2021 NFL Draft: 10 Day 3 sleepers who could be pro studs

By Randy Gurzi | Apr 16, 2021

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 23: Tay Gowan #23 of the UCF Knights breaks up a pass intended for Armani Levias #15 of the Marshall Thundering Herd during the fourth quarter at the Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl at Raymond James Stadium on December 23, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

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Quinn Meinerz, 2021 NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Quinn Meinerz, IOL, Wisconsin-Whitewater

Quinn Meinerz is a quick riser in the 2021 NFL Draft and he has the Senior Bowl to thank for that. The Wisconsin-Whitewater prospect wasn’t on many boards and according to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, there wasn’t even any tape on him in 2020.

Still, Zierlein says he can be an impactful starter who has improved greatly throughout his career and really proved himself against the best competition this offseason.

"“The darling of this year’s Senior Bowl, Meinerz has broken through and onto NFL draft boards despite moving up from Division III and having no 2020 tape. He flashed at times in 2019, but his tape was nothing like what we saw against upgraded competition across from him at the Senior Bowl. His hands have improved greatly and his movement appears to be much more efficient and powerful. The step up to NFL competition will require an adjustment period as a full-time move to center likely awaits him. He has the ability to move and finish drive blocks and his pass protection is clearly improving. He has the strength and demeanor to become an impactful starter in the near future.” — Zierlein, NFL.com"

Of course, the level of competition will be even greater in the NFL and Zierlein even said there will be another adjustment period.

Even so, the 6-3, 320-pound Meinerz should have a long career in the NFL despite not being an early pick in the draft.

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