Three under the radar prospects as the NFL Draft nears

By Jacob Seliga

Lead Writer

As the calendar enters April, NFL draft season is officially approaching.

Later this month, prospects and fans alike will descend upon Green Bay for the annual NFL draft where over 250 players will see their dreams of making it to the league be reached.

With that, is the beginning of evaluating which prospects will be steals in the upcoming draft and could be the next rookie or draft pick that could elevate a franchise to a postseason berth or a Super Bowl.

Cam Skattebo, Arizona State, Running Back

Peyton Hillis, Mike Alstott, Toby Gerhart, and multiple other white ball carriers have been some of the names Skattebo has been compared to.

But Cam Skattebo is more than just a white running back, he is the definition of running through someone's face.

This season, Skattebo led the Sun Devil’s long awaited return to a conference championship and first ever appearance in the college football playoff with 1,711 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns on 5.8 yards per carry and 45 receptions for 605 receiving yards, and three receiving touchdowns.

At 5’9” & 219 yards, Skattebo is a physical runner that uses an athletic ability that is overlooked by most.

This was highlighted at the NFL combine where he had a vertical jump measure at 39.5 inches and a broad jump of 10 '3".

Although his speed is a concern by many, his ability to get yards and be a threat in both the rushing and receiving game as a three-down back is something that cannot be replicated.

He’s a powerful back that the highlight tape shows running through and over opposing linebackers and safeties and dominating against some of the best defenses in the country…. Just watch the Texas film.

Cobee Bryant, Kansas, Cornerback

In a draft class that many believe is strictly top heavy is another day two pick that could be a cornerstone defensive back for a quality secondary.

As a four year starter leading a defense that anchored one of the biggest turnarounds in college football history, Bryant’s ball hawking skills led him to becoming a three time all-conference back and one of the best defensive backs in college football.

In four seasons, Bryant intercepted 13 passes and broke up 22 passes as he was a stalwart in both press man coverage and in zone.

He’s a physical player that fights through blocks on the perimeter to make stops in the run game and to disrupt handsy receivers in coverage.

Bryant moved around throughout the secondary in college playing both on the perimeter and inside which makes him a unique defensive back that can fit in almost any spot a defense will place him after the draft.

Tory Horton, Colorado State, Wide Receiver

For most college football fans and enjoyers, Tory Horton was one of the biggest stars at the receiver position and entered the 2024 season with All-American potential.

An injury hindered most of his 2024 campaign, but multiple seasons of productivity highlight one of the most underrated receivers in this NFl draft cycle.

Horton in 2022 and 2023 combined for 167 catches, 2,267 yards, and 16 touchdowns on 13.5 yards per reception.

At the NFL combine, Horton ran a quick 4.41 40-yard dash which for anyone that has watched film of him can see on the screen.

He shows an elite ability to stretch the field vertically with his speed and separation going up field and crossing from boundary to boundary.

He has also shown the ability to catch the ball in traffic and through contact while being hit by opposing defenders.

When the ball is in Horton’s hands, he has showcased the ability to create magic and pick up big yardage or score a touchdown.