2024 NFL Draft: Biggest sleepers on the board according to latest expert picks
It's time for the 2024 NFL Draft and the top prospects that include USC's Caleb Williams and LSU's Jayden Daniels are expected to be taken off the board early on. But, those who weren't predicted to go as high in mock drafts will likely be eagerly waiting to hear their name called.
Now, let's turn our attention to the players who, despite not yet basking in the full glare of the spotlight, could potentially make a significant impact in the upcoming NFL season. These are the players who could surprise everyone.
Here are a handful of NFL Draft prospects that are considered sleepers, according to latest NFL Draft odds from BetMGM.
What time does NFL draft start? Estimated times for every team's Round 1 pick
2024 NFL Draft Sleepers
Here are the standout sleepers from expects across the field.
Ryan Fowler, Bleacher Report: Jacob Cowing, Wide Receiver, Arizona
Fowler writes: "An electric inside-out threat, Jacob Cowing has flown under the radar a bit simply due to the overall talent that remains in this year's WR class. A two-time 1,000-plus yard receiver during his time at UTEP and in the Pac-12 at Arizona, while his production initially draws attention, it's the subtleties in Cowing's game that make him such an intriguing prospect. Route-running and separation -- two things that always translate to the highest level of the game. For Cowing, while he wasn't blessed with the verticality or elite athletic profile of some of the headliners in the class at his position, his outstanding hands, sudden footwork and acceleration after the catch will make him a tough cover."
David Cobb, CBS Sports: Cody Schrader, Running Back, Missouri
Cobb writes: "Schrader will turn 25 early in the 2024 season, so he's already deep into his professional clock at a position notorious for producing short careers. But he's a bruiser who proved himself at the highest level of college football by averaging 5.9 yards per carry at Missouri in 2023. Schrader is also a competent pass catcher. After beginning his college career redshirting at Division II Truman State, Schrader has overcome the odds to even reach this point. Don't count him out now."
Mike Band, NFL.com: Braden Fiske, Defensive Tackle, Florida State
Band writes: "No player may have capitalized on the offseason process more effectively than Fiske. Originally a standout at Western Michigan, the defensive tackle was highly sought after in the transfer portal just over a year ago. In his sole season at Florida State as a sixth-year senior, he earned second-team All-ACC honors, amassing 43 tackles, nine tackles for loss and six sacks as a 3-technique along FSU’s four-man front. The 24-year-old prospect wrapped his college career with an impressive 43 starts in 58 games. While his age might be seen as a drawback, Fiske's proven performance and maturity present a valuable opportunity for NFL teams. For franchises seeking a reliable and immediate contributor along the defensive line on Day 2, Braden Fiske stands out as an ideal candidate."
Louis Reddick, ESPN: Dewayne Carter, Defensive Tackle, Duke
Reddick writes: "At 6-foot-2 and 302 pounds (33-inch arms), he has the physical traits, instincts and scheme recognition to be productive at the point of attack on one-on-one or double-team matchups. Carter plays with good gap control and gets off blocks to make plays against the run. And with a 4.99-second run in the 40, he is quick off the ball in the pass rush. He can run you over with power, work the edge of the center or guard with his sudden hands and feet and finish with his high-end closing speed. Over the past three seasons, Carter had 80 pressures, 11 sacks, 22 run stops and 19 tackles for loss. He is at his best as a 3-technique defensive tackle in a 4-3 scheme, but he will be successful no matter how he is used in the NFL. Carter is just a damn good football player."
Jacob Camenker, Sporting News: Spencer Rattler, Quarterback, South Carolina
Camenker writes: "Rattler also overcame adversity during his college career. Not just because of his lost battle against Williams, but also because of the talent he played with at South Carolina. He was under constant pressure and endured a lot of drops which made his senior-year numbers — 68.9 completion percentage, 3,186 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions — impressive to at least one NFL decision-maker. If Rattler ends up on a team with a solid supporting cast, he may be able to outperform expectations. That makes him a solid Day 2 investment, as even if he doesn't develop into a starter, he could be a high-end backup for the next decade-plus."
2024 NFL Draft additional sleepers to consider
Bo Nix, Quarterback, Oregon
There are several highly talented quarterbacks expected to be selected early in the draft, which means Bo Nix has fallen out of the spotlight. During his final season at Oregon, Nix had a completion rate of 77.4% and threw for 4,508 yards, 45 touchdowns, and only three interceptions. It is difficult to predict where Nix will be selected in the draft, but it could be anywhere from the bottom of the first round to the early third round.
The Denver Broncos currently have the best odds to take Nix at -140, and his under 32.5 draft position is -105.
Kool-Aid McKinstry, Cornerback, Alabama
In the 2023 season, McKinstry was considered one of the most talented players in college football as a cornerback. He managed to make 32 total tackles and 24 solo tackles in the season for Alabama, mainly because quarterbacks targeted him less frequently. Although he may not have exceptional athleticism, his size and football intelligence are promising traits for his future as a player.
McKinstry's current odds to being a top 10 pick at +10000 and his over/under odds at 28.5. McKinstry is considered a top 35 prospects and draft range is as early as the first round.
Tyler Guyton, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma
During the 2023 season, Tyler Guyton played a crucial role at right tackle for the Oklahoma Sooners. Guyton displayed impressive athleticism in his pass protection skills. Fast on his feet, Guyton will most likely be a suitable candidate for a smooth transition to the left side in the professional league, but he could take some time to develop.
Guymon's odds is currently at +6000 to go as a top 10 pick but is an offensive candidate to be drafted in the first round and anytime after.
Joe Milton III, Quarterback, Tennessee
Joe Milton, who later transferred to Tennessee from Michigan, opted out of the team's bowl game to focus on his preparation for the upcoming NFL draft. Milton wrapped up his college football career after three seasons at Tennessee. Milton concluded the 2023 season with a 64.7% completion rate for a total of 2,813 yards, 20 touchdowns, and five interceptions.
Milton's draft range is anywhere from the middle of the fifth round to undrafted free agent.
When is the 2024 NFL Draft?
Where: Campus Marius Park at Hart Plaza in Detroit, Michigan
When: April 25-27, 2024
Cable TV: ESPN, ABC, NFL Network
Streaming: NFL+; ESPN+; fuboTV
How to watch: Catch the NFL Draft this year with a subscription to fuboTV
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2024 NFL Draft: Best sleepers on the board on draft day
