Underrated Prospects per nfldrafblitz

[cowboyjoe]

I bolded and underlined the ones that interested me, maybe sleepers besides ones that we know;

Underrated Prospects

2/3/09

Quarterbacks:

1. Drew Willy | Buffalo
Height: 6'4" Weight: 214 40: 4.92
Notes:
- Good sized QB who deserves to be considered amongst the best in his class. 2. Hunter Cantwell | Louisville
Height: 6'4" Weight: 236 40: 4.81
Notes:
- Huntwell was thought of as overrated for so long he's come full circle.
3. Brian Hoyer | Michigan State
Height: 6'3" Weight: 215 40: 4.88
Notes:
- A talented player who's miscast in the MSU offensive scheme.
4. Chase Daniel | Missouri
Height: 6'0" Weight: 225 40: 4.66
Notes:
- Drew Brees comparisons are silly. But he could be another Jeff Garcia.
5. Chase Clement | Rice
Height: 6'1" Weight: 210 40: 4.67
Notes:
- A very good athlete who's maturing into a very good quarterback.

Running Backs:

1. Andre Brown | North Carolina State
Height: 6'0" Weight: 232 40: 4.56
Notes:
- A former elite prospect who's finally stepping it up.
2. Wynel Seldon | Wyoming
Height: 6'0" Weight: 218 40: 4.48
Notes:
- Broke school records as a freshman, then his carries dropped.
3. Devin Moore | Wyoming
Height: 5'9" Weight: 192 40: 4.39
Notes:
- If used correctly, Moore and his elite speed can be an impact player.
4. Mike Davis | South Carolina
Height: 5'9" Weight: 214 40: 4.50
Notes:
- A compact runner who's consistent between the tackles.
5. Rodney Ferguson | New Mexico State
Height: 6'0" Weight: 226 40: 4.53
Notes:
- Durable player who has shown he can handle a heavy workload.



Wide Receivers:
1. Brandon Tate | North Carolina
Height: 6'1" Weight: 195 40: 4.46
Notes:
- Torn ACL sidetracks his breakout campaign.
2. Marko Mitchell | Nevada
Height: 6'4" Weight: 200 40: 4.48
Notes:
- On the raw side, but his potential is tantalizing.
3. Mohamed Massaquoi | Georgia
Height: 6'2" Weight: 198 40: 4.53
Notes:
- Finally turning into the player he was supposed to be all along.
4. Michael Jones | Arizona State
Height: 6'4" Weight: 205 40: 4.53
Notes:
- One of the best players no one's talking about.
5. Vinny Perretta | Boise State
Height: 5'10" Weight: 195 40: 4.41
Notes:
- Injury problems, but he's shifty and has good hands.



Tight Ends:
1. Darius Hill | Ball State
Height: 6'6" Weight: 233 40: 4.84
Notes:
- Hill may be the most natural pass catching senior TE.
2. John Phillips | Virginia
Height: 6'6" Weight: 255 40: 4.82
Notes:
- All Virginia does is put out smart, hard-working TEs that produce.
3. David Johnson | Arkansas State
Height: 6'3" Weight: 250 40: 4.67
Notes:
- His speed makes him an interesting H-Back option.
Offensive Lineman:
1. Troy Kropog | Tulane
Height: 6'6" Weight: 295 40: 4.88
Notes:
- His athleticism reminds us a lot of Joe Thomas' in college.
2. Eric VandenHeuvel | Wisconsin
Height: 6'7" Weight: 324 40: 5.18
Notes:
- Deserves a decent percentage of P.J. Hill's first NFL check.
3. Chris DeGeare | Wake Forest
Height: 6'4" Weight: 362 40: 5.60
Notes:
- Huge player who simply overpowers opponents, when interested.
4. Ryan Stanchek | West Virginia
Height: 6'4" Weight: 300 40: 5.15
Notes:
- Technician who'll like slide inside in the NFL.
5. Dominic Green | Nevada
Height: 6'3" Weight: 296 40: 5.11
Notes:
- We believe he can play any interior O-Line position.



