I am not sure Clowney fits on this list because he already has broken out. The #1 high school recruit a year ago has not disappointed. Clowney was the most impressive defensive freshman in college football last season and aside from Clemson WR Sammy Watkins the most impressive FR bar none. If you watched college football last year you already know who he is. He appears to be well on his way to being a dominating pass rusher and play maker. By his Junior season he should be a top 5 pick. It has been a long time since a freshmen has had as big of an impact as Clowney had for South Carolina last season.

Ray Drew, OLB/DE, Georgia 6’5/263

Drew has an excellent size/speed combination. He should get significant playing time this year. Don’t be shocked if he ends up at DE. Drew has illustrated his versatility and with Georgia returning several key players on defense next season he should prove to be a major bonus added to that already impressive and savvy defense.

Nico Law, S, Iowa 6’1”/180

Nico Law will battle for a starting job this spring with the Hawkeyes and I fully expect him to win a starting safety spot. Nico was a stand out on special teams this year and has the ideal size/speed combination to excel at the college and NFL level. Nico was an underrated 3 star prospect coming out and Iowa loses Senior Jordan Bernstine this year freeing up a starting position for Nico. Law is the most talented safety on the Iowa roster and you should remember this name because by his Junior season he could be an elite safety in college football. Nico is perhaps the most talented physically gifted safety Iowa has had under the Kirk Ferentz era. That is saying a lot too because Iowa has put a decent amount of safeties into the NFL under Kirk. He has all the physical tools to succeed and he is loaded with potential. Keep an eye on this kid starting next year because you will hear about him a lot.
It is rare to find a safety anymore in the NFL who can cover both the pass and the run. Nico is a mutli- dimensional player that NFL teams are drooling in a safety at the next level.

Jordan Lomax, CB, Iowa 5’10/185

Jordan is in line to see a lot of playing time at Iowa this year. An impact contributor on special teams this year Jordan should win the nickel role as a Sophomore and start as a Junior. Shaun Prater’s departure likely means B.J. Lowery will start opposite Micah Hyde next year leaving the nickel spot open to Lomax. Lomax is a strong/physical cornerback who likes to mix it up. He has good speed and is very fluid in his technique. He saw action late in a few games this season at cornerback and I was really impressed with his footwork and hip movement. Something that most Freshmen cornerback do not have right away until later on in their college career. Iowa has been rolling cornerbacks into the NFL in recent years after Prater you should have Hyde, followed by B.J. Lowery, a junior and then Jordan Lomax. Lomax tackles well and really excels in man to man coverage with terrific technique in both areas.

Avery Sebastian, S, California 5’10”/192

Avery gained a lot of valuable experience at safety for California this year. The Golden Bears graduate both starting safeties this season (D.J. Campbell and Sean Cattouse) freeing two starting safety spots. Based on talent alone Avery is sure to win one of those starting positions and contribute heavily. Avery is solid in coverage and hits like a ton of bricks. He will strike fear in any WR daring to go across the middle of the field. Combine a terrific recruiting class by California, Avery Sebastian will be on everyone’s radar after next year. He reminds me a lot of former California and Atlanta Falcons S Thomas DeCoud but even a bigger hitter/tackler.

Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State 6’3/215

Shazier gained valuable playing time this season. Shazier once an Urban Meyer recruit at Florida switched his commit after Meyer departed from Florida. Shazier has to excited to get the coach he wanted to play for all along after having two coaches (Meyer and Tressel) leaving after he had committed to those schools. He must add some bulk but he has great physical tools. He runs well and gets from point A to point B very well. He sheds blocks well and is about as athletic as you can hope for in a safety. He should be in line to start next year. He is a bit raw but with excellent coaching I fully expect him to get every ounce out of his ability to succeed and move on to the NFL level. A very bright kid who works hard and will continue to get better. I really like his ability in pass coverage as well.

