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Draft Sleepers

2019 NFL Draft Prospects: Sleeper Edition

by EUGENE Holt March 26, 2019

2019 NFL Draft Prospects: Sleeper Edition

Last year I kept an eye out for the under the radar prospects that might find their way on to a teams final 53 man roster. I came up with a few, most notably Robert Foster, the undrafted free agent who averaged 20 yards per catch for the Buffalo Bills. TE Chris Herndon and CB Parry Nickerson who got serious playing time with the NY Jets and were productive. Also, Brandon Parker who got a baptism by fire in 12 starts with the Raiders. No superstars but solid players with upside that a team can develop. This time around I found a few more players that will most likely fight their way onto an NFL roster:

DeAndre Thompkins 5’11 188 WR PSU

Thompkins shows speed and some route running potential as a WR, but his initial value will be on special teams as a kick and punt returner.

Tre Watson 6’2 235 LB Maryland

In a league where the Linebacker position is currently in flux, guys get overlooked due to a shift in priorities at the position.
On the other hand, guys like Watson are looked at for their newly en vogue skillset. Watson isn’t a big thumper, but he has good quickness and coverage ability (5 interceptions last season) that teams will covet in this pass-happy league.

Sheldrick Redwine 6’1 195 S Miami

The less popular of the Miami Safety duo, but by no means is Redwine, a lesser player. A former CB, Redwine has seamlessly transferred his man coverage skills to the Safety position. Red Redwine’s scheme versatility to cover big receivers out of the slot and TEs will force some defensive coordinator to make room for him.

Ty Johnson 5’10 208 RB Maryland

Johnson shows good burst and quickness as an RB. He’s best suited in an RB rotation as a change of pace.
Where Johnson will make his mark is on special teams, where that same burst and quickness are utilized most effectively as a kick returner.

Michael Dogbe 6’2 280 DE/DT Temple

Is he a DT? Is he a DE? It doesn’t matter. Put him out there and tell him to go blow stuff up. Dogbe won’t be a fit for every defensive scheme, but he’s skilled at using his quick first step to get penetration. He thrives in a defensive rotation as an interior rusher and part-time outside rusher.

Will Harris 6’2 210 S Boston College

The reason why Harris doesn’t get the recognition as a top Safety in this draft class is that he hasn’t made the highlight reel plays. But when you dig into his film, you see the consistent, steady, dependable play and superior athletic ability. He can play man coverage; he can play zone coverage, the grown man can step up in the box and support the run, he can cover the TE and slot WR. Harris isn’t flashy but well rounded and very talented.

Eugene Holt is a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

March 26, 2019 0 comment

2018 Draft Prospects: Sleeper Edition

by EUGENE Holt February 17, 2018

written by EUGENE Holt

2018 Draft Prospects: Sleeper Edition

Draft Season is around the corner. For geeks like me that nerd out on college football, it’s almost like Christmas. In this yearly event, there will be names that you will hear over and over again. The great Wide Receiver from that powerhouse school, the stud Running Back that put up insane numbers, that defensive stud you saw in the Championship game. Yes, there will be names that you will quickly learn as this process gets underway………This article ain’t about them. Today I’ll be looking at some lesser known players from lesser known schools. Not on everyone’s radar, but talented enough to open some eyes. Here we go:

Kurt Benkert QB Virginia 6’4 215

Kurt isn’t mentioned in the top QB rankings, but he has a solid foundation for any coach to start with. He has an excellent arm, showing velocity on his throws and the ability to make every throw at the NFL level. Also has functional mobility inside the pocket to escape danger. My guess is he gets drafted in the mid to late rounds and works his way into a starting lineup with a few seasons of grooming.

Martez Carter RB 5’7 193 Grambling State

I know, I know……..5’7??? From where???? The kid may be small, but he can play. What Carter lacks in size he more than makes up for with speed and quickness. Carter has the speed to go the distance, along with elite quickness and change of direction ability. My guess is Carter goes late in the draft and finds a way to make his mark as a kick returner early on, eventually carving out a niche as a 3rd down RB.

Brandon Parker OT 6’7 314 North Carolina A & T

Dancing Bear is a term coaches sometimes use when referring to a big guy that is light on his feet. I can imagine someone looked at Parker and said to himself…..that’s a dancing bear right there! Brandon Parker is very athletic for a man his size. Handles speed rushers and powerful defensive linemen very well. The knock on Parker is that he is raw. He needs coaching on the proper technique of the position [hand placement, footwork etc.] My guess, the kid gets drafted middle rounds and is a starter within 2 years.

Siran Neal S 6’0 199 Jacksonville St

The thing that sets apart Siran Neal from others is his aggressiveness. Most defensive backs are not overly physical in their style of play, not this guy. He puts hands on Wideouts at the line of scrimmage and tackles with bad intentions. Played CB and S in college showing the desired size and speed to handle both positions. He needs time to focus on one position. He goes in the middle rounds and finds his way on to the field very soon.

J’mon Moore WR Missouri 6’3 205

Excellent size/speed combo. Very fluid movements. Good hands. Has run after the catch ability. Very productive in college. The only knock on this kid is route running. He didn’t run a variety of routes in school, so he’ll have to learn the nuances of the position. My guess…mid rounder Rookie impact player.