Defensive Lineman:
1. Clinton McDonald | Memphis
Height: 6'3" Weight: 285 40: 4.70
Notes:
- Has unique quickness for a player as heavy as he is.
2. Kyle Moore | USC
Height: 6'6" Weight: 275 40: 4.77
Notes:
- All the talent in the world, all he needs is the right coach.
3. David Veikune | Hawaii
Height: 6'3" Weight: 255 40: 4.79
Notes:
- A relentless pass-rusher with a bigtime motor.
4. George Hypolite | Colorado
Height: 6'1" Weight: 285 40: 4.89
Notes:
- Rarely gets the headlines despite making play after play.
5. Jason Chapman | Wisconsin
Height: 6'4" Weight: 285 40: 4.88
Notes:
- Smallish DT looks like a natural fit as a 3-4 DE.



Linebackers:
1. Brian Toal | Boston College
Height: 6'0" Weight: 232 40: 4.57
Notes:
- Finally starting to look like he did pre-injury. A real talent.
2. Daniel Holtzclaw | Eastern Michigan
Height: 6'1" Weight: 246 40: 4.67
Notes:
- Maybe the most instinctive linebacker in the 09' class.
3. Braxton Kelly | Kentucky
Height: 6'0" Weight: 226 40: 4.62
Notes:
- Kentucky linebackers just know how to play football.
4. Ellix Wilson | Tennessee
Height: 5'10" Weight: 225 40: 4.56
Notes:
- Don't let the size fool you, he'll lay the lumber.
5. Quentin Cotton | East Carolina
Height: 6'2" Weight: 234 40: 4.57
Notes:
- Top notch athlete who's developing into a playmaker.



Cornerbacks:
1. Allen Langford | Wisconsin
Height: 5'11" Weight: 188 40: 4.43
Notes:
- Slick coverman who doesn't get near the hype he deserves.
2. Londen Fryar | Western Michigan
Height: 5'11" Weight: 192 40: 4.42
Notes:
- The way he catches the ball it's clear he's Irving's kid.
3. Jahi Word-Daniels | Georgia Tech
Height: 6'0" Weight: 199 40: 4.51
Notes:
- Average physical skills but he's got that something extra.
4. Mark Parson | Ohio
Height: 5'10" Weight: 188 40: 4.38
Notes:
- One of the better athletes in this cornerback class
5. DeAngelo Smith | Cincinnati
Height: 6'0" Weight: 191 40: 4.53
Notes:
- Gets picked on because of Mickens, but is up for the task.



Safeties:
1. Anthony Reddick | Miami Fl
Height: 6'0" Weight: 210 40: 4.50
Notes:
- Came back strong and healthy in 08' with a new-found maturity.
2. Sherrod Martin | Troy
Height: 6'0" Weight: 191 40: 4.45
Notes:
- Excellent coverage skills, but needs to be more physical.
3. Chip Vaughn | Wake Forest
Height: 6'2" Weight: 215 40: 4.52
Notes:
- Why isn't he being mentioned with the top guys?
4. C.J. Spillman | Marshall
Height: 6'0" Weight: 198 40: 4.48
Notes:
- Quietly one of the more productive safeties you'll find
5. Troy Nolan | Arizona State
Height: 6'2" Weight: 204 40: 4.57
Notes:
- A better prospect than former teammate Josh Barrett.

 

[Woods]

Man, I really want to draft Veikune.

I think he can play OLB and ILB in a 34.

He's already got the size and the strength, and most importantly, a non-stop motor that doesn't quit.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

4. George Hypolite | Colorado
Height: 6'1" Weight: 285 40: 4.89
Notes:
- Rarely gets the headlines despite making play after play.

Hypolite is a good one

very productive last 3 years

 

[cowboyjoe]

Hypolite is a good one

very productive last 3 years

yeah jerry, Hypolite to me sounds like a Glover, a former dallas cowboys player who went to the rams;

sounds like he is a penetrator

Veikune sounds more like a strong side linebacker, too slow to play weakside though

 

[Woods]

Hypolite is a good one

very productive last 3 years

What's your opinion on Brandon Tate as a WR (not as a kick returner)?

I know he blew his knee out, but looking at his stats in the seasons before that, they were pretty mediocre (except for yards per reception, I think).

