This is a shout out to a few players that no one will mention until the draft is over. The 49ers vs Chiefs Super Bowl showed that talent isn’t always in the places you expect it to be and the unique stories these players had to overcome to get there.
Justin McMillan QB, Tulane 6’3 205 lbs
McMillan was a transfer from LSU because he would not start over future first-round pick Joe Borrow. So McMillan chose another path called Tulane. McMillan’s 2019 campaign at Tulane, he passed for 2,444 17touchdowns with 10 interceptions.
McMillan has all the arm needed to make all the passes needed in the NFL. All he needs is the right coaching. McMillan fits the mold of the Russell Wilson, Patrick Mahomes, Kyler Murray. I don’t expect McMillan will get drafted in the 2020 draft, but I believe he has what it takes to win in the NFL.
Jason Huntley RB, New Mexico State 5’9 193 lbs
A four-year player at New Mexico State that racked up 1,090 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground while offering great abilities in the rushing game, passing and the return game. Huntley can go from zero to 100 in the blink of an eye. Huntley will have to earn a roster spot on special teams before he is given an opportunity for reps out of an NFL offense.
Quez Watkins WR, Southern Miss 6’0 185 lbs
Watkins has the speed to take the top off any NFL defense if given the opportunity. In 2019, he hauled in 64 receptions for 1,178 yards in the air. Watkins on tape looks to be a late draft pick, or go undrafted, but offers his skill set in special teams.
Akeem Davis-Gaither LB, Appalachian State 6’1 224 lbs
Davis-Gaither is undersized but has a big heart. He is a sideline to sideline linebacker that can pass rush and blitz with the best of them. Coming out of a small school in Appalachian State, but is making noise around the league. The Bengals have already shown interest so I believe in the latter end of the draft Davis-Gaither’s name will be called.
Xavier Jones RB, SMU 5’11 208 lbs
Some may argue that he is one of the best players that didn’t get an invitation. Jones battled through injuries his entire career to come out his final season with 244 carries, 1,276 yards, and 23 touchdowns. He is a natural pass catcher and out of the backfield. Jones can be a sleeper in the 2020 draft if he can keep the injury bug off him. If Jones gets drafted or asked to an NFL camp, look to see him play with a chip on his shoulder.
D’Ariq King QB, Houston 5’11 195 lbs
I saved the best for last. King committed to Miami and made a switch to Houston where he played all four seasons.
Who wants a quarterback that has the ability to return kicks and throw the ball 50 plus yards in the air? Then King is your guy. King finished his career with 4,925 passing yards and 50 touchdowns with an eye-opening 10 interceptions. WOW! Is King the next Julian Edelman? King is a natural pass catcher and can play wide receiver if need be in special packages. He is an all-around natural playmaker that can play anywhere. Some have already called him the human swiss army knife.
Honorable mention: Adiran Killins
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