WHAT NON-BCS PLAYERS SHOULD TEAMS TARGET?
WHAT NON-BCS PLAYERS SHOULD TEAMS TARGET?
While every NFL team has its wish-list, the NFL Draft can dash those wishes in a hurry as player after player comes off of the board. Teams are often left scrambling to fill a need after losing their priority players to other teams. Here are some non-BCS suggestions from MartyandMatt.com for teams looking to fill their top three needs (based on NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah). In many cases, we suggested players from teams’ own backyards. While some players will be drafted others will be available as undrafted free agents.
1. Houston Texans
2013 Record: 2-14
Team needs: QB, RT, OLB
QB - JIMMY GAROPPOLO - Eastern Illinois University - Won the Walter Payton Award as the top player in FCS. Possesses a quick release and senses pressure and either gets rid of the ball or uses his athleticism to buy time. Started 45 consecutive games and has had no major injuries; very important for a Texans’ team that is too often limited by injuries. Legit NFL prospect as he proved in post-season all-star games. Plays big in big games.
Alternative: DUSTIN VAUGHAN - West Texas A&M
RT - BILLY TURNER - North Dakota State - Strong, athletic offensive lineman who moved into the starting lineup as a true freshman. Father was drafted by the Vikings and brother by the Giants. Held his own at the Senior Bowl impressing scouts with his strength at the point of attack and body position.
Alternative: DANNY KISTLER - University of Montana
OLB - NATE DREILING - Pittsburg State - One of the premier players in NCAA Division II who secured his place in history as the second position player in school history to garner All-America honors in all four seasons. 2011 NCAA Division II National Defensive Player of the Year.
Alternative: STEPHON ROBERTSON - James Madison University
2. Washington Redskins
2013 Record: 3-13
Team needs: S, OL, LB
S - STEVEN WILLIS - Webber International - Finished the year ranked fifth in the NAIA Division I with 11.6 tackles per game. Had an amazing year with the Warriors. He was the leading tackler in the Independent conference.
Alternative: JAMES ZOTTO - Wofford College
OT - JOSH BUCCI - Villanova University - Provides size, strength up front. Intelligent player, plays guard and tackle. Line was again one of the team's strong points and team finished leading the CAA in rushing yds/game for the 2nd straight year. Average of 250.9 rushing yds/game is 8th in the nation. Team ran for a total of 2,760 yds and the line allowed only 29 sacks in 11 contests.
Alternative: MARC MURTHA - University of South Dakota
LB - KEATON STIGGER - Henderson State - Led the conference in tackles while also leading in rushing TDs with 15 as a FB. Ended his career with 303 tackles including 26 tackles for lost yardage in three seasons. Very consistent, high energy guy who earned National and GAC Defensive Player of the Week honors three times in 2013. Transfer from Central Arkansas.
Alternative: WES DOTHARD - University of Tennessee – Chattanooga
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
2013 Record: 4-12
Team needs: QB, RB, OT
QB - BROCK JENSEN - North Dakota State – Jaguars need a championship attitude and who better to do it with than a consistent champion who is a tough competitor with all the tools; a strong arm, quick feet, great intelligence and accuracy. Led NDSU to three straight FCS Championships.
Alternative: JEFF MATHEWS - Cornell University
RB - TERRANCE WEST - Towson State - Skipping his senior season to enter the NFL draft. Has a pro body, runs with authority and is explosive. Owns the school record with 86 career touchdowns and finished with 4,584 career rushing yards. His 42 total touchdowns and 252 points were both NCAA FCS single season records.
Alternative: FRANKLYN QUITEH – Bloomsburg University
OT - DANNY KISTLER - University of Montana - Great feet and good feel for technique and mechanics. Proved that the high school injuries were a fluke as he was a three-year starter at tackle and guard (his sophomore year), had 27 starts in a row as a junior and senior, and played in 48 career games, with 42 career starts. Served as the the Grizzlies' offensive co-captain his senior year.
Alternative: KADEEM WILLIAMS - University of Albany (NY)
4. Cleveland Browns
2013 Record: 4-12
Team needs: QB, OG, RB
QB - DUSTIN VAUGHAN - West Texas A&M – Provided they don’t move up for a first round QB and if Garappolo is gone, Vaughan would be a welcome addition to the Browns offense. Only quarterback at any level to pass for 5,000 yards in '13 as he led the nation in passing and was second in passing yards per game. His 53 TD passes also led the nation and was the most in conference history in a season, as well as being third-most all-time in Division II. His 5,401 passing yards are the most all-time in Division II.
