NFL Draft 2011 Results: 25 Players Who Were the Best Late Round Value Picks
We all know about the superstars of the first two rounds, even the potential first-round talents who slip to the third and fourth rounds. Yet the later rounds of the draft are where general managers morph their team into a championship contender.
Every team needs role players to round out the entire organization. We’ve seen elite talent slip in drafts due to character or simply being overlooked. These are the players who have the biggest chips on their shoulders as they look down the draft board and count the number of names they should have been drafted before.
Tom Brady is the most famous of all late-round selections. He was a sixth round selection scouts overlooked for various reasons. Bill Belichick grabs him to be a member of the New England Patriots much to the dismay of Brady, who desperately wanted to be drafted by the San Francisco 49ers. We all know the rest of the story…
These are your top 25 players who were the best value picks from rounds five to seven.
25. Dion Lewis, Pittsburgh RB to Philadelphia Eagles (Round 5)
1 of 25
Height: 5’7”
Weight: 193 lbs.
Career Stats: 544 attempts, 2,860 yards, 30 touchdowns
40-yard Dash – 4.57
Bench Press – 17.0
Vertical Jump – 34.5
Broad Jump – 112.0
3 Cone Drill – 6.9
20-yard Shuttle – 4.18
60-yard Shuttle – 11.39
The Eagles once again go to Pitt to improve their rushing attack. He is a shifty runner with nice speed, quickness, vision and ability to make defenders miss. More importantly, he is a solid check down option with his receiving abilities. He joins former Pitt Panther LeSean McCoy in the Eagles backfield. McCoy was a perfect fit for Andy Reid’s system in Philly, and so is Dion.
24. Jason Pinkston, Pittsburgh OL to Cleveland Browns (Round 5)
2 of 25
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 317 lbs
40-yard Dash – 5.47
Bench Press – N/A
Vertical Jump – 26.5
Broad Jump – 98.0
3 Cone Drill – 7.88
20-yard Shuttle – 4.91
60-yard Shuttle – N/A
The rich get richer in this draft. The Browns already boast a powerful offensive line led by Joe Thomas. Peyton Hillis will be extremely happy to see Mike Holmgren provide him with more run-blocking talent like Pinkston and rookie fullback Owen Marecic. Pinkston is a fine offensive lineman who is better fit in run-blocking, which is perfect for the Browns because that is their main objective in each game.
23. Shiloh Keo, Idaho S to Houston Texans (Round 5)
3 of 25
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 219 lbs
Career Stats: 367 tackles, one sack, 11 interceptions, two forced fumbles
40-yard Dash – 4.75
Bench Press – 24.0
Vertical Jump – 32.5
Broad Jump – 110.0
3 Cone Drill – 6.55
20-yard Shuttle – 3.9
60-yard Shuttle – 11.19
Keo is a big, strong safety who thrives in run support with his tackling ability. The Texans desperately needed to upgrade their secondary, and Keo is one of the top tackling safeties in this draft. He will absolutely light up ball carriers, which will make him an instant fan favorite.
Houston completely revamped their defense into a championship contender. He will prove to be an important piece on special teams and run support as the Texans take the AFC South division in 2011.
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22. Robert Sands, West Virginia S to Cincinnati Bengals (Round 5)
4 of 25
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 217 lbs
Career Stats: 110 tackles, two sacks, six interceptions, two forced fumbles
40-yard Dash – 4.57
Bench Press – 12.0
Vertical Jump – 35.0
Broad Jump – 124.0
3 Cone Drill – 7.03
20-yard Shuttle – 4.06
60-yard Shuttle – 11.2
Sands is one of my favorite safeties in this class. He has very good athletic ability and instincts in both run support and pass coverage. He flies around the field and won’t hesitate to use his entire body to tackle ball carriers. His production does not do him justice. He will soon enough be a solid starter for the Bengals.
21. Chris Carter, Fresno State OLB to Pittsburgh Steelers (Round 5)
5 of 25
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 248 lbs
Career Stats: 204 tackles, 19 sacks, two forced fumbles
40-yard Dash – 4.62
Bench Press – 27.0
Vertical Jump – 36.0
Broad Jump – 114.0
3 Cone Drill – 6.88
20-yard Shuttle – 4.34
60-yard Shuttle – N/A
Just another case of the rich getting richer. The Steelers already boast the best linebacker unit in the NFL—now they add a steal like outside linebacker Chris Carter. Carter will see playing time as a rookie, as he is a fine athlete who can rush the passer in the 3-4 system. With the attention diverted to every other superstar on the Steelers defense, he will have free range at the opposing quarterback.
