ND72
04-27-2007, 09:15 PM
Small-school studs to know
Although all the hype leading up to Saturday's draft will focus on the top picks, history has proved that NFL superstars come from all rounds -- and as undrafted free agents, for that matter. Be prepared to hear the names of the following 10 small-school prospects during draft weekend. You never know, one of them could become this season's Marques Colston.
1. Justin Durant, LB, Hampton
Durant lacks ideal size, but he is fast, athletic and tough. He dominated the I-AA level with 321 combined tackles during his final three seasons (2004-06). Durant could be the first of five Hampton players selected in the 2007 draft.
2. Ben Patrick, TE, Delaware
Patrick's lack of explosiveness -- both as a receiver and blocker -- should prevent him from ever becoming a full-time starter in the NFL. However, the former Duke transfer is worth considering late on Day 1 because of his combination of athleticism, ball skills and toughness. Patrick could develop into a versatile backup who can contribute as an H-back type on offense, while also providing help on special teams.
3. Jacoby Jones, WR, Lane
Jones needs to get stronger and add some bulk to his frame, but he has the size, speed and athletic ability to develop into a No. 2 or No. 3 receiver who can also contribute in the return game.
4. Allen Barbre, OT, Missouri Southern State
Barbre has the natural ability to develop into a contributor at guard and/or tackle in the NFL. He is a bit undersized and has the mobility to fit a scheme such as the Colts or Broncos. (Personal fan of this guy. Listed as maybe the best overall athlete of all the Offensive lineman)
5. Laurent Robinson, WR/RS, Illinois State
Robinson has shown steady progress as a route-runner and he catches the ball well, but his lack of speed and power could prevent him from developing into an every-down receiver. His quickness and vision in the return game could land him a spot on an NFL roster.
6. Travarous Bain, CB, Hampton
Bain originally attended Miami before transferring to Hampton in 2005, where he earned first team All-MEAC honors during each of his final two seasons. Bain is a developmental Day 2 prospect with the speed, agility and frame to develop into an every-down cornerback in the NFL. However, he is raw and he needs lots of polishing to his technique.
7. Michael Allan, TE, Whitworth
Allan was the only D-III prospect invited to this year's scouting combine. Although he lacks ideal explosiveness and is a marginal-at-best in-line blocker, there's a lot to like about Allan's blend of size, hands and top-end speed. He projects as a fourth-round pick due to his developmental upside.
8. Zak DeOssie, LB, Brown
DeOssie, whose father, Steve, played in the NFL for the Jets, Patriots, Cowboys and Giants, is an Ivy Leaguer looking to make the transition from inside to strongside linebacker in the NFL. He needs to improve his upper-body power and overall technique, but DeOssie's size, speed, bloodline and intelligence make him an attractive early Day 2 prospect.
9. Kevin Boss, TE, Western Oregon
Boss was a two-sport standout at Western Oregon. In addition to notching 134 receptions during his four-year career on the gridiron, Boss played three seasons of basketball for the Wolves. Although he's obviously a gifted athlete, Boss has never had the time to develop physically as a football player. If gets busy in the weight room and kicks the injury bug, Boss has a chance to emerge as a contributing H-back in the NFL.
10. Courtney Brown, CB, Cal Poly Brown flew under the radar at Cal Poly before turning scouts' heads during his pro-day workout. The 6-foot-2, 196-pound cornerback breezed a 4.39 40 and timed out well in all the agility drills. If coached properly and given time to develop, Brown could become a hidden gem on Day 2 of the 2007 draft.
another guy I'd like to throw into this is the WR from UW-Whitewater Derek Stanley. While he's only 5'9", he's super fast, and could be an instant KR/PR starter for any team. Looks to be a 6-7 round pick. If we pass on Ginn, I wouldn't mind getting this guy late. Wisconsin product, and speed.
Although all the hype leading up to Saturday's draft will focus on the top picks, history has proved that NFL superstars come from all rounds -- and as undrafted free agents, for that matter. Be prepared to hear the names of the following 10 small-school prospects during draft weekend. You never know, one of them could become this season's Marques Colston.
1. Justin Durant, LB, Hampton
Durant lacks ideal size, but he is fast, athletic and tough. He dominated the I-AA level with 321 combined tackles during his final three seasons (2004-06). Durant could be the first of five Hampton players selected in the 2007 draft.
2. Ben Patrick, TE, Delaware
Patrick's lack of explosiveness -- both as a receiver and blocker -- should prevent him from ever becoming a full-time starter in the NFL. However, the former Duke transfer is worth considering late on Day 1 because of his combination of athleticism, ball skills and toughness. Patrick could develop into a versatile backup who can contribute as an H-back type on offense, while also providing help on special teams.
3. Jacoby Jones, WR, Lane
Jones needs to get stronger and add some bulk to his frame, but he has the size, speed and athletic ability to develop into a No. 2 or No. 3 receiver who can also contribute in the return game.
4. Allen Barbre, OT, Missouri Southern State
Barbre has the natural ability to develop into a contributor at guard and/or tackle in the NFL. He is a bit undersized and has the mobility to fit a scheme such as the Colts or Broncos. (Personal fan of this guy. Listed as maybe the best overall athlete of all the Offensive lineman)
5. Laurent Robinson, WR/RS, Illinois State
Robinson has shown steady progress as a route-runner and he catches the ball well, but his lack of speed and power could prevent him from developing into an every-down receiver. His quickness and vision in the return game could land him a spot on an NFL roster.
6. Travarous Bain, CB, Hampton
Bain originally attended Miami before transferring to Hampton in 2005, where he earned first team All-MEAC honors during each of his final two seasons. Bain is a developmental Day 2 prospect with the speed, agility and frame to develop into an every-down cornerback in the NFL. However, he is raw and he needs lots of polishing to his technique.
7. Michael Allan, TE, Whitworth
Allan was the only D-III prospect invited to this year's scouting combine. Although he lacks ideal explosiveness and is a marginal-at-best in-line blocker, there's a lot to like about Allan's blend of size, hands and top-end speed. He projects as a fourth-round pick due to his developmental upside.
8. Zak DeOssie, LB, Brown
DeOssie, whose father, Steve, played in the NFL for the Jets, Patriots, Cowboys and Giants, is an Ivy Leaguer looking to make the transition from inside to strongside linebacker in the NFL. He needs to improve his upper-body power and overall technique, but DeOssie's size, speed, bloodline and intelligence make him an attractive early Day 2 prospect.
9. Kevin Boss, TE, Western Oregon
Boss was a two-sport standout at Western Oregon. In addition to notching 134 receptions during his four-year career on the gridiron, Boss played three seasons of basketball for the Wolves. Although he's obviously a gifted athlete, Boss has never had the time to develop physically as a football player. If gets busy in the weight room and kicks the injury bug, Boss has a chance to emerge as a contributing H-back in the NFL.
10. Courtney Brown, CB, Cal Poly Brown flew under the radar at Cal Poly before turning scouts' heads during his pro-day workout. The 6-foot-2, 196-pound cornerback breezed a 4.39 40 and timed out well in all the agility drills. If coached properly and given time to develop, Brown could become a hidden gem on Day 2 of the 2007 draft.
another guy I'd like to throw into this is the WR from UW-Whitewater Derek Stanley. While he's only 5'9", he's super fast, and could be an instant KR/PR starter for any team. Looks to be a 6-7 round pick. If we pass on Ginn, I wouldn't mind getting this guy late. Wisconsin product, and speed.