Several years ago, my friend Blake Beddingfield, who spent two decades on the Titans’ scouting staff, began getting on Zoom in October to discuss 50-plus rising players who were still off the grid with NFL draftniks (and even some NFL teams).

It got pretty popular and we had dozens of agents join us. We even had a few friends with NFL teams join us, just to make sure they weren’t missing anyone. It’s become a pretty popular feature and a regular part of what we do pre-Thanksgiving. The value is in the hidden gems Blake uncovers; everyone knows the 100-odd players who will go in the first couple rounds, but it’s much harder to predict the players who will make up players 150 to 250, plus the hot undrafted free agents.

It’s really hard to ask someone to provide names of players who are just good enough to be drafted, but not so good that they’ll be drafted before the fourth round. This is where you really have to have an eye for evaluation. Here are a few highlights from last year’s list:

  • Blake provided a list of 58 players. Only seven entered the draft and didn’t get drafted or signed. Of that seven, five went to one or more rookie mini-camps.
  • Of the 58, 21 went back to school, no doubt after being offered fat NIL deals. Can’t blame them for that.
  • Of the 30 remaining players, Blake accurately predicted all but 5-6 to go on Day 3 or to be signed post-draft. Of the other half-dozen, all went in the second or third round. 
  • Blake recommended four players who would be invited as tryout players, then earn UDFA deals during rookie mini-camp. They included Ball State DC Jaquan Amos, who recently signed with the Ravens; Arkansas FS Latavious Brini, who signed with the Jaguars; La.-Lafayette DC Eric Garror, who signed with the Titans; and UCF OH Isaiah Bowser, who signed with the Bills. There were only 24 players, total, who went from rookie tryout to UDFA deal, and Blake predicted four players who would pull off that difficult task.

This year, we’re going to put out a preseason list. Blake will present 50-plus players Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET on Zoom. Cost is $40 plus tax, and anyone can join us. Everyone that participates will get a copy of the video as well as Blake’s XL list. We’re expecting dozens of contract advisors and even a few friends of mine in professional evaluation. 

Like everyone else, I’m eager to see Blake’s list. “I tried to focus a lot on OL,” Blake told me. “Pass rushers and some other good PFAs and a few players that didn’t play as much last year, but may be big risers this year.”

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the players Blake will discuss Thursday night.

  • Logan Brown, OT, Kansas — Has the size and traits for the NFL, but needs to add strength and experience. Has character issues.
  • Reggie Grimes, DE, Oklahoma — Rising player with good bloodlines. Developing as a pass rusher. 
  • Willie Lampkin, OC, Coastal Carolina  — Very competitive player in camp who needs to continue to enhance his quickness, speed and athleticism.  
  • Joe More, OT, Syracuse — Four-year starter at Richmond who is hoping to prove he can compete on the FBS level this year. 
  • Zion Logue, DT, Georgia — The latest defensive line project out of Athens isn’t on the Jordan Davis/Jalen Carter level, and has been mostly a reserve to this point, but has interesting upside.

I hope you can join us Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET. It’s going to be a lot of fun. I can hardly wait to see the players Blake has on his list. Cost is $40 plus tax, and you can register here.