Despite a few major changes to the usual landscape of the annual event, the 2020 NFL Draft is now just a few weeks away. With that in mind, there will still be a slew of soon-to-be rookies and former collegiate standouts that make the leap to the professional ranks of the NFL before the end of the month, even with the world currently in the midst of a massive crisis.
As superstar-caliber players begin to off the board throughout the early portion of the first round and beyond, there are always a few players that get lost in the mix despite achieving absolutely incredible collegiate tenures — both team-wise and on an individual level. As a result, there will no doubt be more than a few “sleeper picks” from this year's NFL Draft class, though the biggest “sleeper” of the bunch might just be former Clemson Tigers wide receiver Tee Higgins.
Even though Higgins wouldn't really classify as a “sleeper” ahead of most NFL Draft, this year's group of wide receivers may very well be the most talented of all time. With the likes of Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III, CeeDee Lamb, Jalen Reagor, Denzel Mims, Justin Jefferson and so many more currently in the mix, it will be interesting to see exactly where Higgins ultimately lands come late April.
Jeudy, Ruggs and Lamb are all seemingly locks to be selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft as the Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, Denver Broncos, Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings, among others, all need a bit of help at the wide receiver position. However, there will surely be a few more off the board before the first round is said and done.
While Higgins could be selected toward the end of the first round of the NFL Draft, the possibility that he may slip into the second round makes him the leading candidate for this year's “sleeper pick.” If a slew of wideouts are taken before him, he may get lost in the shuffle before breaking out this fall.
It is no secret that Higgins is an absolute beast on the field, which was more than evident during his days at the heralded Clemson University. Playing at the highest level of college football for the past several seasons, Higgins wasted absolutely no time in bursting onto the scene for the Tigers en route to breaking school records, winning titles and making massive impression on NFL Draft scouts.
Higgins can go up and get the football in addition to being quite fast for his 6'4″ frame. The former Clemson standout can immediately become a difference maker for a variety of franchises at this NFL Draft. Because Higgins can play all over the field and can make his presence felt in the red zone, look for him to have a big rookie season in 2020.
Regardless of where Higgins is eventually drafted, the all-time Clemson great should have a positive impact right off the bat.
Honorable Mention:
- RB J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State Buckeyes
- Although a collegiate standout, it remains to be seen as to whether or not former Ohio State Buckeyes running back J.K. Dobbins can get off to a hot start at the NFL level. However, all Dobbins needs is a chance to showcase his skills, which could ultimately make one NFL franchise very lucky to have him on board come late April.
- RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU Tigers
- Former LSU Tigers running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire has the ability to step right in as an effective third-down back, especially for a contending team, which will aid his transition to the NFL. He can no doubt run the football while he can also catch it out of the backfield or from the slot.
- WR Jalen Reagor, TCU Horned Frogs
- Because of the uber-talented wide receiver class about to make the move from the collegiate ranks to the NFL threshold, former TCU Horned Frogs pass catcher Jalen Reagor sometimes gets lost in the mix during the ongoing offseason conversations. Even so, make no mistake that Reagor is just as talented and has as much potential as any other wide out in this year's NFL Draft class.
Follow Us
Subscribe