By Ryan Frye
Yesterday, I introduced the all-new All-Sleeper Team series. And today, I unveil my first two sleepers at the positions of quarterback and tight end.
This pairing of positions seemed fitting because a tight end can serve as quarterback's best friend. They're often deemed to be his "security blanket;" meaning that when the QB is in trouble, the TE is the person he looks to to bail him out of a dangerous situation.
Without further ado, the first man I unveil will be the most important player on the field. Oh yes, the quarterback.
Yesterday, I introduced the all-new All-Sleeper Team series. And today, I unveil my first two sleepers at the positions of quarterback and tight end.
This pairing of positions seemed fitting because a tight end can serve as quarterback's best friend. They're often deemed to be his "security blanket;" meaning that when the QB is in trouble, the TE is the person he looks to to bail him out of a dangerous situation.
Without further ado, the first man I unveil will be the most important player on the field. Oh yes, the quarterback.
QB Jacoby Brissett
North Carolina State
6'4" 231 lbs.
5th Round Projection
Full Draft Breakdown Profile
PROS: Large frame with impressive athleticism. Displays the ability to shake off defenders to avoid sacks and extend plays with his legs. Can make throws on the move. Effective with quarterback sneaks. Possesses ability to dink and dunk down the field or throw deep. Generally accurate with his throws, can get balls into tight windows when needed. Had lots of success with boot legs. Good decision maker. Makes anticipatory throws. Performed well against better competition, such as Florida State (above) and Clemson, even when playing behind a porous offensive line and with mediocre weapons.
CONS: Played primarily from the shotgun at NC State, will need to adapt to taking snaps under center. Often was raddled in the pocket. Throws off his back foot at times, could stand to work on his footwork. Struggles, at times, against stunts and blitzes. Takes eyes away from his receivers downfield. Occasionally overthrows his target. Carries the ball too far away from his body, could get easily stripped of ball by NFL defenders.
BOTTOM LINE: Brissett is in the mold of a Ben Roethlisberger, Jameis Winston, Cam Newton, largely due his sheer size and athleticism. He doesn't enter the NFL nearly as ready as any of those aforementioned names, however, therefore shouldn't start day one. He serves as more of a developmental prospect, but if he is allowed to sit for a few years, he could find some success later on ala a Tyrod Taylor with the Bills.
North Carolina State
6'4" 231 lbs.
5th Round Projection
Full Draft Breakdown Profile
PROS: Large frame with impressive athleticism. Displays the ability to shake off defenders to avoid sacks and extend plays with his legs. Can make throws on the move. Effective with quarterback sneaks. Possesses ability to dink and dunk down the field or throw deep. Generally accurate with his throws, can get balls into tight windows when needed. Had lots of success with boot legs. Good decision maker. Makes anticipatory throws. Performed well against better competition, such as Florida State (above) and Clemson, even when playing behind a porous offensive line and with mediocre weapons.
CONS: Played primarily from the shotgun at NC State, will need to adapt to taking snaps under center. Often was raddled in the pocket. Throws off his back foot at times, could stand to work on his footwork. Struggles, at times, against stunts and blitzes. Takes eyes away from his receivers downfield. Occasionally overthrows his target. Carries the ball too far away from his body, could get easily stripped of ball by NFL defenders.
BOTTOM LINE: Brissett is in the mold of a Ben Roethlisberger, Jameis Winston, Cam Newton, largely due his sheer size and athleticism. He doesn't enter the NFL nearly as ready as any of those aforementioned names, however, therefore shouldn't start day one. He serves as more of a developmental prospect, but if he is allowed to sit for a few years, he could find some success later on ala a Tyrod Taylor with the Bills.
TE Nick Vannett
Ohio State
6'6" 257 lbs.
3rd Round Projection
Full Draft Breakdown Profile
PROS: Willing and effective blocker in both run and pass game, which was his biggest contribution on a weapon-heavy Ohio State team. Has reliable hands. Doesn't scare away from taking hits. Has displayed ability to split out wide, though fits the mold of an in-line tight end to perfection. Finds the soft spot in zone coverage. Is a nice red zone target simply due to his size.
CONS: Sometimes struggles to create separation from defenders. Could stand to be more aggressive with his blocking. Route running could improve. Not likely to get much yardage after the catch, usually goes down after first contact.
BOTTOM LINE: Possesses the prototypical body for an NFL tight end. Might be the best blocking tight end in the draft and is only a fringe sleeper. Might not ever be a pro bowler, but definitely capable of being a serviceable and reliable starting tight end immediately.
Coming up Saturday, March 26th: Running Back & Fullback!
