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.

Even after an outstanding collegiate career at Western Illinois, cornerback Patrick Stoudamire did not receive an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine in February and didn’t have a chance to showcase his skills to a number of NFL talent evaluators. Until his pro day, that is, when Stoudamire at an impressive looking 5’11” 206lbs. ran a 4.52 seconds time in the 40 yard dash and also posted a solid 31-inch vertical. His hops may come from his basketball days as Stoudamire originally came to his school in hopes of making a name for himself on the hardwood, but he made the switch to football after his freshman year. Although his numbers weren’t eye-popping in the agility drills, scouts are impressed with what a physical specimen Stoudamire is and feel that he would make an ideal fit as a bump and run corner at the next level. Probably the most ridiculous of all the numbers thrown around during the evaluation process is the fact that during his entire career, Stoudamire NEVER allowed one touchdown pass.

As with all of these sleeper names, Stoudamire has that level of competition question hanging over his head with many pointing to that as his main reason for having such a decorated career. Despite his imposing size for a corner, he does have difficulty getting off of blocks and isn’t the best tackler in this class. That will be a definite drawback in drafting him with all of the size, yet no feel as to how he should utilize it. A 4.52 isn’t a bad time in the 40, but at the NFL level many are looking for the high 4.3’s to low 4.4’s in potential standouts. There is no doubt that Stoudamire will have a bit of a learning curve coming into the league and needs to improve via some top notch coaching, but teams will be intrigued by his size and give him a look in the late 6th or 7th round area.

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 Patrick Stoudamire 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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