2024 NFL Draft sleepers: Day 2 standouts and Day 3 hidden gems to target

• DJ’s Big Board Ranking: No. 34
• Production Score: 79
• Athleticism Score: 79
• OVERALL DRAFT SCORE: 85

Powers-Johnson, at the tender age of 21, is one of the youngest offensive linemen in this year’s draft class. Even though he has only started 17 career games in his three seasons at Oregon, his skill and consistency on tape warrant consideration in the early rounds.

In his sole season as a full-time starter this previous fall, Powers-Johnson bagged the esteemed Rimington Trophy – an annual award for the country’s best center. His exceptional performance is validated by PFF metrics, revealing he conceded only one pressure and no sacks in 2023. Powers-Johnson also topped the PFF ratings in pass blocking (91.3), run blocking (83.1), and overall (83.2) among FBS centers, accentuating his supremacy in all aspects of O-line play.

Currently ranked as the No. 2 interior offensive line prospect by Next Gen Stats with an overall score of 85 — trailing only behind Duke’s Graham Barton (90) — Powers-Johnson is well-positioned to be selected perhaps as early as the end of Day 1. If not, he won’t last long on Day 2.

• DJ’s Big Board Ranking: No. 76
• Production Score: 88
• Athleticism Score: 79
• OVERALL DRAFT SCORE: 84

Franklin stands out as a Day 2 prospect to watch in a highly competitive wide receiver class, due to his impressive analytics profile. Having been a starter for two years in Oregon’s high-scoring offense, he has cultivated the athletic skill and dynamic playmaking capacity that NFL teams greatly appreciate.

At the NFL Scouting Combine, Franklin ran a 4.41-second 40-yard dash, leapt 39 inches in the vertical jump, had a 10-foot-4 broad jump and completed the three-cone drill in 6.90 seconds at nearly 6-foot-2 and 176 pounds (he weighed 183 pounds at his pro day). Notably, his top-end speed was 21.82 mph on a go route during on-field receiver drills in Indianapolis, a speed surpassed only by LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr., who clocked 22.91 mph.

Franklin led the Pac-12 in receiving touchdowns in each of the last two seasons with nine in 2022 and 14 in 2023. Last season alone, Franklin set Oregon single-season records in receptions (81), receiving yards (1,383), receiving touchdowns (14) and 100-yard receiving games (eight). His NGS production score of 88 ranks fourth in the 2024 wide receiver class, trailing only projected top-10 picks Malik Nabers, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Rome Odunze.

• DJ’s Big Board Ranking: No. 38
• Production Score: 77
• Athleticism Score: 87
• OVERALL DRAFT SCORE: 82

Fiske may be the player who has most effectively capitalized on the offseason process. Formerly a standout at Western Michigan, this defensive tackle was a hot commodity in the transfer portal about a year ago. In his only season at Florida State as a sixth-year senior, he achieved second-team All-ACC honors, racking up 43 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and six sacks as a 3-technique in FSU’s four-man front. The 24-year-old prospect concluded his college career with an impressive 43 starts in 58 games.

Fiske’s momentum continued at the Senior Bowl, where he was named the top defensive lineman on the American roster by his peers, following a strong week of practices. His performance at the combine further distinguished his ascension. Fiske became the first defensive tackle since Tank Johnson in 2004 to lead his position group in the 40-yard dash (4.78 seconds), vertical jump (33.5 inches), and broad jump (9-foot-9). Fiske also recorded the fastest speeds in the pass-rush drill (16.71 mph), hoop drill (15.07 mph), front-start wave drill (16.29 mph) and body-control drill (17.76 mph). Notably, his 21.11 mph top speed in the 40 made him the only defensive tackle to surpass the 21 mph threshold in the past two years.

Fiske’s age may be perceived as a disadvantage, but his demonstrated performance and maturity offer a significant advantage for NFL teams. Braden Fiske shines as the perfect candidate for franchises looking for a dependable and instant contributor to their defensive line on Day 2.

• DJ’s Big Board Ranking: No. 41
• Production Score: 83
• Athleticism Score: 86
• OVERALL DRAFT SCORE: 82

Wilson’s draft profile is undeniably compelling, highlighted by an exceptional combination of physical traits, on-field accolades and noteworthy leadership qualities. As the recipient of the 2023 Bednarik and Butkus Awards — honors bestowed upon the nation’s top defensive player and linebacker, respectively — Wilson demonstrated at the combine why he is more than just a decorated collegiate athlete. At just under 6-4 and 233 pounds, Wilson ran an impressive 4.43-second 40 time, the fastest among the 2024 linebacker class.

His athleticism was further showcased at his pro day, where Wilson excelled in agility drills, recording elite times in the short shuttle (4.20 seconds) and three-cone drill (6.85 seconds). These workouts earned him an athleticism score of 86, the second-highest among linebackers in the 2024 class (behind only Temple linebacker Jordan Magee, whom we’ll get to in a minute).

Despite his impressive athletic credentials, Wilson’s path to the NFL will be challenged by an extensive injury history, including multiple surgeries on his right knee and both shoulders since high school. For NFL teams willing to look past his health history, Wilson presents the upside of a versatile, three-down linebacker who could also serve as a team leader and potential green-dot signal-caller. His proficiency on special teams only adds to his overall value.

