Potential Late-round Gems

[CARavensFan]

Over the past drafts we've always found gems in the later rounds of our drafts, Adalius Thomas, Tryo Smith, and many more. So I wondering if any of you guys know of any up and coming guys you think could be another of our Diamonds-in-the-Rough guys for this draft.

[Ravens52]

Over the past drafts we've always found gems in the later rounds of our drafts, Adalius Thomas, Tryo Smith, and many more. So I wondering if any of you guys know of any up and coming guys you think could be another of our Diamonds-in-the-Rough guys for this draft.

Well, I gotta admit I don't really follow college football that much but I'm sure we will get one. We got Antwan Barnes kind of late last year and he's turning out great. We didn't get to see the talent of Prescott Purgess last year but I'm sure he'll turn out fine. Ozzy knows what he's doing in the late rounds.

[theFRANCHISE]

Again, I'm biased about my Delaware players, but I'd be THRILLED if the Ravens picked up Delaware All-American running back Omar Cuff.

Cuff, unfortunately, is slated to go anywhere from the 5th or 6th round, to completely undrafted, mainly because of a lackluster performance in the FCS (formerly DIV-IAA) National Title game, and because of injuries that slowed him down late in the season.

Possible durability issues aside, he led ALL college football players in the NATION in individual scoring, REGARDLESS of division. He finished 2007 with a career-high 1,945 rushing yards over 398 carries with a 4.9 YPC average. He also had 55 receptions for 554 yards (10.1 YPC average). Cuff finished the year with a record-breaking 35 rushing TD's along with 4 receiving TD's that combined for a whopping 39 all-purpose TD's.

It should be noted that, throughout his four-year career, he has never (officially) logged a fumble (according to ESPN, as well as Sports Illustrated).

Career stats:

4,364 rushing yards over 925 carries (4.7 YPC average), with 65 rushing TD's

1,256 receiving yards over 129 receptions (9.7 YPC average), with 8 receiving TD's

In arguably the best game of his career, Cuff posted a record-setting 7 total TD's (6 rushing, 1 receiving) with 244 rushing yards over 30 carries (8.1 YPC) and 4 receptions for 52 yards, totaling 296 all-purpose yards, in the season opener against rival William & Mary.

Cuff is a versatile, all-purpose back in the same vein as Willis McGahee, though his size leaves something to be desired (5'10", 195 lbs.)

However, he possesses the same skill set (receiving/blocking/rushing), and has a similar running style, with the ability to change direction and improvise in an instant when the offensive line breaks down.

It should be noted that, like McGahee, there is a knock on Cuff's durability, as he has played only two FULL seasons, seeing limited playing time his freshman year, and suffering an injury-plagued junior year, where he still posted 818 yards from scrimmage with 16 all-purpose TD's despite missing over half the season.

I believe Cuff would be a good complementary back to McGahee and could compete for the backup role. In addition, he has some experience as a kick returner, though he was used sparingly in that capacity because of his starting role. It also helps that he's from Landover, MD and I've been told that he may be a Ravens fan.

[CARavensFan]

I'll have to check up on Cuff and see what he's about, do you know where you can find some of his highlight footage or something?

[theFRANCHISE]

I'll have to check up on Cuff and see what he's about, do you know where you can find some of his highlight footage or something?

That's the problem with Cuff. As analysts would say, "He plays the wrong position."

Or, in other words, because he's from DIV-IAA, no one cares about him since he's only a running back. And running backs are a dime-a-dozen in the NFL.

However, I was AMAZED watching Cuff play all season, and I considered it a privilege to watch his record-setting performances since this is my freshman year, and my first season of UD football is something I'll have to cherish later. Same with Joe Flacco's excellent QB play.

Sadly, there's no clips to be found of Cuff online, but if you dig, you might be able to find his excellent game against DIV-IA Navy (in which Delaware WON in an upset, BTW), as well as UD's playoff blow-out of Delaware State University in their historic first meeting ever.

