cowboyjoe
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COMBINE SNUBS SHOW OFF TALENT, SO WHY WERE THEY SNUBBED, AND WHERE DO THEY PROJECT?
Each year there are workout warriors who actually back up their workouts on tape and yet still go undrafted from the small schools. It is beginning to become clear that the combine should either be expanded or give more respect to the small school prospects.
Below is a look at my prospects who were snubbed from the combine but are in prime position to be drafted and why they were snubbed and what they have done to earn a spot on the draft board since their snub.
1. OLB JASON WILLIAMS, WESTERN ILLINOIS
WHY SNUBBED? Many around the league felt Williams was a better athlete than football player and no more than a camp body.
REASON FOR STOCKING RISING? Since the combine invites were announced and Williams’ name was left off he has potentially been the hottest prospect of anyone in the nation. First he went to the East-West Shrine Game and was impressive in the practice and game itself. Williams also put up impressive results at both pro days he attended by running in 4.49 40 and 39-inch vertical at his school pro day. He then ran in the 4.44-4.49 range for 2 LB coaches at the Northwestern Pro Day and stole the show.
2008 PRODUCTION: Buck Buchanan Award Finalist, 1st team All-American by The Sports Network, Gateway DEF POY and 1st team All-Gateway, 67 TT, 14.5 TFL, 4 Sacks, 6 PBU, 4 QBH, and 6 FF.
CURRENT PROJECTION? 4th or 5th round as long as his private workouts and visits go well.
This player below Skuta might be a sleeper!
2. ILB DAN SKUTA, GRAND VALLEY STATE
WHY SNUBBED? This is easy as most NFL teams felt he was a tweener from Division II and just overlooked this prospect.
REASON FOR STOCKING RISING? First he was very impressive at the practices and the game itself at the Valero Cactus Bowl. After that, he followed with a monster pro day in which he clocked in the 4.6 range at 6022, 249 pounds and posted 20 reps of 225 and a 35-inch vertical. His 4.62 40-yard dash time was not the only impressive run with a 4.26 short shuttle, 6.84 3-cone, and a 11.66 long shuttle.
2008 PRODUCTION: Gene Upshaw Award Finalist, 1st team All-American by D2football.com and Daktronics, GLIAC Co-DL of Year, 1st team All-GLIAC, 48 TT, 14 TFL, 11.5 Sacks, 1 INT, 4 PBU, 3 QBH, 1 FR, 2 FF, 1 BLK.
CURRENT PROJECTION? Since the Cactus Bowl I have rated him as a 7th round projection and currently have him as a 6th-7th round projection after his recent pro day.
3. WR DUDLEY GUICE, NORTHWESTERN STATE (LA)
WHY SNUBBED? Guice did not have the production that most small school receivers high on the radar put up and thus very few teams gave him the look he deserved.
REASON FOR STOCKING RISING? Lucky for Guice, Texas vs. the Nation Director of Personnel John Murphy peaked at him while watching OG Tim Henderson and noticed that Guice could flat out play and had the physical attributes to intrigue teams. While at the bowl game Guice instantly caught the attention of scouts and had them constantly asking who that was. Guice caught 5 balls for 70 yards and a touchdown in the bowl game and followed that up with a 4.40 40-yard dash, 39-inch vertical, and 10’5 broad jump at 6024, 219 pounds.
2008 PRODUCTION: 36 catches, 606 yards, 17.3avg, 5 TDs.
CURRENT PROJECTION? He is currently listed as a 7th round projection and could easily go higher if a team falls in love with his measurables.
4. DE/DT EVERETTE PEDESCLEAUX, NORTHERN IOWA
WHY SNUBBED? He was not on the radar entering the year and had yet to put up the production to attract the attention of scouts. Another reason scouts likely didn’t consider him a prospect was because he did not run in the spring either.
REASON FOR STOCKING RISING? Pedescleaux could possibly by my favorite non combine invite of all divisions because I fell in love with his game during the season and was absolutely shocked that he did not get an invite. He has yet to have a pro day and did not compete in an all-star game. So, why is he rising? There were a few NFL teams who liked him and actually knew about him during the year and they have gone back and looked at the tape like myself and feel he could be a steal in the late rounds. Expect him to measure in the 6’4 ½ 310 pound range and run in the 4.9 or 5.0 range, or possibly better.
2008 PRODUCTION: 2nd team All-American by The Sports Network, 1st team All-Gateway, 62 TT, 11.5 TFL, 6.5 Sacks, 1 PBU, 1 QBH, 3 FF, 2 BLK.
