Grading the Kansas State Wildcats Taken in the 2013 NFL Draft
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
With the dust settled on the 2013 NFL Draft, I wanted to look into where the Wildcat’s drafted fit into their new teams. Lead Editor Dave Thoman did a great job overlooking where the entire Wildcat’s drafted and undrafted went. If you haven’t had a chance check it out. I wanted to look into the three drafted players and grade how they fit into their new systems.
Arthur Brown – LB, 56th pick in the 2nd round by the Baltimore Ravens
I was a little disappointed that Brown dropped to the second round because I really felt he was a first round talent. But I couldn’t be happier to what team he fell to. One of the Raven’s biggest needs heading into the draft was at Inside Linebacker after future Hall of Famer and dance enthusiast Ray Lewis retired. Brown has big shoes to fill replacing Ray, but his attributes seem to fit what the Raven’s did with Lewis. Brown’s instincts and tackling ability should allow him to start right away. I actually thought if the Chicago Bears didn’t take him as I stated in my Draft Watch List, that the Ravens would snag him with the last pick in the first round. Overall I think this is a great match for both team and player.
Overall Grade – A
Chris Harper – WR, 123rd pick in the 4th round by the Seattle Seahawks
Chris Harper to the Seahawks was a little surprising to me. I thought that the Raven’s would target him more in the 3rd round to replace Anquan Boldin. Why the Seahawks surprise me is the big offseason trade for Percy Harvin. Acquiring Harvin to go along with Sidney Rice, Golden Tate and Doug Baldwin help put their receiving corps in a better situation. Harper’s key to this bunch is he’s a great possession receiver, ideal for a 3rd or 4th option for Russell Wilson. His battle will be for a receiver spot on the roster, one I do think he can obtain if he clicks with Wilson. The grade for Harper is due to what seems like a more crowded battle than the other two drafted. I do love the potential Harper could bring to the Seahawks if he can gain Wilson’s confidence as a possession receiver.
Overall Grade – C, potential for B
Braden Wilson – FB, 204th pick in the 6th round by the Kansas City Chiefs
I may be a bit biased but I love this pick because I am a Chiefs fan as well. I was surprised it was in the 6th round, not the 7th but new Head Coach Andy Reid had stated he thought Braden Wilson was the best blocking fullback in the draft in his opinion. He backed that decision up by drafting a fullback that I think will be a great addition to the Chiefs lineup. Wilson was viewed pre-draft as maybe being athletic enough to be drafted as an H-back type player. This fits well into what Reid is bringing to the Kansas City offense, where Wilson’s main job will be opening holes for Jamaal Charles, but can catch the football if called upon. The competition got a little more clouded with last week’s trade with the Arizona Cardinals that landed fullback Anthony Sherman. The chances the Chiefs carry two fullbacks are slim to none, but investing a pick in Wilson would suggest he is the early favorite. Wilson has the chance to be the Chiefs main fullback since Tony Richardson left, as the team has struggled to find a fullback in years past. I think it’s a great fit and could be used extremely well.