With the 2011 NFL Draft in the past and the current NFL lockout entering into its second month, there are still many undrafted rookie free agents available to add depth to roster spots on NFL teams.
For teams that may require some depth at the wide receiver position, prospects such as Darvin Adams out of Auburn, Terrence Toliver of LSU, Armon Binns of Cincinnati, Tori Gurley of South Carolina can also expect to be signed immediately. Other notable wide receiver prospects such as DeAndrew Brown from Southern Miss and Ricardo Lockette from Division II powerhouse, Fort Valley State, Lockette could prove to be steals if selected by the right team.
Dane Sanzenbacher out of Ohio State is another receiver with the right ability to be a productive NFL receiver.
According to WaltersFootball.com, The 5’11 182 pound Sanzenbacher was projected to be drafted in rounds five thru seven despite catching 55 passes for 948 yards for 11 touchdowns as a senior.
Sanzenbacher is currently ranked #42 out of 50 NFL undrafted free agents, according to the website, Chicitysports.com
With his collection of shifty moves and good hands, Sanzenbacher has been compared favorably to Wes Welker of the New England Patriots as he played a lot in the slot position while in Columbus.
While Welker is highly regarded as the top possession receiver and go-to guy in the NFL, Sanzenbacher was the main possession receiver and go-to guy for Ohio State quarterback, Terelle Pryor. Sanzenbacher is a speedy receiver who has instincts’ for the game.
The similarities between the two players are even more remarkable off the field as Welker was also undrafted out of Texas Tech just like Sanzenbacher.
While Sanzenbacher is 5’11 in comparison to Welker’s 5’9, Welker outweighs Sanzenbacher by a mere three pounds, 185 to 182.
With Welker just turning 30 this May, New England may want to look into grooming a heir apparent to Welker, as the Patriots have already invested in Tom Brady’s replacement in third-round draft pick, Ryan Mallett out of Arkansas.
The Patriots wide receiver corps is relatively thin outside of Welker, Brandon Tate and Deion Branch and with the exception of Tate, both Welker and Branch are in their 30’s.
Considering the history of solid drafts under coach, Bill Belichick and recent success of undrafted free agent running back, BenJarvis Green-Ellis , Sanzenbacher may just be a great fit in Foxborough.
E-mail Robert Cobb at robert@profootballzone.com and follow me on Twitter@Robert_Cobb