20. D.J. Williams, Arkansas TE to Green Bay Packers (Round 5)
6 of 25
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 245 lbs
Career Stats: 149 receptions, 1,831 yards, 10 touchdowns
40-yard Dash – 4.67
Bench Press – 20.0
Vertical Jump – 33.5
Broad Jump – 111.0
3 Cone Drill – 7.29
20-yard Shuttle – 4.51
60-yard Shuttle – 12.2
D.J. Williams may be the best blocking tight end in the draft. More importantly, he can also catch the ball. This makes him extremely useful for a team like Green Bay that loves to use its tight ends. Jermichael Finley is never a sure bet to stay healthy, which means Williams adds depth to the team and could make spot starts. With his ability to block, he will help Ryan Grant, James Starks and fellow rookie Alex Green in the rushing attack.
19. Jacquizz Rodgers, Oregon State RB to Atlanta Falcons (Round 5)
7 of 25
Height: 5’6”
Weight: 196 lbs
Career Stats: 788 attempts, 3,877 yards, 46 touchdowns
40-yard Dash – 4.64
Bench Press – N/A
Vertical Jump – 33.0
Broad Jump – 113.0
3 Cone Drill – 7.31
20-yard Shuttle – 4.26
60-yard Shuttle – N/A
We thought the Atlanta Falcons completed their championship caliber offense in the first round when they traded for superstar Julio Jones.
Atlanta decided there was one piece missing—and they were right.
They traded up in the fifth round to land highlight reel Jacquizz Rodgers to truly complete the offense.
Rodgers is a tough, competitive, highly-motivated, talented and undersized running back with blazing speed. He will provide the lightning to Michael Turner’s thunder. With a two-headed rushing attack, Roddy White, Tony Gonzalez and Jones, Matt Ryan will have a plethora of options to choose from as the Falcons once again dominate the NFC.
18. T.J. Yates, North Carolina QB to Houston Texans (Round 5)
8 of 25
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 219 lbs
Career Stats: 9,377 yards, 58 touchdowns, 46 interceptions
40-yard Dash – 5.1
Bench Press – N/A
Vertical Jump – 29.5
Broad Jump – 104.0
3 Cone Drill – 6.96
20-yard Shuttle – 4.12
60-yard Shuttle – N/A
Yates gained a ton of momentum over the past few months. Although raw, he has the ability to be molded into a starting NFL quarterback. Anytime a team can grab a potential franchise quarterback late in the draft, they have to take advantage.
Matt Schaub was in a similar situation in Atlanta before being traded to Houston; perhaps Houston can one day trade Yates. Schaub also is not the most durable of starting quarterbacks, so the Texans add talented depth to the position.
17. Brandon Burton, Utah CB to Minnesota Vikings (Round 5)
9 of 25
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 190 lbs
Career Stats: 97 tackles, three interceptions, one sack, one forced fumble
40-yard Dash – 4.53
Bench Press – 18.0
Vertical Jump – 32.0
Broad Jump – 118.0
3 Cone Drill – 6.93
20-yard Shuttle – 4.07
60-yard Shuttle – 11.59
Burton falling to the fifth round was a complete shocker to me, as he was in my top-10 at the cornerback position. He was the best player remaining on the board for a while and was finally selected by the Minnesota Vikings, who need depth at the corner position—you can never have enough linemen and cornerbacks; right, New York Giants?
Burton should have been drafted above most of the cornerbacks in the third-round, so he is a steal here. He will develop into a solid No. 2 cornerback.
16. Marcus Cannon, TCU OL to New England Patriots (Round 5)
10 of 25
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 358 lbs
40-yard Dash – 5.26
Bench Press – 33.0
Vertical Jump – 30.5
Broad Jump – 105.0
3 Cone Drill – 8.07
20-yard Shuttle – 4.97
60-yard Shuttle – N/A
Of course Bill Belichick would be the one to select Cannon. Cannon was a sure-first second selection, and some even had him pegged as a late-first-round selection. Unfortunately, just days prior to the draft, it was reported that he is suffering from a treatable form of lymphoma. The keyword there is treatable, so it’s great to see that he was drafted, but his stock dropped mightily nonetheless. Still, he presents excellent value as a fifth round selection with his abilities on the offensive line.