Christian Sam LB Arizona State 6’2 237

Sam is one of those players that look the part. He is a muscular thickly built twitchy athlete with good speed and solid tackle ability. When he diagnoses a play he blows it up. Also is athletic enough to cover in space. Play recognition is what he’ll have to work on. He needs time in the film room. My guess is that this mid-round guy contributes early in his career.

That’s it for now. But as Draft season revs up, I’ll have a ton of more names. But for now, keep an eye out for these guys.

Eugene Holt is a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

February 17, 2018 0 comment

5 Sleeper RBs you can’t afford to miss on

by Jermaine Lockett August 3, 2016

written by Jermaine Lockett

top 5 FFL RB SLEEPER

5 Sleeper RBs you can’t afford to miss on

Can you afford to miss out on these RBs? Tune in as Jermaine gives some insight to your upcoming fantasy football draft.

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Listen! If you want to do more than just place in your league, subscribe to our email list (meaning the overlay you opted out of. Just refresh the page and it will come back.). There I’ll be giving out exclusive tips to only those who sign up. No sign-up, no championship, no ice cream. “Remember Ice Cream is only for winners…”

Jermaine Lockett is a Writer and CEO for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or twitter.

August 3, 2016 0 comment

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Late Round Steal: Christian Hackenberg

by Jermaine Lockett March 31, 2016

written by Jermaine Lockett

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Listen in as Jermaine Lockett’s latest podcast clues you in on a late round steal. Christian Hackenberg has the potential to be a day one starter.

If you would like to read or hear more from Jermaine or fellow Couch Riders, please Subscribe to our RSS feed and like us on Facebook. Also check out the contest above.

Jermaine Lockett is a Writer and CEO for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Facebook or twitter.

March 31, 2016 0 comment

NFL

Draft Sleepers: DeAngelo Brooks

by Jermaine Lockett April 23, 2015

written by Jermaine Lockett

I have always been a fan of the underdog, the grinder, the 53^rd man who slides onto rosters at the end of the third preseason game and into the hearts of fans around the football world. With the NFL Draft just around the bend, some of the talent at the position of DT/DE position has been identified but for those of you who haven’t done your homework, there is a talented young man hailing from Bossier City, Louisiana.

DeAngelo Brooks or “D” as his friends and family call him, graduated from Airline High School where he began his football career. During his senior year of high school, Brooks was in the local paper normally, as he posted 71-tackles with 27.5 of them for loss as a DE/DT going on to receive the Shreveport Times Player of the Year Honors.

Brooks is not only a football player, he is a 2-time state wrestling champion. While this may be another sport, it speaks to his aggressiveness on the D-line.

Brooks then spent some time in Kilgore where he excelled once again, registering 102-tackles (77 solo) with 6-tackles for loss and 1.5-sacks in his two-year tenure. His notable gameplay bought him a full ride at LA Tech where he is currently finishing off his Bachelors degree.

At LA Tech “D” continued to show promise by producing 5-tackles in his first game against Kansas in September 2013. His ability to stop the run is uncanny. At times, it appears that “D” is out of the play but with the quick use of his hands and raw power, Brooks manages to push himself and his opponent back into the play to make the tackle. This speaks to his 4-tackles for loss, 2-sacks and a forced fumble in minimum action in 2013. Did I mention this big boy has a 4.91 40-time? For a DT this guy can move! Just to give you an idea of what kind of speed we’re talking about, former Baltimore Ravens DT Terrence “Mount” Cody ran a 5.40 second 40.

What I love most about “D” is his vision and ability to break down in front of the ball-carrier to ensure he is in the best position to make the tackle. Brooks has the ability to disrupt plays, escorting opponents directly into running lanes.

As I continued to watch film on this young, stout, 6-1, 300 lb brawler, I saw him doing the dirty work of the inside DT. His presence sometimes commanded double-teams from Guards and Centers, which isn’t a recognizable stat on the ESPN charts but in my book it is something to look at on the next level.

I say this because on most NFL teams, the MLB is normally going to lead the team in tackles and that is primarily because of the “power pigs” in front of them, guiding the ball carrier to the inside. Brooks is one of those “power pigs” with a true team mentality. Granted when the opportunity comes, “D” will deliver a punishing, thunderous hit, laying all 300 lbs on his poor victim, but we all know the job of a DT and that is the nasty grind in the trenches. I applaud him because he knows his job and does it without worrying about the glory.

Now no player comes into the NFL as a complete product and while Brooks has major potential to excel at the next level, he will need a coach to work closely with him on his pass rushing ability. He tends to get swallowed up by bigger Tackles when rushing the passer. He is not meant to be on the outside with his size but should a stunt be called, he will need to be able to get by the “bookend” Tackles in the same manner he gets around and through the Guards and Centers.

DeAngelo Brooks is not yet a household name but if any team takes a chance on this young, hungry, coachable prospect, they will have a grinder that can fit well in a 3-4 defense and a guy who is about the overall team success.

Pro Day Stats:

40:4.91

Vertical:28.5

Shuttle:4.74

Bench press:19

Join the “90 Gang” on Facebook as he follows his dream.

Jermaine Lockett is the CEO and a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on twitter and like us on Facebook.

April 23, 2015 0 comment