Here are some sleepers by position heading into the 2020 NFL Draft. For more details, scroll down.
Defensive Backs
Julian Blackmon, Utah
Nevelle Clarke, Central Florida
John Reid, Penn State
Amik Robertson, Louisiana Tech
Geno Stone, Iowa
Defensive Tackles
McTelvin Agim, Arkansas
Auzoyah Alufohai, West Georgia
Rashard Lawrence, LSU
James Lynch, Baylor
Edge Rushers
Nick Coe, Auburn
Trevis Gipson, Tulsa
Derrek Tuszka, North Dakota State
Linebackers
Troy Dye, Oregon
Logan Wilson, Wyoming
Offensive Linemen
Ben Bartch, St. John’s (Minn.)
Tyler Biadasz, Wisconsin
Jack Driscoll, Auburn
Matthew Peart, Connecticut
Danny Pinter, Ball State
Alex Taylor, South Carolina State State
Darryl Williams, Mississippi State
Running Backs
Darrynton Evans, Appalachian State
Zack Moss, Utah
J.J. Taylor, Arizona
James Robinson, Illinois State
Tight Ends
Colby Parkinson, Stanford
Charlie Taumoepeau, Portland State
Wide Receivers
Isaiah Coulter, Rhode Island
Tyler Johnson, Minnesota
Darnell Mooney, Tulane
You have read about some of these players in this space. Others may be new names to some people, but they’re all worth keeping an eye on despite not being part of the day-to-day NFL Draft conversation. Let’s discuss a few.
Defense:
Louisiana Tech’s Amik Robertson may be the best cornerback in the class, but he will likely drop to the third or fourth round due to his size (5-foot-8). You have seen me and others compare him to Ravens nickel back Tavon Young. Iowa’s Geno Stone, a box safety who packs a punch, is another name that seems to be gathering steam as of late. He could hear his name called in the second or third round.
Go watch Alabama-LSU and you will agree that LSU defensive tackle Rashard Lawrence is just not being talked about enough. Lawrence is not the perfect prospect, but as a 1-tech or 2-tech, he is a starter at the NFL level. Tulsa’s Trevis Gipson is an evolving player who has many traits you love to see in an edge rusher. His balance is questionable at times, but he shows flashes of brilliance. Oregon’s Troy Dye and Wyoming’s Logan Wilson are two reasons you do not have to reach for an inside linebacker early in the draft.
Offense:
Offensive linemen Ben Bartch, Tyler Biadasz, Jack Driscoll and Matthew Peart are four players who could contribute at the NFL level early on. Driscoll in particular would be a terrific swing tackle. Utah’s Zack Moss is the best running back in the NFL draft this year — or at least he could be. Those of you that know me are tired of me professing my love of Darrynton Evans, so I will not say anything more about him.
As far as the pass catchers go, Stanford’s Colby Parkinson and Portland State’s Charlie Taumoepeau are solid tight ends who could shine in the NFL. Rhode Island wide receiver Isaiah Coulter is a size-speed guy that has solid hands, but he will need some time to adjust to the NFL game. Watch his performance against Virginia Tech and you will want your team to draft him!
I originally meant to break down my top 10 draft sleepers with this article, but there are just so many players I love. With that said, here are my top 10 sleepers.
1. Amik Robertson, CB, Louisiana Tech
2. Darrynton Evans, RB, Appalachian State
3. Matthew Peart, OT, Connecticut
4. Rashard Lawrence, DT, LSU
5. Isaiah Coulter, WR, Rhode Island
6. Logan Wilson, LB, Wyoming
7. Troy Dye, LB, Oregon
8. Tyler Johnson, WR, Minnesota
9. Jack Driscoll, OT, Auburn
10. Charlie Taumoepeau, TE, Portland State
Did your favorite sleeper make the list? Let us know!
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Rhode Island Athletics