SLEEPERS

[Maxie the Taxi]

As long as we're discussing temptations to avoid, what about the ones to take a chance on. Sleepers, dark horses, under-rated guys, small school guys that could really make it big.

I come across two I really like:

Austin Lane, DE, 6'6", 258 pounds, Murray State. Guy owns a lot of small school records and he was born a Packer fan. He's from Wisconsin.

See: http://www.nfldraftblitz.com/austenlaneinterview.htm

Brandon West, RB, 5;10", 189 pounds, Western Michigan. Owns most offensive RB records. Knock on him is size, speed and level of competition, but he has heart and is one hell of a player. Would make a terrific third down back and maybe even more.

Film: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1O5DGSKs40

[packrulz]

O’BRIEN SCHOFIELD, OLB
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 221 | College: Wisconsin
Overview
Don't tell Wisconsin's opponents this season that Schofield's too small to play in the NFL. He might have to stand up instead of playing with his hand down on the ground, but even top offensive line prospects like Iowa's Bryan Bulaga had their hands full with the Chicago area product in 2009.

Primarily used as a special teamer for two seasons after redshirting in 2005, Schofield started in the 2008 Outback Bowl loss to Tennessee and never looked back. As a junior he started all 13 games, making 42 tackles, 8.5 for loss and five sacks. He took his game to the next level against Bulaga and the rest of the conference, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors by making 62 tackles, a whopping 24.5 for loss (which ranked second nationally) and 12 sacks in '09.

Schofield faces a lengthy rehab and is unlikely to play this season after tearing his ACL in Senior Bowl workouts. Teams searching for an aggressive, sure-tackling linebacker will take a long look at Schofield in April.

Analysis
Read & React: Very good nose for the ball playing near the line or in space. Plays faster than his timed speed indicates because of his football IQ. Aware and reads misdirection on the edge. Gets his hands up to block passes near the line.

Run defense: Takes good angles to the ball and is a reliable tackler in the open. Stands his ground very well against tackles on either side of the line considering he is undersized. Explodes into double teams. Able to punch and disengage to chase down run plays run to his side, but will be engulfed regularly by NFL offensive tackles. Beats cut blocks with his hands, recovers quickly to chase down the ball.

Pass defense: Displays the speed needed to cover tight ends and running backs downfield and in the flat. Attacks plays in front of him, takes good angles and wraps securely. Aware of screens and can take out a running back before quarterback can throw the ball. Better receivers and tight ends will separate from him using their length. Must improve the fluidity in his backpedal and drop to get into position in coverage. Inexperienced recognizing routes and will need to prove he can make the interception.

Tackling: Always hustles to the ball whether the play is on his side or he needs to chase down the line or downfield. Uses his long arms to wrap up securely, can be explosive enough to knock the ball loose. Doesn't have the size or strength to make a lot of arm tackles. Former special teams ace with a future there because of his speed and willingness to throw his body into the fray.

Pass Rush/Blitz: Relentless pass rusher. Often double-teamed and works through blocks and traffic until the ball is away. Explodes from three-point stance or when standing up, although he will be the last guy off the ball at times. Gets the corner against slower tackles and tight ends, and can push them into the pocket using his lack of height to get under their pads. Strong hands to rip off blocks and force fumbles. Stays balanced after a spin or outside-in move. Nice backfield awareness; stays home on misdirection and can disrupt passing lanes with good vertical and arm length if unable to reach the quarterback. Explodes into running back blocks.

Intangibles: Facing a nine-month rehab, at minimum, after tearing ligaments in his knee at the Senior Bowl. Team captain. Looked up to by younger teammates and respected by all players and coaches. Leader by nature, growing up in Navy household and in junior ROTC while in high school. Pushes his teammates to match his standards in the classroom, weight room and practice field.

[Bretsky]

O’BRIEN SCHOFIELD, OLB
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 221 | College: Wisconsin
Overview
Don't tell Wisconsin's opponents this season that Schofield's too small to play in the NFL. He might have to stand up instead of playing with his hand down on the ground, but even top offensive line prospects like Iowa's Bryan Bulaga had their hands full with the Chicago area product in 2009.

Primarily used as a special teamer for two seasons after redshirting in 2005, Schofield started in the 2008 Outback Bowl loss to Tennessee and never looked back. As a junior he started all 13 games, making 42 tackles, 8.5 for loss and five sacks. He took his game to the next level against Bulaga and the rest of the conference, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors by making 62 tackles, a whopping 24.5 for loss (which ranked second nationally) and 12 sacks in '09.

