Believe it or not — and sometimes it is difficult — there are players in the upcoming NFL Draft not named Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III. Trust us, it’s true. Here are a handful of players NFL Network draft analyst Charles Davis says to pay attention to in the draft, good and bad:
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Two to be wary of
Nose tackle Dontari Poe, Memphis » Poe is considered a first-round pick, possibly going in the top 15. And scouts have raved about his quickness and athleticism. But production in college — in a lesser conference — was lacking.
“He’s a specimen, no doubt about it,” Davis said. “But he had one sack and seven pressures last year. When you watch him on tape, he plays hard and he’s not a sloppy 340-pound guy who needs a break every two plays. So I like that about him, but I’m leery that he’ll be [worthy] of a top-10 pick.”
Quarterback Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M » Davis made it clear that he likes Tannehill — just not early in the draft. As a late first-round pick or early second? Davis is sold.
“I think he’s terrific, but I’m not drafting him at four to sit him,” Davis said. “I’ve had people who I respect who tell me they’re all in on him. I mean, all in. I don’t think I’m missing anything, I don’t think I’m as enthusiastic.”
Two to watch
Wide receiver Rueben Randle, LSU » It’s a deep receiver class, and Randle’s name isn’t always mentioned among the top picks. But most analysts expect he will be drafted by midway through the second round.
“They weren’t exactly sophisticated in the passing game there, so his best ball is ahead of him,” Davis said.
Defensive tackle Kendall Reyes, Connecticut » Reyes has good size (6-foot-4? and 299 pounds) and speed (having run the 40-yard dash in 4.87 seconds). Davis also liked Syracuse’s Chandler Jones, an end/linebacker who ran a 4.83 in the 40. Jones’ brother, Arthur, now plays for the Ravens, while another brother, Jon, is a UFC champion.
“I like him near the end of the first round,” Davis said of Reyes. “And Chandler is a big strong guy at the point of attack who can run.”
– John Keim