Michael Taylor, LB, Florida 6’0”/227

Taylor has been stuck in a deep LB corpse the last two seasons. However, he Red shirted his first year on camps which gives him 3 more years. Jon Bostic is likely to return for his Senior season but Taylor should see his playing time pick up next year. He could challenge for a starting LB spot this year as he has the ability to play inside or outside. Taylor has shown that he has the ability to make plays. The nation woke up to him in the Under Armour game two years ago. He runs well and is very strong. If he fine tunes his skill in pass coverage which I fully expect he should be a legit NFL draft prospect at the next level. He plays the run very well.

Nick Waisome, CB, Florida State 5’10/175

Waisome appears to be in line for significant playing time this year. Xavier Rhodes is coming off an injury and recently announced he will return to school for his Senior season. If Rhodes misses time Waisome should be the guy next in line with Greg Reid opposite. Waisome is one of the smartest Freshmen DB’s I have seen. He understands the game well and his assignments, combine that with his natural ability and he has a very bright future with the Seminoles. He reads and reacts well, is not afraid of contact and has the ball skills to may teams paying when throwing his way.

Other to keep an eye on:

(Check back as I will continue to add names to this list)

Marquis Anderson, DT, Oklahoma (Excellent run stopper)

Stephone Anthony, LB, Clemson (You will know this kid by next year)

Anthony Chickillo, DE, Miami (This guy has freak like ability)

Ha’Sean Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama (Talented S who will start with Robert Lester and Mark Baron’s departure. May be the most talented S under Saban at Alabama)

Blake Countess, CB, Michigan (Won a starting job last year. Proved to be pretty dependable)

Quadre Diggs, CB, Texas (Started as a Freshmen, great ball skills)

Steve Edmund, LB, Texas (Does it in every phase)

Curtis Grant, LB, Ohio State (Premier LB who should see the field a lot next year)

Victor Hampton, CB, South Carolina (With Gilmore graduating he could win a starting job, also a great return man)

A.J. Johnson, LB, Tennessee (Good speed/size combination)

Andrew Johnson, CB, Louisville (Impressive late in the year, provides play making ability to an improving defense)

Peniel Jean, CB, Wisconsin (Wisconsin loses a lot of key players in their secondary, Jean should win a starting job)

Marcus Roberson, CB, Florida (The most impressive Freshmen DB last year after winning a starting job with Florida)

Deaunta Saunders, S, Florida (Reminds me a bit of Ahmad Black, which is saying a lot)

Tim Scott, CB, North Carolina (Saw starting time last year as a FR and held his own.)

Tony Steward, LB, Clemson ( With Anthony and Steward, Clemson will have one of the best LB cores in the Nation in a year or two)

Anthony Wallace, LB, Oregon (Will cause havoc in the PAC-12)

Karlos Williams, S, Florida State (Big hitter)

Follow newerascouting.com contributor Scott Porter on twitter @blitzingdog3

Aaron Crawford: I feel my strengths are a combination of my vision, power and speed. I feel I have great hands and can catch the ball better than most backs. I was in a passing offense and that really helps on the aspect.

Scott Porter: What are your goals for the NFL?

Aaron Crawford: My goals for the NFL are to come in and contribute right away to an NFL team. Show off my skills individually and be a team player and be role model for whatever organization I am on. I just want to compete to the best of my ability to show everyone what I can do in the NFL.

Scott Porter: Which NFL RB would you compare yourself to or model your game after?

Aaron Crawford: Well there isn’t a current back I would compare myself to. If I had to say my coaches would compare me to Edgerrin James. On a personal level I have been compared to Walter Payton back in the day, but more current Edgerrin James.

Scott Porter: What kind of player and person is an NFL team getting in Aaron Crawford?

Aaron Crawford: They will be getting a player who is unselfish, loyal and coachable. They will be getting a player with excellent work ethic and great moral character on and off the field. I set a positive role for everyone.

Scott Porter: What do you feel are your greatest accomplishments?

