Every single season, teams across the league find hidden gems who were largely overlooked for a variety of reasons. Either these young players were drafted later than their talent warranted, or they were overlooked altogether.
Last season alone, the Tennessee Titans found two potential stars in the making on Day 3 or later.
With the very last pick in the fourth round, the Titans selected Chigoziem Okonkwo, who looked like he could become the next dominant tight end in Tennessee sooner rather than later. The Titans also lured standout punter Ryan Stonehouse to Tennessee after he somehow went undrafted.
This season, there are a few candidates who could become this year’s hidden gem. Truthfully, you could make an argument for any of the Day 3 guys.
Tight end Josh Whyle figures to have a role as the second tight end whenever the Titans opt to use 12-personnel in passing situations.
Meanwhile, wide receiver Colton Dowell has tons of untapped potential as he joins a wide receiver room that is begging for someone other than Treylon Burks to rise to the occasion.
However, I’m going to have to go with the Titans’ sixth-round selection as their top candidate to be this year’s hidden gem.
Great to see Maryland OT Jaelyn Duncan invited to the Senior Bowl. Saw him earlier this season vs. Charlotte. Naturally gifted as a pass protector with lots of athleticism. Would be an ideal fit in a zone-based blocking scheme on the next level. pic.twitter.com/t5WlAt8SVe
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) November 15, 2022
Former Maryland offensive tackle Jaelyn Duncan isn’t a perfect prospect by any means, but I don’t think many of us who truly took the time to evaluate these players expected him to fall to the sixth round, either.
Maryland LT Jaelyn Duncan is being brought in by the #Chiefs on a Top 30 visit (per @_RyanFowler_ )
The four-year starter on the left edge is lighting fast into his pass set w/ quick, smooth footwork to re-direct inside
A good foundation to work from as he develops his anchor pic.twitter.com/2O7YgOpKv4
— Ron Kopp Jr. (@Ron_Kopp) April 13, 2023
Duncan is an athletically fluid mover who has the physical traits and nastiness that Mike Vrabel admittedly wants in his offensive linemen.
Maryland LT Jaelyn Duncan escorting a defender to the bench… pic.twitter.com/YUFufZ9n6J
— Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic) June 4, 2020
The Maryland product isn’t exactly a plug-and-play prospect, but Duncan has tons of tools in the shed to work with.
Jaelyn Duncan (LT) is slept on pic.twitter.com/ZfzH3hgZy4
— Browns Alchemist (@BrownsAlchemy) October 6, 2022
He will likely compete for the swing tackle role right out the gate, but he’s someone who could sneakily push for a starting spot as time passes and he continues to develop.
He’s still rough around the edges but Maryland OT Jaelyn Duncan has outstanding blind side traits. Incredibly patient, premier foot quickness. He never looks rushed. pic.twitter.com/wENszSwO1y
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) February 3, 2023
With that said, things won’t always be pretty for the Maryland product, especially early on.
Duncan undoubtedly presented tremendous value in the sixth round, but there’s a reason why he was considered a mid-round prospect by many people (myself included).
His overall inconsistencies on the field is a large reason for that type of projection. Over the last two years, the former Terrapin has accounted for 965 pass-blocking snaps, allowing 24 hurries, 11 sacks, and six quarterback hits over that span, per Pro Football Focus.
LT Jaelyn Duncan… yikes pic.twitter.com/ABOaNwSgnY
— cristian (@Cristianspfc_) November 5, 2022
Obviously, those numbers aren’t ideal, but like we already said, he was never considered a finished product to begin with. Truth be told, Duncan has lots of work to do from a technical standpoint in order to reach his full potential.
Nonetheless, what really intrigues people is the fact that his good reps are truly impressive, which then makes you wonder what he could eventually become once he gets around NFL coaching on a full-time basis.
Jaelyn Duncan:
🧈🦶🦶 pic.twitter.com/yCO7L5rOhk
— Matt Lane (@Matty_KCSN) February 10, 2023
Impressive rep here from Maryland OT Jaelyn Duncan against Isaiah Foskey. Stout anchor and explosive hands latched inside the chest plate. #SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/67zaCMHDWA
— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft) January 31, 2023
Duncan now joins an offensive line in Tennessee that has plenty of questions, and several spots to be had. If everything goes according to plan, he could see the field in a limited capacity as the sixth offensive lineman as soon as this fall.
