2014 NFL Draft: Under-the-Radar Prospects
By John Laub

The annual allocation of college talent takes place in early May, and NFL general managers and head coaches are salivating at the number of gifted offensive prospects available. The draft is loaded with skill-position performers who could assist fantasy owners during the next three seasons. With a plethora of top-level products, fantasy football fans must be aware of a number of Under-the-Radar collegiate stars and their long-term potential on Sundays.
Listed below are ten future fantasy football contributors who should be watched closely on draft day and in the future with their respective professional teams.

WR Kevin Norwood, Alabama
A muscular frame and good height for the NFL at 6’2” and 198 pounds. In the slot, can release from the line cleanly and savvy route runner down the field. Ran a 4.48 40-yard dash at the Combine. Owns good hands and makes the difficult catch. Accelerates smoothly, works the sideline and extends body to snatch the pigskin. Works well within the offensive structure, and builds a bond with the quarterback. Does not give up when covered and continues fighting to get open. Caught only 81 passes for 1,275 yards during four seasons. However, scored 12 touchdowns and averaged 15.7 yards per catch. Opened onlookers’ eyes during Senior Bowl week. When jammed, struggles at times and not a great open-field sprinter. Short arms, lack of burst and dearth of top-end speed may limit upside. In a productive offense, could develop into an active target, contributing on third downs. Much better on film than his statistics indicate in college. A tremendous-value pick later in the draft at a very deep position.

RB Tyler Gaffney, Stanford
Took a year off from college football to pursue minor league baseball. Returned to the gridiron last year and rushed for 1,709 yards and scored 22 touchdowns. Played in a dominant ground attack behind a veteran offensive line that blew open holes. Built well at 6’0” and 220 pounds and ran a respectful 4.49 40-yard dash at Indianapolis. Tough runner who can scamper through the middle of the defense. Difficult to stop with arm tackles. Shakes and slides in tight spaces. Employs a stiff-arm and enjoys contact. Not as strong of a running back prospect as former Cardinals’ Toby Gerhart and Stephan Taylor. Does not explode in the open field and can be tracked down from behind. Slow changing directions and inconsistent vision. Fails to reach the edge of the defense. Did not catch a lot of passes at Stanford. At the next level, most likely a complimentary piece in a backfield.

WR Allen Robinson, Penn State
Polished NFL prospect after flourishing in coach Bill O’Brien’s aerial assault. Freshman signal caller did not hinder production last year. Increased catches (setting a school record with 97) and yards from the year before. Physical playmaker with great hands, size, strength and acceleration. A lanky catcher at 6’2” and 220 lbs. Fluid dual threat receiver: terrific screen runner who shakes off the first wave of tacklers and deceptive deep sprinter who can take the top off a defense. Twists and turns body to make catch. Leaper who extends arms and body for pigskin. Runs north-south with power and determination. Very good YAC athlete with shifty moves, good footwork and quick cuts. Fights for ball against defensive backs and wins jump-ball opportunities. Recorded back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns and scored 17 touchdowns past two seasons. Caught 177 passes and averaged 14.0 yards during his career. First team All-Big Ten honors in 2012 and 2013. Inconsistent player who stands around and surrenders when blocking. Stiff route runner with modest hip movement to change direction. A pedestrian 40-yard dash at the Combine drops him down draft boards. Could be a steal in the draft because of the depth at the position.

WR Paul Richardson, Colorado
Missed entire 2012 campaign after suffering a torn ACL during spring practice. Named first-team All-PAC 12 after catching 83 passes for 1,343 yards and scoring 10 touchdowns last year. During his three seasons with the Buffalos, scored 21 times and averaged a whopping 40-yards per touchdown reception. A long strider who is one of the fastest wideouts available after he ran a 4.40 40-yard dash at the Combine. A slender build at 6’0” and 175 pounds. Can stretch the secondary and employs NFL-caliber hands. Runs good routes: Forces defenders to respect the vertical strike and crisply breaks off patterns to provide an open target. Excellent at tracking ball over the shoulder. Plucks the pigskin out of mid-flight and adjusts to poorly thrown passes. Produced despite being the target of defenses’ game plan and modest quarterback production. Slender body may not be able to withstand the punishment of bulkier defensive backs at the next level. Did not perform on special teams. Lack of size and small hands limit ability to fight for the ball in tight coverage. At times, can be a sloppy route runner. Needs to improve strength and learn to gain separation. A third (or fourth) round prospect who will earn a roster spot next season.

