Whether they played for Group of Five or FCS programs, there are plenty of promising prospects in this year’s NFL Draft who didn’t play in the Power Five conferences.
Here’s a look at some of the best wide receivers who might not go in the first round but could end up providing key contributions for a pro team sometime in the near future.
1. Tank Dell of Houston
Dell shined in his final season of college. He made the All-American Athletic Conference first team after leading the country with 1,398 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns through the air while being second with 109 receptions.
For his career, Dell totaled 2,904 yards and 28 touchdowns on 211 receptions. He also tallied 153 yards and a score on nine punt returns last season.
However, despite his success, many aren’t projecting Dell to be a first-round selection. Passing up on drafting him could end up being a mistake for many teams.
Read more: Tank Dell’s Height Shouldn’t Stop Houston WR From Going In First Two Rounds
2. Jason Brownlee of Southern Miss
Brownlee made an all-conference team both in the Sun Belt and Conference USA. His skills should translate to the NFL well.
Brownlee totaled 891 yards and eight touchdowns on 55 receptions in 2022. He finished his career at Southern Miss with 2,144 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 135 catches.
Considering how successful Brownlee was at contested catches and all of his other traits, he could end up being one of the best Day 3 picks in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Read more: Jason Brownlee’s Draft Stock Is Rising
3. Jalen Moreno-Cropper of Fresno State
Moreno-Cropper earned all-conference accolades each of the past three seasons. That consistency should lead to an NFL team believing in him.
Moreno-Cropper finished his time at Fresno State as one of the program’s most successful wide receivers ever. He was top 10 all-time in school history with 220 receptions (fifth), 21 receiving touchdowns (eighth), and 2,701 receiving yards (ninth).
Whether it be on jet sweeps, quick slants, or routes deep down the field, Moreno-Cropper could contribute to an NFL franchise in countless ways. Though he might be drafted on Day 3, he could work his way into a starting rotation quickly.
Read more: Jalen Moreno-Cropper Shouldn’t Be Overlooked
4. Andrei Iosivas of Princeton
Though he played at the FCS level, Iosivas might be one of the most athletic wide receivers in this year’s class. He was fourth in the heptathlon in the NCAA indoor track and field national championships, and his 60-meter time of 6.71 seconds set a nationals record.
At Princeton, Iosivas is third all-time in touchdown receptions (16), sixth in receiving yards (1,909), and 12th in catches (125). Last season, he was the best in the Ivy League with 943 receiving yards, seven touchdown grabs, and 66 catches en route to HERO Sports FCS All-America honors.
Iosivas may not have played in the SEC, but he might surprise some people once he’s on an NFL team.
Read more: Princeton’s Andrei Iosivas Ready To Make The Jump From Ivy League To the NFL
5. Tre Tucker of Cincinnati
Tucker’s athleticism score was sixth among wide receivers at the NFL Combine. He proved he was a dynamic player when the ball was in his hands.
Tucker recorded 672 yards and three touchdowns on 52 receptions last season. In four years, he racked up 112 catches, 1,433 yards, and eight touchdowns.
Tucker, who was a second-team All-AAC returner in 2020, is third at Cincinnati with 1,670 kickoff return yards and fifth with a kickoff return average of 24.93 yards.
Tucker’s production on returns speaks for itself. But he could prove to be a good draft pick by the fourth round.
Read more: Tre Tucker of Cincinnati Proved To Be An Excellent Slot Wide Receiver
