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Diamonds in the Rough: Breaking down potential draft bargains

By Rob Rang | NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst


Whether in the first round or sifting through the undrafted free agent pool, the ability to find hidden or underappreciated gems -- proverbial diamonds in the rough -- is the aspect of player acquisition that separates great scouting departments from the rest.

Below is a list of players who for whatever reason haven't yet received the attention their physical abilities warrant. Some played for smaller schools or ended their career injured. Others broke out as seniors after being forced to wait for playing time. As such, this lot is criticized for either being unproven against elite competition or, in the case of breakout seniors, can be tagged as one-year wonders.

Some others had collegiate success, but are incorrectly characterized as not having the prerequisite skills for the NFL. All are viewed as draftable NFL prospects, though most are unknown to the average fan.

Over the last 10 years, I've highlighted several unheralded prospects who went on to surprise in the NFL. Before NFL fans were learning the names Aaron Kampman, Lofa Tatupu or Jimmy Graham, they were identified by NFLDraftScout.com as Diamonds in the Rough.

My success during this time is neither a fluke or entirely of my own doing. Draft analyst Dane Brugler and NFLDraftScout.com's data and information guru Brian Hitterman contribute significantly to our rankings and help clue me in to prospects who otherwise could have been overlooked. Our success is well-documented.

During the past five years, 168 of the 200 players listed in my Diamonds in the Rough articles were drafted into the NFL. The vast majority of the players not drafted were signed by NFL teams within one week of the draft.
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Here are the players likely to be second- or third-day picks that I feel will ultimately prove to be steals. I feature one player per position and list five others to keep in mind, along with their heights, weights and time in the 40-yard dash. Also, listed among each position is at least one player not invited to the combine; those players are denoted with an asterisk (*).

Players are listed alphabetically

Quarterbacks

Russell Wilson, Wisconsin: There has been plenty of talk as to where record-breaking quarterbacks Kellen Moore (Boise State) and Case Keenum (Houston) might be rated if they were just a few inches taller. In reality, besides size, neither possesses the athleticism or arm strength scouts covet. Wilson, on the other hand, has the arm strength, mobility, accuracy, intangibles and production of a first-round pick, but at just 5-11, 204 pounds, he may still be available on Day 3.

Five other quarterbacks to consider:

1. B.J. Coleman, Tennessee-Chattanooga, 6-3, 233, 4.93
2. Austin Davis, Southern Mississippi, 6-2, 219, 4.78
3. Jordan Jefferson, LSU, 6-4, 223, 4.65
4. G.J. Kinne, Tulsa, 6-1, 234, 4.68*
5. Patrick Witt, Yale, 6-4, 225, 4.87*

Running backs

Bobby Rainey , Western Kentucky: A true workhorse, Rainey led the country with 709 carries during the past two seasons, averaging 139 yards per game during that span. Some will question his level of competition, but he fared well at the East-West Shrine Game and eclipsed the 100-yard mark against the likes of Nebraska, Indiana and Kentucky in recent years. He's short (5-foot-7) but not small at a rocked-up 208 pounds and has the combination of vision, burst (4.49) and surprising power that has allowed other short backs to succeed in the NFL.

Five other running backs to consider:

1. Alvester Alexander, Wyoming, 5-11, 208, 4.64*
2. Lennon Creer, Louisiana Tech, 5-11, 219, 4.71
3. Jewel Hampton, Southern Illinois, 5-9, 218, 4.55
4. Ronnie Hillman, San Diego State, 5-9, 200, 4.45
5. Robert Turbin, Utah State, 5-10, 222, 4.50

Tight ends

Ladarius Green, Louisiana-Lafayette: Like the former Sun Belt tight end featured here last year -- former Florida International standout and Arizona Cardinals' third-round pick Rob Housler -- the 6-foot-6, 237-pound Green lacks the bulk teams are looking for in an in-line blocker, but he possesses soft hands and rare overall athleticism (4.53) to stretch the field.

Five other tight ends to consider:

1. Josh Chichester, Louisville, 6-7, 240, 4.79
2. James Hanna, Oklahoma, 6-4, 252, 4.49
3. Beau Reliford, Florida State, 6-5, 256, 4.84
4. Adrien Robinson, Cincinnati, 6-4, 264, 4.55
5. Andrew Szczerba, Penn State, 6-5, 259, 4.79*

Wide receivers

T.Y. Hilton, Florida International: A natural playmaker with a similar build, agility and straight-line speed to former Central Michigan and Pittsburgh Steelers' standout Antonio Brown, Hilton signed with FIU over offers from several bigger schools and showed off his electric speed by timing at 4.36 seconds in the 40 at his Pro Day. Tough enough to handle slot and punt return duties, Hilton is more polished than many of the more well-known speedsters from more prominent programs.

