Prime Leftovers After NFL Draft

[Jewbull]

Former Virginia Tech quarterback Marcus Vick made headline news when he received an invitation to attend Dolphins camp. However, Vick did not even rank among the best prospects overlooked during the 2006 NFL draft. The following is a breakdown of the top-10 players on my board still available follwing the draft, and where they've subsequently signed as free agents:

1. Charles Gordon, DC/RS, Kansas -- Minnesota Vikings

Gordon should simply be considered an "athlete", rather than labeled as a receiver or cornerback. He seemed far more comfortable at the wide receiver position in college, but might have more upside at cornerback in the NFL. Regardless, it was his marginal 40-yard dash times that kept him from being drafted. If the Vikings give him the proper coaching and time to develop, Gordon could emerge as a good sub-package cornerback and punt return specialist.

2. Brian Iwuh, DS/OLB, Colorado -- Jacksonville Jaguars

Iwuh isn't an ideal fit at either safety or linebacker, so it's unlikely he ever becomes a fulltime starter in the NFL. However, he has the versatility to line up as a nickel linebacker or situational run-stuffing safety. He also has the athletic ability, burst and tenacity to make an immediate impact on special teams. As a result, it won't be surprising to see Iwuh earn a roster spot for the Jaguars.

3. Eric Henderson, DE, Georgia Tech -- Cincinnati Bengals

Injuries hampered Henderson throughout his collegiate career and caused him to go undrafted. He also lacks ideal height and has room to improve in terms of his lower body strength and ability to anchor versus the run. However, Henderson's outstanding athletic ability, instincts, upper-body power and motor make him an intriguing free agent to monitor in training camp this summer. If Henderson can kick the injury bug and reach his full potential, the Bengals could be rewarded.

4. Anwar Phillips, DC, Penn State -- New Orleans Saints

As a former wide receiver, Phillips continued to make noticeable strides as a second-year starter at the cornerback position in 2005. He has good height, long arms and above average speed for his size. However, Phillips needs to get stronger to match up better in run support and to hold up in man-to-man coverage versus more physical receivers in the NFL. He also must become more consistent with his recognition skills and tackling. Character concerns cost Phillips a spot in the draft, but the Saints took a chance on him in the free-agent market. If Phillips can stay out of trouble and use the disappointment as motivation, he could emerge as the Saints' fifth cornerback coming out of training camp this summer.

5. Andre Hall, RB, South Florida -- Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Hall made a name for himself in his first season (2004) with South Florida after transferring from the JUCO ranks. He continued to improve his draft value with a productive senior season in 2005, followed by an impressive showing at the combine. Hall lacks size and strength, and is still a bit raw in the passing game. However, he is a dangerous runner because of his vision, body control and burst, and also flashes explosiveness as a receiver and kickoff return specialist. Coach Jon Gruden could fall in love with his versatility, which gives Hall a legitimate shot to make the Buccaneers' 53-man roster.

6. Tim Day, TE, Oregon -- Chicago Bears

Day does not possess elite top-end speed and is never going to be a dominant blocker in the NFL. He also has durability issues, which played a big part in him going undrafted. However, Day continued to get bigger, stronger, faster and more polished throughout his three seasons as a starter at Oregon. He also remained healthy and productive as a senior in 2005. Day has a terrific feel for the passing game and shows the potential to immediately contribute as a sure-handed situational receiver in the NFL. The Bears certainly need assistance in that area, which gives Day a chance to earn a roster spot as the third tight end behind Desmond Clark and John Gilmore this season.

7. Darrell Hackney, QB, UAB -- Cleveland Browns

Hackney put up some impressive numbers during his final two seasons as a starter at UAB. He is thick with adequate arm strength and above average athletic ability. However, his marginal size and durability issues were major red flags that caused him to go undrafted. Hackney has his work cut out this summer, as he attempts to unseat Derek Anderson as the third quarterback in Cleveland.

