NFL Draft 2018: 10 Names you don’t know that you should

The 2018 NFL Draft is loaded with highly touted prospects. However, here are a few players you should keep in mind when your team is on the clock.

The best player in the 2018 NFL Draft may not be a top-five pick. Hell, he may not even be selected in the first round. In fact, this year has talent across the board from Rounds 1-7, in nearly every position group.

Yes, every draft class has their sleepers and there will always be Pro Bowl caliber talents that slip in the draft. However, it seems exceedingly likely that will be the case here given the depth of the class.

With that in mind, let’s look at 10 players that you should get to know before Thursday’s 2018 NFL Draft.

10. Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State

Dallas Goedert’s combination of size, speed, and athletism allowed him to rack up 92 receptions for 1,293 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2016. The South Dakota native and All-American has prototypical size for a tight end. Goedert is sure to create matchup nightmares in the NFL.

For teams looking to add an offensive weapon, Goedert is a solid late first round option. If this year’s top tight end can sharpen his run blocking and route running skills, he will become a legitimate threat to opposing defenses.

9. Leighton Vander Esch, LB, Boise State

Leighton Vander Esch brings a combination of size, athleticism, and instincts to the table. The 2017 Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year had 141 tackles, four sacks, and two interceptions before declaring for the NFL Draft.

With ideal size at 6-4, 256 pounds and impressive agility, Vander Esch may be another late first-rounder. As an excellent tackler and playmaker, the Boise State-product has the skill set to thrive at the next level. However, due to injuries, Vander Esch has just one year of experience as a starter.

8. Nick Nelson, CB, Wisconson

After transferring from Hawaii, Nick Nelson started all 14 games for the Badgers in 2017 and finished tied for third in the country with 21 passes defended. He was named first-team All-Big Ten after shutting down some of the nations top receivers and posting 35 tackles during the season.

Nelson also served as the team’s punt returner and had a total of 24 returns for 206 yards and one touchdown. The dynamic corner is part of a deep defensive class, so he probably won’t hear his name called until Day 2 or 3 of the draft.

7. Michael Gallup, WR, Colorado State

Gallup earned first-team All-Mountain West Conference accolades last season after catching 76 passes for 1,272 yards and 14 touchdowns. At 6-1, 204 pounds, Gallup used his size to become a dominant outside receiver for the Rams offense.

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The Georgia-native also posted a 4.51-second, 40-yard dash at the Combine, so he possesses a good combination of size and speed. Gallup should be one of the first receivers off the board in the draft. However, don’t expect a team to use a first-round draft choice on him.

6. Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan

Michigan seems to produce a top interior defensive lineman every year. But Hurst may be the best run-stopper to come out of Ann Arbor in recent memory. Slightly undersized at 6-2, 282 pounds, Hurst makes up for it with great acceleration and an endless motor.

Hurst is a plug in the middle of the line and recorded 34 tackles, 11.5 for loss, and 4.5 sacks as a junior. While Via Vita, the defensive tackle from Washington, has been getting a lot of hype, look out for Hurst’s name early in the draft.

5. Alex Cappa, OT, Humboldt State

After an outstanding performance at the Senior Bowl, Cappa increased his draft status and proved to NFL teams that he can hold his own in the trenches. At a towering 6-7, 305 pounds, the Humboldt State (California) product is projected to be selected in Rounds 4-5.

Cappa was unanimous first-team All-Conference in all four of his seasons for the Lumberjacks. Obviously, there will need to be an adjustment period for the Great Northwest Athletic Conference player when he’s matched up against stiffer competition. However, with a year or two of development, he can become a starter at the next level.

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4. Josh Sweat, EDGE, Florida State

Josh Sweat is one of the top pass rushers in the 2018 NFL Draft, but NFL teams are concerned about the injury history of the former Seminole star.

Sweat underwent surgery on his ACL, MCL and PCL in college. Despite coming back and starting 12 games, posting 56 tackles, 5.5 sacks, with three breakups as a junior, teams are still wary about his durability. If Sweat can prove that he can stay on the field, he has the ability to develop into a Pro Bowl caliber edge rusher in the NFL.

3. Roc Thomas, RB, Jacksonville State

After two years at Auburn, Thomas decided to leave his hometown and transfer to Jacksonville State. The running back led his new squad with 1,065 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2017, earning him second-team All-American honors.

As a former five-star prospect, Thomas has great balance and the ability to make quick cuts downfield. Thomas performed well enough at the combine for him to be considered a late round draft choice.

2. Jamarco Jones, OT, Ohio State

Jones isn’t the most athletic tackle in this year’s draft, but he’s got enough quickness and lateral agility to control the blind-side. Jones started all 14 games at left tackle for the Big Ten Champion Buckeyes, a conference that often produces talented edge rushers.

The Chi-town native can start for an NFL team as a rookie but may need a few years to grow into a true leader on the offensive line.

Next: NFL Mock Draft: Unexpected first-round picks, final week

1. James Daniels, C, Iowa

Daniels possesses strong, physical hands, and his quickness allows him to make all the blocks an interior lineman should make. While Daniels gives up some size at 6-3, 295 pounds, he makes up for it with long arms and good balance. NFL teams may be selecting a franchise cornerstone in Daniels, so don’t expect him to hang around past day two.