GunnerBill Posted April 4, 2021 Posted April 4, 2021 We are less than a month away from the 2021 NFL Draft so in one of my annual traditions here is a thread highlighting a few "sleepers." This is mainly guys who are going to go day 3 or as UDFAs but who I think have a chance to be contributors in the NFL. Benjamin St-Juste, Cornerback, Minnesota 4th round grade I think the last couple of weeks the draft media seems to have cottoned onto St-Juste, but I suspect teams have had him on their radar for longer. He is a perfect fit in zone heavy cover 3 type teams (such as the Bills). He has excellent length and good instincts and zone discipline. He is a good tackler, though can still tidy that technique up and the knock on his tape was speed, but the 4.51 he clocked at his pro day 40 was probably faster than most expected him to run and as such he probably is more of an early day 3 guy than a later day 3 guy. Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Wide Receiver, Iowa 5th round grade This is a boom or bust type prospect and there are some injury and off-field questions to consider. On the field his production at Iowa has been relatively pedestrian for his talent level but his tape shows some of the agility and explosion that you need to win in the NFL and the production issue is as much a result of bad Quarterback play as anything else. I think he projects best as a Z receiver in the NFL who can be used as a bit of a gadget guy on sweeps and end arounds as well as running downfield routes. Also has experience as a returner. Jaylen Twyman, Defensive Tackle, Pittsburgh 5th round grade Twyman is a smaller interior pass rusher in the Ed Oliver mould. He won't be a fit for every scheme but as an end in a 3-4 or a 4-3 that utilises a smaller 3 tech he could be a contributor. Opted out in 2020 which probably affects his grade but he logged 10.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss in 2019. Cole Van Lanen, Offensive Tackle, Wisconsin 6th/7th round grade Van Lanen is a typical Wisconsin offensive lineman. He is a big, powerful, road grader. He did struggle at times with speedier rushers mainly because his technique lets him down at times and he tends to overbalance. That said, for a team still looking for a developmental option at tackle late in the draft he makes a lot of sense. Kylen Granson, Tight End, SMU 6th / 7th round grade Granson started as a wide receiver at Rice before transferring to SMU where he caught 14 touchdowns in two seasons from the tight end position. I say the tight end position.... Granson doesn't really have a position. He is a H-back type who you use as a bit of a swiss army knife. He isn't going to be an in line blocker in the traditional sense but he can play as an extra blocker in the backfield who leaks out or as a tight end or even slot receiver. A creative offensive coordinator can definitely turn him into an NFL contributor. Austin Watkins, Wide Receiver, UAB 6th / 7th round grade As a junior Watkins tore up Conference USA with over 1,000 yards and 6 touchdowns for UAB. While he didn't quite match that relative pace in the shortened 2020 season he remains an intriguing option as a developmental vertical threat receiver. At 6'3, 210lbs he offers good size and strength the question is his speed. He looks fast enough but his speed is a bit one paced and that initial acceleration or burst is missing. Can't find any evidence of a 40 time at this stage but if he could run sub 4.50 then I think he will creep into the earlier stages of day 3. Dicaprio Bootle, Cornerback, Nebraska 6th / 7th round grade The guy with the best name in the draft, mixing Hollywood legend with Liverpool suburb. I like Bootle as a nickel corner prospect. He demonstrates great aggression, has decent speed (he ran mid 4.4s at his pro day) and plays with an edge about him. Always seems to be around the ball.... I like him as a possibility for the Bills who almost certainly won't pay Taron Johnson who is an UDFA after the 2021 season. Chris Brown, Safety, Texas 6th / 7th round grade A developmental safety who is a sound tackler and a can match up in coverage situations. However, his real unique selling point as an NFL prospect is as a blitzer where he has a real natural feel and timing for how and when to blitz. Needs development in terms of some of his zone awareness and his ball skills are only average but he can carve out a career as special teamer and rotational safety. Thoughts on these guys or any other day 3 or UDFA types who posters think have a chance to succeed. 7 4 9
