2015 Draft Sleepers Who'd Fit Perfectly with the Atlanta Falcons
The best part of the NFL draft is finding the sleepers who become starters for your team in the mid-late rounds of the draft. These guys wind up going to teams and shocking the majority of casual NFL onlookers who haven't followed the draft process thus far.
Some of the most notable sleepers in Atlanta Falcons history are Jamal Anderson—the running back—Todd McClure, Kroy Biermann and Jason Snelling. Key contributors to the Falcons throughout history have been draft sleepers who panned out due to their great fits for the Falcons.
Quarterback Chris Bonner, Colorado State-Pueblo
1 of 10
A potential backup quarterback who would fit in well with Kyle Shanahan's deep-passing and timing-related offense would be Chris Bonner. The live-armed quarterback is a developmental project out of Division II Colorado State-Pueblo.
So he hasn't played with or seen real NFL talent lined up against him. The Falcons could take him, stash him on the practice squad for a season or two and still wind up with a talented quarterback backup for years to come. He likely won't ever start barring injury, but what backup ever does?
Combine/Pro-Day Measurements
Height: 6'6 ¼" Weight: 231 lbs
40-yard dash: 5.12 sec. 10-yard split: 1.76 sec.
20-yard shuttle: 4.60 sec. Three-Cone Drill: 7.56 sec.
Vertical Jump: 27.0" Broad Jump: 8'5"
College Stats
2014: 15 Games Played, 258-of-461 (56.0 percent), 3,291 Yards, 30 Touchdowns, 8 Interceptions, 20 Carries, -160 Yards Rushing
2013: 12 Games Played, 225-of-374 (60.9 percent), 3,413 Yards, 33 Touchdowns, 9 Interceptions, 28 Carries, -112 Yards Rushing, 1 Touchdown
2012: Played at the Grossmont College (JUCO)
2011: Played at the Grossmont College (JUCO)
Running Back Zach Zenner, South Dakota State
2 of 10
The Falcons shouldn't consider a running back until the later rounds if they can't get a perfect scheme fit with some power. Zach Zenner out of South Dakota State runs with power, agility and quickness and fits the new zone scheme in Atlanta perfectly.
He would be a favorite of new offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan because he's competent as a blocker, average as a receiver and has great vision and ability as a runner. When he was in college, he was a man among boys in Division I-FCS. But he showed the talent to be an effective runner in the pros.
Combine/Pro-Day Measurements
Height: 5'11 ½" Weight: 223 lbs
Arm Length: 32" Hand Measurement: 9 ⅝"
40-yard dash: 4.60 sec. 10-yard split: 1.64 sec.
20-yard shuttle: 4.14 sec. Three-Cone Drill: 6.88 sec. Bench Reps: 25 reps
Vertical Jump: 41.0" Broad Jump: 10'1"
College Stats
2014: 14 Games Played, 337 Carries, 2,019 Yards, 22 Touchdowns, 28 Catches, 331 Yards, 4 Touchdowns, 2 Tackles
2013: 14 Games Played, 351 Carries, 2,015 Yards, 23 Touchdowns, 21 Catches, 251 Yards, 2 Touchdowns
2012: 12 Games Played, 285 Carries, 1,988 Yards, 13 Touchdowns, 27 Catches, 183 Yards, 0 Touchdowns
2011: 11 Games Played, 107 Carries, 470 Yards, 3 Touchdowns, 18 Catches, 130 Yards, 2 Touchdowns, 31 Kick Returns, 754 Yards, 7 Tackles
2010: Redshirted
Wide Receiver DeAndre Smelter, Georgia Tech
3 of 10
A torn ACL sidelined DeAndre Smelter for the Orange Bowl and the ACC title game, and he wasn't able to recover in time for his pro day or the combine due to the severity of it. Some will also knock the former Yellow Jacket receiver and baseball player for the scheme he played in.
They shouldn't. Smelter is a very talented receiver who runs routes well, can burn a defense deep and attack the intermediate routes with efficiency. The Falcons would be wise to pick him up as a developmental prospect—especially since they have the depth to let him heal up for a year.
Combine/Pro-Day Measurements
Height: 6'2 ⅛" Weight: 226 lbs
Arm Length: 32 ⅝" Hand Measurement: 11"
College Stats
2014: 12 Games Played, 35 Catches, 715 Yards, 7 Touchdowns, 3 Carries, 103 Yards, 1 Touchdown
2013: 13 Games Played, 21 Catches, 345 Yards, 4 Touchdowns, 1 Carry, 12 Yards, 0-of-1 Passing (0.0 percent), 1 Interception, 11 Punt Returns, 124 Yards, 5 Kick Returns, 65 Yards, 2 Tackles
2012: Played baseball for the Yellow Jackets
2011: Played baseball for the Yellow Jackets
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Tight End Casey Pierce, Kent State
4 of 10
Casey Pierce impressed at the Senior Bowl with his performance as a true H-back-style tight end. He's able to line up in the slot, at fullback or in-line off the edge and blocks at a serviceable level. His strength is the mismatch he provides against a defense.
