Pre-Draft Sleepers

If the NFL draft has taught us one thing, it is that there is a hidden gem or two found under a rock every single season. This season will bare watching to see who this years diamond in the rough will be, and here is the 411 on a few guys (by position) who should be noted with the draft so close:

1. QB Thomas-Clinton (T.C.) Ostrander, Stanford

Ostrander is my personal favorite of any 7th round-Free Agent type player in this draft. He possesses many abilities and has an accurate delivery, along with good mechanics, and can make every throw necessary. Prototypical QB measurables, as he stands at 6'3 and 227 lbs. You won't realize what a gem Ostrander can be by looking at his stats however, as he posted a mere 1,422 yards passing and 7 TD's in 8 starts as a senior. He spent most of his career backing up Trent Edwards and has only 12 career starts, so experience is in question, but he is the type of player that can either be nothing more then his grade (Late Round-FA), or he could be a total steal.


2. WR Ernie Wheelwright, Minnesota

Wheelwright has plenty of experience as he was a four year starter on the Golden Gophers, and actually ranks 3rd in Gophers history in career receptions & receiving yards and 2nd in receiving touchdowns. He doesn't have either the speed/burst, the route running ability, or even the consistency in his favor, however, he possesses great ball skills, timing his jumps well, extremely durable, a dominant Red-Zone receiver, and even with just marginal speed, can get deep.


3. WR Edward Williams, Lane

Lane University's second big time WR prospect in as many years (last year with Jacoby Jones - Texans, 3rd round) and he has similarities to his predecessor as well. Large frame, and is extremely aggressive and out muscles even the strongest of DB's for the football. Williams also has very long arms, a solid route running ability to hang his hat on, and most of all, is not afraid to work the middle and take a hit if need be. Doesn't run away from defenders well, and didn't play against the best of competition, but Edward Williams garners attention nonetheless.


4. OL Mackenzy Bernadeau, Bentley

Bernadeau has been on my list for quite some time. The division II - All American has had plenty of success this past season and for the most part, dominated the low grade of competition. He seems too nice however, and when he isn't at his best, you might as well take him out. He disappears too often, but the athleticism, and the versatility make him a solid consideration at then late stages of the draft.


5. DE Eric Foster, Rutgers

Probably the most underrated 3-4 DE in this draft, as he is coming off of a solid season which he anchored the Rutgers defense all the way to the International Bowl this year. Notching a total of 115 tackles, 29 tackles for loss, and 13 sacks over the last two season, Foster has shown what he can do. However, Foster seems to fit the bill as a tweener that isn't big enough to play inside, but lacks the speed to play outside. Overall, he warrants consideration and shouldn't go undrafted, but would make for excellent value after round 5.


6. LB David Voborra, Idaho

Voborra has such immense stats over the course of the past two season combining for a total of 270 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and 2 INT's. However, he seems to not be strong enough to fit the style of the NFL linebacker. He is a little undersized and lacks real bulk for an outside linebacker, and has little speed above all else. Yet, he seems to always be making plays as he is more smart then athletic. Could be a real steal if taken in rounds 6 or 7.


7. CB Jack Williams, Kent St.

Not as much of a sleeper at this point, but still is not given as much respect as I feel he should be. Jack Williams has become known as a very speedy and quick CB and this analysis is very true, however, he is also one of the best leapers out of this group of CB's along with having very good hands; yet his best quality comes in his tackling ability. Williams made over 60 tackles in all 3 of his seasons as a full time starter along with 93 in his senior season. May not be ranked as high as his former teammate Usama Young, but likely will be a better player.