Aaron Crawford: I think some of my greatest accomplishments were winning Mr. Football in Tennessee. Having the dream to play in the NFL ever since I was a kid and now I am getting that chance to prove myself. As a Freshmen I scored 4 touchdowns in one game. I also scored in the Gator bowl my Freshmen season.

Scott Porter: What do you feel will be the toughest adjustment from the college level to the NFL level?

Aaron Crawford: Coming from college I have prepared myself to see it as a game and from a business aspect. If I had to say I think film studying and being up on my game, being quick and decisive. This is the best of the best so there is no room for error. The speed of the game will also be a big difference.

Scott Porter: What will you miss most about playing college football at Texas Tech?

Aaron Crawford: The things I will miss the most are the friendships that I have made. Being able to go up to the facility and watching filming and working out with close friends. The environment and bowl atmosphere I will also miss a lot.

Scott Porter: What are you looking forward to the most about your opportunity to showcase your talent at the next level?

Aaron Crawford: Being able to go in and compete with the best of the best. I am looking forward to proving myself as a success story. I am looking forward to reaching my goals and fulfilling a long time life dream of mine. I am looking forward to bringing my intensity and showcasing my talent in the NFL to whatever team is interested.

Scott Porter: What are your hobbies off the field?

Aaron Crawford: Well, when I was around football there really wasn’t much time for hobbies. I like to sing and dance, play video games. Hang out with my teammates and just chillin with them and having fun. I also like to bowl. I am a good bowler.

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL

#4 T.Y. Hilton – WR – 5’10/184

Top tier return specialist that shows promise as a wide receiver.  Can
use his speed/agility all over the field, making him a guy that can
run himself open on any given play.  Won’t ever be a physical player,
but he needs to add something to his wiry frame.  He can get tossed
around with ease by a defensive back that can press at the line of
scrimmage.  His main asset however is in the return game where he can
use his vision and ability to squeeze through a crease and explode in
the open field.  Mid to late rounder that will raise some eyebrows
after his 40 yard dash.

MARSHALL

#99 Vinny Curry – DE – 6’3/263

This is a guy I zeroed in on all season after a 2010 campaign that saw
him lead the nation in tackles for all defensive linemen (94).  Giants
fans can see how impressive that is in a year where Jason Pierre-Paul
is leading NFL defensive linemen in tackles.  Highly decorated player
that earned the 2011 Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year
award.  Disruptive force that can get in to the opposing backfield as
good as anyone.  He lives back there and can make things happen week
in/week out despite a heavy dose of attention from opposing offensive
lines.  Long arms and strong hands can get him away from blocks
quickly.  Would like to see more explosion off the edge and better
double moves, but his game right now is good enough for the next
level.  There is always room for a talented hustler like Curry, no
matter what is on the current roster.  A day 2 pick here.

#31 Omar Brown – S – 5’11 – 195

The other 1st Team All Conference USA defender playing for Marshall
tonight.  Brown is an undersized safety that plays with instincts and
a explosive first step.  Very good at diagnosing plays from the snap
and is a guy that is constantly found in the middle of the action.
Team captain that has gotten better every year of his career.  A true
leader on the field that saves his best performances for the biggest
games.  May not have the bulk and physicality to start at safety but
he is a role player that can carve himself a niche in specific
defensive packages.  Late round type that will make a roster
eventually, similar to Charlie Peprah.