Schofield faces a lengthy rehab and is unlikely to play this season after tearing his ACL in Senior Bowl workouts. Teams searching for an aggressive, sure-tackling linebacker will take a long look at Schofield in April.

Analysis
Read & React: Very good nose for the ball playing near the line or in space. Plays faster than his timed speed indicates because of his football IQ. Aware and reads misdirection on the edge. Gets his hands up to block passes near the line.

Run defense: Takes good angles to the ball and is a reliable tackler in the open. Stands his ground very well against tackles on either side of the line considering he is undersized. Explodes into double teams. Able to punch and disengage to chase down run plays run to his side, but will be engulfed regularly by NFL offensive tackles. Beats cut blocks with his hands, recovers quickly to chase down the ball.

Pass defense: Displays the speed needed to cover tight ends and running backs downfield and in the flat. Attacks plays in front of him, takes good angles and wraps securely. Aware of screens and can take out a running back before quarterback can throw the ball. Better receivers and tight ends will separate from him using their length. Must improve the fluidity in his backpedal and drop to get into position in coverage. Inexperienced recognizing routes and will need to prove he can make the interception.

Tackling: Always hustles to the ball whether the play is on his side or he needs to chase down the line or downfield. Uses his long arms to wrap up securely, can be explosive enough to knock the ball loose. Doesn't have the size or strength to make a lot of arm tackles. Former special teams ace with a future there because of his speed and willingness to throw his body into the fray.

Pass Rush/Blitz: Relentless pass rusher. Often double-teamed and works through blocks and traffic until the ball is away. Explodes from three-point stance or when standing up, although he will be the last guy off the ball at times. Gets the corner against slower tackles and tight ends, and can push them into the pocket using his lack of height to get under their pads. Strong hands to rip off blocks and force fumbles. Stays balanced after a spin or outside-in move. Nice backfield awareness; stays home on misdirection and can disrupt passing lanes with good vertical and arm length if unable to reach the quarterback. Explodes into running back blocks.

Intangibles: Facing a nine-month rehab, at minimum, after tearing ligaments in his knee at the Senior Bowl. Team captain. Looked up to by younger teammates and respected by all players and coaches. Leader by nature, growing up in Navy household and in junior ROTC while in high school. Pushes his teammates to match his standards in the classroom, weight room and practice field.

[BlueBrewer]

Re: SLEEPERS

Brandon West, RB, 5;10", 189 pounds, Western Michigan. Owns most offensive RB records. Knock on him is size, speed and level of competition, but he has heart and is one hell of a player. Would make a terrific third down back and maybe even more.

Film: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1O5DGSKs40[/quote]


This sounds just like the guy we got from Northwestern last year. Its a great story but all the heart in the world just doesnt get RUDY to the pros.

[Tarlam!]

Forget about Schofield, guys, he's a Badger

Saw that JSO Insider did a QB piece and this guy was mentioned. I don't subscribe so I just looked him up: Armanti Edwards

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1249482?tag=pageRow;pageContainer

He's only 5'11" and 185lb. He's not listed as a QB, rather, as a WR/KR.

Had an amazing collegiate career in the FCS, twice winning their version of the Heisman, the Walter Payton Award.

Going on the raves, this guy would provide us with a KR, 5th string WR and 3rd string QB all in one.

Projected to go 5th round.

[Fritz]

One thing I've consistently seen in the NFL - outside the Flutie Fluke - is that guys who aren't at least 6'-2" don't seem to make it in the NFL as QB's. It seems like that's a huge deal for some reason - seeing over the defensive linemen? I dunno. But at 5'-11" this guy would be as you describe, Tar - and all-around threat, as opposed to a QB to develop.

But that's not to say I'd be against such a pick. How does that third QB thing work anyway? You don't have to keep one on your game day roster, but if the first two guys go down he can play? Is that it?

[MJZiggy]

One thing I've consistently seen in the NFL - outside the Flutie Fluke - is that guys who aren't at least 6'-2" don't seem to make it in the NFL as QB's. It seems like that's a huge deal for some reason - seeing over the defensive linemen? I dunno. But at 5'-11" this guy would be as you describe, Tar - and all-around threat, as opposed to a QB to develop.

But that's not to say I'd be against such a pick. How does that third QB thing work anyway? You don't have to keep one on your game day roster, but if the first two guys go down he can play? Is that it?

Yes. He becomes the emergency QB.

[Brandon494]

DE/OLB Jason Worilds-Worilds is a projection from defensive end to the linebacker position. He is somewhat of a tweener (size and athleticism) for the next level and will take time to make the transition to a stand up player. He is a tough competitive athlete that is best attacking the line of scrimmage. Worilds has decent quickness, speed and agility coming off the edge but needs an expanded pass rush package to be effective at the next level. He will be limited in man coverage schemes but shows enough awareness and balance to be effective in short zone coverage. Worilds is a good football player that will need time to develop as well as having some durability concerns with a previous shoulder surgery.