Five other wide receivers to consider:

1. Elvis Akpla, Montana State, 6-0, 184, 4.47
2. Aldarius Johnson, Miami, 6-2, 214, 4.56*
3. Rishard Matthews, Nevada, 6-0, 217, 4.62
4. Lavasier Tuinei, Oregon, 6-5, 209, 4.59*
5. Devon Wylie, Fresno State, 5-09, 187, 4.39

Offensive line

Tom Compton, South Dakota: Among the best offensive line prospects that no one seems to be talking about, Compton's size (size), athleticism (5.11) and tenacity in the running game make him one of the more intriguing right tackle prospects in the 2012 draft. Compton wasn't highly recruited out of high school due to the fact that he tore his ACL as a senior but he dominated at the FCS level and enjoyed a strong week of practice at the East-West Shrine Game.

Five Other Offensive Linemen to Consider:

1. Jeff Adams, Columbia, 6-6, 306, 5.02*
2. Brandon Brooks, Miami (Ohio), 6-5, 346, 4.99*
3. David Gonzalez, Washington State, 6-6, 286, 5.20
4. Amini Silatolu, Midwestern State,6-4, 311, 5.43
5. Dustin Waldron, Portland State, 6-5, 305, 5.34

Defensive line

Akiem Hicks, Regina (Canada): A highly regarded JUCO prospect who signed with LSU out of Sacramento City College, Hicks instead transferred to Regina (in Saskatchewan, Canada) after his eligibility was put in question when it was discovered that the Tigers committed several recruiting violations in their pursuit of him. Weak competition and questionable coaching to this point certainly make Hicks a developmental prospect, but at 6-foot-5, 318 pounds he's one NFL teams are anxious to work with.

Five other defensive linemen to consider:

1. Hebron Fangupo, BYU, 6-1, 323, 5.18
2. Delano Johnson, Bowie State, 6-4, 270, 5.04*
3. Vaughn Meatoga, Hawaii, 6-1, 294, 5.0
4. Louis Nzegwu, Wisconsin, 6-4, 255, 4.64*
5. Earnest Owusu, California, 6-4, 270, 4.87*

Linebacker

Brett Roy, Nevada: The 6-foot-3, 263-pound Roy lined up at defensive tackle on most snaps for the Wolfpack but some believe his pro future lies at linebacker in the 3-4. Roy plays with excellent instincts and is surprisingly light on his feet. He pursues with passion and shows good balance, closing burst and strength to make the wrap-up tackle of quick ball-carriers.

Five other linebackers to consider:

1. Miles Burris, San Diego State, 6-2, 246, 4.73
2. Demario Davis, Arkansas State, 6-2, 235, 4.61
3. Noah Keller, Ohio, 6-1, 245, 4.84*
4. James-Michael Johnson, Nevada, 6-1, 241, 4.68
5. Korey Toomer, Idaho, 6-2, 238, 4.78*

Cornerback

Trumaine Johnson, Montana: It is well known that former Florida and North Alabama cornerback Janoris Jenkins has first-round talent but enough off-field concerns to potentially push him significantly further down the draft board. Johnson is in a similar boat. Blessed with an exciting combination of size, straight-line speed and fluidity to intrigue any team looking for a press corner, Johnson has top 32 talent but character concerns could push him outside of the top 50.

Five other cornerbacks to consider:

1. Dwight Bentley, Louisiana-Lafayette, 5-10, 182, 4.43
2. Omar Bolden, Arizona State, 5-10, 202, 4.49
3. Ron Brooks, LSU, 5-10, 190, 4.37
4. Asa Jackson, Cal Poly, 5-10, 191, 4.49
5. Buddy Jackson, Pittsburgh, 6-0, 180, 4.42*

Safety

Brandon Hardin , Oregon State: Hardin played cornerback at Oregon State but a shoulder injury forced him to miss his senior season. He's choppy in his backpedal and lacks the straight-line speed (4.52) teams want at cornerback, but at 6-foot-3, 222 pounds he has the bulk scouts are looking for as a safety convert. Hardin was not invited to the combine.

