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FordFairLane Sleepers at each position

FordFairLane

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These are guys I just feel are not getting the respect they deserve and are underrated on draft boards.

QB- Tyree Jackson Buffalo
I just don't get why he is so low on draft boards. I think I just saw he moved up 41 spots on drafttek to 79 but the other sites have him around 138-149 which equates to an early 5th round pick. I would trade Dobbs if we could get a 3rd or 4th 2020 pick and draft Jackson in a heartbeat. Jackson has an NFL arm, great deep throw, moves in the pocket well, can bust a run if need be, and is a tough competitor. He needs work on his pre-snap reads, not staring down primary receiver and looking off DBs. But in a weak draft class he is looking like the best upside of anyone in this draft.

RB- Alex Barnes K-State
I don't get why he is rated as an UDFA in all draft sites. He has size, speed, above average hands, and good production. He is a north south runner which usually translates well to the NFL. The only negatives I have is he runs a little upright for my liking and not sure his pass pro is NFL ready but most college backs need work on pass protection.

WR- Darius Slayton Auburn
Slayton is listed as a 5th or later prospect and I would love to snag him in the beginning of the 5th. Slayton has game changing speed, catches the ball with his hands not his body, can run most any route though the go or drag seems to be his bread and butter at this point. Reminds me of a mix of Martavis Bryant and Mike Wallace.

TE- Josh Oliver SJSU
The highest I have seen Oliver ranked is #69 but most have him in the 120-140 range. Since we have two 3rd round picks I would love to use the second one on him. Oliver is quick up the seem and has massive hands to pluck the ball out of the air. After the two Iowa TE the draft class falls sharply and I feel Oliver is the best of the rest. He really doesn't have any glaring holes. I mean he's not going to knock a DE on his butt in run blocking but he will get position and hold his ground. With James leaving we definitely need a backup to McDonald who seems to be a little injury prone.

OT- Tyler Roemer SDSU
Roemer definitely could have used another year in college but came out when he was eligible. He's a big kid, quick feet, with strong hands. He could use some more functional strength and more sand in his pants but if he is around with one of our 6th round picks I would nab him.

OG- Phil Haynes Wake Forest
Better run blocker than pass blocker but is functional in pass blocking. Not great in space so I feel OG is his position in the NFL. Definitely finishes blocks and is a powerful man. Very smart seems to understands stunts and passing off his man when needed. Again a late round guy who I feel should at the very least push for a roster spot and be a PS guy year one.

OC- Hjalte Froholdt Arkansas
Quick athlete who moves well for his size. Pulling comes natural to him and this last year things really seemed to click. Not a violent blocker but gets the job done. Doesn't get called for holding very often either. Negatives short arms limit him to center and not the most powerful guy out there. But as a 7th or UDFA I think he has a good chance of being our PS guy and maybe in a season there make the team.

DE(34)- Corbin Kaufusi BYU
Massing man at 6-8 290lbs. Not flashy but because of his size keeps offensive linemen on their toes. Needs to get his hands up in throwing lanes more but I feel could push for a rotational spot year one.

DT(34)- Trysten Hill UCF
Hill is an explosive athlete for his size. He moves well for carrying all that weight and is very disruptive. He has sand in his pants also making him a good anchor. High motor guy who gives 100% every snap. I am not sure we need anything NT since we signed McCullers but I feel if we get a guy like this late it can only help push the guys in front of him.

OLB(34)- Maxx Crosby Eastern Michigan
One of my favorite sleepers. Seems to play with high IQ and advanced hand usage. Not quick twitch but an above average athlete. Uses shoulders and hands effectively and creates space to beat offensive linemen. Good motor and always working towards the ball.

ILB(Mike)- Drue Tranquill Notre Dame
Not elite Shazier speed but former DB who understands coverage and can stay in his mans back pocket. Only two years of LB experience so his weakness would be sifting through trash and play recognition. Has steadily improved in this area just not there yet. Could be a good replacement for Burnett in that hybrid S/LB roll.

