Who are your sleepers??

[ARodg]

I know we've all got guys that really jump out to us in the draft that are probably late round guys that we think can really help the Cards. Who are your sleepers for this draft?

*Don't include the QBs or guys like Moffit and Wilson who everybody has had listed.

**I'll give bonus points to anybody who can find a highlight video without awful rap music.

Greg Little (WR-UNC) has always been a guy that I thought was going to be really good.

6'3 220, with good hands and plays extremely physical. Goes over the middle, lowers his shoulders and drives for extra yardage, good blocking reciever. 3rd or 4th round prospect.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRKB-KIQMg4

Greg Jones 6'1 240 (MLB-MSU) is a guy that I think is going to be a really solid MLB despite his height. Probably a 3rd round prospect. Was a terror at MSU, range was sideline to sideline, and he looked like a great athlete who could really fill the hole and lay the wood (no homo)

I'm having problems finding videos because apparently nobody cares about MSU's football team.

*He's not 6'1, closer to 5'10.

Marcus Gilbert 6'5 320 (OT-Florida) is a guy that I think will be a solid player and worth taking a look at in the 4th round or so. Real good run blocker, definitely not a LT. would be an average pass blocker even for a RT. Would be an interesting prospect at Guard.

Nathan Enderle 6'5 233 (QB-Idaho) Other than McElroy I think Enderle is the best 5th round or later QB prospect. Prototypical size and arm strength

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Danny Watkins, Guard, Baylor... in the third.

He has a second round grade from Mayoch.

 

[ARodg]

Danny Watkins, Guard, Baylor... in the third.

He has a second round grade from Mayoch.

He'd be a middle 2nd rounder if he wasn't 27. I couldn't agree more that he's a guy that's going to help a team out a lot.

Walter Football has the Packers taking him with pick 64. Quite happy if that's what happens.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

He'd be a middle 2nd rounder if he wasn't 27. I couldn't agree more that he's a guy that's going to help a team out a lot.

Walter Football has the Packers taking him with pick 64. Quite happy if that's what happens.

born Nov. 6, 1984: 26 ...

 

[JeffGollin]

It's early, but guys who've caught my eye so far include:

Watkins G

Moffitt G

Fusco C

Hudson C

The safety from Rutgers (LeFeged?) tailed off a bit later in the season, but played like Superman earlier in the season.

Of course, any major changes (for the better or worse) in anticipated workout scores could place a "too slow" label on an otherwise productive prospect or, likewise put a "we didn't realize he was that fast - or fast enough" label on a "possession receiver" or a "cagey but too slow" safety or a big RB deemed by the experts to be "too slow."

Also - there may be medical rejects who might be risky as draft picks but flat-out steals as UDFA's. (The USC center, O' Dowd, is one guy who comes to mind).

Also - also - I must confess to being underwhelmed by this year's RB crop.

 

[mojorizen7]

**I'll give bonus points to anybody who can find a highlight video without awful rap music.

Classic. Golden. Amen.

Resume thread.

 

[Chopper0080]

C-Jake Kirkpatrick-TCU: Jake is a technician who plays very smart. I think he has a similar skill to Lye Sendlein. Has contributed all four years he has been at TCU after he red shirted.

NT-Sione Fua-Stanford: With so many teams going to 3-4 schemes a player like Fua should be in an ideal environment to succeed. He probably won't develop into a Casey Hampton, but at worst he is a swing NT who will be valuable to a team looking to keep it's big men fresh.

ILB-Casey Matthews-Oregon: Obviously not his brother, Casey will bring a non-stop motor to some team in the NFL. At worst he is a special teams demon for the next 5 years, but a part of wouldn't be surprised to see him outwork his competition and become a quality starter at LB.

OLB-KJ Wright-Miss St.: A ton of sleepers at OLB, though in KJ's case, he offers a bit more versatility. I think that he projects better inside in a 3-4, but he does have the size to also play outside. Not as fluid as you would like in a linebacker, but makes plays with 22.5 TFL, 8 sacks, and 14 PBUs over the past 3 years where he has played every game.

