2011 NFL Draft Preview: The 55 Best Low-Round College Picks in This Year's Draft
For many NFL fans, the excitement of the draft is in the first couple of rounds. That's when all the big-name prospects come off the board and, usually, where the star players come from.
However, there should be no lack of intrigue about the lower rounds of the draft. It might not happen as often, but stars can be found during the later rounds.
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady might be the best example of that. Drafted in the sixth round (199th overall), Brady has developed into the NFL's premier quarterback and is the owner of three Super Bowl rings.
Other examples exist as well, including Shannon Sharpe (192nd), Zach Thomas (154th) and Terrell Davis (196th), just to name a few.
While most of the players I mention won't turn into Hall of Famers or Super Bowl MVPs, there's a good chance that a handful will become productive NFL performers.
Here's my list of the 55 best lower-round choices, with five each from 11 positions.
Quarterbacks
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Andy Dalton (TCU): Accurate, efficient and a good leader. He beat Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl but a lack of arm strength will keep Dalton in the later rounds.
His experience should give him an edge on many of his fellow quarterbacks, though.
Colin Kaepernick (Nevada): Has prototypical size (6'5", 220 lbs) with tremendous upside.
He must tweak his delivery and get comfortable under center, but Kaepernick could turn out to be a steal.
Pat Devlin (Delaware): Size, arm strength and, of course, school, will draw him comparisons to Joe Flacco.
He's a project at this point, but Devlin has the tools to progress towards Flacco's level.
Tyrod Taylor (Virginia Tech): Athleticism and, like Devlin, school, instantly bring up memories of Michael Vick when assessing Taylor.
While he isn't in Vick's playmaking range quite yet, Taylor might be a better pure passer at this point in his career.
Featured Quarterback: Ricky Stanzi
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Career stats: 542 completions, 7,377 yards, 56 passing TDs, 2 rushing TDs
The thing that immediately jumps out about Ricky Stanzi is his improvement, most notably in the completion department.
After completing 59.1 percent of his passes in 2008 and just 56.3 in 2009, Stanzi completed 64.1 percent in 2010.
He also dropped his interception total from 15 in 2009 (on 305 passes) to just six (345 passes) in '10.
While Stanzi won't be coming off the board in the first couple of rounds, he could end up being among the top quarterbacks in this draft if given the time to continue along his progression schedule.
Running Backs
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Noel Devine (West Virginia): Lacks the size of an NFL running back but makes up for it with 4.3 speed.
Could excel in a Darren Sproles-type role as a third-down back and returner.
Owen Marecic (Stanford): Played both fullback and linebacker for the Cardinal and brings versatility to any team.
Wasn't used much as a receiver out of the backfield, but he has the ability to do so.
John Clay (Wisconsin): Comes from a long line of good Wisconsin running backs, but lacks speed and athleticism to be a featured back.
Is a powerful runner, however, and could be effective near the goal line and in other short-yardage situations.
Dion Lewis (Pittsburgh): Started the season as one of the top running-back prospects but a slow start dropped him down many boards.
He might lack the "wow" factor, but he'll be productive as an NFL runner.
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Featured Running Back: Bilal Powell
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Career stats: 436 rushes, 2,338 yards, 19 TDs; 45 catches, 344 yards, 3 TDs
While scouts have fallen in love with the likes of Mark Ingram and Ryan Williams, there's a similar prospect from Louisville who can be had much later in the draft.
An all-around back with good size and speed, Bilal Powell has the tools to become an impact running back in the NFL.
Wide Receivers
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Vincent Brown (San Diego State): Brown has lit up the Senior Bowl by catching everything in sight and he possesses good speed and burst off the ball.
He's only 5'11", but he could make a big impact in the right situation.
Terrence Toliver (LSU): He mixes good size (6'4") with good speed, but he wasn't very productive throughout his career.
But part of that was because of LSU's circus at the quarterback position.
