Built Different: 2028 Stars and Hidden Gems

<p>The 2028 class is already separating itself with a blend of high-end traits and under-the-radar production. <em>Built Different</em> isn't about hype — it's about players whose film shows early indicators that translate to the next level. From early-risers to overlooked standouts, this list highlights the 2028 prospects whose tape demands attention.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Brown is a next-level athlete whose blend of explosiveness and strength is rare for his age. He flashes one of the quickest first steps in the state and consistently converts speed to power, collapsing pockets with a violent bull rush. </p>   <p class="text-gray-700">He's comfortable winning both on the edge and inside and plays with control at the point of attack,. Brown also generates second-chance sacks with a high motor, and has the athletic profile to finish plays in space —making him a top tier prospect regardless of class. </p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/dale_demarcus/status/2000297229953962176?s=20 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Snipes checks every early box you look for when projecting high-end trench defenders. He brings a true D1 frame paired with explosive short-area burst, then closes with long-strided speed that turns pressures into splash plays. His hand violence is advanced for his age — consistently winning hand-to-hand with rips, pulls, and a legit swim move, while also flashing a polished long-arm to control blocks early. When you stack the athletic profile, technical refinement, and play temperament, Snipes is a certified blue-chip defender.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/_thatkidky_/status/1998503249176048062?s=20 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Bates brings a Power-5 frame with room for refinement. His size and strength immediately stand out, and he shows flashes of disruption when he wins leverage early. While still developing consistency as a pass rusher, his ability to occupy space, absorb contact, and hold ground against the run gives him real trench value.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">As his hand usage and counters improve, Bates has the tools to grow into a more complete defender. His physical profile alone makes him a priority evaluation, and his developmental curve will be one to monitor closely as he gains experience.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CavinBates/status/1988237577644622029?s=20 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Mack wins with power, leverage, and balance. He's a strength-based rusher who understands how to stay low, control engagements, and bend through contact. His hands stay active and efficient, allowing him to keep his frame clean while anchoring against the run or collapsing the pocket. A technically sound defender who projects as a reliable trench presence at the next level.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/fatmack998/status/2008292955677655527?s=20 </div></figure>    <p class="text-gray-700">Walton is a developmental Power-5 body with movement skills that are difficult to teach. He plays with natural fluidity for his size and shows early flashes of explosiveness that suggest future pass-rush growth as his frame continues to fill out. His base fundamentals are solid — he understands leverage, plays under control, and doesn't waste movement.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">While he's still adding strength, the foundation is there: balance through contact, functional flexibility, and the ability to stay engaged without losing body position. With physical maturation and continued technical refinement, Walton projects as a high-upside interior or strongside edge defender at the next level.</p>    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/extension13_/status/1975958855202013561?s=20 </div></figure>

The 2028 class is already separating itself with a blend of high-end traits and under-the-radar production. Built Different isn't about hype — it's about players whose film shows early indicators that translate to the next level. From early-risers to overlooked standouts, this list highlights the 2028 prospects whose tape demands attention.