2017 NFL Draft: 10 biggest remaining gems after Day 2

NFL

Find this article at:
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000804512/article/2017-nfl-draft-10-biggest-remaining-gems-after-day-2
2017 NFL Draft: 10 biggest remaining gems after Day 2

By Lance Zierlein
NFL Media draft analyst
Published: April 29, 2017 at 12:59 a.m.

Here are 10 remaining players I have ranked the highest going into Day 3 of the 2017 NFL Draft:

RANK

1

DeDe Westbrook – WR

School: Oklahoma. Natural glider with ability to play outside but could be moved to slot due to size concerns. Often found running in the clear thanks to strong double moves and weak competition. Evaluating Westbrook is challenging due to a lack of strong competition, but his separation quickness, second gear, and reliable hands are all translatable play traits that should turn into catches on the next level.

RANK

2

Dorian Johnson – OG

School: Pittsburgh. Five-star prospect coming out of high school, Johnson was a full-time starter for three years at Pitt and was known for his consistency and well-rounded game. He has functional power to turn defenders out of the hole and enough athleticism to match any run-game scheme. Johnson doesn’t carry bad weight and should be able to add more bulk with no problem. While he has some weaknesses, nothing appears to be glaring and he should set into a starter’s role right away and become a solid NFL guard.

RANK

3

Nathan Peterman – QB

School: Pittsburgh. Peterman’s experience in a pro-style passing attack gives him a head start headed into the league. His physical attributes are just average, but his accuracy, composure and anticipation are what sets him apart from some of the more physically gifted quarterbacks in this year’s draft. Peterman’s tape is sure to catch the eye of at least a few teams in need of a quarterback and he should come off the board by day two with a chance to become a solid starting quarterback in the future.

RANK

4

Bucky Hodges – TE

School: Virginia Tech. Hodges still has work to do as a route-runner and his inconsistent hands could be a concern. He can line up inside or outside while his size and ability to work all three levels of the field should be appealing to teams looking for pass catching options. The competitive nature of the NFL could bring out more consistent toughness in him as a blocker. He has the tools to be a long-time starter and touchdown-maker in the league.

RANK

5

Jake Butt – TE

School: Michigan. In-line tight end with strong, natural hands and the toughness to make a living in the middle of the field as a chain-moving safety blanket. While he’s shown ability to operate as an intermediate target as well, he might lack the athleticism and separation to uncover against NFL safeties and some linebackers in man coverage. Butt must improve greatly as a blocker to reach his potential as a Y tight end. However, his ability as a reliable, productive target should earn him an early starter’s nod with a chance to become a solid pro.

RANK

6

Desmond King – DB

School: Iowa. Lack of size and speed combined with his ball skills, instincts, and competitiveness all point to a transition to safety. While he can improve as a tackler, he’s got the toughness and mentality to take on run-support duties. Can cover in man when asked and has the ball-tracking skills and anticipation that should allow him to thrive in two-deep and single-high situations. A likely second-day (Rounds 2-3) selection and could be targeted as a zone corner or a safety with early starting potential.

RANK

7

Chad Hansen – WR

School: California. Hansen has good combination of size and speed for the perimeter with an ability to climb over the top of cornerbacks and win the deep ball. He has average separation quickness when asked to work the first two levels, but he has the hands and strength to handle contested catch situations. An ascending prospect in draft circles who should hear his name called on Day 2 (Rounds 2-3) of the daft with a chance to become a WR2.

RANK

8

David Sharpe – OT

School: Florida. Massive tackle who will be forced to bump inside due to a lack of athletic ability to handle pass protection details. Sharpe does have enough size and length to get a team out of the game at tackle if injuries set in. Sharpe’s lack of leverage and lateral agility limits what teams can ask of him and he needs to be in the right scheme for a chance at success as a starter.

RANK

9

Samaje Perine – RB

School: Oklahoma. Perine is a physical runner who can create additional yardage through power and can be a complimentary “banger” for a team who already has a slasher. Perine doesn’t have the burst or play speed to be a dynamic lead back, but he can handle a heavy workload if needed and he should become an immediate short-yardage and goal-line option.

RANK

10

Carl Lawson – OLB

School: Auburn. Linear player with natural power and aggressiveness, but a lack of flexibility could hamper his potential as an NFL rusher. Lawson’s twitch shows up in short, controlled bursts, but he struggles to finish if the play isn’t right in front of him. Lawson’s roughneck demeanor will appeal to teams looking for an aggressive edge-setter along a physical front, but his draft grade could vary quite a bit from team to team.

Follow Lance Zierlein on Twitter @LanceZierlein.