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Yesterday, I gave you five names of player sleepers from the 2021 NFL Draft. These are players that we believe could make solid contributions to their teams and outperform where they were drafted.
Some guys may make an impact in their rookie year, and others may need a season or two to continue their development. Either or, these are players that weren't drafted ridiculously high yet feel they have starter and maybe even pro bowl potential.
To recap, five players from the draft that I like as sleepers:
WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions
LB Jabril Cox, Dallas Cowboys
DT Daviyon Nixon, Carolina Panthers
CB Tay Gowan, Arizona Cardinals
OT Larnel Coleman, Miami Dolphins
Who are some of your sleepers from the 2021 NFL Draft?
Perkins was a guy I wanted for the Giants, but Ojulari and Smith leave me good there lol. New England's defense looks like it may be shifting from secondary to pass rush given the age of their DBs.
Also, Dyami Brown is a problem, I can't believe he slid either. Not happy about WFT having a formidable trio of WRs lol.
I think once Josh Palmer develops a little bit and has consistent QB play (assuming Herbert stays consistent) he could be a stud.. his body control and ability to get 50/50 balls in college was impressive and has good size to play outside or maybe run the slot route tree and get some seperation against some nickel/linebacker matchups
The Chargers haven’t received enough credit for their draft this year and last.
Developing Justin Herbert is priority number one and grabbing Rashawn Slater to help protect him was an A+ excellent move.
I also loved the Asante Samuel Jr. pick as he’s one of my favorite cornerbacks in this class. He plays the position so much bigger than his size and is as competitive as any player in this draft.
Josh Palmer seems like a motivated driven player and definitely has some upside to develop into a nice WR3 and maybe even WR2 depending how the receiver group shakes out for the Chargers after this year.
Not sure if you’re a Chargers fan, but if you are, I’d be excited for the future.
Not a chargers fan, but do like herbert. Titans and Vols are my teams, which is why I know all to well about Vols players being way underdeveloped and/or underutilized the last few years (i.e. Marquez Calloway, Shy Tuttle, Emmanuel Moseley, Alvin Kamara...you know what never mind this is getting depressing)
James Wiggins is a sleeper I really like. Injuries aside, the kid has a lot of traits you love.
Noah Gray is another great pick. He’s underrated at creating separation and KC can move him around the field a bit, allowing Kelce to continue playing the role he plays. Fun fact about Gray, he grew up 10 minutes from my hometown.
Obviously his Father is a position coach at Iowa and brother Ben was a good linebacker at Iowa because of his intelligence but Nick has much better physical traits in my opinion
The football family aspect just holds value to me because I’ve talked to players in the past that said they felt if they started learning the game at an earlier age, it would have helped them develop mentally and process the game quicker.
This might be stating the obvious but I still like to point that stuff out. Football family stories are also really cool to see.
I like Jabril Cox. He showed great leadership being able to transfer into LSU from NDSU and be a captain immediately, but he’s going to a pretty stacked linebacker room. Do you think there’s room for him?
I think they’ll use Cox as a situational linebacker, specifically on third downs. The injury concern with some of their linebackers is questionable so Cox could see an expanded role as the season progresses. If his coverage abilities take over, then he’ll see more snaps too.
I know he went in the second round, but Tutu Atwell in the second round to the Rams could be a steal for LA. He’s a little bit smaller but Atwell in that Brandin Cooks role and we saw over the last handful of years how Stafford worked with Marvin Jones Jr.
Tutu Atwell’s size still concerns me a lot. Not saying he can’t be a great receiver but he has to add 10-15 pounds to that frame to withstand the hits he’ll take at this level.
As for the talent, I can’t argue that one bit. He is dangerous with the ball in his hands. A big play waiting to happen.
I’m sure McVay will write up plays just for him and he’ll have some highlight reel plays as a rookie.
Coleman might not make an immediate impact in his first year or two, but he has a high ceiling to be a spot starter and continue to develop as a potential full time starter. As a 7th rounder, I’ll take that upside every single day of the week.
I'm a big fan of Patrick Jones II. Lost some momentum after the Senior Bowl, but I think he has a high ceiling. Working with Mike Zimmer and that Vikings defense could unlock his potential.
Wyatt Hubert hasn't gotten a whole lot of buzz, but I think he's a steal in the 7th round. Really solid pass-rusher who looked good at the Senior Bowl. Bengals got 3 really solid pass rushers in this draft.
Also like Jake Funk, late round RB to the Rams. Small sample size in college, but I think he can carve out a role in that offense.
Nick, I love Jake Funk! Just watch that thrilling overtime win over Minnesota from last season to get a sense of his game. I think he takes over the Malcom Brown role in that run game.
