The NFL draft is all about finding gems.

While top prospects at the biggest schools are easy to identify and get excited about, players who stand out at lesser-known programs can be just as valuable. It’s why scouts have this old adage: Scout the player, not the helmet.

The Ravens know a thing or two about that. While many of their draft picks have come from power conference schools, there have been several notable picks from smaller programs, including tight end Isaiah Likely (Coastal Carolina), defensive lineman Zach Sieler (Ferris State), edge rusher Matthew Judon (Grand Valley State), center Ryan Jensen (Colorado State Pueblo), cornerback Asa Jackson (Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo) and linebacker Antwan Barnes (Florida International), to name a few.

Which under-the-radar players might general manager Eric DeCosta and the Ravens’ staff identify this year? Here’s a look at some notable draft sleepers who might fit in Baltimore:

William & Mary offensive tackle Charles Grant: The former wrestler didn’t start playing football until his junior year of high school and was overlooked during the recruiting process, receiving his first scholarship offer from Division II Virginia-Wise before committing to FCS William & Mary. After redshirting during the pandemic-shortened spring 2021 season, he claimed the starting job at left tackle for the Tribe and held it for four seasons, earning first-team All-America honors in his final two while rebuffing offers from FBS programs along the way.

The 6-foot-5, 309-pound Grant ended his college career on a high note, becoming the only offensive lineman to be named a finalist for the 2024 Walter Payton Award, which recognizes the top offensive player in the FCS. And while he didn’t get a chance to compete against fellow top prospects at the Senior Bowl because of an injury, his overall body of work, physical traits (including 84th-percentile arm length at 34 3/4 inches) and competitiveness will get him drafted, perhaps as early as the third round.

Central Arkansas edge rusher David Walker: In high school at Stuttgart High in Arkansas, Walker was a 5-9, 170-pound sophomore before blossoming into a first-team all-state selection playing both defensive line and offense. However, he suffered a torn ACL during his final season and was not ranked in the 2019 recruiting class before signing with Division II Southern Arkansas. After a redshirt season and 2020 pandemic cancellation, he finally got on the field and recorded eight sacks in 11 games before transferring to Central Arkansas.

With the Bears, Walker became one of the best defensive players in the FCS, recording 63 tackles for loss and 31 sacks in three seasons. A three-time FCS All-American and three-time conference Defensive Player of the Year, Walker won the 2024 Buck Buchanan Award as the top FCS defensive player. While the 24-year-old lacks ideal length and size at 6-1, 263 pounds with 31 7/8-inch arms, Walker is touted for his bull-rush move, heavy hands and off-the-charts production. He’ll likely be a fourth-round pick.

Cal Poly edge rusher Elijah Ponder: The former two-star recruit flashed as a redshirt freshman defensive end, returning an interception 75 yards for a touchdown in the 2021 season opener and recording a team-leading eight sacks. He finished his five-year career ranked third in school history with 26 1/2 career sacks, earning first-team All-Big Sky honors in 2023 and 2024. The 6-3, 251-pound Ponder also posted outstanding athletic testing numbers, including a 4.63-second 40-yard dash, 41-inch vertical jump, 11-foot broad jump and 6.99-second three-cone drill. He could carve out a role as a rotational pass rusher as a late Day 3 pick.

California safety Craig Woodson: Based on his evaluation, NFL.com draft analyst and former Ravens scout Daniel Jeremiah said that he would take Woodson in the third round. He’s projected to come off the board much later than that, in part because he’s 24 with an average 6-foot, 200-pound frame and a 2021 season-ending knee injury, but there’s a lot to like in his profile. In addition to his speed (4.45-second 40-yard dash) and explosiveness (81st-percentile broad jump at 10-7), analysts say that Woodson reads the field well and doesn’t make mistakes. His overall experience at safety (started 38 games the past three seasons) and on special teams (450 career snaps) would provide instant depth.

Western Michigan cornerback Bilhal Kone: Kone’s story of perseverance is easy to root for, as he moved from a no-star recruit to junior college to Indiana State to Western Michigan — the last stop in part because he wanted the challenge of playing against the toughest opponents on the Broncos’ 2024 schedule (Iowa, Ohio State and Wisconsin). At 6-1, 190 pounds with a 4.43-second 40-yard dash, he has the size and speed to stick with receivers and doesn’t shy away from contact as a run defender (one of only four FBS cornerbacks with 70 tackles or more in 2024). As an early Day 3 pick, he could be a gem.

Iowa linebacker Jay Higgins: As a two-time All-American and first-team All-Big Ten selection, Higgins might not qualify for the “sleeper” category among college football fans. But because of his below-average size (6 feet, 224 pounds) and athleticism (28th among linebackers at the scouting combine in athleticism score), a lot of NFL teams will pass on him. They could be missing out on a solid player. Higgins led the FBS with 171 tackles in 2023 and followed that up with 124 (including four interceptions) in 2024. He also called the defensive signals for the Hawkeyes and was described as the “ultimate leader” as team captain. With his instincts and experience, he could stick in the NFL as a late Day 3 pick.

Sacramento State guard/center Jackson Slater: Strength is the calling card for Slater, who was highlighted on Bruce Feldman’s annual “Freaks List” and was one of only five players with at least 30 bench press reps at the NFL scouting combine. As a left guard at Sacramento State, he became the first offensive lineman in school history to earn three first-team all-conference honors and was named a first-team FCS All-American in 2024. The jump in competition could take some adjustment, but Slater has the traits worth betting on as a potential Day 3 pick.

Eastern Washington wide receiver Efton Chism III: The Ravens have already shown their interest in Chism, bringing him to Baltimore for a predraft visit. Given his background, it’s easy to understand why.

The 5-11, 193-pound slot receiver finished his five-year college career with 346 catches for 3,852 yards and 37 touchdowns. While those numbers trail former Eastern Washington star Cooper Kupp’s career marks, Chism broke Kupp’s FCS record by recording at least one catch in 53 straight games. The 23-year-old Chism will have to prove that he can beat NFL-caliber defensive backs at his size, but his staggering production and quick feet might give him a chance to stick on a roster as a late-round flier or undrafted free agent.

Temple kicker Maddux Trujillo: The Eagles have been playing at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia since 2003, but they don’t own the record for the longest field goal at their own stadium. That belongs to Trujillo, who made a 64-yarder against Utah State this past season that ranks as the eighth longest in NCAA history. Trujillo (pronounced TRUH-hee-YO) became just the third player in NCAA history to record two 60-plus-yard field goals in the same season when he nailed a 60-yarder against UConn. The Austin Peay transfer went 16-for-22 (72.7%) with the Owls after leaving as the Governors’ career leader in field goals made (38) and field goal percentage (.717). His big leg could be attractive to a team potentially looking to replace Justin Tucker.

Towson tight end Carter Runyon: The Ravens wouldn’t have to look far to add another tight end to their roster. After two seasons at Shenandoah University, Runyon transferred to Towson and became the program’s first Division I All-American at tight end after leading the team in receptions (43), receiving yards (549) and touchdown catches (four) in 2023. The 6-5, 243-pound Runyon posted nearly identical numbers in 2024, helping the Tigers go 7-5. If he makes a roster, he’d become the only active Towson player in the NFL and the first since safety Jordan Dangerfield in 2020.

Have a news tip? Contact sports editor C.J. Doon at cdoon@baltsun.com, 410- 332-6200 and x.com/CJDoon.