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Rather than only paying attention to the top players available in the NFL Draft, it’s important to give some recognition to the top NFL Draft sleepers in 2022.
Every year, there are late-round NFL Draft sleepers who turn into superstars. Tom Brady is the obvious example, but there are countless others. Plus, the team that ends up with the best NFL Draft class this year is going to be one that makes good use of its late-round picks.
NFL Draft sleepers 2022
Who are the late-round NFL Draft prospects worth watching this year? That’s never an easy question to answer, and this year is no different. But we’ve done our research and come up with a list of 10 NFL Draft sleepers for 2022 that fans will want to watch closely during Day 3 of the draft and for many years to come.
10. Leddie Brown, Running Back, West Virginia
Brown is surely not the fastest running back in the draft, nor does he have a great burst. But he’s tough and has great vision, which should allow him to help NFL teams in short-yardage situations. Brown has the physicality to break tackles and is a surprisingly good pass-catcher for a running back with his frame.
He profiles as the type of player who could be used as a fullback in some situations for teams that don’t want to employ a full-time fullback. He’ll also find other ways to contribute in little ways, which is what makes him the perfect running back for a team to grab in the last round or two of the draft.
9. Troy Andersen, Linebacker, Montana State
When he gets drafted, Andersen is going to be a great story and a fascinating player to watch at the next level. He played both running back and quarterback early in his career at Montana State, finding success at both, before converting to a linebacker, which should be his best position in the NFL.
He’s got good size at 6’4’’ and enough speed to play linebacker. Perhaps more importantly, he always finds a way to put himself in the right spot.
In the short term, he should be an immediate contributor on special teams and someone who can grow into a starting role. But he can also be used as a fullback or short-yardage back on offense. That versatility will make him a valuable part of an NFL roster and one of the best late-round NFL Draft sleepers.
8. Marcus Jones, Cornerback, Houston
The Houston defense was quietly one of the best in the country over the past couple of seasons, and Jones was a big reason why. He has good coverage skills and amassed 10 interceptions during his college career.
Houston also used him as a kick returner and occasionally wide receiver, so the team that picks him will be getting a cornerback with great ball skills. His abilities as a kick returner give Jones another element that NFL teams covet.
7. Jalen Wydermyer, Tight End, Texas A&M
There aren’t many great tight ends in this year’s class, which is even more reason for Wydermyer to be a potential steal if he goes undrafted until Day 3.
With a disappointing performance at the Combine and questions about his maturity, the former Texas A&M tight end will surely fall to the later rounds. His numbers last year were also a little disappointing because he was playing with inexperienced quarterbacks.
But he’s a good route runner who has reliable hands and can pick up yards after the catch. If everything comes together, the upside for Wydermyer is high.
6. Danny Gray, Wide Receiver, SMU
From Emmanuel Sanders to Courtland Sutton, there is a nice contingent of wide receivers from SMU in the NFL, so Gray could be the next in line. If nothing else, he looks like one of those late-round NFL Draft prospects that’s worth a chance.
His numbers from last season don’t jump off the page, although he helped his stock with a strong performance at the Combine, especially his 4.33 time in the 40-yard dash. He’s a little undersized, which is the biggest reason why he’s been overlooked by NFL teams and will likely be waiting on Day 3.
But his speed could make him a dangerous receiver in the slot who gives bigger cornerbacks a little bit of trouble.
5. James Cook, Running Back, Georgia
It’s hard to go wrong drafting a running back from Georgia. The last decade alone has given us D’Andre Swift, Nick Chubb, Sony Michel, and Todd Gurley. Cook is also the younger brother of Dalvin Cook, so he has good bloodlines.
Granted, Cook is undersized and was never the starter at Georgia. But he’s a home-run threat who could be perfect for a team that runs a zone-blocking scheme. Cook could also be an asset in the passing game.
He’s the type of back who might be worth getting five to eight touches per game because he’s a threat to create an explosive play every time he touches the ball. In other words, he’s the perfect player to take a chance on in the late rounds because he has the skills to be a productive player.
4. Chris Pierce, Wide Receiver, Vanderbilt
Casual fans probably haven’t heard about Pierce because he played at Vanderbilt. It was also tough for him to make an impact with the Commodores given the parade of subpar quarterbacks he’s played with over the last few seasons. But the more you look at him, the more he looks like one of the top NFL Draft sleepers in 2022.
He’s a big and physical receiver at 6’4’’ and 230 pounds. In college, he was able to consistently get separation from some of the top cornerbacks in the SEC, so the potential for growth is there if Pierce can get into the right system and get an opportunity.
3. Wan’Dale Robinson, Wide Receiver, Kentucky
Robinson is bound to get overlooked amidst a sea of other great wide receivers in this year’s draft. But he could fly under the radar and become one of the great NFL Draft sleepers in 2022.
At 5’9’’, it’ll be easy to write him off, especially since he doesn’t have elite speed. But he hauled in over 100 catches for Kentucky last season and does have a quick burst that can make him dangerous in the open field. Good offensive teams will find a way to utilize those talents, making him a player who could forge a good career if he finds the right situation.
2. DeAngelo Malone, Edge Rusher, Western Kentucky
Malone surely qualifies as one of the NFL Draft sleepers in 2022. He checks in at around 240 pounds, which most teams will look at as a problem for a linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. But he also racked up 32.5 sacks during his college career, winning Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year honors twice.
If he can add some weight, perhaps Malone can grow into a more prominent role. But if nothing else, he can be a pass rush specialist who plays on third-and-long and will be a serious threat to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
1. Coby Bryant, Cornerback, Cincinnati
His name is no accident; while it’s spelled differently, Bryant shares his name with the late Lakers star. He also played for an outstanding Cincinnati defense that helped get the Bearcats to the College Football Playoff.
Bryant was overshadowed by Ahmad Gardner, Cincinnati’s other cornerback who will be a first-round pick. While he doesn’t have Gardner’s skill set, Bryant did win the Jim Thorpe Award last season.
He’s a jack-of-all-trades in the secondary, playing outside or in the slot and sometimes being used as a safety. Given a little time, Bryant is someone who could turn into an important piece on an NFL defense, making him one of the late-round NFL Draft sleepers to watch.
