Each year, there are a few prospects who fall through the cracks. These players are overlooked and end up being steals for the teams wise enough to spend a late round selection on them. Every one of these players could end up being a big contributor this year if placed in the proper situation.
- Andre Williams, RB, Boston College
Before teams realized players like Alfred Morris (6th round, 2012) and Arian Foster (undrafted) could be found with minimal expense, Andre Williams likely would have been a 1st or 2nd round selection. He exploded onto the scene this season, rushing for over 2,000 yards, with four games where he went for over 250. He's been compared to Marshawn Lynch and is a powerful runner who gains yards after contact. He's a straight ahead grinder, a player who gets the tough yards. While he has work to do as a receiver out of the backfield and struggled with fumbles in college, a team who already has a speed back in place would do well to grab Williams in the 4th or 5th round, where he is currently projected. I believe he has a strong future in this league as a goal line back.
- Storm Johnson, RB, UCF
Teams should be more familiar with Johnson's game now that his teammate Blake Bortles has become the apple of scouts' eyes. Storm Johnson was the true engine that made UCF's offense go, as he proved himself to be a dual threat able to make plays on the ground and in the passing game. He ran for over 1,000 yards and 14 TDs last season, adding another 3 scores as a receiver. He's a strong inside runner, and at 6'1", still shows exceptional agility. He has work to do as a pass blocker and was turnover prone, but many scouts believe these are fixable issues. It's doubtful he will become a bell cow RB, but in today's NFL, few players are. Johnson will be a steal for whoever is smart enough to use a late round pick on him.
- Martavis Bryant, WR, Clemson
Another player who is overshadowed by a more high profile teammate (Sammy Watkins), Bryant has the size and skill set to succeed in the NFL. At this point in his career, he is a straight ahead deep threat who is a load to handle on the go route. It remains to be seen if he can be taught the finer points of route running. With his size and physicality, a smart coaching staff will be able to develop his possession receiving abilities. Bryant has the ability to win jump balls and has superior speed for a player of his height (6'3"). If he had remained in school, he has first round talent and would have been a Day 1 selection in 2015. This year, Bryant will make a quality Day 2 pickup. He has elite upside and if placed in the proper learning environment, he will make life miserable for opposing DBs.
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