I too was high on Patrick Jones II, because I'm off the camp that guys who get sacks in college get sacks in the pros. Seems like a good pairing where he's at.
I definitely would say James Hudson from Cincy. Watching him play was cool because he plays hard and violent but in a good way. I really liked him and was surprised to see him fall. Browns did good there
I really like Hudson too, Ben! He's a football player through and through, but still needs to develop some. For the Browns it is a great pick, but it is also deciding on whether to play him at G or T. Fortunately he does not need to start right away. Good investment.
Dax Milne. Zach Wilson’s favourite target. And if your QB has that much faith in you then you must be doing something right. He also put up good numbers.
CB Paulson Adebo, Stanford to the New Orleans Saints
Saints trade up to get him at pick 12 in the 3rd. Once regarded as CB2 in the 2020 draft behind 3rd overall pick CB Jeff Okudah. Adebo is 6ft1, 192lbs with long arms, great speed and natural tracking ability. In 2018, he led the nation with 19 passes defended including 4 interceptions. Seems like forever ago I know, but the kid opted out in 2020 and ended up falling off draft boards because "out of sight out of mind". With Janoris Jenkins moving on to TEN, Adebo will see playing time because the kid can flat out play. Steal of the draft.
My top 10 favorite sleepers in no particular order:
1. RB Rhamondre Stevenson - Patriots
2. EDGE Elerson Smith - Giants
3. CB Shaun Wade - Ravens
4. WR Dez Fitzpatrick - Titans
5. S Damar Hamlin - Bills
6. LB Buddy Johnson - Steelers
7. S Talanoa Hufanga - 49ers
8. CB Robert Rochell - Rams
9. S Jamar Johnson - Broncos
10. OT Stone Forsythe - Seahawks
Some great picks here man!
Hufanga and Stevenson are both super intriguing because of the team fits and the potential to see the field early on.
Wyatt Davis G, Minn
Micheal Carter RB NYJ
Dyami Brown WR WFT
Love Dyami Brown. One of my favorite receivers from this class.
Ellerson Smith, EDGE, NYG picked at 116
Ronnie Perkins, EDGE, NE picked at 96
Dyami Brown, WR, WFT picked at 82
Ihmir Smith-Marsette, WR, Minn picked at 157
I really like Perkins in New England’s scheme. They need a guy with his talent.
And if you know me, I’ve been pounding the table for Dyami Brown for a long time now. Was surprised he slid as far as he did.
Perkins was a guy I wanted for the Giants, but Ojulari and Smith leave me good there lol. New England's defense looks like it may be shifting from secondary to pass rush given the age of their DBs.
Also, Dyami Brown is a problem, I can't believe he slid either. Not happy about WFT having a formidable trio of WRs lol.
Barnes LB Detroit
I think once Josh Palmer develops a little bit and has consistent QB play (assuming Herbert stays consistent) he could be a stud.. his body control and ability to get 50/50 balls in college was impressive and has good size to play outside or maybe run the slot route tree and get some seperation against some nickel/linebacker matchups
I can’t argue any of this my friend.
The Chargers haven’t received enough credit for their draft this year and last.
Developing Justin Herbert is priority number one and grabbing Rashawn Slater to help protect him was an A+ excellent move.
I also loved the Asante Samuel Jr. pick as he’s one of my favorite cornerbacks in this class. He plays the position so much bigger than his size and is as competitive as any player in this draft.
Josh Palmer seems like a motivated driven player and definitely has some upside to develop into a nice WR3 and maybe even WR2 depending how the receiver group shakes out for the Chargers after this year.
Not sure if you’re a Chargers fan, but if you are, I’d be excited for the future.
Not a chargers fan, but do like herbert. Titans and Vols are my teams, which is why I know all to well about Vols players being way underdeveloped and/or underutilized the last few years (i.e. Marquez Calloway, Shy Tuttle, Emmanuel Moseley, Alvin Kamara...you know what never mind this is getting depressing)
I’ll go with Quincy Roche and Dylan Moses
1. Jalen Camp-Incredible measurables. Think he's in a good spot to learn and grow, could also double as an uber athletic tight end too.
2. James Wiggins-Health aside, great talent.
3. Gerrid Doaks-2nd gear lacking aside, think he's a great back.
4. Noah Gray-another one landing in the perfect spot. Super athletic and gonna learn from one of the best while playing with one of the best qb's.
5. Hamsah Nasrildeen-Elite athlete, great size, plays with an edge. Think health is the only thing that will hold him back.
James Wiggins is a sleeper I really like. Injuries aside, the kid has a lot of traits you love.
Noah Gray is another great pick. He’s underrated at creating separation and KC can move him around the field a bit, allowing Kelce to continue playing the role he plays. Fun fact about Gray, he grew up 10 minutes from my hometown.
