NFL Draft Sleepers

Several players are often overlooked and underestimated - but some have the potential to be key contributors in the NFL. The 2023 Draft Class is full of sleepers, containing a little something for everyone. Multiple players go under the radar during the draft process, so let’s feature some potential names that can be drafted earlier than anticipated.

Andrei Iosivas, WR - Princeton

Jet Sweeps? No problem. Deep Shots? No issue. Slant Routes? Consider it done. Andrei Iosivas is a unicorn at the wide receiver position. The Ivy League standout is a rare combination of size and speed, standing at 6'3" and clocking a freakish 4.29 40 time, ranking him #15 on Bruce Feldman's Freak list. Along with his impressive athleticism, he is a skilled route runner, able to set up defensive backs with ease and display fluidity and balance. Currently, Nfldraftbuzz has Iosivas projected as a 5th-round pick - but after his excellent senior bowl performance, that could change.

Despite concerns about competition level and perimeter blocking may linger, his impressive athletic profile will be highly desired by NFL teams seeking an X receiver. If he performs well at the combine, expect his draft stock to skyrocket. It wouldn’t be out of the question for Iosivas to be a day 2 pick come this April.

Dorian Williams, LB - Tulane

The AAC tackle leader has the prerequisite size at 230 pounds to make it to the NFL. He has a sturdy build and by the looks of it, has a build to add more muscle. Williams was a playmaker for Tulane, with 5 sacks, and a pair of interceptions and fumbles. Williams is excellent when in zone coverage, thanks to his fluid mobility. As a tackler, Williams is elite, consistently wrapping up running backs and  receivers and displaying a strong tackling technique. One of his best assets is his mentality - he was a natural leader for Tulane and possesses a tireless motor.

Despite possessing the raw talent needed to be a successful linebacker, Williams is very streaky. He can often be hit or miss, and lacks the skills starting linebackers need. Williams struggles to play through blocks, and needs to play stronger and faster to keep up in the NFL. Despite these weaknesses, Williams is an intriguing prospect. For teams willing to take a chance on a raw linebacker with special teams potential, he may be worth a late-round pick on day 3 of the draft.

Keeanu Benton, EDGE - Wisconsin

Keeanu Benton is considered one of the most well-rounded defensive linemen in this draft class. He possesses an impressive repertoire of pass-rushing moves, including rip-throughs, bull rushes, and swims. Over his four years at Wisconsin, Benton has been a consistent player, but he truly broke out in his senior season, tallying 27 run stops, 28 pressures, 6 sacks, and an impressive 83.6 pass-rush grade. Benton is explosive, granting him the ability to gain leverage at the point of attack . He also possesses a strong anchor, making him valuable in both the run and pass game.

One of Benton's weaknesses is his height, which may be an issue at the NFL level. He is not always the quickest lineman and may sometimes be snuffed out by opposing linemen. However, his raw athleticism and versatility to play anywhere along the line make him a rising prospect in this year's draft, especially after his impressive showing at the Senior Bowl.

Deonte Banks, CB - Maryland

Deonte Banks is a strong and athletic corner who stands at 6' 2" and weighs 205 pounds, with desirable speed and agility for his size. His fluid transitions and rare ability to mirror opposing receivers are highly coveted. Banks utilizes his size and impressive closing ability to disrupt passes across the field. He excels in press coverage and man coverage, and offers exceptional support in the run game.

However, Banks could benefit from improving his technique in zone coverage and becoming more of a ballhawk, having only totaling one interception in almost 680 snaps during his senior year. Banks’ sticky coverage and athleticism make him an appealing player for teams that place a premium on press coverage and Cover 3/some Cover 2 schemes. He is extremely slept on for a player with his size and abilities, and could potentially be a high day 2 pick, depending on his combine testing numbers.

Darnell Washington, TE - Georgia

Darnell Washington is my personal favorite sleeper in this draft class. Nobody in this entire draft has the same ability to physically take over the game. He can send defenders flying off him and is a tough guy to take down. Washington also possesses elite athleticism - The Georgia tight end is 6’ 7’’ and 270 pounds, but moves like a receiver. His blocking ability may be his most appealing attribute - Washington has an elite 0% Blown block rate. His size alone allows him to block like a lineman while being a dangerous receiving threat. I have no doubt Darnell Washington will amaze teams at the NFL combine, and the potential to go in the first round is there.