2009 NFL Draft Prospects: The Standouts and Sleepers

[cowboyjoe]

2009 NFL Draft Prospects: The Standouts and Sleepers

READ MORE: NFL, NFL Draft
by joshsanchez more posts by author 1313
Draft season is heating up, and I know you are all anxious to see who will be the newest member sporting your favorite teams jersey. There are many ways to go about finding out about various prospects: you can watch YouTube! highlights, check out ESPN or the NFL Network, and some of you even may spend the money on random draft magazines. I am here to save you all the trouble, and money, and I am going to highlight my number one prospect and number one sleeper at each position.

Quarterback:

Top Rated: Mark Sanchez, Southern Cal
Everyone knows who Mark Sanchez is. He is yet another Southern Cal player who is making headlines and being one of the most talked about prospects in the upcoming draft. Many people will have Matthew Stafford as their top rated quarterback, but I see that something special in Mark Sanchez. Sanchez has unbelievable leadership and the intangibles that make NFL scouts and coaches drool. Those of you who watched the combine saw Mark’s leadership first hand. After every drill the quarterback group would gravitate towards him, and he would pal around with everyone making them feel comfortable. This is exactly what I want the attitude of my franchise QB to be.

Sleeper: Jason Boltus, Hartwick
Who? Yes, Boltus is not a household name, but he is one of the most productive quarterbacks in NCAA history. Boltus is a Division III standout who was invited to the NFL combine. One of the many awards Boltus has rung in is the Melberger Award, which is the Division II equivalent of the Heisman Trophy. Boltus may not be able to make an immediate impact on an NFL roster, but he is definitely someone to keep an eye out for.

Running Back:

Top Rated: Knowshon Moreno, Georgia
Moreno was a standout in the SEC, and he is one of the more versatile backs in this year’s draft. With exceptional hands and quickness, Moreno has drawn comparisons to Philadelphia Eagle star, Brian Westbrook. If your team is looking for a dynamic runner with big play ability, Moreno is your guy.

Sleeper: Kory Sheets, Purdue
Kory Sheets doesn’t get the recognition he deserves because he was hidden in Purdue’s pass happy offense. Sheets showed up big in the Senior Bowl and at the NFL Combine, where he ran one of the fastest times among the running backs. The one thing that makes Sheets standout is his incredible ability when it comes to pass protection. With his experience in Purdue’s system, he has developed a great understanding of blitz pick up, and he has superb hands out of the backfield.

Fullback:

Top Rated: Quinn Johnson, Louisiana State
Johnson is another one of those guys who lit it up during the Senior Bowl. Johnson is a tough guy, who will put seek contact and lay a punishing hit to free up a hole. On top of his toughness, Johnson also has surprisingly reliable hands. He is willing to run out in the flat and catch a pass to help move the chains. He gets one of the best compliments you can ask for… he’s a straight up football player.

Sleeper: Chris Ogbonnaya, Texas
Ogbonnaya reminds me a lot of Baltimore’s Le’Ron McClain. Ogbonnaya will be a lead blocker, but he can also carry the load if you need him to. I expect him to be well-rounded player who will contribute in the blocking, rushing, and passing game.

Wide Receiver:

Top Rated: Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech
Everyone knows Michael Crabtree. He is one of the most productive receivers in recent years and he has the intelligence you want. Crabtree is far and away the best route runner in this year’s crop of receivers, and he is a strong guy who will make a play after the catch. The best thing Crabtree did for his draft stock was decide to get the surgery on his foot now. He will be ready for training camps and there is no reason he can’t contribute immediately.

Sleeper: Deon Butler, Penn State
Butler is a speed demon. Not only does Butler bring the much needed ability to stretch the field; he also has very reliable hands. Butler has burst onto the scene after his performance at the College All-Star Challenge, and I don’t expect him to look back any time soon.

Tight End:

Top Rated: Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma State
Brandon Pettigrew is probably the most complete tight end to enter the draft in the last five years. Nowadays, you get the tight ends who aren’t willing blockers… the guys who are just jacked up wide receivers. Pettigrew has no hesitation when it comes to blocking, and he can also contribute in the passing game. Don’t be fooled by his lack of production in college, Pettigrew is an exceptional talent and is poised to be an NFL star in the mold of Jason Witten.