CURRENT PROJECTION? 7th round, however, he could go higher with a solid pro day.
5. FS COLT ANDERSON, MONTANA
WHY SNUBBED? His size and estimated speed were less than impressive and thus probably kept him out of the discussion when the combine was voted on.
REASON FOR STOCKING RISING? His entire postseason has been impressive from a solid showing at the Texas vs. the Nation All-Star Game to running a 4.53-4.56 40, 6.88 3-cone, and 36 ½ inch vertical at 5095, 194 pounds during his pro day.
2008 PRODUCTION: Buck Buchanan Award Finalist, 1st team All-American by The Sports Network, 1st team All-Big Sky, 129 TT, 6.5 TFL, 1 Sack, 3 INT, 6 PBU, 2 FR, 1 FF.
CURRENT PROJECTION? His size hurts but his closing speed, ball skills, and toughness make him an intriguing late round prospect that could go as high as the 6th round and is a current 7th round projection.
6. WR DOBSON COLLINS, GARDNER-WEBB
WHY SNUBBED? Entering the season he was considered no more than a low end free agent and did not blow anyone away until mid-way through the year after many scouts had already graded him.
REASON FOR STOCKING RISING? His stock has been rising ever since he torched Georgia Tech with 7 catches for 97 yards and showed good hands, solid route running, and speed at the Texas vs. the Nation All-Star Game. He could go as high as the 5th round but is a projection 7th round pick entering his pro day. If he does not put up solid numbers and get drafted you could look at his advisors as many insiders around the league felt he was clearly a draftable player late in the season.
2008 PRODUCTION: 1st team All-Big South, 76 catches, 937 yards, 10 TDs.
CURRENT PROJECTION? Late 7th round but could rise to the 6th round with a solid pro day.
7. ILB ANDY SCHANTZ, PORTLAND STATE
WHY SNUBBED? His style of play causes him to get banged up because he is so physical and teams considered him a little small for ILB in the NFL at 6’1, 235 pounds.
REASON FOR STOCKING RISING? His stock has not really risen as much as some teams just took a liking to the projected 3-4 ILB because of his sideline to sideline and downhill style of play. He is also a hard-hitter who gives great effort and has the full support of 3-4 coaching guru Jerry Glanville who says he thinks Schantz is a mid round prospect.
2008 PRODUCTION: Buck Buchanan Award Finalist, 2nd team All-American by The Sports Network, 2nd team All-Big Sky, 115 TT, 14 TFL, 1 INT, 9 PBU, 1 FR, 1 FF.
CURRENT PROJECTION? 7th round or priority free agent.
The Tight end below might be another sleeper, i like him too!
8. TE ZACHARY MILLER, NEBRASKA-OMAHA
WHY SNUBBED? Miller played QB at Omaha and was a projected position switch to tight end because of his athletic ability. The Combine rarely invites small school prospects making a totally different position switch unless they have All-American production and Miller lacked the eye popping numbers to get that invite.
REASON FOR STOCKING RISING? He caught 5 passes for 116 yards and one touchdown in his first game as a tight end and did it against the best of Division II. He ran a 4.53 at 6’4, 233 pounds and put up a 37 ½ inch vertical, 10’4 broad jump, 7.06 3-cone, and 4.22 short shuttle.
2008 PRODUCTION: 2nd team All-MIAA as QB, 1,508 yards, 11 TDs, 8 INTs, 64.2% passing and 175 carries, 1,061 yards, 18 TDs, and 6.1avg rushing.
CURRENT PROJECTION? Expect him to move up more as we get closer to the draft and especially after the reviews of the 20 teams who attended his pro day are evaluated but he is a 7th round projection as of today.
Here is where they all rank and project on my latest big board:
Rank
Pos
First Name
Last Name
School
Ht
Wt
40 Time
Rd. Proj.
6
OLB
Jason
Williams
Western Illinois
6012
238
4.44/4.49
5th
19
ILB
Daniel
Skuta
Grand Valley State
6022
249
4.62/4.71
6th-7th
20
WR
Dudley
Guice
Northwestern State
6024
209
4.40/4.43
7th
22
DE
Everette
Pedescleaux
Northern Iowa
6043
310
4.95/5.05
7th
23
FS
Colt
Anderson
Montana
5095
194
4.53/4.56
7th
25
WR
Dobson
Collins
Gardner-Webb
6007
181
4.47/4.55
7th-PFA
30
ILB
Andrew
Schantz
Portland State
6006
234
4.71/4.75
7th-PFA
33
TE
Zachary
Miller
Nebraska-Omaha
6040
233
4.53/4.54
7th-PFA
Each year there are workout warriors who actually back up their workouts on tape and yet still go undrafted from the small schools. It is beginning to become clear that the combine should either be expanded or give more respect to the small school prospects.