Greg Salas (Hawaii): He caught 100 passes in his last two years in Hawaii's pass-happy attack, but struggled at the Senior Bowl.
Despite that, Salas is normally sure-handed and could be a solid possession receiver at the next level.
Aldrick Robinson (SMU): Undersized at 5'10", but he has the speed to get open and was productive during his college seasons.
Would be an early project, but might be worth it in the later rounds.
Featured Receiver: Cecil Shorts III
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Career Stats: 259 receptions, 4,705 yards, 63 TDs
Shorts was the definition of an all-around player at Mount Union. He lined up at receiver, quarterback and had some rushing attempts, along with returning punts and kicks.
While some teams may worry about the level of competition in Division III, they need to look no further than Pierre Garcon of the Indianapolis Colts.
He successfully made the jump from Mount Union to a successful NFL receiver.
With speed to burn and a long history of production, Shorts has the chance to make the same instant impact in the NFL.
Offensive Tackles
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James Carpenter (Alabama): While Carpenter lacks the athleticism of the top tackles, he has the ideal size (6'5", 330 lbs) and is strong enough to help an NFL offensive line.
D.J. Young (Michigan State): A transfer from Bowling State, Young has continually improved throughout his college career.
A project at this point, but he has the capacity to continue learning on the fly.
Bo Thran (Oregon): A skilled run-blocking tackle, Thran has three years of experience on Oregon's line.
Would need to learn better pass-blocking techniques, but would help in the run game.
Joseph Barksdale (LSU): Started 38 straight games for LSU, and has the size (6'5", 325 lbs) and athleticism to be a starting NFL tackle.
Only injury issues have held Barksdale's stock down.
Featured OT: Orlando Franklin
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A monster of a man at the tackle position, Franklin clearly has the size (6'7", 315 lbs) to be a dominant pass and run blocker at the NFL level.
Recent concerns have pushed Franklin's likely position to offensive guard, but teams will be hesitant to make that move because of his upside as a tackle.
Franklin is strong, agile and has good footwork, and if he can avoid the switch to offensive guard, he can maximize his potential at the tackle position.
Interior Linemen
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Zach Hurd (UConn): Hurd is a massive offensive guard (6'7", 330 lbs) and has never missed a game since arriving at UConn.
While he is a mauler in the run game, improving his pass protection is the main issue.
Ray Dominguez (Arkansas): One of the more versatile lineman in the draft, Dominguez can line up at either guard or tackle.
Needs to improve his footwork and technique, but the versatility will attract teams in the later rounds.
Tim Barnes (Missouri): A starter of 41 straight games at center, Barnes was a mainstay as the anchor of the Tigers' offense.
He faced explosive defensive tackles in Gerald McCoy (Oklahoma, drafted by Tampa Bay) and Ndamukung Suh (Nebrasksa, Detroit Lions).
Steve Schilling (Michigan): A four-year starter at UM, Schilling started 47 straight games for the Wolverines.
He was mediocre at the Senior Bowl, but has the experience to help out an offensive line in the NFL.
Featured Interior Lineman: Justin Boren
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Boren might be best known for doing the unthinkable: transferring from Michigan to Ohio State.
While that might have been a risky endeavor for Boren, trusting in him on the line wasn't an issue for the Buckeyes.
Boren has a mean streak in him and plays with a chip on his shoulder, but worries about his technique have hurt his draft stock.
However, NFL teams that need a run-blocking guard can find one in the middle rounds with Boren.
And while he might head over to your rival in time, he's worth that risk.
Defensive Ends
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Greg Romeus (Pittsburgh): Injury issues will keep him out of the opening rounds (missed all but one game in senior season), but Romeus has the talent to be a difference maker.
Lazarius Levingston (LSU): He doesn't jump off the screen at you, but Levingston is solid against the run and, with some added bulk, could be a starter in a 3-4 defense.