Sleeper: Cornelius Ingram, Florida
Ingram very well could have been a first rounder if it wasn’t for his injury in the offseason. A very athletic player with tremendous hands, Ingram will be a perfect H-Back or slot TE for a team who utilizes the passing game.

Offensive Line:

Top Rated: Jason Smith, Baylor
Jason Smith needs to improve on his run blocking, but there is no doubt that this guy is an elite pass protector. Every NFL team would love to have a guy as athletic and skilled as Smith to play their left tackle position. A former tight end, Smith will be able to get to the next level and lead a charge down field on screens and running plays. I expect big things from the Baylor Bear.

Top Rated: Eric Wood, Louisville
Eric Wood can play center or both guard positions, and that will absolutely help him earn a spot on a NFL roster. Wood is very well-rounded and loves to attack the next level and put a hat on the linebackers. A very intelligent player,

Sleeper: Fenuki Tupou, Oregon
Tupou is a brute. He would be a great right tackle with his size and speed, but it is also possible he may have to make the transition to guard at the next level.

Sleeper: Edwin Williams, Maryland
Those of you who saw my interview with Edwin Williams know that he has his head on straight. He is very grounded and wants to prove more than anything that he has what it takes. When a player comes into the league with this kind of fire and passion, it is kind of hard to say that he won’t succeed.


2009 NFL Draft Prospects: The Standouts and Sleepers

READ MORE: NFL, NFL Draft
by joshsanchez more posts by author 1313
Defensive End:

Top Rated: Brian Orakpo, Texas
Brian Orakpo is a beast of a player. He is a freak athlete and a gym rat with the physique that makes your eyes pop. Orakpo is the most naturally gifted pass rusher in this year’s draft, and is a top ten lock. Orakpo is a “tweener” as well which helps his value due to his ability to play either 4-3 defensive end or 3-4 outside linebacker.

Sleeper: David Veikune, Hawaii
Veikune is an explosive edge rusher that really caught my eye the week of the Senior Bowl. Snap after snap, Veikune was beating the offensive tackle of the edge and showing great burst and a wide variety of pass rushing moves. He is a very strong guy who will never give up on a play, one of the best motors in this year’s class.


Defensive Tackle:

Top Rated: BJ Raji, Boston College
We all know who BJ Raji is. The Boston College standout who can do it all is a top 5 lock. He can step in immediately and help teams generate pressure up the gut of the offense, or he can stay and hold his position. With great lower body strength and the ability to anchor and hold position, Raji is capable of playing in the 3-4 as a nose tackle.

Sleeper: Ricky Jean-Francois, Louisiana State
Whether it will be at defensive end in a 3-4 or defensive tackle in a 4-3, Jean-Francois is a guy who you can plug in and he will generate a pass rush. He has all of the potential in the world, but hasn’t had much time to show it. He redshirted as a freshman and then due to academic issues, he missed most of his sophomore year. Last season, Francois continued to show his ability and decided to enter the NFL Draft a year early. While this is a mistake for him financially, it will be a gift for someone in the middle rounds of the draft. If Rick Jean-Francois would have stayed that one extra season, he would have been a first round pick.

Outside Linebacker:

Top Rated: Aaron Curry, Wake Forest
Aaron Curry is the best player in this draft. He is a versatile linebacker with the speed and toughness to excel in any scheme and in any situation. There is no way Aaron Curry should make it out of the first three picks, and if he does, a team just had a future All-Pro fall into their laps. If there is one thing Curry needs to improve on it would be his pass rushing skills, but other than that it is hard to find a weakness in his game.

Sleeper: Kaluka Maiava, Southern Cal
Yet another USC linebacker, Maiava was the most impressive of the bunch for the Trojans in the Rose Bowl. Maiava showcased his strength at the NFL Combine putting up an impressive 30 reps, which was tied for the most by any linebacker. Maiava may get overlooked due to his height (5’11), but I would not be surprised if his NFL career is every bit as successful as the other USC linebackers.