1. Bacarri Rambo, Georgia (JR)
2. T.J. McDonald, USC (JR)
3. George Illoka, Boise State
4. Ray Ray Armstrong, Miami (JR)
5. Markelle Martin, Oklahoma State
6. Mark Barron, Alabama
7. Robert Lester, Alabama (JR)
8. Trenton Robinson, Michigan State
9. Brandon Taylor, LSU
10. Aaron Henry, Wisconsin
11. Tony Dye, UCLA
12. Antonio Allen, South Carolina
13. Eddie Whitley, Virginia Tech
14. Delano Howell, Stanford
15. Winston Guy, Kentucky
16. Harrison Smith, Notre Dame
17. Chris Banjo, SMU
18. Sean Catthouse, California
19. Charles Mitchell, Mississippi State
20. Jamar Hornsby, Tuskegee (JR)
21. Duke Ihenacho, San Jose State
22. Blake Gideon, Texas
23. Tramain Thomas, Arkansas
24. Lance Mitchell, Oregon State
25. Nick Sukay, Penn State
26. Sam Proctor, Okahoma
27. Tekerrein Cuba, TCU
28. Jarred Holley, Pittsburgh
29. Eddie Pleasent, Oregon
30. Donnell Jones, Indiana

Michael Thomas: I feel that my greatest strengths are my knowledge for the game. I understand my assignments well and I understand coverage’s well. I know my responsibilities and am very dependable. I recognize formations and plays and that is really an advantage I have when playing each week.

Scott Porter: What are your goals for the NFL?

Michael Thomas: First my goal is to make a team after that I want to learn the playbook and system as quickly as possible to get in there and help my team win. I want to contribute in whatever way I am asked to help be part of a winning organization.

Scott Porter: What player in the NFL reminds you of yourself or one that you model your game after?

Michael Thomas: Troy Polamalu is a player I look at and try to model some of his game. I love the way he plays with fire and intensity. He has a lot of great traits anyone would want to model their game after. Eric Berry of the Kansas City Chiefs is another player I look at. I know he is young but he plays with a great passions and he is a playmaker.

Scott Porter: What type of a person and player is an NFL team getting in Michael Thomas?

Michael Thomas: They will be getting a very passionate player who loves the game of football. They will be getting a player who understands this is a business and will take it very serious. I will understand and learn from others what it takes to play at a high level. I will be a great teammate and I will be an added fire to the team who decides to give me a chance.

Scott Porter: What do you feel will be the toughest adjustment from the college level to the NFL level?

Michael Thomas: I think just the change in talent. You have to realize that everyone, every team, every week you are going against the best of the best. Nothing is easy in the NFL. I also think the mental aspect will be one of the more important adjustments I will have to pick up on. Getting my mind right to take on the challenge and prepare for what it will take to get to where I want to be. I look at the NFL as once you get there you have to work on being perfect otherwise you may not last long. Any player at any time can beat you so you have to bring your best effort otherwise you are going to fail terribly.

Scott Porter: What hobbies do you have off the field?

Michael Thomas: I like to listen to music. I like to relax in my free time when I have it. I also like to golf.

Scott Porter: What will you miss most about college football?

Michael Thomas: My teammates. That is easily what I will miss most.

Scott Porter: Did you have a favorite team and player growing up as a kid?

Michael Thomas: Not really a team, but in middle school I played QB because I wanted to be the next Michael Vick. I tried to model my QB game after Michael Vick.

Scott Porter: What would you say your biggest accomplishment playing football at Stanford has been?

Michael Thomas: I can remember my first start ever. We were playing against UCLA and I was having a very good game. I stripped the ball and returned it for a TD. My teammates always talk about that game. It was a great moment and one I will never forget.

Here is a look at every game over this college football kick-off weekend, along with the player on each team that we’re currently tracking.

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National Champion- Oklahoma

Heisman- LaMichael James, RB, Oregon

Most Underrated Player- Bruce Irvin, DE, West Virginia, Cameron Chism, CB, Maryland

Three Offensive FR immediate impact players- Malcolm Brown, RB, Texas — Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson, Isaiah Crowell, RB, Georgia

Three Defensive FR immediate impact players- Avery Walls, S, California — Nick Waisome, CB, Florida State, Darian Cooper, DE, Iowa

Offensive Breakout player: Marcus Coker, RB, Iowa

Defensive Breakout player: Ronald Powell, DE/LB, Florida

Surprise team: Maryland

Disappointing team: Virginia Tech

Most Improved team: Notre Dame

** More to come**

Follow newerascouting.com contributor Scott Porter on Twitter @BlitzingDog3

Trevin Wade: I think my greatest strengths are my vision on the field, my ability to see what is going on in front of me. Another great strength of mine is my technique.

