Every draft cycle produces stars at the top — the names everyone knows, the prospects that dominate highlight reels and mock drafts. But championships are often won by the teams that find value where others aren’t looking. This year’s class is no different. Buried beneath the buzz are several players who, for different reasons, have seen their stock stall or slide despite having real NFL traits.
These are the Top 5 Sleepers of the Draft — players who could wildly outperform their draft position and become steals for the right franchise.
1. Kevin Jennings — QB, SMU
Calling a Heisman Trophy winner a sleeper sounds ridiculous on the surface — but that’s exactly what Kevin Jennings has become.
Despite the résumé, Jennings is being overlooked in the current draft landscape, largely because teams are fixated on traits-heavy quarterbacks at the top of the board. If Jennings slips, someone is going to get a poised, proven winner with elite production and leadership.
Jennings excels at processing defenses, throwing with anticipation, and managing games at a high level. He doesn’t always win with flash, but he consistently wins football games — something that still matters on Sundays.
Why He’s a Sleeper:
- Proven winner with elite accolades
- Underrated football IQ and composure
- If he falls, the value will be massive
Risk Factors:
- Not viewed as a top-tier traits QB
- Limited hype compared to flashier prospects
2. CJ Baxter — RB, Texas
CJ Baxter’s draft stock has quietly slipped — and it has almost nothing to do with his ability to play running back.
He isn’t projected to post an eye-popping 40-yard dash, and in today’s draft culture, that alone can send a running back sliding. But Baxter’s game is built on vision, balance, power, and feel, not track speed. He consistently finds creases, finishes runs, and wears down defenses.
There’s also a strong belief around the league that Baxter has a legitimate dev trait ceiling, making him a prime late-round steal for a team willing to trust the tape over the stopwatch.
Why He’s a Sleeper:
- Complete back with strong instincts
- High developmental upside
- Slipping for non-football reasons
Risk Factors:
- Average top-end speed
- Lacks the explosive testing numbers teams chase
3. Emeka Iloh — TE, Georgia Tech
If you’re looking for the ultimate boom-or-bust prospect in this class, Emeka Iloh might be it.
At 6’9”, Iloh is less a tight end and more a red-zone skyscraper. He’s extremely raw — route running, blocking technique, and overall polish are all works in progress — but you simply cannot coach that size. In jump-ball situations, he’s borderline unguardable.
Teams drafting Iloh are betting on traits and patience. If developed properly, he could become a matchup nightmare that defenses have no real answer for near the goal line.
Why He’s a Sleeper:
- Unteachable size advantage
- Instant red-zone threat
- Massive upside if developed correctly
Risk Factors:
- Very raw technically
- Long developmental timeline
4. Nick Del Grande — LT, Florida
Nick Del Grande is one of those prospects analytics and production don’t always agree on.
Graded as a 7th-round pick, Del Grande doesn’t jump off the page athletically. But what he does bring is three years of starting experience at a high level — something many teams undervalue late in the draft. He’s seen elite pass rushers, complex defensive fronts, and high-pressure situations.
That experience alone gives him a chance to stick on an NFL roster and outperform his draft slot as a reliable depth piece with potential spot-starting upside.
Why He’s a Sleeper:
- Extensive starting experience
- High floor for a late-round lineman
- Smart, assignment-sound blocker
Risk Factors:
- Limited athletic ceiling
- Likely capped upside
5. Jacobe Johnson — CB, Oklahoma
Jacobe Johnson’s draft stock has taken a hit because of one thing: speed perception.
At 6’2”, Johnson has ideal size for an outside corner, but he didn’t consistently show top-end speed on college tape. That has pushed him down boards. However, if he posts a strong 40-yard dash, expect his name to skyrocket during the pre-draft process.
Johnson plays with physicality, length, and strong ball skills — traits teams covet late. If the speed question is answered, he becomes one of the best value picks in the class.
Why He’s a Sleeper:
- Prototype corner size
- Physical and competitive at the catch point
- Combine could completely change his stock
Risk Factors:
- Speed remains the big question
- Could struggle vs elite burners if concerns are real
Final Word
Sleepers aren’t about who has the loudest highlights — they’re about value, timing, and opportunity. Every one of these prospects has a clear reason they’ve slid, but they also have equally clear paths to outplaying their draft slot.
History shows it every year: the teams that draft well on Day 2 and Day 3 are the ones still standing in January. One or more of these names will be remembered as “how did everyone miss on him?”
And that’s exactly what makes them sleepers.
