When NFL teams scour the country scouting for prospects, they hit all the prominent programs that are loaded with top-tier athletes and unique specimens that fit the measureables for the pro game.But the best players sometimes fall through the recruiting cracks and aren’t at Alabama, Ohio State or Clemson.Walter Payton played college ball at Jackson State. Jerry Rice dominated at Mississippi Valley State. There are plenty of examples of NFL stars who hailed from humble beginnings at the lower levels of college.Unearthing a small-school gem is part of what makes scouting such a fun exercise — the talent is out there, evaluators just need to find them. Below is a list of the top 25 prospects in the 2018 NFL Draft from non-FBS programs.1. Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State (6-5, 260)Goedert has the physical skill-set, dependable ball skills and motivated make-up to develop into a starting NFL tight end capable of pushing for Pro Bowl consideration. NFLDraftScout.com rates him as a second-rounder.2. Nathan Shepherd, DT, Fort Hays State (6-4, 310)Shepherd is an up-field player who likely requires a “redshirt season” as a NFL rookie, but his exciting traits are promising for a patient coaching staff. He belongs in the top-50 mix.3. Kyle Lauletta, QB, Richmond (6-3, 217)Lauletta has only average size and arm strength, but he is accurate, tough and intelligent with the mature make-up to handle quarterback responsibilities in the NFL — similar skill-set as Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian. The rising prospect could be a second-day pick.4. Darius Leonard, LB, South Carolina State (6-2, 229)Leonard needs to improve his play strength and reaction quickness to handle full-time linebacker responsibilities in the NFL, but he competes with the athletic range and reliable football character that fits today’s game.5. Siran Neal, CB/S, Jacksonville State (6-0, 206)Neal is an intriguing possibility for press-heavy teams, but his strengths in the secondary are better-suited for a nickel safety role to mask his flaws in coverage.6. Daurice Fountain, WR, Northern Iowa (6-2, 210)Fountain currently lacks polish, specifically with his route-running, but, at worst, his athleticism and ball skills are worthy of the practice squad while his game develops.7. Alex Cappa, OT/OG, Humboldt State (6-6, 299)Cappa is rangy in pass protection with the competitive mean streak that translates to the pro level. He likely needs to move to guard in the NFL, where he projects as a back-up.8. Skyler Phillips, OG, Idaho State (6-3, 314)Phillips, a versatile blocker with the explosive upper body to create knock-back at contact, is somewhat of a one-pop daddy who has contact balance and sustain issues, projecting as a back-up guard/center.9. Timon Parris, OT/OG, Stony Brook (6-5, 310)Parris looks the part with the tools that warrant a NFL team investing in his future, projecting as a development prospect who might push for starting reps in year two or three. He should be the first player in school history selected in the NFL Draft.10. Brandon Parker, OT, North Carolina A&T (6-7, 303)Parker needs to continue and get stronger and improve his sustain skills, but he has the frame, athleticism and football character that makes him an ideal developmental tackle prospect.The rest:11. Davontae Harris, CB, Illinois State (5-11, 200)12. Roc Thomas, RB, Jacksonville State (5-11, 196)13. John Franklin-Myer, DE, Stephen F. Austin (6-4, 283)14. Darius Jackson, DE/OLB, Jacksonville State (6-2, 242)15. D’Montre Wade, CB, Murray State (5-11, 201)16. Desmond Harrison, OT, West Georgia (6-6, 292)17. Jamil Demby, OG, Maine (6-5, 323)18. Michael Joseph, CB/S, Dubuque (6-1, 186)19. Bilal Nichols, DT, Delaware (6-4, 306)20. Martez Carter, RB, Grambling State (5-6, 190)21. Greg Senat, OT, Wagner (6-6, 302)22. Chase Edmonds, RB, Fordham (5-9, 205)23. P.J. Hall, DT, Sam Houston State (6-1, 299)24. Jake Wieneke, WR, South Dakota State (6-4, 216)25. Taron Johnson, CB, Weber State (5-11, 189)