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I realise this thread is a bit of a stretch at this part of the cycle but we'll give it a go anyway. This is probably my favourite part of draft season; trying to find those late round options that fly below the radar. I apologise that I've mentioned many of these before but I just wanted a placeholder for prospects that add value but may never be starters or key backups.
What I'm looking for are prospects that probably offer special teams upside, ones that come with good character, prospects that you can file under "just do things right" and other characteristics that Vrabel and his team would appreciate. I don't just want to throw out any potential late round pick.
1. De'Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss
Lower production this year (38-533) probably doesn't mean he's likely to be drafted before day 3. He makes this list because he's the best graded draftable blocking WR in this draft. He's also very fast and of good size at 6-2, 210. Being such a good blocker tells me he's not afraid of contact which would bode well for special teams.
2. Ethan Burke, EDGE, Texas
Quite simply he's the highest graded senior special teamer who at least offers good run defense and occasional pass rush. At 6'6", he has three career blocked FGs including two this year. He's a 100% effort guy with excellent character - someone who would be ideal for the back of the roster or PS.
3. Lorenzo Styles Jr, S, Ohio State
Sonny's brother. He's a slightly undersized safety (6-1, 195) who hits hard but who's coverage grades aren't particularly strong (69.4). However, he featured on Bruce Feldman's freaks list, lifting heavy and topping 22mph and has Ohio State's only KO return for a TD in 15 years. He might be a little undersized for a gunner but he's fast and hits hard so it's not impossible. Ohio State + potential special teams demon sure sounds like a possible Vrabel pick.
4. Cole Wisniewski, S, Texas Tech
6-4 and 218lbs. Wisniewski may not have the range and short area quickness to be an NFL starting safety but he's built like, and hits like, a tank. I like him as a potential Marte Mapu replacement in that LB/S hybrid role. In the last 5 games of the season he had 15 defensive stops according to PFF, a measure that is used to define an offensive failure (TFL etc). With that size and tackling prowess, I think he's a good bet for a special teamer.
5. Cody Hardy, TE, NC State
Max Bredeson, TE/FB, Michigan
Will Kacmarek, TE, Ohio State
Three potential blocking TE3s/ FBs. These are three of the best blockers in this draft.
Blocking grades:
Cody Hardy - 80 run, 76.3 pass
Max Bredeson - 84.3 run, 78 pass
Will Kacmarek - 73.8 run, 71.4 pass
compare to Jackson Hawes, last years outstanding blocking TE
72.7 run, 74.4 pass
I very much want one of these in UDFA or late round 3.
What I'm looking for are prospects that probably offer special teams upside, ones that come with good character, prospects that you can file under "just do things right" and other characteristics that Vrabel and his team would appreciate. I don't just want to throw out any potential late round pick.
1. De'Zhaun Stribling, WR, Ole Miss
Lower production this year (38-533) probably doesn't mean he's likely to be drafted before day 3. He makes this list because he's the best graded draftable blocking WR in this draft. He's also very fast and of good size at 6-2, 210. Being such a good blocker tells me he's not afraid of contact which would bode well for special teams.
2. Ethan Burke, EDGE, Texas
Quite simply he's the highest graded senior special teamer who at least offers good run defense and occasional pass rush. At 6'6", he has three career blocked FGs including two this year. He's a 100% effort guy with excellent character - someone who would be ideal for the back of the roster or PS.
3. Lorenzo Styles Jr, S, Ohio State
Sonny's brother. He's a slightly undersized safety (6-1, 195) who hits hard but who's coverage grades aren't particularly strong (69.4). However, he featured on Bruce Feldman's freaks list, lifting heavy and topping 22mph and has Ohio State's only KO return for a TD in 15 years. He might be a little undersized for a gunner but he's fast and hits hard so it's not impossible. Ohio State + potential special teams demon sure sounds like a possible Vrabel pick.
4. Cole Wisniewski, S, Texas Tech
6-4 and 218lbs. Wisniewski may not have the range and short area quickness to be an NFL starting safety but he's built like, and hits like, a tank. I like him as a potential Marte Mapu replacement in that LB/S hybrid role. In the last 5 games of the season he had 15 defensive stops according to PFF, a measure that is used to define an offensive failure (TFL etc). With that size and tackling prowess, I think he's a good bet for a special teamer.
5. Cody Hardy, TE, NC State
Max Bredeson, TE/FB, Michigan
Will Kacmarek, TE, Ohio State
Three potential blocking TE3s/ FBs. These are three of the best blockers in this draft.
Blocking grades:
Cody Hardy - 80 run, 76.3 pass
Max Bredeson - 84.3 run, 78 pass
Will Kacmarek - 73.8 run, 71.4 pass
compare to Jackson Hawes, last years outstanding blocking TE
72.7 run, 74.4 pass
I very much want one of these in UDFA or late round 3.
