Unheralded players getting multiple visits … Of course, much of the story about the on-going on-site visits revolves around where the top prospects are going. However, the top 100 type players aren’t the only guys making visits these days. Teams will also bring in lesser known players as possible late round targets; they may even bring in a couple to get a heads-up on a possible premium post draft free agent or two. The following half dozen players are generally way-under-the -radar types, but we note them because they have made multiple visits to different teams sites. In no particular order:
Hawai’i OG Ilm Manning: Manning is an experienced offensive lineman who made 52 career collegiate starts most of them at LT. However, at just 6-2.5 and 300 pounds without great athleticism – his 40 time is in the 5.30 range – he’s not going to play outside at the next level. But he is very strong, especially through the lower body and what intrigues NFL teams about him is that he is an excellent pass blocker who is light on his feet and technically very solid with his hand and arm usage. Manning has visits with Indianapolis, Chicago, Dallas, Green Bay, Arizona and Las Vegas.
Western Kentucky CB Kahlef Hailassie: Hailassie is a good sized (6-1, 200) corner who isn’t necessarily a good athlete but is active, aggressive and physical. He actually originally signed and played a year at Oregon before transferring to WKU where he had a couple of productive seasons the past couple of years in which he had a total of 111 tackles including 3 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 4 interceptions and 15 total pass breakups. Hailassie has visits with Dallas, Kansas City, Atlanta and Cincinnati.
West Florida WR David Durden: Bottom line is that Durden has all the physical tools of a big-play NFL receiver. He’s a solid 6-1, 205 who runs the 40 in the 4.35-4.40 range. And that speed shows up on the field where he averaged 20.9 yards per catch in 2022 when he had 13 scores after averaging a whopping 23.1 yards per catch the previous season. Not surprisingly, though, as a DII player he needs a lot of polish as a receiver, especially his route-running, although he does have very good hands. In fact, has played some pro baseball as he was a 20th round pick by Boston in 2017. Durden has visits with Baltimore, Denver, Las Vegas and the LA Chargers.
Indiana S Devon Matthews: Steady, experienced veteran Big Ten safety played in 52 games with 35 starts for the Hoosiers. Has good size (6-0, 205) and decent speed and quickness, although he doesn’t make a ton of plays in coverage. More of an in-the-box type safety who is aggressive and instinctive as well as a very goo tackler; also a very good special teams player. Last year, had 66 tackles and a pick. Matthews has visits with Washington, Chicago, Houston, Tennesee and the NY Giants.
Toledo TE Jamal Turner: Turner is another guy who never did a whole lot in college, but has the physical tools to be a weapon at the next level. Turner is a tweener type at 6-4, 240, but he’s got the speed to get vertical and in 2022 averaged over 13 yards per catch and scored 8 times after spending most of his first 4 years with the Rockets as a blocking TE. Turner has visits with Detroit and San Francisco.
New Mexico S Jerrick Reed: Underrated Western Athletic safety who isn’t all that big at barely 5-10, 192, but is very athletic with a 38-inch vertical and sub-4.5 40 clocking. Also a versatile player who can play all over the deep secondary in that he is quick and aggressive enough to line up in the box, while also held up well when working the slot in coverage, although his lack of length will show up on deeper passes. Had 93 tackles in 2022 including a couple of forced fumbles, a pick and ten pass breakups. Also a very willing special teamer. Reed has visits with Kansas City and Seattle.
