More Lesser Known Draft/UDFA Talent from Adam
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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This is some great information, Adam.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Apr 1, 2009 9:36 PM PDT reply actions
Good Write Up
I like the DT Khalif Mitchell a lot. He is a top talent, but he is a dumbest dude in the world. he just needs a mentor.
Police Fucking Hate Me, Trying To Relocate Me To LA, But Like The Raiders, I' ma Bring It Back To The Bay! - Nump
Yup...
I like Khalif Mitchell a lot too, and the LB Frantz Joseph, it looks like those two can turn out to be very good.
Sebastin Vollmer
Looks like he could be a great ZBS lineman, I would start him like what we did with McNasty RG/RT. He would be a guard in our system.
"I need a couple A's for Q's, I'm not an Asshole I'm just a little confused"
-Aesop Rock
Good write up
I get more info on this site about the draft and the raiders than any where else
Just HIT somebody.
VERY NICE
the dude frantz
seems like a class A man
if he’s on the boards
we gotta pick em up
that drive and aggression is Exactly
what this defense needs
great write up and info
frantz looks like a beast perfect fit for the raiders what about,that wideout hayward mays? would love to see a writeup on him. thanks for info 601
CED WALKER
Heywerd Bey
But we knew what you meant.
Police Fucking Hate Me, Trying To Relocate Me To LA, But Like The Raiders, I' ma Bring It Back To The Bay! - Nump
top-notch post
I’d like all of these guys in Oakland, especially Frantz Joesph. He looks like a promising LB talent. Great and instinctual tackler is exactly what we’re lacking on the outside. I’d wait till after the draft to fill the LB spot by signing him. He has serious talent.
Greta post Adam, keep up the good work.
V- "I'm not questioning your powers of observation. I'm merely remarking on the paradox of asking a masked man who he is."
Cutler to the Bears
odd team….completely different from where everyone said he was going but woo hooo hes out of the AFC good
Jiri Hudler...our underrated MVP
But Guys
Make sure you know these guys are mentioning all the positive. They are sort of over exaggerating these players. They didn’t really show real game tape so don’t go too crazy
Police Fucking Hate Me, Trying To Relocate Me To LA, But Like The Raiders, I' ma Bring It Back To The Bay! - Nump
By The Way
You get Rec’d for such a great draft post. Keep em coming
Police Fucking Hate Me, Trying To Relocate Me To LA, But Like The Raiders, I' ma Bring It Back To The Bay! - Nump
No Doubt
The draft videos are only accentuating the positive attributes of these prospects, and there are many reasons that they aren’t top tier prospects – whether it be injuries, lack of competition, or physical limitations. I’ve only tried to identify some of those late round or UDFA guys who have the high ceiling to overachieve based on their current grades.
Maybe I’ll do another batch next week.
Dream Drafts:
Michael Crabtree, Ron Brace?, Chip Vaughn, Lawrence Sidbury
Brian Orakpo, Brian Robiskie, Jasper Brinkley, DT
Please do another batch
This is a good write. Even though they are only showing the positives it’s still good to see more prospects; there’s always a gem.
Even in these videos you can some negatives. Vollmer IS unpolished, you can tell he relies on his physical attributes, which is a lot. Frantz Joseph shows great vision and aggression, but he only likes to hit; by that i mean he doesn’t wrap up well and i can see a lot of people breaking his tackles. I didn’t like khalif Mitchell at all. And Kelly shows good hands and body control, that seems to be it.
Just HIT somebody.
I can see that
Khalif Mitchell’s behavior is outrageous.
Police Fucking Hate Me, Trying To Relocate Me To LA, But Like The Raiders, I' ma Bring It Back To The Bay! - Nump

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