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Under the radar prospects 2023

Anyone have any comment on North Dakota State FB Hunter Luepka ?

Played in the Senior Bowl

Seems to be a strong runner, with 6.5 yds per carry, but not elite fast or quick. (consider the competition, though)

Soft hands and catches ball well. 14 yds per reception on screen passes.

Excellent in pass blocking and run blocking.

6'1"/230 lb.

May be a solid choice in the 7th or UDFA.

(edit) just found a comment : His ideal fit would be with a team that runs a WCO and will use him in a similar way that the 49ers use Kyle Juszczyk.
 
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Number19 said:
Anyone have any comment on North Dakota State FB Hunter Luepka ?

Played in the Senior Bowl

Seems to be a strong runner, with 6.5 yds per carry, but not elite fast or quick. (consider the competition, though)

Soft hands and catches ball well. 14 yds per reception on screen passes.

Excellent in pass blocking and run blocking.

6'1"/230 lb.

May be a solid choice in the 7th or UDFA.

(edit) just found a comment : His ideal fit would be with a team that runs a WCO and will use him in a similar way that the 49ers use Kyle Juszczyk.
Click to expand...

Exactly the same as FB- Tom Rathman (Nebraska / 6-1 @ 230 lbs / 49'ers).....heck of a find.
 
Y'all know how much I stand on the table for a quality ground game and Texans are halfway there with a true #1 back in Dameon Pierce.
Yes, this is the flying under the radar thread and there is a sneaky good one in the first round and his name is not Bijan Robinson.
Meet Jahmyr Gibbs.
I'll start with the juicy bits.
Has been compared to Alvin Kamara and Deebo Samuel - but faster.
Clocked an official 4:36 at the combine which was second fastest among all backs.
And he will have only just turned 21 at draft time.
From nfldraftbuzz:-
  • Best skill set of any RB in this class, will truly fit into any scheme
  • Great pass catcher with a more advanced route tree than would be expected of a RB
  • Strength to complement a power-back rushing attack if need be
  • Electric speed allowing him to easily burn tacklers on corners
  • Has the vision and confidence to hit holes without a second thought
  • Possess fluidity as a runner, can stop on a dime or turn on the jets at will
  • Has been clocked at 22.3 MPH on one of his 70+ yard touchdowns
"Gibbs is an extremely talented runner and one of the most malleable talents the league has seen in a long time. It is rare to see a RB who possesses both elite pass-catching ability and bell cow power back prowess. Gibbs can truly fit in with any offense in the NFL run heavy or pass heavy and be a coveted asset."

Needless to say, Pierce and this guy in our backfield will give us a ground game to be feared.
Trouble is, he is not expected to get out of the first round - has been projected to be taken by Iggles with their second pick at #30. Well of course he is, the best teams always seem to have the best talent!
Gibbs may look like a luxury pick, but if, if he falls to us at #33, y'all know I will be holding my breath.
 
Texansphan said:
Y'all know how much I stand on the table for a quality ground game and Texans are halfway there with a true #1 back in Dameon Pierce.
Yes, this is the flying under the radar thread and there is a sneaky good one in the first round and his name is not Bijan Robinson.
Meet Jahmyr Gibbs.
I'll start with the juicy bits.
Has been compared to Alvin Kamara and Deebo Samuel - but faster.
Clocked an official 4:36 at the combine which was second fastest among all backs.
And he will have only just turned 21 at draft time.
From nfldraftbuzz:-
  • Best skill set of any RB in this class, will truly fit into any scheme
  • Great pass catcher with a more advanced route tree than would be expected of a RB
  • Strength to complement a power-back rushing attack if need be
  • Electric speed allowing him to easily burn tacklers on corners
  • Has the vision and confidence to hit holes without a second thought
  • Possess fluidity as a runner, can stop on a dime or turn on the jets at will
  • Has been clocked at 22.3 MPH on one of his 70+ yard touchdowns
"Gibbs is an extremely talented runner and one of the most malleable talents the league has seen in a long time. It is rare to see a RB who possesses both elite pass-catching ability and bell cow power back prowess. Gibbs can truly fit in with any offense in the NFL run heavy or pass heavy and be a coveted asset."