Below is a look at my prospects who were snubbed from the combine but are in prime position to be drafted and why they were snubbed and what they have done to earn a spot on the draft board since their snub.
1. OLB JASON WILLIAMS, WESTERN ILLINOIS
WHY SNUBBED? Many around the league felt Williams was a better athlete than football player and no more than a camp body.
REASON FOR STOCKING RISING? Since the combine invites were announced and Williams’ name was left off he has potentially been the hottest prospect of anyone in the nation. First he went to the East-West Shrine Game and was impressive in the practice and game itself. Williams also put up impressive results at both pro days he attended by running in 4.49 40 and 39-inch vertical at his school pro day. He then ran in the 4.44-4.49 range for 2 LB coaches at the Northwestern Pro Day and stole the show.
2008 PRODUCTION: Buck Buchanan Award Finalist, 1st team All-American by The Sports Network, Gateway DEF POY and 1st team All-Gateway, 67 TT, 14.5 TFL, 4 Sacks, 6 PBU, 4 QBH, and 6 FF.
CURRENT PROJECTION? 4th or 5th round as long as his private workouts and visits go well.
This player below Skuta might be a sleeper!
2. ILB DAN SKUTA, GRAND VALLEY STATE
WHY SNUBBED? This is easy as most NFL teams felt he was a tweener from Division II and just overlooked this prospect.
REASON FOR STOCKING RISING? First he was very impressive at the practices and the game itself at the Valero Cactus Bowl. After that, he followed with a monster pro day in which he clocked in the 4.6 range at 6022, 249 pounds and posted 20 reps of 225 and a 35-inch vertical. His 4.62 40-yard dash time was not the only impressive run with a 4.26 short shuttle, 6.84 3-cone, and a 11.66 long shuttle.
2008 PRODUCTION: Gene Upshaw Award Finalist, 1st team All-American by D2football.com and Daktronics, GLIAC Co-DL of Year, 1st team All-GLIAC, 48 TT, 14 TFL, 11.5 Sacks, 1 INT, 4 PBU, 3 QBH, 1 FR, 2 FF, 1 BLK.
CURRENT PROJECTION? Since the Cactus Bowl I have rated him as a 7th round projection and currently have him as a 6th-7th round projection after his recent pro day.
3. WR DUDLEY GUICE, NORTHWESTERN STATE (LA)
WHY SNUBBED? Guice did not have the production that most small school receivers high on the radar put up and thus very few teams gave him the look he deserved.
REASON FOR STOCKING RISING? Lucky for Guice, Texas vs. the Nation Director of Personnel John Murphy peaked at him while watching OG Tim Henderson and noticed that Guice could flat out play and had the physical attributes to intrigue teams. While at the bowl game Guice instantly caught the attention of scouts and had them constantly asking who that was. Guice caught 5 balls for 70 yards and a touchdown in the bowl game and followed that up with a 4.40 40-yard dash, 39-inch vertical, and 10’5 broad jump at 6024, 219 pounds.
2008 PRODUCTION: 36 catches, 606 yards, 17.3avg, 5 TDs.
CURRENT PROJECTION? He is currently listed as a 7th round projection and could easily go higher if a team falls in love with his measurables.
4. DE/DT EVERETTE PEDESCLEAUX, NORTHERN IOWA
WHY SNUBBED? He was not on the radar entering the year and had yet to put up the production to attract the attention of scouts. Another reason scouts likely didn’t consider him a prospect was because he did not run in the spring either.
REASON FOR STOCKING RISING? Pedescleaux could possibly by my favorite non combine invite of all divisions because I fell in love with his game during the season and was absolutely shocked that he did not get an invite. He has yet to have a pro day and did not compete in an all-star game. So, why is he rising? There were a few NFL teams who liked him and actually knew about him during the year and they have gone back and looked at the tape like myself and feel he could be a steal in the late rounds. Expect him to measure in the 6’4 ½ 310 pound range and run in the 4.9 or 5.0 range, or possibly better.
2008 PRODUCTION: 2nd team All-American by The Sports Network, 1st team All-Gateway, 62 TT, 11.5 TFL, 6.5 Sacks, 1 PBU, 1 QBH, 3 FF, 2 BLK.
CURRENT PROJECTION? 7th round, however, he could go higher with a solid pro day.
