I don't watch a ton of NFL, but the draft is easily my favorite part of the season/off-season, because I like to see where the kids whose college careers I followed wind up. I also find the mid to later rounds and FA signings rather entertaining because I like to predict which under the radar kids will have great careers. Here's a few on my list:
Browns 2nd Rd. Pick DE/OLB Nate Orchard Utah- Similar to a Michael Sam, this kid doesn't have the size you'd like to see in a DE or the speed/cover abilities to play OLB. But he flat gets to the quarterback. Led the nation in sacks this year with 18.5 and won National DE of the Year. This is one of those cases where I think production outweighs measurables. Not technically mid or later rounds, but this guy just isn't getting the respect he deserves. I also think his draft stock is about on par with what Michael's would've been if not for the blackballing.
Cardinals 3rd Rd. Pick RB David Johnson Northern Iowa- Converted WR with size, this guy has the ability to both fly past and run over defenders. Has every measurable you could ever ask for, an has produced against higher competition. Pretty much single handedly beat Iowa State in 2013, and produced really well against both Wisconsin and Iowa during his career. Only weakness is hesitation getting through the hole, but once he does, watch out!
Redskins 4th Rd. Pick WR Jamison Crowder Duke- Outside receiver, with a slot receiver's body. Really was the only true weapon that Duke has had during its great run over the last few years. The big knocks on this kid are his limited range and tendency to look down field too quickly. Honestly I think he is going to translate really well to the slot in the NFL and be a match-up nightmare for nickels and safeties. And did I mention he graduated from Duke? Guy is smart. Think Wes Welker with more speed and quicker cuts.
Seahawks 6th Rd. Pick DE Obum Gwachum Oregon St.- Project player with what I think is a really high floor. Converted to DE from WR for his senior season and made an instant impact. Might sit on a practice squad or be a special teams guy for a year or two, because he needs to add bulk. The great thing is he has exactly the frame to do it. His explosion off the ball and speed around the corner are honestly the best I've ever seen. I think even with the added weight, he'll have the tools to be one of the great pass rushing DE's. Only time will tell.
49ers 7th. Rd. Pick TE Rory Anderson South Carolina- This was the one player more than anyone that scared me when Mizzou played the Cocks. This guy will be the heir apparent to Vernon Davis with the Niners. Very similar game in that he will be a match-up nightmare for OLB's and Strong Safeties. Extremely athletic and imposing physically. Has a tendency to body catch the ball due to small hands, but can be overcome by his ability to "box out" defenders - Was a prep BB star as a PF and the athleticism has translated over. Think he would've had All-American type production if not for nagging triceps injuries. Optimistic that he can finally put those to bed and truly realize his potential.
Browns 2nd Rd. Pick DE/OLB Nate Orchard Utah- Similar to a Michael Sam, this kid doesn't have the size you'd like to see in a DE or the speed/cover abilities to play OLB. But he flat gets to the quarterback. Led the nation in sacks this year with 18.5 and won National DE of the Year. This is one of those cases where I think production outweighs measurables. Not technically mid or later rounds, but this guy just isn't getting the respect he deserves. I also think his draft stock is about on par with what Michael's would've been if not for the blackballing.
Cardinals 3rd Rd. Pick RB David Johnson Northern Iowa- Converted WR with size, this guy has the ability to both fly past and run over defenders. Has every measurable you could ever ask for, an has produced against higher competition. Pretty much single handedly beat Iowa State in 2013, and produced really well against both Wisconsin and Iowa during his career. Only weakness is hesitation getting through the hole, but once he does, watch out!
Redskins 4th Rd. Pick WR Jamison Crowder Duke- Outside receiver, with a slot receiver's body. Really was the only true weapon that Duke has had during its great run over the last few years. The big knocks on this kid are his limited range and tendency to look down field too quickly. Honestly I think he is going to translate really well to the slot in the NFL and be a match-up nightmare for nickels and safeties. And did I mention he graduated from Duke? Guy is smart. Think Wes Welker with more speed and quicker cuts.
Seahawks 6th Rd. Pick DE Obum Gwachum Oregon St.- Project player with what I think is a really high floor. Converted to DE from WR for his senior season and made an instant impact. Might sit on a practice squad or be a special teams guy for a year or two, because he needs to add bulk. The great thing is he has exactly the frame to do it. His explosion off the ball and speed around the corner are honestly the best I've ever seen. I think even with the added weight, he'll have the tools to be one of the great pass rushing DE's. Only time will tell.
49ers 7th. Rd. Pick TE Rory Anderson South Carolina- This was the one player more than anyone that scared me when Mizzou played the Cocks. This guy will be the heir apparent to Vernon Davis with the Niners. Very similar game in that he will be a match-up nightmare for OLB's and Strong Safeties. Extremely athletic and imposing physically. Has a tendency to body catch the ball due to small hands, but can be overcome by his ability to "box out" defenders - Was a prep BB star as a PF and the athleticism has translated over. Think he would've had All-American type production if not for nagging triceps injuries. Optimistic that he can finally put those to bed and truly realize his potential.
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