2013 NFL DRAFT

Let's focus on a few players that you may never of heard about.

2013 NFL Draft sleepers....

Ezekiel "Ziggy" Ansah DE BYU
One of my favorite players going into this year's draft is Ezekiel Ansah.  Known to his teammates as "Ziggy,", he is a collegiate sleeper that has only played football since 2010.  Ansah was a football team walk on his sophmore year at BYU.  After being accepted and also offered an academic scholarship to BYU in 2008, he decided to pursue his passion for basketball.  But, was cut by the basketball team in 2008 and 2009.  It was than suggested to him, to tryout for the football team at BYU.  He was a little apprehensive, but finally decided to give it a try, making the team as a defensive line/special teams player.  Finally seeing action in six games that year.  But, it really wasn't until his Senior Year at BYU that he made an impact with the program.  BYU's DE at the time, Eathyn Manumaleuna, hurt his knee in the 4th game of the season.  Ziggy went on the record 48 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 13 tackles for loss (1st on his team).
Ansah can come out of the draft playing for the Dolphins near the top of the 1st Round.  It has been rumored that the Dolphins are highly interested in this DE.  Although some consider him unpolished, he hasn't even peaked to the level that he is capable of within two years.  He had a good showing at the Senior Bowl, as the South's Most Outstanding Player.  Finishing with 6 solo tackles, 1 assist, 3.5 for 24 yards tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks for 13 yards, and 1 forced fumble.
 
Ezekeil Ansah is this years player to watch.

Update:  #5 overall pick, Detroit.   
5/10/2013: Signed a four-year, $18.595 million contract. The deal is fully guaranteed, including an $11.9 million signing bonus. 2013: $405,000, 2014: $1.25 million, 2015: $2.095 million, 2016: $2.94 million, 2017: Club Option, 2018: Free Agent

Johnathan Cyprien S FIU
Johnathan Cyprien is a Safety to watch in this years draft class.  As a four year starter at Florida International University, Cyprien was awarded all-conference honors after his Sophmore year through Senior year.  He knows where to play the game with each play, and always knows where the ball is going on the field.  At the combine he ran the 40yd near 4.5, twice!  He has been compared to Ed Reed, by NFL Films' Greg Cosell.
After watching him in this years Senior Bowl, you could tell his natural athleticism and NFL potential.  He also was one of the hardest hitting seniors in the game.

Senior Bowl:  2 Solo, 3 Assists, total force fumbles .5 for 1 yard.
FIU (2012):  54 solo, 39 Assists, 1 Forced Fumble, 32 yards on Receptions

Johnathan Cyprien is an excellent all around Safety, and could end up starting for the Saints in 2013.

Update:  33rd overall pick, Jacksonville.

Jordan Poyer CB Oregon State
An excellent play-maker that can start at CB in 2013, and also perform in kickoffs.  As another outstanding defensive player in college, Poyer fully understands routes concepts and has a clear picture of where the ball is moving on the field.  But, even after running the 40 in 4.5's, teams are afraid to draft him to early in this years draft.  I expect him to be drafted by a coach that has a clear understanding of defense.  I can see him being drafted at the end of the 1st to the 49ers or going to Houston/Baltimore/Atlanta in the 2nd or 3rd round.

Update:  Drafted #218, Eagles.  Agreed to a four year contract.

Johnathan Franklin RB UCLA
Johnathan Franklin has been rumored to be considered before Lacy in the 1st round this year.  He averaged 10.1 Good Blocking Yds per attempt his senior year at UCLA.
I think he will end up being the second RB taken in the draft, with Indy drafting Lacy.  Than GB selecting Franklin at the 26th pick.  No matter where he ends up this season, he will end up producing.

UCLA (2012):  1734 Yds/6.1 Avg/13 TD-Rushing  33 Rec/323 Yds/2 TD-Receiving
Senior Bowl:  41 Yds/1 TD-Rushing

Update:  4th round pick GB.  5/10/2013: Signed a four-year, $2.58 million contract. The deal included a $405,468 signing bonus.

Other players that will be talked about on Friday or Saturday....

Zaviar Gooden LB Missouri
Lacks the true speed of a LB, but makes up with his punishing hits.  He has freak athletic ability, and will develop into a contributing defensive player after a few years in the NFL.


Update: 97th pick overall by Titans. 

Conner Vernon WR Duke
Even though Connor, doesn't like to compare himself to Wes Welker , there is a similar style of play that he possesses.  An ACC standout at Duke in football, not basketball.  He set the all time record in  receptions (283), and yards (3749).
I think he will end up going in the 4th or 5th round on the last day.  Even though most players drafted in this year's draft, have the potential to contribute, he should stand out with his ability to run after the catch.

Duke (2012):  85 Rec/1074 Yds/8 TD's
Senior Bowl:  4 Rec/36 Yds

Update:  Signed by Oakland, as slot receiver.

Kawann Short DE Purdue
Playing on a disappointing Boilermaker team this season, Kawann didn't short himself of a terrible season.  Leading the team on defense in 2012.  If he can become more consistent during the game, he has the potential to reflect a possible 2nd Round pick.

Purdue (2012):  35 Solo/8 Assist/7 Sacks/1 FF/15.5 Avg Loss
Senior Bowl:  2 Solo/1 Assist/1 TFL-2 Yds
Senior Bowl North Most Outstanding Defensive Player

Update: Drafted by Carolina, 2nd round.  5/22/2013: Signed a four-year, $4.63 million contract. The deal included a $1.747 million signing bonus.