/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/6694799/20120428_ajw_ac4_053.jpg)
Seven rounds of the draft have concluded, but teams aren't done right yet. Undrafted Rookie Free Agency is the next step in the process. Tonight the Denver Broncos announced that they signed 12 Undrafted rookies.
They are:
- Steven Johnson, LB Kansas
- Jamie Blatnick, DE Oklahoma St.
- Mike Remmers, OT Oregon St.
- Elliot Coffey, LB Baylor
- Duke Ihenacho, S San Jose St.
- Gerell Robinson, WR Arizona St.
- Austin Wuebbels, G Missouri
- Wayne Tribue, G Temple
- Anthony Miller, TE, Cal
- Coryell Judie, CB Texas A&M
- Aaron Brewer, Longsnapper San Diego St.
- Jerry Franklin, LB Arkansas
- Eric Page, WR Toledo
Linebacker Steven Johnson: 6'0 239lbs via NFL.com
OVERVIEW:
Johnson is a fifth-year player who didn't start for Kansas until his senior year. He was a former walk-on who worked his way to a scholarship; his key attributes as an NFL prospect are competitiveness and smarts. Johnson makes up for athletic hitches in his play by keying into the offense and flying around at top speed. He could get drafted late, but regardless stands a shot to make a roster as an immediate special teams contributor.
ANALYSIS:
STRENGTHS: Johnson has good instincts to get his body to the ball. He has an ability to read blocking schemes and work to fill his gaps. He meets opposing offensive linemen with leverage so that he can maintain his run responsibilities and stay active in the play. He keeps blockers away from him both high, by using his hands, and at his feet, by bending down. He is a strong player who gets a lot of production by keeping blockers off him and understanding where they're coming from, a trait highly attractive to coaches of 3-4 schemes.
WEAKNESSES: Johnson will have to overcome the perception that he isn't physically talented enough to make it at the next level. There are various aspects to his game where he struggles, mainly in pass coverage. In both man-to-man and zone coverages, Johnson could have his athletic ability exploited in space. He doesn't have the speed, footwork, or hip fluidity to cover some of the more athletic players at the next level. He will have to be drafted within a particular scheme that fits his needs in order to find success early.
Defensive End Jamie Blatnick, 6'3 263lbs: Via NFL.com
OVERVIEW:
Blatnick became a full-time starter at defensive end for the first time as a senior. He is slightly slow, but quick off the ball and physical. He excels as a run defender. Because of his edge play and overall strength for his relatively compact size, teams that run a 3-4 scheme could be interested in moving him to linebacker. His versatility could make him a fifth-round pick.
ANALYSIS:
STRENGTHS: Blatnick is strong, able to jolt linemen at the point of attack, and can hold the edge to keep plays inside. He can set his hips, get his hands extended under a lineman's chin and hold him there until he can shed him and move toward the ball. Blatnick has good lateral movement and burst. He excels at getting tight ends off their routes. Blatnick can hold off linemen and tight ends with one arm while he diagnoses plays, and then shed them.
WEAKNESSES: Blatnick does not look natural when moving in space, which could lead teams to label him a "'tweener" and shy away from trying to convert him to the linebacker spot. He can cover tight ends adequately but struggles to stay with them deep down the field.
Offensive Tackle Mike Remmers, 6'5 303lbs:
Career:
Mike made 44 starts in his career including 37 straight to finish his career ... 44 starts ranks sixth in Oregon State history ... began his career as a walk-on ... finalist for the Burlsworth Trophy, given annually to the best player in the country that began his career as a walk-on ... earned a scholarship prior to the 2009 season ... started first seven games in 2008 at right tackle, then as a redshirt freshman walk-on, while senior starter Tavita Thompson was ineligible ... started every game from 2009-11 - right tackle for 2009 and '10 and left tackle in 2011 ... earned Pac-10 Conference Honorable Mention in 2010 ... father, Wally Remmers, played football at OSU (1974-76) and brother, Vic, played basketball for the Beavers (2002-05) ... graduated with a degree in new media communications in December.
