Boise State: Hidden Talent University

Fletcher Kelly by Contributor Written on July 07, 2009

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Boise State is full of depth; when one player leaves for the NFL, another one takes his place. Boise State players don't get drafted very high, if at all, but they develop into great NFL players.

Only one player from Boise State has ever been drafted in the first round. That man was Ryan Clady, a tackle that lived up to the title: underrated.

It may be that we Broncos don't get good enough national exposure, but we probably will still sneak through the draft to the late round or into free-agency.

For those lucky few teams that give the former Broncos a chance, they are in for a great player.

4. Legedu Naanee

PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 11:  Legedu Naanee #11 of the San Diego Chargers  warms up against the Pittsburgh Steelers during their AFC Divisional Playoff Game on January 11, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. STeelers won 35-24.  (Photo by Chris G

Although he has yet to prove himself, Naanee will be an elite wide receiver when given the chance to start.

Whether he gets that chance with the Chargers, or with some other team, Naanee will be an excellent leader of an offense someday.

When this kid gets the ball, he makes big plays. In his three-year career, he averaged 8.3 yards a catch. In the postseason, he has an average of 9.5 yards a catch.

San Diego will be doing a mistake by taking BUSTer Davis over this hidden talent.

3. Korey Hall

GREEN BAY, WI - 2007:  Korey Hall of the Green Bay Packers poses for his 2007 NFL headshot at photo day in Green Bay, Wisconsin.  (Photo by Getty Images)

Coming into the NFL, Hall was a linebacker, and a good one, too.

Yet, the Packers had a need for a fullback. So the athletic BSU stud easily made the conversion. He has a bright future paving the way for running backs in the future.

2. Gerald Alexander

DETROIT - SEPTEMBER 16:  Gerald Alexander #42 of the Detroit Lions returns his interception against the Minnesota Vikings during the third quarter at Ford Field on September 16, 2006 in Detroit, Michigan.  (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

In his first season in the NFL, he had 81 solo tackles. Last year however, he only made eight.

He got injured during their game at Minnesota. That resulted in the end of his season. He hasn't proven himself on a consistent basis, but he has the skill to be a part of or even lead an elite secondary.

This is a stretch, but I see a lot of potential in him.

1. Ryan Clady

ENGLEWOOD, CO - JULY 29:  Offensive tackle Ryan Clady #78 of the Denver Broncos is interviewed after morning practice during raining camp at their training facility on July 29, 2008 in Englewood, Colorado. Clady was the Broncos first round draft pick in 2

The former 12th overall pick was the best rookie in 2008. Clady was one of three rookies in the league (Jake Long, Mia./Duane Brown, Hou.) to start every one of his team’s games at a tackle position (and one of 11 including all positions).

He was the only tackle in the NFL to play in all 16 games and not allow a full sack (credited with a half sack). He was whistled for just three penalties (1 holding, 2 false starts) while playing in all 1,019 snaps in 2008.

He will anchor this offensive line for years to come.

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written on July 07, 2009 Opinion

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