Schultz: 26 NFL draft sleepers on defense to watch for
The NFL draft is an imperfect science, with many productive players found in later rounds. For this exercise, I spoke with an assistant general manager, a scout, and a former personnel guy to highlight 26 of the best sleepers on defense. We have each player's top attributes, what they need to work on, and a reasonable NFL player comparison - either current or retired.
Defensive tackleMoro Ojomo, TexasSize: 6-foot-3, 292 pounds
What the scouts are saying: Elite run defender with the athleticism and quickness to counter bigger offensive linemen. Gets low and uses his long reach (34 3/8 inches) to his advantage, even when not in the most ideal position. Explosive athlete.
Something to work on: As a high-level athlete with lateral quickness, it'd help Ojomo to bulk up another 8-10 pounds against super physical centers and guards.
Player comp: B.J. Hill
Jaquelin Roy, LSUSize: 6-foot-3, 305 pounds
What the scouts are saying: I don't think he's being properly valued. Has tons of traits we look for: get-off, counters, quickness. Plus, he can play inside and out thanks to his superior quickness.
Icon Sportswire / Getty ImagesSomething to work on: Still inexperienced (just a one-year starter for the Tigers). Needs to add more finesse as a rusher, particularly late in games when your talent can overwhelm tired linemen.
Player comp: John Franklin-Myers
Zacch Pickens, South CarolinaSize: 6-foot-4, 291 pounds
What the scouts are saying: Traits are really good, even by NFL standards. Disrupts a lot of what an offense is trying to do. Aggressive at the point of attack. Heavy-handed interior lineman who can play inside and out.
Something to work on: Tends to play a little high as the game wears on and fatigue becomes a factor.
Player comp: Charles Omenihu
Gervon Dexter, FloridaSize: 6-foot-6, 310 pounds
What the scouts are saying: Good strength and quickness to maneuver tight windows as a run-stopper. Shows some pass-rushing juice as well.
Something to work on: Would like to see more explosive get-off to take advantage of a good toolbox.
Player comp: Roy Robertson-Harris
Keeanu Benton, WisconsinSize: 6-foot-4, 309 pounds
What the scouts are saying: Really enticing, heavy-handed prospect who plays through contact and constantly finds the football. Sure-handed tackler, four-year starter at a winning program. "Low maintenance, everything you want in a defensive tackle."
Stacy Revere / Getty ImagesSomething to work on: Initial burst isn't always great. Would like to see improvement on his 0-60 because once he gets there, it's over.
Player comp: Zach Allen
Scott Matlock, Boise StateSize: 6-foot-4, 295 pounds
What the scouts are saying: Highly productive, one of the best 10 defensive linemen in the draft. Underrated athlete (9-foot-5 broad jump would have been third among the position group at the combine; 29.5-inch vertical would have been fifth). Heavy-handed, tough player. "A big riser in the class who could go as high as the third round."
Something to work on: Would like to see him develop more of a pass-rush presence, because he has the natural tools to be a true three-down lineman.
Player comp: David Onyemata
Robert Cooper, Florida StateSize: 6-foot-2, 307 pounds
What the scouts are saying: Natural mover with dexterity and quickness. Heavy hands, strong, mean at the point of attack. Bad intentions.
Something to work on: Will sometimes drift side-to-side without that jolt move to get upfield.
Player comp: Khalen Saunders
Edge/defensive endYaYa Diaby, LouisvilleSize: 6-foot-3, 263 pounds
What the scouts are saying: Great athlete who plays crazy fast. Relative Athletic Score (RAS) is 9.84 out of 10; one of the freakiest defensive players in the draft. 4.56 seconds in the 40 at 263 pounds is "scary." Imagine "if Tyreek Hill was a 6-foot-3, 260-pound edge."
Stacy Revere / Getty ImagesSomething to work on: Continue developing pass-rush technique by adding counters to his first move.
Player comp: Trey Hendrickson
Viliami Fehoko, San Jose StateSize: 6-foot-4, 282 pounds
What the scouts are saying: The definition of having juice. Elite get-off, quick, mean hands, a future 10-sack player. Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year who ran a stellar 4.72 40 at his pro day.