Inside Linebacker:

Top Rated: Rey Maualuga, Southern Cal
Maualuga is not afraid to punish the ball carrier. Maualuga is not that great in space, but he is very effective attacking the line of scrimmage and making the tackle. The reason so many teams have fallen in love with Maualuga is his rare physicality coming out of college. His body is pro ready; as is his mindset. Maualuga is a perfect fit as an inside linebacker for the 3-4, and with the growing trend of teams switching to that scheme, Maualuga’s skill set will be in high demand.

Sleeper: Scott McKillop, Pittsburgh
McKillop is one of the most productive linebackers in all of college football. McKillop’s greatest asset is his intelligence. You will be hard pressed to find another linebacker in this draft as instinctive as he is. The Big East Defensive Player of the Year is a high character guy who will be great value in the third or fourth rounds. I know one thing, I want McKillop on my team, he is a tackling machine and an intelligent player… how can that not help?

Cornerback:

Top Rated: Alphonso Smith, Wake Forest
Most people would have Malcolm Jenkins or Vontae Davis in this position, but I have seen no one with the ball skills of Alphonso Smith. To borrow a line from Mike Mayock, “If Alphonso was 2 inches taller; he would be a top ten pick.” Smith has incredible change of direction ability and as I said earlier, ball skills like no other.

Sleeper: Mark Parson, Ohio
Mark Parson is hands down the best man to man corner in the draft. Parson has a great combination of strength and speed. It is rare that you find a player coming out of college with the natural coverage ability that Parson has. This is a big compliment: If any corner in this draft can achieve “shutdown corner” status, I believe Mark Parson will be that man.

Safety:

Top Rated: Louis Delmas, Western Michigan
Louis Delmas is the most physical safety to enter the draft in recent memory. He is a ball-hawk in every sense of the word, and he is always looking to lay the wood on a receiver. Delmas’ only major downfall is his over aggressiveness. At times he can take himself out of the play or be caught out of position for a big gain, but most of the time though you will see Delmas locate the ball, and launch himself in the right direction to make a big play. Delmas also is very helpful in run support. The way he flies in on the line of scrimmage is reminiscent of Bob Sanders.

Sleeper: C.J. Spillman, Marshall
If you know who CJ Spillman is I am very proud of you. He is an extremely under the radar guy who is very strong and an exceptional tackler. In 2007 he racked up 131 tackles and forced three fumbles, this guy is no slouch in the open field and he could contribute a lot as an in the box safety. While Spillman is physical and has the tackling technique, he needs to improve his game when it comes to coverage, and with that he could find himself doing well in the NFL.

[cowboyjoe]

sometimes you have to dig deep, and you find gems in lower rounds, here is what someone else said on sleepers out of the article above;

I must also say that if a player was a 4 or 5 star prep recruit, played for a big-time D-1 program and is going to be picked from the late 3rd to middle 5th, I am not sure that player is truly a sleeper. Here's my list:
Big School Sleeper-QB
QB Sean Glennon of VPI possess prototypical size- 6'4.5" 224, a very strong arm, is 'sneaky' athletic, 4.87 40 in last Spring testing and bench pressed 350 pounds on the way to Iron Hokie honors during spring strength and conditioning tests. If not for the need to use the Pat White-esque Tyrod Taylor in a rotation and eventually Glennon giving way to the hyper physically talented underclassmen. But if you watch the game film of him outdueling Matt Ryan last year you can see he has what it takes to be at least a quality reserve QB and with time and coaching perhaps a starter.

Small School Sleeper-QB
Antonio Heffner is a transfer from South Carolina and this year Spurrier probably wished he had him back. Tennessee St. sent 2 players to this year’s combine but Heffner was clearly their MVP, though he has less than ideal size 6'0.3 198, he is mobile, has a very good arm and throws the ball with good touch, think Jeff Blake. His numbers 149-249, 2239 yards, 15 TDs and 12 Ints, are a bit deceptive 4 of the picks were on balls that should have been caught that his receivers bobbled and allowed to be caught be defenders and many of his incompletions were drops, he also ran for over 500 yards. If he gets into a camp he has a chance, the only thing Seneca Wallace has on him is top-end speed.

Big School Sleeper-RB
Devin Moore is a player I was shocked was not invited to the Combine, he has tremendous speed, [4.35, 4.37] at his pro day, but surprising power- 28 reps at 225, he plays to his speed, can break arm tackles, is improving as a receiver and has been durable despite his 5'9.5" 187 pound frame. He can be a 3rd down back and returner immediately and like Warrick Dunn he may prove he can handle more of the load than one might believe.