Needless to say, Pierce and this guy in our backfield will give us a ground game to be feared.
Trouble is, he is not expected to get out of the first round - has been projected to be taken by Iggles with their second pick at #30. Well of course he is, the best teams always seem to have the best talent!
Gibbs may look like a luxury pick, but if, if he falls to us at #33, y'all know I will be holding my breath.
Click to expand...
I like Gibbs, but wouldn’t necessarily see him as under the radar. I think most teams have him as RB #2.
 
Number19 said:
Anyone have any comment on North Dakota State FB Hunter Luepka ?

Played in the Senior Bowl

Seems to be a strong runner, with 6.5 yds per carry, but not elite fast or quick. (consider the competition, though)

Soft hands and catches ball well. 14 yds per reception on screen passes.

Excellent in pass blocking and run blocking.

6'1"/230 lb.

May be a solid choice in the 7th or UDFA.

(edit) just found a comment : His ideal fit would be with a team that runs a WCO and will use him in a similar way that the 49ers use Kyle Juszczyk.
Click to expand...

Hey folks….this FB/HB/H-Back is going to be a pretty special weapon in the NFL. Didn’t get enough tape on him as a blocker, but if he can block as good as he runs and catches the ball….he's going to be one special dude!!!!
 
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Jake Witt from Northern Michigan, 6'7" 302 lbs, is creating a stir from his workout. Witt has only played 14 games at OT, as he began his football career at TE.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1636189544533102592

KOB06724-1-scaled-e1679490696124-1024x683.jpeg
 
WR- Bryce Ford-Wheaton (West Virginia).
6-4
220 lbs
33 1/2” Arms
09 3/8” Hands
4.38-40
41” Vertical
10’-9” Broad Jump

BFW is a physical specimen along the lines of Andre Johnson in stature and speed. His production might’ve been due to his QB’s and scheme or his sloppy play on some occasions.

Like Eli Manning once posted, ”You can coach speed, you can’t teach it”.

Maybe Ryans and his staff can get this guy coached up and make him a feared wideout in the NFL.
 
OptimisticTexan said:
WR- Bryce Ford-Wheaton (West Virginia).
6-4
220 lbs
33 1/2” Arms
09 3/8” Hands
4.38-40
41” Vertical
10’-9” Broad Jump

BFW is a physical specimen along the lines of Andre Johnson in stature and speed. His production might’ve been due to his QB’s and scheme or his sloppy play on some occasions.

Like Eli Manning once posted, ”You can coach speed, you can’t teach it”.

Maybe Ryans and his staff can get this guy coached up and make him a feared wideout in the NFL.
Click to expand...

Check out some of the highlight videos on the receiver. It almost reminds you of Schaub throwing to AJ…..has defense beat and then stops or slows way down to catch the ball. It looks like several TD’s were left on the field due to under thrown balls. One thing for certain, he can make contested catches and appears to have no issues going over the middle.

I believe this athlete must be with the Texans.
 
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OptimisticTexan said:
WR- Bryce Ford-Wheaton (West Virginia).
6-4
220 lbs
33 1/2” Arms
09 3/8” Hands
4.38-40
41” Vertical
10’-9” Broad Jump

BFW is a physical specimen along the lines of Andre Johnson in stature and speed. His production might’ve been due to his QB’s and scheme or his sloppy play on some occasions.

Like Eli Manning once posted, ”You can coach speed, you can’t teach it”.

Maybe Ryans and his staff can get this guy coached up and make him a feared wideout in the NFL.
Click to expand...
Ford-Wheaton or Trey Palmer are the two WRs I'd be looking at in the 5th/6th.
 
