It is always important to remember that, no matter how much the media plays up Night 1 of the draft, the draft does not end after the first round. In fact, the majority of your team is built off Day 3 selections and priority free agents, which is why an article like this is necessary heading into the draft.

Today, I will be briefly sharing with you my favorite prospects who will likely go in the later rounds of the draft. The majority of the analysis given will come from the FFSN Big Board that we are using as our in-house rankings for the draft. As always, reader interaction and feedback is encouraged in the comment section below.

Quarterback

Joe Milton | QB | Tennessee | 6’ 5”, 244 lbs
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Mid 4th
2023 Stats: Games 12, Comp 229, Att 354, Pct 64.7, Yds 2813, TD 20, Int 5, Rush 78, Yds 299, Ave 3.8, TD 7.
Jeremy Betz: Joe Milton III is that guy in this draft. The passer who possesses all the physical tools and more to be a dynamic dual-threat QB in today’s game. The problem is he doesn’t always put those tools on tape. Milton’s arm is the strongest I’ve ever seen, and he can make any throw. He struggles mightily with consistency and accuracy, however, especially on short to intermediate throws in the middle of the field. He has an efficient, quick release but inconsistent footwork and poor anticipation often force him into bad throws. He needs some serious development as a passer, but the upside is there for him to be an elite NFL passer. At 6’4” and 244 lbs, Milton is closer to a Cam Newton or Josh Allen than he is to a Lamar Jackson as a runner. Operating best in an RPO scheme designed to stress defenses with the QB’s running ability, Milton is a bruising downhill runner with enough speed and quickness to break long gains into the secondary. A smart coaching staff will start there and allow Milton to refine his passing game over the first couple years of his career. An ideal stash and develop prospect, Milton could raise his draft stock with a strong offseason program and Combine.

Honorable Mention: Kedon Slovis — BYU

Running Back

Will Shipley | Clemson | 5‘ 11“, 200 lbs
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Late 3rd
2023 Stats: GP 12, Att 167, Yds 827, Av 5.0, TD 5, Rec 31, Rec 244, Yds 7.9, TD 2.
Andrew Wilbar: Shipley was once talked up as a running back who could be a future first-round selection, but after flying under the radar on a couple underperforming Clemson teams, I actually have to say he is a bit underrated. No matter his yearly workload, Shipley consistently managed to average at least 5 yards per carry due to his superior contact balance and agility in the open field. Shipley is also an explosive receiver out of the backfield, displaying good hands and running with urgency after the catch. He is not an elite pass blocker, nor does he have much success in short-yardage situations, but I still see him as a guy who could compete for an RB1 role down the line.

Isaac Guerendo | Louisville | 6‘ 0“, 219 lbs
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Late 3rd
2023 Stats: GP 14, Att 132, Yds 810, Av 6.1, TD 11, Rec 22, Yds 234, TD 0.
Jeremy Betz: Maybe the most athletic RB to ever enter the draft, Guerendo is an impressive blend of speed and power, with the ability to take any touch to the house, but also the ability to grind out the tough yards at the next level. One of my favorite players in the draft, I believe the former Louiville back has 3-down upside at the next level. Team’s could also find a role for him early on as an impact return man, especially with the NFL’s new Kickoff rules. Guerendo needs to improve his field vision and patience to allow blocks to develop, but once he hits the hole, the defense is immediately on it’s heels.

Rasheen Ali | Marshall | 6‘ 0“, 200 lbs
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Mid 4th
2023 Stats: GP 12, Att 212, Yds 1135, Av 5.4, TD 15, Rec 28, Yds 213, TD 1.
Andrew Wilbar: Ali is not a huge back, but he is feisty through contact and difficult to bring down in the open field. He is a slippery runner who only needs the smallest crack to break off a big run. Coming off a biceps injury, Ali will need a good medical report in order to secure his draft stock as a Day 3 pick, but either way, the talent is undeniable. Running backs are graded differently on a per-team basis more than most other positions, simply because the play style of each running back is so incredibly different. With that being said, I could see Ali going as high as Round 4 due to his balance as both a runner and receiver, but he could easily get lost in the shuffle and fall as far as undrafted free agency. His combination of vision, smarts, and contact balance have me excited about him, but it is hard to tell if the NFL sees him the same way.

