Last year we correctly predicted that Puka Nacua would be a gem in the draft (though we certainly did not expect a record breaking season) as well as other success stories like Sam LaPorta and are back at it again. This is the Gridiron Review’s list of 2024 NFL Draft Hidden Gems. Players that we do not see getting taken until Day 3 (Or players that will more than out perform their draft slot) that will have the chance to be starters or better at the NFL level
QB Kedon Slovis, BYU
Even before his eye popping 40 time, Slovis was one of our gems. We thought he would be a decent riser this season, but an injury cut his final college season short. We still see him as a capable starter (potential wise) in the NFL. He is a better athlete than in the film apparently, but has a decent arm, smooth mechanics, and good accuracy. He could be a high end backup and if there are any Brock Purdys’ in this draft, it is likely Slovis.
RB Daijun Edwards, Georgia
If you follow our page there is no surprise here. Edwards is our RB1, and seems like a player who will be far better in the pros than in college. It is hard to gauge where he will go in the draft. But we feel he has the potential to be one of the best backs in this class.
R Miyan Williams, OSU
Somewhat of a forgotten man in this class, Miyan Williams was a great member of the Ohio State running back room. We dare say we even liked him more than Henderson. That being said, it is reported that Miyan Williams is dealing with a major knee issue that will definitely drop him. If he can recover, and that is an if, he could be a steal for a team on late day 3 or even UDFA.
WR Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, Georgia
Georgia’s offense has not really allowed pass catchers to flourish (besides Bowers). When you watch Jacksaint, you see very little production but the upside of a WR2 in this league. His testing was disappointing, but is almost identical to our comp of Marvin Jones. We see Jacksaint as a wide receiver who likely will not be a WR1, but if you get a WR2 on day 3, that is a win.
WR Tahj Washington, USC
We especially think this is the case if Washington goes to Chicago with Caleb Williams. In a high powered offense at USC, Washington appeared to be the safety net for Williams. He has good route running, and reminds us a bit of Tank Dell last year.
WR Bub Means, Pitt
Physically, Means has the potential to be a big hit on day 3. He is still developmental, but he could be a big deep threat at the NFL level. Think of Donovan Peoples Jones coming from Michigan.
TE Jared Wiley, TCU
There is a chance Wiley gets taken on Day 2. Even still, he appears to not be in the top tight ends conversation after Bowers, and it is puzzling as to why. He has the size, hands, speed, and willingness to block that should have in on the field sooner than later.
TE Erick All, Iowa
All has been a member of two colleges that churn out tight ends (Iowa and Michigan). He was having a good season in the awful Iowa offense when an injury cost him the majority of his final season. It depends on his recovery, but the Iowa tight end has the makings of a high end TE2 that could find his way into TE1 territory.
OT Christian Jones, Texas
Jones reminds us of Broderick Jones from last year. He’s not being projected high by most although we have him as a 1st round grade. We think he will for sure outplay his draft slot.
OT Javon Foster, Missouri
OT Matt Goncalves, Pitt
IOL Zak Zinter, Michigan
Due to the unfortunate injury suffered during “The Game” we expect that Zinter is going to be forgotten, similar to Andrew Vorhees last year. On game tape we have him currently ranked as IOL2, so we expect when he’s ready to go to outplay whatever Day 3 Draft slot he’s taken at.
DT Michael Hall Jr, OSU
Despite lacking elite production, Hall has the pass rushing development that very few interior defensive linemen have in this class. If you were to tell us he goes on day 3 and is one of the top sack leaders for rookies, we would not be shocked. Look to Kobie Turner as the blueprint for how things could go right with Hall.
EDGE Marshawn Kneeland, WMU
This EDGE class is extremely top heavy. After the first round group, there are a lot of dart throws. Kneeland has starter potential, which puts him ahead of a lot of the pass rushers in the second group and beyond. He may still be a day 2 draft pick, but is the closest thing we have to a gem at the EDGE position.
LB Ty’Ron Hopper, Missouri
Up until our most recent LB rankings update, Hopper was our LB1. We have him graded out higher than pretty much everyone, and think his skillset 100% suits the modern LB. Think JOK.
LB Cedric Gray, UNC
Yes we know a lot of people have Gray in their Top 5 LBs, he’s on our hidden gems list because we see a player who’s going to out play the draft slot he’s in.
LB James Williams, Miami
We did not like James Williams’ film as a safety. We noted that he should be moved to backer and when he did at the Senior Bowl he did not disappoint. The composure, the patience, the reads he made for his first game ever at LB shows a lot of promise for the future.
LB Steele Chambers, Ohio State
We’ve been in love with Chambers since our original scout of him. We think he could have one of the highest ceilings of the LBs in this class.
LB Trezmen Marshall, Alabama
Part of a LB rotation at both UGA and Bama, Marshall is a forgotten prospect amongst the LB class. For someone who has what feels like zero buzz, he will absolutely outplay his draft slot and is someone we think can be a higher end starter in the league.
LB JD Bertrand, Notre Dame
In a LB class that we believe is heavily reliant on the upside of its prospects, Bertrand can step in Day 1. He has arguably the best instincts in the class and should absolutely outplay his draft slot.
CB Khyree Jackson, Oregon
We just don’t understand why Jackson isn’t generating buzz. Jackson has a rare blend of size, length, athleticism, fluidity, and footwork. We think he’s one of the most ready to play prospects of the class, but even if you think otherwise he has the tools to outplay his draft slot.
CB Josh Wallace, Michigan
Wallace is a prospect we’ve been high on since before even the Combine, but Wallace made his name known at the Combine. He’s one we are MUCH higher on than most. We consider him the best CB3 in CFB in 2023 and one of the biggest hidden gems of the class(CBs and overall)
S Beau Brade, Maryland
In a safety class where there’s not a consensus S1, Brade is being disrespected. We loved his tape and think he has the potential to be the hit of the draft at safety.
S Evan Williams, Oregon
Stop sleeping on Williams. People are calling Williams a nickel. Yes, he can play nickel, but he can also play both free and strong safety. His 4.6 40 probably isn’t a great look for a free safety, but anyone who watched the Senior Bowl knows his range and play speed are faster than a 4.6.
S Sione Vaki, Utah
Vaki has the potential to be a better version of what Marcus Jones flashed his rookie year and no one is really talking about his versatility as a D-Back but also on both sides of the ball.