wppete Posted April 4, 2021 Posted April 4, 2021 Love that list! Especial the first 3 guys.... This is a big draft for Beane & Co. This is a crucial draft. 1
Freddie's Dead Posted April 4, 2021 Posted April 4, 2021 Couple of Key & Peele All-Stars in there.... 1 2
whatdrought Posted April 4, 2021 Posted April 4, 2021 I'm all about Ihmir Smith-Marsette in the 5th range. Love his downfield skillset and return plus, and I'm absolutely fine if he only see's 25 targets this year and just learns from the room. He looks a bit like a bigger, slightly slower John Brown to me. 2 1
Logic Posted April 4, 2021 Posted April 4, 2021 (edited) Welp, that does it. Dicaprio Bootle is my favorite name in this year’s draft. I thought it was Racey McMath (stupid autocorrect) , but nope. Bootle wins it. Edited April 4, 2021 by Logic 3 5 1
NewEra Posted April 4, 2021 Posted April 4, 2021 When watching Patrick Jones tape, Twyman stood out as a disrupting pocket pushing penetrator. 40 reps at 225 too. Impressive. For a later rd guy, he could be a nice add. While we already have quite a few 3T, I don’t see any as long term backups for oliver. You don’t think there’s any chance the Bills resign Taron Johnson? I had the same thought about halfway through last season, but thought he stepped up his game the rest of the season. Looking at the $ top slot corners are getting (other than Mike Hilton 4yr- 24M) most of the top slot corners are getting 2-4M, you don’t think we’d pay him 2-4M per year? I suppose that really depends on his play this season 1 3
GunnerBill Posted April 4, 2021 Author Posted April 4, 2021 3 minutes ago, NewEra said: You don’t think there’s any chance the Bills resign Taron Johnson? I had the same thought about halfway through last season, but thought he stepped up his game the rest of the season. Looking at the $ top slot corners are getting (other than Mike Hilton 4yr- 24M) most of the top slot corners are getting 2-4M, you don’t think we’d pay him 2-4M per year? I suppose that really depends on his play this season I think a slight chance... but I think as the team becomes more top heavy slot corner is a spot where they will cycle through 4 year rookie deals.
NewEra Posted April 4, 2021 Posted April 4, 2021 13 minutes ago, GunnerBill said: I think a slight chance... but I think as the team becomes more top heavy slot corner is a spot where they will cycle through 4 year rookie deals. Yeah, makes sense. Slot seems similar to RB nowadays. A bit strange to me considering how much slot corners play in today’s game. It’s basically a base D (in our d more specifically) and they have to be solid vs the run or they’re a liability. I’d really like to see more consistency out of him this season 2
Paul Costa Posted April 4, 2021 Posted April 4, 2021 So many WR available in the 5-7 rounds. Smith Marsette is on top of my list too. Love his skill set. Wouldn’t be opposed in taking one earlier.
Blokestradamus Posted April 4, 2021 Posted April 4, 2021 1 hour ago, Logic said: Welp, that does it. Dicaprio Bootle is my favorite name in this year’s draft. I thought it was Racey McMath (stupid autocorrect) , but nope. Bootle wins it. Brodarious Hamm should be in next year's class. I've already adopted him for my name team. 1 1 1 1
glazeduck Posted April 4, 2021 Posted April 4, 2021 BIG BIG fan of St. Juste, for most of his college career he was coached up by Rod Chance who’s one of the best teachers in college ball. Fold in his size and relative athleticism for that size and I think you’ve got a longtime starter in the league. Probably not my 1a choice for our 3rd rd pick but I’d be very happy taking him there if we hadn’t already taken a cb.
