After watching a bunch of tape to get my personal draft prep going and to make my prospect profiles, combined with all the mocks, speculation and fan favorites, I figured I would put together a list of players that might not be popular names, but could be later round picks that compare to some of the bigger names on the board. Now, I am not saying they are of equal talent, but they could be productive players at their respective positions. For lack of a better term, think of them as a poor man’s version of some of the top projected players. I will not include QB or S on this list since those starting position groups are mostly filled out already and I am not including ST players. We will also be using PFF Big Board as that seems to be regarded as the most accurate pre-draft ranking system. As always, feel free to comment on any players you might like that could be comparable to a high projected player.

If you like Kenneth Grant (DT Michigan 6-3, 339 PFF Overall #17)

You might like CJ West (DT Indiana 6-2, 317 PFF Overall # 109)

West does not offer the same mass and explosiveness as Grant, but he is a true NT, who plays with heavy hands and can really anchor against the run. He does flash some pass rush at times, but you can plug him into a rotation right away and get some good run stuffing reps. He has potential to develop into a very solid pro.

If you like Nic Scourton (Edge Texas A&M 6-4, 285 PFF Overall # 32)

You might like Jordan Burch, (Edge Oregon 6-6, 295 PFF Overall #72)

With Burch’s size he projects best as a 4-3 Base/Defensive End in the Joey Bosa type role. He is best with his hand in the dirt and has good length and athleticism on the Edge. He needs to improve his pass rush techniques and rush plan to harness his freakish athletic gifts instead of relying solely on his elite speed to power rushes. He would be a perfect mentor candidate under a seasoned veteran Edge.

If you like Matthew Golden (WR Texas 6’0, 195 PFF Overall #27)

You might like Tai Felton (WR Maryland 6-2, 186 PFF Overall #217)

While he didn’t run the 40 yd dash that Golden did (4,29), Felton can fly (4.37) and it shows up on tape where he consistently stacks defenders. He has a slender build and lacks consistent contested catch ability, but he does a good job of winning quickly off the line with good body control and fakes and his speed must be respected. His speed causes the DB’s to play mostly off man coverage which makes it easier for him to settle into zones. He projects best as a vertical threat Z receiver who can line up off the line and in motions to give him easier releases to utilize his speed.

If you like Omarion Hampton (RB North Carolina 6-1, 220 PFF Overall #28)

You might like DJ Giddens (RB Kansas State, 6-1, 212 PFF Overall #83)

Giddens does not possess the raw power/speed combo that Hampton does, but he does a better job of setting up blocks and creating missed tackles in a small space than him. He is a very patient runner that has a good one cut ability to see the crease and has enough power to break arm tackles getting through it. While he does showcase 4.4 speed, he needs a runway to get there but once in the open field he has home run ability.

If you like Tyler Booker (OG Alabama 6-5, 325 PFF Overall #48)

You might like Miles Frazier (OG LSU 6-5, 325 PFF Overall # 212)

Frazier’s play style mirrors Booker’s in that they are both heavy handed power players. Frazier is a wall of a Guard that has excellent grip strength to control defenders at the POA and can be a mauler as a run blocker. He also shows good awareness in pass pro to recognize stunts and blitzes, but he will need refinement on his footwork and technique to improve in pass pro. I would not pencil him in as an immediate starter, but he can definitely find a role immediately as a contributor to the IOL unit. He could be a real steal on day 3.

If you like Will Johnson (CB Michigan 6-2, 202 PFF Overall #14)

You might like Darien Porter (CB Iowa State 6-4, 200 PFF Overall #59)

Outside of Travis Hunter, Porter might be the best pure athlete in the class at CB. He is extremely long and has a ton of speed (4.30) which plays on tape. As a converted WR he exhibits natural ball tracking ability and understands route concepts well, but it leaves him a bit raw in the refinement needed at CB. With that said, he has immense physical gifts that cannot be taught like instincts and recovery speed. He would be best suited to be added to a defense as CB4/5 initially but has the physical makeup to become a complete top of the rotation corner and will be an immediate impact on special teams.