In the week-plus that has passed since the NFL Draft, we’ve written plenty of stories here at Rivals.com breaking down the star rankings of various draftees. Today it’s time to continue a series on some former elite high school recruits that for one reason or another ended up not getting selected by any NFL teams. Here’s a breakdown of the six draft-eligible five-stars from the 2014 class that didn’t hear their names called.
As a recruit: Blanding collected offers from programs from all over the country but elected to end his recruitment relatively early and commit to Virginia in the winter of his junior year.
In college: Blanding made an immediate impact at Virginia and recorded at least 115 tackles all four seasons in Charlottesville. His 492 career tackles rank second-highest in ACC history.
Now: Blanding signed with Washington as an undrafted free agent.
Farrell’s take: This one shocks me a bit because Blanding was so productive on the field, had no off-field issues I am aware of and is a terrific leader. He was the safest five-star in the 2014 class because you knew what you were getting and there was no bust factor. I have a feeling he will be a guy who sticks in the NFL for a long time.
As a recruit: The No. 1 quarterback in the class of 2014, Allen fell in love with the idea of Texas A&M and being the heir apparent to Johnny Manziel, committing to the Aggies over a long list of offers including Alabama and Ohio State following his junior year of high school.
In college: Allen’s career got off to a promising start in College Station as he threw for 1,322 yards and 16 touchdowns as a true freshman. Things were looking good again in 2015, at least until a controversy with then-freshman Kyler Murray led to Allen getting benched. The controversy led to both players leaving the Aggies following that season, and Allen transferred to Houston where he planned on playing for Tom Herman. But Herman left following the 2016 season right after Allen sat out as a transfer. Allen appeared in just four games in 2017. Rather than transfer again or stay and compete for playing time with the Cougars, Allen elected to enter the draft. He finished his college career with 4,283 yards with 37 touchdowns and 18 interceptions.
Now: Allen signed with Carolina as an undrafted free agent.
Farrell’s take: Remember when Allen took over the starting job from Kenny Hill at Texas A&M? There was talk at that early point that he could be the top quarterback taken when it was his turn to be drafted. How did we go from that to where we are now? Allen made some bad decisions – giving up at A&M too early, coming out early when he had no reason to – and it has cost him. I have no idea if he’ll stick anywhere or not as he has regressed a bit from his five-star days.
As a recruit: Thomas shattered records in the state of Alabama and had a terrific career, leading to offers from Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Oregon and several others. Like most prospects from the state, it was unlikely Thomas would go far from home, and he committed to Auburn just prior to the start of his senior season.
In college: After showing promise as a true freshman and having an even better statistical season as a sophomore, Thomas left Auburn to transfer to FCS power Jacksonville State. In his two years with the Tigers, Thomas had 705 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns. With the Gamecocks he remained a versatile threat, accounting for 955 all-purpose yards in 2016 and more than 1,300 yards of all-purpose yards in 2017.
Now: Thomas signed with Minnesota as an undrafted free agent.
Farrell’s take: This doesn’t surprise me a ton as I was never on the Thomas bandwagon as a five-star back in the day. Yes, he was talented and had good vision and solid speed, but I didn’t see him as dynamic as everyone else did. His transfer didn’t help and obviously his impressive performance playing at a lower level didn’t impress anyone enough.
As a recruit: It was clear early on that it would be a battle between Alabama and Auburn to see where Williams would play his college ball. But coming off a 2013 run to the national championship game, the Tigers built an early rapport with Williams and nabbed his commitment during the spring of his junior season.
In college: Williams gradually worked his way onto the field as a true freshman, playing mostly as a backup in 2014. His productivity and playing time increased each of the next two seasons, capped off by his best season as a junior in 2016. That year, Williams was healthy for most of the season and finished with 67 total tackles. He battled nagging injuries as a senior but still finished fifth on the team in tackles despite missing four games.
Now: Williams singed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent.
Farrell’s take: Williams was very talented and it’s a surprise to me he made it all the way through the draft without being selected. I liked his quick twitch ability coming out of high school and his instincts. He was a physical kid as well. He could stick. He has that talent.
As a recruit: After looking like he was heading to LSU for quite some time, Brown shocked many when he committed to Alabama following his senior season.
In college: Brown’s career got off to a shaky start at Alabama as he was arrested before he ever played in a game with the Tide. He eventually worked his way onto the field regardless, contributing as a freshman and sophomore in 2014 and 2015 before having the best year of his career in 2016. That season, Brown had 32 tackles with two interceptions as he helped the Tide reach the national championship game. In 2017, he appeared in the most games of his career, 13, while recording 29 tackles and two pass breakups.
Now: Brown signed as an undrafted free agent with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Farrell’s take: Brown is an interesting player to look back on. He was a speedster and track guy out of high school with good size but was raw in coverage. He played at Alabama which usually means you’ll be drafted, but his mental lapses in coverage were too common. I don’t see him having the focus to make a long NFL career.
As a recruit: Lane’s recruitment saw numerous twists and turns but was most highlighted by a commitment to Florida just prior to his senior year and an eventual flip to rival Florida State.
In college: Lane had the best season of his career as a true freshman in 2014, when he caught 13 passes for 267 yards, an average of more than 20 yards per reception. But that successful start couldn’t be replicated by Lane in later years and he spent the back half of his career bouncing between wide receiver and defensive back. In 2016, while playing mostly on defense, Lane had 37 total tackles and one interception. In 2017, he played both ways, notching 12 tackles and catching eight passes for 169 yards.
Now: Lane signed as an undrafted free agent with New Orleans where he’s expected to play wide receiver.
Farrell’s take: Lane was a guy who had a ton of talent but fought the football as a receiver and in hindsight never should have been a five-star. It’s impressive he was able to re-invent himself a bit and play defense, but he never came close to sniffing his potential on either side of the ball.