Scott Porter: What goals do you have for yourself through the rest of your football career?

Trevin Wade: My main goal is to be the best player I can be. I feel I am one of those players who leads by examples and shows others around me what it takes to be a successful player. I want to carry and conduct myself in a way in which my teammates and others around me can follow in and be a role model for others.

Scott Porter: Is there a player in the NFL that reminds your of yourself or that you model your game after?

Trevin Wade: Champ Bailey of Denver and Charles Woodson of Green Bay because they have such good vision on the field. The vision they have is as if they were the QB. They read and react so well to plays. They both have a great knowledge for the game.

Scott Porter: What will you miss most about college football when you graduate from Arizona?

Trevin Wade: I would say what I will miss most is the different people I have met. You know how the NFL is more of a business and college you’re still a kid having fun and working hard! I will miss that aspect of college football. I will miss my friends on the team and in college you meet new friends on the field that you play against. I will miss the bonds I have established with my teammates and my opponents.

Scott Porter: Who has been your biggest influence throughout your playing days to this point?

Trevin Wade: My strength and conditioning coach. His name is Corey Edmund. He has been a spiritual mentor to me and many of my teammates. He has taught me how to carry myself off the field and how to work hard on the field. He has taught me what it takes to succeed. Coach Edmund has been a positive role model in my life and as acted as a father figure to me. He isn’t afraid to get one me, but always in a positive way when I need it. He helps me whenever I need something and I can always open up to him and go to him when I need someone.

Scott Porter: What has been your favorite memory at Arizona so far?

Trevin Wade: I would go with the memory I have of my sophomore year. We were playing USC who I grew up wanting to play for. On the 2nd play of the game I had an interception.

Scott Porter: What type of a player and person is an NFL team getting in Trevin Wade?

Trevin Wade: They are getting a person who has great character. I make good decisions and have a good head on my shoulders. I am a hard worker who is very dependable and during the good and bad times I am always there encouraging my teammates. I am a loyal person who is dedicated to be as good as I can be. As a player they are getting someone who is very coachable and am always giving 100% to make a big play. I play my role well and understand my assignments.

Scott Porter: What are your hobbies off the field?

Trevin Wade: I love hanging out at the Air Force academy. I like to hang out with the fighter pilots and such. I have always found that stuff very interesting. That is my number one hobby off the field no doubt. When I was a kid I wanted to be a fighter pilot before football. I also like to play video games, watch movies and shop online.

Scott Porter: How would you describe your style of play?

Trevin Wade: I would describe my style of play as a technique cornerback. I am always using my technique. I never get away from it as I always rely on it. I use my technique because it allows me to to be as perfect as possible playing the cornerback position. I never go away from using it. I feel I am a do it all cornerback in terms of coverage and my ability to tackle. I use technique to balance out my overall game.

Cameron Chism: I think my greatest strengths are my ability to adjust and find the ball. I am a very good tackler with great technique. I am a good coverage cornerback and I love to hit.

Scott Porter: What are your goals for this upcoming season at Maryland?

Cameron Chism: My first goal is to win every game, you always expect to win. It is especially important to me that we win our home games. I just want a great season team wise. My personal goals is to just play every play, stay healthy and be consistent all season. No mental errors, be one of those smart players that the coaches can depend on.

Scott Porter: What NFL player reminds you of yourself or one that you watch a lot of film on to better your overall game?

Cameron Chism: There are a lot of cornerbacks that I watch and try to pick up things from to help my game. One of the main cornerbacks is Darrelle Revis of the New York Jets. I watch the way he handles his opponent and I like how he handles himself both on and off the field. He plays bigger WR’s well as long as covering the quick speedy WR’s in the NFL. He is an all-around great player. I love the way he handles himself.

