2008 All Undrafted Team
by Luke Paul Chandler
The 2008 NFL Draft has come and gone, but that doesn’t mean that all the talent is gone. The best undrafted free agents are profiled.
Offense
QB Paul Smith Tulsa
Not the greatest arm, but Smith has nice accuracy and ability to run a complex passing attack. Also doubles as a punter.RB Danny Woodhead Chadron State
He doesn’t have NFL measureables, but has a running style that could play as a punt-return specialist.
FB Mike Cox, Georgia Tech
Punishing run blocker, but not much else. He is limited as a receiver and runner.
WR DJ Hall, Alabama
Despite having great hands and solid route running, he fell due to a lack of ability to separate.
WR Maurice Purify, Nebraska
Character counts. He has first-day talent and out of the league character and legal issues.
TE Joe Jon Finley, Oklahoma
He is best as a No. 2 tight end and special teams contributor, but teams couldn’t look past his lack of athleticism.
OT Thaddeus Coleman, Mississippi Valley State
Not a finished product by any means, and he lacks bulk, but has great footwork. Could be a fit for zone-blocking team.
OT Akim Millington, Illinois
Millington is a powerful run blocker, but his mobility is limited. There are concerns about his lack of ability to translate to a pro-style blocking system also.
OG Drew Radovich, Southern California
A nice guard in short area, and in the run game, but he didn’t play well in space at USC. His short arms were an issue, too.
OG Kerry Brown, Appalachian State
Brown’s quickness and athleticism were getting him hits as a possible late-round pick, but teams know he needs weight-room work.
C Adam Spieker, Missouri
He is a veteran center with nice play recognition and ability to call out protections, but athletically just can’t reach the second level.
Defense
DE Darrell Robertson, Georgia Tech
One that makes no sense, but screams that maybe Tech’s defensive linemen just don’t translate to the pro game well, like Eric Henderson from two years ago.
DE Titus Brown, Mississippi State
He’s more than just an undersized pass rusher, he plays the run well and has a great motor. He may be a bit too average for some teams.
DT Eric Foster, Rutgers
He’s a bit light for a tackle, but he has the bulk and ability to maintain his base that could make him attractive to a 3-4 team as an end.
DT Barry Booker, Virginia Tech
His height and weight leave something to be desired, but he’s quick off the snap and diagnoses plays very well. He’s a guy that a team like the Colts will target and make something out of.
OLB Gary Guyton, Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech again. Guyton has the speed, size and instincts that could make it in the league, but he is less than physical, even for a potential cover-2 linebacker.
OLB Wesley Woodyard, Kentucky
Woodyard has great ball skills and recognition skills, but average bulk. Even in a system that protected him from blockers, his weak lower body and lack of bulk could give him trouble at the next level. And despite good speed, he struggles in man coverage.
MLB Rodrick Johnson, Oklahoma State
A project pick, and the essence of an undrafted free agent. He has never locked down at a position for more than a season, but he is a powerful run defender. Johnson is a two-down defender, and could be built up into something more, but he has trouble mastering playbooks.
CB Michael Grant, Arkansas
Grant’s best spot is going to be as a return specialist at first, due to his great speed and quickness, but he has the ball skills to play in nickel or dime situations.
CB Jonathan Zenon, Louisiana State
The lesser-known half of the Tigers cornerback duo, Zenon is a versatile man-coverage corner. Zenon is a bit stiff when turning with faster receivers, though.
S Jonathan Hefney, Tennessee
The lack of consistent, physical play contributed to his fall. He was never able to play consistently against the run, and pure zone-coverage safeties, no matter how good their ball skills are, just don’t fly in the NFL.
S Tony Joiner, Florida
He can play in the box, but is a non-factor in the passing game. Joiner could play in heavy defensive back sets, and as a special teams gunner.
Special Teams
K Alexis Serna, Oregon State
He will likely latch on as a kickoff specialist, where he can produce consistent touchbacks. He is not able to get off kicks under pressure, so his fundamentals need work before taking on field goal responsibilities.
P Brett Kern, Toledo
His powerful leg and directional punting skills will be attractive to cold weather teams. His fundamentals on getting kicks off quickly will need to be addressed.
LS Tim Bugg, Indiana
Since long snappers are hardly ever drafted, this one is no shock. Bugg gets the ball back quickly and can chase down plays afterwards.
RS Taj Smith, Syracuse
Smith has a good size/speed combination, and is fearless with the ball in his hands. His shiftiness and footwork helps him keep plays alive.
Contact Luke at Luke@newerascouting.com.