NFL Draft 2016: Who Are the Top Late-Round Prospects?
Most NFL draft coverage is focused on the early-round prospects, and for good reason. But we know every draft produces a handful of future stars on Day 3.
Prospects fall into the third day of the draft for a wide range of reasons. Character concerns, injuries, level of competition and lack of size are just a few reasons why talented athletes can remain on the board deep into the draft.
Many of these prospects have obvious flaws in certain areas of their game, but it often only takes one specific skill for a late-round prospect to carve out a niche in the NFL.
Here's a look at some of the top prospects who will likely still be available on the third day of the draft, as well as the traits that will give them an opportunity to make an impact at the next level.
Matt Judon, DE, Grand Valley State
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Matt Judon was a man among boys in the FCS, recording 21 sacks in 2015.
Unfortunately, an injury kept him from competing in the postseason all-star games, so all we can do is guess how his game will translate against tougher competition.
His on-field performance and his combine numbers indicate he will probably be best suited as a 4-3 defensive end.
For a frame of reference, his combine numbers compare favorably to Clemson's Shaq Lawson.
Judon can win with speed and power off the edge and may even be able to make an immediate impact as a situational pass-rusher.
However, it remains to be seen how he'll hold up against more powerful NFL linemen in the run game. Early struggles in this area should be expected and will contribute to him likely coming off the board on Day 3.
Ronald Blair, DL, Appalachian State
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Ronald Blair is the type of prospect who will probably have a wide range of grades from NFL teams.
At 6'2", 284 pounds, he lacks the ideal measurements for a 4-3 defensive end, but he may also lack the size and functional strength to play inside in the 4-3 or end in the 3-4.
Qualms about his size aside, it's easy to love the way Blair plays the game.
When betting on defensive prospects who lack ideal measurables, it's always best to go with the ones who show a relentless motor.
Blair is a brawler on the defensive line and knows how to shed blocks and fight through traffic to make plays.
Thomas Duarte, WR/TE, UCLA
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Thomas Duarte was a surprise early entry to the draft this year, after a breakout junior year in which he caught 10 touchdown passes.
With his size (6'2", 231 lbs), he plays like a hybrid wide receiver/tight end.
He lacks the speed to create any separation from defensive backs, but he wins as a possession receiver on the outside and in the slot.
Duarte's size, athleticism and the way he was used at UCLA are reminiscent of Aaron Hernandez in the Patriots offense.
More players with Duarte's profile turn into NFL busts than reach Hernandez's level of production, but mismatches created by these types of hybrid receivers force NFL teams to keep trying to find the next star.
In the right system, he definitely has the potential to be a productive situational weapon.
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Cayleb Jones, WR, Arizona
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In the late rounds of the draft, teams are often looking for prospects with exciting physical traits who may slide down the board due to other issues.
The biggest knock against Jones is his lack of speed, and it will likely prevent him from creating consistent separation at the next level. However, his size (6'3") made him a strong possession receiver at Arizona.
The key for Jones' development in the NFL will be learning how to win against more physical cornerbacks.
In college, he dominated in favorable matchups but lacked the strength to fight through aggressive press coverage.
With refined technique and improved strength, he has the potential to elevate his game to the level of a starting-caliber receiver.
Rashard Robinson, CB, LSU
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Rashard Robinson is one of the biggest mysteries of the 2016 NFL draft.
Early in his career, he looked like the next future star to emerge from LSU's always-talented secondary. However, off-field issues derailed his career, and he hasn't seen the field since in nearly two years after an indefinite suspension for violations of team rules effectively ended his college career in 2014.
Despite the off-field issues, NFL teams will be intrigued by his combination of size (6'1") and speed (he ran a 4.49 40-yard dash at the combine).
In terms of athleticism and potential, he will stand head and shoulders above his fellow Day 3 prospects, and someone will likely gamble on his upside late in the draft.
Eric Mac Lain, OG, Clemson
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In the late rounds, NFL teams want versatile prospects, especially on the offensive line. The ability to play multiple positions dramatically increases the chances of earning a roster spot, and Clemson's Eric Mac Lain offers that value as prospect.
He was recruited as a tight end, but offered to switch to the offensive line early in his career.
He didn't win a starting job until 2015, but he immediately shined as one of the most valuable linemen during Clemson's playoff run.
With limited experience, Mac Lain is unlikely to see the field much early in his NFL career, but he has experience at guard and the athleticism to play right tackle. That type of versatility will intrigue teams that are looking for a developmental lineman on the third day of the draft.
Yannick Ngakoue, LB, Maryland
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Yannick Ngakoue is purely a developmental prospect and offers almost no immediate value.
For that reason, he's unlikely to come off the board until Day 3, but his long-term upside is exciting.
Despite registering 13.5 sacks in 2015, Ngakoue won almost exclusively with speed at Maryland and does not show the countermoves he'll need to continue to win the NFL.
Additionally, he's a non-factor against the run, consistently getting sealed off, even by tight ends.
However, the speed and agility that Ngakoue shows on the field is the type of athleticism that coaches will want to work with at the next level. He has the physical traits that can be molded into a productive pass-rusher.
If Ngakoue can add some functional strength and refine his pass-rush moves, he'll emerge as productive starter down the road.
Tyvis Powell, FS, Ohio State
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With the slew of Ohio State players turning pro this year, it's no surprise that one or two are flying under the radar.
Like many late-round prospects, Powell enters the draft with some flaws in his game—most notably against the run.
An opposing Big Ten coach told NFL.com's Lance Zierlein that the game plan was to run directly at Powell.
However, Powell has obvious NFL skills in coverage, both dropping in zone and in man-to-man.
With his speed and ball skills, he appears to fit in the NFL as a center fielder-type free safety who can cover significant ground in the deep secondary.
Marshaun Coprich, RB, Illinois State
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In terms of production, few players in this draft class can match the numbers Marshaun Coprich posted at Illinois State.
Over the past two seasons, he combined for over 4,000 rushing yards and 50 touchdowns.
However, Coprich enters the draft with two major strikes against him.
For starters, he's vastly undersized at just 5'8" and did not demonstrate the explosive athleticism at the combine that prospects of his stature need.
Additionally, there are off-field concerns due to an arrest for attempting to sell marijuana to an undercover police officer in April 2015.
Such an arrest is sure to raise questions for teams and potentially remove him from draft boards.
But if a team can look past those issues, Coprich could pay dividends as a change-of-pace running back.
His lack of size may hurt his ability to hold up as a feature back, but he's a shifty runner who could be a valuable backup in a Darren Sproles-like role.
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