ILB(Buck)- Cody Barton Utah
Not going to replace Shazier but Barton is above average in coverage and can still sift through the trash and make tackles for a loss. Very quick recognition of a play. High IQ guy with above average athlete.

OLB(34)- Andrew Van Ginkel Wisconsin
One of my favorite sleepers. I actually feel ILB might be his calling but he can play OLB and Edge. He has a non-stop motor and is always around the ball. Seems to work off of instinct and athletic ability at this point so I feel upside with coaching is unlimited. Could use a little more functional strength.

FS- Sheldrick Redwine Miami
Redwine is an above average coverage safety and can match up well with TE's or RB's. He has the size to keep TE's at bay and the speed to stay with the backs out of the backfield.

SS- Evan Worthington Colorado
Worthington can play both FS and SS but I feel his best NFL position would be SS. Big kid who can be physical and blitz or work his zone and cover. Above average hands. WOuld like him to be more aggressive.
 
Slayton looks like a Wallace type WR, little surprised he wasn't known as a good blocker in a run heavy O but we would use him on the outside anyways. Wouldn't hurt my feelings in 5.

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No corner sleeper?

Not really a sleeper but I like Julian Love as a slot prospect, especially if he is around late 3.

I like his ability to break on the ball. I think he could be perfect for those slot WRs and upgrade Hilton.
 
No corner sleeper?

I had Justin Layne but he moved up to a solid second on most boards.

I was actually watching some YouTube vids and found two I like.

Sean Bunting CB Central Michigan
Quick twitch athlete with good size. Loose hips and can’t flip and run. Can jump a route in zone and pick off anyone. Dominated a smaller division. Only real negative is not a great tackler and sometimes gets stuck on blocks.

Isaiah Johnson CB Houston
Converted CB from WR. Long but still has quick feet with loose hips. Understands route trees and uses it to stay in the back pocket of receivers. Didn’t see much zone and not sure the level of coaching he received. Reminds me a lot of Brian Allen.

Jimmy Moreland CB James Madison
Love this kid. More quick than fast and not the biggest guy at 5-9 3/4 and 180lbs but he plays bigger. He has great anticipation and times his breaks perfectly. Great hands. 18 career picks with 6 going to the house.


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I had Justin Layne but he moved up to a solid second on most boards.

I was actually watching some YouTube vids and found two I like.

Sean Bunting CB Central Michigan
Quick twitch athlete with good size. Loose hips and can’t flip and run. Can jump a route in zone and pick off anyone. Dominated a smaller division. Only real negative is not a great tackler and sometimes gets stuck on blocks.

Isaiah Johnson CB Houston
Converted CB from WR. Long but still has quick feet with loose hips. Understands route trees and uses it to stay in the back pocket of receivers. Didn’t see much zone and not sure the level of coaching he received. Reminds me a lot of Brian Allen.

Jimmy Moreland CB James Madison
Love this kid. More quick than fast and not the biggest guy at 5-9 3/4 and 180lbs but he plays bigger. He has great anticipation and times his breaks perfectly. Great hands. 18 career picks with 6 going to the house.


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Oh yeah Isaiah, I snagged him in the last mock draft.
 
Cody Barton is projected to go when????? Would he be someone the STEELERS might grab???




Salute the nation
 
I don't like Tyree Jackson. He played in a weak conference and actually played worse in 2018 than in 2017. He also had a 55% comp. last year. He also averaged 2.9 YPC and only 161 yards rushing last year.

I do really like Hjalte Froholdt from Arkansas.
 
Thanks for the in-depth info Fairlane etc.

It will be interesting to see what the Steelers think and if any of these dark horses turn out to be new team members.
 
He’s rated from a 5th to UDFA. I feel he’s a solid 3rd round pick.


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It would be kind of nice to just get him in the UDFA venue. I've always liked the dark horse picks in everything including Coolie's side of the "OLIVER" bet. (When that bet was actually made, long odds). I'll be watching this guy a little and if he makes it we'll achknowledged your astrodomes-ness.




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