Kimani Vidal | Troy | 5‘ 8“, 215 lbs
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Late 4th
2023 Stats: GP 14, Att 297, Yds 1661, Av 5.6, TD 14, Rec 18, Yds 201, TD 1.
Andrew Wilbar: Vidal has certainly been used heavily throughout his time in college, rushing for over 4,000 yards in a four-year span. Despite the large workload, Vidal remained an efficient entity, averaging over five yards per carry in the same time span. Some may be lukewarm on Vidal when considering the tread he has already put on the tires, but that is not a major concern for me, considering the already-short shelf life of a running back. My greater concern lies in the fact that he is a subpar pass-blocker. If he wants to acquire a role as a rookie in the NFL, he must focus on that over the next few months, as that will greatly hinder his ability on third downs. As a pure runner, I like his toughness in between the tackles, and he displays good hands as a receiver. Once we get to Day 3, I have no issues with a team pulling the trigger on this guy.

Honorable Mentions: Blake Watson — Memphis, Cody Schrader — Missouri

Wide Receiver

Ainias Smith | WR | Texas A&M | 5‘ 10“, 190 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Mid 3rd
2023 Stats: GP 12, Rec 53, Yds 795, Av 15, TD 2.
Andrew Wilbar: I have had my eye on Ainias Smith for a couple seasons now, and despite facing adversity, he has battled through and developed into an intriguing draft prospect. He was arrested in 2022 with DWI and gun charges, but those charges were later dismissed. While I felt as if he never reached his full potential with the Aggies, his versatility was definitely put on display, as he aligned in the X-receiver position, the slot, and even running back. With the vision to find holes, the elusiveness to escape defenders, and the quickness to get upfield, Smith projects as a guy who can fill any of the aforementioned roles at the next level. His lack of size may limit him more to slot receiver and change-of-pace running back, but his game fits the modern NFL. Smith runs sharp underneath routes and is dangerous after the catch, which gives him immediate value to NFL teams. The production may not have been earth-shattering in 2023, but Smith is still a guy you should highlight as a name to watch once we get to the middle rounds of the draft.

Honorable mentions: Luke McCaffrey — Rice, Tyler Harrell — Miami, Cole Beck — Virginia Tech

Tight End

Jaheim Bell | Florida State | 6’ 3”, 230 lbs
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Early 4th
2023 Stats: GP 13, Rec 39, Yds 503, TD 2.
Noah_E: Jaheim Bell is one of the most intriguing prospects in this entire class. He lined up just about everywhere on the field during his time in college. He played snaps out wide, in the backfield, in the slot, and as an in-line Tight End in 2023. Bell is a superb athlete with an absolutely ridiculous catch radius. He’s a good route runner on all three levels and has the short area burst, and quickness, to be a threat after the catch. He is simply a mismatch nightmare, as he’s too nuanced of a route runner for Linebackers, but at the same time he’s too big and physical for Corners. His ability as a blocker is a major red flag. Bell also struggled with drops especially in space, and his footwork both as a route runner and blocker could use work. However, his elite athleticism and his overall versatility make him one of my personal favorite prospects. If he is used correctly, I think he’s going to make a GM look very good.

Tip Reiman | Illinois | 6’ 5”, 230 lbs
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Mid 4th
2023 Stats: GP 12, Rec 19, Yds 203, TD 3.
Andrew Wilbar: Reiman was not utilized as a receiver that much at Illinois, but after an incredible week at the Shrine Bowl and a strong combine workout, he has caught the attention of scouts. At 271 pounds, Reiman is one of the most physically imposing tight ends in the class, and he is one of the best blocking tight ends in the class. What will get fans excited about his game is the athletic upside. For someone with his size, running a 4.64 40 and 7.02 3-cone drill at the combine is nothing short of impressive, and he looked relatively fluid in on-field drills. He is not the smoothest lateral mover, and his change-of-direction skills are average at best, but he is one of those guys you want to have in your locker room. He takes nothing for granted, plays every down as if it is his last, and is more than willing to play special teams. A guy like this in Round 5 or 6 is an excellent selection.

Honorable mention: Baylor Cupp — Texas Tech

Offensive Tackle

Travis Clayton | United Kingdom | 6’ 7”, 300 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: 5th
2023 Stats: NA

Giovanni Manu | British Columbia | 6’ 8”, 350 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: 5th
2023 Stats: GP 12

Both of these players above possess elite athleticism, although their physical profiles are vastly different. Manu is not the greatest lateral mover, but he ran an unfathomable 5.06 in the 40 at his pro day. At 352 pounds! Clayton has a more slender build, but he displays fantastic mobility and an outstanding work ethic. These guys will both require time on the practice squad, but if you want to take a swing for the fences on potentially the next Jordan Mailata.

