Author: Anthony Stalter (Page 1411 of 1503)

Here’s a snap shot the NFL Draft’s round seven:

Best Value:
Brandon Siler, LB, Chargers (No. 240) – Siler was once regarded as the second best middle linebacker prospect in the draft and a potential second or third round pick. The reason he slipped was because of his lack of experience and could have probably used another year at Florida. However, he’s a true playmaker, should benefit from playing with a top San Diego defense and was a great find in the seventh round. Other values: Deshawn Wynn, RB, Packers; Dallas Baker, WR, Steelers; Chase Pittman, DE, Browns.

Potential Sleeper:
Ben Patrick, TE, Cardinals (No. 215) – Shocking that Patrick dropped into the second round because his stock was on the rise after the NFL Combine. He’s got a ton of talent, but didn’t play at a Division I program, so therefore he dropped. It’s interesting to see how he’ll fit into that offense though, especially since Arizona took Leonard Pope in last year’s draft. Other sleepers: Clark Harris, TE, Packers.

Here’s a snap shot of the NFL Draft’s sixth round:

Best Value:
John Wendling, S, Bills (No. 184) – I’m shocked Wendling lasted this long because he at the very least will be a solid special teams contributor. He’s not a starter – at least not right now – but he’s got great speed and is an outright football player. Other values: Rufus Alexander, LB, Broncos; Ryan Smith, CB, Titans; Prescott Burgess, LB, Ravens.

Potential Sleepers:
Courtney Taylor, WR, Seahawks (197) – By trading Darrell Jackson to the 49ers for a fourth round pick, the Seahawks needed to address their wide receiver position. Taylor is almost a copy cutout of Jackson (without all the NFL experience of course) in that he’s got great size and athleticism. He’s not overly fast, but neither was Jackson. Other potential sleepers: David Irons, CB, Falcons; HB Blades, LB, Redskins.

What the hell were they thinking?
Hard to criticize this deep into the draft, so I won’t.

Here’s a snap shot of the NFL Draft’s fifth round:

Best Value:
Aundrae Allison, WR, Vikings (No. 146) – Allison had some off field issues in college, but is an incredible athlete and has tremendous hands. He had an excellent week at the Senior Bowl and if it weren’t for his baggage, would have been at least a third round pick. Other values: Dustin Fry, C, Rams; Kolby Smith, RB, Chiefs; Troy Smith, QB, Ravens.

Potential Sleeper:
Kevin Boss, TE, Giants (No. 153) – Boss had a solid workout at the NFL Combine, displaying soft hands and running well in drills. If he makes the team – and he certainly should – he’ll be a nice compliment to Jeremy Shockey. Other potential sleepers: Josh Gattis, S, Jaguars; Justin Medlock, K, Chiefs; Tarell Brown, CB, 49ers.

What the hell were they thinking?
Steve Breaston, WR, Cardinals (No. 142) – Arizona didn’t reach – Breaston was projected in the fifth – but didn’t get an unbelievable prospect. His value is on special teams, but only on returns seeing as how he’s not that big. He struggles getting off the line as a receiver and unless he proves himself as an amazing returner, it’s doubtful he’ll even make the team.

Here’s a snap shot of the NFL Draft’s fourth round:

Best Value:
Michael Bush, RB, Oakland Raiders (No. 100) – The fact Bush actually slipped into the fourth round – there were thoughts he might have gone in the late second or early third – makes this an even better pick. Bush would have been a top five pick if he hadn’t broken his leg at the start of the ’06 season and if he turns out to be healthy; this could be the steal of the draft. Other values: Jay Moore, DE, 49ers; Antonio Pittman, RB, Saints; Tarnard Jackson, CB, Bucs.

Potential sleepers:
Zak Deossie, LB, Giants (116) – Another small school product, Deossie has loads of speed, changes directions well and is a cover linebacker. He might be a bit raw, but for a fourth round pick and a team depleted of linebackers, he’s a solid selection. Other potential sleepers: Manuel Ramirez, G, Lions; Stephen Nichols, LB, Falcons; Doug Free, G, Cowboys.

What the hell were they thinking?
Marcus Thomas, DT, Broncos (121) – Don’t get it twisted about this pick, Thomas would have been a first round pick if he didn’t have so many off field issues at Florida last year. However, the Broncos unloaded a ton of picks (including a third rounder in ‘08) to move up and take the talented, yet controversial Thomas. Now, one could argue that if he fulfills his potential, it was all worth it, but you generally don’t give up multiple picks for a troublemaker. Other questionable moves: The Steelers traded a fourth and a sixth round pick to Green Bay in order to select punter Daniel Sepulveda. Granted he’s the top rated punter in the draft, but he’s still a punter…and the Steelers gave up two picks for him…yikes.