Something to work on: Would like to see him finish more consistently, as he sometimes fails to wrap up plays he's already made.
Player comp: Boye Mafe
Nick Herbig, WisconsinSize: 6-foot-2, 240 pounds
What the scouts are saying: Classic Wisconsin defensive star who has the smarts we covet. 15.5 tackles for loss with 11 sacks in 2021 showcased how dominant he can be, and he's only getting better. "Three-four years down the road, someone's going to look like a genius for drafting him."
Something to work on: Would behoove him to add 7-8 pounds of upper body muscle when facing the NFL's monstrous tackles.
Player comp: Josh Uche
LinebackersIsaiah Land, Florida A&MSize: 6-foot-3, 235 pounds
What the scouts are saying: Speed kills. Land clocked a scary 4.62 40 to complement his sure tackling, good instincts, and hair-on-fire approach. He also broad-jumped 126 inches (92nd percentile). Teams value his overall toughness and natural pass-rushing skills.
Don Juan Moore / Getty ImagesSomething to work on: Needs to add lower-body base to matchup against the size this league offers. Can get lost in the shuffle as a result.
Player comp: Leighton Vander Esch
DeMarvion Overshown, TexasSize: 6-foot-3, 229 pounds
What the scouts are saying: Former safety who really understands the game and plays ultra fast as a result. In the right system, could become a Pro Bowl-caliber player thanks to his multi-dimensional ability as a pass-rusher, in the run game, and in coverage. He ran 4.56, which is damn impressive playing inside. Nice hand-eye coordination and feel for the position.
Something to work on: Should put on a little weight to withstand blocks and aid in tackling.
Player comp: Ernest Jones
Ivan Pace Jr., CincinnatiSize: 5-foot-10 1/2, 231 pounds
What the scouts are saying: Super-smart dude with good speed. Knows how to tackle and can stick you. Had 262 tackles, 34 for a loss, in the last two seasons.
Something to work on: Can struggle against sheer size at the point of attack, although effort sometimes bails him out.
Player comp: Matt Milano
Abraham Beauplan, MarshallSize: 6-foot-2, 235 pounds
What the scouts are saying: Really impressive in coverage - against wide receivers, tight ends, and even running backs - where he uses his speed and intelligence to his advantage. Had 110 tackles with 11 for a loss, and he's only getting better. Has 4.58 speed, but plays even faster. Stout versus the run.
Something to work on: Should put on 7-8 pounds to withstand the demands of a true three-down backer, as well as aid in the pass rush.
Player comp: Devin Bush
Jack Campbell, IowaSize: 6-foot-5, 249 pounds
What the scouts are saying: Classic Iowa backer who doesn't make mistakes, doesn't beat himself, and knows where to be on every snap. Possesses top-tier traits with his 6-foot-5, 249-pound frame: jumped 37.5 inches and ran 4.65. Simply put, a star.
Stacy Revere / Getty ImagesSomething to work on: Better short-area lateral quickness to snuff out running plays before they get started.
Player comp: Quay Walker
SirVocea Dennis, PittSize: 6-foot-1/2, 226 pounds
#Pitt LB SirVocea Dennis has the highest cognitive testing score of any LB in this draft, according to @aiq_team, a data-driven company working with 10 NFL teams.
- Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 6, 2023
Dennis also scored in the 99th percentile of learning efficiency. https://t.co/0pdNp3WT1P
What the scouts are saying: Plays a highly instinctive brand of football that fits within any defense. One of the smartest players in the draft. Very productive; potential special-teams assassin as well.
Something to work on: Doesn't quite have elite burst and tends to get lost in coverage as a result.
Player comp: Josey Jewell
CornerbackJaylon Jones, Texas A&MSize: 6-foot-2, 200 pounds
What the scouts are saying: Really good-looking athlete with great size. Ran a 4.46 at his pro day. Three-year starter with a disciplined approach thanks to his military parents. Fluid hips and plays downhill. Ball skills are there.
Something to work on: Can lose track of his fundamentals at times in coverage.
