list of small school sleepers/big school sleepers

[Wolf]

I am not sure how credible this draft site is, but here are some small school sleepers

2005 small school draft sleepers

and the big school sleepers
big school sleepers

here is the homepage.
http://www.draftdaddy.com/prospects/

 

[Wolf]

here are a few examples

Paris Warren: Utah

While QB Alex Smith and fellow WR Steve Savoy got the most attention, Warren, a transfer from Oregon, quietly had a huge season for the 12-0 Utes, racking up 878 yards and 10 TD's. Was a star in the Fiesta Bowl, with 15 receptions for 198 yards and 2 TD. Warren is 6'1" and 215 pounds and especially well-regarded for his blocking - he clearly relishes the thankless job. His speed is said believed to be in the upper 4.5 area, so his upside potential in the NFL may be somewhat limited. However, his sure hands and knack of getting open could mean he has a chance to be a good possession receiver in the NFL.

we do like blocking WR's .. yet too bad he isn't a little faster,given we have our possession WR's already

Tyler King: UConn

What Dan Orlovsky was to UConn's offense, King was to the defense. Can play DE in the 4-3 set or even play OLB in the 3-4 scheme. King, son of former NFL linebacker Steve King (Patriots), is a 6'6", 260-pound edge rushing demon, in the mold of current Patriot Mike Vrabel (Vrabel was a college DE). As a junior, King had 9 sacks and 17 tackles for losses. In 2004, a season cut short by a broken leg, he had 5 sacks in only 6 games and was very stout against the run.... Prior to the injury, King was probably projected to be a 4th or 5th round pick, with the ability to move up with a good post-season and combine. Coming back for the Motor City Bowl after missing almost 3 months, King had a sack and recovered a fumble. We aren't thrilled about the screws he took to get ready for the bowl game but in the long run his durability should not be too negatively affected.

interesting

 

[Wolf]

Richie Incognito: Nebraska

Had Richie's college career ended in a traditional fashion, he would not be considered a sleeper, rather a legit first-day prospect. However, All-Everything Richie (who could project to guard or even tackle in a pinch like GB's Mike Wahle) was kicked off of the Nebraska team and then later the Oregon team for fighting and other violations of team conduct codes. Some of his more dubious moments include facing charges of assault and spitting on people of which he's not too fond - real classy. As a player there's nothing that Richie can't do on the field. He's intense, strong and fast, very effective in all phases of blocking, a true throwback to the glory days of Nebraska Offensive Lineman dominance. However despite his possible all-pro skills, Richie has some serious character flaws that could result in a "Barrett Robbins" blow-up at any time. High-risk/high-reward player who's college production will probably be too good to ignore on draft day. Our take is that the NFL is not made of choirboys and Richie is probably salvagable - if he wants to be.

safe to say he isn't going to be a Texan

 

[texasguy346]

Here is the deal... ****Logan Mankins**** Fresno State

LT! We got Wand, but this guy can be a Guard in the NFL. He has a mean streak where he would just move people like rag dolls, perfect for the zone at guard. Now his combine times have hurt him (Kiper had him late 2nd round NE Patriots) and will probably drop to the 3rd round, if he is still available, we need to snatch this guy up.

I really like Mankins too. I actually traded up to get him in the 2nd Round for the Bills so he could play OG for them. I asked some of the posters at the Bills' message board what they thought were the most pressing needs for the team. They all said that fixing the interior of the line was the top priority. They were happy with the center and the tackles, but the OGs needed work. Then they listed a playmaking CB, or another WR threat as their 2nd and 3rd most pressing needs. There are other guards ranked higher than him like Brown or Baas, but Mankins seems like an ideal fit for OG in the NFL. He would be great pulling in front of the RB on a counter, and his great feet should serve him well in the interior. I really liked Mathis too out of Alabama, but Mankins is definately one of my favorite players in the draft.

 

[vtech9]

here is one that I find interesting:

Andrew Hoffman: Virginia


With the galaxy of stars on the UVA roster, it's easy to overlook a player like Hoffman, who registered 48 tackles and 3 sacks in 2004. Impressive stats, considering he mainly faced double teams as a nose-tackle in Virginia's 3-4 scheme. Is a 6'4" and 285 pounds, but with very little body fat, so he has room to add weight. Soid bull-rusher, who has the height and wingspan to knock down QB attempts. Hoffman was not invited to the Indy combine and hasn't been invited to an All-Star game. Regardless, he's the type of player that can just play the game and outwork his opponents. We know NFL teams are taking a close look.

He is a bit underweight for a NT, but like they said, since he has very little body fat he has room to add weight.

