Fresno State Bulldogs quarterback Jake Haener (9) throws a pass before the start of the game against the Cal Poly Mustangs at Valley Children's Stadium.
Fresno State Bulldogs quarterback Jake Haener (9) throws a pass before the start of the game against the Cal Poly Mustangs at Valley Children's Stadium.

2023 NFL Draft Odds: The Best Under-the-Radar Sleepers Prospects

It is NFL Draft week. All 32 teams will look to bolster their respective rosters by selecting the best prospects over the course of a three-day draft. 

Round 1 is slated to begin on Thursday, with the second round and third round scheduled for Friday evening. The final day will take place on Saturday, which includes picks for Round 4 through Round 7. 

This year’s NFL Draft will be held near Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri. It will be broadcasted on ESPN, for those looking to watch all three days.

The Carolina Panthers traded up to No. 1 overall, and are expected to take a quarterback to begin the 2023 NFL Draft. But we know the players at the top of the board, so who are the underrated prospects?

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NFL Draft Sleepers

Jake Haener, QB, Fresno State — With four or five quarterbacks likely to be drafted in the first round Thursday evening, there are not too many signal callers flying under the radar this week. Haener is probably the biggest sleeper, however. He’s a bit undersized and has an injury history, but he projects to be a capable backup at the next level.

If Haener hits his ceiling, he might even be given a chance to be a starter one day. Haener threw for 4,096 yards and 33 touchdowns during the 2021 season. Haener makes good decisions and is accurate with the ball, which are two important qualities when playing at the NFL level.

Zach Charbonnet, RB, UCLA — The running back class is led by Bijan Robinson, who could go as high as top 10 on the first night. Jahmyr Gibbs is also going to make a NFL team very happy. But don’t forget about Charbonnet, who posted a top-three rushing grade at Pro Football Focus in each of his past two seasons.

Charbonnet, who has the size to be a three-down back, piled up 1,359 yards and 14 touchdowns during his final campaign with the Bruins. This came after a 2021 season when he ran for 1,137 yards and 13 scores. It might be tempting to take Robinson in Round 1, but a NFL team could be better off by settling for Charbonnet with a Day 2 pick.

Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma — This wide receiver class is underwhelming, but Mims isn’t getting the respect he deserves due to his size. Mims is 5-foot-11 and 184 pounds, but recent history would suggest that undersized receivers can make an immediate impact.

Mims caught 54 balls for 1,083 yards and six scores during his final season with the Oklahoma Sooners. He averaged 22 yards per reception in 2021, when he snagged 32 balls for 705 yards and five scores. In a year where the class is weak, we should be taking a closer look at what Mims can do with the ball in his hands.

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