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You probably already knew this going in, but WMU is about to end up with their 20th signee from their 2015 class called in this draft. Everybody else, well, they've got some work to do.
Now that we're two-thirds of the way through, it's time for the final push. We'll still see some more long-term solutions being used here, but none of us are ignoring our immediate needs along the way either. It's amazing of the talent that we can still find this late into the Draft. Wasn't exactly expecting it to be this bountiful, which I'm pretty thankful for.
131. Eastern Michigan Eagles
OT- Bryce Gibbs (Kent St. signee). Wellington, OH (Wellington). 247Sports: 81 (0.7959)
I'm in a pickle of not knowing whether I can wait another round or two to find some good long-term value for the offensive line, but I've got so many needs to take care of that I can't be caught with my tail between my legs and go after a panic pick. So I stick to the plan of re-visiting this position ASAP, and I get some quality talent before I miss out.
You know the whole thing about veterans coaching up young players? I think that little tag line went behind this pick. Ruben Carter, my 5th round pick, can play any position on that line and would be a big help for these young linemen that were red-shirted last year and would be this year. Gibbs is one of the top 100 linemen from Ohio, standing 6-foot-4 and nearing 300 pounds, could easily find himself in at least a minor role in 2016 if he took this year as off and bulked up even more. -Alex Alvarado
132. Kent State Golden Flashes
DT- LaMarr Davis (Toledo signee). Cleveland, OH (Benedictine). 247Sports: 79 (0.7819)
In my opinion, LaMarr Davis was extremely under-recruited. Davis possesses a high motor and can even get to the edge for the occasional tackle, if needed. With no real defensive tackle in the mix for Kent State's fantasy draft, Davis seems like a guy who can develop into a solid MAC starter over the next few years. -Mike Karpinski
Is Davis under-appreciated? Check out his highlights courtesy of Hudl:
133. Miami RedHawks
S- Brody Hoying (EMU signee). Coldwater, MI (Coldwater). 247Sports: 83 (0.8031)
Look up "enthusiasm" and "blue collar" in the dictionary and you'll find Brody Hoying.
A back to back state champion in high school, Hoying has shown that he has the ability to play D1 ball. The only problem is that Hoying will probaly have to switch positions.
Hoying played QB in HS, and is known as a small dual-threat QB. Hoying was very shifty, using his elusiveness to avoid the pass rush and complete the play.
At the moment, it's rough to try and project just how he will play as a safety. He is a 3-star athlete according to 247, but is NR at his position. At 5'11" and 185 lbs., it's most lilely he could serve as a viable free safety. Hoying is certainly a project prospect, but his work ethic will make him a teacher's pet, which could mean a lot for his development. I expect good things. -James Jimenez
Here are Hoying's highlights courtesy of Hudl:
134. UMass Minutemen
DE- Maxx Crosby (EMU signee). Colleyville, TX (Colleyville Heritage). 247Sports: 75 (0.7500)
Few teams need D-line help as much as UMass and that's why Crosby is the third such one in this fictional draft class. Make no mistake though, this is a blue collar type player which combined with his athleticism is a great and dangerous combination. Coming from Texas coupled with his experience in playing a 3-4 defensive scheme makes him an even more attractive pick here for UMass. -Max Moore
What's the hype with Crosby? Check out his highlights courtesy of Hudl:
135. Akron Zips
OT- Sam Murrer (Miami signee). Alexandria, KY (Covington Catholic). 247Sports: 78 (0.7785)
This late in the draft, it is all about getting depth at positions with significant upperclassmen. With our offensive line being not a significant strength or weakness over the past several years, This pick is all about giving the Zips a better chance to be able to fight through the injuries and the bumps and bruises when they come. Games in August are completely different than they are in November, and for the offensive line to be able to stay fresh throughout the season is huge.
