5 Players who will outperform their Draft Position

Bryan Edwards Image taken by Gamecock Central is licensed under CC BY 2.0

At CFB Saturdays, we use the NFL Draft as an objective measure to formulate our Position U Rankings.  That doesn’t necessarily mean we agree with the draft positions of several players taken by NFL GMs.  A couple days ago we shared 5 Players Picked Too High in the NFL Draft.  Today, we do the opposite and take a look at 5 players we think will outperform their draft position. 

OT Josh Jones, Houston – Round 3, Pick 8

Josh Jones fell a lot further than expected in the draft; all the way down to the third round as an always highly valued OT.  Jones received several first round grades from draft experts across the industry and was even rated the 14^th rated overall prospect by Pro Football Focus.  For reasons only known to NFL GMs he slipped down to the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft.  Jones started every game at left tackle for the Cougars prolific offense since his redshirt freshman season.  The 6’5” 319 pound Jones has the size, athleticism, and bend that NFL teams covet at the tackle position.  Jones played in arguably the strongest of the non-power five conferences in the American Athletic Conference and consistently dominated.  This past season he performed well against College Football Playoff Semifinalist Oklahoma Sooners and largely handled his opposition in a primetime matchup.  His natural knee bend, explosive first step, and smooth athleticism at the position give the Arizona Cardinals coaches plenty of tools to work with and we expect Jones to be a cornerstone of the Cardinals Offensive Line for years to come. 

WR Bryan Edwards, South Carolina – Round 3, Pick 17

Edwards has been a play-maker for the Gamecocks since his freshman season and has amassed over 500 receiving yards in every year (590 in 2016, 793 in 2017, 846 in 2018, and 816 in 2019).  He is a physically imposing receiver at 6’3” and 212 pounds and is a player who knows how to use his size to his advantage.  Edwards totaled over 230 receptions over his career and was a reliable target with an ability to break big plays. In addition to his receiving prowess, Edwards was used as punt returner at South Carolina the past two seasons where he averaged over 17 yards per return.  He moves better than one would expect for a player his size and displays the lateral quickness and competitiveness necessary to succeed at the next level.  Nagging injuries and the lack of a verified 40 yard dash at the NFL combine or  Pro Day likely damaged his draft stock but a player with Edwards’ size, versatility, and production against high level competition should not fall this far in the draft.  Edwards joins fellow rookies Henry Ruggs and Lynn Bowden to form what should be an excellent blend of play-makers on the perimeter for the Raiders.

RB Zach Moss, Utah – Round 3, Pick 22

There were 8 RB’s taken before Moss in the NFL Draft and see him outperforming several of them.  Moss is well known to PAC-12 fans who have watched him rush for 1,000 yards in three straight seasons.  In 2019 he gained 1,804 yards from scrimmage and scored 17 TDs over 13 games.  For a strictly statistical comparison, Clyde Edwards-Helaire (the 1^st RB drafted) gained 1867 yards from scrimmage and scored 17 TDs over 15 games.  That’s two more games to rack up yardage in the most prolific offense in College Football.  Meanwhile, Moss was the guy for the Utah attack and the focal point of opposing defenses game in and game out.  He is a back that has proven he can carry the load for an offense and that is a trait NFL teams covet.  On top of his production, Moss is a muscular and compact back coming in at 5’9” 223 who is just as likely to leave defenders tackling air as he is to overpower them.  His 4.65 40 time at the combine is the likely culprit for his drop to the third round, although he later posted footage of a 4.52 40 run.  Verified 40 speed may be a concern to some, but his film shows a back with enough burners to break big plays as a runner and pass catcher.  His vision, patience, balance, and often overlooked soft hands make Moss the type of complete back that should have little trouble outperforming his draft position.

Jason Strowbridge, North Carolina – Round 5, Pick 9

As College Football fans, we are susceptible to falling in love with defensive lineman who rack up huge tackle for loss and sack numbers.  Production is quantifiable, easy to compare, and is an important factor considered in writing this article.  Jason Strowbridge is just the opposite.  Strowbridge combines good enough athleticism (4.89 40, 4.37 shuttle, 7.45 3-cone drill, 26 bench reps) with good size and length at 6’4” 275 pounds.  Strowbridge plays with toughness and tenacity that led him to being one of the few bright spots in an otherwise porous North Carolina Defense the past couple seasons.  His ability to use his hands and maximize power make him a strong run defender with adequate pass rushing ability.  Strowbridge had a strong showing at the Senior Bowl that displayed his upside in the League.  The Dolphins like defensive linemen with versatility in their multiple front defensive scheme and Strowbridge should transition in with relative ease.

James Proche, SMU – Round 6, Pick 22

SMU had a high scoring offense under Coach Sonny Dykes and Offensive Coordinator Rhett Lashlee the past two seasons and Proche was an integral part of the attack.  With adequate size (5’11”, 201) and adequate athleticism, Proche relies on his route running to create separation while finding soft spots in zone coverage.  With 204 receptions, 27 TDs, and 2,424 yards to his credit over the last two seasons, Proche has proven production and plenty of experience dating back to his freshmen season.  In 2018, he recorded 11 receptions, 166 yards with 2 TDs against a Michigan Defense that finished the season ranked #2 in total defense and pass defense.  Proche was named 1^st Team All-AAC in 2018 & 2019 and was named a 2^nd Team All-American in 2019 by the Football Writers Association of America. Proche’s greatest skill is the most elementary for any receiver… catching the ball.  His hands are consistent both on routine plays, in contested situations, and the twitter worthy circus catches. 

Baltimore lands James Proche: The most targeted WR in college football – and for good reasonpic.twitter.com/lZiuoNqoVi

— PFF College (@PFF_College) April 25, 2020

Some guys don’t have the greatest athletic traits and just know how to play the damn game.  Proche is one of those players and he will help an already prolific Ravens offense reach new heights.

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