Here are this year's lists of players who are somewhat under the radar, and those who I would not touch with a 10-foot pole.
Sleepers
Jimmy Graham, TE, Miami (FL)
At this point, Graham doesn't seem like a sleeper. In fact, after his excellent Combine performance, some have projected him to go as high as Round 2. That said, I listed him as a sleeper back in December, so I think I'm entiled to keep him on my list!
Levi Brown, QB, Troy
I've mentioned Brown several times as a player I like. Though he did not play against top competition, he has the arm strength, poise and experience that I look for in a QB prospect. At this point, I expect the Rams will take a QB earlier than Brown would merit, but he's an option if the Rams don't take a QB on the first two days of the draft.
A.J. Edds, OLB, Iowa
Very good size, speed and productivity on a very good college defense. He's not a flashy guy but, much like James Laurinaitis, is always around the ball. Good mid-round SLB prospect.
C.J. Wilson, DE, East Carolina
He's a big DE (290 lbs) but is quick enough to make a lot of plays in the backfield. He seems to be the type of player Spags likes, as he could definitely rotate between the DE and the DT spots.
Tony Washington, OT, Abilene Christian
Big RT prospect who could likely be obtained in the middle rounds of the draft. The thing that caught my eye about Washington is his combination of arm length (35''+) and bench press reps (34). Those are the kind of numbers you typically see in an elite OT prospect. I think he has a lot of upside.
10-Foot Pole List
Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
Probably saw this one coming, huh? I have posted at length about Tebow, who I just don't think will ever be a starting NFL QB. Given the price tag he would come with (4th round pick?), I say "stay away!"
LeGarrette Blount, RB, Oregon
Pretty easy selection. In addition to his blow up on the field that caused him to sit most of last year, he ran slow at the Combine, which calls into question whether his skills will translate to the pro level.
Dexter McCluster, RB, Ole Miss
This selection will probably be surprising to some. I do think McCluster could be a productive role player for some team. However, what the Rams need is a RB who can fill in for Steven Jackson if needed. McCluster will never be an every down back.
Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU
Big WRs with average speed playing on good college teams can be very productive in college, but they often falter in the NFL, where almost every CB runs a 4.5 or better. LaFell strikes me as that type of player, and given that the Rams would probably have to take him at pick #33 to get him, I wouldn't give him any consderation.
Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois
Can someone explain to me why this guy is considered a first round talent by some? 38 receptions for 490 yards last year? 7 TDs in his college career? I just don't see it.
Sleepers
Jimmy Graham, TE, Miami (FL)
At this point, Graham doesn't seem like a sleeper. In fact, after his excellent Combine performance, some have projected him to go as high as Round 2. That said, I listed him as a sleeper back in December, so I think I'm entiled to keep him on my list!
Levi Brown, QB, Troy
I've mentioned Brown several times as a player I like. Though he did not play against top competition, he has the arm strength, poise and experience that I look for in a QB prospect. At this point, I expect the Rams will take a QB earlier than Brown would merit, but he's an option if the Rams don't take a QB on the first two days of the draft.
A.J. Edds, OLB, Iowa
Very good size, speed and productivity on a very good college defense. He's not a flashy guy but, much like James Laurinaitis, is always around the ball. Good mid-round SLB prospect.
C.J. Wilson, DE, East Carolina
He's a big DE (290 lbs) but is quick enough to make a lot of plays in the backfield. He seems to be the type of player Spags likes, as he could definitely rotate between the DE and the DT spots.
Tony Washington, OT, Abilene Christian
Big RT prospect who could likely be obtained in the middle rounds of the draft. The thing that caught my eye about Washington is his combination of arm length (35''+) and bench press reps (34). Those are the kind of numbers you typically see in an elite OT prospect. I think he has a lot of upside.
10-Foot Pole List
Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
Probably saw this one coming, huh? I have posted at length about Tebow, who I just don't think will ever be a starting NFL QB. Given the price tag he would come with (4th round pick?), I say "stay away!"
LeGarrette Blount, RB, Oregon
Pretty easy selection. In addition to his blow up on the field that caused him to sit most of last year, he ran slow at the Combine, which calls into question whether his skills will translate to the pro level.
Dexter McCluster, RB, Ole Miss
This selection will probably be surprising to some. I do think McCluster could be a productive role player for some team. However, what the Rams need is a RB who can fill in for Steven Jackson if needed. McCluster will never be an every down back.
Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU
Big WRs with average speed playing on good college teams can be very productive in college, but they often falter in the NFL, where almost every CB runs a 4.5 or better. LaFell strikes me as that type of player, and given that the Rams would probably have to take him at pick #33 to get him, I wouldn't give him any consderation.
Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois
Can someone explain to me why this guy is considered a first round talent by some? 38 receptions for 490 yards last year? 7 TDs in his college career? I just don't see it.
Comment