OLB's-Brooks Reed/Jeremy Beal: I am not sure if these guys count as sleepers, but I think that playing outside in the 3-4, these two have shots to become starters very quickly. Both are probably SOLB's, and make enough plays to be factors in many games. Of the transition guys, I think that these two and KJ Wright bring the most value to 3-4 schemes.

OLB-Kenny Rowe-Oregon: I watch a bunch of Pac 10 football, and while he is totally undersized to play DE in the pros, Kenny Rowe makes plays rushing the passer. I think his best fit would be at the WILL position in the 4-3, where he would free to run and make the plays that did in college.

WR-Jeff Maehl-Oregon: This is my biggest sleeper. Smart wide receievrs who run good routes, understand defenses, and make clutch catches make it in the NFL, and that is what Maehl is. He looks average, he times average, but when he gets in a game he plays great. The catches that he makes in big games is unbelievable.

Just in 2011
vs Stanford, Maehl catches 3 for 50 yds and a TD. While this stat line is not super impressive, Maehl's TD catch was when the Ducks were down 21-3 after the 1st Q. Maehl's TD kicked off a 49-10 scoring run that left Stanford in the dust.

vs USC, Maehl catches 8 for 145 and 3 TDs. Most impressively is that every TD Maehl caught was to put Oregon ahead of the Trojans who were leading before every TD catch.

vs Cal, Maehl catches 5 for 84 and a TD. In a very tight game Maehl hauls in the TD that puts the Ducks ahead by 8 in a game where they do not score again and win by 2.

vs Auburn, Maehl catches 9 for 133. Most importantly in this game Maehl catches the 2 pt conversion that ties the game with 2:21 left in the game.

At worst, Maehl is Ricky Proehl. At best, guy could be Wes Welker.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

He's starting to get some press and may even end up being in round 1, but a guy that gets overlooked alot is DT Corey Liguet from Illinois. He made plays all year for the Illini.

 

[Krangodnzr]

ILB Nate Irving.

Go watch film on him. He's a demon. He had nearly 20 TFLs and 7 sacks last year in his comeback bid from a serious car accident.

He's TWICE the player that Greg Jones is, and probably 10 times the player that Casey Matthews is.

 

[Krangodnzr]

I know we've all got guys that really jump out to us in the draft that are probably late round guys that we think can really help the Cards. Who are your sleepers for this draft?

*Don't include the QBs or guys like Moffit and Wilson who everybody has had listed.

**I'll give bonus points to anybody who can find a highlight video without awful rap music.

Greg Little (WR-UNC) has always been a guy that I thought was going to be really good.

6'3 220, with good hands and plays extremely physical. Goes over the middle, lowers his shoulders and drives for extra yardage, good blocking reciever. 3rd or 4th round prospect.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRKB-KIQMg4

Greg Jones 6'1 240 (MLB-MSU) is a guy that I think is going to be a really solid MLB despite his height. Probably a 3rd round prospect. Was a terror at MSU, range was sideline to sideline, and he looked like a great athlete who could really fill the hole and lay the wood (no homo)

I'm having problems finding videos because apparently nobody cares about MSU's football team.

*He's not 6'1, closer to 5'10.

Marcus Gilbert 6'5 320 (OT-Florida) is a guy that I think will be a solid player and worth taking a look at in the 4th round or so. Real good run blocker, definitely not a LT. would be an average pass blocker even for a RT. Would be an interesting prospect at Guard.

Nathan Enderle 6'5 233 (QB-Idaho) Other than McElroy I think Enderle is the best 5th round or later QB prospect. Prototypical size and arm strength

I really like Greg Little, but his suspension will hurt his draft stock since he was viewed a project to begin with.

He may be available as late as the fourth round, and could be a steal.

 

[Chopper0080]

What's funny is that the Pac 10 is the perfect sleeper conference.

