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Top 10 small-school prospects in 2016 NFL Draft

A few years ago, I asked an NFL scouting director why WR Marques Colston lasted until the seventh round of the 2006 draft. The rangy pass-catcher exceeded 1,000 yards in 6 of his first 7 seasons with the Saints. So I asked him why a talent like Colston lasted until Round 7.

The answer? "My GM didn't want to pick a receiver from Hofstra," he said, mimicking his boss in stating the name of the school, not one known for producing NFL talent, with disdain.

This sort of thinking has become less prevalent through the league in recent years, with success stories like Colston. Mid-round round picks like WR John Brown (Pittsburg State), TE Julius Thomas (Portland State), and CB Josh Norman (Coastal Carolina) have more than proven their NFL worth despite coming through a "small school."

These 10 2016 NFL Draft prospects should not be judged by the name of their school, but by the content of their draft grade. Each has great promise.

Chad_Reuter_1400x1000
Chad Reuter

Draft Analyst

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