(STATS) – Some of the 2018 FCS prospects who rose late in pre-NFL Draft rankings landed quite well last April:
– Sam Houston State defensive tackle P.J. Hall was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the second round.
– Fordham running back Chase Edmonds was a fourth-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals.
– The Arizona Falcons found a steal in Yale outside linebacker Foyesade Oluokun in the sixth round.
There were more, too.
Heading toward the three-day 2019 draft which begins Thursday night, various FCS players have made noticeable jumps across various rankings.
Here are five prospects getting a late boost:
Jacob Dolegala, Central Connecticut State, QB, 6-7, 242
He’s not the next Carson Wentz, but Dolegala has Wentz-like size, and that has drawn attention from scouts. When they take a closer look, they see a quick release and better movement than expected. Dolegala drew raves from former Dallas Cowboys vice president of player personnel Gil Brandt following his pro day at the University of Buffalo.
Drew Forbes, Southeast Missouri, OG, 6-5, 308
As a prospect, Forbes always seemed to be hidden in plain sight. He was a consistent, durable lineman at Southeast Missouri and had a banner senior season. After being missed on the all-star game circuit, Forbes tested well at his pro day, including a 4.87-second 40-yard dash that would have been the fastest for an offensive lineman at the NFL Combine.
Damion Jeanpiere Jr., Nicholls, WR, 5-11, 170
Speaking of sizzling 40s, Jeanpiere clocked 4.25 at his pro day (plus, 6.41 in the 5-10-5 short shuttle). NFL Draft Scout says the blazer has the “it” factor because “he is tough to tackle and he can’t be caught if he gets a step.” Jeanpiere has excellent ball skills and averaged over 18 yards per reception in his career.
Troy Reeder, Delaware, ILB, 6-2, 235
Safety Nasir Adderley was the main attraction at Delaware’s pro day, but scouts liked Reeder’s strength and athleticism. He made the 2015 All-Big freshman team in his only season at Penn State and played with an aggressive, tenacious style at Delaware, where he ranked 10th nationally in tackling as a senior.
Reggie White Jr., Monmouth, WR, 6-2, 208
The son of former Chargers and Patriots defensive lineman Reggie White Sr. may not get drafted, but he would be in demand with teams right afterward. He’s risen to 20th in the FCS in small-school expert Josh Buchanan’s rankings. Monmouth’s productive all-time leading receiver uses his body well to attack the ball.
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