Sleeper Time!

[GunnerBill]

It’s now less than two weeks until the Titans go on the clock in Green Bay and I think through the discussion, debate and the @Virgil mock drafts people are pretty familiar with the sorts of names that they could hear in the first couple of days of the NFL Draft. But it’s time to think about some of the less familiar names.

Last year among the sleepers I highlighted were:

• Roger Rosengarten who ended up sneaking into the end of round 2 with the Ravens. He made his first start at right tackle week 4 against the Bills and made that spot his own, ending the season named to the All-Rookie Team;
• Jalyx Hunt out of Houston Christian University in the FCS who was selected 94th overall by the Eagles appearing in 16 games as a rookie for the Superbowl Champions; and
• Darius Muasau who went in round 6 to the Giants and made 7 starts at linebacker during his rookie campaign.

 

Here are the guys I’ve identified this year who I think deserve more buzz than they have been getting:

 

DJ Giddens, Running Back, Kansas State

3rd round grade

I’m not sure Giddens really counts as a sleeper but I’m adding him to my list because I am higher on him than anyone else I’ve seen. He is my RB5 in this class ahead of some of the bigger name guys in this group. He is my type of running back, he has elite vision and the ability to take it to the house every time he touches the ball. If he goes to an offense that just sees a 6ft, 212lbs running back and tries to bash him into the pile 10 times a game that isn’t going to work. But if you allow him to create, play with patience and find the holes I see some James Cook like traits in his game.

 

Collin Oliver, Linebacker, Oklahoma State

4th round grade

Oliver is just a productive football player. The question on him is what is his fit in the NFL. He has played both off the ball linebacker and pass rushing edge for Oklahoma State and my guess is his NFL projection requires a coach who is willing to use him in something of a hybrid role – either as a WILL linebacker who is used as a frequent blitzer in a 4-3 or as a JACK linebacker in a 3-4 who can drop into coverage or blitz depending on the situation. He might go later than I have him graded because of the scheme fit questions but I think given a chance he will make plays on Sundays.

 

Mac McWilliams, Cornerback, UCF

4th/5th round borderline grade

McWilliams has the exact profile I like for nickel corners in the NFL. He has experience of playing man coverage outside in college, shows really good anticipation and swift, decisive movement skills in transition. I’d want to see him improve his tackling technique as he has a tendency to get too square and stop his feet but he can hit when he makes contact and is always raking at the ball. Has some special teams experience too which means he is likely to come off the board in the first half of day 3.

 

Chase Lundt, Offensive Tackle, Connecticut

4th/5th round borderline grade

Lundt reminds me a bit of Rosengarten from last year in that he is a very experienced college tackle but with question marks about his overall athletic profile. Lundt doesn’t quite have the arm length that Rosengarten did, has played only on the right side and against lesser competition but his tape is really fun. He has good bend for someone his size (he is 6’7) and he is particularly good as a run blocker in a zone scheme. Wouldn’t shock me if a Shanahan style offense took him earlier than round 5 and had success with him as their right tackle or kicked inside to guard.

 

Andrew Armstrong, Wide Receiver, Arkansas

5th round grade

In a class lacking a ton of true X receivers I think Armstrong has flown a little under the radar. I actually turned the Arkansas tape on to watch his teammate Isaac TeSlaa who has started to generate some late buzz but it was Armstrong that took my eye. 6’3, two-thousand-yard seasons, second team All SEC in 2024, he is big, physical, fast enough (ran 4.51 in the 40) and dominant at the catch point. The knocks are a bit of route running nuance that would help him separate more consistently and he is an older prospect and will turn 25 in October of his rookie season. But even if he is just a one contract player he is definitely worth a day three pick.

 

Jalin Conyers, Tight End, Texas Tech

6th round grade

Conyers is a bit of an enigma in that when you look at this athletic profile what you think you should be seeing on tape is a flex tight end who is a receiver first and a blocker second. What you actually see is a guy who isn’t as dynamic as you’d like in space and doesn’t run great routes but demonstrates a willingness and aptitude to run block. With his physical gifts you feel there is still untapped potential as a receiving weapon and if he can develop that facet of his game and continue to offer something as a blocker when facing bigger opposition at the next level he has considerable upside.