Small School Sleeper-RB
Herb Donaldson the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) Offensive Player of the Year, ranks first nationally in rushing (162.18 ypg) and scoring (12 ppg). He is the all-time leading rusher in both Western Illinois and MVFC history. He possess elite strength, the power in his thick legs allow him to drive through defenders. Though neither elusive or fast, [4.68 at his pro day] he is tough to bring down in the open field; rarely goes down on first contact and more often than not he must be gang tackled. His vision and ability to pick and slide are all above average. Despite lacking long speed he has enough quickness to hit holes with a decent initial acceleration.

The main problem with him is hands, to stick in the NFL he will need to improve in that area and become a much better blocker. That being said some coach may fall in love with his Marion Barberish ability to punish would be tacklers.

Big [well bigger than Winona] School Sleeper-FB
13 Catches, 148 yards, 11.4 average, with a longest gain of 36 yards would be okay numbers for many fullbacks, however Keadrin Seastrunk was lined up at Tight End for Northwestern State, he is considered a fullback prospect at the next level, in part due to his height, just over 6'3" and ability to lead block, his H-Back versatility is also a plus, negatives- has not carried the ball since 2005 and he will need to put on another 10-15 pounds.

Small School Sleeper-FB
Andrew Verboncouer 5'9.5", 240-pound FB runs in the high 4.6-mid 4.7range and, has put up 27 reps at 225, his other strength numbers- Squat: 510, Power Clean: 320 are all very solid, as well as put up 19 rushing TDs and a receiving TD in 2008. Those triangle numbers compare well with those of almost any FB in this draft he is an able lead blocker who made holes at Winona State for a 1,500 yard rusher, a powerful between the tackles runner and working on becoming a better receiver.

Big School Sleeper-WR Kevin Ogletree A 6’0 1/2“ 196 pound redshirt junior had one of the most impressive combines of any wide receiver-40 Yard Dash: 4.48, Vertical Jump: 36, Broad Jump: 10'02", Short Shuttle: 4.08, 3-Cone Drill: 6.67 As impressive as those numbers are they his production; 58 catches, 723 yards, a 12.5 yard average, 5 TDs, with a long catch and run of 51 yards, was not terribly impressive but UVA lost its top 2 QBs and Ogletree was clearly the best receiver on the team. Ogletree had 52 catches for 582 yards in 2006 and is seventh in Cavaliers history with 117 receptions, he missed 2007 with a fractured leg, he is a smooth vertical threat with the ability to go up and pluck the ball out of the air, he has some flaws he’ll need to learn beat press coverage and some of the little things like taking out the strong safety on a downfield play and make sharper cuts.

Small School Sleeper-WR Towson State is the only thing small about Tommy Breaux who is 6’6 7/8” 199 and played both football and basketball at Towson Tommy is an excellent basketball player who has also played collegiately at Towson. Following graduation from high school, Breaux attended Blinn (TX) Junior College where he as a two-sport performer. At Blinn he played wide receiver for the football team and caught two passes for 15 yards and one touchdown in 2005 season. He played for a team that had a run-oriented offense and his opportunities to develop as a receiver were quite limited. He also played two seasons of basketball and averaged 9.6 points per game with an 11.3 rebounding average. As a sophomore he earned all-conference honors.

At Randallstown (MD) H.S. Tommy was a three-sport standout who caught 32 passes for 632 yards and nine touchdowns during his high school career while also averaging 12 points and 8.0 rebounds per game for the basketball team. Tommy also ran track and won two gold medals at the 2003 Maryland Class 3A state championship meet. He won state titles in the 200-dash and the triple jump. Tommy wowed the scouts at the Towson Pro Day, stealing the show and running 4.48/4.50 at nearly 6'7" with an 11'6" broad jump and 30+" vertical. He also managed 9 reps on the bench as well with very long arms.

He is raw but very tall and uses his size. Just working his body and mind into football shape and still has tremendous upside. He can go up over people and make the tough catch. He could become a real weapon in the red zone with some weight room time and a patient staff. In terms of functional strength he’s deceptively strong despite his Ht/Wt ratio. Athletic, and has the potential to really develop a fine pair of hands. Very young, football-wise, wants to get better, he’s a good citizen and coachable.

