Draft season is in full swing and it’s a ton of prospects all over the country. Here is another edition of guys who aren’t going to be household names, but can make there way on to an NFL roster.
First up is Parry Nickerson CB Tulane 6’0 180 – Excellent ball skills…..his ball skills are on par with the top guys in this draft (my humble opinion). The guy can run as well, loose hips to turn and run with quick Wide Receivers. Not afraid to be physical. Has burst to recover when he gets beat early. Stays in receivers back pocket then uses his superior ball skills to snatch the interception. His weakness is his size. At 180 pounds, he’s at a disadvantage against anybody with a bit of strength. Big receivers simply push him out of the way. Tackling is hit or miss due to his lack of power. Early on he can flourish playing quicker guys in the slot, but will need time to add muscle.
Next up is Jalen Davis 5’10 185 CB Utah State – Another guy With good ball skills and coverage ability. Quick feet and loose hips allow him to mirror receivers throughout the route. Good speed to run when guys try to take him deep. Only knock on him is his size. Taller players will give him trouble and he won’t be a major factor against the run. His best position is as a slot defender playing coverage.
Next we have Robert Foster 6’2 196 WR Alabama – A former 5 star recruit coming out of high school. Foster is a project. Injury and playing on a loaded Alabama team stunted his development. Add in the fact that the offensive scheme he played in doesn’t feature the passing game very much, it was easy for Foster to get lost in the sauce. But there is some untapped potential here. Excellent speed to get deep at will. Shows potential to run good routes. Good run after the catch ability. Given the time to learn his position, Foster could develop into a good player.
Next is Chris Herndon TE Miami 6’4 245 – A very talented player. Had limited exposure because he played behind former first round pick David N’Joku. Big and fast. He can make the big play or be a move the chains volume catcher. Gives you good effort when blocking as well. A true mismatch type player. His issue is that he’s just raw. Technique needs refinement in all phases of his game. Coaches will probably love him because they will see him as a talented lump of clay that they can mold. With time this kid can be a starter.
Last but definitely not least we have Tyler Conklin 6’4 240 TE Central Michigan – Conklin was hard to find because his 2017 tape wasn’t good. He came back from a foot injury too early and just didn’t look right all year. But you go back to 2016 and you see a different player. A former basketball player and you see the excellent body control and athleticism. Good burst in his route running allows him to be a consistent target in the passing game. Willing blocker. A true sleeper.
There are definitely more guys who deserve some attention so stay tuned…