Murrer committed to the Redhawks over reported offers from Western Kentucky and Ohio as well as several FCS Schools. Murrer may take time to develop, but is going to be a solid prospect at the next level. -Russ Johnson
See what Murrer could bring to the table in these highlights courtesy of Hudl:
136. Buffalo Bulls
LB- Clay Holford (EMU signee). Carrollton, TX (Hebron). 247Sports: 75 (0.7685)
I was still feeling good about the base of offensive talent Buffalo has in the sophomore class to go back to the defense for now. Here I just wanted an inside linebacker. When in doubt pick the guy from Texas. -Matt Gritzmacher
137. Ball State Cardinals
RB- Joshua Allen (Miami signee). Charlotte, NC (Victory Christian Center School). 247Sports: 84 (0.8274)
More running back competition, which is never a bad thing. This draft gives Allen the chance to play for the Cardinals rather than the RedHawks, an opportunity we are happy to provide. Patient, and incredibly elusive, Allen is a fantastic get for the Ball State backfield. His skill set is similar to that of Horactio Banks, and will provide a fantastic compliment to Ball State's bigger backs. -Keith Scheessele
Allen is an absolute bargain in the 11th round. Check out his highlights courtesy of Hudl:
138. Ohio Bobcats
DT- Deshawn Baker-Williams (CMU signee). Westland, MI (John Glenn). 247Sports: 74 (0.7652)
I missed out on the DTs I wanted early on in the draft, and then I waited too long to get some backup plans, so I took the best d-line prospect left this late: Deshawn Baker-Williams. God, I'm so glad recruiting doesn't actually work this way. I'd be fired. -Sam Smucker
See what Baker-Williams could look like for Ohio (or CMU for that matter) in his highlights courtesy of Hudl:
139. Central Michigan Chippewas
DT- Duke Hwang (Buffalo signee). Buffalo, NY (Williamsville North). 247Sports: 74 (0.7533)
Getting pressure on the QB is key to disrupting the offense and creating turnovers, and there aren't a whole lot of better pass rushing DTs in this class then Duke Hwang. Not the fastest burst off of the line, but he's got solid tackling fundamentals and can be an absolutely punishing presence on the line if used correctly. With proper development, Duke will be the bane of many MAC backfields. -Max Lowe
140. Western Michigan Broncos
RB- Arthur Thompkins (Toledo signee). Pittsburgh, PA (Woodland Hills). 247Sports: 81 (0.7992)
Thankfully, WMU already has a whole pool of running backs to pick from if Jarvion Franklin needs to step out for a breather. I've added more depth already with Davon Tucker, but I think Thompkins could help out with WMU in other areas.
Thompkins could play into a role as a slot receiver, who's only 5-foot-9, but runs a 4.35-40. One of those types to catch a short route towards the sidelines and have a track meet with the linebackers and secondary. Also, it doesn't hurt to have a guy you don't want teams kicking to on special teams, if that's something that's in his wheelhouse.
And James took my pick. Jerk. -Alex Alvarado
See how fast Thompson really is in these highlights courtesy of Hudl:
141. Toledo Rockets
LB- D'Shan Harley (UMass signee). Wichita Falls, TX (Hirschi). 247Sports: 73 (0.7300)
As the draft winds down, Toledo has been able to fill most of it's needs for this class, and the last several picks are who the Rockets feel are the best available players. Enter D'Shan Harley, an OLB from Texas with elite size and height at 6-foot-6 and 220 pounds. He has the ability the Rockets are always looking for, which is athletes who can be left out in space and not have to worry about a missed assignment or tackle.
Harley committed to UMass, and was rated a 2-start per his 247Sports rating. -Russ Johnson
142. Bowling Green Flacons
TE- Da'Arion King (WMU signee). Racine, WI (Case). 247Sports: 80 (0.7852)
Popular wisdom lately has called for pro football teams to look at college basketball film to find their next tight end. And why not? The San Diego Chargers took a flyer on Kent State basketball standout Antonio Gates, who didn't even play college football. We all know how that turned out. Da'Rion King fits into that mold perfectly.
At 6'5" and 235 pounds, King is a legitimate division I basketball recruit, but his future will be on the football field as a playmaking tight end. King is a big athletic player that has flown under the radar as a football recruit. He has looks from Wisconsin, Vanderbilt, and several MAC schools. -Randy Carpenter
143. Northern Illinois Huskies
DE- Tony Balabani (WMU signee). Macomb, MI (Dakota). 247Sports: 76 (0.7867)
That's two picks in a row that I'm stealing WMU's recruits. I got pretty lucky for Balabani to still be here as I was considered taking him in round 10 instead of Juriga. Balabani has a knack for getting to the quarterback which is exactly what NIU needs. To put things in perspective, Balabani's playing style reminds me of current NIU DE Perez Ford. If all goes well, Balabani could develop into one of the top DE's in the MAC just like Ford. -Mike Karpinski
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The final two picks were Broncos, which bumped their total up to freaking 20 guys. Through 11 rounds. That's pretty nuts. You'd think they would've really taken a dip by now to let other teams start balancing things out here: n o p e.
The second-most is Miami with 16 signees selected. Ohio did not have a player picked here, but they're still at 15, which is still one ahead of Toledo and Kent State.
Possibly one of the better steals here was Joshua Allen for Ball State. Especially with the running back battle going on in Muncie with Jahwan Edwards gone and Horatio Banks probably sidelined for the year, it'd be a great situation to dive in to.
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