Player comp: Jamel Dean
Jakorian Bennett, MarylandSize: 5-foot-11, 188 pounds
What the scouts are saying: Super-successful track background and one of the draft's fastest players (4.3 40). As a result, can run with anyone on go-balls, and he shows toughness playing inside.
Jared C. Tilton / Getty ImagesSomething to work on: Still learning all the tricks of the position; can get baited as a result. Handsy at times.
Player comp: Bryce Callahan
Riley Moss, IowaSize: 6-foot-1, 193 pounds
What the scouts are saying: Freak athlete with a 39-inch vertical and 4.45 40. A physical presence who loves bump-and-run; has excellent quickness and feel for what the receiver is trying to do. Eleven career interceptions, including three pick-6s. Ball-hawking menace.
Something to work on: Love the aggressiveness, but trust your eyes to avoid biting on the double moves. "You're good enough to make the play anyway!"
Player comp: Martin Emerson Jr.
Darius Rush, South CarolinaSize: 6-foot-2, 198 pounds
What the scouts are saying: Lots to like about the former wide receiver: classic me-against-the-world corner mentality that you love from a defensive back. Fearless against deep balls, where he deploys his 4.36 speed and 6-foot-2 frame to bother receivers of all sizes.
Stacy Revere / Getty ImagesSomething to work on: Given that he's only been playing the position for two years, his technique is actually quite good. Still, a lack of experience can lead to poor judgement on double moves against tricky receivers.
Player comp: L'Jarius Sneed
Starling Thomas V, UABSize: 5-foot-10, 194 pounds
What the scouts are saying: Under-valued player who can step in and contribute right away, either on special teams or potentially in the slot. Plays much bigger due to his mentality and 6-foot-3 wingspan, not to mention his intelligence and overall football acumen.
Something to work on: While not necessarily a consistent issue for Thomas, he sometimes gets away from his technique at the top of routes, which can lead to a big play. Trust your mechanics.
Player comp: D.J. Reed
Corey Mayfield, UTSASize: 5-foot-10 1/2, 193 pounds
What the scouts are saying: Confident, productive, versatile corner who totaled three interceptions, 16 passes defended, and six tackles for loss, including three sacks. He can do more than he was asked to do at UTSA. Played in the same secondary as Tariq Woolen. Versatility is at a premium with Mayfield: can play corner, nickel, and even safety. Four-year starter as well.
Something to work on: Turn hips more to showcase coverage ability in both man and zone.
Player comp: Rasul Douglas
SafetyChristian Izien, RutgersSize: 5-foot-8 1/2, 197 pounds
What the scouts are saying: Physical, instinctive, smart safety who ran a blazing 4.41 40 and jumped a freakish 41.5 inches.
Something to work on: Smaller build isn't ideal against bigger WRs and TEs, though he plays bigger than he is.
Player comp: Alohi Gilman
Daniel Scott, CalSize: 6-foot-1, 208 pounds
What the scouts are saying: Tremendous performance at the combine (4.45 40, 39.5-inch vertical) elevated his stock in a major way. Extremely smart guy who plays ultra fast because of his eyes. Very productive in a pass-heavy league.
Icon Sportswire / Getty ImagesSomething to work on: Doesn't do it super often, but has a tendency to get front-footed and lean, which can lead to big plays and/or penalties.
Player comp: Ashtyn Davis
Martez Manuel, MissouriSize: 5-foot-10, 208 pounds
What the scouts are saying: Former track star who can flat-out go. Plays angry; fundamentally sound tackler.
Something to work on: Hip fluidity and overall technique in coverage are the next steps in his development.
Player comp: Bobby McCain
Jammie Robinson, Florida StateSize: 5-foot-11, 191 pounds
What the scouts are saying: Love his game. Physical safety who plays the ball and tackles with authority. Enjoys playing downhill in the box. Can blitz from anywhere. "I think he'll surprise some people; I think he can play inside, too."
Something to work on: Doesn't have elite closing speed or leaping ability but makes up for it with football smarts and toughness.
Player comp: Jalen Pitre
Jordan Schultz is theScore's NFL insider and senior NBA reporter. Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
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