Alternative: TYLER SYKORA - Southern Arkansas University
OG - KADEEM EDWARDS - Tennessee State - Scouts love his physique, a relatively trim middle at 308 pounds and had the longest reach of any of the athletes at the Senior Bowl - 34½ inches.
Alternative: BRIAN CLARKE – Bloomsburg
RB - LORENZO TALIAFERRO - Coastal Carolina – Browns need a big, pounding durable back. Real workhorse who put up some great numbers despite facing some of the best rushing defenses in the nation. Set 12 CCU season records and 5 Big South season records. Played just 2 seasons at Coastal and the feature back for just one season, but stills ranks 3rd on the CCU career rushing list (2,086 yards) and 3rd in TDs.(34).
Alternative: ISAIAH CROWELL - Alabama State
5. Oakland Raiders
2013 Record: 4-12
Team needs: QB, OL, WR
QB - BROCK JENSEN - North Dakota State – Like the Jaguars, the Raiders need a championship attitude and who better to do it with than a consistent champion who is a tough competitor with all the tools; a strong arm, quick feet, great intelligence and accuracy. Led NDSU to three straight FCS Championships.
Alternative: ROBBIE NALLENWEG - Wingate University
OL - MATT FEILER - Bloomsburg University - Was an anchor for the Huskies offensive line for the past three seasons. Started 35 straight games for the Huskies between offensive tackle and guard during his time in maroon and gold. His dominant play was critical for the success of the Bloomsburg offense.
Alternative: ERIC PIKE - Towson University – FCS
WR - JEFF JANIS - Saginaw Valley – Instead of going after THE fastest guy, its time for the Raiders to get someone with decent speed who can catch the damn ball. Earned his second-consecutive GLIAC “Offensive Back of the Year” award after posting another monster season for the Cardinals. Run a 4.4/40 yd, sometimes faster. Finished his career owning two of the three best seasons regarding receiving yards (league games only) in the history of the GLIAC.
Alternative: GREG HARDIN - University of North Dakota
6. Atlanta Falcons
2013 Record: 4-12
Team needs: OLB, OT, TE
OLB: JORDAN TRIPP - University of Montana - Invited to participate in the 65th Annual Senior Bowl. A rare five-time letterman, he is ranked fourth in school history with 336 career tackles. He played in 52 career games and started in 38. He set a school standard with 10 career fumble recoveries.
Alternative: LeRON FURR - Fort Valley State
OT - DOMINIC PAGLIATA - Eastern Illinois - Part of the high powered Panther offense rank in the top 3 in the nation in scoring offense, passing offense and total offense the entire season. He graded out at over 92 percent for the season and the team ranked in the top 10 in fewest number of TFLs allowed this season. Blocked for Jimmy Garoppolo.
Alternative: TEVON CONRAD - Saginaw Valley State
TE - MICHAEL FLACCO - University of New Haven - 26-year-old sophomore tight end enters the NFL Draft after just one season of college football after spending four years pursuing a baseball career in the minor leagues with the Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox. Brother of Ravens' Joe Flacco. Extremely raw prospect , just one year of college football, but athletic.
Alternative: MICHAEL McLAFFERTY - Monmouth University
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2013 Record: 4-12
Needs: OT, OG, CB
OT - ERIE LADSON, Jr. - University of Delaware - A 3-year starter at offensive tackle. He played in 48 games and started each of the final 23 games of his career. A member of 2010 NCAA national runner-up squad. This past season helped offense score 30 or more points 8 times and rank 2nd in the CAA in scoring offense (31.2 points/game) and 3rd in passing offense (240.0 yard/game).
Alternative: TAYLOR SPRAGUE - Trine University
OG - DAN KRUGER - Northern Iowa University - Started all 12 games for UNI, helping to create holes in the opposing defensive line, allowing the UNI running back corps to gain 1,962 yards on the ground this season. Part of the offensive line that only allowed 16 sacks during the season and was ranked fifth in the MVFC in tackles for loss allowed.
Alternative: TCHISSAKID PLAYER - Northwestern State
CB - PIERRE DESIR - Lindenwood University - Transfer from Washburn where he was also All-American. Big-bodied corner who has been clocked as fast as 4.46 in the 40-yard dash. Good speed and athleticism. Scouts impressed with size and very good but raw talent. One of the most feared defenders in the nation as opponents constantly avoided passing the ball in his direction.
Alternative: BRANDON DIXON - Northwest Missouri State
8. Minnesota Vikings
2013 Record: 5-10-1
Team needs: QB, OG, S
QB - BROCK JENSEN - North Dakota State – Garappolo or Jensen is what the doctor ordered. Jensen is a tough competitor who has all the tools; a strong arm, quick feet, great intelligence and accuracy. Led NDSU to three straight FCS Championships.