 

Ahmed Hassanein, Edge Rusher, Boise State

6th round grade

I really, really wanted to grade this guy higher so that he was properly on my board rather than an indicative 6th round grade (and not just because he is handsome….). Came to football late and is the first ever Egyptian born guy to play in the FBS. I think coaches will love him as a non-stop motor who brings it on every single snap and he was productive in college, with 22 sacks over the past two years for Boise. It’s the play recognition and the technical refinement required that stops me having him higher but as a rotational defensive end who will contribute on special teams early I think he is worth a day 3 shot.

 

Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Running Back, Arizona

6th round grade

The MVP of the Shrine Game back in January after a lost season due to an eligibility issue. He is primarily a zone scheme runner, who makes decisive cuts and has the ability to move laterally and vertically at speed. He runs a little bit upright which not every NFL evaluator will forgive and he hasn’t demonstrated a ton of pass game value but as a change of pace runner in an offense that utilises multiple backs he can outperform his draft stock.

 

Tonka Hemingway, Defensive Tackle, South Carolina

7th round / Priority UDFA grade

Another guy who really made his way onto my radar at the Shrine Game, Hemingway is a versatile defensive lineman who can provide depth and versatility to a team in the NFL which could help him stick as an 8th or 9th DL guy on some rosters. He has a really explosive first step get off, but his technique thereafter could still stand some refinement. His non-stop motor will see him drafted late I suspect.

 

 

Encourage others to add theirs here too, always a fun thread to look back on in a year or two!

Edited Sunday at 02:40 PM by GunnerBill

[Dr. Who]

I can't properly articulate the way those of you who look over the tape with an educated eye. I am largely limited to SEC, which I watch a lot of as an UGA fan. Two players I like who could be day 3 selections: I mentioned the first awhile back, and the other day, someone posted that he has gotten some recent buzz. Anyway, I think Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, UGA, DT who will play DE and can move inside, has some sneaky talent. Another player who I think does a lot of things pretty well is Florida WR Elijhah Badger.

 

[GunnerBill]

21 minutes ago, Dr. Who said:

I can't properly articulate the way those of you who look over the tape with an educated eye. I am largely limited to SEC, which I watch a lot of as an UGA fan. Two players I like who could be day 3 selections: I mentioned the first awhile back, and the other day, someone posted that he has gotten some recent buzz. Anyway, I think Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, UGA, DT who will play DE and can move inside, has some sneaky talent. Another player who I think does a lot of things pretty well is Florida WR Elijhah Badger.

 

 

I think Ingram-Dawkins has some talent too. I just don't know how you refine it to get the best out of it in the NFL or where he best fits scheme wise. He is worth a day 3 pick somewhere. 

 

I haven't watched Badger. He was on my long list to get to but I haven't and I doubt I will now. 

[gonzo1105]

I’m gonna get on you about Rosengarten a bit because I believe you had him as 4th round grade and I believe I told you he was going to go in round 2 and you fought me on it. 

[GunnerBill]

1 minute ago, gonzo1105 said:

I’m gonna get on you about Rosengarten a bit because I believe you had him as 4th round grade and I believe I told you he was going to go in round 2 and you fought me on it. 

 

I did have a 4th on him and you said you thought he was going higher but I didn't fight you on it, I said I could see it.

 

[OldTimer1960]

Thank you for your insights!  What do you think of the OT from William and Mary (Charles Grant)?  I know he has gotten some 3rd round grades - is he legit?  Is he strong enough?

[gonzo1105]

3 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

I did have a 4th on him and you said you thought he was going higher but I didn't fight you on it, I said I could see it.

