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2019 NFL Draft: 11 Sleepers to watch from East-West Shrine Game

By Michael Johnson

STARKVILLE, MS - OCTOBER 06: Ryan Davis #23 of the Auburn Tigers runs with the ball as Jaquarius Landrews #11 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs defends during the first half at Davis Wade Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
STARKVILLE, MS - OCTOBER 06: Ryan Davis #23 of the Auburn Tigers runs with the ball as Jaquarius Landrews #11 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs defends during the first half at Davis Wade Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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CHAPEL HILL, NC – OCTOBER 28: Michael Jackson #28 of the Miami Hurricanes intercepts a pass intended for Anthony Ratliff-Williams #17 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Kenan Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Miami won 24-19. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC – OCTOBER 28: Michael Jackson #28 of the Miami Hurricanes intercepts a pass intended for Anthony Ratliff-Williams #17 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Kenan Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Miami won 24-19. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

8. Michael Jackson, CB, Miami

Michael Jackson could moonwalk his way onto most NFL rosters. He’s not “bad” at flipping his hips, he does show stiffness at times. But that’s usually how it works with a corner that’s larger than life like Jackson.

At 6-1 and just over 200-pounds, Jackson enters the NFL Draft with a jacked frame. When asked to press, he’s dominant and looks the part of a player who will work well in cover2 press systems. Jackson is at his best when being physical with receivers and coming up in run support.

There are some limitations with his athleticism and ability to stop and start. Playing down the field, he has solid speed. When tasked with playing the ball in the air, Jackson succeeds. Having said that, he’s a scheme-specific prospect because of the discrepancy between his press and off coverage abilities.

7. DaMarkus Lodge, WR, Ole Miss

It’s no secret that Ole Miss had a ton of talent out wide. D.K. Metcalf and A.J Brown get all the love, it seems. For some reason, though, DaMarkus Lodge is the forgotten one of the group. Lodge’s ability to get open with a great burst and long strides make him a dangerous deep threat. Additionally, he’s a physical receiver who understands leverage, despite his size (6-0, 199 pounds).

While he had a few drops at Ole Miss, he’s showing up big time during Shrine week, via Jon Ledyard of The Draft Network:

"“Lodge has been very impressive this week as well, showing outstanding ball skills and strong hands…He’s also won vertically throughout the first two days, showing the speed to run by most of the corners here.”"

A vertical offense ideally suits Lodge. His size, toughness and skill-set are similar to Kenny Stills. Teams like the 49ers, Colts, Lions, Redskins, Ravens, Saints and Titans could benefit from Lodge as a Day 2 or 3 selection. With his skills, he could develop into a star.

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