Each Sunday millions of fans tune in to watch the elite of football players strap on their helmets, tape their ankles and put that little black streak under their eyes in preparation for 60 minutes of manly happenings We all know guys that were good enough to make it to that level but somewhere along the way things didn't work out for them wether it was misfortune , lack of desire or simply choice
On April 25th we know some guys that are going to get their chance. Most notably Geno Smih, Tavon Austin , Stedman Baily and Aaron Dobson. Four skilled and exciting players that will get a chance to process themselves at the next level against the very best. We have al heard about these guys and a few others but let's talk about a couple guys that have paid the price and have the talent to cash a Sunday paycheck albeit they may not hear their names called in New York
Ryan Nehlen, yes he does have a famous name, grandson of Hall of Fame Coach Don Nehlen. A wide receiver that is hard nosed and will do what is asked of him across the middle and in the slot. If not for the fact he played the same position as Austin and Bailey, Nehlen would have had a solid career. The pros will overlook the fact that he doesn't fill the stats category with catches and yardage and will take into consideration that he tore up his pro day with numbers that caught the eye. The measurables as they are known in the scouting word do not in themselves tell the entire story of a potential NFL player, heck Lynn Swann only ran a 4.6 forty and he's now in Canton. Ryan Nehlen will land with a team as a free agent not because of his name but because of his heart and his hard work Oh yea, he can play too
Division 2 tuning back from the University of Charleston, Jordan Roberts, has been mKing a name for himself by being invited to regional scouting combines and showing his stuff to NFL teams. While Roberts may not be the prototypical NFL back with breakaway speed or shifty moves he does posses the drive and the hunger to latch on a team as a third down , short yardage and special teams guy. This is not meant as any disrespect Let's each of 32 NFL teams carries 5 backs, that's only 160 spots and with returning players the number is probably closer to 60 available running back openings to be competed for by players from 117 DI schools, and all the lower divisions. Tough gig to get. When you see Jordon post on social media he is always running or lifting. A slightly longer shot than Nehlen, if Roberts can get into camp and find his niche, separate himself from the competition he stands a shot
I'm sure there are players I've left out and I apologize for that but hey, I just started writing this column a few days ago and I promise to do better next year
In the meantime, let's enjoy the draft and seeing where our local guys go and wish them the very best
Kansas City, your now on the clock
Mike
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