Sleeper and Under the Radar Prospects

[Carolina_Packer]

I know there is a draft thread already, but I thought a place to discuss sleepers and under the radar prospects might be fun.

Traditionally these are players from lower profile FBS, FCS and DII football programs, but there may even be guys who were the third best WR, LB, DB on a traditional power, such as a Trey DePriest from Alabama.

Who do you like, or who have you been studying as a longer-shot prospect?

Here are a few that intrigue me.

Diondre Hall/DB/Northern Iowa: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/profiles/deiondre-hall?id=2555366

He is listed as a safety, but if you watch film of him, he seems like he can cover and has ball skills as well. Might be another Ladarius Gunter type, but I think this guy will get drafted on the third day.

Michael Jordan/DB/Missouri Western: http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/cfb/134778/michael-jordan

Who doesn't want Michael Jordan on their team?

Miles Killebrew/S/Southern Utah: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGl0nYVDT2s

Seems to dominate at his level. Obviously, smaller school guys have to jump out and he does.

Javon Hargrave/DL/SC State: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/profiles/javon-hargrave?id=2555239

A big guy with good feet and a high motor. Yes, please. A development DL to keep your eye on.

Kwame Bell/DE/OLB/Clarion University (not an online school): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmgX5qHoDmE

6'3, 250, strong, and has pass rush speed...looks like a great 3-4 OLB prospect.

Jason Vander Laan/QB/TE/Ferris State: http://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/2015/10/22/ferris-state-bulldogs-jason-vander-laan/74408122/

He holds the NCAA record for rushing QB's at any level. He's 6'4 244. It sounds like he's game to switch positions and I've read that in multiple places. I don't know if he has any ball skills, but he can run. Why not take a flyer on a guy like this?

Paul McRoberts/WR/SE MO State: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0z89P42Fmqk

6'3 and 200 lbs. Seems to do a good job catching the ball in traffic and has nice hands and body control. I'm not sure about the speed. Likely more quick than fast, which seems to be a theme with this year's WR class at the combine.

Joe Haeg/OL/North Dakota State: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITJDqZf0KRY

Somebody had to be protecting Carson Wentz and this guy did it as an LT. Not sure if he's LT material, but he seems to have good feet.

[BZnDallas]

Being down here in Texas I get to see and hear a lot about the Big 12. A couple of guys that I'd like to keep an eye on are Sterling Shepard WR and Eric Striker ILB from Oklahoma and Aaron Green RB and Kolby Listenbee WR from TCU. Shepard I talked about the other day. He has been exactly what TT looks for in his WRs. He's not the big fast guy, but he's a production guy. He played outside at Oklahoma and wants to prove he can do it in the league. He was their go to guy when OU needed a play and he's just Packer people. I understand people liken him to Randall Cobb, but those body types take a pounding and you can't have enough ball catchers as we found out. I think he has a chance to slide as he is not highly rated on the WR draft board. Striker is under sized but pretty quick. He might end up being too small to play in the league. But every now and again one can hit. Aaron Green from TCU is pretty damn quick. Again he's pretty small and might not end up in the league long, but if James White can stick I think Aaron Green can find a place. Listenbee is supposed to be tall and fast. He played opposite of Doctson so I really dont know what to think of him.

Honestly I don't really know what to think about any of these guys. I guess you wanted under the radar and projects so I figure these guys certainly meet that criteria.

[smuggler]

From what I can tell, Haeg and Killebrew are above the table and will not be underdrafted. I've seen Mayock talking up Killebrew anyhow.

[Joemailman]

CBS has Killebrew at #80 overall and Haeg #117.

Packers interviewed Listenbee at the Combine. CBS has Listenbee at #148.

[Carolina_Packer]

Javon Hargrave is predicted to go in the 4th round. After I read about him yesterday and posted him on the list above, I was reading Ask Vic today and he mentioned Hargrave as a guy who jumped out from a smaller program, calling him unblockable when he saw him play. According to CBS Sports, he's rated #13 of all DT's and 123rd overall, if I reading that correctly. That might be a guy to wait on if they chose not to go with a Sheldon Rankins, who is rated 25th overall, but could slide to #27, but who knows if he'd be the BAP on TT's board.

[Carolina_Packer]

From what I can tell, Haeg and Killebrew are above the table and will not be underdrafted. I've seen Mayock talking up Killebrew anyhow.

Yeah, it's harder to have the "Where did that guy come from?" experience, because so much attention is paid to finding and rating these guys. Still, it's fun to project guys from smaller programs, or guys like Ryan Grant back when he came out of Notre Dame, and end up catching on. Perhaps they get overlooked because of the system they played in, but suddenly fit in the pros because some scout sees something. Other guys may have been dinged up, like Grant, limiting his production, and sharing the work-load, but then they get a chance in the pros and make the most of it. I love stories about underdogs and grinders who make it.

OK, can we get TT to take a chance on NC A&T's Tarik Cohen? A&T is a traditionally black college in Greensboro, NC. He could become our change of pace back, and return specialist. Check out his athleticism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5NmuO4ipwE Wow! He busted some runs against Alcorn State in their bowl game this year. Could be another Darren Sproles.

[Joemailman]

Yeah, it's harder to have the "Where did that guy come from?" experience, because so much attention is paid to finding and rating these guys. Still, it's fun to project guys from smaller programs, or guys like Ryan Grant back when he came out of Notre Dame, and end up catching on. Perhaps they get overlooked because of the system they played in, but suddenly fit in the pros because some scout sees something. Other guys may have been dinged up, like Grant, limiting his production, and sharing the work-load, but then they get a chance in the pros and make the most of it. I love stories about underdogs and grinders who make it.

OK, can we get TT to take a chance on NC A&T's Tarik Cohen? A&T is a traditionally black college in Greensboro, NC. He could become our change of pace back, and return specialist. Check out his athleticism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5NmuO4ipwE Wow! He busted some runs against Alcorn State in their bowl game this year. Could be another Darren Sproles.

Did Cohen apply for the draft? CBS has them on their list of 2017 RB's.

[woodbuck27]

TT will most likely draft a DLman in Round 1. As the draft proceeds I expect him look for a WR.

The WR position was conspicuously looking like a need with Jordy Nelson out. There was no way Randal Cobb could replace what Jordy Nelson brought to the table for Aaron Rodger (the Packers passing game which was ranked what? somewhere mid 20').

That simply put was a terrible fall off with the adversity of losing one an although one vital to Aaron Rodgers success as a QB. Without Ordy as his security blanket Aaro Rodgers seldom looked comfortable. We're now aware of all the stuff that ARod had to deal with and try to be the NFL's MVP again.

[woodbuck27]

Does anyone like OLman Jason Spriggs ?

I havn't checked his reports (Review (s) out yet. I saw him run the 40 yesterday on the NFL Network and he's fast for a Big Fella registering a 4.92 second 40.

[King Friday]

The WR position was conspicuously looking like a need with Jordy Nelson out.

Sorry, I don't buy the need at WR. We are 6 deep at WR...Nelson, Cobb, Montgomery, Adams, Janis, Abby. Do you really see some 5th round pick coming in and knocking any of those guys off the roster? I don't.

I think Thompson will pick a WR late to use as a PS stash, but I don't see anyone getting drafted who has a legit chance of making the team.

[Carolina_Packer]

Did Cohen apply for the draft? CBS has them on their list of 2017 RB's.

I looked for that online and only found articles that speculated whether he should or might. I agree with their point that being at a historically black school in FCS, there is a limited showcase for him. Last December, he ran for close to 300 yards in the Celebration Bowl, which is one of the early bowls that takes place in the Georgia Dome. Coming back for one more year might lift his draft stock some, but if he projects as a specialist, he may want to come out now anyway to start his journey and avoid possible injury for his senior year.

[Carolina_Packer]

Does anyone like OLman Jason Spriggs ?

I havn't checked his reports (Review (s) out yet. I saw him run the 40 yesterday on the NFL Network and he's fast for a Big Fella registering a 4.92 second 40.

He's very well regarded. Tony Pauline was giving him props during Senior Bowl week. At 6-7, 307 he's an impressive prospect. Pro Football Focus rated his performance at the Combine as the best among the OL there.

