2012 Underrated Prospects 3/21

[Brown Leader]

Eight guys I think will outperform their draft position. Post yours.


1. Danny Trevathan OLB Kentucky

SEC leader in tackles the last 2 seasons has had a horrible post season and is falling off the radar. Declined to do a full workout at the combine then came up lame at his pro day. Actually growing since the players classic - 5'11 7/8 to 6'0 1/4 at the combine to 6'0 3/4 at his pro day. No matter, he plays bigger and faster than his measurables. A great run defender and covers like a safety. Reminds me of DQwell Jackson coming out.

2. Trevor Guyton DE/DT California

With the derth of DTs in this class this guy is getting overlooked. At 285 lbs he takes on the double team very well and clogs the inside run. He's also tenacious getting after the QB and leaves it all on the field. Fits as a 5T, 3T or 4NT. I'd take him over Still or Poe without a second thought.

3. Ronnell Lewis OLB Oklahoma

I think this guy could end up better than the lot of Ingram/Upshaw/Mercilus/Branch. Great feet and instincts. Undersized, but a great run defender and gets off blocks arguably better than any of the others. Not very polished as a pass rusher but he's got a natural burst off the ball. Demonstrated great open field movement and ball skills at his pro day. He's still pretty raw so he does all this somewhat naturally. Imo is the type that blows up after getting pro coaching. Looks like another James Harrison. Main concern is he's dealt with some injuries. (And check out Ronnell Lewis Highlights on youtube.)

4. Brock Osweiler QB Arizona State

Still has his scheduled pro day on the 30th to jolt his stock but the Tannehill/Weeden hype trains have long since left him behind. He's also dealt with unfavorable comparisons to Gabbert, primarily because of declaring too soon. The most athletic 6'7 guy I've ever seen at QB. Won't beat Tannehill in a race but has a surprising burst and coordination in and out the pocket. Despite being a huge target has the athletic ability to avoid killer shots. Worked out with Phillip Rivers last winter and it shows. He looks to have adopted Rivers' delivery in an attempt to quicken up his motion. Not the prettiest but he's had good accuracy from what I've seen. Is quick enough to reset his feet and stands in and fires against the rush=the biggest difference between him and Gabbert. Will not be ready as a rookie but isn't that far from Josh Freeman as a prospect.

5. Rodney Stewart RB Colorado

Devoid of any draft buzz but Stewart is a Darren Sproles/Leon Washington clone who will make a squad and contribute. Led the Buffaloes in rushing and receiving and is more powerful/durable than he looks.

6. Brandon Lindsey OLB/DE Pittsburgh

Has fallen off the radar after a solid start to his Pitt season. But impressed at the Shrine playing out of position and posted one of the faster 10yd splits at the combine.

7. Austin Davis QB Southern Mississippi

The first prospect to turn down a combine invite but elect to be a thrower at the event. It worked. He put a consistent ball out there with zip and accuracy. Experienced 4 year starter who shows poise and above average athletic ability in the pocket. Similar, but looks like a better prospect than T.J. Yates to me.

8. Dwayne Allen TE Clemson

Thoroughly impressed with this guy at the combine and reading about his pro day. Moves fluidly for a big guy and hand catches everything. Showed open field yac ability at Clemson and should be a threat there in the pros too. Wasn't asked to block so it's a projection how he'll do there but has the strength and size. Refused to redo his 4.9 40 saying, “I’m not a track guy, I’m a football player”. Can't argue with that because the guy is definitely faster during games. Looks like a compact Jermaine Gresham and has as much upside. Probably comes off the board after Fleener but will play like a top 12 pick.

[gpngc]

Edit these and name schools please.

And then the Mychal Kendricks posts flood in...

[RWills]

Lindsey fell off because he was exposed, no pass rush moves, relies on his first step, you get arms on him he is done.

Here are my sleepers

RB - Vick Ballard - Mississippi State - can block and catch, will suprise some
WR - Junior Hemmingway - Michigan - Has the size and better than expected triangle numbers
OT - Tom Compton - South Dakota - Has the size and feet to develop into a starter some day
G/C - Joe Looney - Wake Forest - A guard who can play center, very underrated
DT - Akiem Hicks - Regina - Reminds me of Linval Joseph
CB - Ron Brooks - LSU - Will play early because of his time in the slot..played behind 3 1st rounders
CB - Asa Jackson - California - Great attitude and athlete, very short arms
CB - Omar Bolden - Arizona State - getting back from injury, was a second round playr before injruy
S - Brandon Hardin - Oregon State - Don't know why he does't get more press
S - DJ Campbell - California - ditto above
S - Charles Mitchell - Mississippi State - will suprise some, very versatile

[Caulibflower]

I like Dwayne Allen, too. Makes me think of Pettigrew, Gresham, Heath Miller a bit, Zach Miller. Maybe even a little Antonio Gates. Big-bodied, smooth, soft hands, has the size to block but isn't really a "deep threat."

