Many believe that NFL general managers earn their paychecks based on their level of success in the later rounds of the draft by uncovering those hidden gems that can push a team over the top. With the NFL’s scouting process now winding down, many names are being brought to the forefront that weren’t exactly on the tip of anyone’s tongues when the collegiate season started. This segment called Under the Radar will continue to explore just what scouts find attractive about certain prospects that may be available beyond the glamour rounds of the draft and why you’re team may be interested in landing one of these sleepers.

The NFL has become a tight end dominated league in recent years and that trend only figures to continue as the once blocking dominated position continues its evolution into an athletic, basketball style receiver spot on team’s rosters. Scott Sicko offers some potential to teams looking for an Under the Radar target at that position from the University of New Hampshire. In his career at UNH, Sicko amassed over 2,000 yards receiving and had 160 catches. He set high marks in each of those categories during his senior campaign where he snagged 57 balls for 725 yards including 9 touchdowns. Sicko is a tight end prospect in the mold of Dallas Clark with a time of 4.55 seconds in the 40 yard dash at his pro day where he also had a 35 inch vertical leap and 10’2” broad jump. That was all capped off by a decent display of strength as well when the UNH tight end put up 22 reps of 225lbs. on the bench press. Each of those performances would have ranked among the top ten tight ends at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

One area where Sicko still has a lot of room to improve is in his blocking where he remains reluctant to engage with defenders and doesn’t generate much push off of the line of scrimmage when he does get involved. Of course the level of competition questions are present with him as well causing many to be a bit wary of his production against what is perceived as inferior competition. At 6’5” 251lbs. Sicko has a great NFL frame, but there is definitely a lot of physical development that still needs to happen in the weight room in order for him to pan out at the next level. His upside will still entice some general managers into taking a flyer on him hoping that the physical tools will turn into something special in the NFL. The 6th round seems like a logical area where Sicko will come off of the board and he could make a big splash if he lands with the right club.

A number of names will be called during April’s NFL Draft that seem to be from out of left field, but don’t let Scott Sicko’s be one of them. Keep looking out for more Under the Radar players shooting up draft boards or quietly lurking in the depth of this class that could make a huge impact over the coming years on Sundays.

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