Five other safeties to consider:

1. Johnson Bademosi, Stanford, 6-1, 197, 4.55
2. Aaron Henry, Wisconsin, 6-0, 208, 4.54
3. Christian Thompson, South Carolina State, 6-0, 211, 4.50
4. Neiko Thorpe, Auburn, 6-2, 188, 4.54
5. Duke Ihenacho, San Jose State, 6-0, 213, 4.68 web page

Quote:

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Tom Compton, South Dakota: Among the best offensive line prospects that no one seems to be talking about, Compton's size (size), athleticism (5.11) and tenacity in the running game make him one of the more intriguing right tackle prospects in the 2012 draft. Compton wasn't highly recruited out of high school due to the fact that he tore his ACL as a senior but he dominated at the FCS level and enjoyed a strong week of practice at the East-West Shrine Game.

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^this

I would like us to take a flyer on with one of our later picks on (even if we draft another tackle) and I see a good reason to hedge our bets here too, because our depth is also sorely lacking at OT.

Thanks for the post, Mourg. I like a number of these guys on here, so I'll try to check out some of the ones I'm not familiar with.

Man, why do I like this crap so much?

.. Greg Childs has been my pick at WR.
.............................................................................................................

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Greg Childs ran a 4.41-second 40-yard dash at Arkansas' pro day on Tuesday.

The wide receiver improved on his 4.55-second time from the combine last month with the fastest 40 time of all participants Tuesday. Joe Adams ran a 4.55.

Jarius Wright, an all-Southeastern Conference receiver last season, opted not to run the 40 on Tuesday. Wright ran a 4.42-second 40 last month in Indianapolis.

All three receivers caught passes for scouts from former Arkansas and current New England Patriots quarterback Ryan Mallett. At least 25 NFL teams had representatives at the workout.

Jake Bequette, an all-SEC defensive end last season, did not participate in any speed and strength drills on Tuesday, citing an injured pectoral muscle. Bequette went through drills for both defensive ends and linebackers on Tuesday.

He participated in the NFL combine and said he will hold a private weight-lifting workout for scouts ahead of the NFL Draft

At this point, after the last two seasons, I hope we go WR, WR, RB with our top 3 picks this year and two more WR's later.

thats a HUGE difference in times for a big WR like Childs.. not sure about that one.. I've seen him play and never thought he was THAT fast. 4.41 speed says u are a burner.. idk.

I do like Childs though.. He didn't impress at the combine in drills at ALL.. but maybe he had an off day.

I also KIND of like Jeff Fuller of Texas A&M..

Lol every WR runs a 4.4 40 at their pro day.

Joe Adams ran a 4.55.

Thats the difference between track speed and football speed. I think most would consider joe one of the fastest players in college football. Hell, look at the senior bowl, no one came close to covering him lol.

Absolutely right ! .. I was just pickin on Cleve's comment on 40 times at pro days ..

But I still like Childs in the later rounds .. He got hurt end of year before last .. he was still fighting his way back last season .. I have fallowed this kid .. He is Good !

Best answers from this year’s Scouting Combine
Posted by Mike Florio on March 24, 2012, 10:09 AM EDT
dunce_cap Getty Images

After last month’s Scouting Combine, several incoming draft picks visited PFT Live, and I asked each of them whether they faced any goofy or unusual questions when meeting with teams.

Unfortunately, none could point to anything particularly interesting or entertaining.

But now that the craziest week of offseason news in NFL history has ended, we’ve caught wind of two particularly humorous answers that are making the rounds.

One player was asked to name the four seasons.

“Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and . . . Valentine’s Day,” the player said.

Then the player added, “Wait, I got that wrong. . . . Fourth of July!”

Another player was asked why he didn’t sign with one specific agent, with a representative from the NFL team mentioning sarcastically, “Didn’t [unnamed agent] offer you enough money?”

The player said, “He offered enough. It’s just that the other guys offered me more.”

We now return you to the far more serious and non-frivolous aspects of the NFL news cycles. web page

wow.. my 4 year old knows the four seasons of the year..

We all know they are groundhog day, st patricks day labor day and arbor day

if I can get a pick for Massaquoi and replace him with Kendall Wright, I'd be thrilled. Blackmon, Little, and K. Wright as my three primary receivers, with Norwood my left slot/trips receiver and Cribbs focusing on special teams? I'd be very happy with that setup.

