Sleeper thread

[ParanoidPatriot]

This is the thread that all 50 or more posters here can post information on sleepers in the draft as they come across them.

Here are 3 sleepers froms scouts something or other..

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AifeIWVS6fuGSQbgm2Q1oN1DubYF?slug=ys-draftsleepers021309&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

[ParanoidPatriot]

Add this Black Bear to your sleeper list. From Bob Rang

Jovan Belcher OLB Maine It would be hard to fault the Maine Bears for moving Belcher, a three-year starter at linebacker, to defensive end in 2008, considering he did earn the Colonial Athletic Association's Defensive Player of the Year award after leading the league with 17.5 tackles for loss (including 7.5 sacks). It was the move back to linebacker -- both at weak-side and inside -- at the Texas vs. Nation game that had scouts buzzing. Quietly among the more versatile linebackers in the draft, Belcher is emerging as one of the hotter prospects from that game.

[Box_O_Rocks]

Add this Black Bear to your sleeper list. From Bob Rang

Jovan Belcher OLB Maine It would be hard to fault the Maine Bears for moving Belcher, a three-year starter at linebacker, to defensive end in 2008, considering he did earn the Colonial Athletic Association's Defensive Player of the Year award after leading the league with 17.5 tackles for loss (including 7.5 sacks). It was the move back to linebacker -- both at weak-side and inside -- at the Texas vs. Nation game that had scouts buzzing. Quietly among the more versatile linebackers in the draft, Belcher is emerging as one of the hotter prospects from that game.A bit light for a NE LB don't you think?

[ParanoidPatriot]

A bit light for a NE LB don't you think?

There is no such thing as light Black Bear. The kid could be a ST demon in the later rounds. But more value for a 4-3 team.

[ParanoidPatriot]

from footballs future

http://www.footballsfuture.com/2009/sleepers.html

[ParanoidPatriot]

A bit light for a NE LB don't you think?

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=73108&draftyear=2009&genpos=OLB

AT 6-2 he could add some weight and still keep his speed.

[Box_O_Rocks]

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=73108&draftyear=2009&genpos=OLB

AT 6-2 he could add some weight and still keep his speed.6'2"? Nope. For the Texas vs. The Nation game he measured in at 6' 1 3/8" 229 lbs. For comparison, Mayo measured in at the Combine at 6' 1 1/4" 242 lbs. Your bubba was playing DE for the Da Bears, you'd think they would have fed him a bit to try and get some meat on his bones for that position?

As a Special Teams stud, sign him as a UDFA. For a 3-4 LB, he'll need to be slippery as an eel to hold up at that weight...and gaining 13 lbs to match Mayo's rookie weight, or 18 lbs to match Bruschi's playing weight, is gonna take some doing. :shrug:

[Box_O_Rocks]

Canadian player declares for draft (Road to the NFL draft) (http://nflblogs.profootballweekly.com/NFLdraft/2009/02/canadian_player_declares_for_d.html)Canadian player declares for draft

Vaughn Martin of the University of Western Ontario has declared for the 2009 NFL draft, according to published reports in Canada. The 22-year-old Martin is a 6-3, 328-pound defensive lineman. He plans to work out in Atlanta in preparation for the draft.

[Dwight Schrute]

DE or NT? 4-3 or 3-4?

Where does he project and what system favors him Box?

[Box_O_Rocks]

DE or NT? 4-3 or 3-4?

Where does he project and what system favors him Box?Don't know him from Adam, I just found the note and saw his NT size.

[Dwight Schrute]

Gotcha.

Maybe after his pro day we'll see some speculation as to what he's best suited for.

[Box_O_Rocks]

Perhaps not sleepers, but no other thread came close.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/11435811Rang's Gang: Here are guys with hustle, determination

Feb. 27, 2009
By Rob Rang
NFLDraftScout.com

In scouting hundreds of players in preparation for the NFL Draft, it's impossible not to develop some favorites.

Rang's Gang is the collective answer to the question I'm most often asked: "If you were running a team and you needed a (insert position), who would you take?"

There's only one rule -- no first-round prospects. Anyone can compile a list of the top players per position and call them "can't-miss" prospects.

The players that make Rang's Gang are a collection of prospects who are underrated, come from smaller programs or will make their impact in the NFL through hustle, determination and doing all the little things.

Others make the team because ... well, I've developed an affinity for the way they play the game.

OFFENSE

Quarterback: Nate Davis, Ball State: Like most young quarterbacks, Davis requires significant time and development if he is to achieve his pro potential. That said, he is a gifted passer whose experience in a spread attack belies the fact that he is arguably the best deep ball passer of this draft.

Running back: Rashad Jennings, Liberty: The fact that Jennings transferred from Pittsburgh to tiny Liberty to be closer to his family during his father's bout with diabetes is reason enough to acknowledge Jennings here. The fact that he is the most physically gifted and pro-ready of the senior backs is reason enough for NFL teams to consider him as early as the draft's second round.

Fullback: Quinn Johnson, LSU: A bit of a throwback, Johnson flashes the strength and aggression as a true lead blocker to make an NFL roster. With only three seasons at the position, the former linebacker is still an ascending talent.

