Every year, a bunch of 2-star and 3-star recruits get picked in the first round. This year, I did some research to find out: (1) why they were underrated, and (2) what we can learn from their evaluations. Before we go through each player, here are some themes that emerged:
Multiple positions: Almost all of the first round sleepers played multiple positions in high school, as well as special teams. The biggest revelation was how many of these guys played Wildcat QB. Vita Vea, both Edmunds brothers, Leighton Van Der Esch, DJ Moore and Mike Hughes all took snaps. It makes sense. If you have an NFL athlete, just put the ball in his hands and let him make plays.
Weight doesn’t matter: This wasn't much of a surprise. The key traits are height and movement skills. Weight can be added. The front seven players on this list gained an average of 50 pounds in college.
Pay attention to bloodlines: The Edmunds brothers were three stars, but their dad was a Pro Bowl TE. Bradley Chubb and Rashaad Penny both had brothers who made the league. Those two were late bloomers physically, but the bloodlines were there.
Motor is a must: Marcus Davenport and Taven Bryan had no idea what they were doing. But they played hard and tough. Those things aren’t always coachable. Davenport’s high school coach said he was shocked when Davenport (a converted basketball player) first participated in Oklahomas. He was always aggressive. The technique came later.
I can't help but notice that three-star Greg Roussseau checks a lot of these boxes.
Multiple positions: Almost all of the first round sleepers played multiple positions in high school, as well as special teams. The biggest revelation was how many of these guys played Wildcat QB. Vita Vea, both Edmunds brothers, Leighton Van Der Esch, DJ Moore and Mike Hughes all took snaps. It makes sense. If you have an NFL athlete, just put the ball in his hands and let him make plays.
Weight doesn’t matter: This wasn't much of a surprise. The key traits are height and movement skills. Weight can be added. The front seven players on this list gained an average of 50 pounds in college.
Pay attention to bloodlines: The Edmunds brothers were three stars, but their dad was a Pro Bowl TE. Bradley Chubb and Rashaad Penny both had brothers who made the league. Those two were late bloomers physically, but the bloodlines were there.
Motor is a must: Marcus Davenport and Taven Bryan had no idea what they were doing. But they played hard and tough. Those things aren’t always coachable. Davenport’s high school coach said he was shocked when Davenport (a converted basketball player) first participated in Oklahomas. He was always aggressive. The technique came later.
I can't help but notice that three-star Greg Roussseau checks a lot of these boxes.