Honorable Mention: Trente Jones — Michigan

Interior Offensive Line

Layden Robinson | Texas A&M | 6’ 4”, 320 lbs
Wilbar’s Overall Ranking: Early 4th
2023 Stats: GP 11
Jeremy Betz: Robinson is a developmental guard prospect with plenty of strength and power in his game. He has heavy hands and a strong, wide base in pass pro to deflect interior pass rushers and force them to work hard for their pressures. Robinson will surprise defenders as a run blocker with a quick get off and great balance, often getting into the chest of a defender before he has time to react. Overall, Robinson needs some technical refinement and to improve his agility, but he has eventual starting upside as an early Day 3 option along the interior.

Honorable mention: Hunter Nourzad — Penn State, LaDarius Henderson — Michigan

Defensive Line

Jamree Kromah | James Madison
At 6’3 1/2″, 274 pounds, Kromah has the ability to move inside at the next level if he can add more weight. At that size, Kromah’s 4.77 40 (1.6 split) was impressive, and his 10″ broad jump and 7.34 3-cone drill were definitely eye-opening. Kromah has a great get-off, and, while his pass-rush moves are still developing, he has proven his ability to convert speed to power at a high level. He is a name to keep an eye on as we get into the late 5th or early 6th round.

Honorable mention: Braiden McGregor — Michigan

EDGE rusher

Jonah Elliss | EDGE | Utah | 6‘ 3“ 232 lbs 
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Late 3rd
2023 Stats: GP 10, T 37, TFL 16, S 12, PD 3, FR 0, FF 1.
Andrew Wilbar: It is hard to watch a game Utah played and not see Jonah Elliss constantly making life difficult on the quarterback. At 6’2, 248 pounds, Elliss does not provide exceptional size and strength to defend the run, but his motor is always running at 100%, and he finds creative ways to get into the backfield. Until he can improve his lack of lower-body strength, he will be incredibly limited as a run defender in the NFL, but if that strength improves after a little time in the weight room, his upside is through the roof. As a pass rusher, Elliss has a natural feel for getting after the quarterback, and, while his athleticism may not be off the charts, he displays impressive closing speed, active hands, and good bend. He will be able to contribute immediately as a situational pass rusher, and if he can add more weight to his lower half, he could develop into a player who will earn a large role and hold it for a decade. Guys like Elliss always tend to carve out a productive career.

Myles Cole | DL/EDGE | Texas Tech | 6‘ 6“ 266 lbs 
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Mid 4th
2023 Stats: GP 12, T 32, TFL 6.5, S 3.5, PD 1, FR 0, FF 0.
Andrew Wilbar: When you see that a draft prospect spent six seasons in college, you typically expect a highly productive, low-ceiling prospect who simply lacks the athleticism for the NFL. With Myles Cole, that statement does not apply one bit. Cole spent four years at Louisiana-Monroe before transferring to Texas Tech for the 2022 season, where he was primarily a situational role player that season. In 2023, Cole was awarded a much larger role on the defense, but we still only saw mediocre production from him. Posting only 3.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss in 2023, there is a good bit of projection teams will have to make in order to fall in love with Cole, but he is an ideal developmental prospect to take a chance on once we get to Day 3. His elite length, active hands, and quick get-off are all things I love about his game, but he can get a bit stiff and play too high against the run, and the few lineman he faced that possessed elite strength could overcome his athleticism and shield him away from the play. While not the most instinctual defensive lineman, Cole still provides teams with plenty of traits to fall in love with. He just needs to add more functional strength in order to enjoy success at the NFL level.

Honorable mention: Javon Solomon — Temple

Inside Linebacker

Bo Richter | ILB | Air Force
Richter is a strong run defender who can tackle, blitz, and cover all at high levels. After running a 4.56 40 at 248 pounds, Richter has certainly gained traction. He possesses a relentless motor, and he takes smart tackling angles, specifically as a run defender. His feet and hips are a little too choppy in zone, but with his speed, he can line up with most tight ends or running backs in man coverage and achieve success. Keep an eye on Richter in the Round 5 range.

Honorable mention: Nathaniel Watson — Mississippi State, Edefuan Ulofoshio — Washington

Cornerback

Quan’tez Stiggers | CB | Toronto Argonauts | 5’ 11”, 204 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Early 4th
2023 Stats: GP 16, T 56, S 0, Int 5
Nolan Keck: 2023 Canadian Football’s Most Outstanding Rookie Quan’tez Stiggers posted a 36.5” vertical, 10’ 8” broad jump and a 4.45 40 yard-dash at his Pro Day in Atlanta, of which 29 out of 32 NFL teams visited. He’s trying to be only the 3rd player in the common era to be drafted without any collegiate experience, and he’s on track to join Eric Swann and Moritz Boehringer. His standout ball skills and athleticism helped Toronto win their 18th Grey Cup Championship, and he has the explosiveness to make the jump to the NFL. 

