2016 NFL Draft: Late-round Gems
The 2016 NFL Draft will feature a ton of late-round gems or sleepers.
Tom Brady, arguably one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Nobody usually associates the Pats QB as being a 6th round, 199th overall draft pick. But none the less, he was. Brady turned the ship around for the New England Patriots making them a perennial power. Players that change franchises don’t need to come from the first round. Here are 4 players that chances are, won’t hear their names called on day one in Chicago. However they could turn things around for the franchise that gives them a chance.
1. Cardale Jones, QB, Ohio State Buckeyes
Rewinding to 2014, Cardale Jones was an essential part of the Buckeyes taking home the National Championship. The whole nation thought their chances were in the dust after star quarterback JT Barrett went down in the season finale against Michigan. Along with Ezekiel Elliot, he made sure that wasn’t the case. He threw 860 yards and 7 TD’s in the playoffs, to lead his team to the W over Marcus Mariota and the Oregon Ducks. This season was a little more humbling for the Cleveland native. He only threw for 1460 yards and 8 scores. His greatest attribute is his raw arm strength which scouts have raved on, that gave him his “12 gauge” nickname. He could serve as a serviceable backup to a contending team with an aging QB and could eventually take over as the franchise cornerstone.
2. Cody Whitehair, G, Kansas State Wildcats
In a year that certainly lacks in guard depth, Cody Whitehair is making noise. He doesn’t have prototypical size for his position only weighing 300 on the dot. However Whitehair uses his range and speed to be an elite pass blocker. (He was clocked at 5.08 on his 40 yard dash time) In a season that hasn’t had much to smile about for his Wildcats, he has shone through. He’s been compared to Cowboys Zack Martin for his ability to square up defenders. He might even sneak into the late first round if this trajectory continues.
3. Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State Buckeyes
This was a year of unlikely transition for Miller. He actually started the year in a 3 way battle with Cardale Jones and JT Barrett for the starting QB job. He flourished though at the Receiver position. He’s on the upper echelon of quickness with a 40 time of 4.36. As a senior, he tallied 4 all-purpose TD’s as well as 341 receiving yards. Transitions from QB to Receiver can be tricky (right Terrelle Pryor?) but Miller has certainly been turning heads thus far.
4. Trevone Boykin, QB, TCU Horned Frogs
Boykin is maybe among one of the top 3 most talented QB’s I saw last year. But come April, he might also be the biggest risk. Despite his off the field issues, Boykin might be worth the risk for a team. (especially since he likely will go the whole weekend without hearing his name called) He had great numbers in 2015 notching 3575 yards and 31 scores. But will a team take a chance on him with his personal baggage?