Scott Porter: What do you feel are your greatest football accomplishments right now?

Cameron Chism: I had 2 big interceptions in a game once. When we played Boston College last year I had a big 4th down stop to win the game. It was a huge play in our season. As a team I think turning our program around we had been 2-10 and then this past year we went to a bowl game and finished at 9-4. We have something to build off this season now.

Scott Porter: What type of a person and player is an NFL team getting in Cameron Chism?

Cameron Chism: They are getting a guy who does whatever is asked for him and more. I will do whatever is expected of him. I have great character and a great work ethic. I can play special teams, CB, S, or whatever they want me to do, I am going to do it without hesitation.

Scott Porter: What are your hobbies off the field?

Cameron Chism: I like to play video games, I love sleeping and hanging out with my friends and family. I am a pretty basic guy. I enjoy watching television.

Scott Porter: How would you describe your style of play?

Cameron Chism: I would say I am that do it all type of cornerback. I have good coverage skills and I can hit and tackle very well. I am good at reading and reacting to the play. I always make sure I am well prepared for my opponent prior to the game because that helps me react a lot better once it is game time. I put in the time and effort prior to a game to understand my opponent. I like to be that guy that can make plays when the ball comes my way. I don’t miss tackle and I don’t have mental breakdowns. I am very dependable. I like to play physical.

Scott Porter: What is something about Cameron Chism that may surprise people?

Cameron Chism: I am younger than most people think. I am only 20. I was playing college football as a 17 year old. Most people think I am older then I really am.

Scott Porter: What are your goals/expectations of yourself at the next level?

Cameron Chism: I don’t want to look to far ahead. I am very focused on the season at Maryland but my goals are first to make it there and be the best player and teammate I can be to an organization. I will do whatever they ask of me to win games and become the best player I can be. You will get the most out of my talent because I will work very hard at it.

Scott Porter: Who has been your biggest influence throughout your career?

I would say my older brother. He went to college and played football at Texas Southern. I went with him on his official visits and it really inspired me to work hard to be in the same situation. Being around my brother and seeing him go through the process made me want to be part of the same thing. Watching him go through all of this made me get very serious about what I wanted to do and the goals I had for myself. I was in 9th grade when I went on an official visit with him. That made me want it bad.

Well, the NFL Draft is over and it’s time to go fishing for the best of the “leftovers”. Undrafted Rookies are tricky to pin down. Some past Undrafted Rookies include James Harrison, Arian Foster, and Willie Parker but also the likes of many, many others that never made an NFL squad. This is where I come in to sort out the contenders from the pretenders and present you with the ten undrafted rookies that you should keep an eye on:

DeAndre McDaniel, SS, Clemson – McDaniel is a tough-nosed, ballhawking safety who was projected to go as high as a day two pick and for a couple very slight reasons, was not drafted. He can tackle as well as just about any DB in the draft and was the ACC’s active leader in career interceptions with 15. He would be a fantastic pickup for any team needing help in the secondary and would be best suited as a SS in the NFL.

Why he wasn’t drafted – He had a relatively slow 40 time and an arrest for high and aggravated assault on his former girlfriend from 3 years ago but he appears to have turned the corner as he is now an honor roll student.

Jake Kirkpatrick, C, TCU – Kirkpatrick is no stranger to being snubbed. After winning the Rimington Award as the best center in the country and being named an SI 1st-team All-American the year before, he was not even invited to the combine. Now, after being passed up in the draft too he has a chip on his shoulder. He is a very intelligent player who set the blocking scheme on every play for the Horned Frogs and could be a solid backup for 10+ years in the NFL.

Why he wasn’t drafted – He lacks aggression and effort at times.

Darren Evans, RB, Virginia Tech – The big back who ran for over 1200 yards as a freshman for the Hokies would be a nice pickup for many teams but is also a bit of an injury risk. After missing the entire 2009 season with a knee injury, Evans returned to form in 2010 with 854 yards and a 5.7 YPC while splitting time with Ryan Williams and David Wilson.

