Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
Skip navigation

2013 NFL Draft Thread: FAU Players to Watch

Post




What:   2013 NFL Draft

When:   Round 1: Thursday, 8 p.m.
          Rounds 2-3: Friday, 6:30 p.m.
                Round 4-7: Saturday, Noon ET

TV:     ESPN and NFL Network

Live:        Draftcast


For the past three years, FAU has had somewhat of a streak in late April. The Owls have had a player selected in each of the last three NFL Drafts – but that shade of success will be put to the test this weekend.

Thursday night the 2013 NFL Draft will commence in New York City, but the three-day event won’t truly start until Saturday for a handful of FAU hopefuls.

Quarterback Graham Wilbert and linebacker David Hinds have the best chance of hearing their name called, and they could continue the trend of former Owls who have made the league.

Following the outbreak of Washington Redskins running back Alfred Morris, who went from a sixth-round pick to a rookie sensation, both Wilbert and Hinds will be looking to receive a similar chance from an NFL organization.

In 2010 Rusty Smith became the first FAU Owl ever to be drafted when he was selected by the Tennessee Titians. Rob Housler was drafted the following year by the Arizona Cardinals, before Morris was taken by the Redskins.

Wilbert (pictured above) has been valued anywhere from a late seventh-round pick to undrafted free agent, with a few teams expressing interest. Hinds is in a similar situation, but will most likely ink with an organization following the conclusion of the draft. The two could also receive looks from the Canadian Football League along with defensive back Demitrus Williamson and wide receiver Byron Hankerson.


QB Graham Wilbert - If there is one intangible that stands out with Wilbert, it’s his efficiency. He might not be the most athletic quarterback, but he plays with the knowledge of the game.  Wilbert worked out for the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins and has received inquires from the Texans. If teams start making a run on quarterbacks, Wilbert could become the fourth Owl ever drafted. Keep your eye on the amount of passers selected in the mid-rounds and if things don't pan out, expect him to be signed as a free agent. Projection: 7th-UDFA

LB David Hinds - Hinds was a productive linebacker in college, but that doesn't necessarily translate to success in the NFL. His size (6’ 223-pounds) meets the minimal requirements for the league, and his sub-4.8 forty-yard dash time is adequate. Numerous teams have looked at the linebacker and see him as a priority free agent. Expect him to join a team following the draft. Projection: UDFA

DB Demtrius Williamson - Williamson was an everyday starter in 2011, but missed a majority of 2012 season with an injury. He participated in the team’s pro day and ran a 4.68 forty-yard dash. Williamson has spent the past few months preparing for the CFLProjection: CFL

WR Byron Hankerson - In his time at FAU, Hankerson went from walk-on to starter. He was the team’s third leading receiver in 2012, but is still a long shot to play at the next level.  Projection: CFL-AFL
Back to the top

Post

Re: 2013 NFL Draft Thread: FAU Players to Watch

with such a poor year for QB's i guess there's a chance for Wilbert to be drafted. Would be nice to keep the streak alive. Good luck tonight. Well not tonight because there's no shot in hell of tonight but this weekend.
Back to the top

Post

Re: 2013 NFL Draft Thread: FAU Players to Watch

Sorry Owls. It looks like you wont be seeing anyone from FAU get drafted this year. You can, however, look out for Johnathan Cyprien (S, FIU)who projects to be a 1st or 2nd round pick. He's from FIU, but he's a South Florida guy and a good person. Try to look passed the blue and gold and see a guy from our neck of the woods making it to the big time. Go Panthers!
Back to the top

Post

Re: 2013 NFL Draft Thread: FAU Players to Watch

pikepanther said

Sorry Owls. It looks like you wont be seeing anyone from FAU get drafted this year…

Don't count Wilbert out…it's a long shot, but could happen.
Back to the top

Post

Re: 2013 NFL Draft Thread: FAU Players to Watch

2013 NFL Draft Thread: FAU Players to Watch

pikepanther said

Sorry Owls. It looks like you wont be seeing anyone from FAU get drafted this year. You can, however, look out for Johnathan Cyprien (S, FIU)who projects to be a 1st or 2nd round pick. He's from FIU, but he's a South Florida guy and a good person. Try to look passed the blue and gold and see a guy from our neck of the woods making it to the big time. Go Panthers!

Only if I can see Morris bulldoze him next year!  ;)
Back to the top

Post

Re: 2013 NFL Draft Thread: FAU Players to Watch

Rick said

pikepanther said

Sorry Owls. It looks like you wont be seeing anyone from FAU get drafted this year…

Don't count Wilbert out…it's a long shot, but could happen.

X2, let's not forget this time lt year alfred was a long shot to get drafted in the 7th and likely a fa signing….
Back to the top

Post

Re: 2013 NFL Draft Thread: FAU Players to Watch

pikepanther said

Sorry Owls. It looks like you wont be seeing anyone from FAU get drafted this year. You can, however, look out for Johnathan Cyprien (S, FIU)who projects to be a 1st or 2nd round pick. He's from FIU, but he's a South Florida guy and a good person. Try to look passed the blue and gold and see a guy from our neck of the woods making it to the big time. Go Panthers!

What's this guy's deal? I know safety isn't the most glamorous position but I honestly don't remember playing against him over the last 3 years…did he have a phenominal combine or are his numbers off the charts?

TY really stood out over the years, you could tell he was next level, but I really don't remember this kid.
Back to the top

Post

Re: 2013 NFL Draft Thread: FAU Players to Watch

Morris showed flashed. Wilbert was uh… average. At best.

Anyway, if you don't remember playing against Cyprien for 4 years, you must not pay much attention to the games. He was a first team All-Sun Belt player for 3 years if I'm not mistaken. WATCH MORE OF YOUR OPPONENTS GAMES! lol  8)
Back to the top

Post

Re: 2013 NFL Draft Thread: FAU Players to Watch

pikepanther said

Morris showed flashed. Wilbert was uh… average. At best.

Anyway, if you don't remember playing against Cyprien for 4 years, you must not pay much attention to the games. He was a first team All-Sun Belt player for 3 years if I'm not mistaken. WATCH MORE OF YOUR OPPONENTS GAMES! lol  8)

When FIU came to Boca last season, that was the game with the most NFL scouts. That can be attested to the play of Cyprien.
Back to the top

Post

Re: 2013 NFL Draft Thread: FAU Players to Watch

pikepanther said

Wilbert was uh… average. At best.


How many QB's win the Heisman and go on to a nothing career in the NFL, and how many average (i.e. Tom Brady at Michigan) and go on to kill it at the next level….you just never know…but he has size and has knowledge of the pro style offense…7th round isn't out of the question by any means…that's a project round anyways….

"What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight - it's the size of the fight in the dog."
-Dwight D. Eisenhower
Back to the top
Control functions: