Scouting some of the less known players and sleepers (1 Viewer)

[Faust]

Names to remember on draft day

Excerpts:

Lance Kendricks/TE/Wisconsin: Kendricks has made a huge jump up draft boards and is benefiting from the poor crop of tight ends available. He's a legitimate downfield threat and scouts say his blocking is very underrated. Kendricks is a top 45 choice; some teams think he could move up into the late part of round one.

Greg Salas/WR/Hawaii: Salas is one of the hidden gems at the wide receiver position. He's one of the best route runners in the class and possesses some of the surest hands. Several teams have him graded in the top 50.

Randall Cobb/WR/Kentucky: Cobb has been compared to everyone from Antwaan Randle El to Anquan Boldin based on his versatility and productivity. He has the skills to line up in the slot or on the flanks as a second wideout. The elusive ballhandler is dangerous running after the reception or returning punts. Numerous teams rate Cobb as the third receiver in this year's class. He's expected to be drafted during the opening selections of round two.

Martell Webb/TE/Michigan: An afterthought through most of the draft process, Webb is getting looks in the later rounds by teams needing a blocking tight end. He caught just nine passes the past two seasons, but scouts love the athleticism Webb brings in his 265-pound frame.

Several small-school stars are ready to impact 2011 NFL draft

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Justin Roper/QB/Montana: Roper transferred from Oregon to Montana and was the No. 2 signal caller in the program until last season. He gained a lot of attention as the practice quarterback for A.J. Green during Georgia's pro-day. He possesses the size and arm strength to make an NFL roster. The quarterback-needy Vikings have heavily concentrated on Roper, as have the Cardinals.

Shane Bannon/FB-TE/Yale: His offensive statistics won't impress anyone as Bannon never carried the ball as a senior and accumulated just 13 receptions. His blocking skills, however, are another story. Bannon is built like a tank, measuring 6-1½, 268 and plays to that size. He's lined up at fullback and tight end with one simple mission -- annihilate opponents, which he does with regularity. Bannon is getting serious consideration from the Ravens and Giants to perform these skills at the next level.

Colin Cochart/TE/South Dakota State: Cochart is one of the few complete prospects at the tight end position in this draft, adept as both a blocker and pass catcher. The 255-pounder timed 4.71 in the 40 during his pro-day and touched 35 inches in the vertical jump. He's made official visits to see the Packers and Jaguars.

Joe Morgan/WR/Walsh: Morgan bounced around between a couple of schools before settling at Walsh and making a major contribution the past two seasons. He's one of the true deep threats at the receiver position and posted a 4.36 40 as a participant at Ohio State's pro day. In 2009-10, Morgan averaged just under 17 yards per catch from 70 total receptions. He's a solid fit in the fifth round area and is getting long looks from the Texans and Chiefs.

2011 Wes Welker Watch List

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Schuylar Oordt, TE, Northern Iowa

Besides having perhaps the most distinctive name of any draft prospect, Oordt has impressive size (6-6, 262 pounds) and speed (4.63), with reliable hands and the ability to exploit the downfield seams in a defense. It's not easy to attract pro scouts to Cedar Falls (just ask UNI alum Kurt Warner), but they know about Oordt, who has been described as a slightly faster version of Jaguars tight end Marcedes Lewis. Oordt earned an invite to the scouting combine and put up some impressive numbers in Indy, giving himself a chance to be selected in the sixth or seventh round. He needs to get stronger and develop his blocking skills, but some team will give him a shot based on his ability to separate from coverage and stretch the field vertically.

Kris Durham, WR, Georgia

Durham was the other Bulldogs receiver in 2010, the one not named A.J. Green. But when Green, the top-five prospect, was suspended for the first four games of last season, Durham did a pretty good impression of a No. 1 receiver, catching 17 passes for 324 yards (19.1 average) and one touchdown in those games. Durham didn't make the combine or the Senior Bowl, but his 20.6-yard average catch last year on 32 receptions (659 yards) got him noticed. At 6-4, 208 pounds, he's got prototypical NFL size, and he ran under 4.5 at Georgia's pro day. With eight starts last year, he had a strong comeback season after redshirting in 2009 with a torn labrum, and projects somewhere in the draft's sixth or seventh round.

Ok, so Kendricks, Salas, and Cobb are likely among the more "known" names.

Please feel free to post any other similar columns that you come across or analysis of some of the other players you feel are worthy of being on this list!

Cheers,

Faust

 

[Faust]

Intriguing developmental prospects gain momentum

Another review for:

WR Kris Durham, Georgia

At 6-5¼, 216 pounds, Durham clocked in the mid-4.4s at his pro day workout and made evaluators take notice of a player who stood out early in the season when A.J. Green was forced to sit out the first four games. He has a wide catching radius and good leaping ability to earn a spot as a possession receiver.

