Late Round Gems

[freddyg12]

Originally Posted by Rajmahal33

Just read the Kiper ESPN insider article about guys who shouldn't be coming out. Noel Devine is on the list (but he says he's on the fence about him). Here's some of it:

"Thaddeus Gibson, DE, Ohio State Buckeyes: An interesting guy. I see Gibson as more of a stand-up outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense, and there are a lot of them in this draft class. He had his hand on the ground a lot, so it'll be an adjustment, but his size (6-foot-2, 240) fits. Another guy that I think could use another year, but I still see him as a player with second-round potential in April.

Dominique Franks, DB, Oklahoma Sooners: He didn't have an outstanding year. I thought he showed outstanding ball skills as a sophomore, which he still has, but another player (like Snead) that had too many highs and lows in 2009. He has return ability and should work out well, but he needs to improve in areas besides his ball skills. I have him with a second- to third-round grade right now if his workouts go well.

Jason Worilds, DE, Virginia Tech Hokies: Another player I thought was better as a sophomore. He had eight sacks in 2008 and dropped to just four this year. The issue this year: He appeared very blockable, which is not what you want to see out of a defensive end. Pluses are that he's one of the strongest pound-for-pound players in the draft and will test well. Has solid natural instincts as well. I see him in the third or fourth, but a good senior year could have really helped.

Noel Devine, RB, West Virginia Mountaineers: As of this writing, Devine is still on the fence. I think he should go, because he has proved to be durable despite his small size (5-8, 176) and I think because we have such a good feel for what he is, another year won't help his stock as much as it'll expose him to risk. He just doesn't help himself by coming back in my mind (graduation-versus-football earning power discussions aside). He has great change of pace and incredible cutback skills, and his pure speed is an attention-getter. You don't catch him from behind. As a third back and potential return man, he could be dangerous. I have him as a potential third-rounder in April.

Joe McKnight, RB, USC: He's explosive and really gifted; he has been since he was in high school. This year he went from being a great pure runner to showing he can attack the hole and showing some burst through the hole. There was a physical component to his game he put forth this year that had been lacking before. His issue will be durability/health concerns. Running backs are going to drop this year, I think, because most teams are pretty loaded up. There's a surplus right now. I see McKnight as a potential second-rounder; you just hope for him that his fluid speed transfers well in testing.

Bryan Bulaga, OL, Iowa Hawkeyes: He had a great game in the Orange Bowl against Georgia Tech, so he's leaving on a high note. He could land in the first round; he's very talented. He has good feet and moves well, but his best asset is his leverage. You really have to mix it up to beat him, because he always has leverage. He had a few rough spots, but he's a junior and his talent will overcome those lapses on tape."

Usually these guys are the ones who fall to the later rounds. His main point (which i didn't feel like posting) was about Jevan Snead. He said he needed to stay an extra year to improve his draft stock. Could be a good sleeper in the late rounds...

Thanks a lot for posting this! Actually, he says Devine is on the fence, meaning Devine isn't sure whether to come out. Kiper clearly says that Devine might as well come out because he can't prove much more by staying.

I forgot about my boy Worild's. I think he's making a mistake by coming out, but it really depends on who drafts him & whether he plays DE or OLB. HE's too small to be a hands down DE, but could gain weight. I would love to see him available in the 5th or later & the Skins draft him to play SAM.