10 under-the-radar prospects who could outperform their draft position

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First-round picks get all the attention, but a number of prospects selected over the following six rounds will wind up having stellar NFL careers as well.

Here are 10 under-the-radar prospects who could outperform their respective draft positions and develop into high-impact pros:

Antonio Gibson - RB, Memphis

As far as intriguing offensive prospects go, Gibson will certainly interest a handful of NFL teams late in Day 2 or early on Day 3. Primarily a receiver in college, the former Tiger profiles as a better fit at running back in the pros due to his size, unique skill set, and elusiveness with the ball in his hands.

Gibson isn't yet polished as a ball carrier, but his speed, explosive athleticism, and vision give him high-end potential as an offensive weapon. He doesn't have to be the stereotypical between-the-tackles running back. Instead, simply give him the ball in space and he'll make magic happen. Once Gibson learns the specifics of the position, he can develop into a legitimate threat as a pass-catcher out of the backfield and a playmaker on screens and outside runs.

Anthony Gordon - QB, Washington State

Beyond the first two rounds, any team selecting a quarterback will be doing so with the idea he can be developed over the next few seasons. The realistic expectation for the middle rounds and beyond is to find a solid backup, but some, like Gordon, at least show traits that give him upside as a starter down the road.

The Washington State product has a compact release and delivers an accurate ball to all levels of the field. And while his arm talent isn't elite, it's certainly more than enough to make a wide array of throws at the next level. After starting just one year in college, he certainly won't be ready to play right away. But if he can clean up his progressions and decision-making, there's a lot to like about his future. Gordon is the late-round quarterback to watch this year.

Lucas Niang - OT, TCU

Niang isn't an under-the-radar prospect in the sense that he's a late-round sleeper - the TCU standout can reasonably expect to hear his name called at some point fairly early on Day 2 of the draft. But with so many other offensive tackles generating hype, and as many as six potentially going in the first round, it's worth highlighting just how much of a steal he could be in that spot.

Both powerful and athletic, Niang will be a fit for any system at the next level. His processing ability and technique are at such a high level that he can reasonably be expected to make a major impact as a starting tackle in his rookie season. If he can clean up his footwork getting out of his stance and into his pass sets, which should be no issue given his general movement skills, we may look back at this class wondering why Niang wasn't in the first-round discussion.

Amik Robertson - CB, Louisiana Tech

Robertson is a fun player to evaluate in the 2020 cornerback class. You'd never guess he measured in at just over 5-foot-8 when you watch him play. The Louisiana Tech product physically dominated nearly every player he matched up against in college and displayed the ball skills of a wide receiver, hauling in 14 interceptions over three seasons.

Now a starting spot on most defenses, NFL teams are constantly looking to add talented slot corners. Robertson fits the bill. What he lacks in size and length he makes up for in short-area burst, fluid movement skills, and awareness in zone coverage. These are all ideal traits for an important position in modern football. Robertson may not come off the board until Day 3 due to a deep position class, but whoever selects him could add an immediate starter to the defense.

Van Jefferson - WR, Florida

While there could be as many as a dozen receivers selected before he comes off the board, Jefferson might be next on that list. Much like Alabama standout Jerry Jeudy, who should be one of the first three receivers drafted, the Florida product creates separation with quickness and owns a pro-like ability to sell his routes.

Jefferson doesn't have the production of an elite receiver prospect, but it's tough to hold that against him given the quarterback play he had to work with in a bad Florida offense. And although deep speed is a valid concern that lingers after a foot injury kept him out of combine drills, he actually clocked in as the fastest player at the Senior Bowl, with his max speed topping that of several players who went on to run the 40-yard dash in the high 4.3's. Jefferson could be this year's Terry McLaurin.

Darius Anderson - RB, TCU

As we've seen in recent years due to a pass-centric league, the running back position has decreased in overall value. Instead of heavily investing in a top-tier runner, a number of teams are discovering late-round gems to play a specific role in their offense. Among Day 3 running back prospects, Anderson is the most likely to be that type of player.

Anderson was part of a committee in college, but offers traits as a receiver out of the backfield that few other potential Day 3 tailbacks possess. A home run threat on every touch, the TCU product is explosive in the open field and is able to fight through tackles with strong contact balance. Anderson likely will never be a workhorse back in the NFL, but he can develop into a reliable secondary weapon on any down.

John Hightower - WR, Boise State

A historic receiver class is going to push a number of prospects down the draft board next week, so a team will likely nab a Day 3 steal in Hightower. With just 82 career receptions and a slight frame, the former Bronco will be overlooked. NFL teams would be wise not to.

Hightower profiles as a deep threat with excellent burst, athleticism, and open-field elusiveness. He averaged 18.5 yards per reception last season, ranking fifth among 2020 receiver prospects, and is also a weapon on screen passes. The dynamic pass-catcher can run by anyone and simply gets open with ease, something that translates to the next level.

Derek Tuszka - EDGE, North Dakota State

Tuszka is a deep sleeper in this edge defender class and could almost certainly be had in the late rounds, if not as a priority free agent. But we've seen similarly unheralded pass-rushers emerge as contributors at the next level, and this is a name worth monitoring with that in mind.

Transitioning from FCS football to the NFL will be difficult, and his lack of length will give him trouble against offensive tackles at the professional level. But with excellent hand usage to beat his opponent's initial punch, a high-end motor, and short-area quickness that was demonstrated with a 6.87-second 3-cone time at the combine, Tuszka has some upside as a situational speed rusher.

McTelvin Agim - DL, Arkansas

Agim's journey to the NFL is a unique one. A highly touted 268-pound defensive end recruit in 2016, he slowly bulked up and featured more as an interior rusher with the Razorbacks as his college career went on. Now 309 pounds and coming off his most productive campaign, the sky is the limit for the talented defender.

Still learning the position, Agim is an explosive gap penetrator who utilizes a number of pass rush moves for a defensive tackle. He may never be a dominant run defender, but can immediately impact the passing game. Teams covet the latter much more in today's NFL, anyway. With high-end traits and room to grow, Agim may be among the draft's top late-round gems.

Ben Bartch - OT, St. John's

An outstanding athlete for the position, and the rare offensive tackle to enter the NFL with fairly refined technique, Bartch is a name to watch in the middle rounds. He'll need time to add to his frame, as he doesn't yet have the strength to handle the power of defensive linemen, but that's something that can be addressed when he gets into an NFL training program.

The daunting jump in competition from Division III is the only other major concern, but he did quite a bit to ease those questions during the pre-draft process. After fitting right in alongside and up against top talents from around the country at the Senior Bowl, perhaps he's even further along than many initially assumed.

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