2011 NFL Draft Results: The 5 Best Late-Round Selections
At this point on draft weekend, it's all about the 2011 NFL draft results. Finding that late-round gem is overlooked at this stage of the game, but it's something that can turn mediocre teams into playoff contenders and good teams into Super Bowl winners.
Just ask the New England Patriots and Tom Brady.
Today, it seems unimportant, but there's a lot future contributors, starts and even Pro Bowlers out there being snatched up by teams willing to take a chance.
With the third day of the draft, the best player available draft strategy is usually instituted, so some big-time college names have been coming off the board.
The word "reach" is essentially thrown out the window.
Some guys may never pan out, but a few late-round selections seem to be destined for long, successful careers in the NFL.
Let's take a look at the top-five late-round picks of the 2011 NFL draft.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Sam Acho, Defensive End, Texas (Pick 103)
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The Arizona Cardinals have Pro Bowler Darnell Dockett on their defensive line, a workout warrior who prides himself on playing hard each and every play.
Calais Campbell was picked in the second round of the 2008 draft, and now, they get overachiever Sam Acho to provide quality depth on a defensive line that gave up 145 yards on the ground per game last season.
He's a physical specimen at 6'2", 265 pounds, and although he didn't shoot up draft boards like former team Brian Orakpo did, Acho had quite the senior season with 59 tackles, 17 for loss, nine sacks and five forced fumbles.
Acho won't blow you away with quickness off the edge but is strong enough to man the outside in a 3-4 or 4-3 front.
I like this pick for the Cardinals. They've put an onus on strengthening the defense, and Acho is a good prospect that could have gone as early as the second round.
(Also he won the "Academic Heisman" in 2010. Intelligence. Not a bad trait to have.)
4. Washington Redskins: Roy Helu Jr., Running Back, Nebraska (Pick 105)
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Usually the fourth round is for adding depth to a position that's already in tact or to find some willing special teamers who could later blossom into offensive or defensive starters.
While Roy Helu Jr. may take on some special team duties in his rookie season, he has a great chance to see a lot of time on the field as the Redskins primary runner.
They've got Ryan Torian, who they like, penciled in as the starter, but Helu Jr. could definitely be penciled in as the primary backup.
He's a very determined runner and produced big time in college. He'll lead your team and is willing to take on a heavy workload.
There's not one area of his game that's overly impressive; he's just a solid all-around prospect that consistently picks up good yardage.
Washington has Keiland Williams, James Davis and Andre Brown on their roster as reserve running backs, but none of them cracked the 300-yard mark last season.
Good value pick with Helu Jr. for the 'Skins.
3. New England Patriots: Marcus Cannon, Tackle, TCU (Pick 138)
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The New England Patriots go as Tom Brady goes, and Bill Belichick knows how vital it is for his quarterback to be protected.
Over the years, they've drafted some pretty talented guys and molded them into a solid brick wall in front of Brady.
They add more depth with the intriguing selection of Marcus Cannon.
He was recently diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Fortunately for the former TCU standout, it's treatable and the success rate is 90 percent for this form of cancer.
Cannon will begin chemotherapy soon and then start to work his way back onto the football field.
From an on-the-field standpoint, Cannon has got everything you'd need in a starting right tackle. His big, can move his feet and is physical with his hands.
Belichick knows when a gem slides to him, and Cannon just might be another one.
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2. Atlanta Falcons: Jacquizz Rodgers, Running Back, Oregon State (Pick 145)
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The Atlanta Falcons made the biggest move in the first round, moving up 21 spots to give Matt Ryan another weapon with the selection of Julio Jones.
In the fifth round, they added more explosiveness to an already dynamic offense by drafting lightning-bug running back Jacquizz Rodgers.
He's as small as they come at 5'6'', but he's a stacked 190 pounds and runs with the mindset that he's Adrian Peterson. (Gotta check out this video of 'Quiz running over an Oregon defender in this year's Civil War)
Michael Turner undoubtedly the feature back, who makes his living between the tackles, and Jason Snelling brings more of the same to the table, so Rodgers is the ideal option on third down and on pitches to the outside.
He doesn't possess breakaway speed but did run in the 4.5s at the combine and is arguably the shiftiest and most fleet-footed runner in this draft class.
Think Darren Sproles with an attitude.
1. Cleveland Browns: Owen Marecic, Fullback, Stanford (Pick 124)
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We usually don't make a big deal about a fullback being taken, but the Cleveland Browns drafting Owen Marecic is something worth talking about.
The two-way player at Stanford (fullback and linebacker) Marecic will be embraced not only by the fans in Cleveland but by running back and Madden '12 cover man Peyton Hillis.
Marecic is a blue-collar player, who's limited athletically but makes up for it with grit, hustle and the willingness to give up his chiseled body.
Pat Shurmur has himself the foundations for a run game that could be even more punishing than it was last season with Marecic and Hillis.
I don't want anything to do with either of this bruisers if I'm an opposing linebacker.
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