Another day in Chicago for the NFL Draft and the result; three more Miami Hurricanes achieving their next-level dream.
Linebacker Denzel Perryman was snagged 16th in the second round (48th overall) by the San Diego Chargers, while tight end Clive Walford went fourth in the third round (68th overall) to the Oakland Raiders and running back Duke Johnson was 13th in the third round (77th overall), getting picked by the Cleveland Browns.
These three were on the heels of a promising opening round that saw offensive tackle Ereck Flowers getting drafted ninth overall by the New York Giants, while speedy receiver Phillip Dorsett snuck into the first round, going 29th overall to the Indianapolis Colts.
Perryman admittedly had no idea he was on San Diego’s radar, sharing his thoughts late Friday with Ricky Henne of Chargers.com.
“I was surprised when I got the phone call and saw that 858 California number,” Perryman explained. ” Then the guy said to me he was from San Diego, and it sunk in that this was serious.” When asked by Henne what the Chargers were getting in Perryman, the linebacker wasn’t afraid to list all aspects of his overall game.
“You are going to get an undersized linebacker who is very physical,” Perryman admitted. “I am a run stopper. I am pretty good at pass coverage, too. But you are getting a hard-nosed, downhill football player. And I bring an attitude and toughness. My attitude is ridiculous. When I am on the field, everything I hit will be knocked out. I am a real physical player.”
ESPN analyst Jon Gruden has been all over Perryman this spring, saying that “he’ll knock you sideways” and calling him “the most explosive hitter in this draft.”
Where Perryman looks to be a perfect fit for San Diego; a city rich in linebacker history, Walford in the silver and black seems ideal the tight end’s edge and a bit of a mean streak—
Raiders analysts like the pick, feeling that Walford was second round talent that was nabbed in the third round. Oakland’s people like Walford consistency, his route running, what’s able to do after the grab and the fact he’s a solid receiving tight end and not just a blocker.
NFL Network’s Mike Mayock, like others, is super-high on all things Walford; referring to him as the “most explosive tight end” in this year’s draft. Mayock liked how Walford was able to line up in a variety of places; in the slot, out wide and hands down, as a “normal” tight end.
Not quite as exciting as Dorsett reeling in passes from Andrew Luck with Indy, Walford gets second-year quarterback Derek Carr with the Raiders; a second-rounder out of Fresno State that showed promise last year in Oakland.
Also speaking of Dorsett, Walford actually hauled in 44 receptions to the receiver’s 39. The tight end was also second on the team with seven touchdowns and had 676 total yards receiving.
As for Johnson, a quality third round slot, albeit not with the franchise many Canes wanted to see him paired with. Cleveland is simply one of those snakebitten cities; one that never got over their team moving to Baltimore and finding success, before reviving the a franchise that sat four years dormant, returning in 1999, but never the same since.
Johnson joins a team with a solid offensive line, but question marks at quarterback, receiver and running back.
Cleveland has two bigger backs in Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell—both in that 225-pound range—so “The Duke” brings a different vibe and definitely have a chance to earn playing time, while looking to make a difference on special teams, but again—it’s the Browns; a franchise that took a gamble on the egotistical and elitist Johnny Manziel under center last year and sees to be throwing a lot at the wall the past few years, hoping anything will stick.
The Browns say they have a plan to utilize Johnson as a weapon; at least according to general manager Ray Farmer on Friday afternoon.
“Definitely a guy that I thought running the ball, could catch the ball; a dynamic player returning kicks—can catch punts,” said Farmer.
“He’s got a unique skill set that will affect our roster in multiple ways. We love the fact that he’s quick and agile. One of my favorite things that I’ve watched is you watch the kid run through trash and if guys are on the ground, he’ll jump over people, hit the ground and make a cut and keep balance. A lot of good things we like from him.”
For Canes fans, Cleveland does have another Miami tie as wide receiver Travis Benjamin has been part of the franchise the past three seasons and made some noise.
Cleveland negativity aside, it’s nothing buy joy for five Miami Hurricanes taking their game to the highest level and joining that elite “NFL U” fraternity that so many of their predecessors, brothers, mentors and friends belong to.
This is the weekend all these kids have waited for since they first toted the rock and now here they are; set to get paid handsomely for their talents and seeing a dream become a reality.
Saturday will bring the conclusion to the 2015 NFL Draft, as rounds four through seven are completed—and a handful of quality Canes remain. Offensive linemen Jon Feliciano and Shane McDermott are both available, as is defensive end Anthony Chickillo, cornerback Ladarius Gunter and defensive tackle Olsen Pierre, a few of which could go in the next two rounds.
(Note: As this article was set to go live, Feliciano was picked up by the Oakland Raiders late in the fourth round, where he’ll join Walford. Feliciano, like his teammate, is a perfect fit for the silver and black.)
A positive step forward for the Canes this weekend in regards to talent returning, the NFL legacy being secure and dreams being fulfilled for so many good kids.
That said, it makes a four-game losing streak, a 6-7 season and a theme of team underachieving that much harder to swallow regarding all things head coach Al Golden.