Alternative: ZACH ZULLI – Shippensburg
OG - CRAIG WATTS - West Texas A&M - Completed an outstanding career for the Buffs on the offensive line. He played and started all 14 games. He didn't allow a sack in 691 pass attempts and had 34 knockdowns while grading out at 91% in 2013.
Alternative - PRESLEY GODSON - Grand View
S- JACK MORO - St. Cloud State - Has seven mulit-interception games in his career including two in 2013. On Sept. 28, for the third time in his career he collected three picks. Broke the school record for interceptions in a career this season and has 21 to his credit, breaking the old mark of 19.
Alternative: L.J. McCRAY - Catawba College
9. Buffalo Bills
2013 Record: 6-10
Team needs: RT, LB, WR
RT - BILLY TURNER - North Dakota State - Strong, athletic offensive lineman who moved into the starting lineup as a true freshman. Father was drafted by the Vikings and brother by the Giants. Held his own at the Senior Bowl impressing scouts with his strength at the point of attack and body position.
Alternative: CODY HOLLAND - Pittsburg State
LB - CQULIN HUBERT - Southeastern Louisiana State - Transfer from Texas Tech. Led a Lion defense that led the Southland Conference in scoring and total defense. Team surrended just 22.7 points/game. Top notch prospect.
Alternative: CARLOS FIELDS, Jr. - Winston-Salem State
WR - ERIK LORA - Eastern Illinois - In 2012, set FCS Single Season Reception Record with 136 catches. Earned first team All-American honors for the 2nd straight year becoming the first EIU player to accomplish that feat. Owns the EIU and OVC single season records for receptions, receiving yards and TD receptions. Finished career 2nd on the FCS receptions chart.
Alternative: GIOVANNI APRILE – Queen’s University
10. Detroit Lions
2013 Record: 7-9
Team needs: S, CB, OT
S - DEXTER MOODY - Albany State - Highly recruited, lost scholarship to Georgia due to poor test scores and kicked off Georgia State squad for his role in a bar fight. The linebacker-turned-safety turned it around at ASU. Named the Most Valuable Player of the 2013 SIAC Football Championship game.
Alternative: DEWEY MCDONALD - University of California (PA)
CB - BRANDON DIXON - Northwest Missouri State - Participated in the 2014 NFL Combine. Helped lead the Bearcats to the 2013 NCAA Division II football championship. A defensive standout for the Bearcats, concluded his two-year career with numerous national accolades.
Alternative: MARCUS WILLIAMS - North Dakota State
OT - TEVON CONRAD - Saginaw Valley State - Was an anchor for a senior-laden offensive line that helped pile-up 476.7 yards of total offense per game and score 37.8 points per contest. Not only did the line contribute to the team's 3,469 total passing yards, but it produced 2,251 rushing yards as well.
Alternative: KYLE JOHNSON - Southwest Minnesota State
11. Tennessee Titans
2013 Record: 7-9
Team needs: QB, CB, RB
QB - BROCK JENSEN - North Dakota State – Jensen would be a great fit for the Titans who probably won’t pick a QB until later in the draft. Jensen is a tough competitor who has all the tools; a strong arm, quick feet, great intelligence and accuracy. Led NDSU to three straight FCS Championships.
Alternative: JOSH HOLLINGSWORTH - Faulkner University
CB - PIERRE DESIR - Lindenwood University - Transfer from Washburn where he was also All-American. Big-bodied corner who has been clocked as fast as 4.46 in the 40-yard dash. Good speed and athleticism. Scouts impressed with size and very good but raw talent. One of the most feared defenders in the nation as opponents constantly avoided passing the ball in his direction.
Alternative: LAVELLE WESTBROOKS - Georgia Southern
RB - FRANKLYN QUITEH – Bloomsburg University - Worked tirelessly on his speed, agility, foot work, and ball security with a goal to become the best back in the nation. A player with great vision as a runner. Second all-time in Division II history with 7,523 yards, most-ever in PSAC history. Lost just 40 yards in over 260 carries.
Alternative: TIMOTHY FLANDERS - Sam Houston State
12. New York Giants
2013 Record: 7-9
Team needs: DT, WR, CB
DT - JAMIE MEDER - Ashland University - Has been one of the most dominating players in the GLIAC. Now recognized on the national level as one of the best d-linemen in D-II. While perhaps not an elite athlete, shows awareness and strength to make big plays as he showed in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. Garnering a lot of interest for his smart and consistent line play.
