NFL Draft 2015: 5 under-the-radar prospects to watch

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Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Devin Funchess (1) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

Devin Funchess, WR/TE Michigan

Admittedly, there is a school of thought that Funchess should be a first round selection, but with skeptics all over the place, his stock is low enough to warrant inclusion here. The 6-foot-5, 235-pound pass-catcher did not have numbers in college (62 catches, 733 yards, 4 touchdowns) that will blow you away, but Funchess was a product of a broken offensive system at Michigan, especially due to the consistent struggles of his quarterback in Devin Gardner.

There is some uncertainty as to where he will line up in the NFL, but for me, Funchess profiles in the Jimmy Graham mold as a “flex” tight end. Blocking definitely isn’t his forte, but with his size and strength against coverage, playing him in a tight end role would seem ideal.

Players with his size, speed and catch radius are very difficult to find in the NFL, and as a result, there is a premium placed on them in the NFL Draft. The 2014 class of pass-catchers set a high bar, but Funchess is a unique talent that could make an impact immediately, and he should be a consensus top-20 pick if NFL squads can see past his collegiate limitations.

Next: Tyler Lockett

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