NFL Draft Preview: Sleepers

Editor’s note: The following article is not written by RotoScoop’s administrator, Dalton Del Don. It is written by Jeff Chudnofsky, who will be handling the NFL Draft coverage.

We are all familiar with the publicized group of likely first round picks, but there are players flying under the radar who will make impacts in the NFL. While some futures are brighter than others, here are some names you might hear called in rounds 2-7.

Thomas Howard, OLB, UTEP– Howard has incredible range and is built like a strong safety. From snap to whistle, he plays at full throttle and has shown the ability to shed blockers. He performed well in pre-draft workouts and is likely to be picked at the top of the 2nd round. Howard needs to line up at weak OLB, as he is more effective chasing the play from behind. Possible landing spots- New York Jets, Oakland, Philadelphia

Drew Olson, QB, UCLA– Olson led the nation with 34 touchdown passes, with just six interceptions. Built like Trent Dilfer or Matt Hasselbeck, Olson has shown the ability to make smart decisions and is a perfect developmental QB for the West Coast Offense. Scouts criticize his arm strength, but Olson can throw a good enough deep ball to make it on the next level. He could go as high as the third round but is probably a second day pick. Olson is a diamond in the rough if he lands in the right system. If Mike Holmgren, Andy Reid, or Brad Childress are able to select him, Olson just might have a career like Hasselbeck, Dilfer or Rich Gannon. Possible landing spots- Kansas City, Seattle, Philadelphia, Tampa Bay

Taurean Henderson, RB, Texas Tech– We often hear success stories of overlooked running backs that slipped through the cracks of the NFL Draft. For every Curtis Enis, there is a Priest Holmes. Built like Holmes, Henderson (5-10, 205 lbs) is elusive in the open field and has shown exceptional receiving ability. He does not have amazing speed but shows adequate burst running to the outside and is surprisingly effective in short yardage. No doubt a second day selection, Henderson will provide a team with versatility and could possibly serve as a third-down back in year one. Solid value with slept-on upside; just remember, Terrell Davis was drafted in the 6th round and Holmes wasn’t even drafted. Possible landing spots- New England, Jacksonville, St. Louis

Brandon Marshall, WR, Central Florida– At 6-5, 210 lbs, Marshall’s size alone is worth a draft pick. A former safety turned receiver, look for a team to draft him ala Jerry Porter and wait until his route running and coverage reads are ready. Marshall could be a lethal red zone target and has shown willingness to block as well. He might line up as an H-Back due to his marginal speed (4.52 in the 40-yard-dash), but staying at WR is still more likely. Marshall is also a day two pick but has the physical tools to make an impact on the next level. Possible landing spots- Buffalo, Miami, Denver

Omar Jacobs, QB, Bowling Green– Jacobs was a topic of conversation at the combine, as scouts and GMs alike are amazed with his accuracy and athleticism. His 3?4 throwing motion scares off some scouts, along with the fact that Bowling Green worked primarily from the shotgun. At 6-4, 226 lbs, his size is only eclipsed by his rocket arm, with agility to match. He will be a third round selection, possibly earlier if one team locks onto him. Possible landing spots- Arizona, Dallas, Baltimore

Demetrius Williams, WR, Oregon– Product of De La Salle High School in Concord, Calif., Williams developed well at Oregon, amassing 1,059 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior. He was phenomenal at the Senior Bowl, raising eyebrows with his reliable hands and route running ability. Standing 6-2 and 185 lbs, Williams has ability to start in the NFL but needs to get stronger and improve against bump and run coverage. A prototypical No. 2 receiver, Williams is likely to go in the third round. Possible landing spots Denver, Green Bay, Oakland, Seattle, New York Giants

Ryan O’Callaghan, G/T, California– If not for recurring shoulder injuries in college, O’Callaghan might have been a first round pick. At a whopping 6-7, 340 lbs, this pass protector will make you more miserable than Ricky Manning Jr. at a late night trip to Denny’s. Stout versus the bull rush, he is not as explosive pulling on the run. O’Callaghan will have the chance to start in the NFL, and if he can avoid further injury to his left shoulder, you might see him in the Pro Bowl one day. He should be gone by the end of the third round. Possible landing spots- Cleveland, Houston, Tennessee

Orien Harris, DT, Miami– The younger brother of San Francisco OT Kwame Harris, Orien will slip through the cracks despite anchoring the defensive line at the U. His physical tools need improvement, in areas such as footwork, conditioning and explosion; improvements I believe he is capable of making. Orien has the quickness to line up in the 4-3 and is a high reward/high risk player. With proper coaching on his technique, he will be an NFL starter within two years. He’ll be grabbed up in the third or fourth rounds. Possible landing spots- Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants


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2 responses to “NFL Draft Preview: Sleepers”

  1. Trevor Avatar
    Trevor

    Watch out for RB Wali Lundy from Virginia. He is featured back material.

  2. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    I don’t like it Texans. They will regret this.

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