However he struggles from all the typical "big, skinny receiver" diseases, including potential problems breaking the jam, cutting smoothly, and getting open with consistency. Can only be used as a sidelines and end zone receiver at present, and may never develop into too much more. Breaux is very light, wiry even and should add 20-25 pounds of muscle to have a really good shot and to withstand the abuse at the next level.

Big School Sleeper-TE Rob Myers would likely not be on this list if not for injuries that have cut into his effectiveness the last 3 seasons, despite that he has put up impressive numbers when healthy, in 2007 he lead the nation's tight ends with 15.2 yards per reception. His strengths are athletic ability, hands, a good sense for openings against zone defenses, he is good at running after the catch and is still growing physically into his H-Back/”Move” TE role at 6’3” 243, up from 231 last year. He has been compared to Dallas Clark and Todd Christensen. The primary knocks on him are durability and though he is a willing blocker he’ll need more lower body strength to anchor against NFL Ends and OLBs.

Small School Sleeper-TE

Marcel Frost was actually the biggest name recruit on this list, Frost was one of the top players in Ohio and originally committed to Iowa, but decided to switch to OSU in January of 2003, despite signing as a TE many who saw him in high school thought he was an even better DE. But when after being named the preseason starter as a fourth-year junior, Frost was suspended for the year due to an unspecified violation of team rules and decided to transfer to Jackson State after being suspended. Despite his character and injury problems, a knee and broken leg, Frost is still an NFL prospect 6’3.5” and up around 260, he’s prototypical tight end, a solid blocker and exceptional pass catcher, a talented athlete with all the physical tools, it will remain to be seen if his leg injuries have affected his speed, but while at Ohio State they didn't have a player on the team that could cover him. He outran the LBs or gave them a quick move and he just outmuscled and out-jumped the CBs. He went one on one with Ashton Youboty 4 straight times with 4 straight receptions. He showed great hands along with good speed and athletic ability. Everyone at the practices was asking who he was and just raving about him. His pro day on the 25th will determine a great deal his combined career statistics: 30 catches, 438 yards and 3 TDs only hint at his potential.

Big School Sleeper-Offensive Line Chris Kemme is a three-time All-MAC selection, 6’5.2” 308 RT from Akron and though he also played LOT in a pinch he is projected to guard, his versatility will prove an asset as he can help save a roster spot. While he's a good pass protector, he's great for the running game and a good fit for a team like Tennesse or Carolina that really wants to ‘pound the rock.’ His strengths are: aggressiveness, hand punch power and placement, weakness: slow feet, he can be a bit late to see or react to twists and stunts.

Small School Sleeper- Offensive Line Roger Allen the powerful OG from Missouri Western is practically no longer a sleeper, a very fine small school OG who was invited to the Combine but did not participate other than to be measured. Despite that the fat that Allen was one of seven Division II players invited to Indianapolis and the only one who didn’t perform for the NFL’s coaches, general managers and scouts. The 6’2.6” 326 pound senior who suffered a sports hernia in the Texas vs. the Nation all-star game had impressed a few NFL teams the Chiefs were recently identified as a team interested, as well as the Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys, who also interviewed the lineman in their team suites at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, KC has also arranged a private workout, some have compared him to a much rawer Larry Allen, high praise indeed.

Defense

Big School Sleeper-Defensive End Jamaal Westerman of Rutgers is the type of player that some have projected everywhere from a 3-4 OLB to Under Tackle, but I see him at the position he’s played Westerman played his final game as a Scarlet Knight Dec. 4 in the 63-14 victory over Louisville. The senior tore his bicep tendon in the win over Pittsburgh but showed real grit in finishing out the regular season before season-ending surgery following the Louisville game. Still he was selected All-BIG EAST Conference football Second Team, Westerman finished his Rutgers career tied for third in school history with 26 career sacks. In 2008, Westerman led the Scarlet Knights with six sacks. He is not the classic Julius Peppers-bodied DE at 6’1.5” 266 but other players like: Freeney, Dumervil and Mathis have showed players of that stature can be effective.



