2024 NFL Draft Hidden Gems
In every NFL Draft, there are always players that are considered hidden gems, as they may be selected in the later rounds, but their production always outbids one of a second or even first-round draft pick. This year is no different. It will be interesting to see what happens next Thursday on night one of the 2024 NFL Draft. We’ve identified three players that could be considered hidden gems in this upcoming draft, and how their college play can make a direct impact on their professional career.
Roman Wilson
Roman Wilson comes into this year's draft as a major sleeper after being the featured weapon on a star-studded Michigan offense. Even after lighting up the NFL Combine Wilson has still rarely been mocked in the first round. Yet I believe he can be a major difference-maker at the next level coming out of the slot. Wilson has incredible straight-line speed running a 4.41 forty-yard dash. Combine this with his unreal route running and you're looking at an immediate difference-maker with a day-two price tag. Wilson in college was extremely productive this past season with almost 800 yards and 12 touchdowns. After watching him all year It's hard to see him not being a contributing player at the next level. It's likely that Wilson will be a steal for whoever gets him and don’t be too surprised if he turns out to be a star.
Payton Wilson
Few players have made a bigger jump in draft rankings since the combine than NC State linebacker Payton Wilson. Wilson showed off his ridiculous speed and agility at the combine running a 4.43. Even due to his incredible combine and productive college career is projected to go late in the second round. This makes him one of the most intriguing prospects in the entire draft, as it's rare a linebacker comes out of college with this athletic ability. Wilson has drawn many comparisons to Commanders linebacker Jamin Davis who showed very similar measurables and production in college. These days speed is one of the biggest traits teams look for at the linebacker position due to the need to have pass coverage ability. Any team looking for an impactful off-ball linebacker could get a great player in Wilson without using their top pick.
Braelon Allen
It's extremely rare to see a player with Braelon Allen’s production in college talked about so little going into draft day. Wisconsin once again has produced a future star running back yet many scouts still don't seem like Allen is a top-level running back prospect. Allen in his college career rushed for an astounding 3494 yards and 35 touchdowns in his three years. The one thing many people have brought up about him is that he's not a great receiving back and lacks an advanced route tree. However, in today's league, this is not as big of an issue as many backfields feature multiple running backs. Allen comes into the NFL as one of the biggest running backs at a whopping 6-2 235. This naturally has drawn many comparisons to Derrick Henry who had a similar draft day ranking even with his incredible college career. Allen will be a great workhorse for any team that sees his untapped potential.