[SuperPacker]

Originally Posted by Brown Leader

4. Brock Osweiler QB

Still has his scheduled pro day on the 30th to jolt his stock but the Tannehill/Weeden hype trains have long since left him behind. He's also dealt with unfavorable comparisons to Gabbert, primarily because of declaring too soon. The most athletic 6'7 guy I've ever seen at QB. Won't beat Tannehill in a race but has a surprising burst and coordination in and out the pocket. Despite being a huge target has the athletic ability to avoid killer shots. Worked out with Phillip Rivers last summer and it shows. He looks to have adopted Rivers' delivery in an attempt to quicken up his motion. Not the prettiest but he's had good accuracy from what I've seen. Is quick enough to reset his feet and stands in and fires against the rush=the biggest difference between him and Gabbert. Will not be ready as a rookie but isn't that far from Josh Freeman as a prospect.

[Caulibflower]

Originally Posted by gpngc

Edit these and name schools please.

And then the Mychal Kendricks posts flood in...

You've got me liking Mychal Kendricks a lot. He's super fast, is great at slipping by blockers and is physical when he should be. Pretty impressive watching him push Andrew Luck out of bounds before the first down line with one arm while diving, or dipping through the middle of an offensive line on his way to a sack. Saw him get stood up watching the Stanford tape, but then realized the other guy was David DeCastro. :) If he makes it past the second some team's going to have a steal (...Navorro Bowman II? But faster.) I don't expect him to, but playing ILB does seem to mean you might not get picked as high as your play warrants.

[duesouth]

Originally Posted by RWills

CB - Ron Brooks - LSU - Will play early because of his time in the slot..played behind 3 1st rounders

The more I watch Brooks, the more I like him - think you can do a lot with him and he's got a ton of upside.

[Brown Leader]

2 more.

B.J. Cunningham WR Michigan State

Checked out the Ohio State game again and this guy was physically abusing that secondary all game. He made Cousins look very good this season. Hasn't put up impressive measurables but he's got strong hands, easily catches in a crowd and once he gets the ball he can instantly get upfield with quickness and power in a Miles Austin fashion.

Keith Tandy DB West Virgina

Just quick, aggressive and makes plays. Has performed well this post season, showing a little better than expected athletic ability. Reminds me of Alterraun Verner. The type that steps in and contributes much sooner than expected.

[Asteinebach]

Originally Posted by SuperPacker

Brock Osweiler has a better chance at having a successful pro career than Tannehill.

[Punisher]

Originally Posted by Caulibflower

I like Dwayne Allen, too. Makes me think of Pettigrew, Gresham, Heath Miller a bit, Zach Miller. Maybe even a little Antonio Gates. Big-bodied, smooth, soft hands, has the size to block but isn't really a "deep threat."

How many "deep threats" are there at Tight End in the NFL?

[SenorGato]

Amongst guys who are first round talents I'm throwing out Mark Barron. Pure safety prospects who looks like a day one started at either slot, but positional value and lack of workout numbers will make him a steal for one of the teams in the 20s.

[Caulibflower]

Originally Posted by Punisher

How many "deep threats" are there at Tight End in the NFL?

If I were to list guys I think qualify as threats specifically to secondaries, guys who safeties have to always look out as a threat to break downfield...

Gronk, Dustin Keller, Brent Celek, Jermichael Finely, Tony Scheffler, Owen Daniels, Jared Cook, Vernon Davis, Jimmy Graham. Add or subtract a name, but there's obviously some common traits among these guys, and they're distinguishable from others listed at the same position in that they pose a greater threat in the passing attack; they are all capable of picking up yards in big chunks. Other tight ends, even guys like Jason Witton, Gonzalez, Gates, and other who catch lots of passes, lack the explosiveness to get underneath deep balls consistently or break off long runs after the catch. So I'm saying I think Allen can be a good NFL tight end, and think he'll help a passing game, but he's not a threat to take it to the end zone from his side of the 50.

[holt_bruce81]

Some IMO.....

1. Alshon Jeffery WR
2. TY Hilton WR
3. Ronnie Hillman RB
4. Travis Lewis LB
5. Russell Wilson QB
6. Dominique Hamilton DT

[regoob2]

Originally Posted by Caulibflower

If I were to list guys I think qualify as threats specifically to secondaries, guys who safeties have to always look out as a threat to break downfield...

Gronk, Dustin Keller, Brent Celek, Jermichael Finely, Tony Scheffler, Owen Daniels, Jared Cook, Vernon Davis, Jimmy Graham. Add or subtract a name, but there's obviously some common traits among these guys, and they're distinguishable from others listed at the same position in that they pose a greater threat in the passing attack; they are all capable of picking up yards in big chunks. Other tight ends, even guys like Jason Witton, Gonzalez, Gates, and other who catch lots of passes, lack the explosiveness to get underneath deep balls consistently or break off long runs after the catch. So I'm saying I think Allen can be a good NFL tight end, and think he'll help a passing game, but he's not a threat to take it to the end zone from his side of the 50.

Greg Olsen too.

[keylime_5]

I think Levy Adcock is pretty underrated. Very good right tackle in college who looked like a 2nd or 3rd round pick. Thing is he is strictly a right tackle and how high do you draft a guy who is only a right tackle? Not the upside you'd like, but a pretty safe pick IMO. I think he can be a day one starter in the NFL though like Jason Pinkston, only at RT instead of LG so there is no transition like there was with Pinkston (who was a LT in college).