 

I got ya,

 

I like Nash Jones OG from Texas State

 

Lequint Allen RB Syracuse(tho him not running scares me)

Gavin Bartholemew TE Pitt 

 

Shunderrick Powell RB Central Arkansas 

Zakhari Franklin WR Illinois

 

Chandler Martin LB Memphis 

[GunnerBill]

15 minutes ago, gonzo1105 said:

I got ya,

 

I like Nash Jones OG from Texas State

 

Lequint Allen RB Syracuse(tho him not running scares me)

Gavin Bartholemew TE Pitt 

 

Shunderrick Powell RB Central Arkansas 

Zakhari Franklin WR Illinois

 

Chandler Martin LB Memphis 

 

Franklin is the only one of those I have seen any of - mainly while watching his running mate - he has some ability as a Z that is gonna be used in the middle of the field. I thought he was probably a late day 3 / priority UDFA guy based ob that limited exposure. Where do you have him?

[gonzo1105]

8 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

Franklin is the only one of those I have seen any of - mainly while watching his running mate - he has some ability as a Z that is gonna be used in the middle of the field. I thought he was probably a late day 3 / priority UDFA guy based ob that limited exposure. Where do you have him?

Oh I see him as late round priority guy too. I just like his production. 
 

I saw Powell live this past year. Smaller back probably a UDFA but I could see him being a guy that excels in preseason and people are like who is that guy. 
 

Allen is a great pass catcher and good pass blocker but his knock was his speed and him not running scares me 

 

I just think Bartholemew is going to be a good pro. I saw him play a game in HS when he was a 3 star recruit. Went to Buffalo and then Pitt. Just feel there is untapped potential there. 
 

Nash Jones would probably be the guy I would watch if I were you. Played tackle but is a guard in the NFL. Think he has a shot to go round 4 and has met with a ton of NFL teams. 
 

[GunnerBill]

1 hour ago, OldTimer1960 said:

Thank you for your insights!  What do you think of the OT from William and Mary (Charles Grant)?  I know he has gotten some 3rd round grades - is he legit?  Is he strong enough?

 

Yea I like him. I have a third on him too, and a high third at that. I took him for the Bears in our TSW mock v1. He is my kind of tackle - athletic, mobile, good footwork - and it certainly doesn't hurt that he has elite length. Functional strength and anchor are the two slight question marks, as obviously is competition level.

[DCofNC]

2 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

 

Yea I like him. I have a third on him too, and a high third at that. I took him for the Bears in our TSW mock v1. He is my kind of tackle - athletic, mobile, good footwork - and it certainly doesn't hurt that he has elite length. Functional strength and anchor are the two slight question marks, as obviously is competition level.

might be an interesting project as a Dawkins replacement. 

[LEBills]

4 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

It’s now less than two weeks until the Titans go on the clock in Green Bay and I think through the discussion, debate and the @Virgil mock drafts people are pretty familiar with the sorts of names that they could hear in the first couple of days of the NFL Draft. But it’s time to think about some of the less familiar names.

Last year among the sleepers I highlighted were:

• Roger Rosengarten who ended up sneaking into the end of round 2 with the Ravens. He made his first start at right tackle week 4 against the Bills and made that spot his own, ending the season named to the All-Rookie Team;
• Jalyx Hunt out of Houston Christian University in the FCS who was selected 94th overall by the Eagles appearing in 16 games as a rookie for the Superbowl Champions; and
• Darius Muasau who went in round 6 to the Giants and made 7 starts at linebacker during his rookie campaign.

 

Here are the guys I’ve identified this year who I think deserve more buzz than they have been getting:

 

DJ Giddens, Running Back, Kansas State

3rd round grade

I’m not sure Giddens really counts as a sleeper but I’m adding him to my list because I am higher on him than anyone else I’ve seen. He is my RB5 in this class ahead of some of the bigger name guys in this group. He is my type of running back, he has elite vision and the ability to take it to the house every time he touches the ball. If he goes to an offense that just sees a 6ft, 212lbs running back and tries to bash him into the pile 10 times a game that isn’t going to work. But if you allow him to create, play with patience and find the holes I see some James Cook like traits in his game.

 

Collin Oliver, Linebacker, Oklahoma State

4th round grade

Oliver is just a productive football player. The question on him is what is his fit in the NFL. He has played both off the ball linebacker and pass rushing edge for Oklahoma State and my guess is his NFL projection requires a coach who is willing to use him in something of a hybrid role – either as a WILL linebacker who is used as a frequent blitzer in a 4-3 or as a JACK linebacker in a 3-4 who can drop into coverage or blitz depending on the situation. He might go later than I have him graded because of the scheme fit questions but I think given a chance he will make plays on Sundays.

