5 NFL Draft sleeper prospects who should be first-round picks

2. K.J. Hamler

Hamler is going to fall victim to the massive amount of talent at wide receiver in this year’s draft class. The fact that he doesn’t project to ever become a team’s No. 1 wide receiver will almost certainly push him into Round 2.

That’s the wrong lens to use when viewing Hamler’s game. He would be miscast as a team’s No. 1 option. However, he could absolutely turn into one of the best No. 2 wideouts in the league. The amount of value he could provide for a Super Bowl contender next season is pretty staggering.

The former Penn State’s ability to make big plays with the ball in his hands will power his value at the next level. He may not be an elite sprinter in terms of running downfield routes, but he’s got more than enough sizzle to his route running to create space downfield.

Putting Hamler in the slot would make him a mismatch for opposing defenses on every snap. Some teams will scoff at the idea of selecting a slot guy in the first round, but contending teams understand that’s a valuable spot in their starting lineup. Hamler is going to outperform a handful of receivers that go before him in this draft.