[Master Exploder]

Russell Wilson, Bobby Rainey, Michael Egnew, Matt McCants, Danny Trevathan are a few of my favorites.

[RaiderNation]

I feel Nick Perry is a very underrated 1st round prospect, and has the chance to be the 3rd pass rusher off the board after Ingram and Coples/Upshaw. I like Perry over Mercilus well.

A 2/3 round prospect I like is Tommy Streeter who's big WR with speed that looked the part of a NFL WR last year. A late rounder who's underrated is Derek Wolfe, who can be a very effective 3-4 DE for a team.

[SenorGato]

Mark Barron
Nick Perry
Peter Konz?

[SolidGold]

I think Derek Wolfe is a good player. I projected him to be a third rounder. I just read Mel Kiper's most recent mock and he has Wolfe going at the end of the first to New England. I wonder if he is one of those guys quietly climbing up draft boards.

[duesouth]

Originally Posted by SolidGold

I think Derek Wolfe is a good player. I projected him to be a third rounder. I just read Mel Kiper's most recent mock and he has Wolfe going at the end of the first to New England. I wonder if he is one of those guys quietly climbing up draft boards.

If the Pats are going to be using the 2 gap base 3-4 at all, then Wolfe doesn't fit - his arms are way too short (32.5"). Was talking with a Pats fan on another message board and saying there's not much in terms of two gap help this year - Brockers and Cox have long arms, but both will be long gone (unless they - shock - trade up) - other than that the Hicks kid from Regina and maybe Devon Still. Of course if they go more 4-3 then Wolfe might fit, but I think there are better options - Brandon Brooks dominated Wolfe in their matchup this year.

[RWills]

Originally Posted by duesouth

If the Pats are going to be using the 2 gap base 3-4 at all, then Wolfe doesn't fit - his arms are way too short (32.5"). Was talking with a Pats fan on another message board and saying there's not much in terms of two gap help this year - Brockers and Cox have long arms, but both will be long gone (unless they - shock - trade up) - other than that the Hicks kid from Regina and maybe Devon Still. Of course if they go more 4-3 then Wolfe might fit, but I think there are better options - Brandon Brooks dominated Wolfe in their matchup this year.

He does fit a Mike Wright role type but we filled that in FA...

He is right..I like the guy too but he doesnt fit the base defense, Brockers is the perfect fit, I think Brandon Thompson can fit on the left side, I also like Malik Jackson, he can easily weigh over 300 and not loose his quickness, he is at 290 right now other than late round guys like Tony Jerrod-Eddie and Dominique Hamilton

[descendency]

Originally Posted by Asteinebach

Brock Osweiler has a better chance at having a successful pro career than Tannehill.

I'll take that bet.

---

I'm going to steal a name from another fellow Patriots fan: Ron Brooks, DB, LSU. His talent level is very high and his play has been very good. His problem is there are 3 first rounders at LSU at CB and 2 very high picks at safety. He's played a ton of special teams and knows all of LSUs DB positions. I can see the Patriots being interesting in the 4th or even 3rd round. I wouldn't be too shocked if they used their own 2nd to take him (pick 63? I forget...).

Originally Posted by duesouth

If the Pats are going to be using the 2 gap base 3-4 at all, then Wolfe doesn't fit - his arms are way too short (32.5"). Was talking with a Pats fan on another message board and saying there's not much in terms of two gap help this year - Brockers and Cox have long arms, but both will be long gone (unless they - shock - trade up) - other than that the Hicks kid from Regina and maybe Devon Still. Of course if they go more 4-3 then Wolfe might fit, but I think there are better options - Brandon Brooks dominated Wolfe in their matchup this year.

Kendall Reyes is a prototypical fit, to me.

Originally Posted by Punisher

How many "deep threats" are there at Tight End in the NFL?

You aren't going to split many of them out like an X, but there is definitely some options to attack deep with almost all TEs. Even Rob Gronkowski (when healthy) can run a seem route and catch the ball over a safety.

[TheFinisher]

Haha I was gonna say Ron Brooks too but I see you guys have already stole my thunder, damnit. He'll probably come off the board around the 5th and I can see him being a good slot corner and special teams warrior, if not more than that. Like Descendency said, his problem was that he played on a team with 2 top 10 picks and another who was a Heisman finalist.

A.J. Jenkins is another guy who's underrated IMO, I see him being left out of many top 10 WR lists. I actually think he's got the tools to be a solid #2 guy, but at the very least be a very good #3. There's no one part of his game that is elite, but as a package he's a pretty complete receiver with not many faults. 6'0 190lbs with 4.41 speed, good body control, smart route runner, and good hands. He could stand to get a little stronger, but I don't think it's crazy to think he could be one of the top 3-5 most successful receivers from this class.

[RWills]

I agree, dont know why Jenkins doesnt get much love...same goes for Marvin Jones

I think it is because of how deep the WR class is

[ramsrule]

Travis Benjamin. Has speed to burn and can return punts. Will be better than Hilton IMO.