Big names still available on NFL draft Day 3
With the NFL draft entering its final stretch on Saturday, several big names from the college football world are still available.
Here's a look at the some of the more notable players still on the board:
Florida defensive tackle Caleb Brantley
Brantley, originally projected as a Day 2 pick as one of the better interior defensive linemen in this class, has seen his stock plummet after he was charged with a misdemeanor earlier this week for allegedly punching a woman at a bar earlier this month. Because Brantley’s legal issues remain unresolved, it is possible that he might not be drafted at all on Saturday.
Oklahoma wide receiver Dede Westbrook
A first-team All-American last year after hauling in 17 receiving touchdowns at Oklahoma, Westbrook now could be a late-round steal. Perhaps teams have been scared off by Westbrook’s smaller frame – he’s only 178 pounds – combined with some character concerns stemming from domestic violence allegations from 2012 and 2013. Westbrook was never charged in those incidents. Running back Samaje Perine, Westbrook's former Oklahoma teammate, is also still available.
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Pittsburgh quarterback Nathan Peterman
With six quarterbacks drafted through the first three rounds, Pitt’s Nathan Peterman could be the first to be picked on the draft’s final day. Peterman played a pro-style offense at Pitt, which should make him attractive to teams looking to add a rookie backup who can sit while working on improving his accuracy.
Michigan tight end Jake Butt
The former Michigan tight end likely would have already been drafted in not for the ACL injury he suffered in the Wolverines’ bowl game in January. Instead, he’ll have to wait until the draft’s final day.
Southern California offensive lineman Zach Banner
The hulking offensive lineman – he’s 6-foot-8 and 353 pounds – should come off the board early on Saturday, and could be a fit for a team looking to add bulk and depth to the interior offensive line. Banner played tackle in college but might end up at guard despite his height.
Mississippi quarterback Chad Kelly
The wait continues for Jim Kelly’s nephew. Chad Kelly is an intriguing prospect because of his NFL bloodlines and physical attributes, but he could go undrafted because of a combination of a wrist injury that recently required surgery and off-field character concerns, including an incident at a bar and his subsequent dismissal from Clemson.
Follow Lindsay H. Jones on Twitter @bylindsayhjones.
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