 

[vtech9]

here is another one that I find interesting:

Ryan Claridge: UNLV


At 6'3" 250, Ryan is another full-sized LB who can play inside or outside. Great strength and power, with good sideline to sideline speed. Finished the 2004 season with 9 sacks and 86 tackles. A crunching hitter, had 10 career forced fumbles. Plays next to impressive NFL prospect Adam Seward at ILB on a stout Rebels 3-4 defense. With a good combine showing, Claridge has a chance to sneak up the board and scratch into the middle rounds (about round 4) of the draft.

 

[Wolf]

I liked those 2 vtech

how about

Kay-Jay Harris: West Virginia

At 6'2" and 245 pounds, with reported 4.5 speed, Harris can look like a runaway truck at times. He has good vision and isn't afraid of contact. Due to playing minor league baseball in the Texas organization for 3 seasons, will be 25 years old on draft day, so age is a factor, as is lack of experience (backed up Quincy Wilson as a junior). Because so many great junior running backs have entered the draft, a player like Harris will undoubtedly drop a bit. However, if he can stay healthy and run as quickly as reported, we like his chances in the NFL. With his size, hard-nosed attitude and toughness, could project as a pass catching fullback.

and

Harris has excellent size and a good strong build. He is a powerful player who can pound on the interior but also has good enough agility to bounce it outside. Shows very good vision and sees the openings quickly. Once outside, he has a decent burst for someone his size. He also has a good stiff arm and uses it well. He tends to run a little too upright though, and he doesn't have great top breakaway speed. He doesn't have much experience as a blocker either and that will be something he will need to learn. As a receiver, Harris has shown good hands and a decent feel for the passing game. His running style is physical though and he has had some injuries.
Harris' has some wear and tear already which could scare some teams off as his running style will also wear down on him. But when he is healthy, Harris is an oustanding physical presence and has great athletic ability for a back so big. He should be a 3rd or 4th Rounder.

from http://www.draftshowcase.com/KayJayHarris.htm


A little old for starting RB, but big guy.. anyone actually watch him play?

 

[Wolf]

for some reason this cracks me up
and I guess it is because when things like this happen, most sites don't mention anything, they just change it.

Rob Petitti showed up fat and sloppy to the Senior Bowl, hence his time on this page will be short lived. Update to follow.

as much as I dislike Bill Walton's announcing.. this is something I imagine him saying.

 

[texasguy346]

A little old for starting RB, but big guy.. anyone actually watch him play?

Yeah I've watched him play in a few games. I really liked what I saw of him, but you could tell he had some wear and tear on him in some of those games. Also, he's like 25 or 26 though I think because he took off some time for minor league ball or something of that nature. He is very talented though, but he is a work in progress like many other RBs.

 

[Wolf]

here is one of the small school sleepers if we target a RB

Brandon Jacobs

QUICK STRENGTHS: size, strength, burst
QUICK WEAKNESSES: elusiveness, blocking, runs too upright
NFL COMPARISONS: A big runner with a good burst similar to Green Bay's Najeh Davenport.
It took a while, but Brandon Jacobs is finally on the NFL doorstep. He was a highly recruited player coming out of high school but first went to Coffeyville CC. He had a great career there and was on of the most sought after JUCO players in the land. He signed with Auburn but only saw limited time behind Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown, so after one year, Jacobs transferred to Southern Illinois and earned the Gateway Conference's Newcomer of the Year award.
Jacobs is the biggest back in the draft and will be the biggest running back in NFL history. He has great power and is a tough back to bring down. He runs hard and has a good burst for a player his size. Jacobs has good speed for his size as well and is not limited to short yardage and interior running. He doesn't have great elusiveness in the open field though and is a pure power runner. He has decent lateral ability but he is at his best when going straight upfield. Jacobs does tend to run too upright through the hole and with his height, he gives defenders a lot of places to hit him. He must learn to run lower to the ground and lower his shoulder through the hole. He has decent hands and catch the ball fairly well out of the backfield. Jacobs has the size and strength to become a great blocker, but this is a role he has rarely had to fill in his career and has a lot to learn when it comes to blocking. One concern that Jacobs will have to be careful with is his height as a runner. He has a lot to hit and the longevity of his career may be challenged by the pounding he takes.
Jacobs obviously has rare physical tools for a running back. His speed considering his size is excellent and he is a scary player to see in the secondary. He must play "up to his size" more and be a little more physical as a runner, but Jacobs will be a great short yardage option at the next level and should be a late 1st day, early 2nd day selection.

http://www.draftshowcase.com/BrandonJacobs.htm

 