The SEC has the best collection of athletes in college which tend to prevent them from providing great sleepers.

The Big 10 has the program names that get a ton of attention, and so players from these traditionally great schools tend to get solid attention.

The Big 12 also carries a bunch of school name power and has been a solid conference over the past couple years which has gotten their teams a bunch of TV time.

While the Pac 10 is rarely viewed by many East Coasters and their media, and is considered as a conference that doesn't play defense and are therefore overrated offensively. But when you look at it, both front runners for the Defensive Player of the Year award are from the Pac 10 in Matthews and Polamalu. The Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers is from the Pac 10. Arguably the best DT in the NFL Haloti Ngata is from the Pac 10, as are two of the offensive players in MJD and Desean Jackson.

 

[Chopper0080]

ILB Nate Irving.

Go watch film on him. He's a demon. He had nearly 20 TFLs and 7 sacks last year in his comeback bid from a serious car accident.

He's TWICE the player that Greg Jones is, and probably 10 times the player that Casey Matthews is.

Oh, I guess I don't view Irving as a sleeper. He is really good, and I thought that it was a pretty apparent fact.

But, if you are including him, then yes, a sleeper he is.

The difference between him and Matthews should be about 2 rounds. Irving 3rd, Matthews 5th.

 

[Hypothesis]

I'll be posting a thread later with expanded thoughts on some prospects soon as I did last year, after I visit my last few colleges in the next couple weeks, but I'll add some names now of some prospects that have caught my eye.

Mario Harvey - 5' 11 250lbs ILB Marshall

A little on the short side as he is barely 5'11, but is built extremely solid. Displays terrific instincts and has a good natural flow to the play. Very stout in run support and consistently lowers the boom while displaying very sound tackling technique. Has very good leg drive and has a very quick burst through the hole. Plays with good pad level and keeps his shoulders squared to the line of scrimmage. Has short arms, but uses his hands well to keep blockers off his body and away from his legs. Against Memphis, was running stride for stride with WR Jermaine McKenzie down the seam. Harvey runs much faster than what his 40 time would suggest. Does need to improve his knowledge of the ins and outs of the game, but possesses outstanding instincts. Very good SILB prospect.

Nate Williams - 6'0 215lbs SS Washington

Very intellectual player, a real student of the game. Isn't the most gifted athlete, but by studying film and getting to know what offenses are trying to do, he is almost always in the right spot at the right time. Is a very intense hitter and sound tackler. Sometimes shows blatant disregard for his body which puts him at risk for injury. Needs to tone that down at the next level. Is not as good at man coverage as I would like but should shine in zone. Very good in run support and has above average run/pass awareness. Rarely out of position, but can be beat in straight man coverage.

Wayne Daniels - 6'0 257lbs OLB TCU

Tenacious defender. Very strong build with a very thick lower body. Low center of gravity and very good balance. Plays with outstanding energy and is extremely quick. Possesses above average change of direction skills and has good awareness. Plays very violently. Has long arms for his build and uses them well. Very good body control for a defender his size. Plays the game with a lot of heart and is an emotional leader for TCU's defense. Displays an impressive bull rush and has good speed. Times the snap well and has a burst off the edge. Pursues well and is possibly one of the most reliable tacklers in this draft at this position. Outstanding in run support. He hasn't gotten many QB sacks in his career at TCU, but he collapses the pocket constantly and applies constant pressure to the opposing QB. Has very fluid hips. Strong work ethic.

