With most of the draft buzz consistently hovering Tim Tebow, it’s obvious that he’s probably the most intriguing prospect in the last 5 years from a transitional perspective.
However, outside of him, there are many players who are boom or bust, have major question marks, or who teams have just fallen in love with.
We’ll take a look at these ten very intriguing prospects to determine why they are so intriguing and where they might end up on draft day and in their careers.
Mike Iupati, Guard, Idaho
Rated as high as the fourth rated players on some respected boards I’ve seen, Iupati is one of the rare offensive line prospects that is expected to move to a much more difficult position than he played in college.
The general rule is that if a offensive lineman can’t translate his position to the pros, he goes down the list of talent needed. That breakdown is left tackle, then right tackle, then mobile guard, then power guard, and then stationary guard.
The fact that Iupati is going to go up that list and move from guard to right tackle or even left tackle is very intriguing and it’s rare to see the move work in the NFL.
DeMaryius Thomas, Wide Receiver, Georgia Tech
Such a great athlete at receiver, Thomas would have been a lock for the top 20 had it not been for the fact that he’s played in the option offense the past two seasons.
He hasn’t become a solid route runner and needs to really work on the nuisances of the position if he hopes to be successful. But his hands, speed, adjustment in air, and coordination show me that he could thrive after a year of really learning the position.
Rob Gronkowski, Tight End, Arizona
If it wasn’t for the back injuries he’s faced over his career, Gronkowski would be a lock for the 1st round and maybe the top tight in this class.
He’s the most complete tight end in the past few years as he can catch, block, run good routes, and has the experience to help right away. If he can recover completely, he’ll be a Pro Bowl caliber player, but if not, he could be not worth the risk and be out of the league fairly quickly.
Jimmy Graham, Tight End, Miami (FL)
The first basketball player turned top tight end prospect since Tony Gonzalez, Graham has that type of potential.
He improved leaps and bounds over his short tenure with the Hurricanes as a tight end, and while he still has lots of developing still to do before he can be the next Antonio Gates or Gonzalez, he has that athletic ability and potential.
Terrence Cody, Defensive Tackle, Alabama
Called “Mount Cody” over his two year career at Alabama, Cody isn’t a fit for every system.
His size and strength make him impossible to block with one player, and he instantly gives the defense an edge whenever he’s in the game. He can be a great 3-4 nose tackle in a system like the Patriots or Steelers.
But, he also appears like he takes plays off and that likely won’t stop in the pros. And if a guy can maybe be effective for 20-30 snaps only a game, teams will have to place a value on how much those 20-30 snaps are actually worth on draft day.
Brandon Spikes, Inside Linebacker, Florida
At one point considered a lock for the Top 20 and battling with Rolando McClain for the top linebacker spot in the draft, Spikes inconsistent play in his senior season and his poor workouts have pushed him down boards.
I still feel he can be an above average inside linebacker in the 3-4 and is still considered a 1st-2nd round talent on my board. And while I get that his workouts are a cause for concern and that most Florida Gator prospects don’t succeed in the pros, I still think he’s worth the risk and could be a Pro Bowler in the right system after a few years.
Taylor Mays, Safety, USC
The most athletic player in the draft when it comes to the combination of speed, size, strength, vertical, explosiveness, and versatility, Mays should be a top 5 player, right?
Well, based on his athleticism, yes. But his film has shown that he’s not very instinctive, doesn’t make enough big plays, has concerns about his hip fluidity and turn and run ability, and is inconsistent over his career.
For a player who’s been a three year starter under a current NFL coach and playing with great talents, he should have been much more impressive.
Armani Edwards, Quarterback/Wide Receiver, Appalachian State
This year’s version of Pat White, Edwards is that mix of an athletic quarterback and a versatile target that can play in the wildcat or at receiver.
I think he’s less of a passer than Pat White and likely won’t get that good of a chance (2nd round, open competition in rookie year with Dolphins) but he could be a mix between Brad Smith of the Jets and Seneca Wallace of the Browns.
LeGarrette Blount, Running Back, Oregon
After his attempt to begin a fight club at midfield after Oregon’s loss to Boise State, Blount’s football career seemed all but over.
However, after getting back in good graces with the Oregon program and continuing to work apart from the team in his goal to reach the NFL, he might still get his chance. Though he won’t be picked in the first 3 rounds, he has the skills to be a great rotational power back in the NFL.
Ryan Perrilloux, Quarterback, Jacksonville State
Maybe the player draft fans should watch for on draft day, the team that takes a chance on Perrilloux in the later rounds may be the steal of the draft.
The former prized recruit at LSU who almost beat out JaMarcus Russell as a true freshman, Perrilloux had scouts drooling over his potential. However, after his consistent run-ins with the law and academics at LSU, the team had to release him from scholarship.
He landed at Jacksonville State where coach Jack Crowe changed his whole outlook on life and all things I’ve heard from people close to the team and Perrilloux, he’s on track and his heads in the right place. And if that’s the case, he has the talent level to develop into a great starter.
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