We've already covered Jasper Brinkley, Chip Vaughn, Terrance Taylor, Daniel Holtzclaw and others. For this episode I've selected 5 prospects with intriguing skill sets who for one reason or another are at best mid round prospects and more likely late round or even undrafted free agents after April 26th.
WR Aaron Kelly - Clemson
DT Khalif Mitchell - East Carolina
OT Sebastian Vollmer - Houston
LB Frantz Jospeh - Florida Atlantic
Aaron Kelly - WR - Clemson
6'5", 190 lbs
The most recognizable name of this bunch, Kelly has the most receptions in both Clemson and ACC history (232). He would have been a first day pick last year after putting up a 1,000+ yard, 11 TD season. However, with the whole Clemson team suffering a collective setback, his 2008 numbers were less impressive, and his draft stock has fallen somewhat. Still, he's 6'4", has great hands, reasonable speed, and good production in college.
Aaron Kelly has been quietly putting up great numbers at Clemson. As a freshman he tallied 575 receiving yards on 47 catches, ranking ninth in Atlantic Coast Conference history in total receiving yards by a freshman. By his junior campaign, the wideout was the team's top receiver when he caught 88 passes for 1,081 yards and 11 touchdowns. Heading into the 2008 season, Kelly needs just three touchdowns to break Clemson's 57-year-old record for career receiving touchdowns.
At 6-5 and 190 pounds, Kelly is a tall and thin wide receiver. Do not let the thin part fool you, Kelly is extremely tough and is not afraid to be physical. Even when he can be outmatched by a cornerback, Kelly uses his body very well to shield off defenders.
Post Combine Update: Kelly did not do too much to help out his draft stock during the NFL Combine. Somebody will take a chance on his size in the later rounds, but he could end up not being drafted at all. Even if he is not drafted, Kelly has the size and the skills to develop into a decent receiver who can make an impact on many teams.
DraftGuys Scouting Video
Khalif Mitchell - DT - East Carolina
6'5", 318 lbs
Khalif Mitchell started his college career at North Carolina before transferring to East Carolina due to academic problems. He's a boom or bust type prospect with all the tools you'd look for in a 3-technique DT, particularly his strength and high motor, but injuries have hampered his career. If he goes undrafted though he could end up being a steal for someone.
DraftCountdown Scouting Report
Strengths:
Excellent size and bulk with long arms...Super athletic...Strong and powerful...Does a nice job in pursuit and has a burst to close...Gets a good push...Violent initial punch...Offers some versatility...Big upside.
Weaknesses:
Doesn't always play with proper leverage...Not very tough...Durability is a huge concern...Does not use his hands well...Motor runs hot and cold...Wasn't a good student...Has a bad work ethic...Poor production.
Notes:
Spent a year at Hargrave Military Academy after high school...Began his college career at North Carolina...Played extensively and even started four games for the Tar Heels before opting to transfer amid academic difficulties...Stepped in and became a starter for the Pirates in 2007...Suspended for a game as a senior for missing classes...Dealt with multiple back and ankle injuries in college and was hampered by a turf toe in 2008...Could project to defensive tackle in a 4-3 scheme or defensive end in a 3-4...Classic underachiever who possesses all of the physical tools you look for but doesn't play up to them...Has a world of potential but may lack the intangibles to maximize it..Boom or Bust.
DraftGuys Scouting Video
Sebastian Vollmer - OT - Houston
6'8", 312 lbs.
In 2008 former coach Lane Kiffin spoke about finding zone-blocking scheme offensive lineman either late in the draft or as undrafted free agents. Something makes me think he was talking about German born Sebastian Vollmer. Despite being huge (6'8", 320) and strong (32 bench press reps), Vollmer possesses excellent footwork to keep speed rushers at bay. Vollmer is still a bit raw, but has all the tools needed for a zone blocking tackle.
DraftGuys Scouting Video
Frantz Joseph - LB - Florida Atlantic
6'1", 242 lbs.
I've made my desire for a 2-down run stuffing linebacker pretty clear, and Frantz Joseph is another prospect I think could fill that need. As the scouting video will also show, Joseph is extremely aggressive and has a high motor. He was also very productive in college, racking up 346 tackles in just 37 games.
DraftGuys Scouting Video
Of course this is mostly just an exercise for entertainment purposes, but it's fun to prognosticate the back end of the Raiders' draft weekend and learn about the lesser known talents.






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