The pre-draft process is a marathon for NFL teams and scouting departments, who spend months digging into every bit of information about potential targets on and off the field. It’s no easier for those covering the draft or fans trying to keep up. Naturally, everyone develops a few favorites—not necessarily the top prospects, but players who stand out for one reason or another.
After reviewing scouting reports and film for the past three months, certain names keep rising to the surface. These are players who probably deserve more attention and could be solid picks for whichever team selects them. Some have a standout trait, some are high-character individuals, and some are scheme fits for the Las Vegas Raiders. There are no rules here—just personal preference. While first-round picks are easier to highlight, this list focuses on Day 2 and especially Day 3 projections.
Here are nine hidden gems, in no particular order, and why they’re intriguing:
KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
We’re already cheating a bit. Concepcion could go in the first round, and he probably deserves it based on his ability to get open and make plays after the catch. But that’s not why he’s here. Spending time with him at the combine revealed a phenomenal kid who will be a great locker-room asset. He’s easy to root for, wherever he lands.
Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State
“Big Citrus” has one of the best nicknames in this draft class, which has helped put him on the radar. But his game is no joke, especially for what the Raiders might need in a nose tackle. He can clog the middle and shut down the run on early downs, though he likely won’t be on the field in passing situations early in his career.
Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
This is another fit for the Raiders, who need a true X-receiver. Fields can win downfield despite lacking top-end speed, and he’s fantastic at tracking the ball in the air. Once it’s near him, he catches it. There’s no such thing as a 50-50 ball for him. He could be lethal on back-shoulder throws from Fernando Mendoza.
Harold Perkins, LB, LSU
It might have been a mistake to revisit his freshman film—it’s sensational. Perkins struggled to replicate that level of play the rest of his college career due to a knee injury, a position switch, and coverage issues. But his ceiling makes him worth a late-round flier.
Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
There aren’t many flashy highlights on his resume. He quietly goes about his business, taking receivers out of the equation, especially in pattern-match zones where he reads the quarterback. He’s a quiet assassin with elite explosiveness, and there’s something peaceful about his calm style.
Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State
The most appealing aspects of his game are his ability to move in the run game and his improvement as a pass blocker throughout college, despite lacking elite strength. He might need a year of development in the NFL, but his lateral movement would be useful in Klint Kubiak’s system.
Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State
When watching Shelton, Allen often stands out, and vice versa. Allen has limitations, especially in the passing game, but he’s a dominant force in short-yardage and goal-line situations. That could be an asset for a Raiders team looking to save wear and tear on Ashton Jeanty.
Hezekiah Masses, CB, Cal
He was under-recruited out of high school, outgrew Florida International, and was likely overlooked in the transfer portal before landing at Cal. He then led the nation with 18 passes defended last season. He’ll need to clean up penalties and add bulk to hold up in the run game, but his vision and ability to attack the ball in zone coverage are special.
Nadame Tucker, Edge, Western Michigan
He’s one of the older prospects in the draft and is probably a one-trick pony at the NFL level. But what a trick it is. His pass-rush tape is full of wow moments and splashy plays, though he’s a late convert from basketball. He’s fun to watch coming off the edge and embarrassing offensive tackles.
Parker Brailsford, C, Alabama
If you talk to people around the Alabama program, they’d say Brailsford is worthy of a first-round pick. They rave about his leadership and football IQ. But he’s undersized and likely scheme-specific, fitting a team that wants its center to get out and move—like the Raiders.
Contact Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AdamHillLVRJ on X.
