Undersized. You'll hear it dozens of times on NFL Draft day. And if you think you're sick of it, imagine how those 'undersized' players themselves feel.
Despite standing just an inch or two below "good-sized" or "well-built", the likes of Dalvin Cook, Budda Baker, Adoree' Jackson and other similarly-sized college football stars have always had an extra mark in their 'weaknesses' column. Nonetheless, that trio and dozens of other "undersized" players will hear their names called at the 2017 NFL Draft and once again be forced to prove that one or two inches is not a limitation.
MORE DIRTY DOZENS:
Best NFL Draft Prospects Who Played Texas High School Football
Best NFL Draft Prospects Who Weigh at Least 325 Pounds
In this edition of the Dirty Dozen, we look at the best 2017 NFL Draft prospects who stand 5-foot-10 or shorter.
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12. T.J. Logan – RB, North Carolina
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 196 pounds
Projection: 5th-6th Round
Mostly overshadowed by teammate Elijah Hood, T.J. Logan never put up eye-popping numbers — 2,165 rushing yards and 23 total touchdowns in four seasons — but he was a terrific all-purpose back who has special teams and third-down back written all over him:
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11. Jalen Myrick – CB, Minnesota
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 200 pounds
Projection: 5th-6th Round
Jalen Myrick went from low-rated recruit known for his blazing speed to one of the Big Ten's best corners. Though still undersized to play one-on-one on the outside, he will find role in the slot against fellow speedsters. He ran a 4.28 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.
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10. Jeremy McNichols – RB, Boise State
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 214 pounds
Projection: 4th-6th Round
One of the better pass-catching running backs in the class, Jeremy McNichols topped 1,300 rushing yards 450 receiving yards each of the last two seasons. He has less wear than some of the upperclassmen in the draft ( 571 career carries) and could be attractive as a third-down back early on day three.
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9. Donnel Pumphrey – RB, San Diego State
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 176 pounds
Projection: 4th-6th Round
The FBS' all-time rushing leader, Donnel Pumphrey had three-straight 1,600-yard seasons, including last year's 2,133-yard explosion.
His size is expected to catch up to him in the NFL where arm tackles and third-down blitzers should limit him. Still, Pumphrey is an elite playmaker that could thrive in the right niche role.
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8. Ryan Switzer – WR, North Carolina
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 181 pounds
Projection: 4th-6th Round
A high-volume target (96 catches in 2016 and 243 for his career), Ryan Switzer will get a billion Wes Welker and Julian Edelman references on draft day. Though it's fair because of his quickness and potential in the slot, his hands and catch-after-run need work.
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7. Kareem Hunt – RB, Toledo
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 216 pounds
Projection: 4th-5th Round
Kareem Hunt played himself into the NFL conversation after a huge bounceback season in 2016.
After a suspension and injuries limited him to 973 yards rushing in 2015, he exploded for 1,475 yards, 10 touchdowns and — maybe most importantly for his NFL stock — 41 catches for 403 yards. He had one fumble at Toledo.
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6. Desmond King – CB, Iowa
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 201 pounds
Projection: 2nd-3rd Round
Considered a likely first-rounder last year before returning for his senior season, Desmond King has slid into day two.
He's still a great cover man — 14 interceptions and 33 passes defended at Iowa — with incredible instincts and durability (played nearly 95 percent of Iowa's snaps in four years).
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5. Adoree' Jackson – CB, USC
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 186 pounds
Projection: 2nd-3rd Round
An elite all-purpose player — four return touchdowns and five interceptions in 2016 — the All-American ran a 4.42-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and 10.38-second 100-meter dash for the Trojans' track and field team.
If Jackson were two inches taller, he'd be in consideration for a top-20 pick.
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4. Jourdan Lewis – CB, Michigan
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 188 pounds
Projection: 2nd-3rd Round
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3. Alvin Kamara – RB, Tennessee
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 214 pounds
Projection: 2nd-3rd Round
Jalen Hurd gained all the national headlines at Tennessee — for a variety of reasons — but Alvin Kamara was the Vols' more complete back. He averaged 6.2 yards per carry and caught 74 passes in two seasons. Knocked for his vision and a history of knee injuries, Kamara may be a boom-or-bust prospect.
2. Budda Baker – S, Washington
Size: 5'10"
Weight: 195 pounds
Projection: 1st-2nd Round
One of three potential top-50 picks from Washington's secondary, Budda Baker is a two-time All-Pac First-Teamer with tremendous speed, aggressiveness and ball skills.
Don't let his size fool you; Baker will lay the hammer on big receivers and provide bone-crushing relief in the run game.
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1. Dalvin Cook – RB, Florida State
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 210 pounds
Projection: 1st-2nd Round
A candidate to be the first running back off the board, Dalvin Cook topped 1,000 rushing yards in each of his three seasons and finished his career with 4,464 yards on 687 carries (6.5 average). A three-down back, Cook can fit into any scheme.