Why he wasn’t drafted – Doesn’t have the greatest top end speed and he is an injury concern who even admitted that “I just kind of feel like that would be a gamble just because even though my knee feels fine, you never know,” when asked why he chose to enter the NFL Draft early.

Kendric Burney, CB, North Carolina – Burney is a tough CB who could help out on special teams and potentially as a nickel back sometime in the future. He played great at the Senior Bowl and recorded 3 tackles on special teams.

Why he wasn’t drafted – Burney unfortunately is short (5’9”) and slow (4.7 40 yard dash) which doesn’t equate to success for the NFL Draft.

Deunta Williams, FS, North Carolina – Williams is another player who was projected to go as highly as day two of the draft. Williams has good speed for a safety and recorded 12 interceptions in his first 3 years at UNC. He was also a 1st-team All-ACC selection with 47 tackles in each of his last 2 seasons.

Why he wasn’t drafted – He had surgery in January to repair a broken right fibula suffered in the bowl game vs. Tennessee.

Cedric Thornton, DT, Southern Arkansas - The 310 pound DT from Southern Arkansas was projected to a late second-early thrid day pick and is now set up to be a steal for the lucky team that picks him up. Thornton was a two-time Division II All-American who put on quite a show at the Senior Bowl and competed very hard against Rodney Hudson including on one occasion pushing Hudson all the way back to the dummy posing as QB for the one-on-one drill.

Why he wasn’t drafted – Two things, lack of exposure and lack of formidable opponents.

Terrence Toliver, WR, LSU – Another player projected as a late second-early third day player who fell through the cracks undrafted. Toliver led the Tigers with 41 catches for 579 yards and 5 touchdowns and was named the most outstanding offensive player at the Cotton Bowl. He has great size at 6’4”, 212 lbs and decent speed with a 4.5 40 yard dash.

Why he wasn’t drafted – He was very inconsistent in his play and never quite lived up to the hype. He was also arrested in 2010 for his involvement in a fight.

Mark Herzlich, LB, Boston College (Drafted by UFL: Rd 10 Pick 51) – We all know the tremendous story of Mark Herzlich so obviously, he’s tough. He was also the 2009 ACC Defensive Player of the Year and a First Team All-American. Herzlich has great size (6’4” 244 lbs) and heart and would be a great addition to any NFL locker room.

Why he wasn’t drafted – Herzlich missed the entire 2009 season with a rare form of bone cancer called Ewing’s sarcoma so that remains a concern, but he returned in 2010 with 65 tackles, two forced fumbles, and four interceptions.

Pat Devlin, QB, Delaware - Devlin is the NFL prototype. He’s a 6’3” 225 lb QB with a live arm. Threw for 4 TD and 0 INT in his 2 years at the FBS level and exploded his senior year for 22 TD and 3 INT with over 3,000 yards passing and a 68% completion percentage on his way to Phil Steele First Team All-America honors.

Why he wasn’t drafted – His accuracy is not always consistent and he tends to get sacked too often.

Noel Devine, RB, West Virginia – Devine is quick. Very, very quick. He ran a 4.3 at his pro day along with a 4.25 20 yd shuttle run. He’s also got pretty good hands. He could be a nice change of pace back in the NFL and has the potential to blossom into a Leon Washington-like player both as a RB and KR.

Why he wasn’t drafted – Devine is very small (5’7” 175 lbs) and is lacking durability.

Special Teams Bonus Player:
Kai Forbath, K, UCLA – Forbath has been one of the best kickers in college football for awhile, winning the Lou Groza Award as a junior. He was an amazing 85-101 on FG in his career as a 4 year starter for the Bruins and finished 2nd all time in UCLA history with 357 points.

Why he wasn’t drafted – Doesn’t kick off and struggles with the trajectory on his kicks, leading to blocked kicks.

-Mitch Melheim