“Success is never final, and failure is never fatal,” the old expression goes. It’s something for every prospect still available in the 2019 draft to consider. Just because you don’t get picked until the fourth through seventh picks roll around doesn’t mean you can’t make major contributions to your NFL team. In the last few years alone, Dak Prescott, Stefon Diggs, George Kittle, Shaq Mason, Kwon Alexander, Trey Flowers, Grady Jarrett, Jordan Howard, and Eddie Jackson have become cornerstone players in the NFL, and you can bet at least one of the names below will rise above the rest and turn himself into something the NFL didn’t see as early as it should have.
Hakeem Butler, WR, Iowa State
Last season, Butler led all NCAA receivers with 19 catches on passes of 20 air yards or more for 721 yards and four touchdowns. He’s a big, fast, unrefined receiver who drops too many passes, but put him on the right developmental curve, and you’ll be rewarded with great production.
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, DB, Florida
Seeing Gardner-Johnson last until the third day is a real surprise, given his acumen as both a slot defender and safety, and the importance NFL teams place on both positions. In slot coverage last season, Gardner-Johnson allowed 31 catches in 54 targets for 261 yards, four touchdowns, one interception, and an opponent passer rating of 45.4. He’s going to make some secondary coach very happy with his versatility.
Deionte Thompson, S, Alabama
Thompson excelled at deep safety for one of the NCAA’s best defenses, so this is a surprise as well. Yes, he gave up four touchdown passes in 2018, but he did that over 914 total snaps, and he brings outstanding instincts to both the deep safety and lurk positions.
Riley Ridley, WR, Georgia
Calvin Ridley’s younger brother, Riley Ridley caught 69 passes for 1,015 yards and 13 touchdowns over three seasons in a limited passing offense. A smooth route-runner who especially excels against man coverage, he can come into an NFL locker room and add value as a second receiver right away.
Kelvin Harmon, WR, North Carolina State
A muscular, aggressive target who brings later-career Anquan Boldin to mind, Harmon never met a contested catch he didn’t like, and though he’s not the fastest guy on the field, he has the potential to extremely productive in high-volume situations.
Trayveon Williams, RB, Texas A&M
Williams rushed for 1,760 yards and 18 touchdowns on just 271 carries last season, adding 27 catches for 278 yards. More of a glider than a pure speed back, Williams can rack up yards in a rotations and juke defenders out of their shoes at times.
Mack Wilson, LB, Alabama
Wilson set career highs in 2018 with 33 solo tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and a sack in 2018. More mindful and instinctive than athletically superior, Wilson can work his way into a starting role as the model of a modern linebacker from filling run fits to extending out into coverage.
Brett Rypien, QB, Boise State
The nephew of former Pro Bowler and Super Bowl MVP Mark Rypien, Brett Rypien is a bit slight at 6’2” and 210 pounds, he’s not always mechanically sound, and there are worries about his small hands, but he’s a smart, resourceful quarterback who threw 10 touchdown passes and just three interceptions under pressure last season, and his 19 touchdown passes of 20 air yards or more led all draftable quarterbacks. He’s a plus backup to spot starter at the next level.
Amani Hooker, S, Iowa
Hooker was outstanding in coverage for the Hawkeyes last season, allowing a 56.5% catch rate and just two touchdowns to four interceptions. He’s an undersized safety who can move in nickel situations and brings great field awareness to his game.
Amani Oruwariye, CB, Penn State
At 6’2” and 205 pounds, Oruwariye fits the paradigm of the modern press cornerback with his aggressive style and ability to mirror receivers downfield. He’s a bit slow in his transitions at this point, but he will being third-day value to any team in need of a safety who can beat receivers up at the line of scrimmage.
Maxx Crosby, EDGE, Eastern Michigan
Crosby played out of his mind last season, amassing 35 run stops and 56 total pressures. He needs more muscle on his frame at 6’5” and 255 pounds, but he has the speed, aggression, inside counter, and motor through the play to go from developmental prospect to starting edge-rusher at the NFL level.