Alternative: CARAUN REID - Princeton University
WR - JOHN BROWN - Pittsburg State – Giants could really use a burner like Brown. All-American as both a wide receiver and a return specialist, a speedster with 4.35 speed, an electric player. Transfer from Mars Hill where he was SAC Freshman of the Year. Invited to the 2014 East-West Shrine Game.
Alternative: MATT HAZEL - Coastal Carolina University
CB - LAVELLE WESTBROOKS - Georgia Southern - A four-year starter at both cornerback and safety. Finished his career with 7 Ints and 20 PBUs to go along with 147 total tackles. Tied for sixth on the Georgia Southern all-time list for PBUs and ranks among the top Eagles for career Ints. Well-rounded, physical cornerback with calm and focused demeanor.
Alternative: MALCOLM BUTLER - University of West Alabama
13. St. Louis Rams
2013 Record: 7-9
Team needs: WR, OL, S
WR - JOHN BROWN - Pittsburg State - All-American as both a wide receiver and a return specialist, a speedster with 4.35 speed, an electric player. Transfer from Mars Hill where he was SAC Freshman of the Year. Invited to the 2014 East-West Shrine Game.
Alternative: COREY WASHINGTON - Newberry College
OL - LAURENT DUVERNAY-TARDIF - McGill University - Physically gifted lineman who is a medical student. Incredibly athletic, polished and technically sound, but brings a mean streak to the field. Ranked as the #1 CFL prospect by the CFL Scouting Bureau. Could play any O-line position.
Alternative: MATT HALL - Belhaven University
14. Chicago Bears
2013 Record: 8-8
Team needs: S, CB, DT
S - JEROME COUPLIN, III - College of William and Mary - Team captain, Established himself as one of the nation’s top defensive players and was a finalist for the Buchanan Award. Ranked third in the conference with 9.1 tackles per game, a figure that ranked first among defensive backs.
Alternative: JAYCOB COLEMAN - Carson-Newman
CB - PIERRE DESIR - Lindenwood University - Transfer from Washburn where he was also All-American. Big-bodied corner who has been clocked as fast as 4.46 in the 40-yard dash. Good speed and athleticism. Scouts impressed with size and very good but raw talent. One of the most feared defenders in the nation as opponents constantly avoided passing the ball in his direction.
Alternative: JUSTIN BELL - Ohio Dominican University
DT - SULLIVAN GROSZ - Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo – This is the kind of guy Bears and Bears’ fans would love. Made 188 tackles (103 solo stops) in his four-year Mustang career, including 40.5 tackles for lost yardage and 22 sacks, No. 5 all-time at Cal Poly. Did not miss a game in his four seasons at Cal Poly and started 35 straight contests. Landed on College Sporting News' Fabulous Fifty for the 2013 football season.
Alternative: ZACK KERR - University of Delaware
15. Pittsburgh Steelers
2013 Record: 8-8
Team needs: CB, DL, WR
CB - MARCUS WILLIAMS - North Dakota State – Williams fits the Steeler mold. Big time playmaker with excellent athleticism and speed. Always working hard to improve strength and technique. His consistent high-level of play makes him an legit NFL prospect.
Alternative: DEVIN WALLACE - Virginia Union
DL - ZACH MOORE - Concordia-St. Paul - Two-time NSIC sack champion, a former All-American and three-time All-NSIC defensive lineman. Was a finalist for the Cliff Harris Defensive Player of the Year and a nominee for the Gene Upshaw D-II Lineman of the Year award. His 33.0 career sacks rank 9th in D-II history which established a school career record.
Alternative: TERRENCE FEDE - Marist University
WR - ZACHARY PENDLETON - Jackson State University - Exploded onto the scene in his senior year with a 1000+ yard season. Showed his ability to get downfield and put points on the board. Good size, speed and hands.A big-play receiver. He’s big and fast. He has good moves in the open field.
Alternative: GIANNI CARTER - Duquesne University
16. Dallas Cowboys
2013 Record: 8-8
Team needs: DT, DE, S
DT - CARAUN REID - Princeton University – They could use some brains in Dallas and Reid can provide athletic ability and intelligence. Impressed scouts at Senior Bowl with his well-built frame, quickness and rush skills. He had a pair of sacks on back-to-back plays and showcased his speed, lateral burst and hand skills. At Princeton, he overcame double- and triple-teams all season to become one of the league’s most disruptive forces.
Alternative: NNAMDI OBUKWELU - Harvard University
DE - CHRIS SCHAUDT - Minnesota State - Stands as MSU's all-time leader in tackles for loss (58.5), tackles for loss yardage (280) and sacks (33.5). Talented athlete, intelligent with outstanding drive and instincts.