 

[Faust]

Don't sleep on these guys in the draft

Excerpt:

Other sleepers

Austin Pettis, WR, Boise State: He was docked for only running a 4.56 at the Combine, but he was remarkably productive during his four seasons. He finished with a school-record 39 touchdowns and 229 receptions. Some will argue that he was a product of Boise State's high-flying offense, but his acrobatic catches suggest otherwise.

Jerrel Jernigan, WR, Troy: He could be this year's Dexter McCluster. He's just under 5-9 and weighs only 185 pounds, but he can score in a variety of ways. He lined up at quarterback, wide receiver, running back and returned kickoffs and punts. He had 11 total touchdowns last season for Troy, including one on a punt return and another on a kick return. I've heard that one particular AFC South team has zeroed in on Jernigan. Because of the impact McCluster had for the Chiefs, it wouldn't shock me to see Jernigan go late in the second round or early in the third. Thanks to players such as Osi Umenyiora and DeMarcus Ware, it's getting tougher for Troy players to fly under the radar.

Aldrick Robinson, WR, SMU: He set a school record with 14 touchdowns to go along with 1,301 yards last season. Talked to an AFC scout Wednesday afternoon who was very high on Robinson. He doesn't have tremendous size (5-10, 184) but could be a solid slot receiver. Look for him to go in the fourth or fifth round.

 

[Faust]

The Top 10 Sleeper Picks in the 2011 NFL Draft

10. Abilene Christian wide receiver Edmond Gates: How much of an unknown is this guy? Google his name to see all of the legitimate websites that can’t spell his first name correctly (we went with the spelling on ACU’s site). Gates was tied for the fastest 40-yard dash time at the combine (4.37 seconds), which may not translate into a single thing in the NFL. But if he gets taken by a team with a dedicated downfield passing attack — like the Steelers or Eagles — Gates could be a useful asset while he develops into a more well-rounded route runner.

8. Ohio State wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher: He caught a team-high 55 passes despite playing in an offense without a good passing quarterback, and he had a good showing at the Senior Bowl after receiving a late invitation. “Late,” as in, teams wondered why he wasn’t invited, so they got him there mid-week. Sanzenbacher is tough as nails, absorbs big hits and has strong hands. He’ll always work for it, and that’s what you need out of a late-round pick.

7. Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy: He’s labeled as a game manager because he doesn’t have a huge arm, but McElroy has the intangibles — leadership, poise, awareness — that are necessary for the position. He won’t be able to come in and contend for a starting job, but he is studious enough to give good looks for the scout team and could eventually develop into a starter.

6. Kentucky running back Derrick Locke: Locke is a little more Dexter McCluster than Percy Harvin, as he’s more of a running back than receiver. But Locke can play both positions, and he’s got 4.3 speed to go along with 2,618 career rushing yards, 95 receptions and 25 offensive touchdowns. Teams will be concerned about his size (5-foot-8, 188 pounds) and durability (missed four games last year due to injury), but Locke is a lightning bolt.

5. Arkansas Pine Bluff wide receiver Raymond Webber: He’s 6-foot-2, 220 pounds and has 4.5 speed, and he broke out for 101 receptions, 1,429 yards and 10 touchdowns during his senior year when UAPB transitioned to a passing offense. Jerry Rice is the only other player in SWAC history to catch 100 passes in a season (102 in 1983 and 103 in 1984). It should be no coincidence that the 49ers love Webber, to the point where they tried to keep him for an extended stay to go to a Lakers-Warriors game. He has also visited the Rams, Seahawks, Chargers, Packers, Bucs, Jaguars and Dolphins.

3. Arkansas tight end D.J. Williams: Williams won’t wow anyone with a flashy game, but he’s a heck of a player and a leader who performs well in clutch situations. He’s a solid blocker and can catch it, too. Williams, a mid-round pick, will make you say, “He could play for my team any day of the week.”

 

[Faust]

2011 NFL Draft Sleepers

Ricky Stanzi (QB-Iowa): NFL size and coming from a pro offense. Good demeanor and excellent in the play-action game. I question performance in clutch, but there is little depth to this QB class outside the top and he might be the best of the rest. Upside: Cosell compared him to Matt Schaub.

Tyrod Taylor (QB-VTech): Unfortunately reminds me and a lot of others of Troy Smith. Amazing running Quarterback who maintained an impressive TD to INT ratio. On the short side, but worth a late round pick as he seems to be a well-rounded individual.

Taylor Potts (QB-Texas Tech): Another big TT QB with the NFL arm. Worth a shot at the end of Draft, although others havent had success.

