Unheralded players who bear watching
For anyone looking to take a deeper dive into the names to know for the NFL draft, this week’s scouting combine could be a good place to start.
The event will include 337 prospects who have been invited to Indianapolis for medical evaluations, team interviews and media sessions, along with testing and on-field workouts. And while marquee names such as Joe Burrow, Chase Young and Tua Tagovailoa will be in the spotlight, several less-heralded prospects could make their mark as promising prospects. Eleven sleepers to watch: James Morgan, QB, Florida International: Beyond the stars and big-name passers likely to be taken in the first three rounds, Morgan might be the most appealing developmental passer available. The 6-4, 223-pound transfer from Bowling Green has the arm strength to zip passes into tight windows and connect on deep strikes. Developing better touch and a sense not to force plays will be important steps for Morgan to take before he can become even a backup, but he’s worth a late-round flier.
LeVante Bellamy, RB, Western Michigan: Regardless of whether he is able to replicate the 4.28-second 40-yard dash his school said he timed last year, Bellamy should command attention with his speed. His 5-9, 190-pound frame might relegate him to spot work, but his knack for turning the corner and breaking long gains position him as an attractive backup, particularly in a zone-based scheme. Demonstrating increased comfort catching the ball after recording just 15 receptions last year will be important if he is to establish himself as a viable third-down back.
Antonio Gibson, RB-WR, Memphis: When a player averages 19 yards per catch and 11.2 yards per rush and records 14 touchdowns on 77 career touches, there are bound to be questions about untapped potential. Despite his limited body of work at Memphis, Gibson could use the combine to show off the acceleration that makes him a threat to score on any play. The 6-1, 223-pound all-purpose weapon played wide receiver at Memphis, but he might find his calling card in the NFL as a running back who can create mismatches in the passing game while adding value on returns.
Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor: In any other year, Mims likely would have little trouble receiving recognition as a massively talented pass catcher. Yet in the deepest and most talented group in this draft, he’s overshadowed to the point of not being considered in the top 10 at his position. With his long strides and leaping ability, Mims already looks capable of thriving in a vertical passing attack. Continued development in his route running will help the 6-3, 206-pound target unlock additional game.
Isaiah Hodgins, WR, Oregon State: When the ball is in the air, few targets are as trustworthy as Hodgins, who has a keen sense for contorting his body and plucking passes at their highest point. That skill set should make him an immediate asset as a red-zone target, especially given his sure-handedness. Breaking long plays won’t come easy given the time he takes to reach top speed, but some refinement on his releases should help him create separation more consistently.
Ben Bartch, OT, Saint John’s (Minnesota): Adding more than 80 pounds in college allowed Bartch to transition from tight end to left tackle, where he put himself squarely on NFL teams’ radars despite playing in Division III. Along the way, he maintained much of his quickness, making him an enticing developmental option as a blindside blocker. As long as dimensions to his he lands with a team patient enough to endure the adjustment period he’ll face, Bartch should have a good opportunity to continue his ascension.
Alex Taylor, OT, South Carolina State: At 6-9 and 308 pounds, Taylor doesn’t have to worry about being overlooked. A former college basketball player with limited experience on the football field, he might require a redshirt year to become stronger and acclimate to a higher caliber of pass rusher. His massive frame and quick feet, however, are worth a middle-round gamble, particularly given the leaguewide demand for capable offensive tackles always outweighs the supply.
Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB, Appalachian State: In an earlier era, Davis-Gaither might have had his draft stock torpedoed by the dreaded tweener label accompanying his size (6-2, 219 pounds). Now, however, NFL teams have exhibited more open-minded approaches toward deploying a linebacker with his play-making ability. Davis-Gaither is at his best when allowed to attack downhill, and he has a penchant for slipping blocks and chasing down ball carriers in the open field, though he might have trouble disengaging from NFL linemen in the early going.
Logan Wilson, LB, Wyoming: With 409 career tackles in college, Wilson has shown he knows how to find the ball. Almost always quick to diagnose plays, he can comfortably fire into the backfield on run plays and handle both man- and zone-coverage duties. Though he’ll have to learn to temper his overaggressive tendencies, he has the makings of a reliable long-term starter.
Troy Pride Jr., CB, Notre Dame: It’s hard to fathom a two-year starter at Notre Dame who also ran track would end up on the list. Pride hasn’t received widespread recognition, even after an impressive Senior Bowl week in which he flustered nearly all of his opposition. At 511 and 193 pounds, he won’t be confused for Richard Sherman or Patrick Peterson, particularly given he recorded four interceptions in three years. But his quick feet and recognition skills allow him to stick close to pass catchers and deny them easy opportunities.
Kyle Dugger, S, LenoirRhyne: Hardly a sleeper in draft circles, Dugger still isn’t a household name given his Division II background. At 6-1 and 220 pounds with an explosive burst to close in on receivers and ball carriers, he is equipped with the tools to handle any number of assignments. One of the biggest questions for Dugger’s first defensive coordinator will be how to use him, as he could line up as either a strong safety or a weakside linebacker. Even if he faces an extended adjustment period while settling in at one position and speeding up his processing, Dugger should be a standout on special teams and in sub packages.