Tight end: James Casey, Rice: At only 6-foot-3 and 246 pounds, Casey lacks the bulk some teams prefer at tight end but he may just be the most versatile player in the draft. Some compare him to Washington Redskins standout Chris Cooley. I think he could be better -- and among the draft's most intriguing options for teams utilizing the Wildcat formation.

Wide receiver: Mike Thomas, Arizona: At only 5-8, 195 pounds, Thomas lacks ideal size, but the Pac-10's all-time leader in receptions has the secure hands, straight-line speed and elusiveness to make an immediate impact as a slot receiver and returner.

Wide receiver: Quan Cosby, Texas: Perhaps my receivers are too similar to really build a franchise around, but like Thomas, Cosby's lack of size is going to be used by too many as a reason to drop his grade. Cosby's toughness, rare body control and flair for the dramatic reception make him one of the year's most underrated receivers.

Offensive tackle: Jamon Meredith, South Carolina: Athletic and versatile, Meredith proved capable of holding up at left tackle and left guard while with the Gamecocks. He lacks the name recognition of this year's elite tackles, but he's not far behind them on scouts' boards -- and ultimately could be drafted at a point of much greater value.

Offensive guard: Andy Levitre, Oregon State: I'm among those who favor moving collegiate left tackles inside to guard. Levitre, 6-3, 306, is best suited inside but can control his man when he utilizes his hands consistently and can get to the second level as a run blocker.

Center: A.Q. Shipley, Penn State: Voted the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year and the winner of this year's Rimington Trophy as the nation's top center, Shipley might be considered the draft's elite center if his arms were two inches longer. His physicality and tenacity inside might be unmatched in this draft.

Offensive guard: Trevor Canfield, Cincinnati: Like Levitre, Canfield can get to the second level. Like Shipley, he also uses his hands well and plays with physicality and intensity NFL scouts love.

Offensive tackle: Fenuki Tupou, Oregon: Tupou lacks the lateral agility to remain at left tackle in the NFL, but I love his combination of size, athleticism and strength. He reminds me a bit of former Nebraska standout Carl Nicks, who, after being drafted in the fifth round last year, started 13 games for the Saints.

DEFENSE

Defensive end: Paul Kruger, Utah: An underrated component of Utah's undefeated 2008 season, there are some scouts who believe he would have exposed Andre Smith's lack of elite lateral quickness if the two had actually faced each other in the Sugar Bowl.

Defensive tackle: Alex Magee, Purdue: Had Magee remained at defensive tackle as a senior instead of unselfishly moving to defensive end to give the Boilermakers help rushing the passer, he might be considered a first day lock. His versatility and strong performance at the Senior Bowl could land him there anyway.

Defensive tackle: Mitch King, Iowa: At 6-2, 275 pounds, the concern is that King may lack a position in the NFL. However, his strong, active hands, intensity and instincts earn him a place on Rang's Gang -- and one day will help prove one of the steals of the 2009 draft.

Defensive end: Matt Shaughnessy, Wisconsin: He isn't explosive off the edge, but due to his strength, length and instincts, Shaughnessy could surprise as one of the better left defensive ends of the draft.

Outside linebacker: Marcus Freeman, Ohio State: Overshadowed throughout his career by teammates, Freeman could finally get a chance to shine at the NFL level. Healthy in the Fiesta Bowl, the Senior Bowl and combine, Freeman showcased the athleticism and reliable tackling to project nicely to the weak side in the Tampa 2 alignment.

Inside linebacker: Jasper Brinkley, South Carolina: At the combine, Brinkley showed flashes of the explosiveness he had before a torn ACL ruined his 2007 season. If healthy, he could surprise as a late-round gamble for a team needing an interior run-stuffer, especially for clubs using the 3-4 scheme.

Outside linebacker: Gerald McRath, Southern Mississippi: Built much like former Golden Eagle standout Michael Boley, McRath (6-3, 231 pounds) is being projected by some scouts as a weak-side linebacker despite the fact that he played inside for Southern Miss. His film and work at the combine show the athleticism to handle the transition.

Cornerback: Darius Butler, Connecticut: If there is a player likely to break the first-round rule in being eligible for this team, Butler could be the player. Despite being supremely athletic and a standout throughout his career and at the Senior Bowl, he continues to be overshadowed by other cornerbacks -- but not on Rang's Gang.

Strong safety: Patrick Chung, Oregon: Few players were a greater lock to make Rang's Gang than Chung. A 51-game starter for the Ducks, Chung's speed, instincts and reliable open-field tackling will quickly establish him as an NFL starter.

Free safety: Darcell McBath, Texas Tech: Just as I favor moving collegiate tackles inside to guard in the NFL, I like the idea of former collegiate cornerbacks with instincts, size and reliable tackling ability moving to safety. McBath already made this transition and is one of the better, if underrated, safeties in the draft.

Cornerback: Coye Francies, San Jose State: Tall, instinctive and possessing legitimate catch-up speed, Francies can play press and is a reliable enough open-field tackler for zone coverage.