2023 NFL Draft: 20 Small-School Sleepers To Keep An Eye On

•Tyler Richardson, DB, Tiffin

Tyler Richardson is another gem found on day three of the 2023 NFL Draft. The Tiffin defensive back is a blast to watch, as he can throw his hat in the ring for “best athlete in the draft class”. Richardson ran a jaw-dropping 4.4 40-yard dash at his Pro Day and proved his elite agility by posting a sub-7 second 3-cone drill.

Richardson was named All-Conference three times in his collegiate career and deserves more praise than he is currently receiving. He utilizes his god-given length to jam receivers, affects passing lanes, and wrap up ball carriers in the run game. Richardson met with several teams this offseason and his versatility will make him one of the biggest steals of the class. Book it.

•Michael Irons, CB, Cornell

Arguably my favorite prospect on this entire list is Michael Irons. The Cornell cornerback is most comfortable in press-man technique, using his long arms to jam the receivers off the snap. Irons flexes impressive recovery ability on the reps he loses at the line, regularly getting himself back in the play and affecting passing lanes.

Irons plays hard and shows a high level of understanding when it comes to route recognition. He reads and reacts well but could sharpen up his instincts a tad in zone coverage. Irons is a sure tackler and would immediately be a player capable of earning a spot on the depth chart. Don’t sleep on the Ivy League standout.

•Micah Dunn, WR, Louisiana Christian

Micah Dunn is a deep threat who excels at beating his assignment off the line of scrimmage. His release package is diverse, and he can get open against a myriad of different coverages. Dunn’s best trait is his body control as he tracks the ball downfield, always managing to get his head and chest around to square up the ball as he leaps in the air.

Dunn isn’t the fast guy in the world, but there are zero instances on tape where a defender catches him from behind. With adequate enough speed and an advanced technique off the snap, Dunn provides competition to any wide receiver room in the league.

•Hunter Budke, TE, Fort Hays State

Hunter Budke is a tight-end prospect out of Fort Hays who was limited to four games of action in 2022 but posted All-American numbers as a full-timer in 2021. With 47 receptions, 620 yards, and eight touchdowns, Budke served as a top option in the passing game.

Budke is undersized but the mobility he brings after the catch levels the playing field. He exhibits steady hands and a willingness to go over the middle and take a big hit to secure a pass. As a blocker, Budke has a strong motor but could be limited throughout his career if more weight isn’t added to his frame. He is a very intriguing dart throw on day three.

•RaJae Johnson-Sanders, WR, Troy

RaJae Johnson-Sanders is the optimal build for a WR1 on the boundary. At 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, the Troy pass catcher excels at fighting for the ball in the air. He was the No. 1 wide receiver in JuCo before committing to Troy, highlighting his high-end talent. Expect Johnson-Sanders to compete for a roster spot in camp.

•Mark Evans II, OL, Arkansas-Pine Bluff

Mark Evans II represents Arkansas-Pine Bluff, putting the school on the map during his time at the Shrine Bowl, HBCU Legacy Bowl, and the NFL Combine. Evans flexed his versatility by lining up all over the line for his off-season workouts. At every spot, the star lineman impressed.

Evans brings four years of starting experience with him to the league and a level of professionalism that most peers his age lack. His work ethic is second to none, and the technique Evans put on tape is borderline flawless. Size concerns are the only thing keeping him out of day two, but it shouldn’t take long on the draft’s final day to hear his name.