Sleepers
Brian Johnston, DE/OLB, Gardner-Webb
NFL comparison: High-Jason Babin; Low-David McMillan
Johnston may not be a edge rusher with blazing speed, but with 24.0 tackles for loss, 6.0 sacks and 22 quarterback pressures he sure has a nose for getting in the back field. He has good size and great instincts. The high number of quality DEs in 2008 will work against Johnston, but some team will take a chance in 6th or 7th round…and they won’t regret it.
Gary Guyton, OLB, Georgia Tech
NFL comparison: High-Danny Clark; Low-Gerris Wilkinson
Guyton is a heavy hitter who plays in the Shadow of teammates Phillip Wheeler & Darrell Robertson. So he’ll need a outstanding combine to even be drafted, but the recent success of GT linebackers in the NFL gives Guyton a shot at going between the 5th and 7th rounds.
Derrick Doggett, OLB, Oregon State
NFL comparison: High-Will Allen; Low-Donnie Nickey
Doggett is aggressive and can make plays anywhere on the field. At 6′2″, 210lb he projects to be a strong safety at the next level. He should make a name for himself on special teams immediately.
Jason Rivers, WR, Hawaii
NFL comparison: High-Ashley Lelie; Low-Tim Carter
Rivers is a Vertical threat with a mean streak. He’s been a constant producers in Hawaii’s pass-happy offense. He could sneak into the 4th round with an outstanding combine.
Thomas Brown, RB, Georgia
NFL comparison: High-Chester Taylor; Low-Travis Minor
Georgia is known for producing NFL quality RBs. Thomas Brown could be the next in a long line that includes the likes of Herschel Walker, Terrell Davis, Garrison Hearst and many more. He’ll likely be a 2nd day value pick, but he’ll produce like a 2nd rounder.
Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina
NFL comparison: High-Willie Parker; Low-Vernand Morency
Johnson ran wild in conference USA this season and set NCAA records in the Hawaii Bowl. He’s a threat in both the running and passing game. If he developes as a blocker and has an impressive combine he could easily be a 1st day draftee.
Josh Johnson, QB, San Diego
NFL comparison: High-Jake Delhomme; Low-Seneca Wallace
In the small pond of Division II college football Josh Johnson was a Great White Shark. This season he threw 43 TDs and only 1 INT. Crazy!!! He barely qualifies as a sleeper. It would come as no surprise if he is taken in the 3rd round.
January 25, 2008 at 3:57 am
Rivers will be in mid to laate 2nd day because he will run about 4.52, but he Jerome Simpson, Shaheer McBride and Paul Hubbard are all solid possession/deep threats who are big, brave and long, but he is very little like Lelie or Carter who where fliers and not very tough. Think more along the lines of John Taylor or Michael Clayton.
Thomas Brown and Corey Boyd or 2 real bargains, Brown is much more powerful than minor and faster than Taylor, think Dominic Rhodes.
Chris Johnson is more like Lamar Gordon, Trung Candidate or Saladin McCollough than Morency and he is less tough than Parker.
Josh Johnson is a stronger armed, higher IQ Charley Ward, also like Don McPherson.
March 16, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Chris Hopkins Toledo Tight end one of the most productive at his position last two years had a great pro day 6″5 273lbs 40 4.78 vertical 36 bench 19 one of your most complete t.e. in draft
March 24, 2008 at 9:01 pm
I’ve two more possible sleepers. QB Kevin O’Connell San Diego St. and CB Antwaun Molden Eastern Kentucky.
April 18, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Shaheer McBride- a definite sleeper. i got a chance to watch a few of his games over the past 4 years and this kid is special. Could have played on any level, but flourished in athletics since high school. He has the size and raw ability to go from late round pick to starter in a hurry. Whoever has the balls to not get caught up in 40 times and his school will be looking at a promotion after his rookie year.