(STATS) – Quality and quantity were expected to mix with the FCS class of players selected in the 2018 NFL Draft.
The third and final day of the draft is when the majority of FCS selections come off the board, and on Saturday they started adding to the four selected in the first 65 picks Friday night in Arlington, Texas.
The New York Giants were first to dip into the FCS when the draft resumed with the fourth round, selecting Richmond quarterback Kyle Lauletta at No. 108 overall.
Following is a pick-by-pick summary of the FCS draft class:
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SATURDAY, APRIL 28=
New York Giants (4th round, 108th overall) – Kyle Lauletta, Richmond, QB, 6-2½, 222. Overcame a torn ACL in November 2016 to post a big senior season, winning CAA offensive player of the year and then MVP at the Reese’s Senior Bowl. Accurate passer finished his Richmond career as the school record-holder for passing yards (10,465) and touchdown passes (73).
Buffalo Bills (4, 121) – Taron Johnson, Weber State, CB, 6-0, 180. The Big Sky’s 2017 MVP and STATS FCS All-America first-teamer has a lanky frame for natural cover skills. Was in on a school-record 42 pass breakups, including six interceptions, during his college career.
Arizona Cardinals (4, 134) – Chase Edmonds, Fordham, RB, 5-9, 205. Three-time FCS All-American and 2014 Jerry Rice Award winner has the speed and shifty moves of a change-of-pace back. Finished as the Patriot League’s all-time record-holder in rushing yards (5,862), all-purpose yards (7,374) and TDs (74).
Los Angeles Rams (4, 135) – John Franklin, Stephen F. Austin, DE, 6-4, 283. Uses an 82-inch wingspan to engage blockers and then drive through with upper-body strength. Hustles to get to ball carriers, notching 28 tackles for loss over his final two seasons at SFA.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4, 144) – Justin Watson, Penn, WR, 6-2½, 213. Physical receiver with good ball skills who played in both the East-West Shrine Game and Reese’s Senior Bowl. Holds Penn’s career records for receptions (286), receiving yards (3,777), TD receptions (33) and all-purpose yards (4,116).
Chicago Bears (5, 145) – Bilal Nichols, Delaware, DT, 6-4, 306. Viewed as a run stopper, he moves along the line fluidly and plays through the whistle. His performance at the East-West Shrine Game earned him a late invite to the Reese’s Senior Bowl.
Cincinnati Bengals (5, 151) – Davontae Harris, Illinois State, CB, 5-11, 205. Physical, big-game corner who is particularly strong in run support. Was first among cornerbacks at the NFL Combine with 22 reps in the bench press and clocked 4.43 seconds in the 40-yard dash.
Buffalo Bills (5, 154) – Siran Neal, Jacksonville State, SS, 6-0, 205. Plays with a physical style in coverage, boasting a 40.5-inch vertical jump to attack passes. Was found wherever FCS power Jacksonville State needed him, including safety as a sophomore, linebacker as a junior and cornerback as a senior.
Indianapolis Colts (5, 159) – Daurice Fountain, Northern Iowa, WR, 6-1½, 210. Uses natural athleticism to separate from coverage and pick up yards after the catch. Followed banner senior season (66 receptions for 943 yards and 12 TDs) by winning MVP honors at the East-West Shrine Game.
Los Angeles Rams (6, 192) – Jamil Demby, Maine, OG, 6-5, 325. STATS FCS All-America second-team selection made 40 starts at left tackle in his Maine career, but is expected to transition to guard on the next level. Naturally strong with a good anchor in pass protection.
Kansas City Chiefs (6, 196) – Tremon Smith, Central Arkansas, CB, 5-11, 193. What the athletic Smith lacks in size, he overcomes with blazing speed (4.3 speed in the 40), a bump-and-run style and excellent ball skills. Also viewed as a contributor as a returner.
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FRIDAY, APRIL 27=
Indianapolis Colts (2, 36) – Darius Leonard, South Carolina State, OLB, 6-2, 234. Two-time MEAC defensive player of the year has NFL frame plus instinctive feel for the game, reflecting in his school-record 394 tackles. Sixth South Carolina State draft pick in the 2010s and the school’s highest since 1995.
Philadelphia Eagles (2, 49) – Dallas Goedert, South Dakota State, TE, 6-4½, 256. Has the agility and reliable hands of a wide receiver with a tight end’s body. Was particularly dominant with 92 receptions as a junior, and totaled 164 catches for 3,404 yards and 18 touchdowns over his final two seasons.
Oakland Raiders (2, 57) – P.J. Hall, Sam Houston State, DT, 6-0, 308. Playing mostly defensive end, two-time STATS All-America first-teamer set the FCS career record with 86.5 tackles for loss and was just off the all-time high in sacks with 42. Also blocked 14 kicks, three shy of the FCS record.
Oakland Raiders (3, 65) – Brandon Parker, North Carolina A&T, OT, 6-8, 305. Won the MEAC offensive lineman of the year award three times. In 48 career starts, two-time STATS FCS All-American didn’t surrender a sack, allowed only two quarterback hurries and committed just seven penalties.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 26=
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