Finding The Defensive Small-School NFL Draft Gems

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Finding The Defensive Small-School NFL Draft Gems

Bob Rose · Athlon Sports

Mon, Apr 21, 2025 ·

6 min read

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The New Orleans Saints are among the NFL's best at finding small-school talent in the later rounds of the NFL Draft.

Most of their success in this area has been on the offensive side. However, the Saints have also unearthed some overlooked gems defensively in recent years.

• DT - Khristian Boyd (Northern Iowa)

• LB - D'Marco Jackson (Appalachian State)

• LB - Kaden Elliss ( Idaho )

• DT - David Onyemata (Manitoba)

• DT - Akiem Hicks (Regina)

With the NFL Draft just days away, here are some small-school defensive prospects to keep an eye on as the draft progresses.

Darius Alexander , DT (Toledo)

Pitt Panthers quarterback David Lynch (16) is sacked by Toledo Rockets defensive tackle Darius Alexander (9). © Kimberly P. Mitchell / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Alexander had 9 sacks and 23 tackles for loss over his last three years with the Rockets. He's a powerful interior force that could come off the board as early as midway through Day 2 of the draft.

The fact that Alexander is an older prospect (26) might sway some teams away. He'll also need to do a better job at playing with a good pad level to maintain leverage advantages and be more disciplined in his gap assignments.

Alexander is a formidable blend of power and agility. He has good explosion at the snap and gains quick advantage against even double-team blocking. His strength allows him to power into backfields, but he also has the quickness to get past blockers in the blink of an eye.

Darius Alexander has the versatility to be a smaller nose tackle in a 3-4 front as well as the agility to be successful in four-man fronts. With improved gap discipline against the run, he has the upside to be a starter that stays on the field in most situations.

David Walker, Edge ( Central Arkansas )

National team defensive lineman David Walker of Central Arkansas (33) pressures American team quarterback Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss (2) during the 2025 Senior Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

National team defensive lineman David Walker of Central Arkansas (33) works through drills during Senior Bowl practice. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

A three-time FCS All-American, Walker had 39 sacks and 82 tackles for loss over his four seasons. He's been projected by most as an early Day 3 pick.

Listed at 6'1" and 263-Lbs., Walker doesn't have the prototype length of the preferred NFL end. He also has average athleticism, which means he'll have to beat blockers with technique and leverage while handling the jump in competition.

Walker uses his stature to his advantage. He has tremendous lower-body power, sets an outstanding anchor against the run, and shows good instincts as a pass rusher. Walker also has good short-area agility and the natural skills to disengage quickly in getting to the ball.

David Walker is a ''finisher''. Despite the lack of measurables, he always seemed to disrupt opposing offenses. Those are skills that cannot be taught.

Jackson Woodard , LB ( UNLV )

Kansas Jayhawks quarterback Jason Bean (9) is pushed out of bounds by UNLV Rebels linebacker Jackson Woodard (7). Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Transferring from Arkansas after three years, Woodard has been a force for the Rebels in the last two seasons. He capped off a terrific career with 3.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss among his 135 total stops last season. Woodard also intercepted 4 passes and broke up 12 others on his way to Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Woodard doesn't have the athletic ability preferred at the position. He also needs to do a better job at using teammates in front of him to keep free of blockers to flow to the play. At times, he can be fooled out of position by play fakes or misdirection.

What Woodard lacks in physical ability he makes up for with tremendous instincts. He'll read and react to plays instantaneously and is a sure tackler when he gets to the ball. Woodard can't run with a lot of receivers in coverage. However, he shows elite anticipation and timing in zone responsibilities.

Jackson Woodard projects as a late Day 3 choice or priority undrafted signing. Lacking top-level athleticism will drive him down boards. However, his instincts and diagnostic skills may make him the type of draft steal that eventually earns a starting role inside.

Zah Frazier, CB (UTSA)

UTSA defensive back Zah Frazier (DB09) runs the 40 yard dash during the 2025 NFL Combine. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

After two years as a reserve with the Roadrunners, Frazier vaulted onto scouts radar in 2024. He had 6 interceptions, leading the American Athletic Conference and second across the NCAA.

Starting only one season and at 25 years old, there is doubt over Frazier's upside and lack of experience. He has been extremely vulnerable to play fakes and double moves in both man and off-ball coverage. He'll also need to be more disciplined in zone responsibilities.

Frazier has the length (6'3" and 186-Lbs.) that teams look for in outside corners. He also has the speed to stay with any receiver with the reach and ball skills to disrupt a lot of throws.

Even with his age and lack of experience, Frazier has the physical tools to be a potential Day 2 pick in many years. In a deep cornerback class, he's still projected as a mid-Day 3 selection. They'll be some bumps early. With improved reps and good coaching, Frazier has the ability to at least be a contributor as a third corner.

Kenny Gallop Jr., S ( Howard )

Howard Bison defensive back Kenny Gallop Jr (0). Credit: Howard University Athletics

An experienced four-year contributor for the Bison, Gallop was the 2023 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year. He had career numbers of 3 interceptions, 17 passes broken up, 16 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles.

Gallop was all over the field for Howard. He'll need to improve strength to take on blockers as an in-the-box defender at the NFL level. He also needs to improve his tackling angles and technique, especially in open space.

Gallop has excellent coverage skills. He has the range and versatility to play in either a single-high or two-high safety scheme. His agility also allows him to step into slot coverage roles.

Unfortunately, HBCU players are too often overlooked in the NFL Draft. This makes Gallop a probable late Day 3 choice or priority undrafted signing. His production at Howard and scheme versatility could also make several teams who passed on him regret that decision.

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