It's possible he's there at #27, and may be the BAP. I wouldn't complain if he fits the board at that spot. One thing last season showed is how far the drop-off is when you have to put in guys like Josh Walker and Don Barclay who are hybrids with guard leanings. Others might say straight up guards. This would be a luxury, but it would be awesome depth.

[Carolina_Packer]

Sorry, I don't buy the need at WR. We are 6 deep at WR...Nelson, Cobb, Montgomery, Adams, Janis, Abby. Do you really see some 5th round pick coming in and knocking any of those guys off the roster? I don't.

I think Thompson will pick a WR late to use as a PS stash, but I don't see anyone getting drafted who has a legit chance of making the team.

Would you be happy with Paul McRoberts from my original list? You can use one of the late comp. picks on him.

[wist43]

Sorry, I don't buy the need at WR. We are 6 deep at WR...Nelson, Cobb, Montgomery, Adams, Janis, Abby. Do you really see some 5th round pick coming in and knocking any of those guys off the roster? I don't.

I think Thompson will pick a WR late to use as a PS stash, but I don't see anyone getting drafted who has a legit chance of making the team.

KF, the problem with that stable of WR's is that there is only one legitimate flanker in the group, Nelson; and, we all saw how devastating his loss to the offense was. Janis may be able to win outside, but we simply don't know. Adams was a mess last year; Cobb is strictly a slot and gimmick guy; and so too Abby maybe.

If a legit flanker prospect is there at any pick, TT would be wise to jump on him b/c having another legitimate outside threat would do wonders for the offense as a whole.

Is Doctson worth a 1st round pick??

[wist43]

Couple of interesting guys...

Matt Judon, Grand Valley State, 6'3", 275 lbs, 4.73 (40).

Shilique Calhoun (great name!!), Mich. State, 6'4", 251 lbs. Showed well at the combine.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfL_l-0K9Vc


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EO1aqFBalOQ

[Carolina_Packer]

Couple of interesting guys...

Matt Judon, Grand Valley State, 6'3", 275 lbs, 4.73 (40).

Shilique Calhoun (great name!!), Mich. State, 6'4", 251 lbs. Showed well at the combine.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfL_l-0K9Vc


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EO1aqFBalOQ

Two strong candidates. Some might argue that you can't call Calhoun a sleeper (for sure) or even under the radar. But I could see arguing for him as an under the radar, because other guys get more love and pub than he does, but if you look at his game tape, the guy is extremely disruptive. Judon is definitely an under the radar to me. I'm not breaking down their games on the web. The guy's get off is impressive, and at times he looks unblockable.

As far as this thread goes, any player profiled doesn't necessarily have to be someone the Packers should be interested in, just someone who might either be unknown to most, possibly overlooked, that we should pay attention to in the lead up to the draft.

[run pMc]

KF, the problem with that stable of WR's is that there is only one legitimate flanker in the group, Nelson; and, we all saw how devastating his loss to the offense was. Janis may be able to win outside, but we simply don't know. Adams was a mess last year; Cobb is strictly a slot and gimmick guy; and so too Abby maybe.

If a legit flanker prospect is there at any pick, TT would be wise to jump on him b/c having another legitimate outside threat would do wonders for the offense as a whole.

Is Doctson worth a 1st round pick??

I'm with KF on this one. Unless a really good prospect is sitting there (and I like Sterling Shepard a lot) I think TT goes the UDFA route to get more WRs in camp and goes with the 6 he has. I think a dedicated WR coach will help, Janis will get more snaps outside, and that getting a healthy Jordy, Adams, and Montgomery back will help. Also, I didn't see a lot of great speed at WR at the combine, so you'd think they'd be better off signing James Jones -- he's slow, but at least he knows the offense and Rodgers.

Wouldn't be surprised if Minnesota grabs Doctson.

[Carolina_Packer]

Many know the top-rated TE prospects like Hunter Henry, Jerell Adams, and Nick Vannett. Here are more value guys, but deserving of attention.

1) Beau Sandland/Montana State (transferred from the U): http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=105504&draftyear=2016&genpos=TE

Looked decent at the Combine

2) Tanner McEvoy/WI: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=127686&draftyear=2016&genpos=TE

Could add some weight to his frame and hopefully not lose speed. This guy seems like they type of player who would be great on special teams and could be developed as an offensive weapon. There's an it factor about this kid. Could be a boom or bust kind of guy, but if a team has an idea how to use his talents, who knows? He has run in the 4.5 range.

3) Adam Fuehne/Southern IL: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=1008476&draftyear=2016&genpos=TE

6-6, 260 and looks like he has some athleticism. He's likely a college free agent, but you got to like big guys who can run a bit and have some athletic ability.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Many know the top-rated TE prospects like Hunter Henry, Jerell Adams, and Nick Vannett. Here are more value guys, but deserving of attention.

1) Beau Sandland/Montana State (transferred from the U): http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=105504&draftyear=2016&genpos=TE

Looked decent at the Combine

2) Tanner McEvoy/WI: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=127686&draftyear=2016&genpos=TE

Could add some weight to his frame and hopefully not lose speed. This guy seems like they type of player who would be great on special teams and could be developed as an offensive weapon. There's an it factor about this kid. Could be a boom or bust kind of guy, but if a team has an idea how to use his talents, who knows? He has run in the 4.5 range.

3) Adam Fuehne/Southern IL: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=1008476&draftyear=2016&genpos=TE

6-6, 260 and looks like he has some athleticism. He's likely a college free agent, but you got to like big guys who can run a bit and have some athletic ability.

Sandland is a good athlete, but I was disappointed in his brick hands at the combine. I haven't seen any rankings that project McEvoy getting drafted. I haven't even heard of the third guy. :)

[pbmax]

Is this guy still a sleeper or has he climbed past the seventh round by now? From Mike Tanier and Bleacher Report:


Doughty put on a show during passing drills on Saturday, routinely pinpointing passes with a quick, consistent release and enough velocity. The performance verified Doughty’s game tape. He consistently anticipates open receivers and hits them in stride on shorter routes.

Doughty isn’t huge (6'3" but 213 pounds, with a wiry frame), lacks a cannon arm and runs just well enough to get out of his own way. But he threw 97 touchdown passes (!) in two years in Jeff Brohm’s Hilltoppers offense, which wasn’t as loaded with spread-option gadgetry as you might expect upon hearing that an unheralded quarterback threw for 97 touchdowns in two years in it.

http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/article/media_slots/photos/002/376/974/hi-res-ff43f9097ce52ee5c0335d4c75fadff4_crop_exact.jpg?w= 340&h=227&q=85

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2620199-mike-taniers-combine-notebook-brandon-doughty-climbs-the-board

[Carolina_Packer]

NFL Draft Scout has him as the #12 rated QB: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=106926&draftyear=2016&genpos=QB

I'd say he's under the radar, and perhaps not a sleeper since he passed for over 5K and they were in a bowl game, so he had some pub. The spread scheme that they ran will probably cause some to doubt, and say he's the dreaded system QB.

Speaking of TE's (nice segue, huh?), Tyler Higbee was Doughty's TE at Western KY, and stands 6-6, weighs 250 and runs 4.7. Here is a video, featuring Higbee, with Brandon Doughty as his QB. I read that Higbee has big hands and would make an excellent red zone threat. He's rated #5 by NFL Draft Scout, so he's only under the radar because he played at Western KY.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeEwjgwkbs0

How do you think Tyler Higbee compares to Hunter Henry? NFL Draft Scout projects Higbee as a 4th rounder and Henry as a 2nd rounder. That makes Higbee a TT special.

[smuggler]

Did Matt Judon attend the combine? He looks impressive in that video.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Is this guy still a sleeper or has he climbed past the seventh round by now? From Mike Tanier and Bleacher Report:



http://img.bleacherreport.net/img/article/media_slots/photos/002/376/974/hi-res-ff43f9097ce52ee5c0335d4c75fadff4_crop_exact.jpg?w= 340&h=227&q=85

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2620199-mike-taniers-combine-notebook-brandon-doughty-climbs-the-board

I'm not a Doughty fan. He's a terrible athlete and lacks arm strength. I have an undrafted rating on him. Higbee is intriguing though.

