NFL Draft: Seventh Round Breakdown

FROM WES BUNTING:

On the final day of my NFL draft value and scheme breakdown, I take a look at the seventh round and discuss some of my impressions of several late-round picks. In the later rounds, teams usually try to bring in the best player available in hopes of finding a prospect who can make the roster. Here’s a look at teams that made the most of their picks -- and a few that didn’t.

Picks I like from a value and scheme perspective…

OG Ryan Durand, Tennessee Titans

The Titans do a great job consistently finding mid/late-round linemen who possess the skill sets needed to mature and develop into contributors. Durand was someone I thought had been overlooked in scouting circles, partly because of Syracuse’s lack of success the past couple of years. He’s a tall, long-armed lineman who moves well in space and has the athleticism to be proficient in both the run and pass game. Although he’s currently buried on the Titans’ depth chart, he has an ability to play either guard spot, and I think he gives them an intriguing developmental prospect inside.

RB Rashad Jennings, Jacksonville Jaguars

Outside of Maurice Jones-Drew, all the Jaguars have at running back is a bunch of question marks. That makes Jacksonville is an ideal situation for Jennings, who could make an instant impact as the “big back” on their offense. The Jags let veteran RB Fred Taylor go this offseason and need a complement to keep Jones-Drew from the consistent pounding of the NFL. Jennings is a big, physical runner who possesses smooth feet and good body control for a back his size. He’s a small-school guy (Liberty) but possesses the physical skill set to jump in and see some carries early.

C Blake Schlueter, Denver Broncos

Sure, maybe the Broncos made some questionable moves in the first three rounds of the draft, but they did find one guy in the later portions who has the ability to develop into a starter – TCU’s Schlueter. Denver currently has 35-year-old Casey Wiegmann slated as its starting center and needs a replacement. Schlueter was the draft’s most athletic center and seems like a better fit than current back-up Kory Lichtensteiger for what head coach Josh McDaniels wants to do on offense. Schlueter does a great job in space, can consistently reach the second level and gives the Broncos an athletic body at the pivot position. I think his athleticism alone makes him a great value in the seventh round.

Picks I like from a scheme perspective…

OG Lance Louis, Chicago Bears

Louis was one of the more intriguing offensive line prospects in the draft because of his combination of size (6-3, 303) and speed (4.76). He opened scouts’ eyes with his sub-4.8 40 time and should have the coaching staff in Chicago excited about the versatility he brings to the offensive line. He’s considered more of a guard prospect, but don’t be surprised to see him get a chance at tackle during mini/training camps. Louis, a former tight end who played right tackle last season at San Diego State, is still raw, but he possesses the footwork to warrant a spot somewhere on the Bears’ depth chart.  

OLB/DE Moise Fokou, Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles have some talent at their strongside linebacker spot, so Fokou might have  tough time making the roster. However, his skill set fits in perfectly with what they want to do on defense. He reminds me a bit of current Eagles defensive end Chris Clemons because I think he has the same kind of first step to consistently reach the corner off the edge. Fokou was used in a variety of ways at Maryland and brings an intriguing versatility to the Eagles’ defense. He’s an ideal fit in their aggressive 4-3 scheme, and his natural pass rushing skill set should help him find a niche at the next level.

Picks that left me wondering…

SS Jamarca Sanford, Minnesota Vikings

Sanford shot up draft boards late, thanks in part to the blistering 40 time (4.43) he ran at the Ole Miss pro day. However, the only image I have when I hear his name is seeing him whiff badly on a tackle attempt of slow-footed Texas Tech QB Graham Harrell at the Cotton Bowl. Sanford doesn’t play as fast as his straight-line speed indicates and struggles changing directions in space. He does have a knack for the big hit, but he’ll miss his fair share as well. The only role I see him possibly having on the Vikings is on special teams.

DE/LB Nick Reed, Seattle Seahawks

This is by no means a shot a Reed because I like him as a player and think he has a chance to find his way on any defense with his work rate and passion. However, I thought his best chance at success in the NFL would come in more of a 3-4 scheme than a 4-3. I don’t know what the Seahawks’ plans are for him, but I think he’s considered more of a situational pass rusher in their 4-3 front. I can’t see him getting any kind of chance at linebacker in Seattle because of scheme issues and the talent they already have at the position. But don’t count this kid out because it seems whenever the cards are stacked against him, that’s when he’s at his best.

C A.Q. Shipley, Pittsburgh Steelers

Shipley is another guy I liked, but I just don’t think the Steelers’ power run scheme is the best fit for him. From an attitude and toughness perspective, he’s everything they want in a lineman. But he’s short-armed, undersized and relies more on his technique, quickness and grit to open up holes in the run game. He isn’t the type of guy who can simply push defensive linemen backward as a downhill run blocker, and it will be interesting to see how he fits in the Pittsburgh offense.

Comments

Add a Comment