Markus White (Florida State): With good speed off the edge, White could play at either defensive end in a 4-3 or outside linebacker in a 3-4. He has natural pass-rushing skills.
Ryan Winterswyk (Boise State): A bit undersized, but Winterswyk has a non-stop motor and was very productive in his days as a Bronco.
Compares favorably to Aaron Kampman if given time to develop and put on weight.
Featured Defensive End: Pernell McPhee
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Career stats: 88 tackles, 7 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
McPhee came into the 2010 season as one of the more hyped defensive end prospects, but his lack of production (just two sacks this year) saw his stock fall down most boards leading into the draft.
While just two sacks is a troubling sign, it's hard to overlook the potential of McPhee as a defensive end prospect at the next level.
At 6'4", 285 pounds, McPhee has the size many 4-3 defenses covet, and his power and aggression at the line of scrimmage will impress teams.
If he falls past the fourth round, an NFL team could get a late-round steal in McPhee.
Defensive Tackles
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David Carter (UCLA): Was a standout at the East-West Shrine game, showing above-average strength and burst off the line. Excels in stopping the run.
Christian Ballard (Iowa): Ballard stood out during Senior Bowl practices, but oftentimes disappears come game-time.
If an NFL team can translate those performances to Sunday, he's a difference-maker on the defensive line.
Sione Fua (Stanford): At 310 pounds, Fua projects as a nose tackle in a 3-4 defense.
Doesn't offer much pass-rushing ability, but he is solid against the run.
Ian Williams (Notre Dame): A knee injury kept him out of games this season, but Williams has the ability to play nose tackle or defensive end in a 3-4.
Featured Defensive Tackle: Jerrell Powe
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Career stats: 68 tackles, 6 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 INT
At 6'2", 320 pounds, Powe is a physical specimen with good power and burst on the defensive line.
After an impressive 2009 season, in which many tagged him as a top defensive tackle prospect, Powe's production faltered at times in 2010.
Many scouts attribute his drop off to a drop in weight that Powe figured would increase his endurance.
If Powe can put on some weight and regain his explosiveness, an NFL team can find a Day 1 prospect in the middle rounds of this year's draft.
Outside Linebackers
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Cheta Ozougwu (Rice): Played mostly at defensive end, but weighing just 252 pounds makes Ozougwu an outside linebacker prospect in a 3-4.
He won't get much press, but he is smart and has progressed every season he's suited up.
Chris Carter (Fresno State): Doesn't have great speed but he is relentless in getting to the quarterback.
Carter is also tough—he's registered 20 sacks over the past two seasons while fighting through various injuries.
Ross Homan (Ohio State): He is slower than most linebackers and a bit undersized, but Homan makes up for it with a nose for the ball and good instincts.
With body development, he could be a solid starting linebacker.
Cliff Matthews (South Carolina): Displays a solid burst off the line, but his size (265 lbs) makes it necessary for him to play in a 3-4 defense.
His non-stop motor will ensure he makes an impact at the next level.
Featured OLB: Lawrence Wilson
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Career stats: 438 tackles, 9 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 5 interceptions
Simply put, Lawrence Wilson has been one of the most productive linebackers in college football the past four seasons.
While Wilson is probably too small (225 lbs) at this point to make an instant impact, a year or two in an NFL-strength program could allow him to develop into a tackling machine at the next level.
Even so, it's easy to compare Wilson to Atlanta Falcons linebacker Mike Peterson.
While both are undersized, each possess an innate ability to get to and bring down ball carries.
In the NFL, that's a valuable tool.
Middle Linebackers
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Nate Irving (NC State): After suffering a near-fatal car accident in 2009, Irving bounced back this season in a big way.
He was No. 1 in the NCAA in tackles for losses by linebackers and he is one of the better pass-rushing middle backers.
Quan Sturdivant (UNC): Sturdivant started this season as a possible first-round pick, but injury issues and a run-in with police contributed to his fall.