Some football mags have him rated in the top 4-6 wideouts.

But he's tall, weighs less than 190 lbs (going on memory here), runs around a 4.46 40, and has never had more than around 500-600 rec yards in a college season (again, going on memory).

What's all the facination? Mostly because of his kick off return prowess?

 

[Bob Sacamano]

What's your opinion on Brandon Tate as a WR (not as a kick returner)?

I know he blew his knee out, but looking at his stats in the seasons before that, they were pretty mediocre (except for yards per reception, I think).

Some football mags have him rated in the top 4-6 wideouts.

But he's tall, weighs less than 190 lbs (going on memory here), runs around a 4.46 40, and has never had more than around 500-600 rec yards in a college season (again, going on memory).

What's all the facination? Mostly because of his kick off return prowess?

most likely, and like what you said earlier, when he's played WR, he's shown great athleticism in putting up a high, career YPC average

like most mediocre college WRs with great measurables, they struggle running routes

 

[Woods]

most likely, and like what you said earlier, when he's played WR, he's shown great athleticism in putting up a high, career YPC average

like most mediocre college WRs with great measurables, they struggle running routes

I've also been reading that he may have to miss the 2009 season and be put on PUP.

I don't have a problem drafting a guy like him, but I'd only expect him to produce as a kick returner initially. Maybe after a couple years he hopefully pans out as a WR.

I'd say no earlier than our 2nd 4th rounder or even in the 5th round.

I know we've shown interest in him. I think we even brought him in.

 

[cowboyjoe]

most likely, and like what you said earlier, when he's played WR, he's shown great athleticism in putting up a high, career YPC average

like most mediocre college WRs with great measurables, they struggle running routes

he's shown great athleticism in putting up a high, career YPC average
thats the key like jerry said
another thing, when the head scout was at north carolina interviewing butch davis, davis said some player is a beast. now he could have been talking about nicks, because he said you have to step on his neck all the time

and im sure davis told tom cowoski not sure how to spell his name, but head scout of the cowboys, some things about brandon tate;

here is some info on tate'
Brandon Tate
WR, North Carolina
War Room analysis
Hands: Has big hands and is able to catch nearly every ball thrown his way. Stays focused on the ball when running routes into traffic. Plucks the high ball with no trouble. Takes the hard hit and holds on to the ball. Makes tough catches with defense swarming around him. Is able to twist his body to catch passes thrown behind him without having to slow down. Is able to get down to catch low passes with surprising ease. Grade: 8.5

Patterns: Uses his size to shield the defender and his hands to push off and get space. Is a little upright running routes and does not show explosiveness out of cuts to get separation from the defender. Does a solid job getting good body position on deep routes and can shield the defender from the ball. Does well running the quick, aggressive slant route into traffic. Grade: 6.0

Run after catch: Gets started up the field quickly after the catch, accelerates to full speed and has a quick burst through cracks to make big plays. Is a strong and aggressive runner, breaking tackles to gain yards after contact. Has the wiggle to make tacklers miss. Left school as the ACC's all-time leader in total return yards. Grade: 8.5

Release: Lacks explosiveness off the ball into his route, but once moving, is able to accelerate to full speed quickly, helping him close the cushion on the cornerback. Has the size and agility to defeat jam by either powering through it or beating it with quickness. Grade: 6.5

Blocking: Does well using his size and strength to eliminate his man from the play. Can dominate his man easily when aggressive. Grade: 8.0

Bottom line: Going into the 2008 season, Tate was viewed primarily as a return man, but he stepped up early in the year to emerge as a legitimate NFL-caliber receiver. Unfortunately, he played in only six games before injuring his knee, and he underwent surgery to repair his right MCL and ACL. Tate must prove his knee is healthy and convince teams he can return to his pre-injury form in order to remain a high draft pick. He has the tools to rebound from his injury and become a productive big-play receiver and return man in the NFL.

 

[Woods]

cowboyjoe,

I think he was taking about Nicks, but I'm not 100% sure. but I remember that comment as well.



another thing, when the head scout was at north carolina interviewing butch davis, davis said some player is a beast. now he could have been talking about nicks, because he said you have to step on his neck all the time

 

[PullMyFinger]

What's your opinion on Brandon Tate as a WR (not as a kick returner)?

