Another day, another list. Great, just what we all need! The last two lists have been centered more around the high-end draft prospects, i.e. Ikem Ekwonu and Aidan Hutchinson. Now, it is time to highlight some of the lesser-known prospects who could become success stories at the next level.
We have to define what exactly “sleeper” means. In our case, a sleeper player will be a player that is ranked outside of consensus top 50 prospects overall. Ideally, these players will be taken outside of round 1 and round 2. In this list, we will go over the pros and cons of each prospect. Along with all the good and bad, we of course will detail all of the latest news surrounding these players and where they could be the best fits. The players ranked will not be listed in any particular order. 2 down, 8 to go.
10. Chad Muma, Wyoming
Okay, I will admit. I am cheating a bit on this first one, but a name nonetheless that needs to be mentioned. Muma is one of my favorite players in this entire draft, and stands to be one of the best overall defensive talents in this draft.
He has ideal size for a modern NFL linebacker. At 6’3, 240 lbs, Muma is a force all over the field. Muma generated 68 total defensive stops this past season, with 3 picks and 21 pressures. He sees an opportunity to make an impact, and does it. Muma carries a very impressive 8% missed tackle rate in his career, showing true killer instincts when bringing down his opponents. The combination of plus size and high-end athletic traits make him an ideal fit as a modern NFL linebacker.
The only downside of Muma’s game was how he played for his size. You would not guess that Muma is as big as he is given his play style. Even against non-Power Five opposition, Muma did not physically impose himself like you would expect from someone his size.
Any team needing linebacker help should be looking at Muma in round 2 or 3. Sources tell me the Denver Broncos, Tennessee Titans, and Buffalo Bills, have all done some level of scouting on Muma and all have needs at linebacker.
9. Troy Andersen, Montana State
One of the most intriguing players I have scouted during this pre-draft process, the converted quarterback and running back racked up a ridiculous 67 stops in his one and only full season at linebacker for the Bobcats. He will need more reps at the position, but there is no telling what the future could hold for a player like Andersen.
What really stood out for me on film with Andersen is his straight downhill agility. Get this player in position to make a play, and he is going to make it. His overall football IQ is off-the-charts, and could translate into being a real sideline-to-sideline linebacker at the next level. Not to mention, Andersen was voted all-conference in the Big Sky as both a quarterback and a linebacker. He is an athletic freak, and it shows.
Andersen is extremely raw, and will need to be coached up in a big way. I could see Andersen translating into a really solid player at the next level, and he could even be used in all three phases of a team’s game plan. That is just the level of versatility Andersen could bring to the table. Any team that has the creative ability to get a player like Andersen involved should take a long look at this player.
8. Carson Strong, Nevada
There wasn’t a single quarterback in the entire country who shouldered more responsibility in 2021 as a pure passer than Strong did. Towards the end of the season, Strong went on a six-game run where he dropped back at least 50 times in every, last, one of them.
Strong is your prototypical pocket passer. He offers next to nothing with his legs, and is fairly limited outside the pocket. However, Strong can make all of the throws required. His quick release and tight spirals are a sight to behold on film, along with wicked arm strength. Where Strong especially excels is on throws outside the numbers, one of the better outside the numbers passers in this class, according to a scout I talked to.
There are massive negatives associated with Strong, all pertaining to medicals. Strong has osteochondritis dissecans, a degenerative knee condition which could become career-threatening. If left untreated or consistently aggravated, it could turn into osteoarthritis, which is never good for anyone let alone a quarterback. Teams I have talked to have taken Strong entirely off of their boards for this reason, while others are so in love with the talent that they feel he could be available at a steal price. Strong projects as a backup early on, with the potential to become a starter in the right situation.
7. Dameon Pierce, Florida
A very small sample size to go off of with Pierce given his very limited workload, however the tape just speaks for itself. Pierce is electric with the ball in his hands, breaking 39 tackles on 100 attempts in 2021 for the Gators. He is built like a tank, with less than 1% body fat and weighing 215 lbs. That is 215 lbs of pure muscle coming right at you, with wheels to boot.
Pierce is a pure athlete with a special football skillset. He can cut, he can juke, he can bulldoze people, heck he even lays down a pretty nice stiff arm too. Pierce was my favorite running back to watch on film, and it wasn’t particularly close. Teams I have talked to love Pierce and his limited work. Less tread on the tires means teams could become more intrigued with Pierce, versus a guy like Kenneth Walker III who had 260+ carries this year at Michigan State.
For some, the limited work leads to questions. Why wasn’t Pierce featured more if he is this explosive of a player? All valid concerns, along with Pierce tending to rely too much on his moves at times and not being a true home-run threat. Pierce projects as a late day 2, early round 3 pick. Teams such as the Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, could all become interested in Pierce.
6. Khalil Shakir, Boise State
One of the more electrifying players on film, the former Boise State Bronco is just one for the spectacular. With elite hands and superb athleticism, Shakir stands to profile best as a slot receiver at the next level. He recorded 1,000+ yards in the slot for Boise State this past season.
