Every year I fall for players who aren't necessarily can't miss prospects or surefire top-10 picks. Sometimes it's because of one particular game I saw them play, like Sean Smith against Alabama in the 2009 Sugar Bowl, or just because I love to watch them play, like Central Michigan QB Dan LeFevour, or the Eagles' own Brandon Graham when he was at Michigan.
My favorites don't always pan out in the NFL (see LeFevour), but generally they become solid contributors at the pro level.
Here are my favorite players available in this year's draft:
Randy Gregory, DE
Nebraska (6-5/235)
I don't see a more explosive defensive player off the edge in this draft than Gregory. While his positive drug test at the combine has me questioning his head a bit, the physical tools, length, and high motor make him one of the most enjoyable players to watch in the draft class. His stock may be down a bit, but whoever drafts Gregory will be getting a 10-sack guy in two years.
Gregory Highlights:
P.J. Williams, CB
Florida State (6-0/194)
For the second consecutive year I have a Seminole DB on my list. Williams plays the game with an edge and isn't afraid to mix things up. Of course Williams' propensity for physical play could lead to penalties in the NFL, but I love a big corner who can redirect and ride receivers down the field. With his size and physical mentality, Williams could also slide over to safety at some point.
Williams Highlights:
NFL
Sammie Coates, WR
Auburn (6-1/212)
The guy is just a TD waiting to happen. Coates is an explosive deep threat receiver who averaged 20.9 yards per catch during his career at Auburn. If the Eagles are looking for someone to take the tops of defensives, they could do worse than Coates in the second round. The knock on him are his drops, but good coaching can help in that respect. What you can't coach is Coates' size and sprinter's speed. Throw in the fact he seems to be a great dude as well, and you have one of my favorite players in this draft.
Coates Highlights:
Jake Ryan, LB
Michigan (6-2/240)
Ryan is a physical, fast and versatile LB who can hit. Not a quick twitch guy, Ryan plays smart and has the look of a core special teams guy and eventual starting SAM. He won't come off the board until Day 3 of the draft, but someone is going to be getting a solid late round contributor.
Ryan Highlights:
Grady Jarrett, DT
Clemson (6-1/304)
Built like a fireplug, Jarrett's size may turn NFL teams off, but the diminutive (relative) lineman treats his bigger opponents rudely. Quick off the ball, Jarrett uses leverage and a motor that doesn't stop to cause all sorts of disruption in the backfield. While Chip Kelly doesn't necessarily look for Vince Wilfork-like size to man the NT position, don't look for the Eagles to come calling, as Jarrett simply doesn't have the strength to take on two-gap responsibilities. Regardless, he's a blast to watch play, and he'll probably come off the board on Day 2.
Jarrett Highlights:
Here are my favorites from last season:
C.J. Mosley, LB, Alabama
Baltimore Ravens, First Round (No. 17 overall)
Mosley made an immediate impact. He led the team in tackles, was selected to the Pro Bowl, and finished as runner-up for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Lamarcus Joyner, DB, Florida State
St. Louis Rams, Second Round (41)
Joyner suffered a groin injury in Week 8 that derailed what was looking like a solid if not spectacular rookie season as the Rams' nickelback.
Gabe Jackson, OG, Mississippi State
Oakland Raiders, Third Round (81)
Jackson became a solid starter at left guard for the Raiders, who are looking at him as a building block in front of rising star Derek Carr.
Jared Abbrederis, WR, Wisconsin
Green Bay Packers, Fifth Round (176)
Unfortunately, the native son of Wisconsin tore his ACL in August.
Dri Archer, RB/KR, Kent State
Pittsburgh Steelers, Third Round (97)
The guy I thought would be a faster Darren Sproles disappointed in his rookie season, but the Steelers are hoping that the experience will help the man who ran a 4.28 40 at the combine find his footing in 2015.