We’re less than one week away from the NFL Draft. Here are some names to keep an eye on who may not be getting the most recognition heading into the draft, but could be players to watch going forward in their NFL careers.
Cyrus Jones CB Alabama
Jones is one of the smaller corners in the draft at 5’10” 197 pounds, which could limit him to playing in the slot, but that would be a great fit for him. He plays good in press coverage and is stout against the run, something that can be beneficial coming from the inside at the slot. Jones excels as a returner as well, taking four punts back to the house last season. He should go around round three.
Harlan Miller CB Southeastern Louisiana
Miller is a small school corner that has the potential to be the next Josh Norman. He is great in off man coverage where he can drive on the ball to make plays. He excelled during the Senior Bowl where he proved himself as a threat against some of the other top seniors, but a slow 40 at the combine, 4.65, may raise concerns about running with top receivers. If he can make up for his speed and use his technique to his advantage like he did at the Senior Bowl then he could sneak into the NFL as a number two corner. Expect him to go early on day three.
Jeremy Cash S Duke
The ACC Player of the Year, Cash has had a lot of success throughout his three years at Duke. He recorded 100+ tackles each year and is in an absolute threat in the box near the line of scrimmage. While he may be somewhat of a liability going back into coverage, his ability to come up into the box and stop the run shouldn’t go unnoticed. He had wrist surgery in December that could cause him to drop but he should be a day two selection.
Matt Ioannidis DT Temple
He has the ability to play multiple positions on the defensive line and has a relentless motor that never quits. He has several pass rushing moves and a great IQ that will let him be successful at the next level. With those qualities he can carve a role for himself in a NFL defense and see success. If he gets matched up with a great coach who can work with him, he can really surprise some. Look for him to go early on day three.
Tyler Matakevich LB Temple
He’s one of my favorite players in this draft. Although he’s an average athlete, he was a highly productive college player that could be an inside linebacker in the NFL. Matakevich reminds me of Chris Borland from a couple years ago in that regard. A leader on his defense and the leader in FBS in tackles with four straight 100+ tackle seasons, Matakevich gets the job done. He has great instincts and breaks quick on the ball as the play develops. Whoever can get over his lack of athleticism will get an absolute steal.
Joshua Garnett OG Stanford
There’s already a good chance for success with an offensive lineman coming from Stanford. Garnett has a mean streak that teams have to love. When he gets in space he puts up some highlight looking pancakes on defenders. He has good lower body strength and can make the pulls required as a guard at the next level. He’s a plus run blocker that should start right away in the NFL as a second round pick.
Nick Martin C Notre Dame
His brother was also a standout offensive lineman for the Irish and now plays in Dallas. Nick may not be as talented as his brother but if he somewhat lives up to his family pedigree than Martin will enjoy a nice NFL career. He suffered a major knee injury two years ago but has come back since that and played at both guard and center. He doesn’t have long arms or size for an offensive lineman, but he’s a tough leader with great awareness. There’s no doubt he will break through on an offensive line somewhere.
Nate Sudfeld QB Indiana
Here’s my shocker of the sleeper picks. I’m not a big fan of the QBs in the draft, but if there’s one late round QB I think can make it my money would be on Sudfeld if he’s given the opportunity. He’s got more than ideal size at 6’6” 234 pounds that enables him to stand strong in the pocket and survey the field. He’s a three year starter with the arm strength to make it in the NFL. Where he needs the most improvement is on field awareness, an area which sitting for a year or two may help him before he gets a chance. Sudfeld has a chance to go on day three or undrafted but that wouldn’t stop me from taking him.
Rashard Higgins WR Colorado State
Higgins doesn’t excel in any one area but he does so many things well that it’s hard to believe he won’t find success. Higgins has alright size at 6’1” 196 pounds. His speed is average, but he runs good routes, uses his hands to catch the football, and is great at tracking and getting the football. He was among the most productive WRs in college over the last few years and he should succeed in the NFL too. He’ll be a midround pick.
Jihad Ward DE Illinois
Ward was one of the biggest shiners at the Senior Bowl. While he may have average athleticism for his size and didn’t put up eye popping numbers his senior year, Ward still offers great upside as he continues to get better. He was at Illinois for only two years after coming from JUCO and has yet to scratch his potential. He can set the edge for a team by being able to play both end positions. He may creep into the third round but likely a day three pick.
Sterling Shepard WR Oklahoma
Shepard should be a second round pick in the draft but that isn’t stopping me from liking him. He is undersized and that’s likely why he will go in the second because of his 5’10” 194 pound frame. He makes a great slot receiver in the NFL though. He’s extremely strong with 20 reps at the combine, tied at the top for receivers, and rarely drops passes. The best thing about him is his route running is among the best in the draft. He could join some of these shifty smaller receivers like Tyler Lockett at the next level.
Roberto Aguayo K Florida State
Kickers are people too. Aguayo is one of my favorite players in the draft despite being a kicker. With the new extra point rules, kickers are more crucial than ever. Aguayo won the Lou Groza award as a freshman going 21-22 and 94-94 on XPs. The next two years he was 27-30 and 21-26, and never missing from under 40 yards. A three time All-American, most kickers don’t leave school early but Aguayo is worth the pick.
Jordan Howard RB Indiana
I’m really big on some of these players coming out from Indiana and Temple this year. The former UAB transfer is a strong physical runner that will get the extra yards after contact. He has great vision to put on his 230 pound frame. He also was productive with 145 rushing yards in every full game he played with 6.2 yards per attempt this year. He does have some injuries in the past and is not a pass catching threat. Those couple things may dock him into being a day two pick but he is one of the best pure rushers in the draft.
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