We are only a few short days away from the NFL Draft, a good time to look at potential sleepers that can be found during the draft. These players won’t hear their name called on Thursday night or even Friday night but still have the potential and skills to make an impact at the next level.
Could B.J. Coleman wind up a steal in the 2012 NFL Draft?
QB B.J. Coleman – Chattanooga – 6’4” 234lbs
A former University of Tennessee transfer, B.J. Coleman is a talented sleeper prospect in this draft. Coleman possesses the size along with physical skill set to be a successful QB at the next level. Coleman has work to do in improving his accuracy as well as his technique and decision making but there is no doubting his talent. Coleman is a player with upside at a premium position with all the skills necessary to succeed, and by all accounts he is a hard worker and a good kid. If Coleman lands in the right situation he could become a capable quarterback in this league and maybe more.
Projection: 4th-5th Round Pick
RB Vick Ballard – Mississippi State – 5’10” 219lbs
A downhill running back that was productive in the SEC. Ballard has good size and thickness and is a north-south runner with little side to side movement. He doesn’t offer much in the passing game, but is a willing blocker. Ballard won’t break many big runs in the NFL, and will never be a highly productive RB but he will be a solid player who gets tough yards and is consistent. He reminds me of BenJarvus Green-Ellis.
Projection: 4th-5th Round Pick
WR Devon Wylie – Fresno State – 5’9” 187lbs
Wylie is a tough slot WR who will bring a lot to an NFL team. Wylie has the quickness and agility to play the slot at the next level, but also has good straight line speed as well. Wylie has the ability to play both inside and out but will likely project mostly as a slot WR at the next level. Wylie has good ball skills and shows a willingness to go across the middle consistently. He also has added value on special teams as he is an excellent return man. Wylie will be a good pro for a long time, and will be great value in the mid-late rounds.
Projection: 4th Round Pick
WR Danny Coale – Virginia Tech – 6’0” 201lbs
Another slot WR type here in Danny Coale. Coale is a reliable target with good hands and is able to separate in short areas. Coale displays good quickness and solid straight line speed. He is a tough player who isn’t afraid to make catches over the middle or in traffic. Coale will end up being a late round pick who has to fight to get a roster spot, but there is no doubt in my mind he will stick somewhere. He is a hard worker with toughness, and is a natural slot WR.
Projection: 5th-6th Round Pick
TE Chase Ford – Miami (FL) – 6’7” 255lbs
Ford is a big-bodied TE who has solid athleticism and a good feel for the game. He has the frame to add a lot of weight and strength. Ford is a natural catcher of the football, is a good route runner, and has good feel for zone coverages. On the other hand, Ford is a developmental blocker and while he is a decent athlete lacks great speed/quickness. Ford is someone who will need to be developed, but under the right circumstances can become a starting TE.
Projection: 5th-6th Round Pick
OT James Carmon – Mississippi State – 6’6” 330lbs
Carmon is a former defensive tackle prospect who made a position change to offensive tackle this past year. He has a big body and above average athleticism for his size. He is a work in progress in terms of technique and a feel for the game, because of the position switch. He will need to be developed at the next level, but has intriguing size/athleticism to work with.
Projection: 6th Round Pick
OG Ryan Miller – Colorado – 6’7” 321lbs
Miller is a player with versatility along the offensive line. He has the ability to play both RT and OG, but will likely project more as an OG by teams at the next level. Miller has great size and solid athleticism. He shows the ability to bend and has good balance in the passing game, and is also solid in the run game. Miller has solid technique already and can contribute soon. At the very least Miller will project as a backup in the league for a long time with his versatility, and at best he can become a starting player at either RT or OG.
Projection: 6th Round Pick
C Quentin Saulsberry – Mississippi State – 6’2” 304lbs
Saulsberry is an experienced player out of Mississippi State starting during most of his career there. Saulsberry has good technique and a natural feel for the position. He has solid athleticism and good size for the position. He displays good strength and power at the point of attack. Saulsberry offers up some versatility and experience playing across the offensive line in his time at Mississippi State. He will need some time to make an impact at the next level but could be a good find as a future starting center in the last few rounds.
Projection: 6th Round Pick
Rob Stanley can be followed on Twitter: @NFLDraftAllYear
