OT: NFL draft prospects with (state of) Michigan (but not UM/MSU) ties
Recruiting rankings have value, yes, but this Freep article is evidence that under-the-radar players can become NFL prospects:
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/04/21/2018-nfl-draft-…
The story of the guy from Ferris State is particularly impressive.
I hope some our low-rated '18 recruits can get there someday.
Okorafor was a guy I remember coming out of high school who was huge and had potential, but he was extremely raw. Some people wonder how big-time NFL talent can come out of those small schools, but places like WMU and CMU can afford to take chances on guys who are far away from high ceilings.
Avonte Maddox was a superstar at Detroit King, but he was just tiny. He's 5'9", 184 lbs. coming out of college. I was a little surprised Brady Hoke didn't go after him.
Okorafor would likely going to be drafted at 2nd round just like his teammate, Taylor Moton. Both WMU OTs would've started for both MSU and Michigan yet they fell through the crack. Both are local kids from Southfield and Okemos.
I think Tyler Conklin could be a steal for anyone who drafts him, big dude with real soft hands
April 21st, 2018 at 10:08 AM ^
the best arm tats in the entire draft.
While I don't usually root for "Chips" except when they play the Sparties, I think it'd be great if Joe Ostman of CMU/St. Ignace HS gets drafted and succeeds in the NFL. No Yooper has made it in the pros since Rob Rublick had a pretty good Detroit career back when the Lions drafted him out of GVSU back in '82.
Other than that, Go Broncos! I especially like the chances of Okorafor and Phillips sticking in the NFL and think Franklin might have a chance to at least make a practice squad.
April 21st, 2018 at 11:45 AM ^
Don’t forget about the hair. He looks like he’s been a 4x all pro before he even gets to the league
April 22nd, 2018 at 11:55 AM ^
(No, not that Ty Conklin ... http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=46803 )
April 21st, 2018 at 10:20 AM ^
Holy crap. Ferris state kid ran a 4.78 40 at 6-6 290 and put up 31 bench reps after being a walk-on. That's crazy, declared after his junior year too.
Just be aware, though, that some of the measurables at individual college pro days, especially the 40 times, are notoriously unreliable: hand timed by a coach who has a stake in creating buzz for his players.
Desmond King was a steal in last year’s NFL draft...
76 combined tackles, 4 sacks, 5 PDs and a 90 yard pick 6 during his rookie season. Not too shabby.