Non FBS and the Draft/NFL Success

[dbackjon]

Interesting take on success of Non-FBS players:

Why did wide receiver Marques Colston last until the seventh round -- going to the Saints at pick No. 252, the fourth-to-last selection -- in the 2006 NFL Draft?


Marques Colston had 1,000 receiving yards in his first two NFL seasons. (US Presswire)
Colston was pretty clearly a fourth- or fifth-round value based on his size, speed and playmaking ability. His pro success is documented; only injuries prevented him from putting up a third straight 1,000-yard season in 2008.

Why was Coltson still there for the Saints? To paraphrase one scout: "Our folks did not want to draft a receiver from Hofstra."

That antiquated viewpoint, given the success of many prospects from outside major conferences or even the Football Bowl Subdivision, has hindered many franchises.

FBS schools playing outside of the Bowl Championship Series or in the Football Championship Subdivision, D II, D III or NAIA undoubtedly face lesser competition on Saturdays, as well as on their own practice field. But as another scout once told me, "If a guy can play, he can play ... even if you don't recognize his helmet."
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/11561331

[Willie]

Look at Matt Turk of the Houston Texans, he played at D-III Wisconsin-Whitewater, and he's had a helluva career. And there are other D-III and D-II guys that have had awesome careers.

[NorthernCOU]

Vincent Jackson, Reed Doughty, and Aaron Smith. All from UNC, and having good careers.

[TwinTownBisonFan]

Adam f'ing Vinatieri...

Tyrone Braxton
Phil Hanson

I suspect someday... Joe Mays.

Jerry fricken Rice should have ended that foolish thinking 20 years ago...

[putter]

I am amazed that they still don't get it. Walter Peyton, Jerry Rice, Terrell Owens, Kurt Warner, Brian Westbrook, Jared Allen, etc. etc. I think it has gotten better over the years but it still gets to me that they consider FCS "lesser" competition. Less depth? Yes. Less talent, No

[skinny_uncle]

Former Saluki Brandon Jacobs does have a Super Bowl ring.

[JMU DJ]

Charles Hailey has the most super bowl rings of anyone in NFL history... not to mention he was also a great NFL player... Good ol' JMU alumnus right there.