Linebacker Elliot Coffey, 6'0 234lbs:
Career:
Four-year letterman and two-year starting linebacker... Earned second-team All-Big 12 honors from Waco Tribune-Herald and honorable mention from league coaches and Associated Press... Played in 2012 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl all-star game...Named 2011 Valero Alamo Bowl Defensive MVP... Starting middle linebacker and quarterback of defense as senior in 2011... Led team with 114 total tackles (55 solo) and ranked fourth in Big 12 with 8.8 tackles-per-game... Father, Ken, played safety for Washington Redskins... Graduated from Baylor in May 2011 with degree in speech communication.
Safety Duke Ihenacho, 6'0 213lbs: Via NFL.com
OVERVIEW:
When healthy, Ihenacho has been a force in the secondary since arriving at San Jose State. He has played corner in the past but finished his senior year at safety and projects best to that position at the next level. Ihenacho is a strong run defender who can also cover deep, and has fourth-round value.
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS: Ihenacho is physical when coming down to support the run. He is alert in zone and understands when to bite and when to play back. He is explosive and a quick reactor in run and pass. He has the athletic ability to finish plays in the pass game and the speed to come up and meet running backs to deliver one of his trademark punishing blows.
WEAKNESSES: Ihenacho has some problems with his technique when working in his backpedal. He usually prefers to shuffle and then run forward to make plays, so he may have a tough time covering in man or playing out of close alignments at the next level.
Receiver Gerell Robinson, 6'4 225lbs: Via NFL.com
OVERVIEW:
Robinson is big receiver who emerged during his senior year. He is an average athlete who doesn’t display much mobility. He is effective catching the ball in short spaces and uses his frame well. He doesn't have the speed to be a deep threat. Robinson is a guy who has been productive in a conference full of good receivers, and has value as a late-round selection to see if his size can be utilized at the next level.
ANALYSIS:
STRENGTHS: Robinson is a good traffic player who catches a ton of balls in close quarters and for short first downs. He likes to box out like a basketball player and use his long limbs to pluck the ball out of the air. He is also effective in the run game as he likes to get physical and block cornerbacks downfield. He is an effort player who brings a physical presence.
WEAKNESSES: Robinson is nonexistent as a deep threat, and despite his size he struggles to get off the line of scrimmage. He worked out of the slot at ASU, which is uncommon for a player of his size. He will have to learn how to get past his inability to release off the line, and figure out how to be productive in the intermediate-to-deep passing game.
Guard Austin Wuebbels , 6'4 295lbs:
2011 SEASON:
Proven veteran who has started 26-consecutive games ... Expected to up his play in his senior season, and he mans the top spot on the depth at right guard entering fall drills ... Was tabbed a pre-season 2nd-Team All-Big 12 pick by Phil Steele in July ... An outstanding student who is a 3-time 1st-Team Academic All-Big 12 peformer who earned his undergraduate degree in May (marketing), meaning he'll play the 2011 season as a grad student ... (Last name is pronounced WEB-uls).
2010 SEASON:
Won honorable mention All-Big 12 honors for his play at right guard, wher he started all 13 games for Mizzou's offense ... Part of a veteran offensive line that helped the Tigers run for at least 200 yard in three of the last four games of the season, including 260 yards against Texas Tech.
2009 SEASON:
Became a starter for the first time in his career ... Worked at left guard primarily, where he made all 13 starts for the Tigers on the season, and helped the Tiger offense average nearly 30 points and over 400 yards of offense per game, despite featuring a first-year starter at quarterback.
2008 SEASON:
Saw significant action as a redshirt freshman, playing in 10 games, primarily in a reserve role ... Served as the primary backup to All-Big 12 right guard Kurtis Gregory ... Was awarded for his work in the classroom by being named a First-Team Academic All-Big 12 selection.
2007 SEASON:
Redshirted in his first year in the Tiger program.
Also, our very own KaptainKirk did an excellent piece on Austin Wuebbels. A must read
Guard Wayne Tribue, 6'4 324lbs
A thickly built offensive guard prospect with a strong looking lower half and good length for his size. Coils up well into his stance, can keep his base under him, back flat and generate some pop into contact in-line. Gets his hands up quickly, extends his arms well and initially can create some movement in line. Showcases good range off his frame as well when trying to collapse the line of scrimmage and seal inside. Possesses good body control on the move. Lacks great range, but is a good enough athlete to get around with ease on power plays, and is able to breakdown and seal from the backside. Was consistently asked to pull on offense and was impressive leading runs and sealing holes inside. However, is a little tight in the hips and too often ends up on the ground through contact.
