Day Three Deep Sleepers
If you’ve been listening to our draft coverage this year, you’ve been hearing a term over the course of our episodes:
“PSP Stamp of Approval”
This is a something that started back in 2021, when I successfully chose Amon-Ra St. Brown to be the player from the draft who was gonna surprise out of everyone. In 2022, it was Isaiah Pacheco. Last year, it was Antonio Johnson. Now, the jury is still out on Johnson, but he will stepping into a starting safety role this year for Jacksonville after the departure of Rayshawn Jenkins. Pacheco has been integral in the Chiefs back to back championship titles while St. Brown has brought the Lions on the cusp of a Super Bowl. Point is, we kinda know what we are doing here! So this year, we developed an actual terms for this. The “PSP Stamp of Approval”. Now you’ve already heard a couple of names. Ladd McConkey, Marshawn Lloyd - just to name a couple. But below I will give you five names that I think can/will be drafted on day three and can be as impactful as the names above. When you’re watching the draft on Sunday and your buddies ask who the hell they just drafted - if they’re on this list, you will be the smartest person in the room.
This list is in no particular order.
Maason Smith (Defensive Tackle) - LSU
Smith is an athletic freak. If you watch tape of him at LSU, he jumps right off the page. With 35’ arms and an 84 3/8 wingspan (!!!) he can be a nightmare for offensive lineman. He is quick from side to side, enticing teams that he can play both nose tackle or defensive end at the next level. His name has been brought up to be taken on the back end of Day two, but he can slip into the beginning of Day three. If your team drafts Smith, you should be very excited. His potential is through the roof.
Gabriel Murphy (EDGE) - UCLA
Everyone is talking about Laiatu Latu (as they should) but don’t forget about Gabriel Murphy. The “other” edge rusher at UCLA is no slouch. The first thing that stands out is his relentlessness to never give up on a play. A lot of his sacks came from constant pursuit on the quarterback. Murphy’s swim move is also very very good. At the next level, he comes in as a 3rd down pass specialist (think Arden Key). His work will come in improvement in the run game and being able to produce more strength to get through your seasoned, elite offensive lineman.
Beau Brade (Safety) - Maryland
I’m giddy about Brade. This is a guy with exceptional football IQ, and is ready to step on an NFL field today. He has versatility as a slot corner and nickel safety and can be a “quarterback” of the secondary at the next level. So why is he projected to be taken on Day three? His athleticism isn’t the best. Brade will never be the fastest, strongest guy on the field, but his fundamentals are better than most. He’s a willing tackler, and has good enough ball skills to make an impact right away. With the right coaching, this guy can be a star in the making.
Charle Turner III (Center) - LSU
My second guy from LSU, Turner “turned” my head as I was watching tape on other players. This is a guy who legitimately might not even get drafted, but can make waves as a UDFA. He is a polished blocker in the run game, who consistently got to the second level. He also had very good measurable for his position, ranking in the 99th percentile in wingspan and 93rd percentile in his 40 time. Turner is good, not great in the pass blocking game. His lack of size will shy teams away, but there have been plenty of smaller centers in the league who did well for themselves. If given an opportunity, this is a guy who can surprise.
Jalen Coker (Wide Receiver) - Holy Cross
I love this kid. If he was coming out of Ohio State, Michigan or Alabama, he would be a day two pick. But because he’s coming out of Holy Cross, there are questions about his competition level and whether or not his athleticism can convert to the NFL. Here’s what I know: the kid has excellent hands - his tape shows that he’s able to get balls at almost any angle: high low, back, front…whatever you want. He’s a fantastic deep route receiver, but also does well side to side. He’s also a strong runner for his size. I know this will sound silly, but I really think that Coker could have the same impact as Puka Nacua last year. This kid is the real deal. My fantasy lovers - I promise you, when everyone is asleep at the wheel in Round 16 and just wants to go home - pick Jalen Coker. Especially if you're in a keeper/dynasty league.
*HONORABLE MENTION*
Luke McCaffrey (Wide Receiver) - Rice
Tommy Eichenberg (Linebacker) - Ohio State
Javonte Jean-Baptiste (EDGE) - Notre Dame
