Who is this Miami pass rusher? (Photo: US Presswire)
NEPD Editor: James Christensen
Everybody has a guy. A prospect out there that they laid eyes on way before anyone else. A prospect that isn’t getting nearly enough love from the media. A prospect that is going to prove everyone wrong.
Today we’ll discuss who everybody’s favorite sleeper pick is for the Patriots in the 2012 NFL Draft.
Mike Loyko chose to go with Micah Pellerin (CB, Hampton). Loyko stated that “Pellerin has good size and speed combination. He has the ability to play both CB and FS, good footwork and very good closing speed. Pellerin can cover in man and understands defensive concepts.
Doug Kyed went with Olivier Vernon (DE, Miami). “Vernon is a later round pass rusher I would love the Patriots to take a risk on. He got punished in the Miami pay scandal and only took on a part time role this season, but I love his violent hands and fluidity.”
My choice is Marcus Zusevics (OL, Iowa). I think the Patriots might wait on offensive line help until the later rounds – if they pick up picks that its – and Zusevics has the physicality and versatility needed to contribute. He will probably fall from the 3rd-4th round to the 6th-7th round after tearing his pectoral muscle at the combine.
What say you NEPD commenters? Who is your favorite sleeper for the Patriots in the 2012 NFL Draft?
Tags: 2012 NFL Draft, Marcus Zusevics, Micah Pellerin, Olivier Vernon, Sleepers
Bryce Brown RB KState
I just remembered this guy watching LSU/Ala highlights; Nick Gentry
Gentry was a thorn in the LSU side in the BCS game. He is squat, strong and doesn’t quit. I think he could be a Mike Wright type of player.
I have a list of guys that are projected to go in the 4th round or later that I think would be good fits for the Pats.
Ryan Steed-CB-Furman
Ryan Davis-DE/OLB-Bethune-Cookman
Chris Galippo-ILB-USC
Philip Thomas-FS-Syracuse
Jeremiah Warren-OG-USF
Lucas Nix-OG-Pitt
Dustin Waldron-OT-Portland State
Jeff Adams-OT-Columbia
Winston Guy-SS-Kentucky
BJ Coleman-QB-Tennessee-Chattanooga
Jeff Fuller-WR-Texas A&M
Dan Herron-RB-Ohio State
DaJohn Harris-DE/DT-USC
Jake Bequette-DE/OLB-Arkansas
Chris Greenwood-CB-Albion
Vernon’s a tweener, and kind of a poor man’s Courtney Upshaw. Unless Belichick knows something I don’t I’d maybe say pass. I’ve been eyeballing Malik Jackson, DT/DE from Tennessee. He’s super raw but has some very intriguing measurables and looked great in senior bowl practices.
One of you at NEPD.com liked Tom Compton OT – I want him late. Call me a boyscout but I like to be prepared.
Who can be the Marcus Cannon of the year?
I love V Burfict in the 4th as a sleeper. Also love Iloka with 2nd 2nd round pick. Or Minniefield in the 3rd.
Yes, another Iloka fan. I agree 100% great 2nd round pick. Minnifield in the 3rd would be great also.
Not sold on Burfict, wouldn’t go anywhere near that guy with any pick.
Minnifield is one of my favorites in this draft–I like him as a FS conversion.
Word is Burflict is sliding close to undraftable…
Has oakland or Jets written all over him
Hear hear… hoping it happens
i am a ravens fan but love the site you guys have.
I am from knoxville and poole is a heck of a running back. Seen him have a great career at UT.
I think Ryan Broyles is going to be a pick you guys make… pick him and put him on practice squad or IR for the year and use him next year once ocho and branch are off the roster…he could potentially take over for wes in 2-3 years if he ages or gets hurt again.
Jared Crick was someone i thought they would take as well…
but they will have to move around to get these extra 3rd 4th round picks which i’m sure they will…
My favorite thing about this draft is Oakland’s draft situation
1st rounder gone for carson
2nd rounder gone to you all for last years 3rd and 4th
3rd rounder gone for terrelle pryor
3rd round compensatory pick is their first pick of the draft..
That is unreal to me… I think their first pick is #95
But he will be fast. Ha Ha
Bobby Felder cb Nicholls State. Looks great not much written about him.
Eric page or Devon Wylie
Delano Johnson Bowie St DE/LB
I have liked Adrian Hamilton but he isn’t much of a sleeper at this point
Cliff Harris CB, Oregon. Why not? everyone’s got issues.
Derek Wolfe, DT, Cincy
If Belichick wants a 5-technique guy in this draft and he can’t get his hands on Brockers, then I wouldn’t be shocked if Wolfe was taken on day 2.
On defense, Corey Mosley, S (Virginia); on offense, Michael Smith, RB (Utah State).
WR-Dale Moss SDSU
Donte Paige-Moss, DE/OLB, UNC
Junior Hemingway, WR, Michigan
Jordan White, WR, Western Michigan
Dan Herron, RB, Ohio St
Hemingway and White are great options in the 6th or 7th, if the team gets a pick then.
I think White could be Welkers replacement down the road.
Hemingway doesn’t have great speed but he has great hands and it terrific at going up for the ball.
Tauren Poole, RB Tennessee
Love him in the 4th round or beyond.
Huge fan of Poole
Tim “Mother” Fugger OLB – VANDY
Ryan Miller, OG/OT Colorado
My thought exactly, good size and he played with Solder.
Aaron Henry, S, Wisconsin
He would be a great later round pick.
Alex Hoffman-Ellis LB Washington State University
TruMaine Johnson.
Akiem Hicks, defensive lineman from Regina.
Malik Jackson and Devon Wylie…gotta have em both.
Yeah, in the offensive side, Devon Wylie would be also my election.