TexansFan15 said:
He looks like he has good speed and some wiggle. I haven’t heard a lot of hype around him. I wonder what round he’s expected to go on day 3.
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He has real top end speed and it doesn't take him long to get there either. He's not the biggest rb, but explosive.
 
Here are 5 players I believe to be vastly underrated on internet mock drafts/big boards. I expect all of these players to be selected by Day 2.

YaYa Daiby, edge Louisville, Edge #22

Why is he rated so low? Diaby is a popup draft prospect that has only produced for one season in college. He played out of position as a 5 Tech in college.

Why will he be drafted higher? Diaby was moved out on the edge on passing downs in 2022, and really shined with 9 sacks. Enough so to be invited to the Senior Bowl and NFL combine, where he showed that he belongs in the conversation as a top 50 prospect. Will need to adjust to playing full time on the edge, as Travon Walker did with the Jags. 1st round athlete that needs to be coached up.

Comp: Kwity Paye

Prediction: Edge #10, top 50 pick



Jartavius "Quan" Martin, DB Illinois, S #8

Why is he rated so low? Martin has played in the shadow of some very good DBs at Illinois such as Kerby Joseph (Lions S), Devon Witherspoon, and Sydney Brown. Martin has played deep safety at Illinois, but lacks the size and instincts for the position. Despite that, Quan became a playmaker in 2022.

Why will he be drafted higher? Martin really excelled while playing in the slot in 2022. His quickness and ball skills indicate a move to CB would be in his best NFL interests. And Quan's combine testing would back that up.

Comp: L'Jarius Sneed

Prediction: CB#9, late 2nd/early 3rd



Terell Smith, CB Minnesota, CB #19

Why is he rated so low? Smith was a starter at Minnesota as a true freshman, but lost his job to current Commanders CB Benjamin St-Juste in his sophomore and junior seasons. Underwhelming number of plays on the ball over his career. Like many Big 10 DBs, will have to adjust to NFL officiating.

Why will he be drafted higher? Smith has prototype CB size and the test numbers to go with them. His play as a 5th year senior jumped dramatically when used more in press coverage. Not afraid to support the run, Smith's physicality will stand out in comparison to other CBs available on day 2.

Comp: Kaiir Elam

Prediction: CB#10, late 2nd/early 3rd


Carter Warren, LT Pittsburgh, OT #14

Why is he rated so low? Warren was Kenny Pickett's blindside protector for 3 seasons, and received a Day 2 projection for the 2022 draft. Warren returned to Pitt to improve his draft stock, but missed the majority of 2022 with a knee injury. Despite Warren's prototype size and length, he has always been considered a finesse/zone run blocker without a lot of push.

Why will he be drafted higher? Entering the season, Warren was considered the top pass blocking LT in the college ranks due to his size, length, and feet. While Warren lacks the power and nature of the top OTs in the run game, his pure pass blocking ability will ensure a day 2 selection. If his knee checks out.

Comp: Andre Dillard

Prediction: OT#8, Mid 3rd


Chase Brown, RB Illinois, RB #15

Why is he rated so low? Brown is a no frills, north/south, downhill runner in a squatty, fire hydrant type body. Brown had around 250 touches his 1st 4 years in college. Then led the nation in touches with 355 in 2022. Usage concerns could be a factor. A what you see is what you get type of back.

Why will he be drafted higher? Brown is a 3 down back. He can stay on the field in short yardage and passing downs. His one cut, downhill style will be admired by ZBS teams. Perfect fit to pair with a home run type of RB.

Comp: JK Dobbins

Prediction: RB#5, Mid 3rd
 
DT under radar Western Kentucky Broderick Martin 6'5 337
Over the past two seasons, Martin had just 62 tackles, four sacks and one forced fumble. Those numbers didn’t earn him a trip to the scouting combine, but he was asked to play in the East-West Shrine Bowl.
Before the game, NFL Network’s Chad Reuter singled out Martin -- who's considered a day 3 pick -- as a player to watch. The big tackle didn’t disappoint. Martin had no problem stuffing the run or collapsing the pocket.
Click to expand...
 
