ARTICLES
1 DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH AT EACH POSITION
03 / 14 / 22
INTRODUCTION
The NFL draft is not about who has the most premium picks. GM’s are tasked with properly allocating their resources and finding value at certain positions. The following is a list of players that I believe are more valuable than their current stock.
QUARTERBACK: Bailey Zappe
In an underwhelming 2022 QB class, it is crucial to identify an under the radar option who provides good value at the position. Insert Bailey Zappe. Zappe is a confident thrower who possesses accuracy on all levels of the field. What I love most about Zappe’s game is his ability to move defenders with his eyes and fit the ball into tight windows. Zappe put up Joe Burrow type numbers in Western Kentucky’s air raid attack.
RUNNING BACK: D'Vonte Price
Price possesses a unique balance of patience and downhill explosion. For a relatively bruising back, Price’s 4.38 40 time at the combine was outright eye-opening. He has the ideal frame to be an every down back and also plays with the awareness and vision that team's love to see. Price is coming from Florida Atlantic and may go under the radar for some teams. Nonetheless, he should be able to make an immediate impact for whichever team drafts him.
WIDE RECEIVER: Christian Watson
Watson is another FCS prospect who possesses an elite blend of size and speed. At 6’5, Watson showed off with an impressive 4.36 40 time at the combine. Watson possesses a great frame to dominate on the outside and will pose immense matchup problems at the next level. Watson could move up draft boards after an impressive combine, but no team should let him fall past the second round.
TIGHT END: Chigoziem Okonkwo
Okonkwo is slightly undersized for the tight end position, which may result in teams overlooking him come draft day. However, make no mistake - Okonkwo plays bigger than his height. He is an extremely aggressive route runner who attacks the ball with purpose. Okonkwo showed off his impressive speed at the combine, running a 4.52(the fastest of all tight ends). Oknonkwo should be a versatile weapon for whichever team drafts him.
O-LINE: Nicholas Petit-Frere
With many of the top offensive tackles likely flying off the board in round 1, Petit-Frere offers great value in the second round. Petit-Frere possesses a great combination of strength and quickness and is very explosive out of his stance. He holds up very well in pass-protection and has the frame to develop into a mauler. Petit-Frere should be a quality option at a premium position at the next level.
D-LINE: Travis Jones
Jones is a very versatile and explosive tackle who has experience playing offensive line as well. He is a space eater who possesses elite athletic traits. Jones has a great ability to gain leverage on his opponent and drive them backward resulting in consistent pressure up the middle. Jones is a unique weapon and has all the tools to become a household defensive lineman at the next level.
EDGE RUSHER: Arnold Ebiketie
After transferring to Penn State in 2021, Ebiketie had a major breakout season. Ebiketie is an explosive edge rusher with the ability to easily gain inside leverage and shoot the gaps with urgency. Ebiketie has the potential to be a game wrecker and has a knack for making huge plays. He is able to effortlessly gain momentum on his bend and can make life very difficult for opposing tackles. I expect Ebiketie to have a Harold Landry type impact.
LINEBACKER: Troy Andersen
I can’t talk enough about Andersen. A former valedictorian in high school and a former QB / RB in college. Andersen is an extremely versatile linebacker who possesses an elite combination of speed, strength and instincts. Andersen is everything you want at the position and has major upside at the next level. Because he is an FCS prospect with limited experience he may fly under some teams radars.
CORNERBACK: Marcus Jones
Some teams may overlook Jones due to his 5’8 stature. Jones may be undersized but he plays well beyond his physical measure. Jones is a versatile cornerback who possesses the ability to line up anywhere on the field. He has great short-area quickness and twitch which allows him to run in the slot and make plays in open space. Jones can be a specialized gadget on defence and will be a steal for whatever team acquires him.
SAFETY: Nick Cross
After about 5 safeties, the well runs dry. This is not a deep class at the position and Cross provides great value after the initial run. After running a 4.34 at the combine, Cross may no longer be a sleeper. He has a great blend of strength and quickness and possesses the ability to cover a lot of space at all levels of the field. Cross is very quick to react and can effectively make a break on the ball.