Sleeper/Steal Alert: Danny Batten

Sleeper/ Steal Alert

Every year the NFL Draft is littered with Busts and Steals/Sleepers.  Steals/Sleepers are what make a team’s draft special and build decision makers reputations.  Some of the more famous Steals/Sleepers include Tom Brady (round 6 pick 199), Terrell Davis (round 6 pick 196), and Zack Thomas (round 5 pick 154).  But a Steal/Sleeper doesn’t necessarily have to be drafted in the later rounds.  An example would be the Green Bay Packers getting Clay Matthews at pick 26 after players like Larry English were selected.  Matthews earned a spot on the NFC Pro Bowl after registering 10 sacks in his rookie season. We are going to  review what makes this player a potential sleeper and what teams might be interested.  New writer Caleb wrote this article!!

Player:

Danny Batten – DE/LB – South Dakota State

Projected Rounds:

6th to 7th Rounds

Thoughts:

Danny Batten has interesting measurables as he brings great speed but lacks the size that scouts feel are needed to translate to the NFL.  Batten shows a lot of promise because he is able to drop into coverage, force turnovers, and create pressure on opposing quarterbacks.  However, he needs to bulk up if he wants to be an every down player in the NFL.  Batten has speed but is otherwise limited athletically but his high motor and football IQ makes up for it. In his last two years in college he produced 26.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks.

At the next level, his size will limit him to playing a 4-3 end or maybe an OLB in a 3-4 scheme.  It’s a big jump from South Dakota State to the NFL, however, if Batten can add some muscle and bulk up, he has the ability to succeed at the next level, but he will need time to develop.  Batten is an intriguing prospect, who could be a good project for a team in the 6th or 7th rounds.  Batten’s determination makes him a highly probable special team’s contributor.