Valuable players can be found anywhere in the draft, and Thursday's 15th anniversary of the New England Patriots picking Tom Brady in the sixth round is a great reminder of that.
Who knows if there's a future Brady-like performer to be found in the late rounds of the 2015 NFL Draft, but several NFL Media analysts believe a team could find one on Day 3 by eyeing a running back out of the SEC this year.
"Some teams don't have the value for (a fullback), but Jalston Fowler can catch the ball out of the backfield," NFL Media analyst Charles Davis said on NFL Network's "Path to the Draft." "Road-grader as a run blocker up front, and, yes, he can carry the ball in short-yardage and run-out-the-clock situations. I think he's tremendous."
Fullbacks might be going the way of the dinosaur in football, but any Alabama fan could tell you that Fowler's versatility could be a real asset for an NFL offense. He's unlikely to be drafted until the final few rounds, if at all, but he certainly could be a great option for a team looking for an upgrade at the fullback/H-back position.
NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah had another SEC running back in mind as a prospect who would have an early impact despite his late draft projection.
"Matt Jones from Florida, a running back, is going to be an outstanding value pick because of what he can give you on third down," Jeremiah said. "He's one of the best pass protectors in the entire draft, and he catches the ball naturally out of the backfield. You add to that what he can give you in short yardage as a power runner, and he has a role on your football team."
The offensive mess Jones had to endure with the Gators last season might end up helping his stock, when you consider he's played in both a pro-style system and the spread.
Jeremiah also named LSU's Terrance Magee as a big running back who should be a great value on Day 3 of the draft.
"I think he is going to be another draft-day steal," Jeremiah said. "He has quickness when he runs and a second gear when he gets into the open field. I think he has a lot of value and not a lot of tread on those tires, a nice combination for a running back on Day 3."
Also mentioned as potential draft-day steals were a trio of defensive backs: Stanford corner Alex Carter, FAU corner D'Joun Smith, and Louisville safety James Sample.
You can follow Bryan Fischer on Twitter at @BryanDFischer.
