Every year, there are talented draft prospects that get overlooked and slip to the later rounds of the NFL draft. It could be because their college team didn’t win too many games, they went to a small school, or got overlooked by a flashier player. Prime examples of guys that made a name for themselves while being drafted late include Brock Purdy of the 49ers and Tariq Woolen of the Seahawks.
There are always stars hidden in the draft. Without further delay, let's dive into 6 players that have the potential to be the steal of the draft.
OFFENSE:
- Tyjae Spears, RB, Tulane: Spears was dominant, to say the least, this past season. He helped transform a bad Tulane football team, into a top-10 team in the country in one season. He led them to a Cotton Bowl victory against Heisman Trophy winner, Caleb Williams, and USC. The Tulane product follows his blockers, possesses great vision, and doesn’t go down easily. "NFL ready" is written all over him and I see a team stealing him in the 3rd round and him becoming a star. Although he may not go too late in the draft, wherever he is selected, I am confident he will play like he should have been selected much higher.
- Dorian Thompson-Robinson, QB, UCLA: One of the most athletic players in the draft, Dorian Thompson-Robinson has loads of potential. He is experienced, a smart player, and a multidimensional athlete. If he receives the right coaching and becomes more of a polished passer, he could become a solid backup and even a potential starter. The floor may be low, but I think his ceiling is high. He could be the next Brock Purdy of this draft class.
- Jayden Reed, WR, Michigan State: The MSU product plays much bigger than his size. At only 5’11, he has great jump-ball skills and is physical. Reed also brings much more to the table that some other late-round receivers don’t; he’s an incredible kick returner and special team player. He has a lot to work on, but being a returner will help Reed get opportunities on the field to make some plays. Players of similar size, like Julian Edelman, Tyler Locket, and even Tyreek Hill, all made their marks by starting out on special teams and then eventually becoming a star on the offensive side of the ball.
DEFENSE:
- JL Skinner, S, Boise State: A personal favorite of mine, he is always making plays. It is as if he gets shot out of a cannon every time he goes for a tackle. Skinner reminds me of a Kam Chancellor-type player because of his tremendous size, how hard he hits, and the swagger he has on the field. I wouldn’t be surprised to see whichever team that drafts him move him into the box to play more of a linebacker role, similar to Jamal Adams. He goes from sideline to sideline with ease and is an overall fun player to watch.
- Ivan Pace Jr., ILB, Cincinnati: Another tackling machine who plays with intensity is on this list. This time, this player is a true inside linebacker. No wonder Cincinnati’s defense has been a top defense in college football the past couple of years, they have Ivan consistently getting TFLs and sacks. He has a knack for the backfield. He gets to the quarterback and is a stone wall for running backs to get past. Pace Jr.'s coverage skills are below average, but he spies the QB well which allows him to break up some passes. Any team who struggles against the run or containing improvising QBs will find him useful.
- Thomas Incoom, Edge, Central Michigan: A concern for Incoom is that he has high production has been against weak competitors. But, I don’t see this as a major concern. He ranked 3rd in the nation in sacks with 11.5 of them due to his explosiveness, finesse, and the way he keeps his balance off the edge. He dominated Division II football and, then, dominated at the Division I level. I have no doubt that he can continue to dominate in the NFL. The star edge rusher has the intangibles, a chip on his shoulder, and the production on the field. Put all 3 together in the NFL and you could have the steal of the draft. Thomas Incoom has the floor of being a solid rotational player and has the ceiling of becoming one of the most feared players coming off the edge.
There is a lot of talent around the league. Not all stars are found in the first couple of rounds as there is a good portion of first-rounders who don't amount to much. It sometimes takes doubt, adversity, and opportunity for these hidden talents to emerge.
Every season there are diamonds in the rough, so don’t be surprised if you see one of these 6 names making an impact for their future squads and becoming the next late-round star.
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