Pure Steel
Doc's Draft Sleepers
By James Santelli

Ramses Barden, WR, Cal Poly

Despite his struggles in an injury-plagued 2008 season, Marques Colston still stands as an example of how a team can greatly benefit from extensive research of late-round picks. The former seventh-rounder was a tall, Division I-AA receiver that carried with him concerns about his speed and hands. All of these are also true of Ramses Barden, except his projected 3rd-round value. At a strong 6' 6 and 229 pounds, Barden could be an immediate red zone threat for the team that drafts him. But it's the intelligence and blocking ability that the receiver brings that has helped to scare away the words "possible bust" from being used to describe him. The only real concern that has surrounded Barden through the draft process is the inconsistent effort he played with against inferior FCS (I-AA) competition. If he can prove that this work ethic won't follow him into the NFL, Ramses Barden truly has #1 receiver potential if he can adjust to the speed of pro football.

Lawrence Sidbury, Jr., DE, Richmond

As the fastest in this year's class of defensive ends, Lawrence Sidbury's future will depend on the team that drafts him more than that of most other players. The 6' 2 player will likely remain at end with a 4-3 defense, but may be better off as a pass rushing linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. Sidbury made a huge impact in his senior season at Richmond, totaling 56 tackles and 11.5 sacks in the Spiders' run to the Division I FCS championship. It wasn't until his top 40-yard dash time of 4.64, though, that he became a late-day one / early-day two prospect. It's obvious that Sidbury has game-changing defensive speed and pass rush ability, but there are still some issues, the greatest of which are strength questions. He doesn't have the huge build of his peers at defensive end, which may serve to keep away 4-3 teams from using a fourth round pick on him. If Sidbury finds himself in a scheme that uses his speed well and masks his weaknesses as a run-stopper, he has a chance to be a very good pass-rushing weapon.

Domonique Johnson, CB, Jackson State

In this year's unusually slow cornerback class (no player ran faster than 4.46 in the 40 at the combine), a defensive back with size can set himself apart. Domonique Johnson is one of the taller secondary prospects at just over 6' 1, and his 4.59 forty time is nothing to sneeze at, either. Johnson, a Missouri transfer, has the ideal skill set for the NFL to go along with his height. He is a physical corner who doesn't get pushed around at 197 rounds, and he's got very good hands, intercepting five passes in both his junior and senior seasons with the Tigers. Despite the plusses, Johnson may be relegated to the second day of the draft. There are some character issues that surround him, and many scouts believe that his technique still needs a good bit of work before he's ready to play regularly on Sundays. Still, no coach can deny Johnson's great potential, and the team that drafts him should be able to find a place for him with his versatility in the secondary.