wppete Posted April 4, 2021 Posted April 4, 2021 2 hours ago, Logic said: Welp, that does it. Dicaprio Bootle is my favorite name in this year’s draft. I thought it was Racey McMath (stupid autocorrect) , but nope. Bootle wins it. WOW just Wow!!! I thought you were joking but that is a real name 😂. It’s getting very comical. 😂 1
Motorin' Posted April 4, 2021 Posted April 4, 2021 I have a few under the radar guys who could be steals in round 5 and beyond. Simi Fehoko WR, Stanford. 6'4", 222lbs. 4.37 40. Similar college production as DK Metcalf. None of the draft hype. He's a legit deep threat and a big possession receiver. Deon Jackson, RB, Duke. 5' 11", 220 lbs. 4.39 40. Good power back, good hands. Has the speed to get outside. One cut north / south runner. Kyrsis Tonga, NT, BYU. Big powerful 1 tech. Can penetrate one on one, but will occupy double teams to keep lineman off of our LBs. 2 1
Canadian Bills Fan Posted April 4, 2021 Posted April 4, 2021 Josh Imatorbhebhe WR Illinois https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/josh-imatorbhebhe/DgrHYOZFc7 3 1
Inigo Montoya Posted April 4, 2021 Posted April 4, 2021 Jaret Patterson, running back, University of Buffalo..... Going to drop because of his size into the late rounds, going to continue to be a baller when he gets his chance. 5
Freddie's Dead Posted April 4, 2021 Posted April 4, 2021 26 minutes ago, Motorin' said: I have a few under the radar guys who could be steals in round 5 and beyond. Simi Fehoko WR, Stanford. 6'4", 222lbs. 4.37 40. Similar college production as DK Metcalf. None of the draft hype. He's a legit deep threat and a big possession receiver. Kyrsis Tonga, NT, BYU. Big powerful 1 tech. Can penetrate one on one, but will occupy double teams to keep lineman off of our LBs. Two potential Key & Peele All-Stars.... 20 minutes ago, Canadian Bills Fan said: Josh Imatorbhebhe WR Illinois First team Key & Peele All-Star... 1
glazeduck Posted April 4, 2021 Posted April 4, 2021 36 minutes ago, Motorin' said: I have a few under the radar guys who could be steals in round 5 and beyond. Simi Fehoko WR, Stanford. 6'4", 222lbs. 4.37 40. Similar college production as DK Metcalf. None of the draft hype. He's a legit deep threat and a big possession receiver. Deon Jackson, RB, Duke. 5' 11", 220 lbs. 4.39 40. Good power back, good hands. Has the speed to get outside. One cut north / south runner. Kyrsis Tonga, NT, BYU. Big powerful 1 tech. Can penetrate one on one, but will occupy double teams to keep lineman off of our LBs. Simi Fehoko is NOT a 4.37 guy in pads. He’s not even a 4.57 guy in pads. Seen him play a lot, he’s not an nfl WR.
whatdrought Posted April 4, 2021 Posted April 4, 2021 3 hours ago, GunnerBill said: I think a slight chance... but I think as the team becomes more top heavy slot corner is a spot where they will cycle through 4 year rookie deals. I wouldn't be shocked to see Dane Jackson in the running for NCB after this year if we don't keep TJ. 1
BADOLBILZ Posted April 4, 2021 Posted April 4, 2021 5 hours ago, GunnerBill said: We are less than a month away from the 2021 NFL Draft so in one of my annual traditions here is a thread highlighting a few "sleepers." This is mainly guys who are going to go day 3 or as UDFAs but who I think have a chance to be contributors in the NFL. Benjamin St-Juste, Cornerback, Minnesota 4th round grade I think the last couple of weeks the draft media seems to have cottoned onto St-Juste, but I suspect teams have had him on their radar for longer. He is a perfect fit in zone heavy cover 3 type teams (such as the Bills). He has excellent length and good instincts and zone discipline. He is a good tackler, though can still tidy that technique up and the knock on his tape was speed, but the 4.51 he clocked at his pro day 40 was probably faster than most expected him to run and as such he probably is more of an early day 3 guy than a later day 3 guy. Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Wide Receiver, Iowa 5th round grade This is a boom or bust type prospect and there are some injury and off-field questions to consider. On the field his production at Iowa has been relatively pedestrian for his talent level but his tape shows some of the agility and explosion that you need to win in the NFL and the production issue is as much a result of bad Quarterback play as anything else. I think he projects best as a Z receiver in the NFL who can be used as a bit of a gadget guy on sweeps and end arounds as well as running downfield routes. Also has experience as a returner. Jaylen Twyman, Defensive Tackle, Pittsburgh 5th round grade Twyman is a smaller interior pass rusher in the Ed Oliver mould. He won't be a fit for every scheme but as an end in a 3-4 or a 4-3 that utilises a smaller 3 tech he could be a contributor. Opted out in 2020 which probably affects his grade but he logged 10.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss in 2019. Cole Van Lanen, Offensive Tackle, Wisconsin 6th/7th round grade Van Lanen is a typical Wisconsin offensive lineman. He is a big, powerful, road grader. He did struggle at times with speedier rushers mainly because his technique lets him down at times and he tends to overbalance. That said, for a team still looking for a developmental option at tackle late in the draft he makes a lot of sense. Kylen Granson, Tight End, SMU 6th / 7th round grade Granson started as a wide receiver at Rice before transferring to SMU where he caught 14 touchdowns in two seasons from the tight end position. I say the tight end position.... Granson doesn't really have a position. He is a H-back type who you use as a bit of a swiss army knife. He isn't going to be an in line blocker in the traditional sense but he can play as an extra blocker in the backfield who leaks out or as a tight end or even slot receiver. A creative offensive coordinator can definitely turn him into an NFL contributor. Austin Watkins, Wide Receiver, UAB 6th / 7th round grade As a junior Watkins tore up Conference USA with over 1,000 yards and 6 touchdowns for UAB. While he didn't quite match that relative pace in the shortened 2020 season he remains an intriguing option as a developmental vertical threat receiver. At 6'3, 210lbs he offers good size and strength the question is his speed. He looks fast enough but his speed is a bit one paced and that initial acceleration or burst is missing. Can't find any evidence of a 40 time at this stage but if he could run sub 4.50 then I think he will creep into the earlier stages of day 3. Dicaprio Bootle, Cornerback, Nebraska 6th / 7th round grade The guy with the best name in the draft, mixing Hollywood legend with Liverpool suburb. I like Bootle as a nickel corner prospect. He demonstrates great aggression, has decent speed (he ran mid 4.4s at his pro day) and plays with an edge about him. Always seems to be around the ball.... I like him as a possibility for the Bills who almost certainly won't pay Taron Johnson who is an UDFA after the 2021 season. Chris Brown, Safety, Texas 6th / 7th round grade A developmental safety who is a sound tackler and a can match up in coverage situations. However, his real unique selling point as an NFL prospect is as a blitzer where he has a real natural feel and timing for how and when to blitz. Needs development in terms of some of his zone awareness and his ball skills are only average but he can carve out a career as special teamer and rotational safety. Thoughts on these guys or any other day 3 or UDFA types who posters think have a chance to succeed. I like the 3 namers a lot in those round ranges. Austin Watkins is smooooooth..........it's guys like him that make me not want to see the Bills lose the draft at WR by over drafting a guy early. 1 1
whatdrought Posted April 4, 2021 Posted April 4, 2021 (edited) 1 hour ago, glazeduck said: Simi Fehoko is NOT a 4.37 guy in pads. He’s not even a 4.57 guy in pads. Seen him play a lot, he’s not an nfl WR. He looks pretty slow in highlights I've seen. Maybe he has "get up speed" where his long strides can get him down field quick on a clean break, but I don't see the beating off the line speed needed to create seperation in the league. Cade Johnson is an interesting SWR option. Looks like a tough guy who loves to get dirty in the middle of the field. Draft Network compared him to Doug Baldwin, and Jim Nagy at the Senior Bowl loves him. Also, Pooka Williams has a skill set that I could get behind: Speed and catching out of the backfield. Edited April 4, 2021 by whatdrought 1
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