I know he blew his knee out, but looking at his stats in the seasons before that, they were pretty mediocre (except for yards per reception, I think).

Some football mags have him rated in the top 4-6 wideouts.

But he's tall, weighs less than 190 lbs (going on memory here), runs around a 4.46 40, and has never had more than around 500-600 rec yards in a college season (again, going on memory).

What's all the facination? Mostly because of his kick off return prowess?

He was also a victim of being on a team with a few good receivers also.

 

[masomenos]

What's your opinion on Brandon Tate as a WR (not as a kick returner)?

I know he blew his knee out, but looking at his stats in the seasons before that, they were pretty mediocre (except for yards per reception, I think).

Some football mags have him rated in the top 4-6 wideouts.

But he's tall, weighs less than 190 lbs (going on memory here), runs around a 4.46 40, and has never had more than around 500-600 rec yards in a college season (again, going on memory).

What's all the facination? Mostly because of his kick off return prowess?

You can't always use mediocre college performance as a signifier of pro potential. Take Eddie Royal as an example, he never had more than 500 yards or 4 TDs in a season while at VT. Then he comes into the NFL and racks up 91 catches for 980 yards and 5 TDs as a rookie. The bottom line was simply that he fit into Denver's system well and his skills were really able to shine.

With Tate, I think that teams are hoping for a similar situation. He's just an exciting player who seems to have all the necessary tools to contribute on the NFL level. He can separate from man coverage, he is good in the open field and he's a legitimate deep threat. Considering the fact that his injury has pushed his draft stock down, what ever team picks him up could end up with great value.

 

[RS12]

Want Veikune. Dont want Kropag, saw him get rag dolled constantly Senior Bowl week. Looked like a boy versus man.

 

[28 Joker]

Want Veikune. Dont want Kropag, saw him get rag dolled constantly Senior Bowl week. Looked like a boy versus man.

Agreed. I like Veikune. Kropog is soft. Don't want him, either.

Elix Wilson has major coverage issues. He just isn't good in coverage. Teams attacked him all year long in coverage, deep down the middle or over the middle. He wasn't even good in zone coverage. That is his weakness.

I would take Chip Vaughn over William Moore.

I don't trust Moore, and Chung or Vaughn would be safer picks, imo.

 

[cowboyjoe]

Agreed. I like Veikune. Kropog is soft. Don't want him, either.

Elix Wilson has major coverage issues. He just isn't good in coverage. Teams attacked him all year long in coverage, deep down the middle or over the middle. He wasn't even good in zone coverage. That is his weakness.

I would take Chip Vaughn over William Moore.

I don't trust Moore, and Chung or Vaughn would be safer picks, imo.

yeah i dont trust moore either, but could have been because he was hurt and shouldnt have played, but you never know either

 

[hendog]

He was also a victim of being on a team with a few good receivers also.

Tate was on a tarheel team that stunk his first 2 years until Butch Davis arrived. His jr yr was plauged by QB inconsistencies. His sr yr the starting QB (Yates) broke his leg halfway thru the season. I believe the best is yet to come for him.

 

[cowboyjoe]

Tate was on a tarheel team that stunk his first 2 years until Butch Davis arrived. His jr yr was plauged by QB inconsistencies. His sr yr the starting QB (Yates) broke his leg halfway thru the season. I believe the best is yet to come for him.

you might be right hendog, im sure that butch davis told head scout of cowboys ciwoski all about tate;

 

[BAT]

Does my heart good to see all the Veikune love! I hope Jerry & co got a good eyeful when they worked him out.

 

[cowboyjoe]

Does my heart good to see all the Veikune love! I hope Jerry & co got a good eyeful when they worked him out.

i hear good and bad on veikune bat, not sure though if he has enough speed

 

[BAT]

i hear good and bad on veikune bat, not sure though if he has enough speed

He's got a great first step, and there are only a couple of guys in this draft that have "speed". And both are raw as sushi (Barwin & Sidbury).


Besides, Veikune plays faster than he times. Playing speed is more important than 40 times IMO.