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 [April 20, 2024]
The third day of the NFL draft is the spotlight moment for
the hard-working area scouts and position coaches behind the curtain
to celebrate the gem prospects they believe are underappreciated and
acute fits for a need or the overall team culture.
A late-round pick or a highly coveted undrafted free agent can slip
through the cracks, and history shows draft position isn't the only
factor in a prospect becoming a reliable pro.
Sometimes it's a receiver who tested poorly but had all the
intangibles, like recent rookie receiving yardage record-setter Puka
Nacua (Rams).
Sometimes it's a quarterback without a strong arm or standout
athleticism, but great decision-making and a feel for running the
offense, like Brock Purdy (49ers).
Among our favorite sleepers we project as late-round picks or
undrafted free agents are these 10 names to know:
Jaden Crumedy, DT/DE, Mississippi State
Injuries limited Crumedy over the past couple years, but when
healthy he was one of the more dynamic big men among college
defensive lines. Despite being 300 pounds he regularly lined up over
tackles early in his career. Clearly, the tools are present as the
foundation for a great find.
Sataoa Laumea, OG, Utah
A college tackle who figures to kick inside as a pro, Laumea's
length, strength and tenacity fit lead to a projection of long-time
starter at guard. There will be some projection involved for teams,
but he could easily outplay a fourth- or fifth-round draft slot.
Tip Reiman, TE, Illinois
Reiman's modest production won't stand out amongst tight end
prospects, but a blazing 4.64 40-yard dash at 6-foot-5 and 271
pounds set him apart from his peers at the position. In a tight end
class lacking depth, he figures to be one of the more interesting
mid rounders at the position.
Travis Clayton, OT, Basingstoke RFC
A former rugby player and boxer, Clayton's special pro day gives him
a legitimate chance to get picked. He ran a 4.82 40-yard dash at
6-7, 301 and has 35-inch arm length. Jake Witt was drafted in the
seventh round last year with size and speed, but less length.
Eric Watts, DE, Connecticut
One of the freakiest height-weight-speed athletes in the draft,
Watts has near 36-inch arms at 6-6, 274 and ran in the 4.6s at the
NFL Scouting Combine. He's a bit stiff with his rush and will need
seasoning with his hands, but he is extremely undervalued right now
given his upside.
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Mar 1, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois tight end Tip Reiman
(TE10) works out during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo
Bayron Matos, OT, South Florida
A walk-on at USF who played college basketball, Matos has almost no
experience and would need a long runway. His traits are drawing
scouts to take a look because of a frame -- 6-7, 313, 35-inch arms
-- and light feet indicating he'll grow into football. Matos ran a
4.92 at his pro day.
McKinnley Jackson, DT, Texas A&M
Testing bumped Jackson down from a likely Day Two pick into the
sixth-round range. His length and strength in the run game are
readymade for the next level.
Craig Young, LB, Kansas
Primarily a nickel defender for the Jayhawks, Young went from 215 to
225 pounds during the pre-draft process to show he could hold the
weight of a true linebacker and testing indicates he maintained his
athleticism. Fits for teams emphasizing hybrid versatility in the
back seven such as Seattle and Baltimore.
Chau Smith-Wade, CB, Washington State
At a shade under 5-10 and only 184 pounds, Smith-Wade's draft stock
tanked with his 4.5 40 time as a likely nickel-only corner. His
smooth movements in transition and sticky man coverage should
translate.
Jaylon Carlies, LB/S, Missouri
Carlies should be getting more attention. He's the ideal modern-day
linebacker with height, weight, length and speed teams covet. His
instincts are still in the works, but ceilings don't get much higher
for late-rounders.
--Field Level Media
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