[Wolf]

a late Cb from a small school

RONALD BARTELL
Cornerback
Howard
Senior
6'2 | 205 | 4.40

HOME TOWN: Detroit, MI
HIGH SCHOOL: Renaissance

*photo courtesy of Diamonds in the Rough
QUICK STRENGTHS: size, speed, upside potential, athleticism
QUICK WEAKNESSES: run support, aggressiveness
NFL COMPARISONS: Tall, athletic DB who could be a great one with some technical work, much like Dallas' Pete Hunter.
A three sport star (football, basketball, track) in high school, Bartell began his career at Central Michigan. He redshirted one year and then came in and started some games at both free and strong safety for the Chippewas as a freshman and sophomore. However, the uncertainty of CMU and head coach Mike DeBord's future caused Bartell to transfer to Howard. He became the starter at CB and earned All conference honors as a junior and as a senior.
Bartell has excellent measureables and the athletic ability to be a fantastic player at the NFL level. However, he does have some technical issues to work on before he can begin to realize his potential. He's a very tall, long legged corner. He has a bit of a lanky build and could stand to add more bulk and strength. Bartell is a very fluid athlete who has smooth change of direction skills. He has good straight line speed and can turn and run with receivers. He tends to side shuffle more than backpedal and sometimes will turn and run too early. Bartell is also used to playing man coverage without any help. He likes playing up on the line of scrimmage and does a good job of getting his hands on the receiver but will be more effective with this as he gets stronger. When the ball is the air, Bartell has the height and leaping ability to make plays. On occasion he will lose the ball in the air, but he has decent hands and will make the picks when they are there. There are times when Bartell seems a bit lackadasical and he has given up some big plays as a result. In the run game, Bartell has shown that he is a good form tackler who tackles low. However, he doesn't have great recognition and doesn't always come up aggressively. He has had some trouble shedding blocks from strong receivers. Bartell has also played some free safety in his career and his versatility is definitely an asset.
Bartell has a ton of potential and he is being given the chance to prove he belongs with the big boys. He certainly has the size and speed and his ability to play every spot in the secondary will allow him to find a home in the NFL. Bartell is a potential first day selection, 3rd/4th Round.

http://www.draftshowcase.com/RonaldBartell.htm

 

[vtech9]

here is one of the small school sleepers if we target a RB...BrandonJacobs

I watched him play in one of the All-Star games, and he looked really good. All I can say is that I was impressed.

 

[Wolf]

did anyone catch anyone on the list at the combine?

 

[Wolf]

bump.... just wondering if anyone on the list has had high praises at their respective pro-day


here is who they say is slipping and sliding

 

[Wolf]

USC DE Shaun Cody ran between 5.02 and 5.08 in the 40 on a fast track at Pro Day....rumor has it, teams worry about his propensity towards "too much partying".

draft blog update 3/25

 

[D-ReK]

here is who they say is slipping and sliding

A few guys I didn't see listed on that site that are slipping per Mel Kiper are

Ernest Shazor, who he feels is likely a 4th round pick
Channing Crowder, who he feels has slipped to the 3rd or 4th round
and Heath Miller, who hasn't shown much progress after groin surgery...

 

[Wolf]

RABE SHINES AT UMD 'PRO DAY'
By Eric Walsh
Last Updated: Tuesday, March 8, 2005 3:15 PM

University of Minnesota Duluth senior outside linebacker Russ Rabe (Lake Holcombe, Wis.) performed before several NFL scouts Tuesday morning inside the Ward Wells Fieldhouse on the UMD campus.

Representatives from the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots, New York Giants, Oakland Raiders, Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins and Houston Texans were all in attendance for the school’s “Pro Day” workouts.

One scout projected that Rabe could be a fifth- to seventh-round selection in the 2005 NFL Draft, set for April 23-25 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.

“Russ has a lot of athletic ability and he is a competitor who can cover,” said Oakland scout Dave McCloughan after getting his first in-person glimpse at UMD’s all-time sack leader. “He will get a shot at the next level.”

McCloughan is convinced that Rabe’s skills can be utilized best by playing him at the weakside linebacker position in the 4-3 defense, maximizing his speed and agility.

Rabe participated in four different drills Tuesday, posting an unofficial 4.6-second 40-yard Dash time and a 37.5-inch vertical leap. He was also engaged in pass-catching drills and the shuttle run.

The 6-foot-3, 235-pound Rabe spend the past month at a training facility in Florida preparing for testing like this and was satisfied with his performance on a surface that was less than ideal for such examination.

http://www.umdbulldogs.com/mens/football/index.php?xstate=view_story&story_id=1621&view=text

maybe a sleeper?