2024 NFL Draft Hidden Gems 2.0
By Hayden Shapiro
Every single year in the NFL Draft we see players selected on day two or three that make teams regret passing up on them. Whether it’s low expectations or lack of hype in college, so many players fly under the radar during the draft process. Here are some hidden gems that I like after gathering information, watching film, and most importantly, a week after the senior bowl. As always, drop a follow if you like what you read, much love, and Stay Cool.
Ennis Rakestraw Jr, CB Missouri
Coaches on the Mizzou staff referred to him as “The Ultimate Hype Man”, and for good reason. Rakestraw plays so much bigger than he is. He adds some nastiness to whatever secondary he is a part of and uses his elite timing to consistently jump routes. He has unbelievable instincts and excels in zone coverage. I do have a day one grade on him, but his weight and size worry me. The reason he is so good in zone is a result of him not being strong enough to man-up bigger wideouts. His knack for the big play is very Devon Witherspoon esc. I really like Rakestraw and the tenacity he brings on every snap.
Comp — Devon Witherspoon/Brent Grimes
Payton Wilson, LB N.C. State
Ranking eight in the entire country in tackles, along with six sacks, six passes defended, and three interceptions, Wilson’s stats quite literally jump off of the page. He is the best inside backer in this class for two main reasons. 1. His size, 6’4, does not slow him down one bit. He moves like a nickel back and has the instincts of a safety, all in a 6’4 frame. 2. He can start from day one. He wasn’t just performing amazingly every game in a small conference, no, this was the ACC. I love Wilson in coverage, he can line up everywhere. The dude is just an athlete.
Comp — Dre Greenlaw
Darius Robinson, DE Missouri
Robinson is the perfect 3–4 defensive end, build-wise. At 6’5, 280 pounds, Robinson can line up inside and out. He is a force in the run game and adept at setting the edge. I have him as a fringe day one prospect, but a great value pick in rounds two or three. He has very heavy hands, swiping down the tackle's arms with ease along with fast, twitchy feet that allow him to get into the backfield on outside/zone runs.
Comp — Kwity Paye
Patrick Paul, OT Houston
Paul is raw, but if you let him sit a year or two, boy is it going to pay off. He is a pure left tackle. He is extremely fast for his size, exceptional footwork, and plays with a hog-mauler type attitude. Paul has very strong hands and excels in pass protection.
Comp — Donovan Smith
Ricky Pearsall, WR Florida
Ricky has a unique combination of speed and fluidity. He is an extraordinary route runner and was the definition of consistent throughout his career in Gainesville. He has so many unreal highlight grabs that scouts are going to love, but I have a good feeling he is going to test out really well at the combine as well. BONUS: The dude can block, something rookie WR’s struggle with more often than not. Pearsall can also play inside or on the perimeter.
Comp — Tyler Boyd
Ja’Tavion Sanders, TE Texas
Sanders may just look like a blocking TE, a physical specimen who has exceeded expectations as result of above average quarterback play and a large target share, but this assumption could not be more wrong. His intangibles, things that cannot be taught, are out of this world. He runs like a track star, he is strong enough to run through arm tackles, and yes, you guessed it, he can block with the best of them. Sanders is flying way under the radar for no reason. I think that he is deserving of a first round selection, but positional value and the disregardment of the tight end position is something that sadly occurs in drafts. I really like Sanders as a second or third option in an offense. His exceptional blocking make him so appealing, but don’t let that take away from what he can do with the ball in his hands
Comp — Eric Ebron
Jeremiah Trotter Jr, LB Clemson
Trotter is a very dangerous pass rusher from up the middle. His expertise is shooting the gaps on run plays. His reaction time is impeccable, but he really struggles in coverage. He plays well in space and closes in on tackles very quickly. He is a fringe top 60 guy for me.
Comp — Jordyn Brooks
Kiran Amegadjie, T Yale
This Bulldog needs some development, but all of the tools are there. He could definitely benefit from sitting a year or two, but he has the ability to become one of the best tackles in the game. He moves so fast and fluidly for his size and can help a team at left tackle down the line.
Comp — Taylor Moton
