The definition of "draft steal" can vary person to person or team to team, but I believe a "steal" is a player who performs at a level well beyond their draft slot.
Here are some potential draft steals on the offensive side of the ball in the 2016 NFL Draft. On Thursday, I posted my list of potential steals among defensive prospects.
Tyler Higbee, TE, Western Kentucky: NFL offenses thrive when stars are at the helm, but more and more teams understand that finding "matchup players" has become one of the best ways to hit hyper-drive with their offense. Higbee is a former wide receiver who is growing into his "move tight end" frame, but he still possesses the acceleration out of his breaks and open-field ability that makes coverage extremely difficult for linebackers and some safeties. Higbee is recovering from December knee surgery, which is why he isn't drawing much media attention this draft season. He said he was at about 75-80 percent for Western Kentucky's pro day on Tuesday. His tape has exciting moments for teams looking for a big slot target who is an ascending prospect.
Charone Peake, WR, Clemson: I remember watching tape of Peake and becoming very excited about what I was seeing. For one, Peake has a terrific combination of size (6-foot-2, 209 pounds) and speed (4.45-second 40-yard dash at NFL Scouting Combine) and is able to climb over the top of cornerbacks in the vertical passing attack. Peake was a highly rated receiver as he arrived at Clemson, but knee problems short-circuited two of his seasons. If his tape from 2015 is any indication of what he's capable of, I think an NFL team has an opportunity to add a big, fast wideout with starter's ability and a skill set that allows him to work all three levels of the field.
Jhurell Pressley, RB, New Mexico: It's hard for me to fathom why Pressley is getting very little attention -- even from some teams I've spoken with. One would think that an average of 7.8 yards per carry might get a team's attention, but some teams might be turned off by the fact that part of the Lobos' offense revolves around an option attack. Pressley has tremendous juice around the corner and is a competitive runner with good footwork and vision. Pressley's biggest issue is that he's not much of a pass-catcher, so he will have to play the part of "change-of-pace" running back, but I can see him doing that with ease.
Jonathan Williams, RB, Arkansas: Williams has been "out of sight, out of mind" after missing the 2015 season due to a foot injury. While he didn't "wow" the crowd at the Reese's Senior Bowl (after being out for an entire season) or his pro day, Williams possesses loose hips and good foot quickness. He has the ability to elude initial traffic and create yardage for himself with his vision and agility. He might have the potential to take starter's reps at some point if his medicals check out.
Three more prospects with steal potential
Daniel Braverman, WR, Western Michigan: Braverman's build and playing style is very similar to that of Dallas Cowboys slot target Cole Beasley. With quickness out of his breaks and shiftiness after the catch, Braverman could become a productive slot specialist in the right situation.
Jakeem Grant, WR, Texas Tech: Grant's lack of size will prevent him from even being considered by some teams, but his outstanding stop-start quickness, deep speed and kick-return ability should play well in the NFL for a team looking for playmaking over size.
Mike Bercovici, QB, Arizona State: I feel like I'm on an island with Bercovici since I can't find any NFL personnel men who are on board, but that's fine by me. Bercovici has a cannon for an arm, adequate accuracy and good mobility to extend plays. His fire reminds me of Chase Daniel coming out and I believe he can be a quality NFL backup.
Follow Lance Zierlein on Twitter @LanceZierlein.
