Just because teams missed you on the first day of the draft doesn’t mean that you’re not ready to make an immediate impact in the NFL. Second-day guys — the second- and third-rounders — are just as capable of showing their best right away. Ask Russell Wilson, who waited to the 75th overall pick in the 2012 draft, and shot his way to the top of the depth chart by the end of his first preseason.
Bobby Wagner, the Wilson of Seattle’s defense, was taken a round above his quarterback in 2012 and totaled three interceptions and 140 total tackles in his rookie campaign. The Panthers took Steve Smith in the third round of the 2001 draft, and while it took him a second to become the future Hall of Fame receiver he became, he had three return touchdowns in his rookie season — including one on the first regular-season play in which he got his hands on a regulation NFL football.
You get the point. Teams undervalue great players for all kinds of reasons, and all it takes is for the right team, and the right situation, to present themselves for good things to happen.
Here are the best players left on the boards after the first round of the 2020 NFL draft.
Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma
Last season, Hurts threw 32 touchdowns to eight interceptions and completed 69.5% of his passes. So, why is he thought to be a project by so many analysts? Yes, his decision-making can be spotty, and his progression reads are a work in progress, but you could say the same things of Justin Herbert. Those who assume Hurts thrived in a dink-and-dunk offense should recognize that last season, he completed 33 of 66 passes of 20 or more air yards for 1,234 yards, 10 touchdowns, and just three picks.
Antonio Gibson, RB/WR, Memphis
Limited sample size may have Gordon resting somewhere in the second or third round, but there’s no denying his explosive ability as both a receiver and returner. Last season, he broke 16 tackles on his 33 rushing attempts, and 17 tackles on his 38 catches. Imagine DK Metcalf also playing running back, and you’ll understand his athletic potential in the right system.
Zack Moss, RB, Utah
Speaking of broken tackles, nobody did more of that in the 2019 season than Moss, who eluded defenders 89 times and gained 1,042 yards after contact. Moss brings Marshawn Lynch to mind because he’s not just a brickhouse running back — he also has speed and agility, and can be a winner in the passing game.
Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor
Mims may not have an ideal command of the full route tree yet, but when you get the ball in his hands, good things happen. At 6-foot-3 and 207 pounds, he has the vertical ability and physicality to make the contested catch, and he can burn defenders downfield. Imagine Josh Gordon without the unfortunate off-field issues, and that’s what Mims looks like.
Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Colorado
While it’s easy to say that Shenault’s lack of route complexity pushed him out of the first round, there are enough teams that fall in love with pure athletes with great developmental potential that I was pretty sure Shenault would be taken higher. Nonetheless, he’s a ridiculous athlete with remarkable after-catch potential who will be a real force in a multi-tiered passing game where he can take quick passes to the house as he works on the nuances of his position.
Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson
Some analysts dinged Higgins for not being “physical enough.” which is a weird evaluation for perhaps the best contested-catch receiver in this draft class. Last season, he caught a preposterous 15 of 23 passes of 20 or more air yards for 565 yards and six touchdowns. Someone’s going to get a massive problem for enemy defenses, and a player who deserved a first-round grade.