2011 NFL Draft: Late Round Steals Each Team Should Consider
The 2011 NFL Combine is finishing up and players have left us with plenty of things to talk about.
All the big names have made an impression, for good or for bad, and we are starting to get a clearer picture of what the actual Draft may look like.
Over 300 prospects did their thing in Indianapolis and it was one heck of a Combine this year.
We still have Pro Days to come so there is a chance for players to make another impression, but a lot of teams will start putting their boards together following the conclusion of the Combine.
The big names will go early and we know what to expect from a lot of these players, but the Draft is seven rounds deep, and there are always steals to be found in the later rounds.
Here is a look at a late round steal for each NFL team as we enter an offseason with no certainty of free agency.
Arizona Cardinals: Chris Culliver, CB/S, South Carolina
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The Cardinals have a lot of areas of need and may be looking for a few big name prospects early at DE/OLB, quarterback and/or on the offensive line.
If they are going to make a move for a quarterback, I think it has to be for a big name guy because they already have two developing youngsters from last year's Draft.
Chris Culliver of South Carolina is an intriguing player.
He posted two "unofficial" sub-4.4 40-yard dashes in Indianapolis, has played multiple positions in college including cornerback, safety, wide receiver and kick returner and can do a lot of things for a football team.
Culliver's got a few character concerns, including attitude issues, but could prove to be a valuable player in the late round with his speed and versatility.
Atlanta Falcons: Weslye Saunders, TE, South Carolina
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The Falcons will likely go after a defensive end, cornerback, wide receiver and/or outside linebacker early in this Draft.
They are a good team with the potential to be great but need to add a few weapons on both sides of the ball.
Tight end Tony Gonzalez will not be the answer forever and looking for a future weapon at some point would be a good idea for the Falcons.
Weslye Saunders was dismissed by the South Carolina football program after lying to NCAA investigators and had to drop out of the Scouting Combine with a broken bone in his foot.
He is big, has a ton football ability, but also has a ton of flags and has the potential to go completely undrafted.
Atlanta could take a risk on him very late with the hopes of a dominant veteran like Tony Gonzalez rubbing off on him.
Baltimore Ravens: Jarriel King, OT, South Carolina
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The Ravens are one of the best drafting franchises in the NFL and they will take care of their needs early and often in the Draft.
They could be on the verge of losing an offensive tackle and certainly cannot lose by taking a shot on a player for the future at the position in the later rounds.
King has a prototypical size and frame but has had some issues off the field and has health concerns that translated into heart procedures.
He does have experience at multiple positions across the line, and if he can overcome the heart issues, he could be a player.
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Buffalo Bills: Pat Devlin, QB, Delaware
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Picture from before transfer to Delaware
If the Bills do not go after a quarterback early in the Draft they may find their future signal caller further down the line.
First and foremost, any comparisons to former Delaware quarterback Joe Flacco are unfair.
He has average size at 6'3", 225-pounds, can make a lot of good throws with nice release and adequate arm strength.
He has a lot of developing to do, but if the Bills are serious about sticking with Ryan Fitzpatrick, it certainly will not hurt to have a young guy like Devlin learning beneath him.
Carolina Panthers: DeAndre Brown, WR, Southern Miss
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The owners of the No. 1 overall pick will find some talent early in the Draft on both sides of the ball and they will need every bit of it.
They will have to make a decision about the quarterback position early but they could use more weapons for whoever lines up under center.
David Gettis and Brandon Lafell have good size for the wide receiver position and both are young, but DeAndre Brown checks in a 6'6", 239-pounds and ran a 4.59 40-yard dash.
He has some off the field concerns as well as some on field question marks including hustle.
Brown will have to sell himself but he certainly possesses a rare size/speed combination.
Chicago Bears: Joe Lefeged, S, Rutgers
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The Bears will likely address needs on the offensive and defensive line early, as well as a look at the wide receiver position and/or outside linebacker spot.
A safety may also be in the cards and here is a player that brings a ton of value later in the Draft.
Lefeged tested faster than I expected with an "unofficial" 4.42 40-yard dash but has not always played that fast.
That said, he was a playmaker for the Scarlet Knights on defense and was an incredible special teams player and kick returner.
His versatility and willingness to compete will get him on a roster and he could fight his way onto the field sooner than expected.
Cincinnati Bengals: Greg McElroy, QB, Alabama
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The Bengals do not know what their offense is going to look like next season but one thing is certain—they will need another quarterback eventually.
Greg McElroy is an extremely smart player and has impressed with his desire to be a better football player going into the next level.
He will not be ready to start right away, but there is something about this kid that makes it seem like one day he will at least get himself a shot to play.
McElroy possesses everything you would want in a football player except the size and arm strength, but it only takes one opportunity.
Cleveland Browns: Denarius Moore, WR, Tennessee
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The Browns are one of those teams I expect to take "the best available player" in most scenarios and their 4-3 defense needs players at almost every position.
They have recently said they are committed to Colt McCoy at the quarterback position and it will be important for them to give him some more weapons.
Moore is 6'1'', 194-pounds and ran a 4.45 40 in Indianapolis. He's got great ball skills and is still progressing as a route runner.