Showcases a quick initial step in the pass game. Can reach defenders off his frame, stay low and extend his arms with "plus" power and balance on his punch. Showcases natural change of direction skills in space and through contact. Can mirror laterally, is nimble footed and fluid when changing directions and when asked to mirror. Needs to do a bit better job re-working his hands through contact in order to maintain leverage. But he has natural anchor strength and works his feet well laterally in order to stick through contact. Isn't an easy guy to disengage from, has a scrappy element to his game pushing defenders past the pocket if they do gain a step and likes to finish in all areas of the game.
Impression: One of the most underrated offensive guard prospects in the nation. Is a solid athlete, can play low and with some time could fight for playing time.
Tightend Anthony Miller, 6'3 254lbs
CAL CAREER: Has played in 33 games with 21 starts, compiling totals of 40 receptions for 511 yards and two touchdowns, the first of which came on his first career catch as a freshman in 2008 and provided the winning score late in the fourth quarter of a 24-17 Emerald Bowl victory over Miami, Fla.
2011: Named the No. 20 draft-eligible tight end by Phil Steele ... on the watch list for the John Mackey Award given annually to the nation's top tight end for the second straight season ... selected as a Cal "Player to Watch" in Lindy's preseason magazine.
2010: Played in 12 games with 11 starts ... contributed 13 receptions for 152 yards and a touchdown catch that came on a 45-yard reception from Brock Mansion at Oregon State and was the longest of his career ... earned honorable mention Tight End Performer of the Week honors from the College Football Performance Awards after catching a season-high-tying three passes for 53 yards at Oregon State ... also had a season-high-tying three catches for a season-high 57 yards receiving at Nevada, including a 32-yard reception from Kevin Riley that before the 45-yarder at Oregon State was tied for the longest of his career ... had a pair of catches for 19 yards vs. Arizona State, as well as single catches in five other contests (vs. UC Davis, vs. UCLA, at USC, at Washington State, vs. Oregon) ... had at least one catch in six consecutive games beginning vs. UCLA and ending vs. Oregon ... recorded the first tackle of his career at Oregon State ... on the watch list for the Mackey Award given annually to the nation's top tight end ... earned honorable mention preseason All-American honors from College Football Insiders, as well as first-team All-Pac-10 selections by Lindy's and Sporting News, second-team by Phil Steele and third-team according to Athlon ... listed by Steele as the nation's No. 13 draft-eligible tight end.
2009: An honorable mention All-Pac-10 selection ... tallied 26 receptions for 357 yards to rank third on the team in both categories ... was No. 24 in the Pac-10 in per-game receiving yards (32.45) ... played in 11 contests with 10 starts, missing back-to-back games vs. Oregon State and Arizona due to injury ... recorded at least one catch in each of the last 10 contests he played in after being shut out in the season opener against Maryland ... had a season-long 32-yard reception vs. Eastern Washington ... made a career-high five catches for 55 yards in the Poinsettia Bowl vs. Utah ... posted four receptions and a career-high 70 yards receiving against USC ... had three catches on three occasions at Stanford (53 yards), vs. Eastern Washington (48 yards) and at Arizona State (47 yards).
2008: Saw action in 10 games all off the bench as a true freshman, primarily as a backup tight end and on special teams ... his one catch came on Cal's last offensive play of the year - a two-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Nate Longshore with 2:41 left in the Emerald Bowl for the game-winning score in the Bears' 24-17 victory over Miami, Fla.
Cornerback Coryell Judie, 6'0 194lbs: Via NFL.com
OVERVIEW:
Judie has been a two-year starter for Texas A&M but struggled with injuries in 2011 and will get rotated out at times. He is a man cover corner who does not play instinctively. He has good length in his arms to make recover plays and is effective working out of press. He would be good in a man scheme, as he makes flashy plays on the ball. Judie could compete to make a team based on his reliability as a return man, and therefore has sixth-round talent.
ANALYSIS:
STRENGTHS: Judie excels playing man coverage. He can stay with his man throughout the play but will need coaching on making plays once the ball is thrown. He can make interceptions but is not aggressive to squeeze the route when running close. He has been a good zone player as well at Texas A&M. He has value at the next level as a returner, where he has been productive in college.