[Carolina_Packer]

I'm not a Doughty fan. He's a terrible athlete and lacks arm strength. I have an undrafted rating on him. Higbee is intriguing though.

Would you consider him a poor man's Hunter Henry? You never know with any of these guys. They go to a team that doesn't have a good QB situation or has a lot of turnover in the coaching staff, and a highly touted guy can disappear. Sometimes it's more about opportunity than how you were rated coming out. I'd like to see more video on Higbee. He seems to have a feel for running routes, and seems to even break some tackles.

[run pMc]

I'm not a Doughty fan. He's a terrible athlete and lacks arm strength. I have an undrafted rating on him. Higbee is intriguing though.

Based on Higbee's highlights, he doesn't look bad, and I'm not sure he's 2 rounds worse than Henry. I noticed Doughty in those highlights -- seems like he has good pocket awareness. Don't know enough about him.
When I saw Ty Montgomery's highlights last year I thought his QB (Kevin Hogan?) was garbage. Do not like that guy....this Doughty guy looked better to me.

[KYPack]

Yeah, I'm a Higbee fan. Tall and fast with solid hands. He a real "football sense" guy. Always fights for the open part of the field to turn 6 yards into 30. Yer right, he breaks solid tackles and keeps going. I go to WKY 4 times a years and Hilltopper games are the only thing on TV out there.

WKU is the new place of employment for former Packer Brian Brohm, he's the new QB coach (Bro Jeff is the HC).

[HarveyWallbangers]

Yeah, I'm a Higbee fan. Tall and fast with solid hands. He a real "football sense" guy. Always fights for the open part of the field to turn 6 yards into 30. Yer right, he breaks solid tackles and keeps going. I go to WKY 4 times a years and Hilltopper games are the only thing on TV out there.

WKU is the new place of employment for former Packer Brian Brohm, he's the new QB coach (Bro Jeff is the HC).

How do you feel about Doughty? He's getting some hype as a sleeper, but I just don't see it.

[Carolina_Packer]

Yeah, I'm a Higbee fan. Tall and fast with solid hands. He a real "football sense" guy. Always fights for the open part of the field to turn 6 yards into 30. Yer right, he breaks solid tackles and keeps going. I go to WKY 4 times a years and Hilltopper games are the only thing on TV out there.

WKU is the new place of employment for former Packer Brian Brohm, he's the new QB coach (Bro Jeff is the HC).

Hey KYP, the more mock drafts I read, I see Higbee going to us in the 4th round. I really wasn't aware of this guy, although once I started thinking about it, I do recall seeing the Vandy game last year vs. WKU and Higbee was someone they had trouble covering; sneaky, a good route runner and good hands. My father-in-law went to Vandy, so we watch some of their games. Their offense is not good, but their D is respectable, and Higbee jumped out.

He does seem like a TT pick. If he ended up going to Green Bay and proving himself, nobody is going to care that we could have picked Hunter Henry, plus it's likely Higbee could be had 2-3 rounds later.

[KYPack]

How do you feel about Doughty? He's getting some hype as a sleeper, but I just don't see it.

He ain't athletic at all. He broke loose on a scramble last year and my cousin said he should have gotten a penalty for "delay of game". Jeff Brohm is his coach from the deadly "Bobby Petrino" tree of coaching. Lotta screens, half roll-outs, shallow crosses, shit that ain't run in the pro's. Not much of an arm, but a sharp understanding of the game and real dart thrower in the short passing game.

Undrafted or 7 that should be ecstatic about catching on a PS someplace.

He will be in somebodies camp for a look-see.

[wist43]

Did Matt Judon attend the combine? He looks impressive in that video.

Judon was at the combine. His numbers were: (amongst DE's)

40 - 4.73 (5th)
Bench - 30 reps (2nd)
Vertical - 35" (3rd)
Broad Jump - 9'1" (24th)
Shuttle - 4.52 (15th)
3 Cone - 7.67 (22nd)

CBS and NFLDraftscout both have him as a 4th round pick...

My guess at this point is that TT will use his regular 4th round pick as ammo to move up in rds 1 or 2, knowing that he has those 2 4th round comp picks in his pocket. Don't know if Judon would still be there at our comp picks.

[wist43]

From what I've seen of both Henry and Higby, I'd take Higby over Henry straight up. If the market for TE's in this draft is that Higby is a 4th rounder, one of those comp picks would work out perfect.

Wouldn't want Henry earlier than that.

[Carolina_Packer]

From what I've seen of both Henry and Higby, I'd take Higby over Henry straight up. If the market for TE's in this draft is that Higby is a 4th rounder, one of those comp picks would work out perfect.

Wouldn't want Henry earlier than that.

If we were looking for a WR who is not on many people's radar, how about this guy?

http://rotoviz.com/2016/01/meet-mike-thomas-southern-miss-sleeper-wr-prospect/

He certainly looks the part!

[HarveyWallbangers]

If we were looking for a WR who is not on many people's radar, how about this guy?

http://rotoviz.com/2016/01/meet-mike-thomas-southern-miss-sleeper-wr-prospect/

He certainly looks the part!

Dude was fairly highly rated, and then didn't even get a combine invite. I haven't looked at his film.

[Carolina_Packer]

Dude was fairly highly rated, and then didn't even get a combine invite. I haven't looked at his film.

CBS Sports has him ranked 217 overall and 29th for position rank. They are projecting a 6th round grade for him. I'd still consider that under the radar, save for those who really know most of the prospects.

Another guy who is listed as the #52 ranked receiver is Tennessee Jr. MarQuez North. If he stays healthy, I think this guy could be a real steal for someone. He has that look. If the Packers got him late in the draft as a development guy, he could definitely compete for a roster spot, or spend time on the practice squad. He's a great prospect for a team that doesn't necessarily need him now.


https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6weYoLf7qRJTvLE0pyA0-q7nGHP-EYW5

[HarveyWallbangers]

CBS Sports has him ranked 217 overall and 29th for position rank. They are projecting a 6th round grade for him. I'd still consider that under the radar, save for those who really know most of the prospects.

Another guy who is listed as the #52 ranked receiver is Tennessee Jr. MarQuez North. If he stays healthy, I think this guy could be a real steal for someone. He has that look. If the Packers got him late in the draft as a development guy, he could definitely compete for a roster spot, or spend time on the practice squad. He's a great prospect for a team that doesn't necessarily need him now.

Thomas is definitely under the radar, but it was surprising that he didn't get a combine invite. North is getting some buzz now. I think ESPN has him around #20 at WR now.

[Carolina_Packer]

Since ILB is a big area of need and interest, who are the sleeper or under the radar ILB's? You might say, "I don't want a sleeper, I want an impact player." Sure, we all do, but when you consistently draft at the end of the first round, you only get so many opportunities at an impact player. So if/when Myles Jack, Darron Lee and Reggie Ragland, etc. are off the board, possibly by the time the Packers pick, and then the end of the 2nd and 3rd round comes, it's time to make hay for a team like the Packers. Here is a guy that grades out as a player with solid NFL potential, but I think it may undersell him somewhat if you've seen him play. If you didn't get a chance to see Temple play last year, they had a pretty good defense, and this guy was right in the middle of it (literally).

Tyler Matakevich: http://www.ganggreennation.com/2016/3/11/11172838/tyler-matakevich-scouting-report-ilb-temple-2016-nfl-draft

Does he remind you of Borland a little? This guy is more of an under the radar guy.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHXBp8n9Ssc

[Carolina_Packer]

Keith Marshall, UGA, 5'11, 220

He's no longer under the radar, plus he's from UGA, which is very high profile. He does have a sort of unknown quality about him, given the promise of the start of his college career vs. how it finished up. He is a hotly debated prospect. Where will he go? When should he be drafted? Will any team over-draft him because of his 4.31 40 at the Combine? Does he project to the pros very well? For that reason, I'd call him a bit of a sleeper, as much as a running back from UGA who runs 4.31 can be a sleeper. Because of injuries and talented teammates at RB, this guy was sort of an after-thought in Georgia's offense. It's hard to point to obvious, consistent production, but he's intriguing nevertheless.

