Could Harvey Unga make sense for the Rams in the NFL supplemental draft?
by Ryan Van Bibber on Jun 17, 2010 10:01 AM CDT
in 2010 St. Louis Rams offseason
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PrintThe NFL supplemental draft is the best draft you've never heard of, and one that teams rarely use to bolster their roster. Set to happen next month, there's one player that could be of interest to the St. Louis Rams. BYU RB Harvey Unga will declare for the supplemental. Could the Rams use Unga as a backup to Steven Jackson?
Unga was the all-time leading rusher at BYU before getting the boot because of an honor code violation. Besides rushing, he was always a credible pass catcher out of the backfield, nabbing 86 passes for 964 yards and 8 TDs in his first two seasons at BYU. He didn't see much action in the passing game this year with just 16 receptions, 121 yards and 1 TD. The receiving side of his game certainly fits with the profile of the backs the Rams have on their roster.
Of course, with the supplemental draft, a team surrenders a pick in the equivalent round in next year's regular draft. The Redskins used their 3rd round pick in last year's supplemental draft for Kentucky DE Jeremy Jarmon. Unga is expected to fetch a 5th round pick. But is it worth it for the Rams?
Mocking the Draft says he profiles more as a fullback in the NFL (hello, Brian Leonard). More importantly, is he a significant enough of an upgrade over what the Rams have in Chris Ogbonnaya? Or, is he enough of an upgrade over what the Rams might find available as teams make roster cuts between now and the start of the season? I think it's a stretch.
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Maybe can fit in as Tom Rathman type back for our offense and replace Karney?
Little concerned about “beaten up body” statement.
as soon as there's...
any comparisons to Brian Leonard… the obvious answer becomes, “NO!”.
I was thinking the same thing Rams Homer...
a Brian Leonard type of back… no thank you. I’d rather save that draft pick for next April, not for the ‘second pickings’ draft this season. Very rarely are there jewels in the supplemental draft anyways. Seeing that he didn’t get his yards in a power football conference and that he came from a school not known for running the football, I see street free agent written all over him. Its a lot easier to get 1200 yds at a RB at BYU because most teams expect them to throw for 300+ yds so they drop back there secondary to defend against the pass. Not saying he doesn’t have talent, but its not worth using a draft pick to get him unless they can prove he’s a difference maker.
According to his agent..
He did not have exact numbers but here are the estimates ;-)
Bench press: more powerful than a locomotive
High jump: able to leap tall buildings with a single bound
40 yard dash: faster than a speeding bullet
Looking at the history of the supplemental draft, you see some interesting players, but rarely anyone who has been a difference maker. Cris Carter was probably the best overall player. What is even more amazing to me is that in 1989, the Cowboys used a #1 round supplemental pick for former Ram Steve Walsh, right after they had drafted Troy Aikman, thus forfeiting their next first round pick after a year they finished 1-15!!
That doesn't make sense
Does a team really forfeit a regular draft pick if they use one on the supplemental draft? If that were the case, why would any team pick ANYONE?? What eligible undrafted player is worth next year’s 1st (or even 2nd or third?)
I can take a beating ... I'm a Rams fan.
Well, a team can wait until the 5th round to draft someone I think.
The Redskins thought someone was worth a 3rd last year, I guess there some good players in the draft, or at least players believed to be good.
Onubon > Gates
How do you get to the third round unless teams are drafting in the first and second also?
I’m lost.
I can take a beating ... I'm a Rams fan.
I think you can pass instead of picking
So basically the first 2-4 rounds are just teams passing and then occasionally a team will make a pick. That’s what I think at least
Onubon > Gates
Yes, I think you've got it right.
Teams just keep passing as they go through the rounds until someone finally decides they like someone enough to draft him when their turn comes up in a later round.
I need more reasons to use the phrase "storm'n mormon"
Why is patience a virtue and procrastination a sin...I mean whats wrong with patiently procrastionating?
I watched Unga play every game
and he is good player, but his game does not translate well to the NFL. He is a great guy and fits the “four pillars”, but not using a high draft pick. Sixth maybe seventh, IMO.
Unga was projected as a 4-5 rounder for 2011
To bad he violated the honor code. Unga is a bruiser, big back with GREAT feet. He will be in the mold of Leanord Weaver but faster. I think he runs in the 4.6 range. For someone that is 6’ 1 and 245 that’s a load coming at you. He would be a perfect 3rd down back he can block and go out to the Flats and catch (Exceptional hands) the ball.
Although I wouldnt use a draft pick on him i would sign him UDFA, unless you know there is a team that is going to snatch him in the supplemental draft.
I guess just ask yourself if you think he is better than lame ass Hoomanawanui who had 1 catch in 09. Umm, my money goes to Unga in a second. Why does everyone value late round draft picks so much. If we can pick him up with a fifth or sixth, grab him. It’s a lot like the discussion about picking up Boldin (a pro bowler) and people were actually saying a 3rd or 4th rounder was too much for him. Unreal!
Ignorance is bliss and way too many people are happy.
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