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2009 NFL Draft Hidden Gems

Every year in the NFL Draft there are players who don’t get nearly as much hype or press coverage. They play for a small team, or they are too small or not fast enough. They could be the next Jerry Rice or Walter Payton or Kurt Warner or maybe at the least a Don Beebe type player. Someone will take a chance on these highly underrated players and could get a future star. Below I have listed them in the order of who gets the least recognition for his ability. You may recognize some of these names and think they do get enough press. Unfortunately even those players will go much later in the draft than they should.

1. Jon Davis WR Azusa Pacific University 6’4″ 200 4.5

Let me start by saying that some of the greatest players in NFL history came from NAIA teams.

I feel that Jon Davis is no different. I had to dig for game footage to watch, but he impressed me greatly. His large frame and leaping ability just add to his big play potential, and when you combine them with 4.5 forty yard dash speed, it must be a nightmare for opposing coaches to stop him. Last year Davis caught 73 passes for 1258 yards and a school record 21 touchdown catches. Not only were the touchdown receptions a school record but also they were second in all of college football regardless of level. Many don’t know who he is, and he will likely slip into the late rounds of the draft or priority free agency, but someone will take a chance and will find themselves a hidden gem.

2. Pat White QB/WR West Virginia 6’2″ 185 4.45

Most will make the argument big school players get plenty of media attention.

In a lot of cases this is true. However, Pat White, in a way, is an exception. No one seems to think he is capable of playing QB in the NFL mostly because of his lack of size. White also has relatively mediocre passing stats, but if you look at his body of work, it tells a different story. A quarterback is asked to lead his offense and make plays. If 1,724 yards passing and 1,335 yards rushing isn’t a example of playmaking ability, then what does it take to be considered a playmaker? Pat White has done this throughout his entire playing career and when you combine a strong arm with Michael Vick-like athletic ability, I can see no reason why he couldn’t become a great quarterback with the right coaching. He will need to add some bulk at the next level regardless of the position he plays and is a projected fourth or fifth round pick, which is a complete steal.

3. Darius Butler CB Connecticut 5’11″ 188 4.55

Butler was easily the leader of his team’s defense last year.

He is blessed with great instincts and a nose for the football as well as a knack for making plays every time the ball is near. In ’07 Butler had 50 tackles and 4 interceptions while continuously making plays in the UConn secondary. His foot speed is average at best and he is a little undersized for his position, but he has all the tools to be a good starting corner if given the chance. It is likely he could move to free safety in the NFL, as he is a surprisingly good tackler. Darius is likely a sixth round pick.

4. Jarett Dillard WR Rice 5’11 160 4.45

In all honesty, Rice isn’t a very good football team.

Last season they were a ghastly 3-9. If Jarrett Dillard can help it, this season will be a much different one. If I had to pick a player with pro potential that was the most overlooked it would be him. The disaster of ’07 was hardly his fault, as he put up a team leading 79 catches for 1,057 yards and 14 td’s. As a sophomore Jarrett had a Conference USA record 21 touchdown receptions. He has good hands and quickness and is a former Walter Camp Award nominee. Look for him to have a big senior year and be a mid to late round pick in the 2009 Draft.

5. Matt Grothe QB USF 6’0″ 213 4.5

In 2007 Grothe started to mature as a passer while still putting up very impressive rushing numbers as well. He compiled 2,576 yards passing and 15 TD’s. He is also the first South Florida quarterback ever to rush for over 700 yards in a season. His passing stats were mediocre in ’07, but this is far from an indication of his ability. South Florida is a good team, but they aren’t exactly deep in talent at WR or on the offensive line. Many times Grothe had no choice but to make plays happen on his own, and this is exactly what he did. I can still remember him throwing a strike 50 yards for a touchdown while falling down and being pulled down by an opposing defensive end. You can’t teach things like that. Grothe has big time star potential, yet he likely won’t be drafted till the middle rounds if he declares this year. You have to ask yourself if you were a GM is he worth the pick even with the questions about his size and accuracy.

In my opinion the answer is easy. I would draft and groom this kid in a heartbeat. I believe he could be a very special player.