Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
The 2014 NFL Draft was chock full of prospects who burst onto the national scene as the 2013 season wore on. Greg Robinson, Brandin Cooks, Kyle Fuller, Marcus Smith, Deone Bucannon…the list goes on and on. Every year the NFL Draft is shaped by a host of guys that few were aware of prior to a breakout season that vaulted them into the first round.
Today we are going to explore a few names that are flying under the radar that could sneak into day one of the draft and take you deeper into the depths of college football for some way under the radar names that you are sure to impress your friends with.
ON THE CUSP OF BEING A MAINSTREAM NAME
Ty Sambrailo, T, Colorado State
Sambrailo will face his toughest test this season as he works at gelling with four new OL to protect QB Garrett Grayson. At 6-foot-5, 315 pounds Sambrailo could challenge to be the next high draft pick among Ram offensive lineman. The buzz has picked up lately with CBS Sports Draft analyst Dane Brugler including Sambrailo in his latest first round 2015 NFL Mock Draft. Stay tuned on this one as the buzz is real and Sambrailo could begin to challenge the top tackles in what could be a talented tackle class.
Jeremy Cash, S, Duke
The one that got away – Urban Meyer has to question how Jeremy Cash slipped through his hands in 2012. The 6-foot-2, 205 pound safety emerged as one of the best at his position in the country last season, recording 121 tackles and picking off 4 passes. The junior begins the 2014 season as one to watch for a fairly loaded Blue Devils squad. Between his size, speed, athletic ability, and power Cash could challenge the top of the 2015 safety class when it’s all said and done.
Fabian Moreau, CB, UCLA
What is it with former UCLA RB’s turned NFL defensive prospects? The latest in the former RB line for Jim Mora Jr. is Fabian Moreau. Moreau was thrust into the starting defensive lineup last season and looked like a fish out of water early. As the season progressed teams rarely targeted Moreau’s side and that expects to be the case this season. Only a junior, the 6-foot, 200 pound Moreau will have a tough decision if he continues to hone his craft on the defensive side of the ball.
WAY UNDER THE RADAR
Kyshoen Jarrett, S, Virginia Tech
Jarrett was hampered all last season with a shoulder injury. He considered bolting VT last season for the NFL but a midround grade from the NFL Advisory Committee wisely changed that course. Jarrett has been an impact player in the Hokies secondary since stepping foot on campus and another solid season should have him rising up draft boards.
Ben Heeney, LB, Kansas
Scott Sewell-US PRESSWIRE
If you have no clue who Ben Heeney is, don’t feel bad…few do. Heeney is an undersized ILB that has flown under the CFB radar. At 6-foot, 230 pounds Heeney may be the best defender in the Big XII that you’ve never heard of. A high school safety, Heeney’s calling card has been his all-out style of play that has some evoking comparisons to Zach Thomas.
Cyril Lemon, OT/OG, North Texas
Lemon is a three time all-conference selection who has started every game of his collegiate career. While he’s played mostly tackle for the Mean Green, he’s probably best suited to move inside at the next level. While Lemon isn’t likely to be a high selection in the 2015 NFL Draft, he’s one to watch on the interior offensive line as next year’s training camps wear on.
Dechane Durante, S, Northern Illinois
Jimmie Ward was the focus of the NIU secondary last season and for very good reason. However, it was impossible to not notice his backend counterpart Durante. At 6-foot-2, 195 pounds Durante has the size and speed to be a difference maker in 2014. Coming off a 2012 ankle injury Durante impressed last season tallying 55 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles. With Ward off to the NFL, Durante will shoulder the load in NIU’s backend.
Zack Wagenmann, DE, Montana
The Grizzlies sent two defenders into the league last season in Jordan Tripp (Miami) and Brock Coyle (Seattle). Wagenmann may soon be joining Tripp and Coyle as the latest Grizzly defensive stalwart to take his talents to the next level. Wagenmann will be one of the most feared defenders in the Big Sky Conference on his way to national recognition.
Terrance Plummer, LB, UCF
Fresh off Tostito’s Fiesta Bowl Defensive MVP honors, Plummer is set for a breakout senior season. At 6-foot-1, 236 pounds Plummer doesn’t possess ideal NFL linebacker size but you’ll rarely find him out of position. Teams looking for a tackling machine walking into the league with an enormous chip on his shoulder, should look no further than Plummer. He was overlooked throughout the recruiting process due to size/speed concerns but has spearheaded the Knights defense the past two seasons.
Chris Bonner, QB, CSU-Pueblo
By now, most close followers of the NFL Draft are familiar with Bryan Bennett – a small school QB prospect with some legitimate buzz. Most haven’t heard the name Chris Bonner. At 6-foot-6+, 225 pounds Bonner possesses an NFL arm that could push him into the Bryan Bennett discussion of top small school QB prospect.
