Every year we see players emerge from the depths of the draft. Last year, it was guys like Alfred Morris (No. 173) and T.Y. Hilton (No. 92) that triumphed over big name rookies.
The 2013 NFL Draft will be highlighted by the many storylines that have stole our attention throughout the draft process. With much of the talk centered around Manti Te’o, Geno Smith, and lack of talent in the draft there is sure to be a couple of late round steals that contribute at a high level as a rookie.
For all the talk of this being a ‘weak’ draft we see things a little differently. The 2013 NFL Draft lacks the top end talent of some of the recent drafts (certainly 2012) but there is a ton of depth in this draft.
We take a look at some of the names that you should know if you don’t and prospects that could make fans take notice early in their career.
Kayvon Webster, CB, South Florida
I stumbled upon Kayvon Webster as I was evaluating other players. He jumped off the tape for me from the first game I watched and that didn’t stop through the course of four South Florida games.
Webster has nice size at over 5-foot-10 and 195 pounds. He possesses loads of athleticism and may be one of the more explosive corners in this draft. Excellent leaper with long arms which allows him to get his hands on balls that he has no business getting to. He’s a versatile guy that can play in any scheme with his ability in man coverage and playing with the ball in front of him.
Webster is a physical player that is one of the better tacklers in the draft amongst the corner group. He’ll excel in press coverage with above-average strength and technique.
At worst, Webster can battle for a backup job and be a special teams maven with his overall athleticism and tackling ability. At best, someone finds a steal later in this draft and he emerges as a surprise starter early in his career.
Miguel Maysonet, RB, Stony Brook
If you’re looking for an Alfred Morris type back, look no further than Stony Brook’s Miguel Maysonet. Maysonet is a stocky, bow-legged runner with average speed that played at Stony Brook. Doesn’t sound too enticing but when you turn on the tape, he’s a difference maker.
Lacking game breaking speed is no problem for Maysonet as he’s able to bowl over opponents with his low center of gravity and leg strength. Natural instincts as a runner that has enough wiggle to make opponents miss in the second level.
Maysonet is a decisive, one-cut runner that could excel in a zone scheme. He’s likely to be taken late in the draft and could make an impact early in his career in the right situation.
Sean Renfree, QB, Duke
Sean Renfree is becoming more of a household name but is still off the general media radar. Renfree has been well schooled at Duke under David Cutcliffe. He was often hamstrung by a poor offensive line and marginal skill position talent.
All that said, he’s got starter qualities to his game. He was a two-time captain that is as smart as they come. His ability to comprehend high level offensive schemes will make him an OC’s dream. He’s a marginal athlete that wasn’t able to workout in the pre-draft process due to tearing his pectoral muscle in Duke’s bowl game.
Renfree is a guy that could step in early as a backup and could wind up being a starter down the road. There’s a little Matt Schaub vibe with Renfree that I think is an apt comparison on a lot of levels.
Daimion Stafford, FS, Nebraska
Daimion Stafford isn’t a guy that is going to overwhelm you with any one part of his game. But as a whole package, there’s a lot to like with Stafford.
Forget his numbers at the Combine. He’s not ever going to test well but on the field, he’s better than advertised. He shows better range than his 40 time would suggest. He’s a physical player that if he learns to control his emotions could be a force in the run game.
Stafford has had to overcome a lot and carries a chip on his shoulder. He’s the kind of player that will be motivated to succeed and could become an early starter in the league.
David Bakhtiari, OT/OG, Colorado
Patience my friends. Bakhtiari was a surprise early entrant into the draft and probably could have used another season in college. That said, I think he’s got starter written all over him for a team willing to wait a couple of years on this guy to add strength and technique to his game.
Bakhtiari is a move blocker with nimble feet that is ideally suited as a guard in a zone scheme. He’s got quick feet that can easily get into the second level. Doesn’t possess much in the power game and his technique needs some work, lunges and leaves his feet too often. If he can hone those skills for a year or two, this guy will pay dividends down the road.
J.J. Wilcox, SS, Georgia Southern
If you follow the draft, you should know the name of J.J. Wilcox by this time. Wilcox only played one year at safety at Georgia Southern but that was enough for him to earn a spot on the Senior Bowl roster.
Wilcox has consistently been a guy that everyone has taken notice of during the pre-draft process. He possesses great size and is a fluid mover with outstanding overall athleticism. He started at three different positions in three years at Georgia Southern.
It will take Wilcox some time to acclimate to playing safety at the next level but when he does watch out. I wouldn’t be surprised if Wilcox was taken before many expected him to go after his showing in Mobile, the Combine, and his pro day. He’s a low risk, high reward type player.