2012 Skill Position NFL Draft Sleepers

Arian Foster. Victor Cruz. Wes Welker. These three all-pro studs never heard there name called on draft day.

The question isn't if an undrafted skill position player will find success, but what team will be fortunate enough to have landed them. Unequivocally speaking, this is where scouting is of supreme importance. Scott McEwen, the Detroit Lions Director of College Scouting, will continue to work with Martin Mayhew in formulating a draft board that goes beyond those likely selected in late April. The teams that find impact and value players late in the draft, or as undrafted free agents, position themselves to be a consistent threat in today's NFL.

Much like the offensive lineman list put together yesterday, the following players have a current draft grade that places them being selected somewhere between rounds 3 to 7, or not being selected at all.

Cyrus Gray, 5'10 200 lbs. - RB - Texas A&M - Projected 3rd or 4th round selection

Two things stand out to me about Gray.

First, Gray had back-to-back 1,000 yard rushing years at Texas A&M. Production should never be overlooked; too much gets made of the combine and how a player measures out in shorts and a t-shirt.

Second, Gray is an asset in more ways than one. Gray returned 99 kicks in his collegiate career, for an average of 23.7 per return; he also returned 2 kicks for touchdowns. Former Texas A&M head coach and newly hired Dolphins OC Mike Sherman referred to Gray as a, "guy you want to marry your daughter" because of his attitude and work ethic on and off the field (cbssports).

Gray is an exceptional blocker, is capable as a slot receiver, and maintains a low center of gravity through the hole. His build reminds me of Frank Gore, and he's willing and able to take the punishment from blitzing linebackers up the middle, or on the edge as a blocker; he's capable in short yardage situations.

Gray is the epitome of the phrase, "he's a football player." Whoever drafts this guy will be happy.

Marc Tyler, 5'11 230 lbs. - RB - USC - Projected 6th round selection

I had a chance to see Tyler play in the East, West Shrine Game, and came away impressed with his size, power, vision, and ability to use deceptive speed to hit the edge. While Lennon Creer and Tauren Poole received much of the praise at the Shriner's game, Tyler made the most of his opportunities. Injury concerns and a lackluster career at USC will certainly hurt Tyler's stock, but there is much to like about this bruising prospect.

Darrell Scott, 6'1 240 lbs. - RB - University of South Florida - Projected 7th round selection or FA Rookie

Scott spent one season with the Bulls, and like the majority of 7th round prospects, his college numbers won't wow you. However, at 6'1, 240 lbs., Scott is an intriguing candidate. Clocked at a low 40 time of 4.42, you have to wonder why he only had moderate success. As referenced in the Cyrus Gray entry, too many teams fall in love with measureables, but as a 7th round selection or FA signing Scott shouldn't be considered a reach. There will be a team that loves this guy. Could the Lions be that team?

Edwin Baker, 5'9 210 lbs. - RB - Michigan State - Projected 7th round selection or FA Rookie

You could do worse with a free agent rookie. Outside of the Michigan game, Baker's senior campaign was otherwise unimpressive. Still, Baker is compact and has the ability to be a change-of-pace back in the right system. Let's call Baker a "deep sleeper."

Joe Adams, 5'11 174 lbs. - WR - Arkansas - Projected 3rd or 4th round selection

4.38 40. You want more? Joe Adams makes plays. In other words, Adams doesn't have empty, track speed; Adams has hands, shiftiness in the slot, an ability to separate, solid route running ability, and an ability to get in-and-out of his breaks with precision. Adams is likely anything other than a sleeper at this point, but his stock shouldn't go higher than the 3rd round. The Lions offense is strong, but great organizations build upon strengths (i.e. Packers and Saints continuously drafting skill position players).

If I'm Martin Mayhew, it's time to get greedy. Considering a speedster like Adams in the 3rd or 4th round shouldn't, and I suspect won't be, a stretch. Provide Matt Stafford with as many weapons as possible, not only for next season, but the next twelve years.

Marvin McNutt, 6'3 216 lbs. - WR - Iowa - Projected 3rd to 5th round selection

I've heard Marvin McNutt be compared to Donald Driver. If McNutt's career is capable of landing in the same ballpark as Driver, he needs to be selected. Personally, I don't think McNutt is a great athlete, but I am impressed with, go figure, his hands. Technique wise, McNutt needs to be in the conversation with this classes’ elite WR prospects. He's also another guy that had top end production his senior year, and by all accounts impressed at the Senior Bowl. Lion’s fans don't want to hear this, but Detroit was extremely fortunate to not be bit by the injury bug at WR. A sore Achilles slowed Calvin Johnson for much of the season, so landing another big-bodied WR wouldn't be a bad idea.

Ryan Broyles, 5'10 188 lbs. - WR - Oklahoma - Projected 5th or 6th round selection

Prototypical slot receiver. Though small in stature, he possesses very good technique, and an ability to elude defenders in the open field. Scott Linehan loves the bubble screen, so Broyles fits the mold. Here's the best part, and it comes from Chad Reuter of cbssports. "Hands and toughness are among his greatest strengths. Extends arms to snatch throws outside his frame whether on the run or even when looking straight on. Tracks the ball well over either shoulder. Gets down for low throws, gets up to grab high passes -- especially in the end zone. Hangs on after taking a hit. Good sideline awareness, keeps feet in-bounds." I also like Broyles potential in the return game.

Keshawn Martin, 5'10 190 lbs. - WR - Michigan State - Projected 7th round selection or FA Rookie

There is a place for Martin in the NFL. With 4.4 speed, he not only possesses return skills, but with the proper tutelage he has the potential to develop into an effective slot receiver.

Michael Egnew, 6'5 251 lbs. - TE - Missouri - Projected 4th or 5th round selection

Egnew runs a 4.6 40, and stands 6'5, 250 lbs.

Here is a scouting report on Egnew taken from cbssports.

Route running: Looks and runs like a tall receiver. Used on vertical routes down the seam, crossing routes over the middle, and speed outs as inside man on five-receiver sets. Shields defenders with his size, uses height advantage to make plays over them as well. Sits down between linebackers in zone, knows where first down marker is. Flashes quick feet to change directions on option routes. Runs high, does not sink his hips when making a cut. Long, lean frame makes it difficult to lose defenders with a shake in man coverage."

Ladarius Green is another TE that I am nearly positive will be a legitimate threat at the pro level, but I just don't consider him a sleeper. Egnew, however, will fly below the radar. The Lions aren't in dire need of another pass catching TE, but he remains an intriguing prospect.

Note: WR Jordan White, 6'0 215 lbs. - Western Michigan, was my pick for the Lions in my recent post, "2012 NFL Draft Prognosticating."

ROAR.

By: Dustin J Quarrella