Gems Outside the First Round
by David Syvertsen
David Syvertsen looks at the players who might not be carrying a first round grade, but can be impact players as rookies, like Earl Bennett.
More than 50 percent of NFL Draft coverage revolves around the first 32 selections (or in this year’s case, 31) despite the fact there are more than 200 more names to be called before all is said and done.
A first round pick is projected to be the representative of a team’s class but every year there are prospects selected in the subsequent couple of rounds that make an immediate impact which surprises the league.
A few recent examples would be DeMeco Ryans (2006), Tony Ugoh (2007), David Harris (2007), Lofa Tatupu (2005), Channing Crowder (2005), Justin Tuck (2005), Thomas Howard (2006) and Marcus McNeill (2006). These are players that, for some reason, dropped out of the first round, most likely because of measurables. These players often come on strong from the start and end up playing long, productive careers. These are the kind of players every team wants and every championship team possesses. There are five players in the 2008 Draft class that project to this kind of scenario.
Curtis Lofton - LB - Oklahoma
Keith Rivers will grade out on top of every linebacker board across the league and will likely be a top 15 pick. After him, however, rankings will be altered throughout the league because many linebackers will bring similar grades to the table based off game tapes. Lofton is not the physical gem most coaches and front offices will covet, standing at just 6-foot with a 40 time just under 4.8 seconds. However, one look at the game tape and one will quickly realize Lofton has as much range as any linebacker in this class outside of Rivers. On top of his quick first step, he hits and sheds with ease and always finds his way to the ball carrier. He has the signs of a year in, year out 120-plus tackle linebacker who will not have issues adjusting to the NFL that some linebackers projected to be selected in front of him will. Teams that will give him a long, hard look in the second round are the Dolphins, Jets, Saints and Broncos.
Kellen Davis - TE - Michigan State
If there is one tight end in this class that has Pro Bowl potential, it’s Davis. With the 6-foot-6 height and a 255-pound developed frame that has even more room to grow, there is a physical package that is NFL-ready. He really came on as a blocker late in the 2007 season and was being relied on as the guy to run behind when the tough yards were needed. As a receiver, where he can really make his mark in the NFL, he has refined his route running and ball skills. Unlike many tight ends coming out of college, he consistently catches the ball with his paws and not his body, an important positional trait in the NFL. Rookie tight ends usually struggle to see the field, but Davis will bring the proper blocking and receiving balance that could allow him to get in between the sidelines and make plays off the bat. The Seahawks, Bengals, Falcons and Lions are all expected to make a push for Davis.
Jeff Otah - OT - Pittsburgh
Prior to the 2007 season, Jeff Otah was projected as a middle-round prospect. However, as the season progressed and his elevation of play caught the eyes of scouts across the league, he worked his way into first round discussion. Unfortunately, the overrated NFL Combine did not treat his stock very well and the once No. 2 rated offensive tackle could potentially find himself behind the likes of Jake Long, Ryan Clady, Sam Baker, Chris Williams and Anthony Collins. Plain and simple, if there are NFL decision makers that pass this offensive tackle up because he does not look good in shorts and a T-shirt running a 40-yard dash (and he didn’t), they should relieve themselves of the position. Otah has the feet of Tony Ugoh in pass protection and the size/power combination of Marcus McNeill, two second round gems. Should he fall past the first 31 picks, look for the Dolphins, Jets, Falcons, Chiefs and Niners to express heavy interest.
Earl Bennett - WR - Vanderbilt
One of the main strengths of this year’s draft class is the wide receiver group as a whole. While there isn’t a clear-cut, top-notch prospect, there could end up being as many as four first round receivers called by Commissioner Roger Goodell. Bennett does not fall within the top five players, but at the end of the 2008 season he could be considered the top guy. Over the past three years, can anybody dispute the fact that the SEC has been the most competitive college football conference in the nation? Over the course of those three seasons, Bennett became the first receiver in conference history to notch 75 receptions in three consecutive years. His name is on top of the SEC’s career reception list and keep in mind, he did all of this without a fourth year. Something needs to be said for a guy who was voted as a first-team SEC receiver by the coaches all three years. He is the model of consistency and has some within the league remembering Jerry Rice when they watch him. He’ll get a slot receiver spot right away and could be a 60-plus catch rookie at least, should he stay away from the injury bug. The Panthers, Giants, Eagles, Steelers and Cowboys are expected to go after this kid.
Jonathan Hefney - DB - Tennessee
The man without a position. Too small for safety but not fast enough to play cornerback. When notes like that about a player who has consecutive seasons hovering around 100 tackles (in just 13 and 14 games a season) and 10 career interceptions along with 26 pass breakups in the SEC, one has to believe this guy just finds a way to get it done. Quite frankly there is a lot of Bob Sanders in Hefney from the way he storms into the box and lays the wood to finding himself near the ball on nearly every play. Some teams may be distracted by his lack of a true position but efficient front offices will get him onto the practice field for coaches to play with. One should not focus on his lack of a true position and realize that by getting him on the field can benefit a team in many ways. It was apparent that he was one of the most feared defensive backs in the SEC in 2007 as he was rarely challenged deep and quarterbacks tried to not throw in his general direction. Hefney may not even be a second rounder, but his impact will be felt right away should a team like the Giants, Patriots, Bears, Redskins or Jaguars go after him.