That said, he's a versatile linebacker who lives in opponents' backfields.
Mason Foster (Washington): Much like Wilson from Connecticut, Foster was an ultra-productive linebacker for UW.
He also has good size and sheds blocks well.
Kelvin Sheppard (LSU): A monster physically (6'2", 255 lbs), Sheppard has also been LSU's leading tackler for two straight seasons.
He is fast (4.64) for a man his size.
Featured MLB: Casey Matthews
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Career stats: 229 tackles, 9 sacks, 4 interceptions
There are varying reports on where Casey Matthews might be drafted, but it's hard to argue with his blood lines.
His grandfather (Clay Sr.), father (Clay Jr.), uncle (Bruce) and brother (Clay III) all have played and found success in the NFL.
While Casey might appear to be the ugly duckling of the bunch at this point, his hustle and natural instincts will make him a steal in the later rounds.
Clay III faced just as many doubters when he was entering the NFL.
There's no reason to think Casey can't overcome them just the same.
Cornerbacks
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Shareece Wright (USC): Wright plays much bigger than his 5'11" frame, and his impressive performances during the Senior Bowl only solidify his sleeper candidacy at the corner position.
Brandon Hogan (West Virginia): He has the top-line speed to stay with any receiver, but a knee injury has scared off some scouts. One of the better tackling corners in the draft.
Kendrick Burney (UNC): Another Tar Heel whose stock has dropped during a disappointing season, Burney still has all the tools to be a starting corner in the NFL. He can tackle and has good hands.
Mario Butler (Georgia Tech): Mixes good speed (4.45) with size (6'1"), and Butler is as experienced a cornerback as there is in this draft.
Featured Cornerback: Ras-I Dowling
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Career stats: 159 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, 8 interceptions
Coming into his senior season, Ras-I Dowling was looked upon as one of the best cornerback prospects in this years' draft.
However, 2010 was a disappointment for Dowling.
He missed nine games this season, didn't intercept a pass, and probably dropped his draft potential at least a couple of rounds.
However, if you can look past 2010, Dowling still has a lot of the tools you want in a shutdown corner back.
At 6'2", 200 pounds, he has the perfect frame for a corner back.
While some taller corners have trouble in the hips, that's not the case for Dowling.
He's fluid in his breaks, shows good burst reading routes, and he is comfortable playing press, zone or man coverage.
There are legitimate question marks after his 2010 campaign, but if Dowling proves to teams that was just a fluke, than possibly one of the better corners in this draft could be had in the later rounds.
Safeties
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Tejay Johnson (TCU): A member of the 2010 AP All-American First Team, Johnson was the anchor of a TCU defense that ranked No. 1 in yards given up for three straight seasons.
He is a smart and experienced safety.
Marcus Gilchrist (Clemson): Played mostly corner in college, but might translate better as a safety in the NFL.
Gilchrist is fast, electric in the open field and not afraid to tackle.
Jermale Hines (Ohio State): Hines has displayed enough athletic ability to cover the entire field, and he also started for two seasons in one of the nation's better defenses.
He will deliver the big hit when it's there.
Will Hill (Florida): While another year at Florida certainly would have helped Hill, it's hard to overlook his athletic ability.
At 6'1", 210 pounds, Hill runs in the low 4.4s and would immediately be one of the more athletic safeties in the NFL.
Featured Safety: Deunta Williams
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Career stats: 188 tackles, 3 fumbles forced, 12 interceptions
Yet another Tar Heel who has been affected by injuries and suspensions, Williams' draft stock also dropped this season.
However, that could be a blessing for a team in need of safety help in this year's draft.
A four-year starter at North Carolina, Williams has ideal size (6'1", 215 lbs), speed (4.5) and a nose for the football (aforementioned 12 interceptions).
The broken leg he suffered this season is certainly worrisome, as is the suspension for taking extra benefits, but Williams will make the NFL team that takes him in the middle rounds very happy.
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