2010 NFL Draft: Pre-Combine Sleepers - Offense

The NFL Scouting Combine begins Feb. 24, with live coverage on NFL Network beginning on Feb. 26.

The coverage will likely focus heavily on the exploits of Tim Tebow, CJ Spiller, and any other big names who decide to showcase their wares but the weeks ahead are also about the players a little below the radar who have a chance to improve their stocks vastly with strong workouts and interviews. 

To help introduce some of the more unheralded invitees, NFL Draft 101 has developed a list of sleepers to watch during the remainder of the draft process: (one player per position minimum)

Quarterback

Thaddeus Lewis, Duke - Lewis is undersized at 6-foot but is coming off a breakout season in which he threw for 3,330 yards with 20 TDs and 8 INTs.  More important than his great senior season are his strong mechanics, above average arm, and excellent intangibles.

Currently listed as a free agent, he has a chance to move himself into the fifth or sixth round.  Getting the Blue Devils to the cusp of a bowl game by itself should make Lewis draftable.

Running Back

Shawnbrey McNeal, SMU - A surprise early entrant, McNeal was the first 1,000-yard rusher in June Jones' pass-happy coaching career.   Undersized but cat quick, McNeal has the combination of rushing and receiving skills to carve out a role as a speed back/returner.

Wide Receiver

Carlton Mitchell, South Florida - Tantalizing combination of size and speed, Mitchelll is a big-play receiver out of a school hardly known for producing top wide receivers (his 706 yards in 2009 were a school record). 

Had 8 catches of 25+ yards and 5 catches for 50+ yards despite playing most of the season with a true freshman quarterback.  He was markedly inconsistent but has the physical tools to shine at the combine and on Pro Day.

Tight End

Clay Harbour, Missouri State - Harbour had a great week at the Texas vs. the Nation game showcasing natural pass catching skills and the speed to be a threat down the seam.  Harbour needs to get stronger but the combine should be a good showcase for his athleticism and provide an opportunity to move up draft boards.

Offensive Line:

Tony Washington, Abilene Christian - Jered Veldheer out of Hillsdale is already getting the small-school love along the offensive line, so the pick goes fellow D-II All American Washington... a raw yet athletic left tackle prospect coming out of the same school as 2009 draft sleepers, Johnny Knox (WR - Chicago) and Bernard Scott (RB - Cincinnati).

Chris Maier is senior editor for nfldraft101.com .  He can be reached at [e-mail]