If they wait until later in the Draft, Tennessee's Denarius Moore could be the type of playmaker they are looking for.
Dallas Cowboys: Jeron Johnson, S, Boise State
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Dallas needs a playmaking safety and I do not know when they are going to address it.
Jeron Johnson weighs in at 5'10 1/4", 211-pounds and ran a 4.55 40-yard dash.
He is always around the football, can make plays in both the run and pass and is simply a solid all around prospect.
He has leadership qualities and was a steady contributor on a winning team.
Denver Broncos: Ian Williams, DT, Notre Dame
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The Denver Broncos were miserable against the run last season and they are hoping the switch to a 4-3 defense can help them.
They will go after the defensive line early but they can find some playmakers later in the Draft as well.
Williams is a stout, run-stuffing defensive tackle, and is at his best against the run.
Run-stopping help is definitely something the Broncos could use.
Detroit Lions: Shareece Wright, CB, USC
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The Detroit Lions secondary could always use some help and this year's Draft is no different.
Shareece Wright is an interesting prospect from a top notch program who reportedly overcame some early character concerns.
He's 5'11", 185-pounds and plays with impressive instincts and recognition ability.
Wright plays bigger than his size indicates and he ran a 4.46 in Indianapolis.
Green Bay Packers: Mario Fannin, RB, Auburn
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One of the lesser known weapons on the National Championship Auburn team, Fannin showed up in a big way at the Combine.
He is 5'10", 230-pounds, and ran an impressive 4.38 40-yard dash.
The Packers may have found themselves a running back in James Starks but both he and Ryan Grant are over 6'1", 220-pounds.
Fannin is capable of making plays out of the backfield, has the ability to line up in the slot and can be a solid contributor to a team that likes to throw the football.
Houston Texans: Richard Sherman, CB, Stanford
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The Texans had the worst pass defense in the league last season and a late round sleeper may be a help for them.
They are likely to address this situation a bit earlier, but they cannot rule out the selection of multiple defensive backs.
Sherman was a wide receiver a few years at Stanford before switching over to the defensive side of the ball.
He is 6'2 5/8", 195-pounds and ran a solid 4.5 40-yard dash. He's still very raw as a defensive back but he has great ball skills and his size could be a solid addition to this unit.
Indianapolis Colts: Jeff Maehl, WR, Oregon
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The Colts had a lot of injury issues at the wide receiver position at different points this season and we saw a lot of different players catch the ball from Peyton Manning.
Jeff Maehl has a smaller frame at 6' tall and 190-pounds, yet he finds ways to make catches and plays.
He ran only 4.62 in 40 yard dash but his straight line speed does not show the type of plays he can make.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Tyrod Taylor, QB/WR, Virginia Tech
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The Jaguars need to address their quarterback position for the future at some point and this guy could be a steal if used correctly.
Tyrod Taylor is determined to be a quarterback in the NFL and somebody should be give him a shot at it.
If he does not work out he could potentially transition to the wide receiver position.
Taylor ran a 4.51 40-yard dash, and while he lacks the size, his overall athleticism is hard to discredit.
Kansas City Chiefs: Brandon Fusco, C, Slippery Rock
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The Chiefs could look for some offensive line help in a lot of spots in this Draft but they could get a steal here at center.
Brandon Fusco looked very good in Indianapolis despite coming from a very unknown school, Slippery Rock.
He measured in a 6'4", 306-pounds, looked fluid in on field drills and had an impressive broad jump of 9".
He's still a bit unknown but could be the type of player just waiting for an opportunity to shine on the field.
Miami Dolphins: Zac Etheridge, S, Auburn
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Miami has some big holes they need to fill, most notably at running back, but could use some reinforcements at a lot of positions as well.
Zac Etheridge was a really well-liked player on the National Championship Auburn team this year and was a four-year starter and captain.
He is a high character guy with ability to drop in the box and play the run.
The Tiger should be a good contributor on special teams as well.
Minnesota Vikings: Cliff Matthews, DE/OLB, South Carolina
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The Vikings are on the verge of losing Ray Edwards in free agency and while they may prioritize and snag a player earlier, South Carolina's Cliff Matthews is an intriguing option.
He's smaller, at 6'3", 257-pounds, but he is extremely athletic, ran a 4.82 40-yard dash in Indianapolis and has a few good pass rush moves as well.
Matthews plays with a high motor and can make a big play when needed.
New England Patriots: Delone Carter, RB, Syracuse
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The Patriots could lose the law firm in free agency this offseason and getting another running back to throw into the mix may actually be a high priority.
If Belichick stays away in the earlier rounds, one player that could impress late is Syracuse's Delone Carter.
Shorter and stockier than most at 5'8 5/8", 222-pounds, he still ran a respectable 4.56 40-yard dash in Indianapolis and has solid running back potential at the next level.
New Orleans Saints: Mark Herzlich, OLB, Boston College
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The Saints want some help at outside linebacker and if they wait to go after it until later in the Draft there still may be some solid talent.
Mark Herzlich is the tremendous story of an ACC Defensive Player of the Year that was sidelined by cancer before defeating it and finding his way back to the football field.
