Not every FCS player who will be drafted at the end of the April made their way to the NFL Draft the same way. Some have put up big numbers for years, some made a splash at their pro day. Only a handful of the FCS prospects got the invite to the NFL Combine, but that won't stop some from getting drafted.
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According to NFL Draft Scout's Dane Brugler, an average of 35 players who don't get combine invites are drafted each year anyway, so he went ahead and tried to predict who those 35 players would be.
Among the 35 are six players from the FCS ranks.
MCLAUGHLIN: Comparing FCS Pro Day Numbers to the Combine
Here's who Dane Brugler thinks could make the jump from FCS player to NFL Draft pick without getting the experience and exposure that comes at the NFL Combine.
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Martez Carter, RB — Grambling State
Brugler: "The Tigers’ leading rusher in each of the last three seasons, Carter is a jitterbug athlete with elusive moves and athletic feet. He is undersized, but his versatility as a runner, receiver and returner could land him a role similar to Tarik Cohen in Chicago."
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Daurice Fountain, WR — Northern Iowa
Brugler: "The highest-rated offensive Combine snub, Fountain would have tested off the charts in Indianapolis (42.5-inch vertical, 11-feet-2 broad jump at his pro day). He is raw in several areas, but his athletic profile and ball skills will land him in the middle rounds."
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Justin Watson, WR — Penn
Brugler: "After a standout Ivy League career (holds almost every Penn receiving record), Watson crushed the Shrine Game, Senior Bowl and his pro day (4.44 40-yard dash, 40-inch vertical). He faces an adjustment vs. NFL competition, but he gives quarterbacks a manageable passing window."
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P.J. Hall, DL — Sam Houston State
Brugler: "Lining up across the defensive line in college, Hall posted a remarkable 86.5 tackles for loss, including 42 sacks, and nine forced fumbles. He is an intriguing one-gap penetrator, and his testing numbers (4.76 40-yard dash, 38-inch vertical) match his film athleticism."
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Foye Oluokun, LB — Yale
Brugler: "A former high school teammate of Ezekiel Elliott, Oluokun saw snaps at cornerback, linebacker and safety at Yale and projects as a hybrid linebacker/safety in the NFL. He has adequate tape, but his testing numbers (4.48 40-yard dash, 37-inch vertical, 6.94 three-cone) are what have NFL teams intrigued."
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Tremon Smith, CB — Central Arkansas
Brugler: "Smith put together a strong collegiate resume (53 passes defended, 15 interceptions), but scouts were concerned about his speed. He put those questions to rest with a 4.32 40-yard dash at his pro day. With his speed, ball production and return skills, the NFL is going to give him a long look."
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NEXT: Lance Zierlein's Top FCS NFL Draft Prospects