15. Ricky Stanzi, Iowa QB to Kansas City Chiefs (Round 5)
11 of 25
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 223 lbs
Career Stats: 7,377 yards, 56 touchdowns, 31 interceptions
40-yard Dash – 4.93
Bench Press – N/A
Vertical Jump – 32.5
Broad Jump – 110.0
3 Cone Drill – 6.95
20-yard Shuttle – 4.43
60-yard Shuttle – N/A
Ricky Stanzi is a clear-cut top-10 quarterback in this class. It’s very surprising that he dropped to the fifth round despite the top-tier quarterbacks being selected early. Just about half the teams in the league could use a quality back up like Stanzi, who is a high-character, quality leader with solid accuracy and arm strength.
At one point this offseason, he was a potential second-round selection. Kansas City grabs a quality young back up to Matt Cassel. If anything were to happen to him, Stanzi has the ability to still lead the team and perform well.
14. DeMarcus Love, Arkansas OL to Minnesota Vikings (Round 6)
12 of 25
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 315 lbs
40-yard Dash – 5.31
Bench Press – 27.0
Vertical Jump – 26.5
Broad Jump – 97.0
3 Cone Drill – 7.84
20-yard Shuttle – 4.84
60-yard Shuttle – N/A
At one point, Love was a potential third or even second round selection. His stock dropped mightily, but you have to believe that he could turn it on, especially with his ability to pick up blitzes and versatility.
For a sixth round selection, he is more than worth a chance for the Vikings to add valuable depth across the offensive line. The game is won in the trenches, and every team could use a big body up front.
The Vikings needed to bolster their offensive line, and a player who could develop into a top 15 or even 10 offensive lineman in this draft is solid value here.
13. Charles Clay, Tulsa RB/TE to Miami Dolphins (Round 6)
13 of 25
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 245 lbs
Career Stats: 179 attempts, 911 yards, 10 touchdowns
40-yard Dash – 4.73
Bench Press – 18.0
Vertical Jump – 33.5
Broad Jump – 118.0
3 Cone Drill – 7.07
20-yard Shuttle – 4.15
60-yard Shuttle – 11.82
Charles Clay offers Tony Sparano versatility, as he is a fine receiver out of the backfield. More importantly, his tough-nosed, strong power running style is a perfect fit for the Dolphins’ envisioned game plan. With both Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams not expected to return, Clay will make an impact in short yardage situations and on third-downs. He also has the ability to line up at tight end with his receiving skills, so rest assured that his versatility will allow him to see plenty of playing time in Miami.
This is a sound runner who is solid like a rock and has no problem punishing defenders. Although he won’t be the greatest lead blocker, I think he can also help lead the way for fellow rookie Daniel Thomas, who was selected in the second round.
12. Ross Homan, Ohio State LB to Minnesota Vikings (Round 6)
14 of 25
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 240 lbs
Career Stats: 288 tackles, seven interceptions, five sacks, two forced fumbles
40-yard Dash – 4.68
Bench Press – 32.0
Vertical Jump –35.5
Broad Jump – 111.0
3 Cone Drill – 7.21
20-yard Shuttle – 4.34
60-yard Shuttle – 11.76
Ohio State breeds solid linebackers, and Ross Homan is just another product. He is a playmaking linebacker, as he is always around the ball. He is a fierce competitor who will give everything he has in his body on the field. The Vikings needed a solid linebacker with great instincts and he fits the bill, especially for a sixth-round selection.
11. Brian Rolle, Ohio State OLB to Philadelphia Eagles (Round 6)
15 of 25
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 229 lbs
Career Stats: 206 tackles, four interceptions, four sacks, one TD
40-yard Dash – 4.56
Bench Press – 28.0
Vertical Jump –33.0
Broad Jump – 115.0
3 Cone Drill – 6.89
20-yard Shuttle – 4.26
60-yard Shuttle – N/A
Rolle was an underrated outside linebacker heading into the draft. Although he is a bit undersized, he has great athleticism and can drop back in coverage. He has the speed to attack off the edge for Philadelphia and more than fits their speedy style of play at the linebacker position. He and fellow rookie teammate Casey Matthews should be on a tear in their rookie season, attacking ball carriers and quarterbacks.