Brian Duncan - 6'1 248lbs OLB Texas Tech

Very solid player with an even more solid work ethic. Firm base and good body control. Benefited from Texas Tech's move to the 3-4. Has racked up good numbers throughout his career but excelled when he moved to OLB. Plays with good leverage and power. High energy quick twitch player but is solid in both run and pass support. Won't wow anyone with his physical abilities but is solid. Has the ability to drop into coverage. Has experience now standing up. Only got 7 sacks in his college career, and all of them came after making the move to OLB in their 3-4 this year. Got a lot of hurries and QB hits.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KI6Xt2Pqh1s

Chris Carter - 6'1 245lbs OLB Fresno State

He is a runaway engine, his motor never stops. Plays with outstanding energy and really energizes his teammates. Plays with power and has exceptional speed. Very good burst off the snap. Punishes QB's with very hard hits. Good speed rush and has developed a nice bull rush to go with his speed in 2010. Has a good rip move and swim move. Gets a little off balance if trying to spin. Is not the ideal tackler, as he hits high and is more of a drag down tackler. Needs to develop better tackling technique and use his legs more to push the runner back. Has not dropped into coverage. Played the 2009 season with a club on his hand yet was still very effective.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMVtxfRt8ok

Ras-I Dowling - 6'2 205lbs CB Virginia

Falling a bit due to injury plagued 2010 senior season, but was once considered a lock for the first round. Now some see him dropping to late second, early third. Possesses perfect size for the position. Plays with outstanding intelligence. Has a powerful build and is an extremely physical player. Great tackler and big hitter. Very good at shedding blocks and bringing down the running back with authority. Has the athleticism to play man coverage but is better suited for zone. Gets a little high in his backpedal and is a little bit slow when turning to run. Has decent make up speed. Is a monster when he can keep the in front of him. Very long arms and good leaping ability. Very solid character. Virtual clone of Ike Taylor.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTjPU5YxvTA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmWJb1gPIEM&feature=related

Korey Lindsey - 5'11 190lbs CB Southern Illinois

Overall a very solid corner. Is not overly impressive in any one area but is consistent. Good in man and zone coverage. Solid tackler. High effort guy and puts in overtime in film study. Uses hands well to jam receiver at LOS. Stays low in his backpedal and transitions nice. Wrap up tackler though not a particularly hard hitter. Possesses adequate speed but has good change of direction. Very underrated at his position.

Kendall Hunter - 5'7 200lbs RB Oklahoma State

Short back but is built very solid. Was a workhorse at OSU. Very reliable runner with outstanding burst and quickness. Makes people miss both in the hole and in open field. More quick than fast but has enough speed to not get caught from behind too often. Perhaps has the best vision out of any back in this draft. Possibly the best balance as well. Thick legs and a very very low center of gravity. Despite his short size, displays surprising power. Won't push a pile for 3 yards, but is hard to bring down. Instant acceleration and change of direction ability. Runs in such a way he avoids taking the big hit. Very reliable receiver out of the backfield. During Senior Bowl, showed that he is a very capable blocker in pass protection. Displays good patience and uses his blockers very well. Very similar to Jamaal Charles.

Despite missing most of his junior year due to an ankle injury, surpassed Barry Sanders on Oklahoma States all time rushing list.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVPuzPacWDY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjpBSpePYzg&feature=related

I'll add more as I get my lists and notes together.

 

[sundevil04]

I've always liked Kelvin shepperd from LSU as a 3-4 silb, love him in rd 3 or 4

 

[PDXChris]

If it is true he is better than his brother, then Mike Pouncey is my sleeper to make the biggest impact on the Cardinals next year. If we trade down, it should be for him. If we don't then we should use our second round and anything else to get this guy. He can be our starting C for the next 10-15 years. I know a certain 1st round pick is not really a sleeper, but he could be the best OL player the Cards have drafted in years.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

I
Mario Harvey - 5' 11 250lbs ILB Marshall

A little on the short side as he is barely 5'11, but is built extremely solid. Displays terrific instincts and has a good natural flow to the play. Very stout in run support and consistently lowers the boom while displaying very sound tackling technique. Has very good leg drive and has a very quick burst through the hole. Plays with good pad level and keeps his shoulders squared to the line of scrimmage. Has short arms, but uses his hands well to keep blockers off his body and away from his legs. Against Memphis, was running stride for stride with WR Jermaine McKenzie down the seam. Harvey runs much faster than what his 40 time would suggest. Does need to improve his knowledge of the ins and outs of the game, but possesses outstanding instincts. Very good SILB prospect.