Alternative: BLAKE OLIARO - University of San Diego
S - JAKE EDMISTON - Colorado-Mesa University - An ILB/OLB who was the NCAA statistical champion in Div. II for tackles per game (16.1) and solo tackles per game (9.3). Both were NCAA season records.
Alternative: LUCKY DOZIER - Northern Arizona University
17. Baltimore Ravens
2013 Record: 8-8
Team needs: C, RT, S
C - JARED SINGLETON - Wofford College - 2013 FCS Rimington Trophy winner. Started 27 consecutive games at center over the past three seasons and a total of 37 starts in his four-year career with the Terriers.
Alternative: MATT ARMSTRONG - Grand Valley State
RT - CODY HOLLAND - Pittsburg State - Anchored an offensive line that helped the Gorillas average 46.5 points and 499.0 total yards per game on the season. Moved to left tackle from the right side for the 2013 season. Earned All-MIAA honors in the shot put.
Alternative: ERIE LADSON, Jr. - University of Delaware
S - MICHAEL GREEN - Lenoir-Rhyne University - A three-time all-league and all-region selection (2011-13), led the South Atlantic Conference in interceptions (eight) this year and returned three of those picks for scores.
Alternative: JACK MORO - St. Cloud State
18. New York Jets
2013 Record: 8-8
Team needs: OG, WR, CB
OG - TCHISSAKID PLAYER - Northwestern State – Jets need some toughness and this guy fits the bill. Was the top-grading offensive lineman for the Demons this season. Was the only one to grade 80 percent or better in all seven Southland games. Player graded 80 percent or better in nine of 12 games, tops on the NSU team. Graded 88 percent in two of the last three games, and had the team's highest O-line grade six times.
Alternative: MIKE NELSON - Central Washington University
WR - GREG HARDIN - University of North Dakota - Set career-highs in receiving yards (1,153), receptions (67) and kickoff return yards (854). Finished his career with 5,052 all-purpose yards, which is the third-highest total in school history. He broke overall UND record for career receiving yardage with 3,583 and had 3 KORs for TDs in his career.
Alternative: FREDDIE MARTINO, Jr. - North Greenville University
CB - PIERRE DESIR - Lindenwood University – Jets really need a playmaker or two in the defensive backfield. Transfer from Washburn where he was also All-American. Big-bodied corner who has been clocked as fast as 4.46 in the 40-yard dash. Good speed and athleticism. Scouts impressed with size and very good but raw talent. One of the most feared defenders in the nation as opponents constantly avoided passing the ball in his direction.
Alternative: LAVELLE WESTBROOKS - Georgia Southern
19. Miami Dolphins
2013 Record: 8-8
Team needs: RT, OG, RB
RT - KADEEM WILLIAMS - University of Albany (NY) - Gets good extension on opponents. Good athlete with a basketball background. Great combination blocker and pass protector. Tough year for team may have kept him out of post-season honors.
Alternative: JOSH BUCCI - Villanova University
OG - DAN KRUGER - Northern Iowa University - Started all 12 games for UNI, helping to create holes in the opposing defensive line, allowing the UNI running back corps to gain 1,962 yards on the ground this season. Part of the offensive line that only allowed 16 sacks during the season and was ranked fifth in the MVFC in tackles for loss allowed.
Alternative: ARMAND JENIFER - John Hopkins
RB - LORENZO TALIAFERRO - Coastal Carolina – Dolphins need an every down, big, pounding durable back. Real workhorse who put up some great numbers despite facing some of the best rushing defenses in the nation. Set 12 CCU season records and 5 Big South season records. Played just 2 seasons at Coastal and the feature back for just one season, but stills ranks 3rd on the CCU career rushing list (2,086 yards) and 3rd in TDs.(34).
Alternative: THEO BARTMAN - Northwestern (IA)
20. Arizona Cardinals
2013 Record: 10-6
Team needs: CB, S, QB
CB - ANDERS BATTLE - Northern Arizona University - Son of CFL Hall-of-Famer Greg Battle. An athletic and quick corner with real football intelligence. Knows his duty and understands how it fits into the defensive scheme. Quality prospect.
Alternative: TYREE MILLS - Southern Utah University
S - TRELAN TAYLOR - Chadron State - Plays the middle of the field as well as anyone, good leader. In 2012, had one of the most productive seasons in recent memory at CSC and was placed on the AP Little All-American First Team the first CSC player to be honored since Danny Woodhead.
