Travis Thomas: Top 5 NFL Draft Sleepers That Can Play Now
The Ravens have a reputation for being crème de la crème when it comes to finishing diamonds in the rough late in the draft. I'm sure this season will be no different. Below are some players who won't go early, but could make an impact on this roster immediately.
Anthony Chickillo, Defensive End, Miami 6'3 267 LBS -- Nobody can ignore the impact and the spark that Pernell McPhee providing. We also understand that the Ravens could not break the bank to keep him and we all wish him luck in Chicago. But you need another impact guy coming off the edge now who can also be molded for future dominance. Chickillo has an elite worth ethic and one of those JJ Watt level motors. He has impressed in his workouts and will be an absolute steal in this draft.
Chris Conley, Wide Receiver, Georgia 6'2 213 LBS -- Conley tested off the charts including a blazing 4.35 40 yard dash. At his size, that speed could really benefit the Ravens down the field helping to east the departure of Torrey Smith. Conley racked up yards after the catch while at Georgia as well, so he may provide that toughness that Smith lacked at times.
Carl Davis, Defensive Tackle, Iowa 6'5 320 LBS -- Davis was the anchor of a good Iowa defense and stood out for two seasons (Junior and Senior years) for the Hawkeyes. Athletically you would be hard pressed to find a man of his size move the way he does. The knock on Carl Davis is that he needs to develop more of a mean streak, and play nastier.
Danielle Hunter, Defensive End, LSU 6'5 252 LBS -- He was one of the workout warrior stars from the NFL Combine. Lacks the weight to be an impact rusher off the edge right now, but his frame suggest there is room to grow. I'd like to see him get with the Strength and Conditioning program of the Ravens. He is somebody who could be a one trick pony for now (rushing the passer), however he could learn to become more complete playing alongside the best D-End tandem in the league.
Darren Waller, Wide Receiver, Georgia Tech 6'6 241 LBS -- I have no idea what the hell Georgia Tech feeds their wideouts, but whatever it is, it works. From Calvin Johnson, Demaryius Thomas, and even Stephen Hill the Yellow Jackets keep churning them out. This year, it's Darren Waller, who is built like a tight end and runs faster than almost any running back at the NFL Combine. Waller fits the mold that I believe the Ravens should be looking at, somebody who can play Tight End or Wide Receiver and be solid at both. This will provide more versatility in the passing game as well as fill two needs at once (TE and WR). With the system that Georgia Tech runs, this guy has had plenty of practice blocking as well.
