NFL Draft 2012: Top 10 Sleeper Prospects
The following is a list of players that I believe may not be first round material, but could open some eyes in the NFL.
1. QB Brock Osweiler, Arizona State.
Standing 6-7, and weighing in around 240lbs., Osweiler is a polarizing figure on the gridiron. He has the ability to stand in the pocket, even under tremendous pressure and still deliver the ball. He also has the ability to scramble out of the pocket to gain extra yardage or create more time for the receivers. He needs time to develop but with time, Osweiler could mold into a Roethlisberger style quarterback.
2. WR Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma
Before tearing his ACL, Broyles looked like he could be a first round talent. The injury may scare some teams away. Broyles is talented receiver who would fit the mold of a slot receiver very well. He elusiveness and ball skills are well devolved and once able to return from the injury, should be able to step in right away.
3. DE Vinny Curry, Marshall
Curry has opened up some eyes lately. At his pro day, he shaves .2 seconds off of his 40 yard dash down to 4.65 seconds. Curry has a great motor and can control his blockers. It wouldn’t surprise me if Curry works his way into the late first round or early second round.
4. Trumaine Johnson, Montana
Some may question Johnson’s talent due to his competition, but that shouldn’t affect him much. The 6-2, 205lb corner should be in demand due to his rare size. Johnson possess long arms good for press coverage and is very fluid in his movements. He will have to take some time to adapt to the pro game but has a high ceiling.
5. RB LeMichael James, Oregon
The speedster out of Oregon is likely to draw a lot of attention. His ability to elude tackles and his open filed speed is exactly what teams are looking for. Has the skill set like Darren Sproles and could fit into a similar role with whatever team drafts him.
6. DE Whitney Mercilus, Illinois
Mercilus is a hardworking athlete with a great burst off the line. He also possess the ability to rush the passer from multiple spots on the defensive line. Mercilus plays with violence and a nonstop motor that is likely to draw interest from teams. Has the versatility to fit into a 3-4 or 4-3 defense.
7. TE Coby Fleener, Stanford
For what Fleener lacks in blocking skills, he makes up in receiving skills. He has impressive speed for his size and the good open field positioning. Has a great work ethic that will attract teams. Fleener fits the mold of a Dallas Clark type tight end.
8. WR Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina
At 6 foot 4 inches and 230 pounds, could develop very nicely into a No. 1 receiver. Jeffery is a tough player who is battle tested against good SEC talent. He does come with some character concerns being ejected for fighting in his last game, but present a good risk-reward opportunity.
9. RB Chris Rainey, Florida
Much like LeMichael James, Rainey is a smaller scatback type runner. Rainey has explosive speed and is very elusive in the open field. The Florida product has good hand out of the back field and also brings special teams value.
10. S George Iloka, Boise State
Standing at 6-3, Iloka has rare size for his position and gives him an advantage over smaller receivers. Iloka possess quick feet and has outstanding leaping ability (38-inch vertical leap). He is not the greatest tackler and weighing in around 216 lbs. could use a little more weight. Iloka should be able to adapt to pro game well and could attract many teams with his skills set and size.