After a defensive heavy first three rounds of the NFL Draft, there is still some star potential available for Day 3. Teams will be searching for the next Antonio Brown or Richard Sherman, as the late round studs that slipped through the scouting cracks.
Here is a look at the best players available at each position group before the NFL Draft concludes with rounds 4-7.
CONNOR COOK- QB MICHIGAN STATE
Courtesy: Bleacher Report
Measurables: 6’4″ 217lbs.
2015 Statistics: 56.1 Completion Percentage, 3131 Yards, 24 Touchdowns, 7 Interceptions
Initial Projected Round: 1-2
Cook had a very productive college career and has been a proven winner since taking over as a starter as a sophomore. He does not display any elite qualities in arm strength, accuracy or athleticism but does everything well.
Why He Fell…
Major concerns have come about over his leadership and attitude. He has come across as brash or cocky in interviews, while teams look at his lack of being voted a team captain. Without the desired physical tools, those “character” issues just intensify when investing in a Quarterback.
Team Fits: Arizona Cardinals, San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins
Player Comparison: Arizona Cardinals’ Matt Barkley
DEVONTAE BOOKER- RB UTAH
Courtesy: Fox Sports
Measurables: 5’11” 219lbs.
2015 Statistics: 268 Rushes, 1,261 Yards, 11 Touchdowns
Initial Projected Round: 2
Booker has the look of an NFL Running Back with the size and build to take on tacklers. While he also displays strong vision to hit holes and explode down the field. Though he does not have elite speed or quickness, his physical nature helps him avoid tacklers.
Why He Fell…
Booker suffered a torn meniscus at the end of his senior season at Utah. Though he still received All Pac-12 Second Team honors, even after missing the final three games. Concerns arise about his long-term availability as a player coming of a knee injury and his physical running style.
Team Fits: New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns
Player Comparison: Tennessee Titans’ DeMarco Murray
PHAROH COOPER- WR SOUTH CAROLINA
Courtesy: Fox Sports
Measurable: 5’11” 207lbs.
2015 Statistics: 66 Receptions, 973 Yards, 8 Touchdowns
Initial Projected Round: 2-3
Cooper is a compact Wide Receiver that is built more like a Running Back. Though he does not display straight line speed, he has terrific quickness in short areas. He is a prototypical slot, that can also be used in the backfield as a runner and pass-catcher as well.
Why He Fell…
His 4.65 40 yard dash time surprised everyone and may have scared off a number of teams in Day 2 of the draft. That to go along with only one year of real production as a Wide Receiver has teams worried about how productive he truly can be in the NFL.
Team Fits: Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys
Player Comparison: Philadelphia Eagles’ Josh Huff
JERALD HAWKINS- OT LSU
Courtesy: Getty Images
Measurables: 6’6″ 305 lbs.
Projected Round: 3
Hawkins was a three year starter at LSU, playing both tackle positions throughout his career. He possesses nimble feet for the blindside, but still needs grooming on his technique. He has the frame and athleticism to be an upper-echelon Left Tackle with some grooming.
Why He Fell..
Hawkins is a project at the Left Tackle position and likely will not be ready to contribute until 2017. He needs to hit the weights and bulk up to handle the physical pass-rushers in the NFL, while still develop his run blocking technique.
Team Fits: Pittsburgh Steelers, Oakland Raiders, New York Jets
Player Comparison: Oakland Raiders’ Kelechi Osemele
ANDREW BILLINGS- DT BAYLOR
Courtesy: Bleacher Report
Measurables: 6’2″ 300lbs.
2015 Statistics: 31 Tackles, 14 Tackles for Loss, 5.5 Sacks
Initial Projected Round: 1
Billings was very productive in the backfield as a interior pass-rusher. He has good footwork and utilizes his size to split offensive lines to put pressure on the backfield. Though he does not have ideal height for a Defensive Tackle, he makes the most of this ability.
Why He Fell…
Concerns arose over a knee injury that could hamper his rookie season. He is overweight for his height, which may cause long-term lower body issues in general.
Team Fits: Houston Texans, Cincinnati Bengals, Washington Redskins
Player Comparison: Green Bay Packers’ Green Bay Packers
CHARLES TAPPER- DE/OLB OKLAHOMA
Courtesy: Fox Sports
Measurables: 6’3″ 271lbs.
2015 Statistics: 31 Tackles, 10 Tackles For Loss, 7 Sacks
Initial Projected Round: 3
Though Tapper was inconsistent throughout his career at Oklahoma, he came on strong to finish the 2015 season. He is a tweener that was used as a 5-technique, but with a 4.56 40 Yard Dash, he has the athleticism to play 3-4 Outside Linebacker.
Why He Fell…
Without a natural position, teams will need to find creative ways to get him on the field. He can be utilized in sub-packages, but will need to play in a hybrid style defense to play up to his full potential.
Team Fits: New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, Atlanta Falcons
Player Comparison: Baltimore Ravens’ ZaDarius Smith
JOSHUA PERRY- LB OHIO STATE
Courtesy: Fox Sports
Measurables: 6’4″ 254lbs.
2015 Statistics: 53 Tackles, 3.5 Sacks, 4 Passes Defensed
Initial Projected Round: 2-3
Perry is one of the most unheralded players in the country, being overshadowed by the star-filled Ohio State defense. He is not a master of any specific skill, but does everything well and will find ways to produce. He has scheme versatility to play inside in a 3-4 defense, or outside in a 4-3.
Why He Fell…
Even though he is a solid all-around, Perry is a role player not be a star. Finding his way into a linebacker rotation will not be an issue, but he has maxed out on potential.
Team Fits: Minnesota Vikings, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cincinnati Bengals
Player Comparison: Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Daryl Smith
JALEN MILLS- DB LSU
Courtesy: CBS Sports
Measurables: 6’0″ 191lbs.
2015 Statistics: 25 Tackles, 1 Tackle For Loss, 1 Sack
Projected Round: 3
Mills was very productive on a strong defense for his first three seasons at LSU, but only played in six games his senior year due to injury. He has experience at both Cornerback and Safety, while having good instincts in coverage.
Why He Fell…
With his slight frame, teams will need to find the best fit for Mills. He needs to add bulk and becoming a more willing tackler in the NFL to stay on the field.
Team Fits: Detroit Lions, New Orleans Saints, Houston Texans
