NFL Draft - Possible Steals

Filed in archive NFL Draft on April 21, 2008

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nfl teams are in full draft mode this week, with the big event taking place on Saturday. Obviously, hitting on early picks is crucial to maintaining or achieving success in the league, but just as important is hitting big on those mid-round picks. Here now is a look at some players who could be second day steals with the right team.

William Franklin, WR, Missouri: At over 6 feet and 200 lbs., Franklin has the size teams are looking for. He also has the speed, as shown by his blazing 4.37 40-yard-dash at the scouting combine. He snared 49 balls for over 700 yards and 4 TD's last season for the Tigers. The numbers seem underwhelming but are a bit deceiving considering Mizzou's spread option attack, which utilizes at least four receivers and often five on the field at the same time.

Tashard Choice, RB, Georgia Tech: All Choice did in his last two seasons at Tech was rush for 2,852 yards and 22 touchdowns. At just under 6 feet and 215 lbs., Choice has adequate if not ideal size for the position. He isn't overtly fast and he's been hurt a bit, so that will lower his stock. However, he is a natural playmaker with the ball in his hands, a fact that's easy to overlook amid measurables, but shouldn't be.

Tommy Blake, DE, TCU: Blake's story has been well chronicled. After his junior season, Blake was being touted as a potential first round pick. He had everything teams look for in a pass rushing defensive end, piling up the sacks. Unfortunately, he battled mental problems and left the team for a time in 2007. His weight ballooned, and though he eventually returned, he was not the same player. Now, he may go undrafted. But if he lands with the right team, and his issues are adequately addressed, Blake has a chance to become what many thought he once might.

Terrell Thomas, CB, USC: If it weren't for his long injury history (dislocated shoulders, torn knee ligaments), Thomas would be much higher on people's draft boards than he probably is. After all, who wouldn't want a 6 foot, 200 lb. cornerback who runs the 40-yard-dash in the mid 4.4 second range? He is also a physical player who produced when he was on the field. Last season, Thomas started every game for the Trojans, breaking up 7 passes, forcing 3 fumbles and snagging four interceptions.