DD.com is proud to put forth our "All-Party Crashers Team". These are players that were mostly ignored by the scouts who sent out Combine and All-Star game invites, but hope to "sneak into" the latter rounds of the NFL's Draft party in New York. Predictions based on their superior college careers and impressive workouts.
This is a nice mix of smaller school stars and underrated Big school surprise players.
QB Jeff Mroz ~ Yale -- Big, strong armed quarterback (6' 5",230), who is beginning to create a slight buzz around the league -- several teams are taking a much closer look at the Ivy Leagues top quarterback. Mroz, who threw 22 TD's and completed nearly 60 percent of his attempts in 2005, just "looks the part" of an NFL prospect, due to his size and arm strength. Projects as a possible 7th round pick/free agent. But will be given a chance somewhere.
RB A.J. Harris ~ Northern Illinois -- A good player, overshadowed by junior running back star Garrett Wolfe in 2004 and 2005. Harris is a powerful runner, with balance and speed that can help as a kick returner. Also pretty good on special teams kick and punt coverage. At almost 6' 1" and 230 pounds, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.52 and 4.52 seconds and added a 38.5" vertical leap at his schools Pro Day. Wont have an easy time getting drafted, but he has a chance based on workouts.
RB Nick Hartigan ~ Brown -- Big running back, who ran a 4.53 40 at the schools recent Pro Day. He tallied 1,727 yards rushing and 20 rushing TD's in just 10 games in 2005. Powerful North/South runner, with surprising break away speed for a 6' 2', 220 pound tailback. Also possesses nice vision, balance and power. Set an Ivy League record with 54 career touchdowns, despite only touching the ball once as a freshman. We believe he could run with the ball at the next level, but might be asked to bulk up and play fullback, based on the way he was used at the East-West All-Star game.
WR Ethan Kilmer ~ Penn State -- Former Penn State walk-on, who only played two seasons of college football and never played high school ball. Was the Lions fastest athlete at Pro Day, clocking in around 4.35 on several scouts watches. Also displayed a 42 vertical. Fared well in 2005 as a receiver, averaging 15.7 yards per catch (15 receptions). Kilmer, a special teams coverage star, improved markedly as receiver in 2005 as the season wound down -- had 6 catches for 79 yards in the Orange Bowl. Only played one season as a college wide receiver, and didnt get many chances until the second half of the 2005 season. Lack of football experience will be the biggest knock on Kilmer.
WR Jermaine Jamison ~ Fresno State -- His performance at Pro Day left some scouts wondering why he wasnt invited to the Combine. At over 6 2 and 200 pounds, Jamison ran a 4.44 40 yard dash, did a very solid 4.09 short shuttle and looked like a solid overall athlete. Hes a player that was very highly regarded coming into Fresno State. After a spectacular freshman season his game leveled off a quite a bit, never even recording 40 receptions or 500 yards in a season, but scouts are known to be intrigued by his size, speed and athletic ability.