This guy.

He was who I was going to post. He would be a great pick up for us, IMO.

 

[Gandhi]

Hypothesis, you attend colleges to make your assessments? That´s impressive.
I don’t know all the guys you’ve listed but I do not Kendall Hunter, and I’m very intrigued with him. Not necessarily in regards to the Cardinals, but I really like his vision and running style. You have already described it so I won’t go there. Only thing I disagree with is that I see him more like a poor man’s LeSean McCoy than similar to Jamaal Charles.


Chopper, do you see K.J. Wright as a potential SILB for the Cards? I’m only asking because outside of Martez Wilson I don’t really see any good prospects, maybe save Kelvin Sheppard.


I like Kenny Rowe, OLB, Oregon. Not as a starter on defense, but I think if you can get a starter on ST in the late rounds you have done well. After all, ST is a very big part of a team’s success. I think Rowe has enough heart and dedication that he will make a pretty good player and possibly be a ST ace down the road.

 

[Hypothesis]

Hypothesis, you attend colleges to make your assessments? That´s impressive.
I don’t know all the guys you’ve listed but I do not Kendall Hunter, and I’m very intrigued with him. Not necessarily in regards to the Cardinals, but I really like his vision and running style. You have already described it so I won’t go there. Only thing I disagree with is that I see him more like a poor man’s LeSean McCoy than similar to Jamaal Charles.


Chopper, do you see K.J. Wright as a potential SILB for the Cards? I’m only asking because outside of Martez Wilson I don’t really see any good prospects, maybe save Kelvin Sheppard.


I like Kenny Rowe, OLB, Oregon. Not as a starter on defense, but I think if you can get a starter on ST in the late rounds you have done well. After all, ST is a very big part of a team’s success. I think Rowe has enough heart and dedication that he will make a pretty good player and possibly be a ST ace down the road.

My job takes me to colleges around the nation. I scout the players as a hobby. I get to sit down a lot of the time with actual coaches tape that is cut by the media productions department. Sometimes, it's a rarity, but I'll actually get to talk to a player or coach. But the stars of a college football team are like celebrities and you can't just approach them. They are protected more often than not. I'm guessing mainly to try to avoid them taking gifts etc. I will talk to people that know them though, in an attempt to learn about their character, work ethic etc.

 

[Krangodnzr]

If it is true he is better than his brother, then Mike Pouncey is my sleeper to make the biggest impact on the Cardinals next year. If we trade down, it should be for him. If we don't then we should use our second round and anything else to get this guy. He can be our starting C for the next 10-15 years. I know a certain 1st round pick is not really a sleeper, but he could be the best OL player the Cards have drafted in years.

He's not better than his twin, who was a solid first rounder last year. Mike Pouncey is a marginal first round pick this year. He struggled mightily early in the year snapping the ball at center.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sp...ida-juniors-to-join-him-in-the-nfl-draft.html

13 FUMBLED SNAPS! IN ONE GAME! WOW!

 

[Krangodnzr]

Hypothesis:

What's your take on my man Nate Irving, NC State? I think he's going to be an excellent Pro, and could play well at SILB after a slight adjustment.

 

[Hypothesis]

Hypothesis:

What's your take on my man Nate Irving, NC State? I think he's going to be an excellent Pro, and could play well at SILB after a slight adjustment.

Intense and focused. Personally I think he's the best suited ILB in this draft for the kind of defense they want to run here. He has the size. He is strong in his legs and upper body. Terrific range sideline to sideline. Outstanding in zone coverage. Always keeps his eyes in the backfield and has a very quick reaction to the play. Great sense of where the play is going. Ignites his fellow teammates. Very hardworking on and off the field. Above average change of direction. Can diagnose plays on the run. Excellent in pursuit.