WR Cody Latimer, Indiana
A virtual unknown until recent reports and productive pro day awakened scouts (and fantasy fans). Foot surgery in January prevented participation at the Combine. At 6’2” and 215 pounds, a big physical prospect who recorded an impressive (but unofficial) 4.39 40-yard dash. Made at least one catch in all 32 games played, including 24 starts. Recorded 135 career receptions, scored 17 touchdowns and averaged over 15 yards per catch during his college tenure. Played on special teams last year, making eight tackles and recovering a fumble. Scored five times from beyond 30 yards and made three 50-plus yard catches. Torched Illinois for 189 yards on 11 receptions and three touchdowns. Played with a cadre of modest triggerman and learned to adjust to poorly thrown balls. Quick runner employed most often as a possession receiver and used on bubble screens. A former hoops competitor possesses aggressive ball skills and strong hands. Fights for the pigskin in the air, blocking out defenders like a power forward. Tenacious run blocker: possibly, the finest among WR prospects in the draft. Does not look as fast on tape as stopwatch indicated. A bit stiff of an athlete who is not very elusive. Runs upright, rounds out routes, and unfortunately, disappears during games at times. Must improve field awareness and adjust patterns to assist his QB on broken plays. Near perfect fit for a West Coast offense like the Chiefs that values size, speed and toughness.

QB Aaron Murray, Georgia
A four-year starter who holds school records for career passing yards (13,166), attempts (1,478) and aerial strikes (121). During his college tenure, averaged 8.9 yards per attempt and completed 62.3% of his passes while making 52 consecutive starts. Unfortunately, suffered a torn ACL late in the 2013 campaign. Did not play in the Senior Bowl or perform at the Combine, but should be ready for his Pro Day in March. Managed the up-tempo Georgia Pro Pistol passing game. Loves the game and football smart. Quick set-up and delivery with good pocket presence to avoid pass rushers. Excellent ball handler and play-action artist with underrated mobility. Rolls out well on designed plays and delivers the football on the move. A risk taker who eyeballs targets at times. Small frame at 6’1” and 207 pounds raises concerns about long-term durability and ability to absorb punishment. Low release point: Passes batted down too often at the line of scrimmage and forces ball into coverage at times. If not for the ACL injury, likely would be the fourth-rated prospect on the board. Equated to Bengals’ QB Andy Dalton who was selected in the second round three years ago. A season on the bench to heal and learn would benefit the former Bulldog.

WR Josh Huff, Oregon
A four-year performer, who blossomed last season with 62 receptions for 1,140 yards, scored 12 touchdowns and gained 18.4 yards per catch. During college career, averaged 16.4 yards on 144 career receptions and hit 24 home runs. A fluid and natural athlete at 5’11” and 206 lbs. Can play on special teams, returning 43 kicks and covering kickoffs. Fearless catcher: Acrobat, who dives and twists body, extends arms and snatches the rock. Adjusts to balls in the air and cradles poorly thrown passes. Bounces off tacklers, does not give up and works as a blocker. Fluid strider with natural balance: Eats up yards on screens and runs like a running back. Tough, confident, competitive and coachable. Did not face press coverage and needs to improve strength. Must expand route tree and limited leaping ability. Needs to remain disciplined on (and off) the field and committed a few too many fouls—holding and personal during his tenure. Clearly worthy of a late-round selection who can contribute in many facets.

RB De’Anthony Thomas, Oregon
A triple-threat offensive weapon for the Ducks. Ankle injury suffered against California in September derailed a promising season last year, missing four games. At times, looks unstoppable on film and dominates opponents in the open field. A classic scat back in the Darren Sproles mold. Never carried the ball over 100 times in a season and only gained 1,890 career yards. Did score 26 rushing touchdowns on only 243 carries and averaged a colossal 7.8 yards per carry in Oregon’s spread offense. Also, caught 113 passes, reaching the end zone an additional 15 times, and hit a home run on four returns. Not an every down back because of his size and recorded a disappointing 40-yard dash at the Combine. During his pro day a couple of weeks later, managed a much improved 4.34 time in the forty. Could be a fantasy impact player if he retains his high touchdown-to-touch ratio at the next level.

RB Antonio Andrews, Western Kentucky
A versatile performer, played in the Sun Belt Conference and named Offensive Player of the Year in 2013. Back-to-back seasons with over 1,700 yards rushing and double-digit touchdowns. School record 1,730 rushing yards in 2013. Averaged nearly 12 yards per catch during the past two campaigns. Effective runner inside and outside. Runs nice patterns and can adjust to the football in the air. Employs a stiff arm to ward off tacklers as well as spins and dips to avoid hits. Finished career with 25 consecutive games with 100-plus, all-purpose yards. Lacks top-end speed and may not be able to hit home runs at the next level. Played behind Buccaneers RB Bobby Rainey for two seasons at school. Can return punts and kickoffs. A red flag elevated after a disappointing 40-yard dash in March. May contribute on Sundays and could assist a team in a variety of roles.

TE Arthur Lynch, Georgia
Played his best football as a senior. Named All-SEC First Team by the Associated Press after scoring five touchdowns on only 30 receptions. One of the best blockers in the draft class. A student of the game with prototypical size (6’5” and 258 lbs.) who utilizes leverage against opponents. Stiff in the upper body and hips. Pedestrian speed and doesn’t acquire a great deal of separation. Runs crisp routes and employs sudden breaks during his routes. Limited upside as an NFL target. Could be a red zone threat if he works hard at his craft. A starter at the next level who will likely be selected on the final day of the draft.