Add Doug Martin in the second and hoo boy. I'd be 'n up and down the street.

I don't understand how Rod Windsor was on the roster all of last year. I think they could have found better with who they had in training camp, Haggerty and LJ Castille, Maybe he blocks on kickoffs?

Elvis Akpla, Montana State, 6-0, 184, 4.47

If can find video on this guy, watch it. He has nice hands, had a spectacular catch for MSU in a losing effort in the playoffs. I'm glad he's out of the bigsky and onto better things. He's definately worth a late draft pick if still available.

Sleeper WRs create buzz with 'unbelievable' pro day efforts

By Rob Rang | The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com

The athletic testing done at the scouting combine and pro days are really about just two things for scouts: confirming the athleticism see on tape from prospects already deemed draftworthy and identifying athletes who may have flown underthe radar. With spectacular pro day workouts that rival (or beat) some of the bestput forth this year, two sleeper receiver prospects are creating a huge buzz inthe scouting community.

Tiny Huntingdon College (Alabama) is not exactly considered a hotbed for NFL talent so when wide receiver Cody Pearcy worked out for scouts a few weeks ago, he went to the Alabama State pro day. There, a handful of scouts (including at least one representative from the New York Giants and Miami Dolphins) watched the Huntingdon's career receptions leader put forth a workout that one scout, upon hearing of the numbers, characterized as an "unbelievable" effort.

Pearcy is certainly smaller than scouts would prefer at 5-feet-10, 161 pounds, but his numbers otherwise were off the charts. Pearcy was clocked as fast as 4.31 seconds in the 40-yard dash, posted a 44-inch vertical jump -- each of which would have led all combine participants this year. Pearcy also recorded a 6.67 time in the three-cone drill and 3.76 seconds in short shuttle -- the fastest time in recent NFL history, according to NFL.com's Combine Tracker. The fastest time recorded in this event at the combine since 2006 came when former University of Tennessee defensive back Jason Allen was clocked at 3.81 seconds. Allen, by the way, was drafted with the No. 16 overall pick by the Miami that year. He's now a member of the Cincinnati Bengals.

As his statistics prove, Pearcy is hardly just a track athlete. He had 46 receptions for 766 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior and finished as the program's career leader in receptions (147), receiving yards (2,632) and receiving touchdowns (25). He also holds the school-record for receiving yards in a game (233) and a season (1,078).

As if Pearcy's numbers weren't impressive enough, this week another startling workout was turned in by a lightly regarded receiver, which could force scouts to reevaluate their rankings.

South Dakota State wideout Dale Moss, 6-3 and 213 pounds, was clocked between 4.38-4.45 seconds in the 40-yard dash. He also posted a 41.5-inch vertical and a 10-10 broad jump, demonstrating exciting explosiveness. Perhaps most impressive was the burst and change of direction ability Moss showed during shuttle drills. Rarely are taller athletes capable of pivoting as fluidly as shorter athletes, but that is precisely what Moss did, clocking in at a stunning 6.32 seconds in the three-cone drill and 4.08 seconds in the short-shuttle.

Just as Pearcy's time in the short shuttle would have ranked as the best in recent NFL history (at least among those results taken at the combine), Moss' effort in the three-cone drill also would have led all 2012 combine participants and is faster than the numbers put forth last year by former Oregon wide receiver Jeff Maehl, who led all 2011 prospects with a 6.42 second time.

Moss is a particularly intriguing athlete because he only has one year of football experience. His first four years at SDSU were spent on the basketball team (he averaged 7.6 points and 5.4 rebounds in 2010-11) before he emerged as the Jackrabbits' leading receiver in 2011, catching 61 passes for 949 yards and six touchdowns.

Obviously scouts will have to do more homework on these two athletes to warrant using a draft pick on them. But considering the incredible upside each appears to possess, don't be surprised if both ultimately hear their names called on the draft's third day. web page

I still like Greg Childs .. Surprised the draft boards have ranked like 250 or something ??

Childs is a very hot name right now. He is rising as it looks like he is finally getting back to full health. Teams are taking notice.

Light is expected to retire

Posted by Evan Silva on March 25, 2012, 4:09 PM EDT
Pro Football Talk

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/201...cted-to-retire/

AP Retirement has been mentioned as a possibility for Patriots longtime left tackle Matt Light since New England’s Super Bowl XLVI loss to the Giants. The Pats have seemingly conducted business this offseason as if Light won’t be back.

Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston confirmed in a Sunday morning quick-hit column that Light is “expected” to retire. Per Reiss, Light “appreciates the run he’s had” and likes the idea of “walking away when he still can.”

Light has been the Patriots’ starting left tackle for the past 11 seasons. He’s earned three Pro Bowl trips and one first-team All-Pro Berth.

His replacement on Tom Brady’s blind side is expected to be 2011 first-round pick Nate Solder.

***************

Might the Pats be interested in moving up for a shot at Kalil? I know its not really Belichick's style, but maybe we could leverage the Rams with the idea that we had something brewing with the Pats?

Thanks for the up-date ... I would jump on him if he hits the third !

I like Childs.. but listening to some reports.. I don't know if he will be able to endure the mental aspect of the NFL game.. He barely made through Arkansas.

NFL Draft Rumors: Ryan Tannehill, Zach Brown, Quinton Coples, Chris Rainey, Amini Silatolu

Written By: Nate Bouda

Ryan Tannehill

ESPN’s Kevin Seifert writes that he’s convinced that the Vikings’ #3 overall pick “will legitimately be in play over the next few weeks.”

Minnesota has made it pretty clear that they’re looking to move down in this years draft but in order for that to happen, they’re going to need team’s like the Browns and Dolphins to start showing some very serious interest in Ryan Tannehill. Other prospects like Justin Blackmon, Matt Kalil and Morris Claiborne are clearly the best available players at their respective positions, but it seems unlikely that anyone would make the move up for either of them.

Cleveland is sitting at #4, so a move up for Tannehill wouldn’t exactly net the Vikings the kind of draft picks that they’re looking for. If Miami shows serious interest in trading up, the Vikings could really walk away with a great return for the #3 pick, but it’s hard to say that the Dolphins are that serious about drafting Tannehill at this point in time. Maybe Mike Sherman can change that.

Zach Brown

NFL.com’s Gil Brandt mentions that UNC LB Zach Brown is a “great athlete” but adds that there are still some question marks about his overall competitiveness.

That’s not the only thing that’s concerning about Brown. He has shown some very poor tackling technique at times and his football instincts have also been questioned. If there’s one guy that really stood as a “workout warrior” it would have to be Brown. He’s done nothing expect meet all of expectations regarding his speed and athleticism, but that’s not always what translates into a solid a NFL linebacker.

Quinton Coples

Brandt also mentioned that DE Quinton Coples “probably solidified his status as a top-10 draft pick.”

Coples is a very impressive prospect that was shown the ability to be a super-star defensive end, but his motor and overall hustle have been questioned throughout the draft process. Still, this kids’ upside is too high to pass on, so I’d have to agree with Brandt that he’ll most likely be taken in the top-ten picks.

Chris Rainey

Florida RB Chris Rainey not only showcased his speed during his Pro Day, but he also worked out at wide receiver, according to Gil Brandt.

Brandt adds that Rainey ”showed good pass-catching skills” and he believes that he’ll end up being taken in the third-round.

The success of players like Darren Sproles and Percy Harvin has really helped pave the way for third-down backs that are capable of being being used in a multitude of ways. Rainey will still have to wait for LaMichael James to be taken, but he could really end up being one of the sleepers picks of this years draft.

Amini Silatolu

Russ Lande of the Sporting News sees Midwestern State G Amini Silatolu as a top-32 selection.

There’s no doubt that Silatolu has been a fast rising prospect in the past month, so the idea can’t be completely ruled out. We have him going to the Chiefs at #44 in the second-round of our most recent 2012 NFL Mock Draft. web page

Their mock has us taking Richardson at 4, Wright at 22, and Weeden at 37.

If that could happen, I would absolutely be thrilled.

Quote:

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Their mock has us taking Richardson at 4, Wright at 22, and Weeden at 37.

If that could happen, I would absolutely be thrilled.

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I'd probably be having celebratory drinks until training camp if that happened!

I like Wright.. but not sure I like him at 22.. I think you can get a guy just as good in the later rounds..ie Broyles, Hilton, Wylie, Wright (Arkansas)..

I also don't care for Weeden at 37..

I say Blackmon at 4, Weeden at 22, and then someone else from Oklahoma St. at 37.

Hey Okla. St put up a ton of points each game, so that would have to translate to the NFL, right?