It’s spring, which means the National Football League (NFL) offseason is in full swing. General Managers (GMs) and front offices had their hands full with the recent draft, taking place in Green Bay, Wisconsin on April 24-26.
Every year, there are a handful of players that fly under everyone’s radar, but end up becoming weekly starters, even stars in the NFL. Everyone ends up asking ‘How did we miss out on this guy?’
Below is a list of hidden gems from this year’s draft to keep your eyes out for—
Cameron Williams – Offensive Tackle, Texas
The Philadelphia Eagles got a steal with the 207th overall pick, Cameron Williams. Williams entered the draft coming off a season that saw him and his teammates get nominated for the Joe Moore Award, the award honoring the best offensive line unit in the country.
There are plenty of great qualities that make up Williams’ game, but the easiest to identify is his size and strength. Williams clocks in at an impressive 6-foot-6 6, 317 pounds. Williams’ strength allows him to blow defenders off the ball on run blocks. His lengthy arms help him shove pass rushers to the ground with ease.
Additionally, he’s made an impressive transformation into a more ‘built’ frame. As a senior in high school, Williams weighed in at 360 pounds, which evidently limited his agility and flexibility. That year, he went viral on social media for highlights of him bullying a defensive lineman that looked about half of his size. Williams is used to being in the spotlight for his frame, and looks to be in the spotlight some more as an Eagle.
Luke Newman – Offensive Guard, Michigan State
Newman started three seasons at FCS Holy Cross before transferring to Michigan State, where he started all 12 games in the 2024 season. He was selected by new head coach Ben Johnson at 195th overall to revamp an offensive line that struggled last season.
The two-time FCS All American has great size standing at 6-foot-3, 313 pounds. He’s very alert and is constantly looking for blocks. His reach is great and allows him to pick up blocks that others can’t. His footwork is also up to par, and can shadow defensive lineman like no other. The only downside to his game is his patience. Tape shows that he can sometimes be too antsy on pass protections which allows late blitzers to slip behind him.
Newman’s career path goes to show that there is talent everywhere, you just need to look in the right places.
Andrew Armstrong – Wide Receiver, Arkansas
The SEC’s receiving yards and receptions leader in 2024 fell out of the draft and into the hands of the Miami Dolphins, via free agency. Armstrong spent two seasons with the Arkansas Razorbacks after transferring from FCS Texas A&M Commerce.
The 6-foot-4, 202 pounds receiver has great hands, athleticism, and size. He’s quick off the ball and has no problem finding open space. By far, his best attribute is his ability to gain yards after catches. His tape is filled with short completions followed by 5-10 extra yards from his ability to get downfield.
What probably turned off scouts was his speed. On film, he doesn’t stand out with his explosiveness or his acceleration. He clocked a 4.51 second 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, which is three-tenths of a second slower than the average receiver who participated (NFL & LPS Athletic). Those tenths of seconds can really make a difference for NFL front offices, and can cost players their draft stock. In this case, it cost Armstrong the opportunity to receive a call from an NFL GM telling him he’s been drafted.
Cobee Bryant – Cornerback, Kansas
Bryant was expected to be a late day 2 – early day 3 pick by analysts, but also fell to free agency and was signed by the Atlanta Falcons. Despite the fall, his track record is hard to ignore. The three time first team all-Big 12 corner notched 37 tackles with 4 interceptions in 2024.
Bryant is primarily a pass-coverage corner, but his run stopping ability is a great compliment to his game. On film, he’s not afraid to get physical and lay the body. As for pass coverage, his athleticism and explosiveness allows him to get as many interceptions and pass breakups as possible. He’s also very patient, and doesn’t fall for fakes easily.
What concerned NFL GM’s was his size. Bryant weighed in at 180 pounds at the NFL combine. He’s lanky, but his lightweight frame causes him to be pushed off the line of scrimmage easily. That simply won’t cut it against bigger, stronger receivers in the pros.
Kurtis Rourke – Quarterback, Indiana
O’Canada! Rourke made history becoming the first Canadian drafted to the NFL since 2001 (TSN). He spent five years at Ohio before transferring to Indiana for his senior season, throwing 29 touchdowns. Rourke led Indiana to an 11-2 record and a trip to the college football playoff, the first in school history.
His size is built for the pros, standing at 6-foot-5. His vision as a pocket passer is unmatched compared to the rest of the quarterbacks in the draft. He’s very mature and rarely forces throws downfield. Rourke also has a soft touch with the deep ball.
The biggest red flag is his injury history. He played through the historic 2024 season with a torn ACL, as well as lingering thumb injuries. His injuries go back to his days at Ohio, where he missed half of the 2022 season with another leg injury.
If Rourke can stay healthy, he will be a stud for the 49ers, who stole him at pick #227
Jabbar Muhammad – Cornerback, Oregon
The Ducks’ star corner had back-to-back breakout seasons for Oregon and Washington, respectively. Muhammad had 28 pass breakups and 87 tackles over the past two seasons.
Muhammad is a fast, lanky corner that will do anything to defend the pass. He is like the Gary Payton, the basketball player who was nicknamed “The Glove”, of college football. He’s always taking the ball out of the defenders possession. Another quality to his game is his coverage. Film shows that he is great with attacking the hips of the receiver, and never lets them get farther than him.
Similar to Bryant, his size is lacking. He weighs in at about 180 pounds, and stands at 5-foot-9. Muhammad often gets blown off of the ball on run plays. That side of his game is a downside for NFL GMs.
Muhammad signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a free agent after the draft.
