We know about the headliners in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft, but who could be some of the sleepers who sneak into the back end of the round next Thursday night?
NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock gave his take on two risers -- one on each side of the ball -- during a Wednesday appearance on NFL Network's "Path To The Draft."
Mayock sees big things in N.C. State cornerback David Amerson, a 6-foot-1 cornerback who ran a 4.4 in the 40 at the NFL Scouting Combine and finished with 18 career interceptions with the Wolfpack. Amerson had 13 interceptions his junior year, but struggled as a senior, consistently getting beat on double-moves. Mayock termed it as a "lack of eye discipline."
"I think he was trying to make a big play every snap instead of playing his assignment," Mayock said.
Despite those struggles, Mayock sees Amerson as a "physical freak" who will tempt cornerback-needy teams in the back of the first round. Mayock gives Amerson a second-round grade, but says he won't be surprised if Amerson goes in Round 1.
On offense, Mayock sees a potential steal in Tennessee wide receiver Justin Hunter. A raw, rail-thin prospect, Hunter has the potential to develop into a big playmaker in Mayock's opinion. He said the St. Louis Rams are a possible destination given coach Jeff Fisher's style. Mayock also floated the Houston Texans, who are need of a complement/successor to Andre Johnson.
"To me, they're a player away from making a big move in the playoffs," Mayock said. "And I'd love to have this kid in that wide receiver room with Andre Johnson as his mentor. No tougher guy in the league than Andre Johnson."
Mayock's not the only draft expert high on Hunter. NFL Films tape guru Greg Cosell recently called Hunter the most physically talented receiver on the board. Certainly a player to keep an eye on.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.
