Here's a list of little known draft hopefuls who play on the offensive side of the ball.
QB Rhett Bomar, Sam Houston State – This transfer from the University of Oklahoma is regarded as probably the 4th rated quarterback in the 2009 NFL Draft. Bomar came to Oklahoma as a highly touted high school quarterback, but he got in some trouble with a “summer job” and transferred after earning the starting job. Bomar (6’23, 220) became the team starter at Sam Houston in 2007 throwing for numbers 172-291, 59.1%, 2209 yards, 10 TDs and 6 INTs. Unfortunately the strong-armed passer suffered a left ACL injury causing him to miss the last two games of the ’07 season. Came back in his senior year throwing for respectable numbers 245-436, 3405 yards, 27 TDs and 13 INTs. Bomar moves well in the pocket, has a solid throwing motion and is pretty athletic running a 4.7 in the forty. Had a strong week at the Senior Bowl.
RB Rashad Jennings, Liberty – Originally playing for Pitt, this small school back is being compared to Chicago Bears breakout rookie running back Matt Forte. The 2009 Senior Bowl was where Jennings (6-1, 232, 4.64) really proved that he was NFL caliber. A big power back, who has pretty good speed for his size. Jennings is a downhill runner that can move the pile, a willing blocker and has decent hands catching the football out of the backfield. A Big South Conference First Team player, who produced 1,526 yards (5.8-yard average) on 263 rushes and 17 touchdowns in 2008. Had a great NFL Combine producing 29 reps of 225 pounds, running a 4.58 in the forty, and 34-inch vertical jump. Followed-up his impressive NFL Combine by running a 4.52 in the forty on his Pro Day.
RB/FB Jovorski Lane, Texas A & M College Football’s version of Charles Barkley with nicknames like Joporky Lane, Round Mound of Touchdown, and Fat Back. Lane (6', 295) is a huge man with immense ability that makes you think of the late Craig “Iron Head” Heyward in his prime. If Lane controls his weight, he has the size, strength, and speed to be a powerback in the mold of LenDale White. A former Texas high school legend, Lane scored 49 career rushing touchdowns including a school record of 19 TD’s as a sophomore. After a stellar junior year (780 yards on 168 carries (4.6 ypc), and 16 touchdowns), Lane’s old foe — his weight — resurfaced in his senior year. New Texas A&M head coach Mike Sherman moved him to fullback with the big back having pedestrian numbers 93 rushing yards and five touchdowns. The half brother of Green Bay Packers TE Jermichael Finley, Lane finished his college career with 2090 yards, 4.5 ypr, and 49 TDs.
FB Marcus Mailei, Weber State – Mailei (6’, 256, 4.80) is a bruising blocking back, who is good in short yardage situations and plays with intensity. Though he didn't touch the ball all that often in college, Mailei hits the hole hard and has good hands (40 career catches). This two-time first-team All-Big Sky fullback is a weight-room warrior who produced 22 reps of 225 pounds at the NFL Combine.
WR Quinten Lawrence, McNeese State – Lawrence with sub-4.4 speed, who is being compared to 2008 first receiver selected, St. Louis Rams burner Donnie Avery. Lawrence (5’11, 177) is a raw, but extremely explosive. Has a great burst with the ball in his hands and should contribute right away in the return game. Had his best year in 2007, starting all 12 games for McNeese catching 31 passes for 645 yards (20.8) and 6 TDs plus he 15.1 average on returns. The NFL will need to watch out for knee problems as he only played in 5 games in 2008
WR Taurus Johnson, University of South Florida Johnson (6'0, 206) is a fast receiver, who is getting attention after shining in a private workout for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Last season, Johnson led USF with six touchdowns while producing 38 catches for 499 yards. He played tough in the East-West Shrine Game and was impressive at the NFL Combine running a 4.49 in the forty, jumping 35 1/2 inch vertically and producing 18 reps of 225 pounds.
TE Jared Bronson, Central Washington – Bronson (6'4, 254) is a former high school quarterback and track and field star. He originally attended junior college then walked on at the University of Washington before finally landing at Central Washington. Bronson has great size/speed combination, blocks well and is fast for a tight end. Bronson after a good 2008 season where he was AP Little All-American (28 receptions for 502 yards and 6 TDs), he wowed scouts at the NFL Combine (4.76 in the forty, 28 reps, and 9’8 in the broad jump).
TE John Nalbone, Monmouth A four-year starter, Nalbone was selected first-team All-Northeast Conference and (FCS) All-American in 2008. Holds school tight end records for career receptions (101), receiving yards (1,079) and touchdowns (nine). Nalbone has the right size (6’4, 258) and speed (4.68) to succeed as a blocker and pass catcher in the NFL. Surprisingly was not invited to any of the postseason All-Star games or the NFL Combine, so his Pro Day was his showcase producing a 4.63 forty, a 30-inch vertical jump, and 22 reps of 225.
OT Joel Bell, Furman – A true right tackle prospect with long arms, good quickness, and agility for a big man (6-7, 310). Bell had a very good Senior Bowl week where he competed with the “big boys” without any problem. This three-time all-conference selection tore it up at the NFL Combine producing top-ten O-line numbers in the forty, bench press, vertical, broad, 3-cone, and 20-yard shuttle. Had such great His workout was good enough that he didn't need to workout at Furman's Pro Day, though an eye-popping 25 teams still showed up to see him go through positional drills. He's a competitive lineman that blocks with a nasty attitude and is a prospect who should just get better as he physically matures and adds bulk to his frame.
OT Kyle Link, McNeese State A converted tight end, who grew into an offensive tackle (6’5, 300). Playing at left tackle, Link was a two-time All-Southland Conference pick. Has good feet and plays with leverage, but was not as dominant at the small college level as expected so he will need to hit the weights. May need time to develop on a team’s practice squad, but he may find a roster spot as he is an accomplished long-snapper.