If he was there in the 5th round and not off the board, would you consider taking him? They have Lacy and Starks, but this guy could be developed in a few years, and contribute what he can on special teams now. I think he has potential, and can certainly run.

https://www.dawgnation.com/football/marshall-combine-nfl-running-back

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000639087/article/georgia-rb-keith-marshall-blazes-431-40yard-dash-at-combine

[smuggler]

Reminds me of Brandon Saine. Burner that somehow didn't become a good running back.

[smuggler]

I have a candidate... Deion Jones (LB) of LSU. He's 6'1" and 225, so fairly light for ILB at the NFL level. He ran 4.59 at the combine and just under 4.4 at the LSU pro day. From what I've seen of Jones, he seems like he has the instincts we'd want. Not sure if he can consistently cover at the NFL level, but his measurables seem to indicate he could. He's also known as a very smart player. Somehow he's only a 4th round prospect. He might go round 2 or 3 if someone falls in love.

[HarveyWallbangers]

I have a candidate... Deion Jones (LB) of LSU. He's 6'1" and 225, so fairly light for ILB at the NFL level. He ran 4.59 at the combine and just under 4.4 at the LSU pro day. From what I've seen of Jones, he seems like he has the instincts we'd want. Not sure if he can consistently cover at the NFL level, but his measurables seem to indicate he could. He's also known as a very smart player. Somehow he's only a 4th round prospect. He might go round 2 or 3 if someone falls in love.

Jones is projected to go in the 2nd or 3rd round, so he's not really under the radar.

[smuggler]

I've seen him listed around 100th overall on a couple sites. If he becomes a steal by virtue of being an elite ranger/coverage ILB in the pros and was only taken in the late third or early fourth, was he undervalued?

[Carolina_Packer]

I think the question mark on Jones will be that he was only a one year starter. That could push him down the draft board for many, but as you allude to, it only takes one team to fall in love with his potential and draft him higher. I'm also not sure if he's considered ILB material. He could be the chase/cover LB. It's possible this guy might not come off the board until the third day, and I think that would be intriguing for the Packers, if they haven't already drafted a more top-tier guy by that point in the draft. In one respect, perhaps a bit like Keith Marshall in that he didn't have sustained production in college, but has terrific measurables and you wonder what he can become at the next level. While he's from a top program, which gives him a higher profile, what does he project to being in the NFL? If you read the profile below, you know this kid won't mind playing special teams, and that's always a good way to ascend on the Packers.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft-scout/25369882/meet-the-prospect-lsu-olb-deion-jones Seems like a good kid.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63vQZJ4emBA

[Carolina_Packer]

Reminds me of Brandon Saine. Burner that somehow didn't become a good running back.

That's a pretty apt comparision, although Saine was really productive at OSU. They have similar build and speed. Tim Biakabatuka and Trung Canidate were fast too, but that doesn't always translate. Again, they are in a position of wealth if Lacy gets fit and now that they have re-signed Starks. The next guy in line could be a development guy, and probably will have to be a special teams contributor, perhaps has a returner. Marshall might be good in that respect.

[smuggler]

Yes, sorry, I meant at the pro level for Saine. Granted, his knee was decimated in the NFL and that was the curtain hook for him.

[Maxie the Taxi]

Would TT have the stones to draft this under-the-radar 6'3", 240 lbs OLB from the PAC?

OVERVIEW: Didn't get to experience a lot of his father's professional career as an NFL linebacker. However, he obviously carries the family athleticism genes -- though he didn't really get to show his wares until his senior year. After a redshirt freshman year, he played in 23 games as a reserve, totaling eight tackles. Saw the field a bit more regularly as a junior, starting one contest and making 19 tackles. He didn't earn a starting job coming out of fall camp, but injuries on defense gave him a chance, and he took advantage, making 65 stops, 12.5 for loss and seven sacks on the year, garnering honorable mention All-Pac credentials.

STRENGTHS: Well-built with good muscular definition. Explosive burst upfield to threaten tackles. Quick-twitch athlete. Plus lateral quickness and good knee bend in his play. Has enough juice to be a true edge rusher. Can dip and trim the corner with a tight turn. Finished this season with seven sacks and 17 pressures despite playing less than 60 percent of the snaps. Holds a solid edge against tackles and has the strength and potential to own tight ends at point of attack. Shows agility in space to cover. Showed massive improvement over the course of the season. Was playing his best football at the end of the year. An ascending prospect with the athleticism and power to become an eventual starter as a 3-4 outside linebacker. However, despite his growth as a player this season, he is still in a developmental phase and may take some seasoning before he is ready to become a contributor on the NFL level.

WEAKNESSES: One-year starter. Surrounded by so much talent holes in his game could have been disguised. Lacks experience and instincts to cut it loose and play at full throttle. Needs to play fast all the time. Can learn to strike with more authority as a tackler. Will get fooled by play-action and can be slow to find the ball after the mesh point.

40-yard dash: 4.57 seconds
Vertical: 36 inches
Broad jump: 10 feet, 10 inches
Short shuttle: 4.27 seconds
3-cone: 7.35 seconds
Bench: 25 reps of 225 pounds

Or would TT have the stones to draft this under-the-radar 6'3" 240 lbs OLB from the PAC?

OVERVIEW After joining the team as a walk-on, putting in three years as a reserve and a special teams player, he wrote a terrific final chapter to his college career, playing in all 13 games, blocking two kicks while posting 17 tackles (15 solos) with three stops for loss. He also caused two fumbles. As a freshman linebacker was relegated to duties on the scout team. As a red-shirt freshman, he played mostly on special teams, seeing action in all but one contest (missed that game with an elbow sprain). He managed to record eight tackles (4 solos) to earn his first varsity letter.

STRENGTHS Ascending player who may be just scratching the surface of his potential. Well-built athlete whose dedication in the weight-room is obvious in his physique. Reliable open-field tackler. Versatile defender who flashes as a natural pass rusher off the edge. Good speed upfield and has the balance and burst to redirect his rush. Good initial hand punch to pop the blocker and disengage. Good effort and speed in pursuit. Instinctive defender who played well in space as a traditional linebacker. Excellent special teams player. Pac Academic All-American. The now 240-pounder opened his last season as a reserve, but started the final 10 contests. The All-Pac Conference second-team choice ranked fourth on the team with 56 tackles (28 solos), blocked another kick and had 4.5 sacks to go with nine stops for losses.

WEAKNESSES Has less than a full season as a starter and only 10 career starts. Surrounded by so much talent holes in his game could have been disguised. Prefers to run around blocks rather than take them on. While he improved as the year went on, remains a work in progress in disengaging from blocks.

40-Yard Dash: 4.67 Seconds
Vertical: 35.5 inches
Broad Jump: 10 feet, 1 inch
Short Shuttle: 4.18 seconds
3-Cone: 6.9 seconds
Bench: 23 reps of 225 pounds

Who ARE these two mystery prospects?

[Carolina_Packer]

1st player is Clay Matthews and the 2nd player is Aaron Wallace from UCLA. Tricky!

[Maxie the Taxi]

1st player is Clay Matthews and the 2nd player is Aaron Wallace from UCLA. Tricky!

Nope. The opposite. 1st player is Aaron Wallace. 2nd is Clay. Only the names were changed to protect the innocent. Kind of an interesting coincidence, hey? :-)
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/profiles/aaron-wallace?id=2555320

[Carolina_Packer]

Dangit, that's how I had it and then I switched it because of the reference to the father. Fell right into your trap. :-)

Hey, it worked before when we drafted Clay, so perhaps the Packers need to do try it again. The kid almost transferred from UCLA after having to compete for playing time with Anthony Barr and then Myles Jack. That's pretty decent competition. He's ranked as the #54 OLB by CBSSports.com, so he will likely be a priority free agent. Funny how his profile is similar to Clay's.

[Maxie the Taxi]

Dangit, that's how I had it and then I switched it because of the reference to the father. Fell right into your trap. :-)

Hey, it worked before when we drafted Clay, so perhaps the Packers need to do try it again. The kid almost transferred from UCLA after having to compete for playing time with Anthony Barr and then Myles Jack. That's pretty decent competition. He's ranked as the #54 OLB by CBSSports.com, so he will likely be a priority free agent. Funny how his profile is similar to Clay's.Gotcha. LOL

I'm hoping lightning strikes twice and TT signs him one way or the other.