Here’s a sleeper…..QB- Holton Ahlers (East Carolina University / 6’-3 1/2” @ 230 lbs / Lefty). His stats ascended each year of college and then spent his time after the season working with a personal QB Trainer who helped him add 13 yards to his deep throw (58 YDS > 71 YDS) while increasing his velocity. Surprised the scouts and coaches that attended the ECU Pro Day. Fun side note: He’s actually a descendent of Viking royalty.

Vikings should be thinking about adding Viking royalty to their roster late in the draft. Convince him to grow out his blonde hair and let the marketing begin. A real Norseman leading the NFL Vikings.
 
Mangler said:
Boy has Andy Reid written all over him. These are the type of players the Chiefs stockpile while other scouts seem to only follow the popular big name players. Would be nice to have a guy like him in our backfield though.
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Him, Deuce Vaugn, and the kid from TCU are the reason I think they can pass Bijan. Singletary and Pierce are similar in style. Both can run inside and outside. Those guys I mentioned are home run hitters. If the defense can hold up and get off the field, pierce gets 15 carries, Singletary gets 10 and those guys get 5-8. I'd throw Achane in there also, but he might be gone before they draft in the 3rd rd.
 
OptimisticTexan said:
Here’s a sleeper…..QB- Holton Ahlers (East Carolina University / 6’-3 1/2” @ 230 lbs / Lefty). His stats ascended each year of college and then spent his time after the season working with a personal QB Trainer who helped him add 13 yards to his deep throw (58 YDS > 71 YDS) while increasing his velocity. Surprised the scouts and coaches that attended the ECU Pro Day. Fun side note: He’s actually a descendent of Viking royalty.

Vikings should be thinking about adding Viking royalty to their roster late in the draft. Convince him to grow out his blonde hair and let the marketing begin. A real Norseman leading the NFL Vikings.
Click to expand...
I have heard of him but he is indeed an under the radar Player. good luck to him!
 
It's getting close to the draft and the QB board is changing. It seems that Stroud is falling and the Texans don't seem to want him. If Young is off the board a guy that I really like that no one is talking about is Jaren Hall from BYU.
He is SKYROCKETING up Draft Boards... (Who is: Jaren Hall) - YouTube
Jaren Hall vs. Arkansas (15.10.22) - Full Plays/All Snaps - YouTube
Smaller guy (6'0", 207) but is a dual threat and has great passing skills and leadership. He's an ex baseball player and is already 25 years old, which means he should be more mature.
I wouldn't be pissed if we took Anderson 1.2, JSN 1.12, Schmitz 2.33 and Hall 3.63 or moved back into the 2nd round for him.
 
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Toro Bravo said:
I wouldn't be pissed if we took Anderson 1.2, JSN 1.12 and Hall 2.33
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I would be.

If you don’t like one of the top tier QBs, fine (I think you are wrong, but that’s beside the point here), but don’t go wasting picks on a scrub.

All these mid-late round guys are mid-late round guys because they are long shots to do anything in the NFL. Spend the draft capital to get your stud QB or don’t spend it at all on the position, trying to stay in both lanes is just throwing picks away.
 
rmartin65 said:
I would be.

If you don’t like one of the top tier QBs, fine (I think you are wrong, but that’s beside the point here), but don’t go wasting picks on a scrub.

All these mid-late round guys are mid-late round guys because they are long shots to do anything in the NFL. Spend the draft capital to get your stud QB or don’t spend it at all on the position, trying to stay in both lanes is just throwing picks away.
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Spend a late rd pick on a guy like Bennett or Hall to provide competition for Mills. Don't spend a top 100 pick. Then draft your franchise QB in 2024.
 
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