That would make me root for him! I think he'll only continue to grow. I think 3-4 years he could be a good one!
LB Nick Niemann from Iowa to the Rams was a steal. Was a late developer but great speed and coverage ability.
Nick Niemann also comes from a football family which doesn’t have to mean much, but in my eyes I like it as he’s been around the game his entire life.
He definitely has to work on his play strength at the next level. He has nice traits if he can continue to improve.
Situational coverage linebacker is definitely in play for him with room to grow into more!
Obviously his Father is a position coach at Iowa and brother Ben was a good linebacker at Iowa because of his intelligence but Nick has much better physical traits in my opinion
The football family aspect just holds value to me because I’ve talked to players in the past that said they felt if they started learning the game at an earlier age, it would have helped them develop mentally and process the game quicker.
This might be stating the obvious but I still like to point that stuff out. Football family stories are also really cool to see.
He went the chargers:)
Trey Smith in the KC IOL. The man was a beast in college and could become a starter in KC this year.
A lot to like about that fit.
I like Jabril Cox. He showed great leadership being able to transfer into LSU from NDSU and be a captain immediately, but he’s going to a pretty stacked linebacker room. Do you think there’s room for him?
I think they’ll use Cox as a situational linebacker, specifically on third downs. The injury concern with some of their linebackers is questionable so Cox could see an expanded role as the season progresses. If his coverage abilities take over, then he’ll see more snaps too.
I know he went in the second round, but Tutu Atwell in the second round to the Rams could be a steal for LA. He’s a little bit smaller but Atwell in that Brandin Cooks role and we saw over the last handful of years how Stafford worked with Marvin Jones Jr.
Tutu Atwell’s size still concerns me a lot. Not saying he can’t be a great receiver but he has to add 10-15 pounds to that frame to withstand the hits he’ll take at this level.
As for the talent, I can’t argue that one bit. He is dangerous with the ball in his hands. A big play waiting to happen.
I’m sure McVay will write up plays just for him and he’ll have some highlight reel plays as a rookie.
Nailed 4/5 for me - just didn’t know Larnel
Coleman might not make an immediate impact in his first year or two, but he has a high ceiling to be a spot starter and continue to develop as a potential full time starter. As a 7th rounder, I’ll take that upside every single day of the week.
I'm a big fan of Patrick Jones II. Lost some momentum after the Senior Bowl, but I think he has a high ceiling. Working with Mike Zimmer and that Vikings defense could unlock his potential.
Wyatt Hubert hasn't gotten a whole lot of buzz, but I think he's a steal in the 7th round. Really solid pass-rusher who looked good at the Senior Bowl. Bengals got 3 really solid pass rushers in this draft.
Also like Jake Funk, late round RB to the Rams. Small sample size in college, but I think he can carve out a role in that offense.
Nick, I love Jake Funk! Just watch that thrilling overtime win over Minnesota from last season to get a sense of his game. I think he takes over the Malcom Brown role in that run game.
I too was high on Patrick Jones II, because I'm off the camp that guys who get sacks in college get sacks in the pros. Seems like a good pairing where he's at.
I definitely would say James Hudson from Cincy. Watching him play was cool because he plays hard and violent but in a good way. I really liked him and was surprised to see him fall. Browns did good there
I really like Hudson too, Ben! He's a football player through and through, but still needs to develop some. For the Browns it is a great pick, but it is also deciding on whether to play him at G or T. Fortunately he does not need to start right away. Good investment.
Dazz Newsome - Bears. He could see some good snaps especially if Bears move on from Anthony Miller.
Thomas Graham-Bears. He has a really good chance to be the starting slot corner
Spencer Brown- RT Bills. Brown is an absolute monster and should be Day 1 starter at RT.
Dax Milne. Zach Wilson’s favourite target. And if your QB has that much faith in you then you must be doing something right. He also put up good numbers.
Good one!
Yeah Tony! I was looking into him too. The WR room in Washington got a lot more competitive.
CB Paulson Adebo, Stanford to the New Orleans Saints
Saints trade up to get him at pick 12 in the 3rd. Once regarded as CB2 in the 2020 draft behind 3rd overall pick CB Jeff Okudah. Adebo is 6ft1, 192lbs with long arms, great speed and natural tracking ability. In 2018, he led the nation with 19 passes defended including 4 interceptions. Seems like forever ago I know, but the kid opted out in 2020 and ended up falling off draft boards because "out of sight out of mind". With Janoris Jenkins moving on to TEN, Adebo will see playing time because the kid can flat out play. Steal of the draft.
Agree 100% on Cox and Nixon. I'm banging the table for Shi Smith and Shaka Toney this year. Think both should've gone way earlier than they did.