USA TODAY International Edition
Sleepers who could aid draft stock at combine
Prospects like Ballage have tools but caveats
Although seen as a stage for top prospects, the NFL scouting combine often provides a stage for some of the draft’s lesser-known names to announce themselves to a larger audience and elevate their stock.
While big names such as Baker Mayfield and Saquon Barkley might be drawing the most attention entering the event — with on-field workouts starting Friday — several under-the-radar prospects could spark considerable interest by the end.
Here are 10 sleepers to watch at this year’s combine.
1. Kyle Lauletta, QB, Richmond: A strong week of Senior Bowl practices culminating in MVP for the game helped highlight him as an intriguing option for a team looking for a quarterback after the first round. The Jimmy Garoppolo comparisons could amplify, though shortcomings with Lauletta’s arm strength should temper expectations. Still, he should draw attention of teams that prioritize precision passing.
2. Mike White, QB, Western Kentucky: The 6-4, 221-pounder is a judicious passer, but he’s far from a game manager. With the mentality to attack downfield, White may become a starter if he can speed up his decision making.
3. Kalen Ballage, RB, Arizona State: One of the Football Bowl Subdivision recordholders for touchdowns in a game (8), Ballage never consistently delivered on his formidable physical tools. That shouldn’t stop NFL teams from envisioning what he might be able to achieve at the next level with proper coaching.
4. Jaleel Scott, WR, New Mexico State: It’s hard to overlook a 6-6, 215pound receiver, especially one with a penchant for acrobatic catches. Scott is almost exclusively a downfield threat given his limitations changing direction. If he runs well, he should build buzz as a middle-round option.
5. Keke Coutee, WR, Texas Tech: The Red Raiders speed demon could be one of the front-runners to finish with the best 40-yard time in Indianapolis. While his route running is limited and he might work exclusively out of the slot, Coutee has the ability to separate in the short area and take quick hits for big gains.
6. Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State: Sleeper might be something of an unfair label for Goedert, who has a good chance to be the first tight end taken in April. He routinely overwhelmed his competition last year with 1,293 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, but scouts will want to see how his athleticism stacks up relative to the rest of his position group.
7. Alex Cappa, OT, Humboldt State: Division II proved to be no trouble for Cappa, who routinely tossed aside opposing linemen. But the four-year starter was ready for a step up in competition at the Senior Bowl, as he handled expected first-rounder Marcus Davenport.
8. Dorance Armstrong, DE-OLB, Kansas: Posting 11⁄2 sacks for the 1-11 Jayhawks usually wouldn't put a player on the fast track to the NFL, but Armstrong was saddled with run-stopping responsibilities that obscured his potential after posting 10 sacks the previous year.
9. Kemoko Turay, DE, Rutgers: A freshman All-American, he fell off the radar for two years while dealing with injuries before re-emerging as a senior. But the combine should be a good showcase for the initial burst and closing speed that make Turay an attractive option for the right staff.
10. Siran Neal, S, Jacksonville State: With experience at linebacker, cornerback and safety, he offers the versatility many NFL teams now demand from their defensive backs. Although Neal is a liability in coverage if left in space, he brings a physical approach to man coverage and could be an asset for covering some of the league’s more athletically gifted tight ends.