Brian Quick has been talked about as an elite FCS prospect.
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - It may seem like Appalachian State wide receiver Brian Quick is the only offensive prospect from the Football Championship Subdivision whom you have been hearing about as we head toward the NFL Draft next month.
Consider that much of this year's FCS talent is on the defensive side of the ball, especially in the secondary.
But also consider Quick has been talked about as an elite FCS prospect for a number of years, and he may not last past the second round of the draft.
Having not played football in high school until his senior year, Quick harnessed his raw talent quickly while becoming the most prolific receiver in App State history.
And NFL scouts saw it likely happening from the start.
The FCS may be short on likely offensive draft choices - South Dakota tackle Tom Compton is considered the second choice behind Quick - but NFL camp rosters will be set at 90 this year, so there will be opportunities for FCS players.
Following are capsules of the top FCS offensive possibilities for the April 26-28 draft:
1. Brian Quick, WR, Appalachian State, 6-4, 220
Projected round: Second
The lowdown: The physically gifted Quick will be the first FCS selection in the draft. His size, terrific hands and ability to go get the ball as a former basketball standout and high jumper have long been eyed by NFL scouts. Not exceptionally fast - although he unofficially clocked 4.48 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine (4.55 officially) - Quick makes up ground with his long stride. He finished his career as App State's all-time leader in receptions (202), receiving yards (3,418) and touchdown catches (31).
2. Tom Compton, OT, South Dakota, 6-5, 314
Projected round: Fourth/Fifth
The lowdown: A projected middle-round talent, Compton is particularly fast for his size (his 5.11 time in the 40 at the NFL Combine ranked fifth among linemen). He combines strong footwork and good technique (taking good angles) to get up the field or keep defensive linemen in front of him. In addition to finishing strong in his senior season, he asserted himself against FBS competition in such games. He will need to get stronger at the next level.
3. Emil Igwenagu, H-back/FB, Massachusetts, 6-1, 249
Projected round: Fifth/Sixth
The lowdown: Igwenagu's stock has risen in recent months because of his performance at Senior Bowl week and the fact this draft isn't particularly laden with top fullbacks. His versatility and athleticism make him an attractive prospect, although he played mostly as a tight end and not as a H- back or fullback in college. He has excellent hands for a pass-catching fullback (38 receptions as a senior tight end) and a tough style.
2012 NFL Draft
Dates: April 26-28 Location: Radio City Music Hall in New York Breakdown: First round on Thursday, April 26; second and third rounds on Friday, April 27; and Rounds 4-7 on Saturday, April 28
4. B.J. Coleman, QB, Chattanooga, 6-3, 233
Projected round: Fifth/Sixth
The lowdown: Coleman has recovered from a broken pinkie finger on his right throwing hand, which prevented him from throwing at the NFL Combine. A shoulder injury also set him back as a senior, forcing him to miss over four games. His physical tools - size, quick release, movement in the pocket - and leadership qualities stand out, and his strong play at the East-West Shrine Game suggested he can make an NFL roster. But the former Tennessee transfer needs to improve his accuracy as a passer (57.4 percent on the FCS level). He also has a propensity to take unnecessary sacks.
5. Dustin Waldron, OT, Portland State, 6-5, 305
Projected round: Sixth/Seventh
The lowdown: After doing 29 reps on the 225-pound bench press at the Combine, Waldron's strength must have gained the attention of NFL teams. He would likely make the switch to guard on the pro level and has the potential to keep improving. His versatility is underscored by the fact Portland State, with Waldron as a starter, led the FCS in passing yards in 2008 and led the Big Sky Conference in rushing yards in both 2010 and 2011.
6. Aaron Corp, QB, Richmond, 6-4, 215
Projected round: Seventh
The lowdown: The lack of NFL-level quarterbacks from the FCS helps Corp's cause. The former Southern Cal transfer is a West Coast-style QB who ended an inconsistent college career with a solid senior season, including a 31-of-34 passing performance against CAA Football champion Towson. He tested well at the NFL Combine, but doesn't have top-level arm strength. Despite being an accurate passer, Corp has shown an inability to read all coverages. He has been injury-prone as well.
7. Matt Veldman, TE, North Dakota State, 6-7, 257
Projected round: Seventh/Priority free agent
The lowdown: Veldman's improvement as a senior quietly aided the Bison in their run to the FCS national championship. He has excellent size and puts it to good use as a blocker, but is still developing as a pass-catcher. An impressive pro day has raised his stock.
8. Tim Benford, WR, Tennessee Tech, 5-11, 205
Projected round: Seventh/Priority free agent
The lowdown: With 217 career receptions, Benford was productive throughout his college career before he completed it as the Ohio Valley Conference's 2011 offensive player of the year. He's undersized for a receiver who isn't a burner, but is a good route runner who can get defensive backs off-balance.
9. Jonathan Grimes, RB, William & Mary, 5-10, 207
Projected round: Seventh/Priority free agent
The lowdown: A workhorse, Grimes was ultra impressive during the second half of his senior season while he went on to post school single-season records of 2,510 all-purpose yards, 1,431 rushing yards and 817 kickoff return yards. He's impressed scouts in the draft buildup and likely elevated himself to a draftable level. He's a north-south runner who has a decent burst after getting through the line of scrimmage. He also is strong pass-catcher out of the backfield.
The lowdown: That Hampton declared for the draft as a junior-eligible might have been a poor decision. He is a seventh-round pick at best and could have improved on it for next year's draft after he rushed for 1,121 yards with 17 touchdowns in his only season at SIU after transferring in from Iowa. He lost the 2009 season with an ACL tear in his right knee and all but two games in 2010 with the same injury to his left knee.
TOP NFL OFFENSIVE PROSPECTS BY FCS CONFERENCE
Big Sky: Dustin Waldron, OT, Portland State, 6-5, 305
Big South: Chris Summers, WR, Liberty, 6-4 1/2, 215
CAA Football: Emil Igwenagu, H-back/FB, Massachusetts, 6-1, 249
Great West: Tom Compton, OT, South Dakota, 6-5, 314