 

Mac McWilliams, Cornerback, UCF

4th/5th round borderline grade

McWilliams has the exact profile I like for nickel corners in the NFL. He has experience of playing man coverage outside in college, shows really good anticipation and swift, decisive movement skills in transition. I’d want to see him improve his tackling technique as he has a tendency to get too square and stop his feet but he can hit when he makes contact and is always raking at the ball. Has some special teams experience too which means he is likely to come off the board in the first half of day 3.

 

Chase Lundt, Offensive Tackle, Connecticut

4th/5th round borderline grade

Lundt reminds me a bit of Rosengarten from last year in that he is a very experienced college tackle but with question marks about his overall athletic profile. Lundt doesn’t quite have the arm length that Rosengarten did, has played only on the right side and against lesser competition but his tape is really fun. He has good bend for someone his size (he is 6’7) and he is particularly good as a run blocker in a zone scheme. Wouldn’t shock me if a Shanahan style offense took him earlier than round 5 and had success with him as their right tackle or kicked inside to guard.

 

Andrew Armstrong, Wide Receiver, Arkansas

5th round grade

In a class lacking a ton of true X receivers I think Armstrong has flown a little under the radar. I actually turned the Arkansas tape on to watch his teammate Isaac TeSlaa who has started to generate some late buzz but it was Armstrong that took my eye. 6’3, two-thousand-yard seasons, second team All SEC in 2024, he is big, physical, fast enough (ran 4.51 in the 40) and dominant at the catch point. The knocks are a bit of route running nuance that would help him separate more consistently and he is an older prospect and will turn 25 in October of his rookie season. But even if he is just a one contract player he is definitely worth a day three pick.

 

Jalin Conyers, Tight End, Texas Tech

6th round grade

Conyers is a bit of an enigma in that when you look at this athletic profile what you think you should be seeing on tape is a flex tight end who is a receiver first and a blocker second. What you actually see is a guy who isn’t as dynamic as you’d like in space and doesn’t run great routes but demonstrates a willingness and aptitude to run block. With his physical gifts you feel there is still untapped potential as a receiving weapon and if he can develop that facet of his game and continue to offer something as a blocker when facing bigger opposition at the next level he has considerable upside.

 

Ahmed Hassanein, Edge Rusher, Boise State

6th round grade

I really, really wanted to grade this guy higher so that he was properly on my board rather than an indicative 6th round grade (and not just because he is handsome….). Came to football late and is the first ever Egyptian born guy to play in the FBS. I think coaches will love him as a non-stop motor who brings it on every single snap and he was productive in college, with 22 sacks over the past two years for Boise. It’s the play recognition and the technical refinement required that stops me having him higher but as a rotational defensive end who will contribute on special teams early I think he is worth a day 3 shot.

 

Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Running Back, Arizona

6th round grade

The MVP of the Shrine Game back in January after a lost season due to an eligibility issue. He is primarily a zone scheme runner, who makes decisive cuts and has the ability to move laterally and vertically at speed. He runs a little bit upright which not every NFL evaluator will forgive and he hasn’t demonstrated a ton of pass game value but as a change of pace runner in an offense that utilises multiple backs he can outperform his draft stock.

 

Tonka Hemingway, Defensive Tackle, South Carolina

7th round / Priority UDFA grade

Another guy who really made his way onto my radar at the Shrine Game, Hemingway is a versatile defensive lineman who can provide depth and versatility to a team in the NFL which could help him stick as an 8th or 9th DL guy on some rosters. He has a really explosive first step get off, but his technique thereafter could still stand some refinement. His non-stop motor will see him drafted late I suspect.

 

 

Encourage others to add theirs here too, always a fun thread to look back on in a year or two!

Collin Oliver is going to make some team very happy. Ridiculously efficient pass rusher. Bills kinda already filled the prior Zo Alexander role but could see him excelling like that

 

Armstrong I think is a really good college receiver. He does a few things really well. But he is pretty old, and I think if he sticks on a roster it will be at the very end. I agree he is better than Teslaa.