Very few linebackers can match up with him one-on-one due to his size, but he's oversized compared to the safeties or cornerbacks who would line up against him. He's quick and makes efficient cuts and doesn't drop balls often. The question comes from how well he'll adjust to NFL speed.
Combine/Pro-Day Measurements
Height: 6'3 ½" Weight: 244 lbs
Arm Length: 31 ⅝" Hand Measurement: 9 ⅜"
40-yard dash: 4.76 sec. 10-yard split: 1.64 sec.
20-yard shuttle: 4.22 sec. Three-Cone Drill: 6.97 sec. Bench Reps: 19 reps
Vertical Jump: 36 ½" Broad Jump: 9'10"
College Stats
2014: 11 Games Played, 60 Catches, 641 Yards, 6 Touchdowns
2013: 12 Games Played, 33 Catches, 364 Yards, 5 Touchdowns
2012: 13 Games Played, 1 Catch, 10 Yards
2011: 10 Games Played, 3 Catches, 25 Yards, 2 Tackles
2010: Redshirted
Offensive Guard Shaquille Mason, Georgia Tech
5 of 10
The Falcons need guard and tackle depth for their offensive line. Shaq Mason may not be an effective pick for tackle depth, but he is a project with high potential in the zone scheme as a guard. He has that perfect bowling-ball build most offensive guards have.
He also moves like a fullback playing offensive line. The only guard quicker in the entire class is Hobart's Ali Marpet. And while, yes, this is another Yellow Jacket from the Paul Johnson offense, his fit makes sense because of his experience within the zone schemes Johnson ran.
Combine/Pro-Day Measurements
Height: 6'1 ⅝" Weight: 310 lbs
Arm Length: 31 ⅛" Hand Measurement: 9 ½"
40-yard dash: 4.97 sec. 10-yard split: 1.78 sec.
20-yard shuttle: 4.57 sec. Three-Cone Drill: 7.53 sec. Bench Reps: 25 reps
Vertical Jump: 32.0" Broad Jump: 9'2"
College Stats
2014: 14 Games Started at right guard
2013: 13 Games Started at right guard
2012: 12 Games Started at left guard, 2 Games Played at reserve guard
2011: 1 Game Started at left guard, 10 Games Played at reserve guard
Interior Defensive Lineman Angelo Blackson, Auburn
6 of 10
Sometimes depth is a good thing to have. When it comes to big guys on the interior of the defensive line, depth is always a good thing to have. Angelo Blackson from Auburn played in a unique role where he was sliding between the 1-technique at nose tackle and 3-technique at under tackle depending on formation.
In Atlanta, he looks to be a good fit for depth behind Paul Soliai at nose tackle in a 1-technique. He's big, powerful and quick off the line. His combination of raw athleticism and massive size makes him worth taking a look at in the mid-late rounds. He could be a steal as a depth defensive tackle.
Combine/Pro Day Measurements
Height: 6'4 ⅜" Weight: 318 lbs
Arm Length: 33 ¾" Hand Measurement: 9 ¾"
40-yard dash: 4.99 sec. 10-yard split: 1.77 sec.
20-yard shuttle: 4.57 sec. Three-Cone Drill: 7.50 sec. Bench Reps: 20 reps
Vertical Jump: 31.0" Broad Jump: 8'5"
College Stats
2014: 13 Games Played, 17 Tackles, 5.5 Tackles for Loss, 3.0 Sacks, 4 QB Hurries, 1 Blocked Kick
2013: 14 Games Played, 16 Tackles, 3.0 Tackles for Loss, 0.5 Sacks, 6 QB Hurries, 1 Fumble Forced
2012: 12 Games Played, 26 Tackles, 7.0 Tackles for Loss, 1.0 Sack, 3 QB Hurries, 2 Fumbles Forced, 2 Pass Deflections, 2 Blocked Kicks
Edge Defender Marcus Rush, Michigan State
7 of 10
If the Falcons can't get a true pass-rushing threat in the first round of the draft, Marcus Rush could be a good pick later on for a rotational pass-rushing threat. He's comparable to Kroy Biermann athletically and has production as a pass-rusher from one of the top conferences in the land.
Rush could come in and rotate on passing downs early in his career at Leo or strong-side linebacker before having to replace either Biermann or Brooks Reed in a role where he played the majority of the snaps at either spot. For a mid-late round pick, you could do much, much worse.
Combine/Pro-Day Measurements
Height: 6'2" Weight: 255 lbs
40-yard dash: 4.69 sec. 10-yard split: 1.62 sec.
