2011 NFL Draft: 10 Draft-Day Steals from the 2011 NFL Draft Class
Every NFL team is looking for the next Tom Brady, Antonio Gates or Marques Colston in the late rounds of the annual draft. The great teams find them.
The most successful teams in the NFL win consistently by re-stocking their roster with draft choices in every round of the NFL draft.
With the 2011 draft just a few weeks away, we take a look at those lesser-known players who could make a major impact on the NFL.
1. Kenrick Ellis, Nose Tackle, Hampton
1 of 10
It's not often that you will find a player who compares to Shaun Rogers and Vince Wilfork ranked No. 67 overall on our draft board.
Ellis started his career at South Carolina, where he stood out early on, but was eventually suspended and then removed from the team. There were allegations of multiple failed drug tests.
Ellis quickly landed on his feet at Hampton and dominated the FBS scene. It is obvious that Ellis has superior talent—it is his off-field concerns that will cause his stock to slide in to the second or third-round range.
2. James Brewer, Offensive Tackle, Indiana
2 of 10
James Brewer is built like a brick house.
At 6'6" and 323 lbs., he ran a quick 5.21 seconds in the 40-yard dash, proving he has the athleticism to survive as a right tackle in the NFL.
Brewer ranks as our No. 87th player overall, and the ninth offensive tackle, but we love his potential as a right tackle.
The lucky team who drafts Brewer in Round 3 will have a steal on its hands.
3. Colin McCarthy, Inside Linebacker, Miami (FL)
3 of 10
Colin McCarthy has been a standout at every level of play.
A fierce tackler for the Miami Hurricanes, McCarthy dominated in the 2011 Senior Bowl. His explosive hits and sideline-to-sideline speed had NFL scouts excited.
McCarthy has the athleticism to play outside linebacker but will be best served playing inside in a 4-3 scheme.
Many NFL teams have moved McCarthy down their boards due to injury concerns. In fact, we have done the same thing. Ranked No. 93 overall, McCarthy has the skills to be a rookie starter.
.png?w=256)
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
4. Austin Pettis, Wide Receiver, Boise State
4 of 10
Austin Pettis' name should be familiar to you. He is considered one of the top wide receiver prospects for the 2011 NFL draft, depending on who you ask.
Some have labeled Pettis as a true sleeper, while others find him overrated and a product of the Boise State system.
We are betting on Pettis' size, speed and route-running skills to carry him to success in the NFL.
5. Ricky Elmore, Defensive End, Arizona
5 of 10
Elmore started two full seasons at defensive end for the Arizona Wildcats. In those two seasons he led the Pac-10 in sacks.
We don't quite understand why the buzz on Elmore is not higher.
He's a high-motor player, a perfect fit for the 3-4 defense and has the production to back it up.
Elmore might not hear his name called in the first three rounds, but he will be more productive than most of the pass rushers drafted ahead of him.
6. Jaiquawn Jarrett, Free Safety, Temple
6 of 10
Jaiquawn Jarrett is a relative unknown to casual NFL draft fans. That's about to change.
Jarrett has a perfect combination of size, speed and instincts to roam the center field for any NFL team. He also attacks the run like a crazed middle linebacker.
This is a weak class of safeties, with potentially none being drafted in the first round. We would take our chances on a finished, productive player in Jarrett.
7. Greg McElroy, Quarterback, Alabama
7 of 10
Greg McElroy doesn't have the freakish athletic ability of Cam Newton, or the hype of Blaine Gabbert. What he does have is a national championship ring and two years of experience running a pro-style offense under Nick Saban at Alabama.
McElroy will likely be drafted in the late third or early fourth round, but he has Matt Flynn-like skills and could immediately become one of the best backup quarterbacks in the NFL. This will open the door to a starting gig soon enough.
8. Tim Barnes, Center, Missouri
8 of 10
Tim Barnes ranks on some draft boards as a seventh-round prospect, or even as a priority free agent. We think that's flat-out crazy.
Barnes has played in a shotgun system, which is harder for centers because of the longer snap and the amount of time it takes to recover and get out of their stance.
A first-team All-Big 12 pick in 2010, Barnes is excellent in pass protection. We think he has the football IQ and the toughness in the run game to start as a rookie.
9. Da'Rel Scott, Running Back, Maryland
9 of 10
A three-year starter at Maryland, Da'Rel Scott has the production to catch the eye of NFL scouts, but it is his workout numbers that are really causing people to take notice.
Scott's 4.34 in the 40-yard dash was the fastest time posted by a running back at the 2011 NFL combine. He is an exciting option as a third-down back, with excellent speed and the hands to catch out of the backfield.
10. Jeron Johnson, Strong Safety, Boise State
10 of 10
Jeron Johnson is a bit undersized, but that doesn't keep him from knocking the heck out of people on the football field.
Seriously. Jeron Johnson is like a football-seeking missile. He recorded at least 80 tackles in each of his final three seasons.
Johnson may become the most fined player in the NFL, but he will also be the most feared.
Naturally, we love him.
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
