Everybody loves to find value with hidden games and sleeper picks in the NFL Draft.
Many come from FCS college football – the lower half of Division I college football – with recent examples including Cooper Kupp, Darius Leonard and Foye Oluokun.
This year, another class of FCS prospects will be selected during the April 27-29 draft in Kansas City, Missouri.
The Analyst called on a roundtable of experts to evaluate the prospects – Eric Galko of Optimum Scouting and the East-West Shrine Game, Emory Hunt of Football Gameplan and CBS Sports HQ, and Ric Serritella of NFL Draft Bible on Sports Illustrated. Over five days this week, we’re picking their brains on how the FCS class stacks up in this year’s NFL Draft.
Our fifth and final question surrounds FCS prospects who stand out as sleeper picks:
Who’s flying under the radar in the FCS class of prospects, especially any you believe could be an undrafted value?
Eric Galko (@EricGalko), Optimum Scouting LLC/East-West Shrine Bowl
“It’s not an overly strong senior quarterback class, and that benefits Fordham’s Tim DeMorat. All he did this past year was become a three-time Patriot League offensive player of the year and set countless school and conference records, and he had one of the best testing performances of any QB in the draft class. If he’s not drafted, he’ll be coveted after the draft.
“Mark Evans of Arkansas Pine-Bluff and Colby Sorsdal of William & Mary both are FCS All-Americans and have clear NFL rotational offensive line value. They’ll be in the later-round mix, but both have the pedigree to be draft picks.
“And finally, defensive tackle Devonnsha Maxwell of Chattanooga hasn’t been talked about enough yet, but he’s impressed during the draft process and has a real chance to be drafted, but if not, he’ll be a coveted PFA (priority free agent).”
Emory Hunt (@FBallGameplan), Football Gameplan/CBS Sports HQ
“There are three guys for me in wide receiver Colton Dowell from UT Martin, running back Ulonzo Gilliam of UC Davis and wide receiver Fotis Kokosioulis of Fordham. Dowell lit up Tennessee this year and has the size and athleticism to be this year’s version of (Montana State’s) Lance McCutcheon, who stood out in the preseason for the Rams, making the squad in the process. Gilliam fits the mold of today’s back, one who doesn’t need volume and one who can impact the game in three facets: runner, receiver and returner. And Kokosioulis I’ve been a fan of since calling his game against Monmouth. I don’t care how tall or fast he is, the kid gets buckets.”
Ric Serritella (@RicSerritella), NFL Draft Bible on Sports Illustrated
“North Dakota State fullback Hunter Luepke is a swiss-army-knife. Not your traditional fullback, Luepke can line up just about anywhere on the football field and runs with vengeance. The league is trending back toward more fullback usage, but he should be viewed more as an offensive luxury weapon.
“Wagner defensive end Titus Leo is an accomplished edge player who showed his versatility to play in any scheme. He has checked off every box along the way in terms of size, production, strong Shrine Bowl and pro day performances. Look for Leo to have lasting power in the NFL.
“Alabama State cornerback/free safety Keenan Isaac is flying under the radar. A defensive back with size, fluid backpedal and adequate hips, and the ability to stick in man coverage or switch it up and play zone, he has natural instincts. He has drawn comparisons to Cornell Green and Antrel Rolle. Pay attention.”