OK...Some people may contend that a "sleeper" pick is a small school prospect that played at a high level, showed all the skills to translate to the next level, and has untapped potential to become a very good pro ball player.

 Yet in reality, a sleeper can be on any roster, big school or small. He may even get post season awards, and be known by those who follow a certain conference, or school, but gets little or no recognition by the McShay's, Kiper's, or Mayock's. You'll seldom see them listed among the best at their position, even though they ourperformed all the big names in college at their respective positions.Some are then bypassed by the NFL Combine, thinking their skills don't warrant draft consideration, and aren't among the top 350 or so prospects. Jay Ratliff was an obvious draft year "sleeper", wasn't invited to the 2005 Combine, and played for an undefeated SEC powerhouse in Auburn.

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Well, As promised, I've searched around the world wide web to hopefully pull a late round gem from the depths of obscurity. I'm strickly looking for guys that fit our teams perceived need of depth at various positions. I'd have to say, Finding a run stuffing, gap clogging behemoth, that can take on two blockers would certainly be well received here. I have little info on this guy, but what little i've read appeals to me.

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More than likely to a fault, I probably spend nearly half my awoken life browsing the web. Most of that time is spent blogging here on BTB, but I also venture off and check out transactions, other team needs, and daily sports news, trade rumors, etc. etc...My passion is, and always has been evaluating prospects for the NFL draft.

From what I see, there are quite a few very knowledgable draft/player savvy guys on this site, which is why I come here to discuss  football with mature, intelligent people that can share ideas, opinions, info that may not be found elsewhere.........I'm in no way the final authority on all things draft...My opinions and views of certain players may certainly differ from some of yours, and I repect that....But if I can enlighten just one reader, and provide interesting info that someone may appreciate, it's worth it to me.

I may totally disagree with rankings of a Mayock, McShay, or Kiper, but it doesn't make me wrong, or them right.....I have called out many many many gem prospects over the years, long before any one of them were on board, or even mentioned these players, (CB-Dominique Rodgers Cromartie, from last year for instance)......This is no exact science, and they have much much more time and resources invested than me. But I don't go jumping on the bandwagon of already established, nationally known players cuz that's too easy....It's going out on a limb, and finding totally unknowns, that possess NFL caliber measurables, and intangibles that seperates the good from the also rans.

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Ok ok ok....I know I have busted on Emmitt Smith in the past for his articulate way of trashing the English language. He's loved by many, and laughed at by many more, but he'll always be our very own Cowboy.

Like I, and many others had predicted, Emmitt Smith two year run on ESPN has come to a close today. He will no longer be amusing us with his insight, and word bashing. In my opinion, he's got to be the worst analyst this football fan has ever seen. And one often wonders how he got a BS in Communications from the University of Florida.

We'll always love Emmmitt for what he's done on the field for this franchise, but his broadcasting career will be forever be a reminder for kids to stay in school, and pay attention.....

I will leave everyone with this little snip of Emmitt classics...farewell Cowboy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGT08DTk3NM

We got one last chance to check out some sleeper picks that may someday make an impact in the NFL.  The Texas vs. The Nation All Star game will be played this Saturday on CBS, and there is a few prospects we may want to keep an eye on.

*note-

Kickoff is at 1 p.m. Mountain on CBS College Sports Network, formerly CSTV, which is found at Bresnan channel 411, channel 152 on Dish Network and channel 613 on DIRECTV.

Here is a listing of the entire All Star Game Roster:

http://draftdaddy.com/features/allstar.htm

There is some talent here for sure, and some may make a good impression in this game. The ones I'll be watching closely are :

Dorell Scott- Clemson- DT-6'4" 320lbs. 5.00 40 http://clemsontigers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/scott_dorell00.html

Khalif Mitchell-Eastern Carolina-DE-6'6" 306lbs. 5.00 40

William Johnson-Michigan-DE-6'5" 290lbs. 4.85 40 -project 3-4 DE

Demonte Boldin-Tennessee-DE-6'5" 300lbs. 5.00 40 - high motor

Terrence Knighton-Missouri-DE-6'4" 291lbs. 5.10 40 -

Appleby-Virginia-MLB- 6'4" 250lbs. 4.70 40

Holtzclaw-E Michigan-MLB- 6'1" 246lbs. 4.70 40 http://www.emueagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=1452&path=football

Britt Miller-Illinois-LB

Jamarca Sanford-Miss-Free Safety- 5'10" 200lbs. 4.55 40 http://www.olemisssports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=12787&SPID=737&DB_OEM_ID=2600&ATCLID=542708&Q_SEASON=2008

Stephen Hodge-TCU-Strong Safety- 6'0" 230lbs. 4.65 40 He made a nice leaping interception on one play, an ill-advised pass meant for the running back whom he had blanketed. Hodge shows good instincts in the box, jumping into the backfield to take on blockers and force running backs to turn inside for no gains. _Russ Lande, Sporting News

Reshard Langford-Vandy-Safety- 6'2" 218 4.60 40 http://vucommodores.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/langford_reshard00.html

Marcus McClinton-Kentucky-Safety- 6'1" 210lbs. 4.50 40 http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/mcclinton_marcus00.html