Alternative: BEAU LANDRY – University of Western Ontario
QB - DUSTIN VAUGHAN - West Texas A&M - Only quarterback at any level to pass for 5,000 yards in '13 as he led the nation in passing and was second in passing yards per game. His 53 TD passes also led the nation and was the most in conference history in a season, as well as being third-most all-time in Division II. His 5,401 passing yards are the most all-time in Division II.
Alternative: CHRIS MILLS - University of Indianapolis
21. Green Bay Packers
2013 Record: 8-7-1
Team needs: DL, S, WR
DL - ZACH MOORE - Concordia-St. Paul - Two-time NSIC sack champion, a former All-American and three-time All-NSIC defensive lineman. Was a finalist for the Cliff Harris Defensive Player of the Year and a nominee for the Gene Upshaw D-II Lineman of the Year award. His 33.0 career sacks rank 9th in D-II history which established a school career record.
Alternative: ANTHONY GRADY - Missouri State
S - JACK MORO - St. Cloud State - Has seven mulit-interception games in his career including two in 2013. On Sept. 28, for the third time in his career he collected three picks. Broke the school record for interceptions in a career this season and has 21 to his credit, breaking the old mark of 19.
Alternative: JARRID BRYANT - University of South Dakota
WR: MATT HAZEL - Coastal Carolina University - Scouts at the East-West Shrine game learned what teams in the Big South already knew - if you throw the ball near this guy, he's going to catch it. Not a speedster but has decent speed and his overall receiving talents more than compensate for any shortcomings.
Alternative: RYLEY BAILEY - University of Wisconsin-Platteville
22. Philadelphia Eagles
2013 Record: 10-6
Team needs: S, OLB, DL
S - DEWEY MCDONALD - University of California (PA) - The first PSAC player in over a decade to return three Ints for TDs in a season, ranked 6th in the country with 156 interception return yards. Recorded double-digit tackles four times in 2013. Transfer from Fairmont State, finished career ranked 2nd among active players in D-II with 475 Int return yards and 4 Int returns for TDs.
Alternative: TERRELL HOLLOWAY - Indiana University (PA)
OLB - JAKE METZ – Shippensburg University – College DE with great size, quickness, outstanding athleticism and strong desire. A tough player, hard-working, loves the weight room and just loves playing the game.
Alternative: CARL FLEMING - Indiana University (PA)
DL - TERRENCE FEDE - Marist University - Led the FCS ranks in sacks per game this season, and finished with program record of 13 this season and 30.5 in his career. Can play anywhere on the defensive line and play a stand-up rush linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. Should be more buzz abouth this 5th-year senior.
Alternative: ROBERT SIMPSON - Mississippi Valley State
23. Kansas City Chiefs
2013 Record: 11-5
Team needs: WR, OG, S
WR - JOHN BROWN - Pittsburg State – Shame on the Chiefs if they don’t look in their own backyard and make a play for Brown. All-American as both a wide receiver and a return specialist, a speedster with 4.35 speed, an electric player. Transfer from Mars Hill where he was SAC Freshman of the Year. Invited to the 2014 East-West Shrine Game.
Alternative: RONREI LLOYD - University of Central Missouri
OG - KADEEM EDWARDS - Tennessee State - Scouts love his physique, a relatively trim middle at 308 pounds and had the longest reach of any of the athletes at the Senior Bowl - 34½ inches.
Alternative: A.J. HARMON - Cumberland University
S – PIERRE WARREN - Jacksonville State - Underclassman who was one of the most athletic JSU players on the defensive side of the ball. Finished second on the team in tackles and led the Gamecocks with five interceptions that he returned for a total of 105 yards and one touchdown.
Alternative: DEVIN TAVERNA - University of South Dakota
24. Cincinnati Bengals
2013 Record: 11-5
Team needs: DE, OL, CB
DE – KERRY WYNN - University of Richmond - Led the league’s defensive linemen in tackles per game. Held his own vs BCS linemen at practice and in the East-West Shrine game.
Alternative: FRANCES MAYS - Florida A&M
OL - TERRANCE HACKNEY - Bethune-Cookman - A very talented underclass lineman with the talent for the next level. Academic problems kept him off of the field in 2013 and probably would have prevented him from 2014 action; so he declared for the Draft. Really could have benefited from another year, but is backed into a corner. Transfer from Mississippi.
Alternative: PHEDE CELESTIN - Marist University
CB - WALT AIKENS - Liberty University - Transfer from Illinois, indefinitely suspended from the team following his arrest on felony possession of stolen property. Took advantage of his second chance at Liberty. A very talented athlete with great playmaking ability. Works hard, brings intensity in practice and on game day. Excels in three sports at Liberty - football, track, and basketball.