WEAKNESSES: Judie struggles at the end of plays to finish on the ball. Injuries have led him to regress throughout his senior year and go from a serious return threat who could press to start early in the NFL to a guy who would now just be serviceable at the position. He needs to rekindle the aggressiveness he displayed throughout his junior year.
Longsnapper Aaron Brewer, 6'5 225lbs
A starter from the outset ... SDSU's long snapper on both punts and field goals in every game since coming to The Mesa ... A three-time MWC all-academic pick and SDSU scholar-athlete ... Has 10 career special teams tackles.
2010: Competed in every contest for the third consecutive season ... Compiled a career-best five tackles.
2009: Appeared in all 12 games for the second year in a row ... Recorded four special teams stops, including one in three of the last four contests.
2008: Played in all 12 contests as a true freshman.
High School: Named first-team all-Freeway League as a linebacker his senior year at Troy High School, under coach Jim Burton ... Rated No. 3 long snapper in the country by chrissailerkicking.com ... Team was 12-1 his junior season, advanced to the CIF Southeast Division semifinals and won a Freeway League title ... Member of the track team.
Personal: Born July 5, 1990, in Orange, Calif. ... Son of Viki Sue and David Brewer ... Brother, Vincent, played college water polo at Penn State Behrend ... Other brother, Nathan, played football at University of Puget Sound ... Majoring in finance.
Linebacker Jerry Franklin 6'1 245lbs:
CAREER SUMMARY: Franklin's 37 starts, including 18 in a row entering the 2011 season, are the most by any current Razorback. He has collected 281 tackles, 21.5 for loss, 9.5 sacks, seven quarterback hurries, 10 pass breakups, five interceptions, two forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. His tackles and tackles for loss totals lead all current Razorbacks.
2010: He was named to the Butkus Award Watch List and started all 13 games for the Razorbacks and was named second-team All-SEC by the conference's coaches. He led the team and ranked 10th in the SEC with a career-high 100 tackles, becoming just the second Razorback since 1960 to lead the team in tackles three straight seasons. He also led the team and tied for seventh in the SEC with a career-high 13.0 tackles for loss and tied for the team lead with five quarterback hurries. He ranked second on the team and eighth in the conference with 6.5 sacks, another career high, while adding two pass breakups and one forced fumble. He was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week on Nov. 22 following his 20-tackle performance, which included a career-high-tying 2.0 tackles for loss and 1.0 sack, in Arkansas' 38-31 double-overtime victory at No. 22 Mississippi State. His 20 tackles were the most in the SEC and tied for the fifth-most in the NCAA in 2010. The career-high total was the most at Arkansas since 2002, the second-highest against an SEC opponent and 10th-highest overall in school history, as well as the highest for any Coach Petrino-led team. He opened the season with a seven-tackle performance, including a career-high 2.0 for loss, in a 44-3 victory vs. Tennessee Tech. He made eight tackles, including 1.0 for loss and 0.5 sacks, and had one pass breakup in UA's 31-7 victory vs. ULM. He recorded eight tackles again the next week, adding 0.5 sack, in Arkansas' 31-24 win at Georgia. Franklin recorded 11 tackles vs. No. 1 Alabama. He added three tackles, 0.5 for loss, in the Razorbacks' 24-17 win vs. Texas A&M. He made 10 stops, including 2.0 for loss and a career-high 1.5 sacks, at No. 7 Auburn. He had nine tackles, including 1.5 for loss, with one quarterback hurry and one pass breakup in the Razorbacks' 38-24 win vs. Ole Miss. He recorded four tackles, including 1.0 sack, with two quarterback hurries in the Razorbacks' 41-20 victory at No. 18 South Carolina. In Arkansas' 49-14 win vs. Vanderbilt, he contributed three tackles, 1.0 for loss, and one forced fumble. He made seven tackles, including 1.0 sack, in UA's 58-21 win vs. UTEP. He made three tackles with one quarterback hurry in the 31-23 victory vs. No. 6 LSU. Franklin recorded seven tackles, 0.5 for loss, and one quarterback hurry in the Allstate Sugar Bowl vs. No. 6 Ohio State.