I wish his tackling technique was better but that can be coached. He is not normally a big time hitter, more often than not he is a drag down tackler. Needs to learn to use his whole body and drive through the tackles with his legs. Sometimes plays with his pads to high and tackles high. Sometimes too focused on where the ball is that he doesn't see blockers and gets his legs ripped out from under him. All things are coachable, and he's demonstrated he is a coachable player.

Recovered and played well after car accident, but the accident and severity of injuries worries me a little at this level. As long as he keeps working, I think he'll be fine.

 

[Chopper0080]

Hypothesis, you attend colleges to make your assessments? That´s impressive.
I don’t know all the guys you’ve listed but I do not Kendall Hunter, and I’m very intrigued with him. Not necessarily in regards to the Cardinals, but I really like his vision and running style. You have already described it so I won’t go there. Only thing I disagree with is that I see him more like a poor man’s LeSean McCoy than similar to Jamaal Charles.


Chopper, do you see K.J. Wright as a potential SILB for the Cards? I’m only asking because outside of Martez Wilson I don’t really see any good prospects, maybe save Kelvin Sheppard.


I like Kenny Rowe, OLB, Oregon. Not as a starter on defense, but I think if you can get a starter on ST in the late rounds you have done well. After all, ST is a very big part of a team’s success. I think Rowe has enough heart and dedication that he will make a pretty good player and possibly be a ST ace down the road.

I like KJ Wright for the Cardinals SILB position, but it's a total projection and really depends on what we want our SILB to be able to do. One area that Wright struggles in is playing in space which is why I believe that he would benefit more being bracketed by a SOLB and WILB. He looks fluid enough to drop into hook and curls zones, and has experience playing down hill which would be nice to have inside. I love his size next to Washington's and you could afford to let him develop behind Paris Lenon who is pretty solid with his technique. The disadvantage is that while Wright has played a bit on his feet, moving from the outside to the inside is a pretty big move. You really don't know how it will turn out.

 

[Krangodnzr]

Intense and focused. Personally I think he's the best suited ILB in this draft for the kind of defense they want to run here. He has the size. He is strong in his legs and upper body. Terrific range sideline to sideline. Outstanding in zone coverage. Always keeps his eyes in the backfield and has a very quick reaction to the play. Great sense of where the play is going. Ignites his fellow teammates. Very hardworking on and off the field. Above average change of direction. Can diagnose plays on the run. Excellent in pursuit.

I wish his tackling technique was better but that can be coached. He is not normally a big time hitter, more often than not he is a drag down tackler. Needs to learn to use his whole body and drive through the tackles with his legs. Sometimes plays with his pads to high and tackles high. Sometimes too focused on where the ball is that he doesn't see blockers and gets his legs ripped out from under him. All things are coachable, and he's demonstrated he is a coachable player.

Recovered and played well after car accident, but the accident and severity of injuries worries me a little at this level. As long as he keeps working, I think he'll be fine.

Nice write up, you see a lot of what I see too from watching him play.

I watch film of him and I see him diagnosing plays, quickly closing in and making big tackles in the backfield. I watch film of Martez Wilson and I wonder why everyone likes him so much. Looks stiff and like it takes him entirely too long to read where the action is going. I mean, Martez Wilson physically looks great, but Nate Irving looks much better on film.

I'd draft Irving high, probably at our #38 overall. Call me crazy but I'm a believer that if you really want a specific player, you take him even if it's higher than most believe he should be taken. I liked what Gene Smith of Jacksonville said last year when he took that DT out of Cal that everyone said was a reach. He basically said that they liked the guy so much that they didn't want to risk him not being there when they picked next and that for their scheme, he graded out very high.

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

RB Vereen from CAl; he kind of reminds me of MJD; he is 5-9 and around 200lbs...

 

[TopGun]

RB Vereen from CAl; he kind of reminds me of MJD; he is 5-9 and around 200lbs...

You beat me to it. I also like Vereen an awful lot. The other player I like also is Bilal Powell RB, Louisville.