Jimmy Graham-Graham is a very raw tight end that left the basketball team to turn out for football in time for the 2009 season. He is extremely athletic and has a huge upside but still needs a ton of technique work from running routes to blocking. He is not restricted in his routes and shows a good burst coming out of his breaks to separate from defenders but at the same time struggles to get off the line vs. good press linebackers. He shows strength when going for the ball in a crowd as well as flashes of strength as a blocker but can be sloppy in his footwork when he needs to adjust on the move when blocking in space. He has received comparisons to Tony Gonzalez who played football and basketball at Cal but he is not as developed as Gonzalez was at the same stage. He still needs to shed the basketball work ethic he came with.


OT Tony Washington-Washington is a good sized tackle that has the frame to add a lot of bulk and strength. He is stronger than most at this level of play but will need to get stronger if he wants to play at the next level. He will likely be in for a shock when he comes up against the kind of speed he will be facing, coming off the edge, when he is facing an NFL defensive end, and while he has a quick kick step, when reaching to pick up the speed rush he has a tendency to overextend too often and leaves himself open to good counter moves. He plays with good intensity and effort and will flash the ability to finish his blocks off. Washington is not always quick to pick up blocks when in space and is still learning blocking angles.


WR Andre Roberts- Roberts is a dominating receiver at this level of football and has enough of the measurables to make you think he can make the transition to the next level. He is explosive off the line and shows good straight line speed yet still can drop his hips and come out of his cuts crisply and with a burst to separate from defenders. He has natural hand placement and a wide receiving radius to make catches when the ball is slightly off target. He is elusive once the ball is in his hands and has enough speed to be a threat to take it all the way. He will need a lot of work on reading more complicated coverage schemes and will have to learn how to beat the press against the NFL’s top corners

RB Charles Scott- Scott is a big, powerful back that is more of a raw power back that can move piles than an explosive punishing type of ball carrier. He is a no-nonsense ball carrier that does not dance around in the backfield and is not apt to have many negative plays in the course of a game. He missed the last three games of his senior year with a broken collarbone but it should not affect his draft status. Scott can be a punishing blocker but needs a lot of technique work for the next level. He is an adequate receiver out of the backfield but won’t be much of a factor in the downfield passing game.

QB/WRArmanti Edwards- Edwards is a four-year starter that led his team to two national titles as well as a playoff run in the other two seasons. He is an undersized quarterback that will need to be projected to another position to take advantage of his speed, quickness and athleticism. He has had some durability issues and will need to bulk up if he wants to play at the next level. He is explosive and can force defenders to grab nothing but air with his elusiveness and cutting ability. He will require some time to learn how to run routes and to control his speed so he can give defenders different looks as he runs his routes.

[Bretsky]

One thing I've consistently seen in the NFL - outside the Flutie Fluke - is that guys who aren't at least 6'-2" don't seem to make it in the NFL as QB's. It seems like that's a huge deal for some reason - seeing over the defensive linemen? I dunno. But at 5'-11" this guy would be as you describe, Tar - and all-around threat, as opposed to a QB to develop.

Drew Brees...only cracks 6Ft on a good day

[Fritz]

One thing I've consistently seen in the NFL - outside the Flutie Fluke - is that guys who aren't at least 6'-2" don't seem to make it in the NFL as QB's. It seems like that's a huge deal for some reason - seeing over the defensive linemen? I dunno. But at 5'-11" this guy would be as you describe, Tar - and all-around threat, as opposed to a QB to develop.

Drew Brees...only cracks 6Ft on a good day

Doh!

[Tarlam!]

Drew Brees...only cracks 6Ft on a good day

Wearing cleats and being measured on carpet?

[CaptainKickass]

Here's some sleepers for y'all:

[MJZiggy]

Here's some sleepers for y'all:

WANT! Do they come in stretchy terrycloth like the ones an old boyfriend threw out and I haven't been able to replace for the decade since?

[pbmax]

Here's some sleepers for y'all:

WANT! Do they come in stretchy terrycloth like the ones an old boyfriend threw out and I haven't been able to replace for the decade since?

Just do the current boyfriend (and yourself) a favor and get a trap door installed for easier nighttime access.

[MJZiggy]

Not to get too personal, but it had a trap door. Those jammies were spectacular!

(conjuring bad memories of walking into my room as a kid only to find grandpa--who was staying in there at the time--with his trap door down. 80 and a trap door are not aesthetically pleasing)