Draft Analysis: Tennessee Oilers
Posted: Thursday June 11, 1998 06:02 PM
Kevin
Dyson 1st round, 16th overall
Receiver, Utah
Comments: Not the most talented, but was the 1st receiver
to come off the board. Has an excellent chance of becoming No. 2 receiver
opposite of free agent Yancey Thigpen. Has good
size and speed, but needs to become more physical if he is going to get off
bump-and-run coverage at the NFL level ... excellent deep threat and
big-play guy. Samari
Rolle 2nd round, 46th overall
Cornerback, Florida
State
Comments: Fills a need position that Oilers did not
address in first round ... not a big and physical cornerback, but he can
play tight man-to-man coverage, and Oilers hope he’s the cover guy that
they need ... a little more physical than his size would indicate ...
enough athletic ability and fluidity to develop into a nice player. Dainon
Sydney 3rd round, 77th overall
Cornerback,
Alabama-Birmingham
Comments: Bigger cornerback who can
hold up physically with the big receivers ... intriguing player with a good
upside ... a lot of teams liked this guy close to the draft ... needs
inproved work on techniques but has good overall cover skills and is
physical enough vs. the run ... could be a very nice developmental
player. Joe Salave’a 4th round, 107th overall
Defensive tackle, Arizona
Comments: Unusual 6-year
college player who has been productive and steady. Should be quality backup
that can step in at defensive end or tackle. Has some pass-rushing skills,
great intensity, and work ethic ... not a real flashy guy but should add
depth to Oiler line. Benji
Olson 5th round, 139th overall
Guard, Washington
Comments: Nicknamed the "Road Grader" by college teammates.
Overachiever type who is very physical in the run game. Not a reach that he
could get the nod as starter at right guard, where free agent Kevin Donnaley has
departed. Lee
Wiggins 6th round, 168th overall
Cornerback, South
Carolina
Comments: Good cornerback size and quickness but
lacks deep speed and burst, more of a range guy that has good ball skills.
Excellent special teams background as kick blocker and cover guy ... could
fit as inside cornerback and nickel but not a guy you want on an
island. Jimmy Sprotte 7th round, 205th overall
Linebacker, Arizona
Comments: Better player than
athlete. Plays with good instincts and has some versatility ... around the
ball a lot but lacks great speed and range ... not an overly physical guy
... somewhat of an overachiever that should find a home as versatile backup
and special-teams performer but, nothing special. Kevin
Long 7th round, 229th overall
Center, Florida State
Comments: Many expected him to go higher, but history of
injuries may have hurt him in the draft. Big, strong guy but doesn’t play
as physical as his numbers ... good feel for linebackers in space,
versatile enough to play center or guard ... has a chance to develop as
backup but may start on practice squad.
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