Small School Sleeper- Defensive End Everette Pedescleaux, selected All-Missouri Valley Football First Team Defensive End, Pedescleaux registered 62 total tackles, 11.5 tackles-for-loss and 6.5 quarterback sacks. He was a prep 2 sport star, a first-team all-state hoops selection as a senior; he averaged 20.1 points and 9.4 rebounds per game as a senior and was a finalist for the state of Minnesota's "Mr. Basketball" in 2004. He was a Minnesota signee but redshirted and transferred. Everette Pedescleaux is a guy who can be a 3-4 DE or a 4-3 DT, think Kendall Langford or Richard Seymour. He's got the size and wingspan and was a finalist for the Minnesota "Mr. Basketball" award when he was in high school.

His motor is solid, but due to a lack of weight room work he seems to lack consistent explosion. He's got above average speed for his [6’5 3/8 303] size, he is expected to run around 5 flat, or perhaps a bit less and a decent first step. He's been a special teams dynamo he has blocked punts and placekicks; Pedescleaux has blocked six kicks in his UNI career.

From his DT (I'm projecting him as a DE in the 3-4, at UNI he was a DT) spot he recorded 54 tackles, 11.5 tackle-for-loss and 6.5 quarterback sacks. His highlight reel is worth seeing- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GH9lJT3lK8

Big School Sleeper-Defensive Tackle Jervonte Jackson is not the kind of player that leaps of the film at you, but when you notice how often Frantz Joseph is able to flow cleanly to the ball you then back up the tape and notice, Jackson holding the point against double teams and made 1st Team All-Sun Belt after Jackson recorded 40 total tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, four pass break-ups and one fumble recovery. In contact with scouts he has shown physical tools and leadership qualities at Florida Atlantic Pro Day: DT Jervonte Jackson measured 6’3.2” 300 pounds, 9 1/4 inch hands and 35 inch arms. He ran the 40 twice at 5.07 with a 10-yard time of 1.68 and 20-yard time at 2.96, 21 bench reps, 23 1/2 vertical jump, 08'02" broad jump, 4.78 short shuttle and 7.57 3-cone.

His family background is complex his half-brother, Jamaal Jackson, is the starting center for the Philadelphia Eagles. His mother, Avonda Dowling was said by police to have been the leader of one of the most violent drug gangs in Miami, and accused of trafficking crack and powder cocaine, marijuana and heroin in Overtown and Liberty City, she is serving 20 years in federal prison.

Small School Sleeper- Defensive Tackle Entering his senior season he had recorded 116 tackles, 12.5 tackles for losses and eight sacks. Last season he had a career-best 4.5 tackles for losses he has now applied for a medical redshirt after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury at Ohio State he’d played 40 snaps against the Buckeyes earning an 83 percent grade before suffering an injury in the third quarter. He is a very quick 6’2” 304 pounder if he does not return to YSU; he will be a real UDFA bargain.

Due to the chances that Savage returns to YSU a bonus Small School Sleeper- Defensive Tackle!

Louis Ellis, senior, from Shaw University, has been selected AP Little All-American Second Team and CIAA Defensive player of the year, Ellis represents the Shaw Bears, where he ranks as the CIAA's top in tackles for loss, 16 solo-8 assists, and Ellis comes in second in the conference for sacks with 8 and also tallied 60 total tackles. He has drawn attention largely because when he plays low he displays up-field quickness to collapse the pocket and disrupt running plays, he has shown he can split double-team blocks, which he faced often given his production, and rips off man-on-man blocks with fast and strong hands. Despite often being the superior athlete he displayed good motor and chased plays down. There are questions about his overall strength and instincts as he did have a tendency to get fooled and over pursue, think Booger McFarland.

Bonus Small School 3-4 OLB/DE/DT Desmond Bryant Harvard could be called the Jarron Gilbert of the Ivy League. At his pro day Desmond Bryant measured in at 6-foot-5 5/8, 288 pounds with 11.5-inch hands and 35.5-inch arms. He posted a 4.92 and 4.93 in the 40-yard dash and a 31-inch vertical. Bryant also recorded a 9-foot-10-inch broad jump, 4.45 short shuttle, 7.44 three-cone drill and 35 bench press lifts, he is much like Greg Ellis and is most natural as a 4-3 DE, but will get looks at 3-4 DE and 3-4 OLB, he is not just book smart, his football IQ is considerable and he is just beginning to scratch the surface of his talent. This year he was selected All-Ivy League Football Second Team for the 2008 college football season as voted on by the league head coaches. Bryant put considerable pressure on opposing quarterbacks with 20 tackles (12 solo), 4.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks and a team-best eight QB hurries.

