The NFL Draft's Hidden Gems: Why Athleticism Alone Doesn't Guarantee Stardom
There’s something undeniably captivating about the NFL Draft. It’s a time when dreams are made, careers are launched, and franchises are reshaped. But what happens when raw athleticism—the kind that jumps off the screen during combine drills—doesn’t translate into draft-day glory? That’s the question at the heart of the 2026 NFL Draft’s RAScals, a group of players with sky-high Relative Athletic Scores (RAS) but surprisingly low draft projections. Personally, I think this phenomenon is one of the most intriguing aspects of the draft process. It’s a reminder that football isn’t just about how fast you can run or how high you can jump; it’s about skill, consistency, and the intangible qualities that make a player truly great.
What’s the Big Deal About RAS?
Let’s start with the basics. RAS, developed by Kent Lee Platt, is a metric that compares a player’s athleticism to every other player at their position since 1987. It’s a simple 1-10 scale, with 10 being the pinnacle of athletic perfection. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it can highlight players who are physical anomalies but still fly under the radar. Take Jordan Van Den Berg, a defensive tackle from Georgia Tech, for example. His RAS score is off the charts—literally. He’s ranked higher than every defensive tackle since 1987, except for Jordan Davis, a first-round pick in 2022. Yet, Van Den Berg is projected to go undrafted.
From my perspective, this disconnect between athleticism and draft stock raises a deeper question: What are scouts and teams missing? When you watch Van Den Berg’s tape, his strength and bull rush are undeniable. But consistency is his Achilles’ heel. In my opinion, this is where the RAS metric falls short. It doesn’t account for technique, football IQ, or the ability to perform under pressure. Van Den Berg’s story is a perfect example of why athleticism is just one piece of the puzzle.
The Family Business: Lorenzo Styles Jr. and the Art of Position Switching
Lorenzo Styles Jr., a cornerback from Ohio State, is another player who embodies the RAScals’ paradox. His athleticism is electric, but his draft projection is modest at best. What many people don’t realize is that Styles Jr. is a converted wide receiver who’s still learning the nuances of playing defense. His brother, Sonny Styles, is a top-10 lock in this year’s draft, which only adds to the intrigue.
One thing that immediately stands out is Styles Jr.’s aggressiveness. He’s a ballhawk who isn’t afraid of contact, a trait he likely picked up from his days as a safety. But his tackling form needs work, and his position switch raises questions about his long-term potential. Personally, I think his future lies in special teams, where his speed and tenacity could make him a standout gunner or returner. The Chiefs, in particular, have a history of valuing players like this, which makes Styles Jr. an interesting fit.
The Enigma of J. Michael Sturdivant: Talent Without Consistency
Then there’s J. Michael Sturdivant, a wide receiver from Florida who’s been labeled as a player with ‘all the talent in the world.’ For the past three years, fans and scouts alike have been waiting for him to put it all together. But after transferring from California to UCLA and finally landing at Florida, Sturdivant’s production has been underwhelming.
What this really suggests is that talent alone isn’t enough. Football is a game of execution, and Sturdivant’s inconsistency has held him back. Still, there’s no denying his flashes of brilliance. When he’s on, he’s capable of making jaw-dropping plays that showcase his elite athleticism and body control. If you take a step back and think about it, players like Sturdivant are the ultimate draft wildcards. They’re the ones who could either flame out or become late-round steals.
The Broader Implications: What RAScals Tell Us About the NFL
The stories of Van Den Berg, Styles Jr., and Sturdivant aren’t just about individual players—they’re about the NFL’s obsession with measurable traits. RAS is a valuable tool, but it’s not the be-all and end-all. What many people don’t realize is that the draft is as much about projecting a player’s future as it is about evaluating their past.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how these players often end up as undrafted free agents or late-round picks, only to carve out roles in the league through sheer determination. It’s a reminder that football is a game of resilience and adaptability. The Chiefs, with their history of finding diamonds in the rough, could be the perfect landing spot for these RAScals.
Final Thoughts: The Draft’s Unpredictable Nature
As we look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, it’s clear that players like Van Den Berg, Styles Jr., and Sturdivant won’t be the headliners. But that doesn’t mean they won’t make an impact. Personally, I think the RAScals represent the draft’s untold story—the one about potential, perseverance, and the unpredictability of it all.
If there’s one takeaway, it’s this: athleticism is important, but it’s not everything. The players who succeed in the NFL are the ones who can combine their physical gifts with skill, consistency, and a relentless work ethic. So, the next time you hear about a player with a sky-high RAS but a low draft projection, remember: there’s always more to the story.
What do you think? Are the RAScals worth the gamble, or is their low draft stock a red flag? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts.
