By Tom Layberger | National Desk There's no question that the suspense heading into the second night of the NFL draft centered on when Manti Te’o and Geno Smith would be selected. But those two issues were resolved in less than an hour Friday night, and on back-to-back picks no less. That does not mean that there are no...
By Tom Layberger | National Desk
West Virginia's Geno Smith speaks during a news conference after being selected 39th overall by the New York Jets in the second round of the NFL football draft, Friday, April 26, 2013, at Radio City Music Hall in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow) There's no question that the suspense heading into the second night of the NFL draft centered on when Manti Te’o and Geno Smith would be selected. But those two issues were resolved in less than an hour Friday night, and on back-to-back picks no less.
That does not mean that there are no worthwhile storylines left to watch as rounds 4-7 unfold today. They may not be as headline-grabbing — certainly not worthy of anything as splashy as the "Gang Geno" headline that landed on the New York Post's website after the Jets selected Smith — but there are plenty of good football players available who could make a difference. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some scenarios and top players remaining on the board as we head into the final day of the 2013 NFL draft.
1. Supply and demand
Matt Barkley of USC and Ryan Nassib of Syracuse were expected to be long gone by this point. They are two of many quarterbacks who linger into the final day of the draft. Jacksonville, Arizona, Cleveland and Kansas City were all expected to select a QB at some point during the draft, and they still may. However, after last year when quarterback was the hot position, there is little need 12 months later. Speaking of last year, timing is everything for Barkley. Though not scorching like Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin, he was a very hot a name until he decided to remain at USC for his senior season. That decision is hurting him now. It would not have been a shock had Nassib been taken earlier than Geno Smith, but instead he remains on the board on Day 3. Oklahoma's Landry Jones, Tennessee's Tyler Bray and Arkansas' Tyler Wilson are among other signal callers waiting to be, well, called.
2. Ten spot
The Seahawks do not have any major needs, but they do have 10 picks coming their way today. The last four rounds represent a chance for coach Pete Carroll to stockpile some depth at several positions. Among them should be offensive line and the secondary. Though quarterback Russell Wilson could be around a long time, depth never hurts and the Seahawks may want to grab one of the many available quarterbacks.
3. Icing on the cake
Both of last season’s Super Bowl participants have seven picks on Day 3. Four of San Francisco’s are in the seventh and final round. Jim Harbaugh’s team has addressed needs at safety (Eric Reid) and with the pass rush (Cornellius Carradine). The 49ers can now afford to take a few chances knowing that they have plenty of picks to work with and very few needs. The Ravens got stronger at safety in the first round by selecting Matt Elam and found the heir apparent to Ray Lewis in the second round with the selection of Arthur Brown. Expect them to add a receiver of two on Day 3 to fill the void created by Anquan Boldin's departure to San Francisco.
4. Running on empty?
South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore finds a hole in the Missouri defensive line to pick up a first down during the first half of an NCAA college football game, at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C., Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012. (AP File Photo/Brett Flashnick) Well, not quite. After the bigger names among running backs were taken Friday there is still some value to be had Saturday. Among the top running backs who have yet to hear their names called are Clemson’s Andre Ellington, South Carolina’s Marcus Lattimore, UCLA’s Johnathan Franklin and Stanford’s Stephan Taylor. Ellington is the highest-rated of the remaining backs in several mock drafts. It is some surprise that he has lasted into Day 3, and it's hard to imagine that he will make it out of the fourth round. Lattimore and Pitt’s Ray Graham both suffered devastating knee injuries during their college careers, but teams that have a number of late picks and are in need of depth could reach out for either of them. The Cardinals and Bengals are among teams that have some need at the position.
5. Mr. Irrelevant
The 254th pick will be the final one of this draft, and the player that winds up going last is in for a fun week in Newport Beach where the draft choice is feted. It is certainly an upside-down award — the Mr. Irrelevant title is accompanied by a bronze statue that mocks the Heisman, with the player fumbling a football — but you have to love how the fun has built since the tradition was established in 1976. So, maybe there is some suspense. Don’t laugh: there could be a key player here. Just ask the Chiefs, who closed the 2009 draft by taking kicker Ryan Succop. That has worked out pretty well at a time when little else has in K.C.
Top 10 remaining players:
1. Ryan Nassib, QB, Syracuse
I like his arm strength and his pocket presence better than that of Barkley. He is also more effective at working his way out of trouble.
2. Matt Barkley, QB, USC
He can make all the throws, but you just know some teams must be scared of the shoulder injury he suffered last season.
3. Khaseem Greene, OLB, Rutgers
Former safety shows great pursuit of ball carriers (for proof, watch the video embedded at the bottom of this post) and he can line up in different spots.
4. Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama
At 6-foot-3 and 323 pounds, he is outstanding at plugging up the run, but offers little athleticism.
5. Chase Thomas, OLB, Stanford
Not as athletic as Greene, but very capable of getting after the quarterback.
6. Cornelius Washington, OLB, Georgia
Some thought he would go in the second round after an outstanding combine.
7. Alex Okafor, DE, Texas
Versatile player who can line up at OLB or DE.
8. Johnathan Franklin, RB, UCLA
For many, he was the third- or fourth-best running back available.
9. Phillip Thomas, SS, Fresno State
Physical and very aggressive, but also quick in coverage and quick to the ball.
10. Quinton Patton, WR, Louisiana Tech
Caught 104 passes last year and is a strong route runner with good blocking ability.