The NFL Draft always has its surprises from the very start to the very end. This article focuses on five distinct prospects, all of whom have a chance to be a surprise selection in round one for various reasons.
Be sure to follow my coverage of the NFL Draft on YouTube @HailMarySports and all other platforms, including X @HailMarySportss.
Bradyn Swinson, EDGE, LSU
When an SEC edge rusher gets 60 pressures and 9 sacks with over 30% true-pass-rush win rate, it makes sense that they are a round-one lock, right?
Well, for some reason, LSU’s Bradyn Swinson is getting special treatment (and not in a good way). At 6’4 255 lbs, he is an ideal build for any defense. Yes, he can play both standing up and with a hand in the dirt.
Criticism is commonly placed on his run defense, but it is significantly overblown. The blend of tools, power, grit, and IQ screams round-one talent. Some may wonder if personality is an issue, but judge for yourself in Hail Mary Sports’ recent interview (hint- it is not. He is a perfectly normal person, and yes, that is a shameless plug. Timestamp 1:09:20).
The current draft range for Swinson is roughly late-second to early-third round.
Jack Bech, WR, TCU
Jayden Higgins easily could have been featured here, but let’s go for an even less popular sneaky round-one wide receiver with TCU’s Jack Bech.
He recently gained a lot of popularity from the tragic passing of his brother in the New Orleans terror attack, but that is far from the reason he could go late first.
Bech’s blend of physicality, fluidity, and intelligence is extremely intriguing to any NFL team. His top speed is a concern for many. His refusal to run a 40-yard dash only emphasizes that, but speed is not the end-all. Bech’s ability to manipulate his route to give his quarterback the largest and best windows to throw into will certainly catch the attention of many NFL teams.
The current range for Bech is roughly early to mid-second round.
Tyliek Williams, DI, Ohio State
While this draft class has plenty of nose tackles down the stretch, few have the every-down capability that Tyliek Williams brings.
The multi-year starter for Ohio State lacks polish as a pass rusher. Few defensive interiors have peaked as a pass rusher in Columbus, however. I highly doubt this prospect has, either.
Williams’ strength, run defense ability, IQ, and athletic profile at his size combine to make a very high-floor talent with the room for a ton of growth. That is something not many prospects have to offer, even in a nose tackle class like this one.
The current range for Williams is early-second round.
TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
Many analysts, including Todd McShay, hint at TreVeyon Henderson sneaking into the first round.
While this draft is loaded at the running back position, NFL teams still value true impact starters that can turn the tide of a game with one touch. Henderson offers that.
The Ohio State product is projected to have a Jahmyr Gibbs role early on. While the comparison is a big stretch, the vision is understandable given the tape.
The current range for Henderson is early to mid-second round.
Mason Taylor, TE, LSU
Tight end is looked at both as deep and top heavy in this draft class, so the chances of Mason Taylor going in the first are extremely low (honestly, he should not go in the top 32); however, Todd McShay mentioned the LSU product as a possible option for the Philadelphia Eagles at 32, so let’s discuss it.
Taylor brings a prototypical tight end build with a desirable, balanced skillset. Combine that with his NFL lineage (He is the son of Jason Taylor), and teams will see a high-floor talent that is built for the next level.
While most do not see this as being justified to reach for the former Tiger in the first, the quality of tight end at 64 could be noticeably worse. Howie Roseman could see the opportunity cost as too much to wait.
Everyone knows Howie does not reach for no good reason. This would most likely be a trade-back situation, but it was worth discussing given McShay’s remarks