Here's some more players I feel we would have interest in the mid to late rounds or UFA practice squad material: Here's the hot names at practice:

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/11315279

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/11307270

•  OLB Lee Robinson (Alcorn State, 6-2, 249): He could challenge Owens as the top pick from this game because he's a physical specimen, and he can really play. Scouts value a guy like Robinson who can hold up a pulling guard in space but run with backs in coverage down the sideline. Alcorn State linebacker Lee Robinson is all of 6-2, 249, and appears destined to be a 3-4 inside linebacker to use his strength and athleticism. He continues to impress with his athleticism. Even at 249 pounds, he has the ability to track running backs in the flat and get to receivers in short zones. He's a guy who looks like Tarzan -- and plays like him, too. Of this week's participants, Robinson should be one of the first players drafted.

http://alcornsports.com/sport_m_football.php?act=players&id=408

•  *OT Cornelius Lewis (Tennessee State, 6-4, 324): In today's one-on-ones, Lewis was unbeatable. The Florida State transfer moved his feet and extended his arms to prevent ends from getting anywhere near the quarterback. Although he could be moved inside, Lewis appears most comfortable at the left tackle spot.The top lineman on either side of the ball was Tennessee State left tackle Cornelius Lewis, a Florida State transfer who will probably move inside at the next level. He used his arm length and athleticism to hold up his man at the point of attack or direct him around the pocket in drills and scrimmages.

•  ILB Frantz Joseph (Florida Atlantic, 6-2, 243): Whether in pads or just shells, Joseph made his presence felt in the box. He showed the strength necessary to get off of blocks and the awareness in zone to prevent running backs and tight ends from making yardage after the catch. Frantz Joseph was intense and ready to go today while his Nation teammates were chilling out before practice. He popped pads all day in the box and although he's not really fluid, he gets into position to make plays in coverage.

•  OG T.J. Lang (Eastern Michigan, 6-4, 312): He lined up at tackle, guard and center during the week and won almost every battle. Lang locks up his man, consistently anchoring to prevent the bull rush. T.J. Lang moved inside for Monday's practice and proved he belonged, refusing to back down from anyone. T.J. Lang played left tackle for Eastern Michigan for the past two-plus seasons, but his play at left guard this week proves he'll be a solid NFL player at that spot. Strong at the point of attack, Lang can also get out in front of screens and dominate defensive backs at the second or third level.

•  *OT Joel Bell (Furman, 6-7, 312): It's hard to ignore Bell's physically imposing frame. Defensive linemen found it difficult to get around his wide body and long arms, and his straight-line speed is obvious as he gets downfield to block. He'll be among the fastest tackles at the Combine.

•  *CB Chris Owens (San Jose State, 5-10, 182): Scouts were buzzing about Owens as possibly the highest-rated prospect on the field. Some teams won't invest a high pick in a smallish corner, but a team will value the playmaking ability, fluid hips and short memory he demonstrated in El Paso.Tuesday's defensive star for the Texas squad was Chris Owens from San Jose State. He had at least two interceptions on the day, stepping in front of his man as if he'd heard the route called in the huddle. He has been the "other" corner opposite Dwight Lowery and Coye Francies the past two seasons, partially because of size (5-9, 182) but Owens' game should make his phone ring sometime on Sunday during draft weekend.

•  *QB Curtis Painter (Purdue, 6-3, 222): Considering his high profile over the past three seasons, Painter should be the top quarterback coming out of this game. His arm strength is clearly the best of the group, and his accuracy -- while not great -- was also the most consistent. This year's quarterback class probably will be weak enough to keep Painter off the free-agent market.

•  DE Pierre Walters (Eastern Illinois, 6-4, 269): Flashed pass rush off the edge and his size, occasionally violent hands and strength at the point gives NFL defensive coaches a good foundation for a developmental project. Has the size at 6-4, 269, to hold up on early downs but flashed good speed off the edge and an ability to spin or loop inside to get to the quarterback stepping up into the pocket.

http://media.www.dennews.com/media/storage/paper309/news/2009/01/30/Sports/Football.Walters.Will.Play.In.AllStar.Game-3605097.shtml

* WR-Stephen F. Austin receiver Dominique Edison is unquestionably the best receiver here. The 6-2, 199-pounder has sub-4.4 speed and displayed great hands throughout practice

* WR/KR-Jason Chery-Louisiana-Lafeyette-5'11" 195lbs. --->4.22 40<------

http://www.theadvertiser.com/article/20090131/SPORTS/901310305/1006 

There you have it..Sleepers will come from is game. Enjoy the game.

Well,

Reports are now coming out that Herm Edwards has been fired as HC of the Chiefs. Chris Mortenson reports that talks are in proccess with Shanahan to become new HC. It's not a done deal, but everyone knows how Mort likes to run with stories that are done deals.He also mentions if Shanahan doesn't sign on, that Chan Gailey may be an option to take over the HC spot.

I for one, was a big advocate to bring Shanhan in as either OC or HC, as I see him as a good mentoring coach for Romo,and runs a high powered offense that would be a good fit for our offensive personel.

Oh well...Wade gets by this hurdle for now.