Sleeper PIcks of 2010 NFL Draft

Thirty Players Who Could Spring Some Surprises

Mar 20, 2010
Jon Matsune

Cal's Tyson Alualu - flickr.com photos/Avinash Kunnath

Their names won't be called early in the 2010 NFL draft. They won't be first-round picks, probably won't get picked in the second, and maybe not even in the third.

Pro football analysts consider them too small, too slow, too inexperienced or too technically flawed to be early selections in the April 22-24 draft in New York. Or they players are just being flat overlooked.

But it's been proven on more than a few occasions that one doesn't have be a high draft pick to become a high-caliber NFL player. And these 30 individuals will be among those trying to provide further evidence.

Quarterbacks

Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan — There are questions about his arm strength and his ability to run a pro-style offense. But he's smart, tough, athletic and a winner.
Tim Tebow, Florida — Downgraded because of doubts about his passing mechanics and because he ran a spread offense in college. There are, however, few misgivings about his athleticism, his desire and his intelligence

Running Backs/Fullbacks

John Conner, Kentucky — A fullback — and thus part of a dying breed — but a very good one. Blocks exceptionally well, is a sound receiver, and delivers on special teams.
Montario Hardesty, Tennessee — A strong north-south runner with 4.49 speed, a solid 5-11, 225-pound frame, and sound all-around skills. More about dash than flash.
Lonyae Miller, Fresno State — Only his team's third-leading rusher last season, but is good combination of size (5-11, 220), speed (4.53) and strength (was co-leader in bench press among running backs at NFL scouting combines). Played behind Ryan Mathews, but maybe that means less wear and tear.
Ben Tate, Auburn — The only running back who matched Miller's bench press performance at the combines. He's also 5-11. 220. and he runs a 4.43 40.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Danario Alexander, Missouri — Not the fastest, nor the most durable, but there's a reason he caught 114 passes and scored 14 touchdowns in 2009. Big and strong at 6-5, 215. Also leaps well and breaks plenty of tackles.
Dorin Dickerson, Pittsburgh — A 6-1, 225-pounder who in college lined up at tight end, wide receiver, and also in the backfield. Blocking skills are a concern, but he has good hands and 4.40 speed.
Jordan Shipley, Texas — A bit undersized at 5-11, 190, and his 4.6 speed is less than blinding. But he's very technically sound, with sticky hands and shrewd moves.
Jimmy Graham, TE, Miami— Spent most of his Miami athletic career as a forward for the basketball team. But the 6-6, 250-pound tight end runs a 4.56 40, leaps well, and made great strides during his short Hurricanes football career. Inexperience is biggest drawback.

Offensive Linemen

Brandon Carter, Texas Tech— A 6-5, 330-pound guard whose technique needs quite a bit of refining. but he's a potential monster.
Jason Fox, Miami — A potential steal at the tackle position. Has few glaring weaknesses, but could stand to add some muscle to 6-6, 305-pound frame.
John Jerry, Mississippi — Won't be a first-round draft pick like defensive lineman brother Peria, but 6-5, 330-pound guard prospect is both huge (6-5, 330) and athletic.
Mike Johnson, Alabama— Tide guard product is not very athletic, but is football smart, a fine leader and a devastating run blocker at 6-5, 315.
Matt Tennant, Boston College— Florida's Maurkice Pouncey is the No. 1 center proespect this year, but Tennant could be second best. The 6-4, 296-pounder is consistent, durable and is agile for a big guy.
Jared Veldheer, Hillsdale— Sure, he played for a Division II school, but he moves well for a 6-8, 315-pounder and a few more pounds of muscle could make him an effective NFL tackle.

Defensive Linemen

Tyson Alualu, Cal — It's uncertain whether he'll work to become a quick, explosive tackle or a strong, physical end. But 6-2, 295-pounder is fierce competitor with impressive motor.
Austen Lane, DE, Murray State — A highly motivated, high-energy player. Boasts good size (6-6, 275) and moves briskly (4.8 40).
Jeff Owens, Georgia — Isn't even regarded as the top DT prospect from Georgia, being rated behind Geno Atkins. But the 6-1, 305-pound tackle runs the 40 in under five seconds and was leading bench presser at the NFL combines.
Cam Thomas, North Carolina — Did not do much in college from a statistical standpoint, but 6-4, 330-pounder ate up space and drew double teams. Could do so in NFL, too.
Corey Wootton, Northwestern— Has good DE size (6-6, 270), agility and technique. Progress was slowed by 2008 knee injury.

Linebackers

Pat Angerer, Iowa — Finds the ball, hits hard and plays with both intensity and smarts. Only major drawback is size (6-0, 235). Probably needs a few more pounds to play inside in the NFL.
Jamar Chaney, MIssissippi State — A 6-0, 245-pound inside backer with muscle. playmaking ability and 4.54 speed. Senior Bowl MVP recovered nicely from a broken leg suffered in 2008.
Rennie Curran, Georgia — Rang up 235 tackles in last two seasons. Doesn't have ideal size for an outside backer, at 5-11, 235, but possesses great instincts.
Dekoda Watson, Florida State — Six-two, 240-pounder is one of more athletic linebacker prospects. Ran 4.56 40 and recorded a 40-inch vertical leap at the combines.

Defensive Backs

Javier Arenas, Alabama — Many wonder if 5-9, 195-pound cornerback has size, strength and technical skills to succeed in NFL. But he's a ball hawk with great hands and quick feet — plus he's a sterling return man.
Jerome Murphy, South Florida — Has sufficient cornerback size (6-1, 195), quickness (4.52) and reflexes. Strong tackler who can also return kicks.
Kurt Coleman, Ohio State — Small for an NFL safety at 5-9, 195, but a ferocious hitter and fine leader. Runs 4.56 40.
Larry Asante, Nebraska — Fiery safety who excels in run defense. Improvement in coverage ability can make 6-0, 210-pounder a fine pro performer.
Darrell Stuckey, S, Kansas — A very promising safety prospect at 6-0, 205. Runs 4.48 40, hits well, gets to the football.

Jon Matsune - Jon Matsune is a free-lance writer based in Northern California. He has 25 years of experience in newspaper journalism, mostly as a sports ...