2022 NFL Draft Sleepers: Danny Gray, Josh Johnson jump off the page at WR

Every NFL Draft class has its share of wide receiver sleepers. There are always prospects who come into the league and outplay their draft position. Furthermore, we’re almost guaranteed to see a prospect come out of seemingly nowhere to be selected higher than their projected draft range. Who might those wide receiver sleepers be in the 2022 NFL Draft?

2022 NFL Draft sleepers at WR

In a packed wide receiver class in the 2022 NFL Draft, finding sleepers might be easier than in previous years. There will be prospects selected right up until the final pick on Saturday that could have a bigger impact on the league than their draft stock might suggest. If you miss out on Garrett Wilson, Drake London, or Jameson Williams at the top of the class, these are some names to watch out for that might not be receiving much buzz at this moment but have NFL potential.

Josh Johnson, Tulsa

If you’re looking for a dangerous playmaker from the slot, Tulsa’s Josh Johnson could be the man for you. While he’s not blessed with top-end speed, the Golden Hurricane WR has the twitchy athleticism that lends itself to creating easy separation. Whether that is on release or with some evident nuance to his route-running ability, Johnson possesses the ability to get open. Furthermore, he’s demonstrated impressive ball-tracking skills and has excellent relative length, opening possibilities for further pass-catching development.

Samori Toure, Nebraska

Having dominated the FCS level for Montana State, Samori Toure made the transition to the FBS level seem effortless. Although the Nebraska offense left a lot to be desired, Toure was the go-to guy, averaging an impressive 19.5 yards per catch. He’s a reliable ball catcher who can corral the ball securely over the middle.

A smooth and underrated athlete, Toure also showcases the football intelligence to find soft spots in zone coverage. A team will get a late-round bargain with Toure as one of the sleepers in this NFL Draft WR class.

Charleston Rambo, Miami (FL)

Once considered hot property at Oklahoma, Charleston Rambo has been one of the big sleepers in the 2022 NFL Draft class. This despite having a sensational statistical season for the Miami Hurricanes.

Like Johnson above him, Rambo excels in creating separation on release and with his twitchy athleticism. Unlike Johnson, however, the Miami man provides a physical threat as a blocker, which should only add value to his NFL Draft stock. He finished up as a top-150 player on the Pro Football Network Consensus Top 300 Big Board.

Corey Sutton, Appalachian State

“Never even heard of this dude and it’s two days before the draft,” was a genuine social media comment I received on our recent sit down with Corey Sutton. If that’s not the NFL Draft sleepers calling card, I’m not sure what is.

At 6’3″, Sutton has the natural advantage of size as a pass catcher. He’s also blessed with decent length. Moreover, Sutton plays the game with impressive physicality, fighting through the catch point to secure the ball. Add in some deceptive speed for his size and Sutton can be a dangerous playmaker.

Danny Gray, SMU

For teams looking at Jameson Williams in Round 1, Danny Gray is a later-round option as one of the sleepers in the 2022 NFL Draft. With a Senior Bowl appearance on his résumé, Gray might not be a true sleeper. Still, he’s not receiving the attention that his NFL Draft scouting report deserves.

While speed kills, Gray can manipulate his route pacing to create separation. The SMU wide receiver also possesses impressive ball-tracking skills and body control. He’s got Day 2 potential even in this deeply talented class.

Honorable mentions

• Jaivon Heiligh, Coastal Carolina
• Isaiah Weston, Northern Iowa
• Dai’Jean Dixon, Nicholls State
• Tay Martin, Oklahoma State
• Dennis Houston, Western Illinois