[smuggler]

Wow. That's a pretty good athletic test band to be considered an undrafted-tier talent.

[Maxie the Taxi]

NFL Draft Tracker has Wallace rated as the 16th best LB and 10th best among OLB's. But he's way off of everybody else's radar. He doesn't even show up on Fanspeak's mock draft database.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/tracker#dt-tabs:dt-by-position/dt-by-position-input:lb

[HarveyWallbangers]

I'll have to check him out. CBS and ESPN don't have him on their list of draftable OLBs. Normally, players are added to NFL.com's draft tracker before the pre-draft process and prospect ratings don't get adjusted, so their rankings get outdated. Not sure why this guy was ranked so high and now seems to be completely off the radar.

[smuggler]

Mystery solved. He wasn't even a starter in 2015. He did play well when he got playing time due to injury.

His weakness seems to be indecisiveness and lack of instincts... If he's an edge rusher prospect, it may not matter.

[wist43]

If we were looking for a WR who is not on many people's radar, how about this guy?

http://rotoviz.com/2016/01/meet-mike-thomas-southern-miss-sleeper-wr-prospect/

He certainly looks the part!

Yeah, I really liked him... he'll definitely be drafted.

Those 2 spotlight games against Louisiana Tech and Washington - I thought Thomas looked very good. Demonstrated very good hands, showed some burst, he has good size... lot to like here.

Didn't see him run a full route tree, and he struggled to get off the jam against Washington - file those things under 'raw'.

Would definitely like to see TT throw a dart at this guy.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Yeah, I really liked him... he'll definitely be drafted.

Those 2 spotlight games against Louisiana Tech and Washington - I thought Thomas looked very good. Demonstrated very good hands, showed some burst, he has good size... lot to like here.

Didn't see him run a full route tree, and he struggled to get off the jam against Washington - file those things under 'raw'.

Would definitely like to see TT throw a dart at this guy.

Dude didn't even get a combine invite. There were a few guys that were relatively highly ranked that didn't get a combine invite. At some positions that's been a death knell. For example, no RB who didn't get a combine invite was drafted the last two years. Three WRs (Evan Spencer, Bud Sasser, and Andre Debose) who didn't get combine invites did get drafted. This year there were several WRs that didn't get combine invites who are somewhat intriguing. Thomas, Paul McRoberts, Jay Lee, Daniel Braverman, Dominique Williams, Alex Erickson, Danny Antrop, etc. A few played in the Shrine Game and a few played in the Senior Bowl.

[pbmax]

Aaron Wilson ‏@AaronWilson_NFL 24h24 hours ago
Source: Packers have Friday night dinner meeting with Toledo wide receiver Alonzo Russell http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/packers-have-dinner-meeting-with-toledo-wide-receiver-alonzo-russell/ … via @footballpost

[Carolina_Packer]

CBSSports.com has him rated as the #306 overall player on their board, #37 for WR's. He's projected to be a 7th round or priority free agent. He's listed at 6'4 and 206.

PRO DAY RESULTS
40-yard dash: 4.47 seconds
Vertical: 30 1/2 inches
Broad jump: 9 feet, 8 inches
Short shuttle: 4.4 seconds
3-cone: 7.16 seconds

Here is the full write-up: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/profiles/alonzo-russell?id=2555479


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXsVaoJ0pFQ

[wist43]

I think the question mark on Jones will be that he was only a one year starter. That could push him down the draft board for many, but as you allude to, it only takes one team to fall in love with his potential and draft him higher. I'm also not sure if he's considered ILB material. He could be the chase/cover LB. It's possible this guy might not come off the board until the third day, and I think that would be intriguing for the Packers, if they haven't already drafted a more top-tier guy by that point in the draft. In one respect, perhaps a bit like Keith Marshall in that he didn't have sustained production in college, but has terrific measurables and you wonder what he can become at the next level. While he's from a top program, which gives him a higher profile, what does he project to being in the NFL? If you read the profile below, you know this kid won't mind playing special teams, and that's always a good way to ascend on the Packers.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft-scout/25369882/meet-the-prospect-lsu-olb-deion-jones Seems like a good kid.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63vQZJ4emBA

I like Jones a lot... he won't be there at our pick in the 3rd, so the question on Jones is - is he a 2nd round pick or better??

I think he is. CBS has him at 95 in the 3rd round... I think he's better than that, and won't last to our pick at 89.

[Carolina_Packer]

I like Jones a lot... he won't be there at our pick in the 3rd, so the question on Jones is - is he a 2nd round pick or better??

I think he is. CBS has him at 95 in the 3rd round... I think he's better than that, and won't last to our pick at 89.

Queue the Jefferson's theme...movin' on up! Hey, they did it for Hayward, Jerel Worthy and a few others. Wouldn't it be nice to have an ILB with some quick twitch and some chase/coverge ability?

[Carolina_Packer]

This is a really good article, filled with some names we've mentioned here and some others I hadn't heard of. http://cheeseheadtv.com/blog/2016-nfl-draft-sleepers-potential-late-round-packer-draft-choices

One profile that jumped out at me is this guy: Dominque Robertson, OT, West Georgia- At 6'5" 324 lbs I don't know if his footwork is at a Tackle level, but the fact that he has 36" arms and benched 225 30 times is impressive.


http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-combine/0ap3000000643686/2016-Combine-workout-Dominique-Robertson

[Carolina_Packer]

Slight bump...http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000649267/article/incredible-pro-day-puts-german-moritz-boehringer-on-nfl-radar This guy was under the radar for sure, unless your satellite feed carries German football games. Can you imagine TT using a comp. pick in the 4th round on this guy? The article says a scout from Packer was at Florida Atlantic's pro day. Hey, I bet he'd feel right at home in Wisconsin! Beer, cheese, brats, what more do you need?

[Patler]

Slight bump...http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000649267/article/incredible-pro-day-puts-german-moritz-boehringer-on-nfl-radar This guy was under the radar for sure, unless your satellite feed carries German football games. Can you imagine TT using a comp. pick in the 4th round on this guy? The article says a scout from Packer was at Florida Atlantic's pro day. Hey, I bet he'd feel right at home in Wisconsin! Beer, cheese, brats, what more do you need?

Sort of a cross between Jeff Janis and Jared Cook.

[Carolina_Packer]

This kid is certainly not under the radar, but because of the offense his team ran, he doesn't project at the same position on the next level. Kenan Reynolds, QB from Navy is a special talent. He made Navy football fun to watch. He just has an it factor, like Russell Wilson did coming out of college. Now, who knows what will happen with this kid at the NFL level? Will he be a RB? Will be be a WR? He likely won't be a QB. What is under the radar, or the unknown, is what will happen with this kid. I'm not sure if he has the same 2 year commitment that Ensign Bob Kuberski had when the Packers drafted him in 1993, but I would imagine there is now going to be some kind of service commitment he must fulfill. Would you give this kid a shot knowing that you might not get to develop him much for a couple of years? Depending on what Reynolds wants for an NFL career, he could end up being a Julian Edelman type, who was a QB at Kent State. He could be another Randall Cobb, used a lot of different ways, but of course, would have to be developed as such. Are you willing to take a 7th round flyer? I think someone might draft him.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000624861/article/debate-which-nfl-team-is-best-fit-for-navys-keenan-reynolds

[mraynrand]

Slight bump...http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000649267/article/incredible-pro-day-puts-german-moritz-boehringer-on-nfl-radar This guy was under the radar for sure, unless your satellite feed carries German football games. Can you imagine TT using a comp. pick in the 4th round on this guy? The article says a scout from Packer was at Florida Atlantic's pro day. Hey, I bet he'd feel right at home in Wisconsin! Beer, cheese, brats, what more do you need?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cgrEA6eQ_g

[smuggler]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kwxouNA5w0

Looks like Riley Cooper, but slated to be undrafted. Could be a nice pickup? Maybe?

[George Cumby]

I dunno about Reynolds. As small as he is, he's still too slow.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Slight bump...http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000649267/article/incredible-pro-day-puts-german-moritz-boehringer-on-nfl-radar This guy was under the radar for sure, unless your satellite feed carries German football games. Can you imagine TT using a comp. pick in the 4th round on this guy? The article says a scout from Packer was at Florida Atlantic's pro day. Hey, I bet he'd feel right at home in Wisconsin! Beer, cheese, brats, what more do you need?

