Every year when the NFL Draft comes around, some extremely talented players manage to slip through the cracks and are either drafted in the later rounds, or not even drafted at all. We’ve seen some of the greatest players in NFL history be late-round picks such as Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and Broncos tight end Shannon Sharpe, and more recently star players such as Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua and 49ers QB Brock Purdy. Today, we’ll look at five players in the 2024 NFL Draft that I think are major sleepers who could make a tremendous impact for the team that drafts them. 

Khyree Jackson, Cornerback, Oregon

One of my favorite players in the 2024 NFL Draft, Khyree Jackson was tremendous this season for Oregon. If one was only looking at the cornerback’s level of play this past season, he would certainly be one of the top corners in this draft, but a lack of playing time in his first two collegiate seasons is holding back his draft stock. Jackson played at Alabama from 2021-22, where he barely saw the field. However, once he made the move to Oregon, he showed why he was ranked as a five-star recruit coming out of high school. Jackson possesses the size, athleticism, coverage ability, and ball skills of a top-level cornerback, the only thing holding him back is the overall lack of playing time he had in college besides this past season. So if a team can get Jackson in the third round or later, they may be getting a major steal and drafting one of the best cornerbacks this class has to offer.

Dorian Singer, Wide Receiver, Southern California

Coming into this past college football season, I had Dorian Singer ranked as one of the best receivers in this draft class, but a lack of playing time led to him having a vastly down year compared to his 2022-23 season. Singer possesses some of the best ball skills out of all of the receivers in this draft class and can make incredible catches regularly. He also has notable run-after-catch ability and can make big plays off of short receptions. While teams are likely going to be fairly low on Singer due to his play this past season, whatever team decides to give him a shot could be finding a diamond in the rough and a reliable receiver in their offense for years.

Collin Oliver, Defensive End, Oklahoma State

Despite being undersized for an edge-rusher at 6'2”, 235 lbs, Collin Oliver has been extremely productive over the past three seasons at Oklahoma State. In his three years as a starter for the Cowboys, Oliver has racked up 21.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, and 130 total tackles, making him an integral part of some stellar defensive units. While his size and lack of exceptional athleticism will without a doubt hold his draft stock back, he possesses great technique and gives superhuman effort every play to make his presence felt. Oliver would likely be a designed pass-rusher on the NFL level, and if a team can pick him up on Day 3 and figure out a way to fit him into their scheme, they could be getting a major difference maker in their front seven.

Tanner Mordecai, Quarterback, Wisconsin

While Mordecai may be the biggest longshot in this article, his collegiate career has shown that he certainly possesses some of the skills it takes to be a starting-caliber NFL quarterback. Mordecai is one of the many older quarterback prospects in this class, being a sixth-year senior this season, which will without a doubt hurt his draft stock, but his two-year run at Southern Methodist before transferring to Wisconsin was extremely respectable. In his two seasons at Southern Methodist, Mordecai threw for 7,152 yards, 72 touchdowns, and 24 interceptions, and was one of the more electrifying quarterbacks in the nation to watch. If a team drafts Mordecai in the 7th round or even picks him up as an undrafted free agent, they could tap into the high potential that we saw over the past few seasons.

Robert Scott Jr., Offensive Tackle, Florida State

Robert Scott Jr. had one of the most up-and-down collegiate careers that I’ve ever seen from an offensive lineman. Two years ago he was seen as a surefire first-round pick, and then inconsistent play led him to decide to stay another year at Florida State to increase his draft stock. After yet another up-and-down season with the Seminoles, Scott Jr. has decided to declare for the 2024 NFL draft, and while his level of play might have been inconsistent in college. His top-end play was up there with the best of them. If a team can take Scott Jr. on late day 3 or even pick him up as an undrafted free agent, he could be a major difference maker on their offensive line with some help developing from NFL offensive line coaches.