Beanie Bishop | CB | West Virginia | 5’ 10”, 184 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Mid 4th
2023 Stats: GP 13, T 67, S 0, Int 4, PD 20.
Shannon White: Bishop is the definition of better late than never. Shannon ‘Beanie’ Bishop is definitely a late bloomer. A two time product of the transfer portal, Bishop graduated high school way back in 2018. At least he has aged well, like a fine wine. Bishop has the physique of a slot corner, but the physicality and mindset of a boundary corner. He came out of nowhere in his single season in Morgantown to earn first team All American status. Bishop led the nation in both passes defensed and pass breakups, and he added 4 interceptions. He was also first team Big 12. Bishop appears quicker than fast, but he ran a blistering 4.39 at the Big 12 pro day. Bishop is incredibly feisty and competitive, which I feel is his best quality. Bishop’s size may limit him to the slot, but I won’t be shocked to see him getting reps on the outside in the NFL one day soon. Bishop’s game plays bigger than his frame suggests possible. Bishop has went from likely undrafted free agent to possible fourth round consideration through hardwork and tenacity. Keep working, young man. 

Shon Stephens | CB | Ferris State | 6’ 0”, 180 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Late 4th
2023 Stats: GP 11, T 25, S 0, Int 8, PD 4.
Andrew Wilbar: The cousin of Steelers cornerback Joey Porter, Jr., Stephens is an intriguing prospect with plus upside. Stephens displays feistiness from the beginning of the snap until the whistle is blown, but at 5’9”, 173 pounds, there is only so much he can do from a physicality perspective. He cannot simply impose his will against anyone, and because of his lack of size, he struggles against the run. Having said that, I do like his savvy in coverage. He doesn’t overreact, but he is sudden in his lateral movements, displaying a great combination of twitchiness, quickness, and speed. Players with NFL bloodlines I always find intriguing, but when bloodlines are combined with proven production, there is true substance. Stephens also possesses strong instincts and ball skills, which boosts his long-term ceiling in the NFL. He will definitely be limited to the slot, but if he can add a few pounds, maintain his speed, and make tackles more consistently, he can find significant playing time as a nickel corner in the NFL.

Honorable mention: Daequan Hardy — Penn State

Safety

Malik Mustapha | S | Wake Forest | 5’ 10”, 197 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Mid 3rd
2023 Stats: GP 12, T 80, S .5, Int 1, PD 2.
Andrew Wilbar: Mustapha has become one of my favorite mid-round prospects in this class. I love natural strong safeties with plus athleticism and an old-school mindset, and that defines Mustafa’s game. While he does not have elite size, he knows how to lay a hit on a receiver. A sound tackler in the open field, Mustapha displays great technique and takes smart tackling angles, and he also possesses good reaction speed in coverage. He lacks elite instincts, and that would probably be my biggest knock on him. However, With someone who can cover and tackle as consistently as he does, I believe he can overcome that. He almost reminds me of a smaller Terrell Edmunds, as he thrives in man coverage, consistently assists in the run game, and matches up extremely well against tight ends. If Mustapha falls to Day 3 of the draft, I believe teams could be getting a true difference maker at safety at an incredible value.

Dominique Hampton | S |  Washington | 6’ 2”, 220 lbs.
Wilbar’s Overall Grade: Mid 4th
2023 Stats: GP 15, T 109, S 0, Int 2, PD 7.
Andrew Wilbar: Hampton is another mid-round prospect I am excited about. Hampton spent six seasons in college while only playing significant time in three of them, and his true emergence came this season, when he recorded over 100 tackles and made more plays on the ball. While he still does not create an overabundance of splash plays, his ability to see and react to things quickly give him upside in that department down the road. There were times, however, that Hampton simply did not move the needle for the defense when they needed it, as their defense was completely atrocious at times down the stretch. He possesses the size of a box safety, and I believe he is capable of being a good enough run defender to fulfill such a role, but he is not a blitzing threat, and when dropping into coverage, he looks unbalanced at times and rather raw, especially for someone who played six years of college ball. He is an exciting prospect worth a flier on early Day 3.

Honorable mention: Loren Strickland — Ball State

Which sleepers were your favorites from this list? Be sure to light up the comment section below with your thoughts on this and all things NFL Draft!