Schottey's Sleepers: Where Are They Now? (Part 1)

Everyone looks at the top of the draft. Any Tom, Dick, or Harry can regurgitate what they hear or see on the many outlets that cover the circus that is the NFL Draft.

What about the middle and the end?

Back in April, I wrote a few articles over at DraftTek labeled "Schottey's Sleepers." The articles highlighted some names outside of the first-round that I thought NFL fans should know.

Among the articles at the currently-being-revamped DraftTek Blog, The Schottey Sleepers drove some of the most traffic.

Unlike most prognosticators, I'm willing to tell you where I was wrong (and more than happy to crow about when I was right).

Where are these players now?

Was I right on my predictions?

Let's take a look...

Stephen McGee (QB—Texas A&M)

Prediction: 5th-6th Round
Reality: 4th Round (Dallas Cowboys)

What I Said Then:

One of the fastest risers on draft boards is also one of the quietest. Nothing could be more fitting for an athlete like McGee, whose excellence off of the field exceeds anything he could do on it.

His character may be his best attribute, but it isn’t his only good quality. McGee spent most of his college career in a spread attack that let him run at will. When Mike Sherman came to A&M, McGee excelled in a pro-style attack before tearing a labrum and sitting out the rest of the season.

McGee has all the tools and after some time spent learning an NFL playbook should be a fine NFL starter.

What They're Saying Now:

"Stephen McGee does have the look of an NFL QB. Good size. Arm. Has chance down road to be a No. 2. Will learn lot from Kitna, too." (Chris Mortensen via Twitter)

Mike Reilly (QB—Central Washington)

Prediction: 6th Round
Reality: UDA (Pittsburgh Steelers)

What I Said Then:

Spread QBs from small colleges tend not to find a home in the NFL, unless of course, you remember lightning-in-a-bottle Tyler Thigpen from Coastal Carolina.

Reilly is extremely athletic and accurate, and in a worst case scenario would be a great emergency/practice squad QB because of his skills and football intelligence.

In a best case scenario, Reilly could end up as an apprentice to an older QB (Delhomme, Hasselbeck, Bulger, etc) and be given a few low pressure years to be exposed to a pro-style offense. With the right set of circumstances, Reilly could be special.

What They're Saying Now:

"Overall I think the practice squad is the ultimate destination for Reilly, baring injury to any of the other three quarterbacks on the roster, but he should be fun to watch early on in preseason games, as he will likely work with a good core of third string receivers. Do not be surprised though, if he sneaks in and steals the number three job, especially if Batch struggles." (Steelers Depot)

Marlon Lucky (RB—Nebraska)

Prediction: 6th-7th Round
Reality: UDA (Cincinnati Bengals)

What I Said Then:

Lucky, a Parade All-American, put together a decent college career and has little to no hype to show for it. Lucky will find a spot on a football field right away because he is an above-average athlete and a hard worker whom special teams coaches are going to covet.

However, a team will find a jewel in the rough when they draft Lucky because he is, quite possibly, the most natural and talented receiver of any RB in this draft class.

What They're Saying Now:

"He was signed on to see if the Bengals could strike gold, but ultimately faces too many backs ahead of him. He could be a practice squad addition in the future." (Greg Stephens- Cinci Examiner)

Glen Coffee (RB—Alabama)

Prediction: 5th Round
Reality 3rd Round (San Francisco 49ers)

What I Said Then:

Knowshon Moreno gets a lot of publicity for the numbers he put up in the tough SEC last season.

Lesser known fact, Glen Coffee rattled off 1383 yards in the same conference (17 less than Moreno).

The negatives on Coffee are hard to miss—his 4.58 speed makes him more of an inside runner, while his poor lower body strength makes him inadequate as an NFL banger.

He projects as an average pro back with a lot of room for growth who may always be getting by on vision and just above average talent. I project a long (but not flashy) career.

What They're Saying Now:

The 6'0", 209-pound Coffee, out of Alabama, is expected to be Frank Gore's backup this season in coach Mike Singletary's power running offense. (CBSSports.com)

Ramses Barden (WR—Cal Poly)

Prediction: 3rd-4th Round
Reality: 3rd Round (New York Giants)

What I Said Then:

This small school prospect vaulted up draft boards with six receptions for 83 yards and a 25-yard TD against Wisconsin. At the combine, his 6′6″ frame and extraordinarily large hands wowed scouts.

Oakland is widely rumored to be a landing spot perhaps as early as the second round. It would be a reach for the raw WR, but the upside is tremendous after running a 4.48 at the San Jose State pro day.

What They're Saying Now:

Rough pecking order of Giant WRs: Smith, Hixon, Manningham, Nicks, Moss. But Ramses Barden makes team. (Adam Schefter via Twitter)

Austin Collie (WR—BYU)

Prediction: 4th Round
Reality: 4th Round (Indianapolis Colts)

What I Said Then:

Collie will make a team because he’s a bona fide return man, great with the ball in his hand. I think he’ll quickly find a spot on a team as a third/fourth WR because he’s a great route runner with some of the best hands around.

He struggles to get separation and may always be a middle of the pack guy but there is nothing keeping this guy off a roster.

What They're Saying Now:

"Among the WRs competing for the third receiver position is Austin Collie , a fourth-round rookie from Brigham Young. "He has a real good sense of spacial awareness," Colts Head coach Jim Caldwell said. "He's also a really, really bright football player who is a student of the game." (CBS Sports.com)

Davon Drew (TE—E Carolina)

Prediction: 6th Round
Reality: 5th Round (Baltimore Ravens)

What I Said Then:

Bluntly, Drew isn’t blocking anyone when he gets to the NFL. Thankfully for him, some teams don’t mind a one-dimensional TE prospect.

Drew will be a fine receiver for a team looking for a second TE and his size (6′4″/260 lbs.) makes him valuable in the red zone.

What They're Saying Now:

"Drew made a fine showing during offseason practices, while Todd Heap and L.J. Smith were sidelined. He'll now return to third on the depth chart."(Rotoworld.com)

Zach Miller (QB/TE—Nebraska-Omaha)

Prediction: 6th-7th Round
Reality: 6th Round (Jacksonville Jaguars)

What I Said Then:

When Miller was asked to go to the East-West Shrine game, they asked him to play as a TE. With less than a month of practice, he caught five passes for 116 yards and a TD.

By his Pro Day, he had added 17 lbs (6’4”/233 lbs.) and was able to outrun (4.53) and out-jump (37.5”) every TE who had been invited to the combine, and he impressed scouts with his catching ability.

What They're Saying Now:

"Miller has been impressive during offseason workouts with his speed. The Jaguars like him and think he can be the No. 2 option behind Marcedes Lewis." (CBS Sports.com)

Skill Position Wrap Up

By the numbers, I am batting 1.000 if the benchmark is these players being on rosters. That number drops to .500 if we're holding me to my pre-draft predictions.

Player I Am Most Happy About Getting Right: Zach Miller

Player I Missed The Most On: Mike Reilly/Marlon Lucky

Player With The Brightest Future: Ramses Barden

Stay tuned for my next update featuring offensive and defensive linemen!