Here is a list of players a lot may not know about, but they very
well could by midseason. Sometime this year these players could be starring on
the cover of sports illustrated. All of these guys are small school (D 1AA, D2)
players who could have the talent to compete at the next level. Watch for these
names come draft day.
OFFENSE
1. Ben Patrick, TE Delaware
Patrick is a big TE with great ball skills. He runs good routes, blocks
outstanding, and can do a lot of damage after the catch. Patrick is a very
physical player and is very smart on the football field. Look for Patrick to be
drafted in the late 2nd to early 3rd round in this year’s draft.
2. Jacoby Jones, WR Lane University
Most of you are saying, “where the heck is Lane University?” Actually it’s in
Tennessee. Many people are saying that Jacoby Jones is this year’s Marques
Colston. Jacoby is a big receiver standing at 6’3 and has huge hands to hold on
to the ball. He has very good timed speed which means he will be a deep threat
for any team he plays for. Also, he is a great special teamer. Look for Jones to
be drafted in the late 2nd to early 4th round in the draft.
3. Allen Barbre, OT Missouri Southern State
Another small school guy that played division II football his entire career. He
didn’t just play division II football, he dominated it as well. Barbre is a
mobile and very strong offensive tackle that could make an immediate impact for
a team that really needs some help on the o-line like Houston. Look for him to
be drafted in the late 3rd to early 5th round in the draft.
4. Laurent Robinson, WR Illinois State
Robinson has good size at 6’2, 200 lbs, great speed and an outstanding leap.
Laurent Robinson is a guy who just knows how to get open. He can catch the ball
very well and is a deep threat running a 4.37 in the 40-yard dash. Look for
Laurent Robinson to be drafted in the late 4th to early 5th round.
DEFENSE
1. Justin Durant, OLB Hampton
Durant is an overall great athlete. He is a very tough and quick linebacker that
can throw a huge hit all over the football field. Over the years, this guy could
become a team leader for whomever he plays for. He can be compared to London
Fletcher, a short but very productive linebacker in this league. Look for Durant
to be drafted in the late 2nd to early 3rd round in this year’s draft.
2. Michael Coe, CB Alabama State
Coe is a big, physical cornerback that could easily make it in the NFL. He has
outstanding instincts and he knows where the ball is going at all times, could
also be a good return man on special teams. He will be the 2nd Alabama State
player drafted in the past 2 years. (Tarvaris Jackson, Minnesota Vikings) Look
for Coe to be drafted in the early 3rd to late 4th round.
3. Travarous Bain, CB Hampton
Bain is a terrific natural athlete. He has good size with long arms to grab some
interceptions, excellent speed and quickness, could contribute as a return man.
Bain is a huge threat in the open field because of agility and quickness. Look
for Bain to be drafted in the late 4th to early 5th round.
4. Zak DeOssie, ILB Brown
DeOssie is a huge linebacker that could have great success at the next level. He
plays strong and tough, not afraid to make big hits, could be looked at as the
“goon” of the NFL. DeOssie could have an immediate impact on whatever team he
plays for. Look for him to be drafted in the 2nd-4th round.