Bilal Powell (RB-Louisville): Big and quick, he ran past everyones expectations last season. Power runner who runs with forward leans. Nice catch and turn ability out of the backfield, adequate hands. Pulled his hamstring during the combine and pro day which should make him fall farther. Projected to be drafted in the fourth or fifth round.

Graig Cooper (RB-Miami): Good pass catcher and hard runner. Coming back from an horrible knee injury from the 2009 bowl game slowed him down last season. Has great vision and re-gained some of that great speed & cutting ability. Can tell he loves the game. Will fall to far.

Da'Rel Scott (RB-Maryland): Great speed and very impressive week during the Senior Bowl.

Mario Fannin (RB-Auburn): Fannin got lost in the shuffle his Senior year with Heismann winner Cam Newton, freshman stud Michael Dyer, and speed demon Onterrio McCaleb stealing the spotlight. He could find a role in the NFL as a third down back.

Stanley Havili (FB-USC): Versatile back who can contribute receiving, rushing, and blocking. Disappointed he couldn't make the Senior Bowl or NFL Combine. The best offensive fullback in the Draft in recent memory.

Vincent Brown (WR-San Diego St.): Possession receiver with size, project to West Coach offense. One of the more polished receivers in the draft that has potential to grow. Weakness is speed but his savvy and toughness allow him to consistently get open.

Greg Salas (WR-Hawaii): Complete player as a slot receiver, although tall and built. Immediate contributor. Ridiculous hands. Doesn't have a great initial burst but shows a second-gear after the catch.

Denarius Moore (WR-Tennessee): Was the clear star for the Vols this past season. Really good speed and soft hands. More physical WR than Meachem, but not the big play threat he was. While his speed and size arent elite, his route running combined with his skills make him a well-rounded prospect.

Terrence Tolliver (WR-LSU): Big WR who can get up to make plays. Quick hands and deceptive speed. His film versus Florida, available online, is terrific.

Weslye Saunders (TE-South Carolina): Huge TE who is a matchup nightmare. Caught 60 passes two seasons ago. To read more about him:TE Preview

Lee Smith (TE-Marshall): Impressed me watching Thursday night game. Big possession TE.

 

[Donnybrook]

Delaware FS Anthony Walters - is one player I am following.

Taylor Potts and Jeff Van Camp are a couple of QBs that are getting much love. I was surprised how mobile Jeff Van Camp was for a 6' 5" guy.

 

[Faust]

2011 NFL Draft Sleepers: Running Backs

NFL Draft Sleepers: Running Backs

Every year there are prospects that are completely overlooked by NFL teams. That, or they are vastly underrated are are taken rounds after their true value suggests. Today, we look at sleepers coming out of the running back position. When it comes to undervalued sleeper prospects that end up becoming gems, a good portion of them are running backs. No matter what, every draft class has diamond in the rough running backs. While there aren’t many elite RB prospects in 2011, there are quite a few who could fall under the “sleeper” heading.

Derrick Locke, Kentucky

Here’s one of my favorites. He’s basically Dexter McCluster Volume 2, but I’m actually much higher on him than I ever was with with Dexter. Forget about his small frame, because this kid can move like no other. He’s a bigger, and probably faster, version of Noel Devine. If he gets into the open field, he’s the hardest running back in the country to bring down, including Mark Ingram. As a pro, he’ll line up as a slot as well as in the back field. He has great hands and is a superb route runner. Not to mention, he is a very dangerous return man who is more than capable of returning kicks in the NFL. The main concern I have for him is his power. With him only being 5’8″/186, the punch he does pack is very limited.

Jordan Todman, UConn

Another one of my top sleepers in this draft, I’ve been high on Todman for months. He is a very shifty runner out of the backfield and can easily make defenders miss. What I really like about him is his ability to make the most out of each run. Unlike the top running back in this class, LeShoure, he recognizes when and when not to go for the big play, if that makes sense. Like Locke, he is a bit under-sized, but packs more of a punch than Locke does. He has above-average speed, but great quickness. He has very good vision and makes quick decisions when running the ball. He was one of the premier running backs in the country this past season, and did all of his damage on a very mediocre UConn team. He does need to improve between the tackles. He swings all of his runs outside, which is fine, but he needs to prove he has the power to be an inside runner as well.

Roy Helu Jr., Nebraska

As a big Missouri Tigers fan, I have seen more than enough of this guy. This past season against my Tigers, Helu ran for 307 yards on 28 carries, and had three rushing touchdowns. From what I have watched of Helu, he sheds tackles better than any running back in the draft. And when he gets into open field, his quickness is extremely surprising. Breaking long runs is a pretty regular thing for Helu; he had five games where he had at least one 50+ yard run. His stock has been rising at a pretty good clip ever since season’s end, and with a good showing at the Combine, we could be talking about a definite Top 10 running back. The main area of concern for me is his ball security. He needs to learn how to keep the ball closer to his body instead of exposing it as much as he does.

