Murph's most wanted
More Murphy: Day 2: Sleeper picks
In Day 2 of the NFL draft, all 32 teams will continue to fill need areas on the depth chart while also searching for that late-round "find."
This is where you build the depth chart of your franchise and find those late-round success stories, which can greatly improve your salary cap situation if you can locate a late-round starter, even if it's a special teams ace.
The following is a list of my best players still on the board at the start of the seventh round.
1. Gerrick McPhearson, CB, Maryland – He's one of the fastest cover corners available in this year's draft, comparing favorably to Fabian Washington, who was taken in the first round of last year's draft by the Oakland Raiders. Has excellent pedigree, too, as his father played in the NFL with New England, and his younger brother, Derrick, will be a starting wide receiver at Illinois next season.
2. Marques Colston, WR, Hofstra – This big, physical pass catcher wowed scouts at the East-West Shrine game by catching a pair of touchdowns and then nearly winning the game in the final seconds with a highlight reel catch between two defenders. He comes from a Div. I-AA program that has turned out guys like Wayne Chrebet (NY Jets), Lance Schulters (Miami) and Arlen Harris (Detroit). Colston has good size at 6-4, 225 pounds and ran 4.5's at the Combine. He's worth watching on the team that lands his services.
3. Oliver Hoyte, LB, N.C. State – An underrated member of a defense that featured three first-round defensive linemen and fellow linebacker Stephen Tulloch in the fourth round. He's a smart, versatile defender who can be slotted in at either strong-side or inside linebacker. His intangibles and instincts will carry him onto a roster.
4. Kyle Williams, DT, LSU – He's a tough, hard-nosed kid in the mold of Chris Hovan (Tampa Bay). Williams doesn't stand out in any one category, but is solid across the board. His lack of ideal size or workout numbers cost him on draft day, but he will make someone's team and contribute as a guy you can insert into a steady rotation.
5. Ryan LaCasse, DE/OLB, Syracuse – Very interesting athlete who played defensive end for the Orangemen, but will likely be tried at outside linebacker or as a hybrid, stand-up pass rusher. LaCasse runs very well and is an up-the-field type kid that is a little stiff in terms of coverage or lateral movement. Projects as a situational pass rusher with special teams ability.
6. Justin Holland, QB, Colorado State – Underrated signal caller that impressed at his pro day after being passed over by the combine committee. His stats match up equal to or better than guys like Brodie Croyle and Charlie Whitehurst who were taken in the third round.
7. Jasper Harvey, OL, San Diego State – Team captain who started at both center and guard during his college career. His pro day workout numbers would have ranked among the top-5 in terms of results posted by centers at the combine. Havey has good footwork and displayed a real nasty streak at his post-season all-star games.
OTHER NAMES TO WATCH FOR:
Darrell Hackney, QB, UAB
Charles Gordon, DB/WR, Kansas
Patrick Watkins, S, Florida State
Brian Iwuh, OLB/S, Colorado
Rodrique Wright, DT, Texas