20-yard shuttle: 4.24 sec. Three-Cone Drill: 6.75 sec. Bench Reps: 24 reps
Vertical Jump: 34.0" Broad Jump: 9'9"
College Stats
2014: 13 Games Played, 37 Tackles, 10.5 Tackles for Loss, 7.5 Sacks, 4 QB Hurries, 2 Fumbles Forced, 3 Pass Deflections, 1 Blocked Kick
2013: 14 Games Played, 30 Tackles, 7.5 Tackles for Loss, 5.0 Sacks, 4 QB Hurries, 1 Fumble Forced, 3 Pass Deflections
2012: 13 Games Played, 38 Tackles, 7.5 Tackles for Loss, 2.0 Sacks, 5 QB Hurries, 1 Fumble Forced, 5 Pass Deflections, 1 Blocked Kicks, 1 Punt Returns, 15 Yards
2011: 14 Games Played, 58 Tackles, 12.0 Tackles for Loss, 4.0 Sacks, 9 QB Hurries, 1 Fumble Forced, 5 Pass Deflections
2010: Redshirted
Linebacker Tony Steward, Clemson
8 of 10
All the talk is about Vic Beasley or Stephone Anthony, but there was a third member to that Clemson linebacker corps who should have a productive career in the NFL in Tony Steward. The athletic linebacker was solid in coverage, but his real value came as a true thumper in the middle.
He may not get drafted, but should a team pick him up, Steward will instantly provide depth to a team and allow it a true thumper to plug in the middle of its defense for goal-line situations. Steward is an athletic player who should at the very least get signed right after the draft.
Combine/Pro-Day Measurements
Height: 6'0 ⅝" Weight: 241 lbs
40-yard dash: 4.64 sec. 10-yard split: 1.59 sec.
20-yard shuttle: 4.32 sec. Three-Cone Drill: 7.06 sec. Bench Reps: 29 reps
Vertical Jump: 34 ½" Broad Jump: 9'7"
College Stats
2014: 12 Games Played, 58 Tackles, 10.0 Tackles for Loss, 3.5 Sacks, 2 QB Hurries
2013: 13 Games Played, 21 Tackles, 2.5 Tackles for Loss, 1.0 Sack, 1 Fumble Forced
2012: 12 Games Played, 19 Tackles
2011: 5 Games Played, 5 Tackles
Cornerback Robertson Daniel, Brigham Young
9 of 10
After a lot of hype from his recruiting process, Robertson Daniel chose to go to BYU. Daniel didn't let people down there either, as he was very productive within its schemes, knocking away 20 passes and intercepting three balls during his just two seasons there.
He's a perfect fit for Atlanta's schemes as a cornerback because he's a bigger cornerback and has good short-area athleticism. It's surprising that he wasn't even given a combine or Senior Bowl invitation because he looks the part of an NFL cornerback.
Combine/Pro-Day Measurements
Height: 6'0 ⅞" Weight: 209 lbs
40-yard dash: 4.46 sec. 10-yard split: 1.64 sec.
20-yard shuttle: 4.21 sec. Three-Cone Drill: 6.87 sec. Bench Reps: 24 reps
Vertical Jump: 35 ½" Broad Jump: 10'6"
College Stats
2014: 12 Games Played, 44 Tackles, 1 Interception, 14 Pass Deflections
2013: 13 Games Played, 65 Tackles, 1.0 Tackle for Loss, 1.0 Sack, 2 Interceptions, 1 Fumble Forced, 6 Pass Deflections
2012: Played at De Anza College (JUCO)
2011: Played at De Anza College (JUCO)
Safety Adrian Amos, Penn State
10 of 10
Adrian Amos is an athletic, oversized safety who has the athleticism and intelligence of a cornerback. Amos can attack the ball effectively and plays the deep third well. He could be a good developmental mid-round pick who provides depth early.
He's more than willing to play special teams for his team and should be able to give the Falcons that early-contributing special teams ace they need. Amos would fit in well at safety, competing with Charles Godfrey and Dezmen Southward for playing time early.
Combine/Pro-Day Measurements
Height: 6'0 ½" Weight: 218 lbs
Arm Length: 32 ¼" Hand Measurement: 9 ⅛"
40-yard dash: 4.37 sec. 10-yard split: 1.50 sec.
20-yard shuttle: 4.03 sec. Three-Cone Drill: 7.09 sec. Bench Reps: 21 reps
Vertical Jump: 35 ½" Broad Jump: 10'2"
College Stats
2014: 13 Games Played, 42 Tackles, 2.5 Tackles for Loss, 3 Interceptions, 7 Pass Deflections
2013: 12 Games Played, 50 Tackles, 4.0 Tackles for Loss, 2.5 Sacks, 1 Interception, 5 Pass Deflections
2012: 12 Games Played, 44 Tackles, 2.5 Tackles for Loss, 0.5 Sacks, 2 Interceptions, 3 Pass Deflections, 4 Kick Returns, 73 Yards
2011: 12 Games Played, 13 Tackles, 1 Interception, 4 Pass Deflections, 8 Kick Returns, 163 Yards
All stats used are from Pro Football Focus' Premium Stats, ESPN.com, CFBStats or NFL.com. All combine and pro-day info is courtesy of NFLDraftScout.com. All contract information is courtesy of Spotrac.
Scott Carasik is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He covers the Atlanta Falcons, college football, the NFL and the NFL draft. He's also a Draft Analyst for Pro Football Spot.
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