Stevan Ridley, LSU

Just like Helu, Ridley is another back that has been shooting up boards lately. The first thing that will impress you with Ridley is his body. He’s 6’0″ and has a very muscular frame, somewhat like Rashard Mendenhall. He is a very good all-around runner; not really excellent in any area. One of the best inside runners in this class. When he does have some room, he shows off very good cuts. He was very productive against SEC defenses, which always says a lot to me. He does not go down easy and is always pushing the pile. His legs are always moving, which explains why he is so good inside. Unlike most of the running backs in this class, he is more of a straight-line runner. He doesn’t waste time going east/west and spends most of his energy moving up field. However, he’s not considered a big-play threat due to his speed and lack of explosiveness.

Jacquizz Rodgers, Oregon State

What do you know, another small-framed, explosive running back that is almost impossible to project. Add Rodgers to the list that Kendall Hunter, Jordan Todman, Derrick Locke, and Noel Devine are all on. Rodgers made his name known when he single-handedly took down the USC Trojan team that some had called a lock for the National Championship. He’s a lot like Todman in the sense that he’s very shifty and bringing him down is almost impossible. He’s constantly changing speed and has ridiculous short-area burst. Similar to Locke, Rodgers is a great route runner that will line up in the slot and be very productive. Like the guys I compared him to, his size puts him at a major disadvantage and it will be hard for him to break tackles like he did in college.

2011 2011 NFL Draft Sleepers: Quarterbacks

2011 NFL Draft Sleepers: Quarterbacks

Every year there are prospects that are completely overlooked by NFL teams. That, or they are vastly underrated are are taken rounds after their true value suggests. Today, we look at sleepers coming out of the quarterback position. Evaluating quarterbacks is my favorite thing to do with covering the draft, and there are plenty of late-round guys that NFL teams will be high on. What we’re looking for is the next Tom Brady or Tony Romo. They are out there, and here are a few that may over-acheive their hype, or lack thereof.

Andy Dalton, TCU

I’m not sure if he qualifies for this list or not, just because he has shot up the boards here lately, but I’ll go ahead and put him on here. A true leader, Dalton was also a four-year starter at TCU where he only lost three games. While his arm accuracy and strength are certainly above average, and his footwork is very good, he has a few things to work on if he wants to become anywhere near productive in the NFL. His biggest flaw is his release. His three-quarters release will concern any team looking at him, and not knowing how to run a pro offense will not help either.

T.J. Yates, North Carolina

What stands out to me with Yates is his short and intermediate accuracy. He has a pretty average deep ball, but when it comes to the 5-20 yard throws, he is consistently on the money. He raised his completion percentage up from 60% to 67% from his junior to senior year, along with setting career-bests in every other statistical category. He’s a four-year starter in the ACC, and runs a pro-style offense under Butch Davis. His footwork and mobility inside the pocket also impressed me. He needs to work on his arm strength, his release, and decision making.

Nate Enderle, Idaho

You can add this guy to the enormous list of big-bodied quarterbacks that will be drafted this year. However, what separates Enderle from the pack is his intelligence at the position, his mobility, toughness, and of course his raw ability. Idaho or not, this kid impresses me and at worst should turn into a very good backup. One major thing Enderle has going for him is a short learning curve. With as smart as he is, and because of the offense he ran, it shouldn’t take long to develop him into an NFL quarterback. There is bad along with the good, though. His elongated release needs fixed and for his size, his arm strength is very mediocre.

Greg McElroy, Alabama

McElroy’s leadership is like nothing I have ever seen before. His intangibles are through the roof, and as a mid-round pick, I think this guy could be one of the best values at that point. He knows how to manage a game with the best of them and has a football IQ that cannot be questioned. There are plenty of question marks, but his style should translate into the NFL very, very easily. There is a lot to like about McElroy, and he is definitely one I am looking for if I feel like taking a chance on some quarterback.

Pat Devlin, Delaware

Maybe it’s due to Joe Flacco’s success, but there are people out there who love this kid, and I can’t blame them. He has good arm strength and an extremely good delivery and release. It is very compact, over-the-top release that will definitely catch the eyes of scouts. Not to mention his great arm accuracy that I believe is far underrated. Devlin likes to set up throws where only the receiver can make a play, and unfortunately that hurts his rep with some clueless scouts. The major problem he’ll face is with his footwork, along with mobility and decision making. He isn’t the prospect Joe Flacco is, but look for somebody to take him in hopes that Devlin will follow in his footsteps.