Alternative: JUSTIN BELL - Ohio Dominican University
25. San Diego Chargers
2013 Record: 9-7
Team needs: CB, NT, WR
CB - TJ LEE, III - Eastern Washington - Just the third player in school history to be honored three times on the Big Sky first team, and one of only 48 in the 50-year history of the Big Sky. He’s ferocious, has cover skills, can blitz, he can force and recover fumbles and he can flat out tackle. Unselfishly, he went played safety when team was in a bind.
Alternative: THOMAS WOLFE - Fort Valley State
NT - MIKE PENNEL - Colorado State University-Pueblo - Transfer from Arizona State. A big-bodied tackle with good strength and knowledge of his role in keeping linemen busy in order for other defenders to get the job done. Active at the line with a good push and surprising mobility.
Alternative: RYAN DREVLOW - North Dakota State
WR - WALTER POWELL - Murray State - Received an invite to the 2014 NFL Scouting Combine. Caught at least one TD in 7 games. Closed out his career as the Racers all-time leader in receiving yards, TDs and 100-yard games, while ranking 2nd in catches. In 43 games, he recorded 208 receptions for 2,650 yards and 29 TDs. Finished with 10 100-yard receiving performances.
Alternative: GREG MOORE - Lane College
26. Indianapolis Colts
2013 Record: 11-5
Team needs: S, WR, LB
S - JAYCOB COLEMAN - Carson-Newman - Had as good a season defensively for C-N as any player in the last 15 years. The first Eagle with 120 tackles in a single season since the turn of the century. In to the top 10 for the most tackles in a single season.
Alternative: FRED GAINES - East Central University
WR - TYLER McDONALD - South Carolina State - Very talented, runs great routes and has good hands. Finished his career as the All-Time Career Reception and Yardage Leader at SCSU. Had career totals of 158 receptions, 2,372 yards and 17 touchdowns in his four-year stint with the Bulldogs.
Alternative: DAN WODICKA - Johns Hopkins University
LB - MIKE COOK - Robert Morris University - A stalwart at middle linebacker for the Colonials. He broke the single-season school record with 117 tackles. Led the NEC with an average of 10.6 stops per game, which is a mark that ranks seventh nationally. Finished his career with 230 tackles, ranking 12th in RMU history despite playing only three seasons with the Colonials.
Alternative: JARKEVIS FIELDS - Bethune-Cookman University
27. New Orleans Saints
2013 Record: 11-5
Team needs: CB, OL, OLB
CB - JORDON LOVE - Towson University - Transfer from Georgia. Very fast, talented defensive back. Stepbrother of Jerome Mathis, a former All-Pro WR/RS who played for the Houston Texans and Washington Redskins. Father played for the Seattle Seahawks. Suspended for FCS title game for violating unspecified NCAA rules.
Alternative: KENDALL JAMES - University of Maine
OL - MATT FEILER - Bloomsburg University - Was an anchor for the Huskies offensive line for the past three seasons. Started 35 straight games for the Huskies between offensive tackle and guard during his time in maroon and gold. His dominant play was critical for the success of the Bloomsburg offense.
Alternative: CHRISTOPHER TOLBERT - Tuskegee University
LB - CQULIN HUBERT - Southeastern Louisiana State - Transfer from Texas Tech. Led a Lion defense that led the Southland Conference in scoring and total defense. Team surrended just 22.7 points/game. Top notch prospect.
Alternative: JOE THOMAS - South Carolina State
28. Carolina Panthers
2013 Record: 12-4
Team needs: OT, DB, WR
OT - NATHAN ISLES - North Carolina A&T - Has tremendous size and strength. very good athlete, versatile played DT as a freshman while also playing guard and tackle. Has great feet, outstanding reach and strength at the point of attack is excellent, wingspan is impressive 104''. In spring '13 his power clean was 335lbs and squat max was 510lbs.
Alternative: CHARLES GOODWIN - North Carolina Central
CB - AYODEJI OLATOYE - North Carolina A&T - Spent the first two seasons of his college career at the University of Colorado. Has good size for a cornerback, which makes him good against the run and able to defend tall receivers. Has impressive 98 ½ inch reach, an outstanding 33 ½ inch vertical along with a nearly 10-foot broad jump.
Alternative: DARIUS DRUMMOND - South Carolina State
WR - MATT HAZEL - Coastal Carolina University - Scouts at the East-West Shrine game learned what teams in the Big South already knew - if you throw the ball near this guy, he's going to catch it. Not a speedster but has decent speed and his overall receiving talents more than compensate for any shortcomings.