When evaluating what makes an NFL-ready receiver, most scouts want to see one of two things: size, or speed. Shakir is below-average in both departments, with his 196 lbs frame not being ideal for NFL scouts. Nor is he a true burner that will beat corners with his legs, so Shakir needs to find other ways to win his individual battles.
Shakir also is prone to lapses in concentration, resulting in 10 drops on catchable passes alone in 2021. That will have to be corrected if he is to stand any chance in the NFL, but I am a believer in the talent. Athleticism cannot be taught, and Shakir translates to being a starting slot-receiver for a team at the next level. Any wide receiver needy team, think the Packers, Chiefs, Cowboys, Ravens, could have a look at Shakir in the middle of the draft.
5. Daniel Faalele, Minnesota
The intrigue with Faalele starts with his size. Very rarely will you find a 6’9, 380 lbs, potential starting tackle. Faalele is one of the tallest humans I have ever scouted, to go along with one of the most interesting talents as well. Faalele is so swift in his movements, with excellent footwork and technique to play at tackle.
This is a true rare prospect here. I do not think I could even try and compare Faalele to anybody, because he may just be one of a kind. He is still very raw and needs to improve in pass protection, specifically his hand placement. But make no mistake about it, for a player that only started playing football five years ago to be where he is at now is incredible.
He will be an offensive line coach’s dream, and being placed in the right situation will help his growth tremendously. Scouts I have talked to are so enamored with Faalele, with some even saying he could be taken as early as Day 2 despite how raw he is. Look at teams that may see some turnover at the tackle position in a few years that could be interested in Faalele.
4. Tyler Allgeier, BYU
Physicality. That is the word used to describe Allgeier’s game. He is a no-nonsense runner, someone that will lower the shoulder and hit you with the boom any chance he gets. He is only 220 lbs, but on film, you wouldn’t believe that.
Allgeier lacks that breakaway speed that a lot of teams look for in a true starting running back. Scouts I have talked to believe Allgeier could translate into a really nice short yardage back at the next level. You need three yards, Allgeier will get you those three yards. His overall tenacity and effort pops immediately for me.
The New York Jets have been doing their homework on Allgeier, mainly because Zach Wilson has been slamming the desk to get him to New York. He would actually be a fantastic fit for the Jets, and could be a great complimentary piece to Michael Carter.
Allgeier will not blow you away with his speed or his big play ability. Where he will impress you is his ability to always find the open hole, and show the elite physicality he brings to the table. Questions remain as to whether or not he is a product of one of the best overall offensive lines in the nation the last two seasons at BYU.
3. Martin Emerson, Mississippi State
Emerson possesses ideal size for the cornerback position in the NFL with his 6’2, 201 lbs frame. He only allowed one play of 25+ yards in 2021, and was excellent when called upon to take the opposing top receiving option out of the game.
Emerson wins with his length, not his physicality. Too often, Emerson is very flat-footed at the line of scrimmage and is often left playing catch-up. While he got away with it at times in college, that will not work in the NFL. Emerson isn’t the fastest guy either, so he relies on that length to win. And more often than not, he does.
Emerson is very football smart. On film, I saw multiple calls that were not called for him but may have been called for others. That is not luck, that is called being able to disguise your contact. You cannot teach that level of intellect in the NFL, and Emerson has it.
I view Emerson as a really solid number two outside corner in the National Football League. Pair him with an elite corner, and Emerson could really grow to be a solid starter at the next level.
2. Nick Cross, Maryland
A man clocking in at 212 lbs is not supposed to run a 4.34 40 yard dash. Well, Cross did. The former Terrapins safety is a former track and field star, with his athleticism on full display with his tape.
Cross is a rare blend of a guy that tests off the charts, and plays off the charts. It is obvious, and we don’t get that very often. What you see is what you get with Cross, and as an observer I love what I see. He is a physical beast, bringing down opponents with ease via superb tackling technique. Add the size and speed he brings, good luck.
Cross is one to take unnecessary risks to try and make the big play. He has got to learn the time and the place to take risks, and many times he chose the wrong moment. Given he translates as a single-high safety, teams will covet that. Sources I have talked to believe Cross could be a name taken early in Day 2, with no surprise to teams. Cross is highly coveted given the combination of speed and physicality, a combo that could make him a fine safety in the NFL.
1. John Metchie III, Alabama
After tearing his ACL in the SEC Championship game, Metchie’s stock took a bit of a tumble. Medical concerns have hurt Metchie, and it is fairly understandable. Yet, if Metchie can go back to being the guy he was before his injury this is a man that will be the best pure route-runner in this entire class.
Metchie is no athletic freak, nor is he blessed with high-end physical characteristics. Big corners probably will have their way with Metchie, but he wins in other ways. Again, being as pure of a route runner as he is comes with great benefits. Tricks help win in the NFL, and Metchie has his tricks to pull out.
2021, Metchie also saw his yards after the catch profile take a massive boost. Some scouts wonder about this, but to me that just comes with natural growth. Metchie will not be a number one at the next level due to the lack of speed and physicality, but he will be a great number two receiver on a team with an established number one.
Metchie wins on his route running IQ, and it is incredible to see how advanced his route tree is for a player that is only 21 years old. The old adage goes something like this:
Death
Taxes
Alabama wide receivers
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