Many believe that NFL general managers earn their paychecks based on their level of success in the later rounds of the draft by uncovering those hidden gems that can push a team over the top. With the NFL’s scouting process now winding down, many names are being brought to the forefront that weren’t exactly on the tip of anyone’s tongues when the collegiate season started. This segment called Under the Radar will continue to explore just what scouts find attractive about certain prospects that may be available beyond the glamour rounds of the draft and why you’re team may be interested in landing one of these sleepers.

Athletic quarterbacks still turn heads no matter which level of competition they play in during their collegiate years. Division II’s William & Mary has produced such a player this draft season in R.J. Archer and he is built more like a running back than a signal caller. Archer is a former wide receiver which is one of the best positions for a quarterback to be familiar with as he understands just how his wideouts will be making their breaks and how to fit the ball into tight coverage windows. When you normally think of an athlete playing under center you think of a ‘run first’ type of guy, but that couldn’t be further from the truth with Archer. He has a great looking delivery which produces a very catchable ball for his receivers and he goes through his progressions with accuracy looking to throw the ball first rather than find a running lane. His 4.75 speed is a huge plus for any team looking at him in the draft as a player with his on-field smarts offers up a wealth of versatility.

That same versatility can also be looked at as a bit of detriment as Archer has such an arsenal as his disposal in terms of athleticism, perhaps he is simply ‘good’ at everything and ‘great’ at nothing. At 6’2” 220lbs. he definitely has enough size to make it as a pro style quarterback, but his height isn’t ideal for the position and scanning the field around big bodies at the next level may be an issue. Arm strength is a bit of a question mark for him as well not really having that ideal stretch the field type of cannon that GM’s look for in the leap to the NFL. Probably the biggest issue for Archer is the fact that he only has one year of experience at the quarterback position. He is going to be a project at the next level and general managers will be hesitant to use a draft pick on a player who may never pan out. Still, don’t be surprised if a team is seduced by the temptation of upside and snags Archer in the waning moments of the 7th round.

A number of names will be called during April’s NFL Draft that seem to be from out of left field, but don’t let R.J. Archer’s be one of them. Keep looking out for more Under the Radar players shooting up draft boards or quietly lurking in this incredibly deep 2010 class that could make a huge impact over the coming years on Sundays.

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