Thought I would start something fun, and learn something as well. As you that know me, you know that draft time is my favorite time. I will admit this year, I know less than usual (working in the medical field, I have been overly consumed in work-thus missing a lot of the college games I usually catch) I'm ready to digest the players you guys throw at me....

So give me one player, whom you think will be a fine/gem in rounds 5-7 (at any position)...I'll start.

DE Patrick Johnson- I remember checking this guy out for last years draft where he seemed to be more of a projected round 4 guy, he seems to be mocked in rounds 5-7 this year. This guy actually has a solid spin move, not Dwight Freeney by any means...However it's not everyday a young college DE has this move in succession. The guy produces and has done it year in and out, and seems to stay low and shoot on the snap count. Heck they even dropped him in coverage at Tulane, which he handled well for an end. Obviously he is not without faults, as he is not one of those specimen ends people drool over. I don't think he will test anything like Jayson Oweh, But I think you'd be surprised if you went by only the tape alone. I think this guy could surprise some down the road.

Joshua Kaindoh DE -FSU

HT
6'6"
DOB
12/27/1998
WT
260 lbs

woah.... that's like the year I graduated high school .sad face!

It's almost 2 decades after I graduated. (17 years)

Sending them to where they belong to the waiver wire.

Cheers to being a talented enough team where 5-7th round draft picks are properly identified as not being good enough to make the 53 man roster.

Maybe the practice squad.

A team smart enough to make that decision, that is the hidden gem.

The Gem is not getting rid of a player with more upside just to keep all the players you drafted on your roseter.

The Gem is drafting to replace players who need to be replaced, not drafting to replace the good players already veterans on your team.

(Ugh! I just remembered reading Jalaen ?, DT, signed with the Eagles,) There goes your healthy Larry Ogunjobi replacement.

Sad isn't it? I hate when those cute little 20 somethings at work ask when I started there, and then I get hit with, "Wow...I wasn't even born yet!"

Jonathan Marshall, DT, Arkansas is my projected late round guy.

Well my man, get used to it.

Paddy Fisher Northwestern LB

CONF Big Ten

HT 6'3.5"

DOB 01/23/1998

WT 239 lbs

I'm going to take the liberty of adding two. One on defense and one on offense.

Garrett Wallow- TCU OLB, 6'2" 230Lbs:
Beginning his career in the secondary at the safety position, Wallow became one of the most productive linebackers in the Big 12 over the last two seasons, as well as in the country. Wallow has been able to retain his athletic profile while he has added a substantial amount of weight to his frame. Moving sideline to sideline, he has shown the ability to make plays all over the field. For a slightly undersized off ball linebacker, he does a more than commendable job at the point of attack. He makes strong informal contact, showing urgent hand fighting to get off of blocks. Wallow is able to ...
Preview Analysis provided byNFL Draft Bible on SI

Cornell Powell - Clemson WR 6' 205LBS:
Emerging as Clemon’s vertical threat in the offense in 2020 throughout the latter half of the season, Cornell Powell has found a productive role for the first time in his career with the Tigers’ program. Swallowed up in a deep unit over the last few years, Powell has yet to have the opportunity to garner consistent looks or playing time. Since his breakout game vs Boston College in 2020, Powell has been just the playmaker they have been lacking on the perimeter of that offense. Powell could be a hidden gem in this 2021 NFL Draft class. He has a suddenness to his breaks that make you optimis...
Preview Analysis provided byNFL Draft Bible on SI

I don't subscribe to the SI draft Bible so the editing is theirs. Taken from the https://www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com/mock-draft-simulator

My late round gem is anyone who can kick a field goal AND an extra point.

That's a good one, as I haven't noted him at all...Will def. digest some of his tape!

I'm a big fan of Wallow, was always amazed when seeing him in some mocks as a round 7 guy, though I think a lot are in line with you, as he seems to have climbed some in mocks (more recent) But great choice nonetheless!

And another good pick with Powell, honestly I only really knew of him during Clemsons pro day a month ago, when I was checking testing numbers...which he knocked out of the park...Could be a sneaky target in the later portion of the draft.

He's quite the specimen, I know FSU has another one in Robinson. See these are the later round guys I love, one's oozing with potential but more safely picked in the later portions of the draft. I know I wouldn't mind him one bit, especially if we double dip at DE!

I’d like this as well

I started looking into this player. I think you may be on to something. What round would you project for taking him?

Shaka Toney, DE/OLB, Penn State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 252.
Projected 40 Time: 4.7.
Projected Round (2021): 4-6.


3/13/21: Toney had a solid 2020 season, getting after the quarterback and showing some improvement as a run defender.
.
9/5/20: Toney has increased his sack production each year with Penn State, showing improvement in his ability to get pressure on the quarterback. His production in run defense has also improved, but Toney has to get stronger for the NFL.

Career Stats

Team Games SackUA SackA Sacks TFL TacklesFF
2017 Penn St. 12 3 2 4 8 20 2
2018 Penn St. 13 5 0 5 8 23 1
2019 Penn St. 13 6 1 6.5 10 41 0
2020 Penn St. 5 4 0 4 6 13 1

After his pro day, I'm not sure he lasts very long at all on day 3 if he even makes it there.



He had been ranked in the 300s on some of the mock draft simulators, but personally I could see taking him all the way up in the 3rd round now maybe.

Finding players I like is easy. Trying to figure out where they will end up going in the draft not so much. Those unranked/late round grades felt a bit ridiculous to me, but it's hard to know where exactly to slot him. If someone had only shown me the first half of the Alabama-Arkansas game and told me one of the DTs was a projected first rounder, I'd have probably guessed Marshall.

His workout combined with his tape definitely boost his draft stock. This is a thin interior D line class and he is looking like one of the better prospects. Round 3 would not be out of the question for taking him.

You know DPJ was a 6th rounder right? The point is to still find players who you think can be an impact... or at least grow into that spot.

Nick Harris is also a good example. You can still find production at later rounds... chill

j/c...

My late round GEM is:
Spencer Brown OT 6'8" 311 lbs. 4.88 40time Northern Iowa.

With Hallahan as his coach he would be able to reign in the proper technique for this RARE Talent and he is my late round GEM!

I do actually like Bobby Brown as far as day 3 guys. He could still be around for the 5th round pick and would be a solid...err...New Edition to our DT rotation. If it were my prerogative to choose every little step we take in the draft, he would be up there for late round gems.

Too much?

Nah...good enough/just about right...but you can cool it now.

The following are most likely mid-round selections, not late-round, however:

- a developmental QB such as Kyle Trask or David Mills?

Interesting find.

Johnathan Adams, Wr Arkansas St. 6'3" 220

Some film from Senior Bowl reps.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uyqd_7ZdTgs