NFL Draft sleepers that could be future stars
With the NFL Draft less than two weeks away, here is a look at five players who will be sleepers on draft day but could turn into NFL stars.
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The skinny: The four-star picked Oklahoma over Clemson, Kansas State, Missouri, Notre Dame and Oklahoma State. His late father and other family members played for the Sooners.
Farrell’s take: With so many slot receivers in this draft, Shepard sometimes gets overlooked. However, he is one of the best route runners amongst the group. He’s sneaky strong and has good speed. But his hands set him apart from some of the others. If he lands in the second round, there will be a quarterback that will be happy and likely surprised by the sure-handed Shepard.
The skinny: The only cornerback in 2013 rated higher was Vernon Hargreaves III. Virginia Tech and Clemson were the two finalists for Fuller, who committed to the Hokies in the summer before his senior season. Michigan and USC were also involved. Fuller's three brothers played in Blacksburg.
Farrell’s take: I was Fuller's biggest fan during his high school career. From the first time I saw him as a freshman -- and I was obviously aware of his family tree -- he carried himself like a star. His backpedal was arguably the most fluid I had seen in my career. When you add good size, amazing instincts and sneaky closing speed, and you have a corner you can put on an island. The knee injury has hurt his stock and could drop him out of the first round and deep into the second. But if he recovers fully, I’d honestly take him over any other pure corner short of Artie Burns in this draft.
The skinny: The Chandler Hamilton four-star prospect committed to Auburn but then transferred to Arizona State later in his career.
Farrell’s take: Westerman was a standout at the Senior Bowl and had a solid combine. He brings a nasty, physical temperament to the offensive line. There are a lot of tackles rated ahead of Westerman and a few of them are finesse guys. He’ll fall into the third round most likely but could end up playing at a first-round level.
The skinny: Henry was the second-best prospect in the state of Arkansas behind the late Altee Tenpenny. Henry committed to Arkansas in July before his senior season but Alabama and Auburn tried to come in late as the Razorbacks underwent coaching changes.
Farrell’s take: I've liked Henry as much as almost any tight end I scouted in high school because he was huge, agile, willing to block but could also flex and be a nightmare matchup with sneaky speed and his size. He remains on top of the boards at tight end and has first-round potential but I bet he slides to the second round where someone will get a steal. We should have had him ranked higher as a four-star outside our Rivals100, and that's on me.
The skinny: Russell picked Notre Dame over Washington and a host of other Pac-12 schools including Cal and USC in late December and was originally recruited to play running back.
Farrell’s take: Russell was projected out of high school as a four-star running back or wide receiver but transitioned very well to cornerback at the college level, a position he also played at a young age in high school. He is a man on mission after missing time due to academic suspension and injury. His size and strength will make him a safety prospect at the next level, at least to me, and when slides to the third round or so, someone is going to get a baller.