ARLINGTON, Texas — Their disappointment will benefit somebody Friday night. Their despair for going undrafted could lead to a second-round steal.
Three players — LSU running back Derrius Guice, Texas guard Conor Williams and Iowa cornerback Josh Jackson — were left in the green room Thursday night after the first round of the NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium, making them hot commodities when the second round begins the next night. They aren’t alone.
Below are five big names to follow on Friday:
RB Derrius Guice, LSU
The powerfully built running back should go fast, though there are reportedly concerns about his makeup, coming from a downtrodden area of Baton Rouge, La. He drew headlines by accusing teams of asking him during the NFL Combine about his mom’s background as a prostitute and whether he likes men. Following an internal investigation, the NFL said it couldn’t confirm those questions were asked.
QB Mason Rudolph, Okla. St.
He threw for more than 4,000 yards each of the past two seasons and a combined 65 touchdown passes for the Cowboys, though there are questions about him adapting to a pro-style offense.
OLB, Howard Landry, BC
One of the best pass rushers left, he could make an immediate impact as a specialist as he learns how to be a three-down outside linebacker, and expand his pass-rushing repertoire.
C, James Daniels, Iowa
The Giants have the second pick of the second round, and still own an offensive line in need of additions. The 6-foot-3, 306-pound Daniels seems like a perfect fit, the exact description of general manager Dave Gettleman’s “Hog Mollies.” If he’s not there, UTEP guard Will Hernandez could be an option.
CB, Josh Jackson, Iowa
The 6-foot corner notched eight interceptions in his lone year as a starter, flashing impressive ball skills. His technique will need to be refined, and spending a year as an understudy might be the best situation for Jackson.
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