5 Surprising Names Not Called In This Weekend’s 2013 NFL Draft

NFL Draft

One of the more interesting drafts in years just ended yesterday. It seemed like the many NFL mock drafts put together by bloggers and fans were way off. So many trades were negotiated and completed. The MiamiDolphins moving up to third overall for Dion Jordan set the whole day in motion and caused a ripple effect that would impact the next few rounds of the draft.

So much movement and strategizing. So many moves caught us off guard. Geno Smith going to the New York Jets, Matt Barkley going to the Philadelphia Eagles. Then there where the expected head scratchers as well. E.J. Emanuel going 16th overall comes to mind. But it seemed that the word of the day (or weekend for that matter) was ATHLETICISM, as combine and pro day numbers seemed to have a huge impact. Ziggy Ansah and Cordarrelle Patterson are examples of that due to their early selections despite limited experience.

Though the talent this year had been criticized for not producing any perceived superstars, it is filled with A- and B+ players. The NFL is going to be a better league overall for it. So many teams got better. This draft was so good that a lot of players mocked to go in middle rounds where not drafted at all. For a myriad of reasons ranging from attitude to technique or even a questionable attribute. Red flags seemed to be raised and some recognizable names were not called at Radio City Music Hall this weekend. Hence a very intriguing process began right after the selection of “Mr. Irrelevant”. A dash at those players and several others began as league mandated roster requirements will change throughout the remainder of the offseason. Let’s take a look at some UDFAs that almost everyone thought would be selected in this weekend’s draft.

Tony Graham is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @tonyphintalk, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

Kwame Geathers - DT, San Diego Chargers

Geathers will play the 3-4 as a DT in San Diego and has an excellent chance to make an impact, as DT is a position of need for the Chargers. It's still unclear why he wasn’t selected. I thought he would go as low as the 6th round and high as the 4th.

Joseph Fauria - TE, Detroit Lions

This was a surprise as Fauria was a productive receiver for UCLA. I thought athletic tight ends were a must have in the current NFL. Maybe Fauria and QB Matthew Stafford will remind everyone.

Chase Thomas - OLB, New Orleans Saints

Strange to see the Stanford LB go undrafted after an impressive 7.5 sack season. It will be interesting to see if the Saints can make him a contributor. They suffered through defensive issues last season.

Tyler Bray - QB, Kansas City Chiefs

I guess the rumors about Bray's accuracy and decision making issues spread around the league. It must have been frustrating watching your wide receivers go on the first day while you as their QB go undrafted. Maybe he will use this as motivation to win a week 1 roster spot with the Chiefs.

Da'Rick Rogers - WR, Buffalo Bills

After and indefinite suspension from the Tennesse Vols in 2012 for three admitted drug test failures, Rogers went on to transfer out and redeem himself on the field. Rogers had an impressive combine as well, but questions remained about where his head was at. He wore a Louis Vuitton hat and what appeared to be diamond earrings in each ear. When asked about his visions of his first NFL game, he spoke about "swag" and how he was going to have the "freshest gear". Then he got on the practice field with Michael Irvin and dropped passes. Good luck to the Bills.