Harry
ASFN Consultant and Senior Writer
Jeff ask about this. Seems like I’ve been knocking sleepers all week so feel free to knock mine. I’ve looked at players not typically in the top 100. I’m sure a few may have made some lists but I’m not investing the time to check every list. My other criteria are they could make the regular roster. I have some in my frozen thread but here are a few I debated adding.
Mecole Hardman (real first name Carey) WR Ga. He needs to improve his route running but he is still learning offense. He played defense in HS. He’s fast, athletic and smart. He also needs to get tougher. However you can’t teach speed and this guy can spread the field. He lacks enough technique to be a red zone threat yet, but he’s teachable. If this offense needs deep threats he’s your guy. Scouts just don’t like him because he’s so raw. Great pick in 4, not bad in 3.
Christian Miller LB, AL. Some of the best sleepers are guys who’ve had a string of odd injuries but who have no apparent lingering issues. This guy, like many AL recruits, was a 5 star HS player. He’s the son of an NFL player and you know I like legacy players. He never stayed healthy long enough to be a major factor at Bama, but he’s got the talent to be an above average pass rusher. He flashed when he played. He fast, agile and knows the game. His injuries have prevented him becoming as strong as he needs to be. He’d be sound on special teams and I like his potential to be a passing down ILB. Probably round 4 likely.
Corey Ballentine CB, Washburn. Cards like to put corners on an island when they blitz. I think he’d project better if he was a tick faster, but he can play. He’s very fluid so he rarely loses ground coming out of a break. What’s rare about him is he has that rare burst to the ball. It makes no sense but if he’s close he’ll typically make the play. He’s been great on special teams and I think he’d be a good gunner. He blocks kicks. A solid motor and great attitude toward study enhance his potential. He’s electric on the field and really fun to watch.
Daylon Mack NT, T A&M. Sometimes a player and a coaching staff just don’t mesh. Sometimes it’s just a matter of maturity. This guy was another HS standout who had trouble making the transition to college. A staff change made him into a fine prospect. It’d be nice if he were an inch or 2 taller but then he’d never last to be a sleeper. He can anchor with the best of them or collapse the pocket. He’s the whole package if he comes to play. He’d be solid at 4 and a steal at 5. Someone might grab him in the third.
Mecole Hardman (real first name Carey) WR Ga. He needs to improve his route running but he is still learning offense. He played defense in HS. He’s fast, athletic and smart. He also needs to get tougher. However you can’t teach speed and this guy can spread the field. He lacks enough technique to be a red zone threat yet, but he’s teachable. If this offense needs deep threats he’s your guy. Scouts just don’t like him because he’s so raw. Great pick in 4, not bad in 3.
Christian Miller LB, AL. Some of the best sleepers are guys who’ve had a string of odd injuries but who have no apparent lingering issues. This guy, like many AL recruits, was a 5 star HS player. He’s the son of an NFL player and you know I like legacy players. He never stayed healthy long enough to be a major factor at Bama, but he’s got the talent to be an above average pass rusher. He flashed when he played. He fast, agile and knows the game. His injuries have prevented him becoming as strong as he needs to be. He’d be sound on special teams and I like his potential to be a passing down ILB. Probably round 4 likely.
Corey Ballentine CB, Washburn. Cards like to put corners on an island when they blitz. I think he’d project better if he was a tick faster, but he can play. He’s very fluid so he rarely loses ground coming out of a break. What’s rare about him is he has that rare burst to the ball. It makes no sense but if he’s close he’ll typically make the play. He’s been great on special teams and I think he’d be a good gunner. He blocks kicks. A solid motor and great attitude toward study enhance his potential. He’s electric on the field and really fun to watch.
Daylon Mack NT, T A&M. Sometimes a player and a coaching staff just don’t mesh. Sometimes it’s just a matter of maturity. This guy was another HS standout who had trouble making the transition to college. A staff change made him into a fine prospect. It’d be nice if he were an inch or 2 taller but then he’d never last to be a sleeper. He can anchor with the best of them or collapse the pocket. He’s the whole package if he comes to play. He’d be solid at 4 and a steal at 5. Someone might grab him in the third.