If Cuff had won the Walter Payton Award (given to FCS a/ka/ DIV-IAA's national player of the year), he probably would've gotten more attention. After all, Steve McNair, Tony Romo, and Brian Westbrook were some of the notable players to win that award in the past.

[bmorefan80]

I see us picking up Keon Lattimore Late rounds. Just becuase he is Ray's brother. One thing I don't know is if he will back up McGahgee or maybe make him into another position. Maybe make him into a Linebacker and take over Ray's spot when the time comes.

[Purple and Black Forever]

I dont think we will waste a pick on Lattimore he probably wont get drafted and we can get him as an UFA. Just because he is Ray's brother doesnt mean he will make the team. JO's brother was signed and then cut, I forget his name though. As for a few late round draft pick gems, maybe Ben Mauk (QB- Cincinnati), maybe Micah Andrews (RB- Wake Forest), or Dre Moore (DT- UMD). Since none of them played at powerhouse schools they can get overlooked. I think Moore will go in the 4th which would be a good pick up, and Mauk and Andrews will probably go undrafted. We might also be able to pick up Dennis Dixon in a late round becaue of his injury, which could lead to some very cool formations, with Troy and Dennis in the backfield, run throw it wouldnt matter. We could probably also get Slaton in a later round, but I dont think we need another running back, but you never know he might be a solid special teamer for a while, he would definately be a gunner down the sides. Slaton is expected to go by the third, but I can see him dropping to the 5th realistically because of injury and the offense that was run at WVU, he was overshadowed by Pat White his senior season. I also think Henne would be worth a third round pick if we had one.

[theFRANCHISE]

I dont think we will waste a pick on Lattimore he probably wont get drafted and we can get him as an UFA. Just because he is Ray's brother doesnt mean he will make the team. JO's brother was signed and then cut, I forget his name though.

We could probably also get Slaton in a later round, but I dont think we need another running back, but you never know he might be a solid special teamer for a while, he would definately be a gunner down the sides. Slaton is expected to go by the third, but I can see him dropping to the 5th realistically because of injury and the offense that was run at WVU, he was overshadowed by Pat White his senior season.

I remember Marques Ogden...LOL

But yea, Keon Lattimore is not a lock to get picked up by the team, even if Ray Lewis lobbies for it. Besides, considering Ray's work ethic, I doubt he would wanna give his brother a hand-out by nudging any team to pick him up. He'd probably arrange for his brother to attend a rookie free agent tryout after the draft, but that's about it.

As for Slaton, I do feel that the team needs a backup running back that is similar to McGahee. Last season, the dropoff between McGahee and Musa Smith (no offense to Musa) was significant, and it hurt when McGahee would need to take a breather on the sidelines. I think pushing for Slaton, if the team can get him cheap, isn't a bad idea.

But, again, I still want my Delaware boy, Omar Cuff.

[Purple and Black Forever]

I remember Marques Ogden...LOL

But yea, Keon Lattimore is not a lock to get picked up by the team, even if Ray Lewis lobbies for it. Besides, considering Ray's work ethic, I doubt he would wanna give his brother a hand-out by nudging any team to pick him up. He'd probably arrange for his brother to attend a rookie free agent tryout after the draft, but that's about it.

As for Slaton, I do feel that the team needs a backup running back that is similar to McGahee. Last season, the dropoff between McGahee and Musa Smith (no offense to Musa) was significant, and it hurt when McGahee would need to take a breather on the sidelines. I think pushing for Slaton, if the team can get him cheap, isn't a bad idea.

But, again, I still want my Delaware boy, Omar Cuff.

I watched Cuff in the DIV II championship (and yes I still call it DIV II and will continue forever) he is solid, I just dont think we really need any more running backs, depending on who leaves in FA. Even then, I dont think Cuff will make an active roster and that is only because he played DII ball. Though if he fell through to UFA he might get a look, probably on whatever team ends up with Flacco, kind of like Reggie Ball and Calvin Johnson last year.