10. Evan Royster, Penn State RB to Washington Redskins (Round 6)
16 of 25
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 212 lbs
Career Stats: 686 attempts, 3,932 yards, 29 touchdowns
40-yard Dash – 4.65
Bench Press – 20.0
Vertical Jump – 34.0
Broad Jump – 113.0
3 Cone Drill – 7.07
20-yard Shuttle – 4.18
60-yard Shuttle – N/A
One of the most prolific runners in Penn State history, Royster is a solid addition to Mike Shanahan’s offense. Although he does not do anything spectacular, he is simply a solid runner and reminds me a bit of Ryan Grant the more I think about him as a player. He will be a fine, reliable runner, especially in Mike Shanahan’s one-cut system. Once Royster sees the hole, he’s going to hit in this system.
He joins rookie teammate Roy Helu Jr., and together, they will create a formidable one-two punch and will complement each other nicely.
9. Ricky Elmore, Arizona DE to Green Bay Packers (Round 6)
17 of 25
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 255 lbs
Career Stats: 124 tackles, one interception, 25 sacks, one forced fumble
40-yard Dash – 4.96
Bench Press – 26.0
Vertical Jump –31.5
Broad Jump – 106.0
3 Cone Drill – 7.25
20-yard Shuttle – 4.32
60-yard Shuttle – N/A
A steal for the Super Bowl Champion Packers who desperately needed to find another pass-rusher in this draft. Elmore should have been drafted much earlier with his versatility and pass-rushing ability. He will thrive next to Clay Matthews as a pass-rushing linebacker or as a defensive end, which will cause some general managers to scratch their heads why they didn’t select him earlier. He is a sound football player with great instincts, natural ability, toughness and a non-stop motor. He will quickly become a household name for the Green Bay Packers after he destroys quarterbacks each week.
8. Quan Sturdivant, North Carolina LB to Arizona Cardinals (Round 6)
18 of 25
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 241 lbs
Career Stats: 310 tackles, seven sacks, four interceptions, two forced fumbles, one touchdown
40-yard Dash – N/A
Bench Press – 21.0
Vertical Jump – 34.0
Broad Jump – 115.0
3 Cone Drill – N/A
20-yard Shuttle – 4.5
60-yard Shuttle – N/A
Sturdivant fell in the draft, like most inside linebackers. He was my No. 5 rated inside linebacker for his leadership and solid all-around play. He is a sound tackler and will become a vital piece in Arizona’s attempts to stop the run. He will also help mightily on special teams with his tackling ability. Anytime a team can grab a player that could have went in the second or third rounds, they can only be labeled a fantastic value pick in the sixth round.
7. Jordan Todman, Connecticut RB to San Diego Chargers (Round 6)
19 of 25
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 203 lbs
Career Stats: 616 attempts, 3,179 yards, 31 touchdowns
40-yard Dash – 4.4
Bench Press – 25.0
Vertical Jump – 38.0
Broad Jump – 126.0
3 Cone Drill – 7.24
20-yard Shuttle – 4.18
60-yard Shuttle – 11.25
Todman is a strong, fierce runner and a potential top-10 runner in this class. He was my No. 8 back in the draft for his ability to explode through would-be tacklers. He is tough, competitive and has the talent to become an excellent spot-starter for a team down the stretch. He is a fantastic backup for the Chargers, who will most likely lose Darren Sproles to free agency.
6. Tyrod Taylor, Virginia Tech QB to Baltimore Ravens (Round 6)
20 of 25
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 217 lbs
Career Stats: 7,017 yards, 44 touchdowns, 20 interceptions
40-yard Dash – 4.51
Bench Press – N/A
Vertical Jump – 37.5
Broad Jump – 126.0
3 Cone Drill – 6.78
20-yard Shuttle – 4.12
60-yard Shuttle – N/A
Taylor is an underrated playmaker in the draft. Not only was he a top-10 quarterback in my rankings, he has the versatility to assist from the running back position, special teams and perhaps even receiver.
Yes, he wants to be a starting NFL quarterback, but he can make a major impact as a rookie ala Brad Smith in New York.
Should something happen to Joe Flacco, the Ravens have a talented playmaking quarterback waiting in the shadows.
