Live draft coverage begins Thursday at 5 p.m. with Philly Sports Talk and continues until midnight on CSN, CSNPhilly.com and the NBC Sports App.
Every year I fall for players who aren't necessarily can't-miss prospects or surefire top-10 picks. Sometimes it's because of one particular game I saw them play, like Sean Smith against Alabama in the 2009 Sugar Bowl, or just because I love to watch them play, like Florida State's Lamarcus Joyner, or the Eagles' own Brandon Graham when he was at Michigan.
My favorites don't always pan out in the NFL (see Dan LeFevour), but generally they become solid contributors at the pro level.
Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama
There are players you just can't help noticing on the field — even if you're a casual football fan. Luke Kuechly at Boston College; Joyner at Florida State; C.J. Mosley at Alabama. They just flash constantly, and you say, "Dang, who's that?" That's Foster. He simply flashes again and again, every time you watch him. I would love to see him in an Eagles uniform and bring an edge and attitude to a lackluster defense. A top-15 pick despite the failed drug test at the combine. Watch Foster's highights here.
Taylor Moton, OL, Western Michigan
While his teammate, WR Corey Davis, gets most of the publicity, Moton is a star himself. He played RT for the Broncos, but I see him sliding inside in the pros and becoming a dominant OG. Look for him to come off the board midway through the second round. Watch Moton's highlights here.
George Kittle, TE, Iowa
The guy can catch but it's his blocking that makes me love him. You don't see many TEs burying guys off the line of scrimmage and then 10 yards down the field. Kittle does it on the regular. He's not flashy, but he's going to make some team very happy. If I'm drafting, he'll go in the third round. Watch Kittle's highlights here.
Ryan Glasgow, DT, Michigan
Watch any Michigan game this year, and whenever you see a more highly-touted star like DEs Taco Charlton and Chris Wormley make a play, Glasgow will be right there. To me, he was the most consistent player on that defense. He has some physical limitations, but he's going to make a solid rotational guy in the NFL. He'll come off the board in the seventh round. Watch Glasgow's highlights here.
NFL
Matt Milano, LB, Boston College
This guy has Pro Bowl special teamer written all over him. Undersized (6-0/223), Milano is a kamikaze who played strongside LB for the Eagles, as well as special teams, but will be a tweener in the NFL. He'll make his money covering kicks and being a backup at LB, but Milano will be the next Chris Maragos in a couple of years. He might go in the seventh round, but if not, he'll have no shortage of calls as soon as the draft is over. Watch Milano's highlights here.
Here are my favorites from last season's draft:
Kevin Dodd, DE/OLB, Clemson - Tennessee Titans, second round (No. 33 overall)
Dodd moved from college DE to pro OLB. Unfortunately, he was hurt most of his rookie year and managed to play in only five games.
Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana - Green Bay Packers, second round (No. 48 overall)
Spriggs struggled during his limited playing time in 2016. The athletic ability was noticeable, but his lack of strength was glaring.
De'Runnya Wilson, WR, Mississippi State - undrafted
Wilson's lackluster combine performance led to his going undrafted. He was signed to the New England Patriots' practice squad, was released, and then signed on to the Chicago Bears' practice squad.
Antonio Morrison, LB, Florida - Indianapolis Colts, fourth round (No. 125 overall)
Morrison became a key special teamer and occasional starter for the Colts.