Big School Sleeper-LB

Mike Tauiliili [pronounced Too-ah-ee-lee] is the classic “Mini-Backer” in the Sam Mills, London Fletcher, Zach Thomas mold with a million tackles. At 5'10.1” and 234 lbs., he managed 140 tackles in 2008. He has great instincts, plays bigger than he measures and faster than he times. Tauiliili proved his worth during the East vs. West Shrine game in which he won defensive MVP. I have no idea where he will fall, but a team is likely to take a chance on him on the first day. He will of course have to answer questions about his size and a 2007 run in with the law stemming from an assault that included: pointing a gun, carrying a concealed weapon, driving while impaired, failing to stop after an accident and simple assault. He pled guilty to simple assault and driving while impaired and received a suspended sentence.

Small School Sleeper-LB Ataefiok Etukeren comes from Georgetown where the previous best known football prospect, Allen Iverson is actually associated with another sport. Etukeren was a DE in college but needs to prove to NFL scouts that he is capable of playing outside linebacker in the pros after finishing second in the Patriot League in tackles for loss (13), tying for fifth in sacks (4.5) and fourth on the Hoyas with 61 tackles. At 6’2 ¾” 239 his strength was a revelation as he was able to stalemate tackles on the line of scrimmage and hold gaps at Texas vs. The Nation All-Star Challenge practices and in the game. If he runs as expected, around 4.72, and looks good in pass drop and other LB drills he will be a priority UDFA for 4-3 teams looking for a ‘SAM’ and 3-4 teams looking for OLBs.

Small School Sleeper LB?SS? Andy Romans is another SS/WLB tweener, a 5’101/8” 218 LB Andy Romans of Lafayette, was been selected All-Patriot League Football First Team Linebacker for the 2008 college football season as voted on by the league head coaches. A finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award given to the Top Defensive Player in the FCS, Romans made 96 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries and one blocked kick for the Leopards. However he is getting some attention by those who think he may be able to be an ‘in the box’ SS is he can run in the low 4.6s or less he will be tried there, if he lacks the feet and hips to play safety he may stick as a special teams player.

Big School Sleeper SS Trimane Goddard was not invited to the combine, but I believe he’s a future NFL starter, the question is where? FS/SS, Cover-2 CB perhaps? Goddard has elite ball skills, tied for the national lead with seven interceptions, which equals the third-best single-season effort by a Tar Heel. Goddard also has 48 tackles, 1.5 tackles for losses, five pass breakups, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery, he has a nose for the ball and tracks it in the air about as well as Nicks or Tate, and is a bit better that Foster, his instinct and hands are top notch. The concerns about him are his ability to avoid injury, he has thrown his body around like a rental and in years prior it has cost him: He fractured the fifth metatarsal in his left foot during a drill in February 2006, broke it again in fall practice, then spent four weeks in the hospital with an emergency appendectomy, all of which caused him to redshirt the season. Also tore cartilage in his left wrist early in the 2007 season, though he played through it. At 5’11 1/8 196 he is not small but not the physical presence some like on the strong side, he will perhaps project to FS where the skills he developed as a prep CB can be best used.

Small School Sleeper SS Northeastern State University senior safety Broderick Mondy was named a Pre-Season All-American by the website Consensus Draft Services, [shameless plug!] the three-time 1st Team All-LSC North selection also earned All-Region accolades, the Plano TX native is 6’1” 206 and runs in the mid-low 4.6s, but in an age of drag down and shoulder block tacklers it is refreshing to see Mondy tackle, he is a solid and often punishing tackler he customarily wraps up, he will need to impress on special teams and earn a spot as a reserve safety.

