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2018 NFL Draft: 5 sleepers in the class

By Joe Romano

CHESTNUT HILL, MA - SEPTEMBER 09: Wake Forest defensive back Jessie Bates III (3) celebrates his interception with Wake Forest defensive back Amari Henderson (4) during an ACC match-up between the Boston College Eagles and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on September 9, 2017, at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. The Demon Deacons beat the Eagles 34-10. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHESTNUT HILL, MA - SEPTEMBER 09: Wake Forest defensive back Jessie Bates III (3) celebrates his interception with Wake Forest defensive back Amari Henderson (4) during an ACC match-up between the Boston College Eagles and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on September 9, 2017, at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. The Demon Deacons beat the Eagles 34-10. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 04: South Carolina State linebacker Darius Leonard (LB25) runs in the 40 yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 4, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 04: South Carolina State linebacker Darius Leonard (LB25) runs in the 40 yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 4, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Darius Leonard, LB, South Carolina State

The NFL has never been more about speed and the passing game than it is now. Every position is demanding better athletes, especially the linebacker position. Gone are the days of the big, imposing middle linebackers. Instead, there are athletic marvels who can run sideline to sideline and cover as well as they tackle. For a team looking to add a coverage linebacker, small school player Darius Leonard should be a mid-round target.

Playing at South Carolina State made it tough for Leonard to put his name on the map. Winning the MEAC Defensive Player of the Year accomplished that. The talented linebacker was able to make plays in the run game, excel in coverage and even showcase moves as a pass rusher. His 6-foot-2 and 215 pound frame provide him the perfect blend of strength and athleticism to excel in today’s NFL.

Leonard entered college as an undersize linebacker and will enter the NFL much closer to the prototype without sacrificing speed. His 4.7 40-yard dash actually seemed slow compared to how he plays on the field. There are very few long, rangy linebackers like Leonard entering the league. Despite playing at such a small school, he was able to play strong against the best competition. His game against Clemson was proof that he can play with the uptick in opponent.

Teams who need a player to enter in sub-packages and patrol the second level are the perfect partner for Leonard’s skills.

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