Tuesday, May 31, 2016

AFC Team's "Richard Shermans"

Following yesterday's NFC Team's "Richard Sherman's" here are the AFC Team's "Richard Shermans." These are players selected in the later rounds of the 2016 NFL Draft that I believe have a shot at NFL success. Just like the above mentioned Richard Sherman.

Baltimore Ravens
Matt Judon, DE, Grand Valley State, 5th round
Judon was one of my favorite small school players. He pretty much lived in the backfield of opposing teams. With Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil not getting any younger Judon could get on the field early and often.

Pittsburgh Steelers
Tyler Matakevich, LB, Temple, 7th round
The Steelers defense has undergone a complete makeover in recent years. Matakevich doesn't quite fit the athletic mold of the rest of the players emerging in this new defense. His football instincts make up for his average athleticism. He just gets to the ball.

Cincinnati Bengals 
Cody Core, WR, Mississippi, 6th round
Core was the "other guy" to Laquon Treadwell in the Mississippi's offense. He has some unique skills and size that can't be taught. The Bengals lost their receiving depth this offseaon. Core could help replenish it.

Cleveland Browns
Scooby Wright III, LB, Arizona, 7th round
The Browns have a few players that could be their "Richard Sherman." Jordan Payton, Spencer Drango, Rashard Higgins could all shine early for a team desperate for football players. Payton and Higgins are skilled and polished receivers that could contribute early. But I have to go with Scooby. He probably would have been drafted a few rounds earlier if not for an injury last season. He was a tackling machine in 2014.

New England Patriots
Devin Lucien, WR, Arizona State, 7th round
Another offensive player that I watched take apart Cal. The Patriots always find a spot for receivers with a knack for getting open.

Buffalo Bills
Jonathan Williams, RB, Arkansas, 5th round
Williams might have been among the first backs chosen if a foot injury hadn't wiped out his 2015 season. If he can stay healthy he could be a steal.

New York Jets
Charone Peak, WR, Clemson, 7th round
Clemson has been a receiver factory recently. That alone probably brought Peak some attention. He has terrific size and speed.

Miami Dolphins
Thomas Duarte, WR, UCLA, 7th round
Duarte was a big, productive receiver in college. The Dolphins hope that he's an agile, productive tight end in the NFL. Perhaps they see a little Charles Clay in him.

Indianapolis Colts
Joe Haeg, T, North Dakota State, 5th
This was a huge draft for North Dakota State. Haeg and Carson Wentz brought a lot of football attention to the itty-bitty college. Haeg could have gone as early as the second day. The Colts got him in the fifth. He could help them early.

Jacksonville Jaguars
Sheldon Day, DT, Notre Dame, 5th round
Day joins an incredible number of versatile defensive linemen in Jacksonville. The Jaguars now have about six players that can play any spot on the defensive line. That makes for a ridiculous rotation. Day should become a part of it.

Houston Texans
D.J. Reader, DT, Clemson, 5th round
Reader is likely the heir apparent to Vince Wilfork. He should see the field this year to give the big guy some rest.

Tennessee Titans
LeShaun Sims, CB, Southern Utah, 5th round
It might take a year or two to adjust to the NFL but Sims has the size and talent to be a productive starter for the Titans. Kinda like Richard Sherman.

Denver Broncos 
Connor McGovern, G, Missouri, 5th round
McGovern was one of my favorite day two offensive linemen. The Broncos selected him on day three. The need for offensive linemen is high in Denver so McGovern could play early. He has the size, strength, and ability to play early.

Kansas City Chiefs
Kevin Hogan, QB, Stanford, 5th round
Hogan's ceiling may not be all that high but he's a smart, capable passer. All he did at Stanford was win.

San Diego Chargers
Drew Kaser, P, Texas A&M, 6th round
Mike Scifres has been one of the league's better punter for years. His play dropped last year. Teams don't draft punters to wait around for a while. Kaser should be the Chargers punter for years. Starting this year.

Oakland Raiders
Vadal Alexander, G, LSU, 7th round
The Raiders have put together one of the best offensive lines in the league. Their interior line is the best. So, Alexander is probably the wrong pick for this spot. He's still the pick. There was a time when he was considered one of the best guards in the draft. A likely 2nd round pick. The Raiders found him in the 7th round.

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