Everyone knows about the top 100 or so prospects in the 2019 NFL draft. It’s time to shed some light on some lesser-known talents who could fit what the Detroit Lions are looking to add to the roster later in the draft process.

Some of these players are from smaller schools. Others were overshadowed at major programs by more heralded teammates. All are projected to be either Day 3 selections or priority free agents.

Drew Belcher, TE, Maine

Anyone who clocks a 6.65 in the 3-cone drill definitely gets attention. That’s what Belcher did in his workouts. Not bad for a guy who started 9 games at QB in his first two seasons at the FCS program.

Belcher redshirted in 2016 and converted to tight end. His ability to understand the defense and quickly adjust to coverage is impressive. The Black Bears ran a lot of NFL concepts with their TEs and Belcher really took to the change. His experience as a spread-option QB shows in his ability to create after the catch, too. Playing at just 230 pounds (he’s now in the 240s) his blocking is still a work in progress, but he isn’t shy about trying to be physical.

Deion Calhoun, OL, Mississippi State

Calhoun squared off against top draft prospects Jeffery Simmons and Montez Sweat every day in Bulldogs practice. It trained him quite well for play in the grueling SEC.

Playing next to Top-100 prospect Elgton Jenkins, Calhoun formed a formidable presence on the Mississippi State interior. His pass protection is Calhoun’s strength, especially against bull rushers. The lateral agility isn’t great and he will lunge out too far to reach run blocking targets, but Calhoun has a lot of positives to work with and coachable upside. He’s a late-round prospect the Lions have seen often in person during his Bulldogs career.

Taryn Christion, QB, South Dakota State

Christion isn’t going to be drafted, but that doesn’t mean the Lions lack interest in the Jackrabbits star. His incredible production as both a passer and a runner drew a Lions scout to see him (and teammate CB Jordan Brown) in person.

Christion is a hair under 6-2 and a speedy 225 pounds. He ran the 40 in 4.49 seconds at his pro day, and Christion throws accurately and confidently on the move. One thing that will attract the Lions interest: he was a finalist for the FCS-level version of the academic Heisman. He needs to learn to put some air under the ball, but the tools are there for a developmental QB with definite promise.

Neil O’Connor, WR, New Hampshire

If the Lions are looking for the next Danny Amendola while they have the original on the roster in 2019, O’Connor just might be that guy.

He’s a confident player over the middle of the field and blocks well for his fellow receivers.

Malik Taylor, WR, Ferris State

Lions GM Bob Quinn seems to have a thing for long-striding wideouts with good size and the ability to handle physical coverage. That’s Taylor, the D-II standout for the Bulldogs at 6-foot-2 and 211 pounds. When they run as fast as Taylor, who was timed by scouts at his pro day in the 4.36-4.41 range in the 40, that ups the appeal.

The Lions have seen Taylor play in person and were represented at his recent pro day. A Flint native, Taylor needs work on his feet and blocking. But he’s got contested catch ability and easily transitions from receiver to runner once he makes the catch.

Kevin Thompson, EDGE, Bethune-Cookman

Thompson earned the MVP of the College Gridiron Showcase for his unstoppable pass-rush effort. It hints at a higher ceiling and ability to produce than he showed at Bethune-Cookman, where he created a lot of pressure but didn’t finish enough (9.5 sacks) in 2018 as he returned from a shoulder injury that wiped out his junior season.

He’s athletically gifted enough that some teams inquired with him about converting to tight end. He will need to add some weight to his long-armed, 6-4/240-pound frame. Thompson is the kind of player who will get a rookie camp invite and hope to stick after a year on the practice squad.

Alex Wesley, WR, Northern Colorado

Wesley is the rare two-sport athlete, competing for the Bears in both football and track. He started all four years at wideout, averaging over 18 yards per reception in his final two seasons. He also won the conference championship in the 400-meter dash, showing his long speed in his 6-0, 190-pound frame.

His combine workout wasn’t splashy, clocking a 4.45 in the 40 and a stiff 4.44 in the 3-cone drill. But his explosive metrics (broad jump, vertical) were fantastic and translate to the field. Wesley is a limited option as an outside deep threat who can also contribute on special teams, but those are both things the Lions need.

Chris Woolbright, LB, UAB

Woolbright is easy to spot when watching Blazers games. Just look for the ball and chances are he’ll be there in a quick second. He can do a little bit of everything as an off-ball LB, notably in coverage. Woolbright has experience matching up with flexed TEs in man coverage and has the speed and fluid movements to pull it off.

At 6-3 and 235 pounds he’s got length but not a lot of bulk, and it shows in his top-heavy tackling. But Woolbright still reliably terminates plays and avoids blocks well. He was Pro Football Focus’ top-graded LB in Conference USA last season and it’s easy to see where he traits would fit playing next to (or behind) Jarrad Davis in the Lions defense as a 6th-7th-round pick.