2018 NFL Prospects from Small Schools

                                   NFL Prospects from Small Schools

If you follow college football like I do. You may not be surprised when a kid is taken from a college like Grand Valley State in the sixth round. However, the average fan usually sounds something like this as they scream at the screen and incoherently say, “Wha, who, from where, ah..come on Bill, another player from Rutgers.... again? Okay, maybe what I mutter a lot on Draft Day each year.

You hopefully realize that players come from many different division levels to fill out rosters in the NFL. The key always being player physical skills and abilities that warrant any selections by teams.

Also, since the NFL eliminated five rounds (from 12, before 17!) of draft picks about thirty years ago, free agents after the draft can sometimes generate better contracts (than lower drafted players) with high signing bonuses. You can also as a free agent, sign with any team, where the competition for a player can generate a bidding war between multiple teams. One more fact for these type of players, any team can sign players off practice squads for any amount of dollars.

Before you read the names of these potential diamonds in the rough draft selections, realize that the road to championships are paved with football players from small schools. The player I think about that fits this profile, even though selected in the first round was NFL legend Jerry Rice. The San Francisco Forty-Niners selected the Mississippi Valley State product with the overall sixteenth pick that year. A fact you can use to impress your friends at gatherings or family members this Holiday Season, Rice was acquired in a trade with the New England Patriots) whose draft stock went up after the college all-star games that year. But, the 'experts' thought he was not that fast on the outside (4.7 seconds on the 40 time). His 'football speed' good hands and ability to run crisp and accurate routes, made him an NFL legend and Hall of Fame inductee.

Speaking of Jerry Rice, the writer actually saw a wide out this past weekend that had almost the same type of stride after a catch like the legend on a long touchdown grab. I may share the name with you after the season is over. But, for now, just keep your eyes open for any possible player that can make your team better next season. Maybe, you will not be so surprised when your team takes an unknown player on Draft Day from an unrecognizable named university.

Enjoy:

                                                  Players

Keelen Doss, WR, UC-Davis. last season the talented wide out led the FCS with 115 balls for 1,499 yards. He is big for the position at 6-3 and weighs 206. Was the Big Sky's Offensive Player of the Year.

Bryson Armstrong, LB, Kennesaw State, was the first FCS defensive player to win the Jerry Rice Award as Rookie of the Year. He stands at 5-11 and weighs 201, has plenty of time to grow and get stronger in the gym.

Darius Carter, DE, James Madison, a UVA transfer who spent two seasons with the Cavaliers. Has good size at 6-5 and 235, as he can play numerous other sports as a genuine stud athlete.

Larry Allen III, OG, Harvard, at 6-4 285, he needs some bulk, also it is okay that he is a smart guy. Along with being the son of a 10 time all pro lineman.

Stefan Banks, DE, Savannah State, he might be moved to a linebacker spot at the next level. He is a force on the field with 10 sacks and 18 TFLs last season.

Easton Stick, QB, South Dakota State, 6-2, 220, has all the physical skills to become his school's next Carson Wentz. He possibly could be better than the current Eagles starting QB.

Thomas Costigan, LB Bryant, 6-3, 230, a player located in Belichek's back yard of Rhode Island. His 103 tackles and 11.5 sacks garnered him ECAC and NEC POY honors as well 3^rd team ALL-FCS last season. Maybe a Coach Bill bargain basement special late round draft pick.

Marlon Bridges, S Jacksonville State, at 6-0, 200 he brings it every game.

Dominick Bragalone, FB Lehigh, 5-11, 230, the Patriot League POY has rushed for 1,000 yards all three of his seasons. Another one of those possible New England Patriot late round bargain draft day weekend selections.

Anthony Lawrence, QB, San Diego, 6-1, 195, had 33 touchdowns through the air with only three picks.

Devlin Hodges, QB, Samford, 6-1, 205, the SOCon POY last two seasons, where he passed for nearly 334 yards per contest. A Brett Favre type of player.

Davlon Davis, WR, Sam Houston State, 5-11, 180. A fast and athletic multifaceted player. He was the Southland Conference Offensive POY. Davis caught 78 balls for 1,206 yards and scored 2 td's on punt returns while averaging 21 yards on returns.

Honorable Mentions: QB- Jake Maier, UC Davis and Brad Mayes, Lehigh RB-Charlie Volker, Princeton. WR- Jesper Horsted, Princeton and Stephen Carlson, Princeton.