strongest draft I've ever seen (understatement). But there are still a few guys that as I have worked through the tape have taken my eye as potential sleepers. This thread in previous years has been where I've highlighted the likes of Robby Anderson, DJ Reed, Juwan Johnson, our own Tyrel Dodson and Jaylen Watson, the Chiefs 7th round rookie corner who started in the Superbowl. 

 

So here is my list for this year's draft (grades are where I have them not where I necessarily think they will be drafted):

 

Jose Ramirez, EDGE, Eastern Michigan

4th round grade

Ramirez flashed for me in the East-West Shrine game back in January. He is just a natural pass rusher. Love his explosion, love his rip move and when he gets those long arms on blockers they find it difficult to get back into the down. He is an older prospect, will turn 24 right after the draft, but that means he comes in as a man ready to go. He is probably a situational pass rusher at the next level in sub packages rather than an every down starter but I expect a team to take a swing maybe around the round 4 comp pick range.

 

Darius Rush, Cornerback, South Carolina

2nd round grade

It is rare I include someone on a sleeper list that I am this high on but even after impressive display at the Senior Bowl the hype train has been slow to kick into gear for Rush. He ran a 4.36 at the Combine, he has size, super long arms and he is aggressive at the catch point. Okay he doesn’t have the quick twitchy feet you might ideally want and maybe he is more of a zone guy than someone who can mirror receivers in man coverage, but I think this is a plug and play outside corner at the next level.

 

Bryce Ford-Wheaton, Wide Receiver, West Virginia

5th round grade

The reasons to like Ford-Wheaton are obvious. He is 6’4, ran a 4.38 at the Combine, has long arms and really good hands in contested catch situations. The reasons to dislike him are the route running which is imprecise, the route tree which is non-existent, and the fact that he doesn’t seem to play to his speed or separate that well. But he must be worth a punt for someone because if you can coach him up he can be a monster.

 

Jalen Graham, Linebacker, Purdue

5th round grade

One of my favourite players in the draft and the consensus on him seems to be he could even go undrafted. But man does this guy play with energy and passion. He is like a cannonball firing at the snap and when he hits you know you have been hit. He also displays good coverage skills as a former safety, especially in zone. You might need to commit some time to his development but this kid can play.

 

Trey Dean III, Safety, Florida

4th round grade

Another that I know I am higher than the consensus on, but I love him. He is probably too easy to manipulate in coverage to be an every down starter early, but he can be used as a matchup weapon in the passing game. I think as a sub package dime he could cover some of the league’s more athletic tight ends and even match up with bigger slot receivers.

 

Jordan Mims, Running Back, Fresno State

6th/7th round grade

Jordan Mims isn’t going to wow anyone with speed, he isn’t a power back either, but he is the kind of guy who can carve out a niche for himself in the NFL as a receiving back on 3rd down. He has good vision both when rushing and running after the catch and he has some return value. Kid has a chance to stick on a roster somewhere and make an impact.

 

Chandler Zavala, Guard, North Carolina State

3rd round grade

I only watched Zavala this week after a friend messaged me on the back of his pro-day. Zavala wasn’t even invited to the Combine but did play at the Shrine game. He wasn’t one that particularly took my eye that day either but watching his film I like this guy. I think he is a better pass blocker than run blocker, but he has nice nimble feet, he can move when he gets out in front and he uses his hands well. The only negative is his age - he is already 24 - but I think he can start in the NFL as a rookie.

 

 

As ever the invitation is for people to flame away / disagree or add their own! Last year Pacheco, Woolen and Malcom Rodriguez were all mentioned by posters in the sleeper thread. 

Have you watched film on my son Justin Ellis out of Georgia Southern?  He was DE/edge.  Switching to LB for the pros.  Had his pro day a couple weeks ago.  Ran 4.56-4.66 depending on whose watch in the 40.  23 reps in the bench.  Played at 255 in college.  Dropped down to 235 to play LB in the pros.  He pulled his hammy at the end of his second 40 at his pro day on 3/17.  Its feeling better.  And he has to do the rest of his drills this weekend by video and send to the scouts.  Says they are talking about him converting to FB in the pros.  

[BuffaloBill]

Ford-Wheaton is a freak of nature to be that big and that fast. 
 

WR’s are notoriously hard to develop though. 

[GunnerBill]

16 minutes ago, Alphadawg7 said:

 

I wouldn't call Woolen a "sleeper" last year, he was one of the most talked about DB's after he crushed the combine and was widely believed he would go in the 2nd round.  I was pounding the drum for him to be our 2nd round pick if we didn't go DB in the first, and a lot of mock drafts had him going in the 2nd round, often high 2nd round, after his combine.  I was even hoping the Bills would trade down in the first and then take Woolen in the 2nd.  

 

Ultimately, he slipped in the draft, but I wouldn't label him a sleeper heading into it.  I would define a sleeper is someone not getting a ton of buzz and not predicted to go early.  There was a ton of buzz and intrigue around him and he was most often seen as someone who was going to go in the 2nd.  

 

Funny in the 3rd round last year, the two players I wanted most that were on the board were Woolen and Shakir.  We had already taken Elam, so was hoping for Shakir even though I was higher on Woolen.  After we took Bernard I went and did other things since we didn't have a 4th rounder.  When I came back, we were literally on the clock and I was stunned both Shakir and Woolen were still on the board.  So was stoked we got Shakir, someone I am still high on today.  But would have been thrilled with either pick.  

 

 

 

Yea the reason I didn't have Woolen on my list last year was because I didn't consider him really a sleeper. I mentioned him in my Senior Bowl write up last January but the time I did this post last year he had a ton of buzz. But then again he went in the 5th, so maybe he WAS a sleeper for teams even if not for the draft media.

[4BillsintheBurgh]

Do you think Darius Rush could play deep safety? The strengths you're describing seem to fit.

[gonzo1105]

My sleepers in this draft are:

 

Nick Saldiveri OG/OC Old Dominion

Marte Mapu LB/S Sacramento State

Karl Brooks DT Bowling Green

Nic Jones CB/S Ball State 

Jake Andrew C Troy

 

[GunnerBill]

52 minutes ago, Paup 1995MVP said:

Have you watched film on my son Justin Ellis out of Georgia Southern?  He was DE/edge.  Switching to LB for the pros.  Had his pro day a couple weeks ago.  Ran 4.56-4.66 depending on whose watch in the 40.  23 reps in the bench.  Played at 255 in college.  Dropped down to 235 to play LB in the pros.  He pulled his hammy at the end of his second 40 at his pro day on 3/17.  Its feeling better.  And he has to do the rest of his drills this weekend by video and send to the scouts.  Says they are talking about him converting to FB in the pros.  

 

I have not @Paup 1995MVP but best of luck to him. 

[Mark Vader]

Would RB Tyjae Spears from Tulane be considered as a sleeper pick?