Red Towel Roundtable: NFL Draft

Oct 15, 2013; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers running back Antonio Andrews (5) rushes against Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns cornerback Corey Trim (7) during the first half at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Antonio Andrews
Fletcher: I don’t see Antonio Andrews hearing his name called, but if he does, it’ll be near the Mr. Irrelevant portion of the draft. Having said that, I do believe he will be one of the first non-drafted free agents to get a call on his celluar phone. I see A.A. going the same route that our good pal Bobby Rainey did, spending a year on a practice squad and having to wait until it’s his time to shine, but when it does, it’ll shine brightly. I think Andrews will go to a team like the San Francisco 49ers or the Atlanta Falcons – a team that boasts a powerful run game and can take their time in developing A.A., and using him when they feel ready.

Marcus:  I think that AA will be selected in either the 5th or 6th round. Andrews has a lot of size, which is definitely good for power backs in the NFL, and he can provide some depth to teams that are looking for another back on the roster. My only worry about AA is his fumbling issue; he has a hard time of keeping control of the ball, which could be a huge blemish when teams are deciding whether to pick him or another prospect. Overall, Andrews would be a decent late round pick for a team that is willing to give him a chance to earn his keep on the team, and possibly become a mid-major back. We saw this past year what Antonio’s superior did in the NFL (aka Bobby Rainey), and who knows, maybe AA could do the same?

Will: Andrews didn’t impress anyone at the combine. He ran a sub par 40 and all season his ball control had been questioned. However he is a work horse and at the Senior Bowl he set aside fears of his pass blocking ability. I hate to say it, but I don’t see him going as a drafted player. However, a team will take him as an undrafted free agent. The only team that I can think of that would take a shot on AA2K is the New England Patriots. Belichick and company love to trade their draft picks while also loving to take running backs in later rounds or via free agency. Of the four running backs on their roster (Shane Vereen, Stevan Ridley, Brandon Bolden, LeGarrett Blount) all four contracts are up after this season. 28 of New England’s current roster is undrafted free agents. I don’t want to build this up too much, but they were looking at him at the combine and Senior Bowl and Tom Brady can make anyone look good. It could be a match made in heaven.