Big School Sleeper FS Daniel Charbonnet came to TTU from Duke, getting a Duke transfer is very exciting… if you’re a basketball coach. But Charbonnet turned out to be a real boost to a previously subpar Red Raider’s defense. The 5’11 203 pound Academic All Big 12 selection also showed he was a football player totaling: 35 solo, 19assists, 54 total tackles 3 TFL, 5 Picks, 6 PBUs and 3 Fumbles recovered and making All-Big 12 Conference Second Team. He is a solid if unspectacular hitter, good in coverage and rarely makes mistakes; he’s the type that coaches come to love.

Small School Sleeper FS Valdosta State senior safety Sherard Reynolds 5’9.5” 184 was on the Daktronics, Inc. NCAA Division II All-America team. Reynolds, who was named to the squad's first team selections, was second on the Blazer squad with 71 tackles during the 2008 season while leading the team with four interceptions. He returned four interceptions 132 total yards, including a 94 yard return for a touchdown against Fort Valley State that set a VSU school record for longest interception return. Reynolds also recovered three fumbles on the year and returned 13 punts for 123 yards. His 243 career tackles, tied for the 10th most in school history despite playing just three seasons on the defensive side of the ball. He also picked off 14 career passes, the second-highest total in the school record books. He played wide receiver as a freshman and caught 38 passes. His 650 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns were both team-highs during the 2005 season. Concerns include his lack of size and top end speed, [about 4.62], but with his ball skills and special teams value he has a chance.

Small School Sleeper FS/SS Jabir Perkins transferred to Texas A&M-Kingsville, from another Lone Star Conference school, Southeastern (Okla.) State. The Javelinas gain has been the Savage Storm’s loss, in 2008 he posted: 33 solo, 28 assists, for 61 total tackles, 5 TFL, 1 Sack, 5 INTs- 105, 2PBUs 7 Passed Defended, 2 Fumbles Recovered and 1 Forced. He made a good impression at the Cactus Bowl all-star game and is strong at 5’11.6” 200 but showed good coverage skills and could play at either safety spot and times in the high 4.5s.

Big School Sleeper CB This might be the hardest because CBs who can play at all at big school are rarely sleepers, but… Ryan Mouton is a guy who will sometimes look bad; he can get muscled, he gambles he’s small: 5’9”187, fast but not blinding- in the Combine 40 Yard Dash: 4.51* he popped" his left hamstring today while running the 40-yard dash at the National Football League Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. He suffered the injury at about the 30-yard mark, and limped the rest of the way. He was credited with a 4.51 time. His vertical jump of 39.5 inches was tied for third among cornerbacks. He was also third in the broad jump at 10 feet, 9 inches. He plays bigger thanks to his leaping ability and aggressiveness, he has hands like the wide receiver he still is [part-time], he is tough and confident. However he is not effective in press man, he is not a great wrap up tackler, he can get too high and impatient in his back pedal. His ability to cover the slot, perhaps even play slot receiver, return kicks and ball skills may get him drafted on day 2, if not he’ll be a priority UDFA.

Small School Sleeper-

[BAT]

Originally Posted by cowboyjoe

2009 NFL Draft Prospects: The Standouts and Sleepers

READ MORE: NFL, NFL Draft
by joshsanchez more posts by author 1313
Sleeper: David Veikune, Hawaii
Veikune is an explosive edge rusher that really caught my eye the week of the Senior Bowl. Snap after snap, Veikune was beating the offensive tackle of the edge and showing great burst and a wide variety of pass rushing moves. He is a very strong guy who will never give up on a play, one of the best motors in this year’s class.

I see this guy has "obviously" never watched Veikune play. All the idiot savants know that Veikune is a "trashy player".

[BAT]

As always Joe, thanks for getting this info to us.

[PullMyFinger]

Big School Sleeper-QB
QB Sean Glennon of VPI possess prototypical size- 6'4.5" 224, a very strong arm, is 'sneaky' athletic, 4.87 40 in last Spring testing and bench pressed 350 pounds on the way to Iron Hokie honors during spring strength and conditioning tests. If not for the need to use the Pat White-esque Tyrod Taylor in a rotation and eventually Glennon giving way to the hyper physically talented underclassmen. But if you watch the game film of him outdueling Matt Ryan last year you can see he has what it takes to be at least a quality reserve QB and with time and coaching perhaps a starter.

LOL

Tech didnt start winning until Tyrod Taylor took over as QB, Glennon is a HACK!!!!!

[cowboyjoe]

your welcome bat,