4th round would be too high for this guy. Athletically, he is similar to Janis. The guys is a bit taller, but Janis tested equally as well, and his measurabled are more trustworthy--since he tested at the combine. Also, Janis had more experience. The highlights on him are worthless--since he's going against high school caliber talent.

[HarveyWallbangers]

This kid is certainly not under the radar, but because of the offense his team ran, he doesn't project at the same position on the next level. Kenan Reynolds, QB from Navy is a special talent. He made Navy football fun to watch. He just has an it factor, like Russell Wilson did coming out of college. Now, who knows what will happen with this kid at the NFL level? Will he be a RB? Will be be a WR? He likely won't be a QB. What is under the radar, or the unknown, is what will happen with this kid. I'm not sure if he has the same 2 year commitment that Ensign Bob Kuberski had when the Packers drafted him in 1993, but I would imagine there is now going to be some kind of service commitment he must fulfill. Would you give this kid a shot knowing that you might not get to develop him much for a couple of years? Depending on what Reynolds wants for an NFL career, he could end up being a Julian Edelman type, who was a QB at Kent State. He could be another Randall Cobb, used a lot of different ways, but of course, would have to be developed as such. Are you willing to take a 7th round flyer? I think someone might draft him.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000624861/article/debate-which-nfl-team-is-best-fit-for-navys-keenan-reynolds

I don't think he'll get drafted.

[Carolina_Packer]

I don't think he'll get drafted.

If you were TT, would you sign him as a priority free agent? Not sure if he can start his NFL career right away because of his military commitment, so if the Packers were patient with him (and they wouldn't really need him immediately anyway), they could try and develop the talents that he has into a role, whether RB or WR. This guy is very shifty, and fast enough at 4.57 in the 40. Again, he might wash out, but his intangibles and his athleticism make him compelling enough for me to try and develop him at the pro level, and whatever happens, happens.

[mraynrand]

^^^ CFL?

[Patler]

This guy is destined to be a Packer:


Southern Nazarene University linebacker Larry Butler III is making a strong bid for a spot in the NFL.

The Cleveland Browns and Green Bay Packers are among the NFL teams that are interested in Butler. He’s expected to attend the New Orleans Saints’ local prospect day.

The 6-0, 236-pounder ran the 40-yard dash in 4.7 seconds, but pulled his hamstring. He had hoped for a 4.5 time.

[pbmax]

^ I saw the blurb for this post on the front page and the first thing I though of was hamstring injury.

[Fritz]

This guy is destined to be a Packer:

Can you imagine? If he signs with the Browns he might as well figure on a failed career. Signs with Green Bay he has a shot to be a backup in the NFL.

[Carolina_Packer]

Here are a couple of sites with some definite sleeper prospects, and even schools I never knew existed. Oklahoma Panhandle State University, anyone?

http://www.nfldraftdiamonds.com/2016-nfl-draft-diamonds-prospect-interviews/

http://www.draftdaddy.com/ranks/smallschool_LB.htm

There are some well-known names on both lists, such as Carson Wentz and Noah Spence. There are also a lot of names that would only be well-known to the most ardent draftnik, and some maybe not even then. Are there any players on the lists from schools near where you live, or players that you have started to take a look at?

The Packers will likely be on the lookout for an OLB, maybe two. Here are three similar players who played college DE, but most certainly would project to 3-4 OLB because of speed and athleticism.

Trevor Bates, DE/OLB, Maine...he has some athleticism and ball skills. I bet he gave some OT's fits.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHxhFlp6nxY

Kwame Bell, DE/OLB, Clarion, a D2 program.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Xgfo1lizPY

Wist already mentioned Matt Judon, DE/OLB from Grand Valley State, who is another D2 phenom, who actually attended the combine, so he's more well known than the two players listed above. How would you compare all three as prospects?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ode88l04180

[Fritz]

You don't know Oklahoma Panhandle State?

Where do you think homeless people get their mad skills?

They offer classes in how to best word your cardboard sign. How to project your voice.

It began in 1930 as Oklahoma Hobo State U, but the word "hobo" became obsolete, so it was changed in 1975.

[Patler]

^ I saw the blurb for this post on the front page and the first thing I though of was hamstring injury.

..or as someone on here aptly named it..."Packer Leg".

[wootah]

"Packer Leg".

Beautiful!

[pbmax]

Pretty sure that was Red. Or he popularized it.

[pbmax]

You don't know Oklahoma Panhandle State?

Where do you think homeless people get their mad skills?

They offer classes in how to best word your cardboard sign. How to project your voice.

It began in 1930 as Oklahoma Hobo State U, but the word "hobo" became obsolete, so it was changed in 1975.

Their fight song is Hotter Than You Think!

[HarveyWallbangers]

Here are a couple of sites with some definite sleeper prospects, and even schools I never knew existed. Oklahoma Panhandle State University, anyone?

http://www.nfldraftdiamonds.com/2016-nfl-draft-diamonds-prospect-interviews/

http://www.draftdaddy.com/ranks/smallschool_LB.htm

There are some well-known names on both lists, such as Carson Wentz and Noah Spence. There are also a lot of names that would only be well-known to the most ardent draftnik, and some maybe not even then. Are there any players on the lists from schools near where you live, or players that you have started to take a look at?

The Packers will likely be on the lookout for an OLB, maybe two. Here are three similar players who played college DE, but most certainly would project to 3-4 OLB because of speed and athleticism.

Trevor Bates, DE/OLB, Maine...he has some athleticism and ball skills. I bet he gave some OT's fits.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHxhFlp6nxY

Kwame Bell, DE/OLB, Clarion, a D2 program.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Xgfo1lizPY

Wist already mentioned Matt Judon, DE/OLB from Grand Valley State, who is another D2 phenom, who actually attended the combine, so he's more well known than the two players listed above. How would you compare all three as prospects?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ode88l04180

I like Judon, but I don't know if he can switch to 3-4 OLB at 273 lbs. Maybe. I have to look at him more. I saw the size and chalked him up as a bad fit for GB. His 40 time is solid for an OLB, especially at his size. However, he tested poorly for a typical 3-4 OLB. As an OLB, his shuttle time would be close to the worst and his 3 cone would be worst among all OLBs. Then again, GB has been going jumbo at OLB (Peppers, Perry, Neal, and now Jones).

[Teamcheez1]

Tyler Higbee, the talented TE from WKU, was arrested Saturday morning. I think we can remove him off the prospects list.

[Joemailman]

Tyler Higbee, the talented TE from WKU, was arrested Saturday morning. I think we can remove him off the prospects list.

He's now on the UDFA list.

[smuggler]

Higbee goes down.

[pbmax]

He just needs a fresh, new ad campaign.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFkIbtXNpSI

[pbmax]

Tom Silverstein @TomSilverstein
#Temple WR Robby Anderson (6-3, 190) is visiting #Packers. At pro day, ran 4.3 in 40, had 36.5 vertical. Led team in catches, yards, TDs.

[Carolina_Packer]

Tom Silverstein @TomSilverstein
#Temple WR Robby Anderson (6-3, 190) is visiting #Packers. At pro day, ran 4.3 in 40, had 36.5 vertical. Led team in catches, yards, TDs.


https://cdn.streamable.com/video/mp4-mobile/c9ea.mp4

[pittstang5]

Tyler Higbee, the talented TE from WKU, was arrested Saturday morning. I think we can remove him off the prospects list.

Damn it! I had him on my dark horse list.

[mraynrand]

Damn it! I had him on my dark horse list.

This is the "Under the Radar Prospects" thread. Please move your comment to the "Dark Horse List" thread.

[Carolina_Packer]

This is the "Under the Radar Prospects" thread. Please move your comment to the "Dark Horse List" thread.

George Harrison is the mod for that thread.

[Fritz]

Tyler Higbee, the talented TE from WKU, was arrested Saturday morning. I think we can remove him off the prospects list.


Remove him? Clearly you aren't paying attention - Guion, Quarless, Pennel, Goodison.

Higbee's "Packer People" now!

[esoxx]

Remove him? Clearly you aren't paying attention - Guion, Quarless, Pennel, Goodison.