An incredible competitor; Herzlich is not the same athlete he was, but his still a heck of a football player with a chance to make an impact.
If he can work back to the form he once had, he could be the steal of the Draft.
New York Giants: Jordan Cameron, TE, USC
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Basketball player, turned wide receiver, turned tight end; Jordan Cameron is trying to be the next big tight end with basketball roots.
The Giants have gotten solid play out of Kevin Boss and will do all that is necessary to retain him, but they have not had a serious playmaking threat since Jeremy Shockey left.
Cameron is certainly a project, but at 6'5", 255-pounds with a 4.59 40; this kid has some serious potential.
New York has the coaching staff to turn this kid into a player.
New York Jets: Ricky Elmore, DE, Arizona
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The Jets would ideally like to add a pass rusher early in the Draft but having a back up plan is essential to success as well.
Ricky Elmore is one of two Arizona Wildcats looking to find a home on Sundays next season and at 6'4 1/4", 255-pounds, he projects as potential 3-4 rush linebacker.
He does not have blazing speed but he is a hard worker with good intangibles and will consistently work to get better; Rex Ryan would like this kid.
Oakland Raiders: Demarcus Van Dyke, CB, Miami
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The Raiders love speed, yes, we know this, but they also may lose their top cornerback this offseason.
Van Dyke has a slight frame at 6'0 1/2", 176-pounds, but he ran a 4.33 at the Combine and Al Davis and company could easily look his way down the line.
He will have to answer some questions as to why he did not get on the field as much as he should have and how he plans to play bigger than he is, but that straight line speed will certainly entice some people.
Philadelphia Eagles: J.T. Thomas, OLB, West Virginia
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The Eagles are usually a solid drafting organization and they like to take chances on fast, active players.
J.T. Thomas is 6'1", 241-pounds, but ran a 4.68 40 at the Combine and flies around the field.
He is good in pass coverage and can make tackles in space as well.
Thomas will not go too high due to his size but he could be a great situational player.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Andre Holmes, WR, Hillsdale
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The Steelers could use a long, lengthy wide receiver prospect opposite Mike Wallace and there are not a ton of them available in the Draft.
Andre Holmes is an extremely productive, small school talent that came into the Combine at 6'4", 210-pounds and ran a 4.53 40-yard dash.
He has the ability to go up and get the football and could be worth the risk as a late round pick to a solid organization like the Steelers.
San Diego Chargers: Akeem Dent, ILB, Georgia
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The Chargers could use help at both inside and outside backer but the top talent in the early portion of the Draft definitely lies with the outside position.
If San Diego waits, there a few prospects in the later rounds that could be players for them on the inside.
Akeem Dent was a captain at Georgia this season, is a tough inside run stuffer that plays downhill and has ability in zone coverage.
Big school product with the chance to surprise.
San Francisco 49ers: Ryan Bartholomew, C, Syracuse
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The undersized center prospect put up a great Combine workout in Indianapolis and got himself some recognition.
The 49ers have needs at multiple places but could also use a talent at center.
He has good athletic ability and strength and is worth the risk late in the Draft.
Seattle Seahawks: Marcus Gilchrist, S, Clemson
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The Clemson Tiger has spent time at both corner and safety and coincidentally the Seahawks could use help at both positions.
The troubling statistic on Gilchrist is his lack of ball skills but he has played in both man and zone coverages effectively and does a good job against the run.
He is a bit undersized at 5'10", but he ran a solid 4.51 40 in Indianapolis and his versatility is an added bonus.
St. Louis Rams: Jeremy Kerley, WR, TCU
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The Rams need a lot of weapons around Sam Bradford and could stand to add a few players to help him throughout the Draft.
Kerley is an undersized prospect who lacks deep speed but he has great short area quickness and is a threat to score from anywhere on the field.
He is an explosive return man and just getting the ball in his hands is dangerous for any opposing team.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Oregon State
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The Tampa Bay Bucs seem to have found their bell cow back in LeGarrette Blount but now they can add a smaller, change of pace guy to the mix as well.
Jacquizz Rodgers is extremely undersized but did one heck of a job making people miss at the collegiate level.
He is a player with a lot of mixed reviews in regards to his pro potential, but if taken at the right time, he will certainly be worth the risk.
Tennessee Titans: Lou Eliades, OG, Penn State
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The Titans could look for some help on both the offensive and defensive interior lines and there will be some players later in the Draft to entice them.
Lou Eliades was injured again this season but at 6'4", 308-pounds, the Penn State prospect could become a legitimate player.
He has good athleticism for a player his size and good strength to go with it.
The big question here will be whether or not he can stay healthy going into the NFL.
If he goes undrafted he will be an intriguing pick up as a free agent.
Washington Redskins: Roy Helu Jr., RB, Nebraska
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The Redskins just cut ties with Clinton Portis and they could use some help in the running game.
Helu put up a surprisingly fast speed in Indianapolis, running a 4.42, and at 6', 200-pounds he has a good combination of size and speed to move forward into the NFL with.
He's got solid patience in the hole and is very competitive.
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