By Russell V.
SouthernPigskin.com

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The SoCon led all FCS conferences with five drafted players in the recent NFL Draft.

nIt was yet another banner weekend for the Southern Conference, as 13 players were either drafted or signed free agent deals shortly after the end of the NFL Draft. The SoCon led all FCS conferences with five drafted players, while Appalachian State was the only FCS team with multiple draft picks for the second time in three years. The Mountaineers are also the only program with a draft pick in each of the last four drafts. In addition, Samford became one of two FCS schools who have had a draft pick each of the past two years.

nSafety JJ Wilcox became the highest draft pick in Georgia Southern history when he was drafted in the third round by the Dallas Cowboys, while receiver Aaron Mellette became Elonxe2x80x99s second draft pick in 21 years.

nThe question now becomes how each player will do with their new team and what are the chances they have of staying with that squad? Well, thatxe2x80x99s what we are here for, to answer questions like that.

nAppalachian State

nJeremy Kimbrough, LB, undrafted free agent (UDFA) signing by Lions xe2x80x93 Kimbrough, a finalist for the Buck Buchanan award, earned himself a chance to join Sam Martin and possibly Steven Miller in Detroit. As of this writing, the backup linebackers on the team are Tahir Whitehead, Ashlee Palmer and Travis Lewis. Make a strong first impression and Kimbroughxe2x80x99s chances to make the squad look quite bright. Grade: B

nSam Martin, P, drafted 5th round (165th overall) by Lions xe2x80x93 One of two punters drafted, Martin finds himself in a grand situation. His competition for a roster spot is 13-year vet Nick Harris, who averaged just 41.5 yards per punt last season xe2x80x93 last in the NFL. Martinxe2x80x99s ability to kick field goals could also come in handy, considering the teamxe2x80x99s kicker, David Akers, just came off of the worst season of his career. Grade: A

nDemetrius McCray, DB, drafted 7th round (210th overall) by Jaguars xe2x80x93 A fellow Buck Buchanan finalist, McCray has a bit of a challenge ahead of him. He finds himself near the bottom of the depth chart on a team that finished just outside the top 10 of the NFLxe2x80x99s top passing defenses. But he should be able to impress with his ballhawking skills that made him a two-time conference leader in interceptions. Grade: C+

nSteven Miller, RB, UDFA signing by Lions xe2x80x93 Miller faces a major uphill challenge to earn a spot on the Detroit Lions roster. The team just brought in Reggie Bush, already has Mikel Leshoure, Joique Bell and Jahvid Bell and also brought in Theo Riddick. Millerxe2x80x99s best hope may be to impress another team with his play. Grade: F

nTroy Sanders, DB, UDFA signing by Falcons xe2x80x93 Sanders did well to earn himself a contract with the Atlanta Falcons, who are one of the most talented teams in the NFC. Unfortunately, the team has already spent plenty of time working on their defensive secondary, including spending two draft picks on cornerbacks. Grade: D

nThe Citadel

nChad Billingslea, DL, UDFA signing by Seahawks xe2x80x93 The former cadet joins arguably the most intimidating defense in the NFL and a defensive line with the likes of Brandon Mebane, Red Bryant, Bruce Irvin and the newly-acquired Cliff Avril. Good news is Seattle is a team that loves having depth. The bad news is the team brought in three new defensive linemen in free agency and three more in the draft. Grade: C-

nElon

nAaron Mellette, WR, drafted in 7th round (238th overall) by Ravens xe2x80x93 Once considered a second round draft pick, Mellette dropped all the way to the very end of the last round of the draft. But he was picked up by the Super Bowl champion Ravens, who are looking for a possession receiver to replace the recently traded Anquan Boldin. Mellette could fit that role perfectly. Grade: B+

nFurman

nColin Anderson, TE, UDFA signing by Vikings xe2x80x93 Anderson was possibly the most underrated player in the Southern Conference who is now talking his talents up north to join the likes of Kyle Rudolph and the newly acquired John Carlson. The problem is there are three other tight ends listed on the Vikings unofficial depth chart. Hexe2x80x99ll have a few major hills to climb in order to clinch that spot on the roster. Grade: C

nJerodis Williams, RB, UDFA signing by Vikings xe2x80x93 Clearly, Williams has some work to do in order to take the jobs of Adrian Peterson or Toby Gerhart, but he has a few things going for him. First, the Vikings only have three running backs listed on the roster. Secondly, Minnesota is looking for a new kick and punt returner to replace Percy Harvin. And whatxe2x80x99s that? Williams was the top kick returner in the SoCon last year? This should end well. Grade: B+

nGeorgia Southern

nDarius Eubanks, DB, UDFA signing by Vikings xe2x80x93 Another SoCon-er trying out for the Vikings? Sure, why not? But like Anderson, Eubanks will have some difficulty finding a roster spot in an already crowded defensive backfield. A quick glance at the Vikingsxe2x80x99 roster shows there are already 15 defensive backs. For no fault of his own, Eubanksxe2x80x99 chances look slim. Grade: F

nBrent Russell, DT, UDFA signing by Bears xe2x80x93 Ok, enough with Minnesota, letxe2x80x99s move to Chicago, the newest home of one of the most dominant defensive players in SoCon history. Russell has found himself in a great situation in joining the Bearsxe2x80x99 vaunted D-line. He will most likely be finding himself battling for a top backup role, which is all he could ask for at this point. Now he needs to take advantage of the situation. Grade: B+

nJJ Wilcox, DB, drafted 3rd round (80th overall) by Cowboys xe2x80x93 Many have been singing Wilcoxxe2x80x99s praises for months now, and we can add Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to that list. The famous Cowboys owner said that Wilcox will become a starting safety for the team sooner or later. He will be most likely be battling Will Allen for a starting spot at safety, and his return skills and time spent on offense do not hurt his cause at all. Grade: A

nSamford

nNicholas Williams, DL, drafted in 7th round (223rd overall) by Steelers xe2x80x93 Williams must be honored to join the legendary Steelers defense. He will be one of many battling for a backup role with the team. Perhaps Williamsxe2x80x99 raw potential will give him an edge up on the competition. Clearly, the Steelers saw something in Williams and it is not often that they are wrong. Grade: C

nIn addition, best of luck to the following players, who all have earned tryouts with teams.

nAppalachian State

nRod Chisholm, RB, invited to Redskins rookie camp

nElon

nChris Harris, TE, invited to tryout with Ravens

nWofford

nEric Breitenstein, FB, invited to tryout with Panthers

nMike Niam, LB, invited to tryout with Browns