 

Boise is the college team I follow closest. Against PSU, Hassanein was one of the guys who played like he belonged. He isn’t going to be a star but a good rotational DL is likely imo. 
 

I’ll add one guy to your list if interested - and I think their are a lot of really interest 3rd day corners.

 

Bilhal Kone CB from Western Michigan is my guy tho. His first two games vs Wisconsin and Ohio State were great. He was just everywhere, and able to cover up for his teammates mistakes. I think he is good enough to be a starter in the NFL, tho his inconsistent tackling will have some teams pass. 

[PonyBoy]

@GunnerBill

You should change your moniker to BMF. 😀

The research you put into your posts. 🍻

 

[H2o]

Antwaun Powell-Ryland / DE / Virginia Tech

 

Most people have him between a 4th & 6th Round pick. He had 10 sacks, 14 TFL's, and 28 pressures in 2023. Then followed that up with 16 sacks, 19 TFL's, 3 FF's, and 25 pressures in 2024. Short arms, or no short arms, I think he thrives if he ends up on a 3-4 Defense team like Pittsburgh or Baltimore. He's physically akin to Lamarr Woodley. 

[GASabresIUFan]

Mondon the LB from GA

 

Thornton, Felton and Kyle Williams.  At least one of these speed receivers will make a huge impact on their teams in year 1.

[Bill51390]

Brashard Smith from SMU

[Maine-iac]

Last year my sleeper pick was Jalen Coker.  Thought he was a poor mans Keon Coleman.  Probably more or less true.  This year for sleeper I'd go David Walker Edge.  I'm getting Terrell Suggs vibes.  

2 hours ago, GASabresIUFan said:

Mondon the LB from GA

 

Thornton, Felton and Kyle Williams.  At least one of these speed receivers will make a huge impact on their teams in year 1.

Sometimes I think this WR class could be sneaky better than people think.  There's no Harrison Jr or Nabers but 2nd tier to 2nd tier there's some guys you wouldn't mind having on your roster.

[Alphadawg7]

WR - Donte Thornton

 

6'5, 4.3 speed, and good hands.  His tape shows untapped ability IMHO above just being a vertical threat...but even if he ends up just being mostly that, its what we lack in our WR room right now.  I think he could be quite the weapon in Buffalo.

 

I would be fine taking him with one of our 4ths, assuming we didn't take a WR earlier and he is still there.  He is projected more as a 5th...but you can't coach size and speed, so I have a feeling he doesn't make it out of the 4th round.  

[GunnerBill]

2 hours ago, Alphadawg7 said:

WR - Donte Thornton

 

6'5, 4.3 speed, and good hands.  His tape shows untapped ability IMHO above just being a vertical threat...but even if he ends up just being mostly that, its what we lack in our WR room right now.  I think he could be quite the weapon in Buffalo.

 

I would be fine taking him with one of our 4ths, assuming we didn't take a WR earlier and he is still there.  He is projected more as a 5th...but you can't coach size and speed, so I have a feeling he doesn't make it out of the 4th round.  

 

He definitely doesn't count as a sleeper on this board, he's been talked about more than some first round players!  He is my WR15 and I have a mid 4th on him. I wouldn't mind the Bills taking a shot, because they need a vertical element but I am less confident than you that he can be more than that. It wouldn't surprise me if he sneaks into the end of round 3 though... in that comp pick range. I sort of feel similarly about him and Kyle Williams (who is my WR12). If either gets to #109 I'd be fine with taking them. I think both probably go third round and they aren't guys I'd move up for. 

Edited yesterday at 08:44 AM by GunnerBill

[JP51]

I gotta give a shout out to all you draft folks...  I have knowledge the game, what I see on the field , ability to evaluate pro players against pro players, thoughts on what I would do in the FO... etc... but I cant watch College football and determine who would translate from college to the NFL,  who should get drafted where... save the insane stars... I honestly dont know how you guys have the knack for this... but I sure enjoy reading your takes... I appreciate your skill here... I unfortunately have nothing of value to offer in this... lol