See For Yourself Part 2

Welcome to the land of no guarantees. Once you cross the border from the third round into the fourth round, these unfortunate residents understand they have to perform well just for a chance to make the roster or hope for a position on the practice squad.

WR Taylor Price is the lucky one, as he was selected in the third round. Unless he completely bombs during training camp, Price will make the team in some way, shape, or form. He’s not in the gated neighborhoods of first or second rounders, but he does have a secure roof over his head. Fourth round and later guys get sheltered through camp. After that, they hope they don’t get the call to meet the turk and pack their bags.

Don’t believe me? Ask Stryker Sulak, a 2009 sixth round defensive end out of Missouri. Or go look up most of the 2007 draft class. DT Kareem Brown (fourth), OT Clint Oldenburg (fifth), RB Justise Hairston (sixth), OT Corey Hilliard (sixth), and OG Mike Elgin (seventh) did not make the team. Neither did LB Jeremy Mincey in 2006. Get the point?

I could look a little deeper and mention the players with short tenures with the Pats, but that’s rubbing it in. The point is these guys face an uphill climb.

Well, except for TE Aaron Hernandez. He was a second round talent that fell to the fourth over his positive drug test. As long as Hernandez stays clean, he’s a lock. Everyone else, get ready to battle every day.

For what it’s worth, I do think Alabama DE Brandon Deaderick will be the surprise of the late round picks. Anyone that gets shot during an attempted robbery and plays five years later has a believer in me.

Unfortunately, not everyone has a highlight video. Sorry C Ted Larsen, G Thomas Welch, Deaderick, and DT Kade Weston:

WR Taylor Price, Ohio

QB Zac Robinson, Oklahoma State