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2014 Draft - Your hidden gems?

Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2014 3:33 pm
by Crax
I realize there is a bunch of draft threads already, but I wanted to make one for lesser known guys that you personally feel could really be a steal for a team in the later rounds. While this differs a bit by position(3rd rd qb vs 3rd rd TE for example), I'd say try to go with guys that are slated for rounds 4+ or pretty low on their position ranking. Hopefully we can come back in like 3 years and see who was great on their evals. Things can definitely change once the combine is done, but figured we could get started now.

Right now, I think Jake Murphy(Utah, son of MLB player Dale Murphy) could be a real steal for a team. He battled injuries and didn't put up good numbers this year so I thought he might stay another year in school, but he opted to go pro. He's pretty low, but I really think if he could stay healthy, he could be a valuable guy.

Ranked 18th in TEs, with Projected round of 7-FA on cbssports right now: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/pros ... gs/2014/TE
12th at drafttek : http://www.drafttek.com/2014-NFL-Draft- ... -Draft.asp
Not listed at WalterFootball currently: http://walterfootball.com/draft2014TE.php

Re: 2014 Draft - Your hidden gems?

Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2014 4:06 pm
by Mothman
I posted about my hidden gem (if he qualifies as hidden) in the Senior Bowl thread:

http://www.vikingsmessageboard.com/view ... 12&t=27028

It's NIU safety Jimmie Ward. I realize I'm a little biased since Ward played for my alma mater but I don't just like him because he played for NIU, I like him because he's a smart, instinctive football player. I've watched him make a ton of plays for NIU and he's been doing very well in Senior Bowl practices so far this week. I think he could be a mid-round gem for someone.

Re: 2014 Draft - Your hidden gems?

Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2014 4:25 pm
by dkoby
I like Chris Borland out of WIsconsin in the 3rd round

Re: 2014 Draft - Your hidden gems?

Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2014 4:37 pm
by Crax
Mothman wrote:I posted about my hidden gem (if he qualifies as hidden)
I'll let it slide for now :D . If he works his way up to a 2nd round grade though, he won't really be a gem as everyone will know of him by then. Seems like people are noticing him now. Since you mentioned him in the other thread, I'm keeping my eye out.

Re: 2014 Draft - Your hidden gems?

Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2014 4:45 pm
by Crax
I'm hesitant to add this one as I *think* he might turn out good, but WR's seem like such a crapshoot sometimes between college and the nfl.

Another guy that could potentially be good IMO for a late round pick: Cody Hoffman, WR(BYU). He's not as fast as other guys, but has good size and hands and the ability to make the catch even when the throw wasn't all that great. He spent most of his college career with one of the worst BYU QB's I've seen as far as actually being able to throw the ball(Reilly nelson). The qb this year was somewhat better, but he was also much more of a runner than a passer.

19th ranked WR at draftek: http://www.drafttek.com/2014-NFL-Draft- ... -Draft.asp
27th ranked WR at http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/pros ... gs/2014/WR

Made a great catch this season against Georgia Tech while being interfered with: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQEDIooczjg

Re: 2014 Draft - Your hidden gems?

Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2014 4:53 pm
by dead_poet
WR Jared Abbrederis from Wisconsin might be a steal if he lasts until the third or fourth rounds. Apparently a great route-runner. Reliable. And can produce with spotty QB play. Sounds like a guy we could use! I doubt we draft him given our other needs, but a guy who intrigues me.

Re: 2014 Draft - Your hidden gems?

Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2014 5:32 pm
by Mothman
Crax wrote:I'll let it slide for now :D .


LOL! Thanks.
If he works his way up to a 2nd round grade though, he won't really be a gem as everyone will know of him by then.
Then he'll just be proof that once every 5 years I can spot a hidden gem before he climbs into the second round! ;)

Re: 2014 Draft - Your hidden gems?

Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2014 5:41 pm
by Crax
Mothman wrote: Then he'll just be proof that once every 5 years I can spot a hidden gem before he climbs into the second round! ;)
That's true. I'm hoping someone will come in here and post about the next John Randle. Someone that I've never even heard of that ends up making a big impact in the NFL.

Re: 2014 Draft - Your hidden gems?

Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2014 11:25 pm
by BGM
I like WR Robert Herron out of Wyoming. He's short, but has great speed and is one of those tough players who could surprise and be a real steal. Another player I like, but he will probably be third round, is LB Yawin Smallwood from Connecticut.

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