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There are hidden gems hiding out there in this year's NFL Draft class, it's just a matter of finding them.* *Below, we've put together 10 players who are expected to be available in the later rounds of the draft who have high upside.
Among them is Louisville safety, Gerod Holliman.
In 2014, Holliman won the Thorpe Award, which is given to the best defensive back in the country. His 14 interceptions were the most of any FBS player.
And he might still be around in the sixth round? Below are 10 players, including Holliman, that could be late-round steals.*1. TE Nick Boyle, Delaware Projected round:* 5-6 (CBS), 6 (NFL.com), 7-Undrafted (DraftTek)
Overview: Boyle is a receiving tight end with the size (6-6, 270) to develop into a viable blocker. He caught more passes in his four-year career than any other tight end in Delaware history. 2. S Gerod Holliman, Louisville Projected round: 4 (DraftTek), 4-5 (NFL.com), 5-6 (CBS). Overview: In 2014, Holliman won the Thorpe Award, which is given to the best defensive back in the country. He led the nation in interceptions this past season with 14. 3. DT Derrick Lott, Chattanooga Projected round: 5 (NFL.com), 5-6 (CBS), 6 (DraftTek).
Overview: Lott is incredibly athletic for a defensive tackle; at the East-West Shrine game he played on the kickoff coverage team. He was a player selected to NFL Media analyst Charles Davis' "All-Underrated Team". 4. CB Nick Marshall, Auburn Projected round: 6 (CBS), 6-7 (NFL.com), 6-7 (DraftTek).
Overview: Although Marshall was a quarterback at Auburn, he has experience playing in the secondary. In 2011, he appeared in 13 games for the University of Georgia at cornerback. His knowledge of offensive schemes could help him transition.5. LB Jeff Luc, Cincinnati Projected round: 4-5 (DraftTek), 6 (CBS), 6-7 (NFL.com).
Overview: Luc is a powerful, old-school, thumper of an inside linebacker, but still ran a 4.57-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. He played his first two seasons at Florida State before transferring to Cincinnati. 6. P Kyle Loomis, Portland State Projected round: 6-7 (CBS), 7-Undrafted (DraftTek), N/A (NFL.com)
Overview: Loomis was a first-team All-American by the Associated Press in 2014 and is widely considered to be the best punter in the country. The 27-year-old began his career with Oregon State in 2006 but left a year later and joined the army. He enrolled at Portland State in 2013. 7. C Max Garcia, Florida Projected round: 3-4 (NFL.com), 5-6 (DraftTek), 6-7 (CBS).
Overview: Garcia has experience playing center, guard and tackle and has done all three at a very high level. He was voted co-offensive MVP by his teammates at Florida in 2014. 8. QB Cody Fajardo, Nevada Projected round: 7 (CBS), 7-Undrafted (NFL.com), Undrafted (DraftTek)
Overview: Fajardo is one of two quarterbacks in FBS history to throw for 9,000 yards and rush for 3,000 yards in a career. 9. G Adam Shead, Oklahoma Projected round: 7 (CBS), 7-Undrafted (DraftTek), Undrafted (NFL.com),
Overview: Shead is a powerful, big-bodied interior offensive lineman, weighing in at nearly 340 pounds. He was a three-year starter at Oklahoma.10. CB Bobby McCain, Memphis*Projected round:* 4 (NFL.com), 7 (CBS), Undrafted (DraftTek).
Overview: McCain is a smaller slot corner who was a top performer at the NFL Scouting Combine. He intercepted 11 passes over the past two seasons.
