While it's the first round of the NFL draft that sees all the hype, glitz and glamour, the ability to find players in the later rounds is huge for teams when it comes to building successful rosters without having to spend a lot. Finding a solid starter or better outside of the first round means the team can get high value against little cost during the player's rookie deal.
We've seen the Seattle Seahawks take advantage of this recently with quarterback Russell Wilson, one of the biggest success stories from the third round or later in recent years. It goes to show how much impact that hitting on a sleeper can have. So, who are some potential sleepers in this draft class? We've identified 10 based on our Pro Football Focus grading for every prospect in this class, which takes into account performance statistics of every play.
Click here for a list of the 10 most overrated prospects in the 2015 draft class.
1. Tyler Lockett, WR, Kansas State
If there is a prospect in this draft who looks like he's simply too small to be regarded as a top pick, it's Lockett. A big-play threat who produced 559 yards on passes 20 yards or more downfield in 2014, he plays much bigger than his 5-foot-11, 175-pound frame suggests, going up to win the ball at the catch point when needed. An impressive route runner, he has quick feet that allow him to quickly get open and find holes in zones well. In a deep receiving class, he could fall further than his talents suggest, giving someone a steal on Day 2 or later.