5. FS COLT ANDERSON, MONTANA
WHY SNUBBED? His size and estimated speed were less than impressive and thus probably kept him out of the discussion when the combine was voted on.
REASON FOR STOCKING RISING? His entire postseason has been impressive from a solid showing at the Texas vs. the Nation All-Star Game to running a 4.53-4.56 40, 6.88 3-cone, and 36 ½ inch vertical at 5095, 194 pounds during his pro day.
2008 PRODUCTION: Buck Buchanan Award Finalist, 1st team All-American by The Sports Network, 1st team All-Big Sky, 129 TT, 6.5 TFL, 1 Sack, 3 INT, 6 PBU, 2 FR, 1 FF.
CURRENT PROJECTION? His size hurts but his closing speed, ball skills, and toughness make him an intriguing late round prospect that could go as high as the 6th round and is a current 7th round projection.
6. WR DOBSON COLLINS, GARDNER-WEBB
WHY SNUBBED? Entering the season he was considered no more than a low end free agent and did not blow anyone away until mid-way through the year after many scouts had already graded him.
REASON FOR STOCKING RISING? His stock has been rising ever since he torched Georgia Tech with 7 catches for 97 yards and showed good hands, solid route running, and speed at the Texas vs. the Nation All-Star Game. He could go as high as the 5th round but is a projection 7th round pick entering his pro day. If he does not put up solid numbers and get drafted you could look at his advisors as many insiders around the league felt he was clearly a draftable player late in the season.
2008 PRODUCTION: 1st team All-Big South, 76 catches, 937 yards, 10 TDs.
CURRENT PROJECTION? Late 7th round but could rise to the 6th round with a solid pro day.
7. ILB ANDY SCHANTZ, PORTLAND STATE
WHY SNUBBED? His style of play causes him to get banged up because he is so physical and teams considered him a little small for ILB in the NFL at 6’1, 235 pounds.
REASON FOR STOCKING RISING? His stock has not really risen as much as some teams just took a liking to the projected 3-4 ILB because of his sideline to sideline and downhill style of play. He is also a hard-hitter who gives great effort and has the full support of 3-4 coaching guru Jerry Glanville who says he thinks Schantz is a mid round prospect.
2008 PRODUCTION: Buck Buchanan Award Finalist, 2nd team All-American by The Sports Network, 2nd team All-Big Sky, 115 TT, 14 TFL, 1 INT, 9 PBU, 1 FR, 1 FF.
CURRENT PROJECTION? 7th round or priority free agent.
The Tight end below might be another sleeper, i like him too!
8. TE ZACHARY MILLER, NEBRASKA-OMAHA
WHY SNUBBED? Miller played QB at Omaha and was a projected position switch to tight end because of his athletic ability. The Combine rarely invites small school prospects making a totally different position switch unless they have All-American production and Miller lacked the eye popping numbers to get that invite.
REASON FOR STOCKING RISING? He caught 5 passes for 116 yards and one touchdown in his first game as a tight end and did it against the best of Division II. He ran a 4.53 at 6’4, 233 pounds and put up a 37 ½ inch vertical, 10’4 broad jump, 7.06 3-cone, and 4.22 short shuttle.
2008 PRODUCTION: 2nd team All-MIAA as QB, 1,508 yards, 11 TDs, 8 INTs, 64.2% passing and 175 carries, 1,061 yards, 18 TDs, and 6.1avg rushing.
CURRENT PROJECTION? Expect him to move up more as we get closer to the draft and especially after the reviews of the 20 teams who attended his pro day are evaluated but he is a 7th round projection as of today.
Here is where they all rank and project on my latest big board:
Rank
Pos
First Name
Last Name
School
Ht
Wt
40 Time
Rd. Proj.
6
OLB
Jason
Williams
Western Illinois
6012
238
4.44/4.49
5th
19
ILB
Daniel
Skuta
Grand Valley State
6022
249
4.62/4.71
6th-7th
20
WR
Dudley
Guice
Northwestern State
6024
209
4.40/4.43
7th
22
DE
Everette
Pedescleaux
Northern Iowa
6043
310
4.95/5.05
7th
23
FS
Colt
Anderson
Montana
5095
194
4.53/4.56
7th
25
WR
Dobson
Collins
Gardner-Webb
6007
181
4.47/4.55
7th-PFA
30
ILB
Andrew
Schantz
Portland State
6006
234
4.71/4.75
7th-PFA
33
TE
Zachary
Miller
Nebraska-Omaha
6040
233
4.53/4.54
7th-PFA
