4 under-the-radar prospects who can make an immediate impact
The star prospects have been discussed ad nauseam, leaving hundreds of draft-eligible players in their shadow. In an effort to bring them to light, here are four under-the-radar college stars who can make an immediate impact in their first season in the pros:
Jeremy McNichols, RB, Boise State
Ian Johnson. Doug Martin. Jay Ajayi. Jeremy McNichols.
That last name doesn't have the name recognition of Johnson, or the college rushing totals of Martin and Ajayi, but there's a good chance he'll follow his blue-turf alumnus into the national spotlight.
After two full seasons as the Broncos' lead running back, McNichols exits Boise State as the fifth leading rusher in school history and with traits easily transferable to the NFL. Aside from his 5.9 yards per carry and two seasons of 20-plus rushing touchdowns, McNichols added value catching the ball out of the backfield.
As a workhorse rusher and a useful pass-catcher, the 2017 draft prospect can market himself as an every-down back and a candidate to catch on immediately once he reaches the pro ranks.
McNichols is short on size - standing 5-foot-9 - but big on speed as he clocked in at 4.49 in the 40-yard dash at the combine. He has all the tools that have made 5-foot-6 back Darren Sproles a veteran of 13 seasons.
Dede Westbrook, WR, Oklahoma
Can the fourth-place finisher in the 2016 Heisman vote truly be considered under-the-radar? He can when he's being ranked as the 14th and 15th best prospect at his position.
That's Dede Westbrook's reality. He burst onto the scene with a 1,524-yard, 17-touchdown redshirt senior season with the Sooners in 2016, a performance that made him a Heisman finalist. Despite also winning the Fred Biletnikoff award for the most outstanding receiver in college football, Westbrook is barely being mentioned in the run-up to the draft.
NFL teams are surely proceeding with caution as Westbrook had half the production in 2015. However, after an 80-catch season, the 6-foot receiver could also just be finding his stride.
The team that takes a chance on Westbrook will get a receiver with sure hands and 4.38 speed. If he can find separation in the pro ranks, don't be surprised if Dede pays immediate dividends.
Alex Anzalone, LB, Florida
The knock on Alex Anzalone is he can't stay on the field. But when he gets on it, he makes an immediate impact.
The redshirt junior missed all but two games in 2015 and the final five games of 2016, yet he's being projected as a third-round pick because of the dynamic abilities he's shown when healthy.
Anzalone can pressure the quarterback and drop back in coverage with equal aplomb. He has a nose for the football - racking up the third-most tackles on the team despite his missed time last season - and displays high football IQ.
He opened eyes at the Senior Bowl, ensuring there will be a team willing to spend a draft pick banking on his promise. If he can play a significant amount of snaps in his rookie season, Anzalone can make an immediate impact for the right defense.
Desmond King, DB, Iowa
This year's class of incoming corners has been celebrated for some time now, but Iowa's Desmond King hasn't been getting in on the party.
He doesn't carry the name cache of the likes of Marshon Lattimore, Teez Tabor, Adoree' Jackson, or Gareon Conley, and there is talk he is best suited as a safety, but King's stats don't lie.
He recorded eight interceptions his junior season and added three in 2016. He played in every game for four years on an Iowa defense that was among the best in the nation.
His 40-yard dash times from his pro day were in the 4.5s and he tested fast in other drills at the scouting combine. Whether he remains at corner or transitions to a free safety, King has displayed that he can be an impact player.