Major conferences and perennial college football powerhouses often dominate the early rounds of the NFL Draft. However, there are consistently players from these prestigious schools who slip into the later rounds. Sometimes, these players fall due to injuries, while other times it’s a result of over-analysis, causing potentially talented individuals to be overlooked.
The New Orleans Saints have capitalized on such opportunities multiple times in the past. Here are a few offensive skill position players who have been overlooked and are likely to be available late in Day 2 or even into Day 3 of this year’s draft:
- Dillon Johnson, RB – Washington; Height: 6’0″, Weight: 217 lbs: Dillon Johnson showcased his skills in a shared backfield role at Mississippi State from 2020 to 2022, accumulating 2,062 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns. After transferring to Washington, he led the Pac-12 in rushing touchdowns (16) and ranked second in rushing yards (1,195) for the Huskies last season.
Johnson is known for his powerful running style and versatility. While he excels as an inside runner and has the agility to navigate outside zones, he lacks breakaway speed and elusiveness in open space. However, his exceptional receiving skills, route running ability, and potential as a slot receiver make him a valuable asset.
- Kendall Milton, RB – Georgia; Height: 6’2″, Weight: 225 lbs: Kendall Milton was a rotational player in Georgia’s offense for most of his four years but finished strong with 1,382 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns over his final two seasons. He is a physical runner with excellent size and excels in short-yardage situations.
Despite his impressive attributes, Milton struggled to stand out in a loaded Georgia offense and needs to improve his patience and pass-catching abilities. While he may not offer much as an every-down back, his rugged running style could earn him a roster spot in a physical offensive system.
- Cornelius Johnson, WR – Michigan; Height: 6’3″, Weight: 212 lbs: Cornelius Johnson, a three-year starter for Michigan, has a knack for performing well in crucial games despite not being the focal point of the offense. With his size, athleticism, and leaping ability, he excels in contested catch situations and is a threat in the vertical passing game.
However, Johnson lacks precision in his routes and struggles to create separation. He will need to refine his route running and expand his route tree to succeed at the professional level. While he may be a late-round pick or go undrafted, his natural talent suggests he could develop into a reliable number two receiver with the right coaching and system.
