The first two days of the 2015 NFL Draft have come and gone, yet several big name prospects with loads of talent remain on the draft board. Which star players that have plummeted to day three are the biggest steals and where could they go?
In a draft with few trades or crazy surprises, we should be mildly shocked that these guys haven’t heard their names called yet. Let’s take a look at who they are and where they could go on the final day of the 2015 NFL Draft:
Bryce Petty, QB, Baylor
Easily one of the top passing prospects in this draft class, Petty has been overlooked to this point due to his college system and a misconception that he can’t adjust to a pro-style system. Petty has a good head on his shoulders and has also displayed a strong arm and nice mobility. He should be drafted in round four, while his suitors could stretch from the Jets to the Broncos.
Brett Hundley, QB , UCLA
Hundley is just as surprising to still be around as Petty, because he has even more natural ability and upside. Scouts may be worried about Hundley’s pocket presence and accuracy, but he’s a big bodied passer with a big arm and top level athleticism. Even as a project, someone should take a stab at home in round four.
Jay Ajayi, RB, Boise State
Ajayi was long considered one of the top running back prospects, but has seen his stock crushed due to concerns over injuries and some poor off field decision-making. He was extremely productive in college, however, and has the build and athleticism to be a feature back at the next level. His place in this year’s draft will come down to medical concerns. A team like the New England Patriots might look past his medical issues and give him a chance in round five.
Rashad Greene, WR, Florida State
Greene has simply been negatively impacted by a truly deep wide receiver draft class. A big time athlete who comes up in big moments, Greene is largely held back by his small stature and poor run blocking. If he’s just a situational threat, he’s a total gem. However, teams normally don’t spend a pick in the first three rounds on that type of player. Greene could hear his name called in round four, however, where teams like the Patriots, Ravens and Saints could look to add another deep threat.
La’el Collins, OG, LSU
Collins was without a doubt a stud guard coming into this draft, but some off field drama has destroyed his stock. The once locked-in first rounder may now not even be drafted. Someone looking for elite guard play like the Saints could sniff around him in the fifth or sixth round, though.
T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh
A stud offensive tackle that many felt had a chance at sneaking into the tail end of round one, Clemmings has seen himself free fall due to concerns over the health of his foot. Unable to qualm the fears of scouts, this stout blocker is slated to dip into the fourth or fifth round. Any team that needs help regarding custom football jersey and beefing up their pass protection should jump at the chance to get him this late. The Colts, Dolphins and Falcons could show interest.
Tre’ Jackson, OG, Florida State
One of the top offensive guards still on the board, Jackson is everything you look for in a guard, minus the technique and proper weight control. Teams likely are slightly afraid of his ability to refine the fundamentals and also keep his weight in check. Beyond those two concerns, though, teams are passing on a legit starting guard.
Michael Bennett, DT, Ohio State
Defensive tackle seems to be oddly undervalued in this draft, as we’ve already seen stud interior linemen like Malcom Brown, Jordan Phillips and Eddie Goldman fall down draft boards. It seems to be more of a necessity thing, as teams are using earlier picks on flashier prospects. That shouldn’t take anything away from Bennett, though, who is built to man the end of a 3-4 base defense. The Packers and 49ers could take a look at him, among other teams.
Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon
A stud corner for the Ducks, Ekpre-Olomu has seen his once promising draft stock plummet due to injury. Some thought he could contend for a first round pick a year ago, while even with his injury he arguably had the talent to be a day two pick. Instead, the earliest he’ll hear his name called today is round four. He’s going to be an absolute steal by this point, though, as plenty of teams need corner help and he’s a fine talent when healthy. Teams like the Packers, Steelers and Patriots would all be wise to show interest.
Is there another prospect that belongs on this list? Let us know in the comments below!