5. Greg Jones, Michigan State LB to New York Giants (Round 6)
21 of 25
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 242 lbs
Career Stats: 464 tackles, 16 sacks, two interceptions, three forced fumbles
40-yard Dash – 4.8
Bench Press – 21.0
Vertical Jump – 31.5
Broad Jump – 117.0
3 Cone Drill – 7.27
20-yard Shuttle – 4.27
60-yard Shuttle – 11.84
Once again, general manager Jerry Reese lets the draft come to him and he lands a pure steal at the linebacker position in Greg Jones. Jones was my No. 2 rated inside linebacker, as he was one of the best inside linebackers in the nation the past two seasons.
He has been scrutinized for being an undersized linebacker, which is why he fell all the way to the sixth round.
Good.
This means he will have an even larger chip on his shoulder and will excel in the NFL with his maturity, talent, work ethic and determination. A second- or third-round selection in my books, Jones is a remarkable selection late in the draft.
4. Tyler Sash, Iowa S to New York Giants (Round 6)
22 of 25
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 211 lbs
Career Stats: 216 tackles, one sack, 13 interceptions, three forced fumbles, two touchdowns
40-yard Dash – 4.62
Bench Press – 11.0
Vertical Jump – 33.0
Broad Jump – 108.0
3 Cone Drill – 6.9
20-yard Shuttle – 4.27
60-yard Shuttle – 11.56
Tyler Sash is one of my favorite players in the entire draft. He is a fantastic playmaker in the secondary with his high-football intelligence and ball-hawking skills.
Not only is he a threat with the ball in the air, he is an even bigger threat in run support. He has great speed and strength and uses his strong legs to launch himself like a missile into ball carriers.
Sash was a third-round talent and my No. 1 strong safety in this draft with his intelligence, maturity, work ethic and talent.
3. Da’Rel Scott, Maryland RB to New York Giants (Round 7)
23 of 25
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 211 lbs
Career Stats: 430 attempts, 2,401 yards, 17 touchdowns
40-yard Dash – 4.34
Bench Press – 19.0
Vertical Jump – 34.0
Broad Jump – 117.0
3 Cone Drill – 7.15
20-yard Shuttle – 4.2
60-yard Shuttle – 11.51
The Giants always seem to suffer an injury to a running back, and more importantly, Ahmad Bradshaw could decide to leave.
If Bradshaw decides to bolt, Scott is a great replacement, especially for a seventh round selection. Although he lack’s power, he is a tough kid who will make people miss and could be used as a check down option.
If Bradshaw stays, which he should, Scott is a fantastic piece for the Giants, as they would prefer to employ a three-headed rushing attack they like to call Earth, Wind and Fire.
2. Virgil Green, Nevada TE to Denver Broncos (Round 7)
24 of 25
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 249 lbs
Career Stats: 71 receptions, 911 yards, 11 touchdowns
40-yard Dash – 4.64
Bench Press – 23.0
Vertical Jump – 42.5
Broad Jump – 130.0
3 Cone Drill – 6.9
20-yard Shuttle – 4.4
60-yard Shuttle – 11.63
Despite their success last year, I’m not too high on the Broncos receiving corps; they still have a lot of growing to do. As John Fox and John Elway turn the franchise over to franchise quarterback Tim Tebow, they need to provide him with a reliable target.
The tight end can quickly become a young quarterback's security blanket. Similar to Dustin Keller in New York for Mark Sanchez, Virgil Green will quickly become Tebow’s safety net.
Green was one of the top pass-catching tight ends in the draft. I ranked him top-five among all tight ends in the draft, so a round seven selection is clearly a steal for a player who could have easily been selected in the third or fourth rounds.
1. Greg McElroy, Alabama QB to New York Jets (Round 7)
25 of 25
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 220 lbs
Career Stats: 5,691 yards, 39 touchdowns, 10 interceptions
40-yard Dash – 4.91
Bench Press – N/A
Vertical Jump – 33.0
Broad Jump – 107.0
3 Cone Drill – 7.11
20-yard Shuttle – 4.45
60-yard Shuttle – N/A
New York needed a backup to Mark Sanchez and can now groom another young quarterback. McElroy is one of the most intelligent players in the draft, according to the Wonderlic test, and will be a welcomed addition to the team. His ability to learn the playbook quickly will prove to be invaluable in case something happens to Sanchez.
More importantly, Rex Ryan lands a top-10 quarterback on my position rankings in the seventh round. He had no business falling to the seventh round with his winning pedigree.
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