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Who is your NFL draft sleeper pick?

Nasir Adderley

By: Hernan Gutierrez

The media understandably loves to focus on top prospects come draft time. It all makes sense as the early picks of today’s draft will be the stars of tomorrow. While franchises may be built around key stars, it’s the supporting players picked up outside of the first round that help build dynasties.

One of the these future supporting players is defensive back Nasir Adderley from the University of Delaware. While the jump to the NFL will be a big one, Adderley has the experience and the stats to show his value to any team.

Adderley began his career at Delaware as one of two true freshmen to start all games that season. Since then he was a reliable asset to his team, continuing to make the starting lineup until his graduation. Not only does this prove that Adderley is consistent and reliable, it means he has had the opportunity to build his football IQ through on field experience.

While experience isn’t everything, especially since the transition to the NFL is a challenging one, Adderley also has the statistics to prove his worth. He managed to put up a 34.8 percent forced incompletion rate his senior year. This is six percent ahead of the next closest safety. His defensive prowess will be essential to any team.

Many experts see Adderley picking up a starting position early on in the season and becoming a young leader on any defensive squad. Ultimately, Adderley has the experience and skill set to be a key second round pick. If your team needs a safety, Adderley will be a great pick up for their defensive plans.

Donald Parham

By: Ben Pollard

At 6-foot 8-inches tall and 243 pounds, Donald Parham is a matchup nightmare, and he’s ready to scare the NFL.

Parham dominated the final two years of his career with the Stetson Hatters, leading all Division I tight ends in receptions and receiving yards during his senior year. He averaged 9.4 receptions per game and 146.6 yards per game. Parham also had at least one receiving touchdown in eight games and went for over 100 receiving yards in seven of them.

While statistics provide evidence for his dominance, they do not even tell Parham’s whole story. Intangibles, like his speed, leaping ability, great hands and large catch radius, are what really differentiate the 21-year-old from other players in his position group.  

Although he’s built like a powerful tight end, the NFL prospect runs and jumps like a wide receiver. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.65 seconds and his vertical jump measured at 39 inches. Also, his hands are measured at 10.5 inches, allowing for acrobatic catches across the middle of the field. These are all above average.

For comparison, Rob Gronkowski, New England’s recently retired tight end, ran a 4.68 40-yard dash, had a 33.5-inch vertical jump and has hands that are 10.75 inches.  

Parham only played one year of high school football and because of this his body has absorbed notably less hits than most NFL prospects. Health is key for professional football and he’s on the right side. Additionally, Parham played basketball for most of his life before taking up football. The speed and athletic ability he gained from basketball will only benefit him in the NFL, where the competition level is notably higher than college.

Even though he isn’t widely known, Donald Parham should be. Whether it’s his size or his impressive measurements, Parham will make the general managers who pass on him regret their decision for many years to come.    

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