Alternative: DeMARIO BENNETT - Coastal Carolina University
29. New England Patriots
2013 Record: 12-4
Team needs: DL, C, WR
DL - LAWRENCE VIRGIL - Valdosta State - An explosive defensive lineman who could possibly move to the ouside as a DE. Strong enough for interior but quick enough with nice moves to be able to play as rush end.
Alternative: LARRY WEBSTER - Bloomsburg University
C - TRISTEN BELLAMY - South Carolina State - Led a dominating Bulldog offense that accounted for 4,101 yards of total offense, including 2,000 yards on the ground. Behind Bellamy's blocking S.C. State finished second in the MEAC in scoring offense (29.6 ppg), and third in total offense (341.1 avg./g).
Alternative: KJELBY OILAND - University of Montana
WR - JORDAN HARRIS - Bryant University - Too call him a deep threat would be an understatement, averages over 20 yards per catch in his career. Excellent size, route running ability toughness. As a senior, cemented himself as the greatest wide receiver in school and Northeast Conference history. Became the NEC's all-time leader mid-way through the year.
Alternative: DERRICK JOHNSON - University of Maine
30. San Francisco 49ers
2013 Record: 12-4
Team needs: WR, C, DL
WR - ANTHONY DEAN - Southwest Minnesota State - Just the seventh player in program history – and the first since 1993 – to record 1,000 yards receiving in a single-season. Dean set an NSIC single-season record with 17 touchdowns receptions and finished second in the NSIC in receiving yards per game, fourth in scoring and 10th in receptions per game. Deep threat.
Alternative: LUKE AUSTIN - Idaho State
C - BRANDON HEATH - University of Delaware - Started all 12 games for the Hens and finished career having played in 48 games with 37 starts, including 34 consecutive starts. Helped the Blue Hens rank 2nd in the CAA in scoring, 3rd in the CAA in passing offense, passing efficiency, and sacks allowed, and 4th in rushing and 3rd down conversions.
Alternative: KARIM BARTON - Morgan State
DL - SULLIVAN GROSZ - Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo – Would be a great addition to this solid defense. Made 188 tackles (103 solo stops) in his four-year Mustang career, including 40.5 tackles for lost yardage and 22 sacks, No. 5 all-time at Cal Poly. Did not miss a game in his four seasons at Cal Poly and started 35 straight contests. Landed on College Sporting News' Fabulous Fifty for the 2013 football season.
Alternative: EVAN GILL - University of Manitoba
31. Denver Broncos
2013 Record: 13-3
Team needs: CB, WR, LB
CB - TYREE MILLS - Southern Utah University - Track star and walk-on, was looking solid until off-field legal issues caused his suspension after 10 games in 2012. Had a successful 2013 as he led the Thunderbirds in interceptions with four and in passes broken up with eight as well as finishing eighth on the team with 40 tackles despite missing four games.
Alternative: OSAGIE ODIASE - Sacramento State
WR - LUKE AUSTIN - Idaho State - Had five games with 100 receiving yards or more. Austin finished his career ranked seventh in receptions with 152, eighth in receiving yards with 2,108 and fifth in touchdowns with 21. Progressed every year, then exploded in his senior year. Super hands, good speed and tenacity.
Alternative: JACE DAVIS - University of Northern Colorado
LB - BROCK COYLE - University of Montana - He finished his career ranked 11th (tie) in school history with 293 career tackles, and tied for 12th with 24.5 career tackles for loss. He was a two-year starter and played in 52 career games. Underappreciated and overlooked, was the Grizzlies’ top tackler the last two seasons and never landed a spot on the all-Big Sky 1st team.
Alternative: JEREMY WALLACE – Doane
32. Seattle Seahawks
2013 Record: 13-3
Team needs: WR, TE, DL
WR - RONREI LLOYD - University of Central Missouri - Finished his career second all-time at Central Missouri with 2,192 receiving yards, fourth all-time with 19 receiving touchdowns and tied for fifth most with 131 career receptions. Used his senior year to show his ability to move the chains and go deep.
Alternative: EDDIE POOLE - Bethune-Cookman
TE - MICHAEL McLAFFERTY - Monmouth University - Great-sized TE, 5th year senior who has developed into a good receiver to add to his blocking ability. Progressed every season and had the stats to have received all-conference as a senior.
Alternative: BRANDON HALL - Lafayette University
DL - ZACK KERR - University of Delaware - Massive, hard-working lineman who is an athletic player for his 330-lb. frame. Transfer from Maryland. One of the league’s top interior defensive lineman. He ranked fourth among all CAA down linemen in tackles. Physical player with a number of good qualities—chiefly quickness and strength.
Alternative: LESLEY DEAMER - Northwestern State
posted by MartyandMatt @ 8:27 PM
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