Higbee's "Packer People" now!

He's one of Jerry's Kids now.

[Patler]

Slight bump...http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000649267/article/incredible-pro-day-puts-german-moritz-boehringer-on-nfl-radar This guy was under the radar for sure, unless your satellite feed carries German football games. Can you imagine TT using a comp. pick in the 4th round on this guy? The article says a scout from Packer was at Florida Atlantic's pro day. Hey, I bet he'd feel right at home in Wisconsin! Beer, cheese, brats, what more do you need?


4th round would be too high for this guy. Athletically, he is similar to Janis. The guys is a bit taller, but Janis tested equally as well, and his measurabled are more trustworthy--since he tested at the combine. Also, Janis had more experience. The highlights on him are worthless--since he's going against high school caliber talent.

Packers had him in for a visit:

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/insidersblog/2016/04/12/german-receiver-visits-packers/82953630/

[mraynrand]

Ach du liebe Zeit!

[George Cumby]

Wir haben die methoden daß Sie sprechen machen werden.

[mraynrand]

Wir haben die methoden daß Sie sprechen machen werden.

It was an interview, not an interrogation! (But I suppose for Germans there's no distinction between the two) ;)

[pittstang5]

Thoughts on this guy:

James Cowser -

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/2008768/james-cowser

Would probably be a OLB in Packers Defense. He just fits a later round TT pick.

[wist43]

Thoughts on this guy:

James Cowser -

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/2008768/james-cowser

Would probably be a OLB in Packers Defense. He just fits a later round TT pick.

I looked at him a few weeks ago... I don't think he can make it. He's a stiff athlete with no special traits. Not much tape to look at on him, but what I did look at didn't impress.

[Joemailman]

Cowser had a great cone drill at the combine. His time of 6.8 was better than any DE or OLB. I know it's just a drill, but it would suggest he has some agility. His 40 time was not very good for an OLB.

[woodbuck27]

Tom Silverstein @TomSilverstein
#Temple WR Robby Anderson (6-3, 190) is visiting #Packers. At pro day, ran 4.3 in 40, had 36.5 vertical. Led team in catches, yards, TDs.

He looks like a possible mid round selection.

I'm getting this:

http://www.rotoworld.com/recent/cfb/132983/robby-Anderson

6-foot-3, 175-pound

and

It is noteworthy to add that Anderson went through corner drills during his pro day workout, which might be the position some teams project his future. ...... Apr 11 - 8:26 AM

Last Season's stat's:

http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/513399/robby-anderson



Here's some video on Robbie Anderson YouTube (published 2014 and 2016):

He's certainly athletic.....


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5T2DmRMim6I


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yena5cZp8eA&ebc=ANyPxKoq4prk-zw84q03gq2cIVGOuGCR0X8UZb3GPh3gx1Nu6JFTAsEk5zaMLxA Aimw9oipzaxjc9nB48iq1k_7jJGba87Vfvg

[Carolina_Packer]

The Packers need to bring in more than one ILB prospect during and after the draft. LARRY BUTLER III, INSIDE LINEBACKER, SOUTHERN NAZARENE UNIVERSITY is a guy that you likely have not heard of. I went to CBSSports and NFL.com to see if he was listed there, and he was not. I think they had him listed at 6-0, 250 lbs. I could see him as one of those priority free agents that ends up flashing in training camp.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ae8MNYUHlic

Larry Butler III excerpt from http://bigeasybeliever.com/2016/01/16/saints-2016-draft-small-school-sleepers-and-gems/4/ (written from a Saints fan perspective)

Last year in the 2015 NFL Draft, NFL scouts went crazy over tiny Hobart University offensive guard Ali Marpet, who ended up being taken in Round 3 by Tampa Bay, after an impressive showing in the Senior Bowl and the subsequent NFL Scouting Combine.

NFL Draft Zone.com Draft Analyst Dan Turner says that Southern Nazarene University linebacker Larry Butler III is this year’s Ali Marpet — an “enforcer”-type of middle linebacker who could fit in a 4-3 or 3-4 defense quite easily.

Butler III committed to SEC school Tennessee after coach Derek Dooley made a strong push to land him. Unable to attend due to an academics issue, Butler opted to attend Eastern Arizona Junior College.

While being heavily recruited by other SEC schools, Butler III was unable to sign with any because of the SEC’s “three-semester rule”, preventing players from transferring until they’ve been at the same junior college for three consecutive semesters.

This led him to committing to New Mexico State University. Unfortunately, Eastern Arizona didn’t release his transcript in time, causing him to be ruled ineligible for the 2013 NCAA football season. After missing the season, his Division I eligibility was quickly fading away.

Still hanging his dreams of playing in the NFL, Larry Butler decided to take his talents to Division II. With offers from Southern Nazarene, Henderson St. West Georgia, West Texas A&M and Lincoln University Butler finally settled with Southern Nazarene.

While Southern Nazarene isn’t the first place you would consider playing football, Larry loved the “christian environment” SNU provided and made the small Oklahoma City school his home.

Butler III is “scheme versatile” and could play on the weakside (where the Saints have an obvious need at the moment) but may have some potential as a 4-3 SAM / OLB, where he can be used also as a pass rusher.

Turner says that Butler III is an effortless mover across the ground, with good straight line speed. This speed gives him good rundown speed from the backside of plays, and allows him to make plays all down the field. He has extremely smooth hips, which allow him to change direction at speed, and curve runs tightly.

Turner adds that what is even more impressive is that it is RARE to see a small school prospect have instincts and athleticism, but Butler has that. He can see through blocks to anticipate plays, which allows him to thrive in and behind the line of scrimmage.

Despite some flaws in the way he backpedals and moves laterally, he sticks with it — meaning that he keeps his shoulders squared and his eyes forward, which allows him to react to what he sees in front of him.

Butler III also understands his own limitations, and compensates for them in how he plays. It’s so obvious that he has a nose for the ball, and you will rarely ever see him far from it, whether it be behind the line of scrimmage, on either sideline, or downfield.

The biggest issue with him is his tendency to move early in an attempt to make plays, as opposed to keeping his feet hot, reading the play, and then reacting. An even bigger problem for Butler III at the next level could be with pass coverage, since he can be late reacting to throws, and allows catches.

He also struggles at times in man coverage, and can allow separation. But where he is good though is carrying receivers downfield, as he does a great job of turning his hips late, so he can watch the QB. Turner cautions that another issue at the next level is that he fails to turn his head with receivers to locate the ball, but adds that is easily coachable over time.

In the bigger picture, the overall talent nearly LEAPS out at you when you watch the tape on this kid; and unquestionably he has a future in the NFL, especially if he lands with the right team where is he is allowed to develop.

With the Saints looking to further upgrade their LB corps, this young man could be yet another “small school gem” on the Saints’ list of successes (Colston, Bushrod, Evans, Armstead, Khiry Robinson, etc.) over the years to excel at the NFL level.

[Carolina_Packer]

So, this guy is not as unknown or unheralded as Larry Butler (immediately above), but Javon Hargrave, DL, SC State, 6-2, 309 could be the type of player the Packers had in Cullen Jenkins during the 2010 season.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=247&v=dCsQX7Ji_Kw

He could learn a lot from Mike Daniels and with Datone Jones possibly moving to OLB, Hargrave could be a nice depth player who could rotate in nicely.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/profiles/javon-hargrave?id=2555239

[run pMc]

IIRC Hargrave did well at the East/West Shrine week and got a last minute invite to the Senior Bowl. (Or was it the combine?) If he's under the radar, it's just barely.

[Carolina_Packer]

If he's under the radar, it's just barely.

I go yes on that point, because he played at SC State, and he is not one of the first names you think of in the more high-profile names/schools like Sheldon Rankins, Andrew Billings, etc. Hargrave is close. I think he's very scheme versatile.

[Carolina_Packer]

The Packers would seem to have a full stable of WR's with Jordy coming back from injury, however, competition is always a good thing. I think this guy could be sneaky good in the pros. He's not a sleeper, per se, but I do believe he's under the radar. He played at Colorado State and he's the number 10 ranked WR according to CBSSports.com. I also say under the radar because he's not in that group that usually gets talked about like Treadwell, Doctson, Coleman, Boyd, etc., but I think he is talented enough to make the Packers roster and be quite productive.

