NFL Mocks Staff: Favorite Draft Sleepers

Drafting is a key part to any team’s success, nailing your team’s top half of the draft is an essential for success. What separates good teams from great ones is the ability to select contributors late in drafts. Seattle has been able to find franchise players in the late rounds almost yearly with players like Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor and Russell Wilson.

We asked our NFLMocks staff who some of their favorite sleepers are in this years class. Let’s take a look at what some of them had to say:

Tyler Morales (@_TylerMorales)

Vince Mayle, WR, Washington State: Mayle has lost a lot of steam after posting a slow 40 yard dash at the NFL combine. His 4.67 40 was not encouraging at all but his ability on the field cancels out his slow time. He is 6’2 224 lbs and is a former college basketball player. He has limited playing experience playing football, he only played two seasons at Washington State and increased his receiving yardage from 539 his junior year to 1483 his senior year. He exploded on the scene this year and is still not getting the attention he deserves. Mayle showed incredible production for a player with limited playing experience and the sky is the limit for this guy. He could produce immediately in the NFL his rookie year and I won’t be shocked if he’s a top rookie wide out this season.

Sayre Bedinger (@SayreBedinger)

Zach Zenner, RB, South Dakota St.: He’s becoming almost such a big time sleeper that he’s trendy, though, so it’s tough. Zenner is a prototypical zone running back with speed, vision, power, quickness, and he can catch the football really well out of the backfield. If some team drafts him to play fullback I’ll come outside of my skull. This guy is such an explosive athlete and a great running back, it would be a shame for him to be given the role of ‘lead blocker’ though I think he’d certainly work at the craft. More than that too, Zenner is a stand up guy and well-liked and respected. Three straight years of 2,000 yards rushing at South Dakota State. This guy is a flat out ANIMAL with the football in his hands. Give him the rock. Feed the beast. 

Jonah Tuls (@jonahtuls15)

JaCorey Sheppard, CB, Kansas: Has the size and ability to play both on the outside and in the slot. His lack of help in run support hurts him, but in terms of coverage, he is up there with the top cornerbacks in the draft. He has exceptional ball skills along with attacking the ball at its highest point before the receiver can get his hands on it. Has a WR mindset simply because he started at WR for 10 games early in his career as a Jayhawk. His long speed is what puts him in Day 3, but he has enough athleticism to be a reliable starter in the NFL. He is also a smart player who only takes chances when he needs to. Overall, he is projected to be a 5th/6th prospect in the 2015 NFL Draft with the cover skills of a starting CB in the NFL right away. I would undoubtedly take him in the late 3rd/early 4th round range because of the natural ball skills and coverage he possesses.

Charles McDonald (@McDraft2)

Terry Williams, ECU, DT: Terry Williams is a prospect that has really hurt himself with off the field issues. From what information I could gather, he was suspended from the program 4 times and has struggled with weight and conditioning issues. When he’s on the field, he’s as dominant a force as there is in this entire draft class. He annihilates single blocks and commands double teams on a consistent basis. When teams run outside run plays Williams shows the ability to run from sideline to sideline — rare ability for a 350lb nose tackle. To cap it all off he shows the ability to get a decent pass rush up the middle. If Williams didn’t have the off the field issues, we’re talking about a legitimate first round prospect.

And for the record, he is better than Danny Shelton and its not really close.

Bo Martin (@BoKnowsBCB)

Jacob Hagen, Safety, Liberty: In a league that lacks dynamic prospects at the free safety position, Hagen should be a hot commodity. He has exceptional range and instincts, as displayed by his high turnover numbers. It’s rare to see Hagen get burnt and is strong in both man and zone coverage. Aside from his competent pass defense ability, he’s a quick crasher against the run that is often around the play. Watch the tape and you’ll see him involved in everything. Excellent vision, awareness and hands. He’ll be a late pick, but make no mistake this is a guy who will turn heads in his second and third years.

Joe Wedra (@JoeWedra)

Josh Robinson, RB, Mississippi State:  He’s a kid that does a lot of things right when running the football. He showed flashes of Ray Rice on tape. His lower half is much better than expected, and his lack of straight-line speed isn’t much of a concern with his running style. He’s quick to hit the hole and doesn’t hesitate. Should be a nice mid-round pick that has a chance to make a roster immediately.