Detroit Lions 2017 NFL Draft Watchlist: Louisville vs Houston

Offensive players with day three draft grades

Senior Cole Hikutini (#18, 6’4″, 248) is another talented player in a strong tight end class. Mel Kiper thinks Hikutini has the talent to get drafted in round three or four, but that will be a tough task with so many talented players in the group. Currently, he is my #10 tight end in the class but he is a rising prospect. NFL.com’s Chad Reuter said this after his week 8 breakout game:

"The former Sacramento State and junior college tight end shows his impressive athleticism when running down the seam or over the middle, adjusting to passes on the run. He possesses strong enough hands to win contested throws, although he’s been a bit up and down this year with his consistency catching the ball. As a blocker, Hikutini isn’t the most physical player, but can win on the move."

In a wide receiver class that has yet to shake out, James Quick (#17, 6’0″, 182) could be one of the top-10 receivers in the senior class. A former five-star athlete, Quick has flashed NFL talent, but has yet to put together the consistency required to be a top prospect.

He started the season out well but has gone quiet since early October when he made a game ending gaffe that potentially cost Louisville the game (their only loss on the season). Quick took a lot of heat for stepping out-of-bounds 1-yard short of the first-down marker, thus ending the Cardinals drive and chance at upsetting Clemson. Scouts will want to know if that play broke his spirit.

Undraftable grades now, but on the rise

Louisville’s other senior wide receiver Jamari Staples (#2, 6’3″, 195), doesn’t flash like Quick but his NFL frame and 4.4 speed will entice some teams. His stock is on the rise and looks like he’ll be headed to a post-season All-star game. If he shows well, he could hear his name called late on day three.

Senior running back Brandon Radcliff (#23, 5’9″, 210) is a three-year starter but has yet to break 800 yards in any one season. While he may reach that mark this week, he is not a featured offensive piece as quarterback Lamar Jackson dominates the touches. That being said, Louisville needed him to step up last week and he did, producing his second best career game (141 yards).

Radcliff can be a violent runner, running low and fighting for yardage. While not tall, he is by no means small. He has a chance to be a rotational piece in the NFL but he will have to improve his play on passing downs and overall consistency.