8. Greg Lee, WR, Pittsburgh -- Arizona Cardinals

Lee was very productive during his collegiate career and is a big, durable, strong athlete with the potential to develop into a sub-package possession receiver in the NFL. However, he lacks the initial burst, top-end speed and quick-twitch athleticism to transfer his big-play ability in the NFL. To make the Cardinals' roster, Lee will need to beat out seventh-round pick Todd Watkins -- among others -- for the fifth wide receiver spot.

9. Travis Williams, OLB, Auburn -- Atlanta Falcons

Williams is an undersized weak-side linebacker prospect with experience inside and outside. He lacks the size to play in most schemes as a starting WLB in the NFL and does not have much more room on his frame to grow. He also lacks the speed to play safety in the NFL. However, Williams is one of the most fundamentally sound and aggressive linebackers in this year's class, and also hits much harder than his frame would indicate. He is an instinctive, athletic, tough, cerebral football player with the toughness it takes to make a contribution at the next level. The Falcons still need depth at linebacker and Williams' versatility gives him a legitimate opportunity to make the cut.

10. Hank Baskett, WR, New Mexico -- Minnesota Vikings

Baskett had his most productive season as a senior in 2005, finishing with 1,071 yards and nine TDs on 67 receptions. He is a big, physical receiver with impressive top-end speed and leaping ability for his size. However, Baskett is not a natural pass-catcher and seems to fight the ball at times. He also lacks quick-twitch athleticism and will need lots of technique work to improve his route-running skills to the point where he can consistently separate in the NFL. Baskett will be one of at least six youngsters competing for the fifth and final wide receiver spot on the Vikings' roster.

Others

Drew Olson, QB, UCLA -- Baltimore Ravens

Erik Meyer, QB, Eastern Washington -- Cincinnati Bengals

Paul Pinegar, QB, Fresno State -- Jacksonville Jaguars

Wendell Mathis, RB, Fresno State -- Minnesota Vikings

Taurean Henderson, RB, Texas Tech -- Minnesota Vikings

Gerald Riggs Jr., RB, Tennessee -- Miami Dolphins

Matt Bernstein, FB, Wisconsin -- Detroit Lions

Martin Nance, WR, Miami-OH -- Buffalo Bills

Miles Austin, WR, Monmouth -- Dallas Cowboys

Jovon Bouknight, WR, Wyoming -- Carolina Panthers

Troy Bienemann, TE, Washington State -- New Orleans Saints

Cooper Wallace, TE, Auburn -- Chicago Bears

Derek Morris, OT, N.C. State -- Kansas City Chiefs

Adam Stenavich, OG, Michigan -- Carolina Panthers

Patrick Ross, OC, Boston College -- Seattle Seahawks

Michael Degory, OC, Florida -- St. Louis Rams

Mike Kudla, DE, Ohio State -- Pittsburgh Steelers

Brandon Guillory, DE, Louisiana-Monroe -- Kansas City Chiefs

Tony McDaniel, DT, Tennessee -- Jacksonville Jaguars

T.J. Jackson, DT, Auburn -- Atlanta Falcons

Kai Parham, ILB, Virginia -- Dallas Cowboys

Dale Robinson, ILB, Arizona State -- Indianapolis Colts

Freddie Roach, ILB, Alabama -- New England Patriots

Spencer Havner, OLB, UCLA -- Washington Redskins

Darrell Hunter, DC, Miami-OH -- Arizona Cardinals

Dion Byrum, DC, Ohio -- Chicago Bears

Dwayne Slay, DS, Texas Tech -- Chicago Bears

Jahmile Addae, DS, West Virginia -- Tampa Bay Buccaneers

[Greg Auman]

jewbull, where's that from?

[bulls96go]

hall for prez

[Jewbull]

jewbull, where's that from?

ESPN.com

[Rabbi Bull]

i can't believe saban is taking a chance on vick...

[smazza]

very tough to make it as a FA in nfl

[lotsofbull99]

seeing who else got left off makes me less upset that Hall went undrafted.