The Packers need a productive receive to be added to the roster not the productive receiver. If they can get a guy like this in the third round, that would be just what the WR group needs.

Profile:

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/2071919/rashard-higgins

Excerpt that talks about what makes him special: http://draftwire.usatoday.com/2016/02/05/2016-nfl-draft-scouting-report-colorado-state-wr-rashard-higgins/


Where Higgins wins is in his route-running, as the receiver has refined footwork and hip fakes to get defensive backs to open up the gate early and create space. Higgins thrives with subtle stems in his patterns, gliding down the field without decelerating in and out of his breaks. He’s a one-speed receiver without great burst in his cuts, but Higgins’ feet are smooth and coordinated, allowing the playmaker to separate at all levels of the field.

Video Highlights:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVpvbPJj6YM

If he's there in the third round, I think they should think about taking him. The only knock I see is that he never returned kicks or punts, which isn't the end of the world, but would be a nice skill set to bring to the table as a depth WR.

[Guiness]

Video Highlights:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVpvbPJj6YM

If he's there in the third round, I think they should think about taking him. The only knock I see is that he never returned kicks or punts, which isn't the end of the world, but would be a nice skill set to bring to the table as a depth WR.

There's some good stuff in that video for sure - and as always, some really bad DB play! Tough to tell how good a guy is when he's catching the ball and no one is within arms reach of him.

Seems he has strong hands, can catch in traffic and works for some YAC. However, didn't go over the middle much, and he made guys miss a lot...something that doesn't work so well in the NFL, that stutter step gets you caught from behind. If he goes 10th though, he'll barely make it to the top of the 3rd round, forget being there when the Pack picks.

[pittstang5]

Seems TJ Green, safety, Clemson is on the rise. I think he was considered a mid-round pick - maybe a sleeper at one time. Now, I've seen he could go high as the end of the 1st round. Some think he could play corner. He definitely has the size and speed.

- I like this guy. I hope TT gets him.

[KYPack]

Tyler Higbee, the talented TE from WKU, was arrested Saturday morning. I think we can remove him off the prospects list.

Well now, it was Sunday morning.

All great Saturday nites turn into Sunday morning.

He got drunk in a dry county, punched a guy in the face, ran from the coppers, & lied about it later.

What's the big deal, he sounds like a potential Wisconsinite to me.

[mraynrand]

- I like this guy. I hope TT gets him.

That is the ultimate kiss of death statement. Now there is no chance the Packer draft that guy.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Sleepers that I like for the Packers:

QB Jeff Driskell
RB DeAndre Washington
WR Chris Moore (not really a sleeper, but I like him more than most), Mike Thomas, Dominique Williams
OT Joe Haeg, Joe Gore, Clay DeBord
OG Connor McGovern, Isaac Seumalo (not really sleepers but have the athleticism and versatility that I like to play in the Packers scheme)
OG/OC Joe Thuney, Anthony Fabiano
DE Dean Lowry
DT Willie Henry, D.J. Reader, Justin Zimmer
OLB Stephen Weatherly, James Cowser, Cory Littleton, Dillon Lee
ILB Nick Vigil, Luke Rhodes, Joe Walker
CB Ryan Smith, Kevin Seymour, Kalan Reed, Mike Jordan
S Kevin Byard, Kavon Frazier, Jordan Lucas

[Maxie the Taxi]

Maxie the Taxi's Annual Ragtag Collection of Potential Fan Favorites Ala John Kuhn/Jeff Janis:

P Tom Hackett, Utah (Australia) Why a punter? It's damn time. Why Hackett? He'll bring excitement to a part of the game we've come to dread these last couple years.
The former Aussie Rules footballer can kick with both feet and uses directional punting with great accuracy, while maintaining a 47.8 yard average. Hackett also had the two longest punts of the year (76 and 74 yards respectively) and made headlines with a clever punt fake against last year’s National Championship finalists, Oregon, running 33 yards for a first down.

But don’t expect to see Hackett make scintillating plays like that too often.

After being announced as the Ray Guy Award winner [for the second time!], the 23-year-old was asked on stage about how the athletic prowess required to play footy in Australia translated to American football.

His response was pure gold.

“The main reason I’m playing this sport right now is because deep down I’m fat and I don’t like running very far,” Hackett said at the Atlanta Hall of Fame, with his family in attendance.http://www.foxsports.com.au/us-sports/tom-hackett-punter-aussie-wins-ray-guy-award-for-best-us-college-punter-for-second-time/news-story/e5d360515f024f50641c141efdf15ca7


Hackett has as powerful a leg as they come and put it to use on a consistent basis. He averaged 48.0 net yards during his senior season and 45.2 over the course of his career. Hackett even owns an incredible school record of 65 punts of 50+ yards and four punts of 70+ yards. His accuracy may be what sets him apart from those in the draft, mastering the coffin-corner punt in college.

Over 43% of Hackett’s career punts came inside the 20-yard line, pinning 48 punts inside the 10-yard line and another 18 inside the 5-yard line. Though he can notably punt out of the “rugby style” alignment, Hackett can just as comfortably execute from the traditional formation. He’s never had a punt blocked and is an experienced field goal and PAT holder. http://nflmocks.com/2016/03/25/tom-hackett-p-utah-2016-nfl-draft-scouting-report/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxFVELn3tjE&feature=youtu.be


RB Tyler Ervin, San Jose State We all know the Pack needs a quick and fast pass catcher out of the backfield to stretch the field. Why Ervin? He's a barber. He's modest. And he's a steal.

Tyler Ervin began the season as San Jose State's unofficial barber with a professional hydraulic chair and a devoted clientele of Spartans.

"I can turn a few heads and show people I'm not just a small scatback that can make a few plays here and there, but I can be an every-down back with blazing speed," Ervin said.

"He'll be a real steal for someone," Steinberg said, adding it is a mistake to view him as a third-down back. "He's shown he can carry a big load."

Ervin gained 1,469 rushing yards this year, and carried 42 times against Fresno State and had another 36 touches against New Mexico. Ervin went through the year unscathed despite 264 rushes.http://nflmocks.com/2016/04/25/tyler-ervin-rb-san-jose-st-2016-nfl-draft-scouting-report/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXdFI3pzlXY

ILB/OLB Aaron Wallace, UCLA He's a Clay clone (except for the hair). Enough said.

Wallace is strong, he put up 25 reps (225 pounds) at UCLA’s pro day. He’s a good pass rusher, has speed around the edges and sheds blockers without much trouble. He has quick feet and an athletic frame. Wallace has experience playing all positions at linebacker and is always a presence in the backfield when pass rushing.

Wallace played his best football against better opponents. (11 tackles, one sack at USC; nine tackles, one sack at Utah; seven tackles at Stanford; 5 tackles, 2.5 sacks vs California) http://nflmocks.com/2016/04/27/aaron-wallace-lb-ucla-2016-nfl-draft-scouting-report/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PLNIQZi2NM

DE Carl Nassib, Penn State The prototypical "try hard" walk-on unathlete. His coach once told him he'd never play college football. In 2015 he led the nation in sacks (school record 15.5) and forced fumbles (six).

Nassib garnered unanimous All-American honors for his efforts(19.5 tackles for loss) while also winning the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Lombardi Award as the nation's top offensive or defensive lineman, the Ted Hendricks Award for the nation's top defensive end, and the Lott IMPACT (Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community, and Tenacity) Trophy. http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/profiles/carl-nassib?id=2555270

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQmV5y80gBU

[pbmax]

Sleepers that I like for the Packers:

That's about four people who have identified Joe Thuney. If he goes elsewhere at this point I will be greatly disappointed. :D

[Carolina_Packer]

Thuney is also pretty bright, given his prowess for solving Rubik's cubes. He also ran the 2nd fastest time for OL at the combine (sub-5). http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2016/04/15/joe-thuney-rubiks-cube-nfl-draft/83080692/ Can you say value?

[pbmax]

Pro Football Focus ‏@PFF 9m9 minutes ago
10 Biggest sleepers in this year's NFL draft:

1. Devin Lucien, ASU
2. Bronson Kaufusi, BYU