NFL Draft 2013: Kansas State Watch List
With the 2013 NFL Draft coming up, I decided to look into the crop of Wildcats that were invited to the Scouting Combine and see where they may go.
Arthur Brown – LB
Brown’s stock has seemed to rise after many were disappointed that Brown’s shoulder injury kept him out of the Senior Bowl and Scouting Combine. But a strong Pro Day has pushed Brown anywhere from mid first to early second round. I have always liked Brown’s pro potential and under the right coaching, think Brown could really excel. Brown has already met with the Bears, Rams, Jaguars and Bengals.
Prediction: Bears – 1st Round, 20th pick. The Bears add Brown to replace Urlacher. Sounds easy right?
Chris Harper – WR
Harper possesses great speed and strength that should translate to the NFL level. The type of possession receiver many teams look for, Harper has been Collin Klein’s safety value and led the team in receiving the past two seasons. I have seen him going as early as the second round all the way to the fourth.
Prediction: Ravens – 3rd Round, 94th pick. Ozzie Newsome looks to replace Anquan Boldin.
Collin Klein – QB
One of the most decorated Wildcats in recent memory; Klein hurt his stock by not working out as a tight end despite many teams interest. We all know the knocks on Klein, bad mechanics, and inaccuracy, not an NFL arm. You can’t knock his leadership and determination. Most mock drafts and rumors have him going seventh round or undrafted.
Prediction: I think someone will give him a shot in the seventh, due to his work ethic and hopes they can move him to another position.
Nigel Malone – CB
A key contributor for the Wildcats had eleven interceptions in two seasons with the team. Size will hurt Malone, who is short by NFL standards as a corner at 5’10”. Good hands and reaction time help his cause. Mock drafts have him going 6-7 round or undrafted.
Prediction: It’s a passing league; someone will give him a flyer in the late rounds. You can never have enough corners.
Braden Wilson – FB
Wilson had a pretty productive career at Kansas State, considering he was very limited in touches. His production came in the form of blocking for former second rounder Daniel Thomas and Heisman Trophy candidate Collin Klein and teammate John Hubert. Some see his athletic ability translating better for a tight end. I think Wilson could be a FB/TE hybrid in the league, or at least a special teams player.
Prediction: Undrafted. Fullbacks usually don’t get drafted unless you’re Mike Alstott. I do think that he will sign with the flurry of undrafted players after the draft and will be a contributor to a team.
Anthony Cantele – K
Cantele was a reliable place kicker during his tenure with Kansas State. Cantele hit on 82 percent of kicks last year, earning Second Team All-Big 12 honors. Kickers usually don’t get drafted, but I have seen projections of Cantele possibly being taken in the seventh. I would expect him to be one of the first kickers taken, if one is chosen.
Prediction: Undrafted. He should definitely earn a shot somewhere as a training camp leg, with the opportunity to maybe win a job.