NFL Draft 2011: 3 Picks Sure to Surprise on Day 3

Let’s face it. No matter how many mock drafts we make or how much research we do, only the NFL general managers know exactly what they are thinking.

No NFL draft would be complete without a few surprises, and 2011 looks to be no exception.

With several teams making unexpected trades, the later rounds on Saturday look to be filled with some teams ready to make a few interesting and surprising picks. While nothing is guaranteed, these three players are sure to get a good look from several teams before the draft is over.

 

David Mims, OT Virginia Union

While not invited to the NFL combine, David Mims has popped up on the radar of several teams after his pro day.

Mims is the prototypical project player. His size and athletic prowess make him a very good run blocker. A raw player, Mims is unlikely to make an immediate impact on any NFL team. He has several bad habits that teams will need to break him of for him to succeed at the next level.

He does, however, show a natural athletic ability that could make him a successful lineman in the NFL

Mims is definitely a draft possibility, have worked out with the Chiefs, Ravens, and Lions before the draft. When the seventh round rolls around, there is a good chance one of these teams will take on this project.

 

Josh Portis, QB California of Pennsylvania

Josh Portis was talented enough to earn a scholarship to Division I schools.

Eventually ending up at California of Pennsylvania, Portis threw for an impressive 69 touchdowns in his last two seasons. A quarterback with a strong arm, Portis also has the ability to tuck the ball and run when needed.

A major concern involving Portis would be possible character issues. While at Maryland, he was suspended for cheating on a quiz in class, but much more seriously, Portis was arrested last year for trying to use a stolen credit card.

The way quarterbacks have been drafted this year, though, a team like the Washington Redskins could be tempted to take a risk on a quarterback with a tremendous upside.

 

Marc Schiechl, DE Colorado School of Mines

Marc Schiechl may not be a household name and his college may be obscure, but Schiechl is undoubtedly talented.

At the Colorado School of Mines, Schiechl sat the NCAA Division II record for sacks as well as ranking fourth in tackles for a loss.

Although he lined up at defensive end throughout his college career, his size would be a huge liability at the defensive end position.

Schiechl looks to be more suited for an outside linebacker slot in the NFL. His stats are far too good to ignore for many teams and there is a good chance that a team will take a gamble on Schiechl in the seventh round.

When the 2011 NFL draft is over and done, do not be surprised if you find one or two of these players on your favorite team.

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