In 2017 Aaron Jones was overlooked. Despite 1,773 rushing yards in his last year at UTEP, he fell down draft boards and Green Bay took a chance on him with the third to last pick in the 5th round.
Since then, Jones has developed into a three-down back and Green Bay’s best weapon. He has started nearly every game for the past four seasons, averaged over 5 yards per carry in his career, and been one of the leagues more consistent receivers out of the backfield.
While everyone focuses on the Packers return in the Aaron Rodgers deal and what to do with the potential early round picks it’s important to remember superstars and Hall Of Famers are found in late rounds as well.
Here are three sleepers that have the potential to change Green Bay’s future.
Zack Kuntz, TE, Old Dominion
The Old Dominion star is a physical specimen and a freak athlete. He’s 6’7” and runs a 4.55 40 yard dash. He’s the kind of tight end that’s an automatic mismatch – too big for defensive backs and too fast for linebackers. His reliable hands and plus body control will result in him catching nearly any ball thrown his way. He also has good instincts as a receiver, runs solid routes, and makes himself available for the quarterback.
Though he was injured for most of 2022, Kuntz thrived the year prior with 73 receptions, 692 yards, and 5 TDs.
He struggles with run blocking. He lacks consistency in his play. He isn’t the YAC machine that some people would hope he could be. But when was the last time a tight end came out as a finished product. There is huge upside here. Kuntz has game breaker ability if he can grow.
Derius Davis, WR, TCU
At 5’8 and 165 pounds, Derius Davis is one of the smallest receivers in this draft but that doesn’t prevent him from having elite playmaker ability. Known as one of the fastest players in college football, Davis is off the charts. On an 80 yard jet sweep touchdown vs. SMU, he topped out at 23.47 MPH.
He is an agile option as both a slot receiver and special teams gadget. As a punt returner, he took five punt returns to the house in his career. His agility and ability to accelerate and decelerate can make him difficult to tackle.
If utilized properly, he can be a YAC machine as a catch-and-go slot receiver. He can also be used as an agile returner who will be hard to catch if given time.
He will struggle against press coverage initially but with strngth and coaching this could change. His 42 receptions, 531 yards, and 5 TDs from 2022 won’t immediately stand out but that stat line is largely due to the fact that he was playing opposite of Quentin Johnson, who is arguably the best receiver in this draft. But this also means you are buying low on a guy who can shine next to another stud.
Nick Hampton, EDGE, Appalachian State
His 6’2”, 235 frame may not be ideal for an NFL edge rusher but, for his size, he is an absolute tank in the weight room. This, according to Appalachian State strength coach Brad Bielaniec:
“Nick’s strength levels are through the roof. I have trouble putting exactly into words what he’s capable of in terms of power. His ability to produce exponential power at any point and time is what really separates him from the pack.”
According to scouts, he needs to add 15-20 pounds to compete at an NFL level. With the tools he already has in the weight room, that likely will not be an issue.
If he’s able to do that, he’ll be a highly physical player who will provide agility, speed, and burst off the edge. With added strength and weight, he could fix many of his weaknesses and be an every-down player on defense.
Most late round picks will fail. It would be absurd to predict huge careers for any of the above. But all three players have the ability and potential to break out if they have the right approach and are in the right situation. We already know Green Bay is a great place. These guys are worth the pick to see if they have what it takes.
