Each year the NFL is littered with small-school prospects that enter the annual NFL Draft, but go unnoticed due in large part to the traditional love for successful and proven Division-1 prospects. However, the "underdog" has made a home in the NFL, and is proving so more and more each year with small school prospects making large impacts at the next level. eDraft Sports gives you an exclusive look at this year's Top-10 small-school prospects available in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Jordan Campbell, Linebacker, New Mexico-Highlands
Campbell has taken a unique path to the NFL. The former USC linebacker, and second-rated linebacker out of high school left the Trojans after former Head Coach Pete Carroll bolted for the NFL, ultimately leaving his NFL hopes and football future in flux. Campbell revived his career at New Mexico-Highlands, tallying 104 total-tackles, 24 tackles-for-loss, and 10 sacks. Campbell could be a great value pick in the late rounds.
Da’Rick Rogers, Wide Receiver, Tennessee Tech
Rogers has serious character concerns that are going to scare teams away from selecting him on day one. Rogers certainly has the talent to be a first-round selection, but will now be forced to prove himself as a mid-round selection.
Ryan Spadola, Wide Receiver, Lehigh
Aside from Campbell, Spadola is hands down my favorite small-school prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft. Spadola tallied 232 career reception for 3,611 yards and 24 touchdowns. Spadola will be a mid-round selection and could compete to start in the slot this fall.
Aaron Mellette, Wide Receiver, Elon
Mellette is one of the most intriguing prospects in the entire draft this year. Mellette possesses great size at 6’3’’ and 220lbs. Mellette has the speed and skill-set to line up on the outside at the next level, and his production has proven that. In 2011, Mellette caught 113 passes for 1,639 yards and 12 touchdowns. Mellette isn’t expected to come off the board until day three, but will be a great value pick as a developmental receiver for whichever team snags him.
JC Tretter, Offensive Guard, Harvard
Small-school lineman are continuing to carve a successful niche at the next level. Tretter is one of the top guards in this draft, despite playing at such a small school. Tretter will have the opportunity to compete for a starting spot in training camp this summer, and while he may not be selected until day three, he could start week one.
Miguel Maysonet, Running Back, Stony Brook
Maysonet will be a mid-to-late day-three pick, but don’t be surprised when you see his name flash across the bottom of your screen on Sundays this fall. Maysonet is going to turn heads at the next level, literally.
Brandon Williams, Defensive Tackle, Missouri Southern
Williams proved that he can compete at the next level by dominating Division-1 competition down in Mobile at the Senior Bowl. I wouldn’t be the least surprised to see Williams go as high as the third round. He’s a multi-scheme defensive tackle with scary strength and speed for a man of his stature.
Terron Armstead, Offensive Tackle, Arkansas Pine-Bluff
Once considered a solid day three prospect, it wouldn’t shock anyone to see Armstead selected in the late first round, and be an instant starter at the next level. Armstead man-handled the competition at the Senior Bowl and proved he is worthy of a high draft pick this April.
Quanterus Smith, Defensive End, Western Kentucky
Smith is a player you would consider a “freak” on tape. He is one of the most athletically gifted players in the entire draft, but won’t get the appreciation or respect because he didn’t dominate top-level competition since he played at Western Kentucky. I would bang the table for smith on day two, but it’s more likely that he’ll be an early-to-mid day-three selection.
Robert Alford, Cornerback, Southeastern Louisiana
Alford lit up the Senior Bowl right off the bat with a 68-yard opening kick-off return in the Senior Bowl. Alford reminds me a lot of the Bear’s Tim Jennings, and could have a similar impact in year one at the next level.