Anyone who thinks only the first couple rounds of the NFL Draft matter is sorely mistaken. Gems can be found anywhere in the draft, including as late as the sixth or seventh rounds. Remember, Tom Brady was the 199th overall pick, and many would argue he’s the greatest quarterback of all time.
There may not be a Brady in every draft class, but there is certainly value. Here are five players taken late in the 2020 draft who could become key players or even stars in the NFL.
5. Bradlee Anae, DE, Cowboys
Anae’s lack of clear position — it’s not clear if he would be maximized as an edge rusher — probably cost him in the draft. The Cowboys will benefit from that. Falling to the fifth round, Dallas got a player with a huge natural motor and good burst off the line. A speedster who can get to the quarterback that late in the draft is a clear plus. Anae has enough tools to really become a standout player at the NFL level.
4. Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Browns
Peoples-Jones should have had a better college career, but he was a victim of Michigan’s inconsistent quarterback play during his three years of college. His lack of speed is also an issue that won’t be fixed at the next level. However, he’s a good pass catcher with size. He probably profiles as a slot receiver at the NFL level, but he has enough tools to perform there, potentially even as a standout option.
3. Curtis Weaver, DL, Dolphins
Weaver’s numbers at Boise State were excellent. He had 13.5 sacks in his final season with the Broncos, but a lack of athleticism dropped him to the fifth round of the draft. That’s fine by the Dolphins, who will take a chance on those numbers. He’s a smart pass rusher who definitely has the know-how to outwit opposing linemen. His physical tools may be lacking, but this is one guy who might be able to overcome that.
2. Amik Robertson, DB, Raiders
Robertson landing in the fourth round is a straight-up steal. His lack of size hurts him, but it didn’t seem to affect him in college. Robertson is a hard-nosed competitor who plays bigger than he is. A physical defensive back with great instincts, takeaways are his game, and he will have opportunities to do that at this level. Robertson has a lot of attributes that should translate well to the NFL level. Don’t be surprised if he keeps proving people wrong.
1. Bryce Hall, DB, Jets
Hall was a high-end defensive back at Virginia, but an injury in his final season hurt his draft stock. He fell to the fifth round, where the Jets likely snagged a steal. Hall is a good athlete with very good size and solid instincts. He’s not as quick as some would like, but that didn’t matter much in college. Hall was a two-star recruit, so he’s overcome the odds at every turn. Don’t be surprised if the Jets got the steal of the draft here.