• DJ’s Big Board Ranking: No. 99
• Production Score: 64
• Athleticism Score: 97
• OVERALL DRAFT SCORE: 79

There’s a fair possibility that Coleman may be announced as the No. 99-ranked prospect on Jeremiah’s list towards the end of Day 2. However, in this scenario, Coleman stands out as our top Day 3 sleeper, having achieved the highest NGS athleticism score (97) among offensive guards at the combine.

Coleman, who joined TCU as a former JUCO transfer, gained experience playing both tackle and guard positions across his 34 career starts. Standing at 6-4 1/2 and weighing 313 pounds, coupled with his 34 5/8-inch arms and 84-inch wingspan, Coleman has the expected size and length for an NFL offensive lineman. This provides him with an invaluable ability to play four out of the five positions on the frontline.

During the combine, Coleman’s 40 speed of 4.99 seconds, 34-inch vertical leap, and 9-foot-6 broad jump contributed to his high athletic score from the NGS model, classifying him as a blue-chip athlete. He achieved a peak speed of 20.35 mph during his 40, ranking him as the second-fastest among interior offensive linemen, surpassed only by the next player on our list…

• DJ’s Big Board Ranking: No. 139
• Production Score: 62
• Athleticism Score: 99
• OVERALL DRAFT SCORE: 79

When it comes to athletic testing, Bortolini proved he is an outlier relative to his peers. According to player tracking data collected at the combine, Bortolini recorded the fastest speeds among interior offensive linemen in several crucial drills. He reached a top speed of 20.45 mph in the 40 (including 13.74 mph within the first 5 yards), 12.38 mph in the short shuttle, 15.12 mph in the three-cone drill and an outstanding 15.85 mph in the pass-protection mirror drill. Bortolini ranked among the leaders in pull and fold blocking drills, while also breaking Jason Kelce’s IOL-record three-cone official time with a run of 7.16 seconds.

Bortolini’s elite combine workout helped the Wisconsin native earn a max 99 athleticism score, according to the NGS Draft Model, one of only two 2024 combine invitees to earn such a label. (The other, running back Isaac Guerendo, is another player on this list).

In addition to his athletic measurements, Bortolini’s adaptability on the offensive line enhances his attractiveness. He has started 28 out of 35 games, playing extensively in all positions except left tackle. Initially a guard in 2022, Bortolini moved to the center position in 2023. His size (6-4 1/4, 303 pounds) and arm length (31.5 inches) suggest that this is his optimal position, where he is set to make the most significant impact in the NFL.

• DJ’s Big Board Ranking: No. 145
• Production Score: 73
• Athleticism Score: 87
• OVERALL DRAFT SCORE: 77

According to the NGS athleticism score, Magee is the top athlete in the 2024 linebacker class, demonstrating exceptional performance in every workout he participated in. Standing at 6-1 3/8 and weighing 228 pounds, Magee clocked a 4.55-second 40, showcased a 35 1/2-inch vertical leap, and achieved a 10-foot-4 broad jump, contributing to an impressive combine performance. During his pro day, Magee further demonstrated his athletic prowess with a fast 4.16-second short shuttle and a 6.9-second three-cone drill, solidifying his position as a top-tier athlete.

Magee, who started for three years at Temple and racked up 33 starts in 44 career games, was appointed team captain during his redshirt junior and senior years. His impressive record of 80-plus tackles in back-to-back seasons, along with extensive special teams experience, make Magee a compelling prospect for an early Day 3 pick.

Magee’s draft position could have been more favorable if his redshirt senior season hadn’t been prematurely halted by a bicep injury. Nevertheless, his impressive track record and athletic ability make him an intriguing candidate with the latent possibility to shine on Day 2.

• DJ’s Big Board Ranking: No. 122
• Production Score: 64
• Athleticism Score: 99
• OVERALL DRAFT SCORE: 74

The third day of the NFL draft frequently presents opportunities for strategic risks on athletes with high potential, often leading to substantial rewards. Guerendo exemplifies such an opportunity. Although his college production score was a modest 64 over 41 career games (including one start) at Wisconsin and Louisville, Guerendo’s outstanding physical attributes make him one of the most fascinating prospects in the later rounds of this year’s draft class.

Guerendo recorded the fastest 40 speed (4.33) and the highest top speed (24.08 mph, per NGS combine tracking data) among participating RBs at the combine. To contextualize Guerendo’s impressive speed relative to his weight of 221 pounds, consider that Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane reached 24.42 mph at 188 pounds during his run at last year’s combine.

Guerendo’s athletic prowess is not limited to his speed. His 41.5-inch vertical leap, 10-foot-9 broad jump and 4.15-second short shuttle are testaments to his athletic ability, all of which contributed to him earning a perfect 99 athleticism score. Historically, running backs with a 99 athleticism rating have shown a strong correlation with success — three of the four backs became NFL starters, including Saquon Barkley, Elijah Mitchell, and Chris Johnson.

Guerendo’s skills as a kick returner add another layer to his draft appeal. With rule changes expected to increase the number of kick returns, his skills in that area only increase his potential value.