2009: He played in all 13 games with 12 starts. The only game he did not start was Eastern Michigan. He led the team with 94 tackles, tied for first with three interceptions, tied for second with two fumble recoveries, and added 5.0 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and three passes broken up. He was 12th in the SEC and second among all underclassmen with 7.0 tackles per game. His three picks tied for second among all SEC linebackers. He had five tackles in the opener against Missouri State and one against Georgia. At No. 3 Alabama, he had 10 stops. In the win over Texas A&M, he made four tackles with one for a one-yard loss, and returned a fumble 85 yards for a touchdown. He followed with nine tackles against No. 17 Auburn, five with a six-yard sack at No. 1 Florida and eight with a three-yard TFL at Ole Miss. He had five tackles off the bench against Eastern Michigan. Against South Carolina, he had 10 tackles. He had three against Troy. Franklin closed the year with 11 stops and a one-yard TFL against Mississippi State, 13 tackles with a half sack and 28-yard interception return at No. 17 LSU, and 10 stops with a 31-yard interception return that set up a field goal in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl victory over East Carolina.
2008: He enjoyed an outstanding campaign and was honored as a Freshman All-American by The Sporting News. He was also named to the All-SEC Freshman Team by the league coaches and was a second-team Freshman All-SEC selection by College Football News. Franklin started all 12 games at middle linebacker as a redshirt freshman and led the Razorbacks in tackles with 87. He also led the squad in fumble recoveries (2) and tied for the highest interception total (2). He recorded a season-high 12 tackles against ULM, forced a fumble in the third quarter and added a tackle for a loss. He was very active against Texas with eight tackles (second on the team) and his first of five pass breakups in 2008. He had one of the most complete games of his career against Florida with 10 tackles, one for a loss, and the first interception of his career. The interception was the first for UF quarterback Tim Tebow on the season and snapped his streak of 203 attempts without a pick. Franklin had seven tackles against Auburn and Kentucky, and recovered a fumble in the game against the Wildcats. He had nine tackles at Ole Miss, including a sack for a loss of eight yards. He had his second interception against Tulsa and accounted for six tackles in the 30-23 victory. He had four stops and a pass breakup at South Carolina, and six tackles at Mississippi State. He finished the season with five tackles in the 31-30 win over LSU.
2007: He redshirted and practiced with the scout team.
HIGH SCHOOL: He was named the Class 6A Offensive Player of the Year and the 6A East Back of the Year as a senior for coach Mark Uhiren. He earned first-team all-state honors as a receiver and running back. He scored touchdowns via the run, the pass, a fumble return, an interception return and a kickoff return. He had 18 receptions for 463 yards and 12 touchdowns, and he ran six times for 183 yards and three scores. On defense, he had 76 tackles and six interceptions with two picks returned for TDs. As a junior, he was the 6A Player of the Year and the defensive player of the year for all classifications by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. He had 15 catches for 520 yards and eight scores. He also recorded 67 tackles and seven interceptions with three returned for touchdowns. Rivals listed him as the No. 38 safety in the nation and as the No. 8 prospect in Arkansas. He was also on the HawgSports.com Natural 21 at No. 7. Scout ranked him as the No. 7 player in the state and the No. 90 safety in the nation. He chose Arkansas over Ole Miss, Illinois, Miami (Fla.) and Tennessee.
PERSONAL: Born Jan. 10, 1988, he is the son of Mary Franklin. He is majoring in recreation and sport management.
Receiver Eric Page, 5'10 190lbs: Via NFL.com
OVERVIEW:
Page is an early-entry junior out of Toledo who flew under the radar. He is a very polished receiver on film who won't make any NFL teams purely off athletic ability, but he understands the game. At a meager 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds, Page doesn't possess elite speed or quickness, but he has value as a returner as well and could be selected in the fifth or sixth round.
ANALYSIS:
STRENGTHS: Page has a sense of urgency on the field. He is a smooth runner who can snap in and out of his breaks to gain separation, and he is a superb worker of speed cuts in the short passing game. Page employs many tactics that veteran undersized receivers use to gain separation against bigger, faster athletes. He can set up defenders in close areas to either subtly avoid or juke them.
WEAKNESSES: Page is not very fast and doesn't display many athletic traits that would separate himself from the next receiver in a camp. He can lose focus at times and will need to learn that catching the ball across the middle in tight areas will be a key component of his ability to contribute.