3.5 RB Avon Cobourne, Detroit

[Preds]

With our final selection of the 3rd round... the Predators select a deep sleeper prospect who will either get cut by the Lions (I doubt it) or possibly end up with a shot at the starting role.

Avon's the prototypical high reward pick, and at 3.5 he's not a huge risk, although we are passing on another player we really like (who was a fairly high draft pick) to roll the dice on the undrafted Cobourne.

The truth is, before this draft began, we had Avon targeted for this pick. The only thing that would have changed that was a trade down or if someone snagged him earlier. The reality was, we knew he was going to end up a Predator before this draft started and are excited to have him (regardless of his small size). The kid can play.

Here's what the Folk's a FBG had to say about the newest Predator

5'7 - 205 lbs / school - West Virginia / signed by the Detroit Lions as a free agent.

I need somebody to answer this question for me...

"How tall was Barry Sandes again?"

I am tired of smaller running backs being ignored at the NFL level. I saw Avon Cobourne play many times while at West Virginia and it is a travesty that he wasn't selected during the draft. Sure he is only 5'7 but he has a powerful 205 lbs on his frame, is strong, quick and changes directions on a dime. Most importantly is the fact he produced at a high level throughout his four years in college.

The bottom line on Cobourne is that his size shouldn't hinder him that much in the NFL. He is powerful and quick on the field and if fellow rookie Artose Pinner doesn't win the starting job with the Lions this season, Cobourne just may.

[Philadelphia Freedom]

Good choice.