Blast from the Past: 2008 NFL Draft 7th Round Picks

You very rarely hear news of the late round picks unless their names are Tom Brady. But in 2008, NFL teams did a terrific job at drafting late, and several of these players are going to be ready to prove themselves in 2012. I really believe that these players are going to be impact players. Did you know these guys were all seventh round draft picks?

Matt Flynn was taken with the 209th pick of the Green Bay Packers, and in 2012 he will be ready to lead a team as a starter finally. Could Flynn be the next late round stud like Tom Brady? Only time will tell, but Flynn will be a week one starter for the Seattle Seahawks this year, so get ready for the late round bloomer to shine.

Demetress Bell who is Karl Malone’s son will get his chance to shine in Philly. After former Bill Jason Peters went down with an injury, Philly went out and signed the young stud left tackle of the Bills. Bell when healthy is a very good blocker, who could take Jason Peters spot from him if he remains healthy. He is a small school kid that has really developed well in the NFL.

Stevie Johnson has been very good in Buffalo for the past couple years, but can the young wide receiver help get the Bills over the hump? The Bills have not been in the playoffs since 1999. Could Johnson have another huge year and help the Bills get over the hump? He has been the most productive on this list already, but could he be the one that pulls away from this crowd?

The Jets swiped Chaz from the Raiders this year in free agency, and I really like the pick-up. Chaz has very good hands and is an intelligent receiver. He has had his moments for the Raiders, but I want to see how he can help the already loaded Jets receiving core. I think he could be a huge asset to the growth of Mark Sanchez in New York.

Could the curse be gone? Peyton Hillis was out a ton last season for the Browns. It is a new season and he no longer has the Madden Curse hanging over his head. Hillis will be able to start off fresh as well, as he has signed a contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. He will be a huge asset to the team in KC, as he can be that power back that they have been missing since they lost Larry Johnson.

I think Arrington will be a guy that comes on this year in New Orleans. He has always been buried on the depth chart, but with Robert Meachem leaving to San Diego, watch for the former 7th rounder to get his chance. He will be fourth on the depth chart if he can hold off Nick Toon the rookie but Arrington should be able to see the field this year.

Horton is a hard hitting safety and now he is on the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants. Don’t be surprised to see Perry Fewell figure out ways to use Horton both in the box and in coverage. This could be one of the best acquisitions of the year for the G-Men. Horton has been a play maker since he has been in the league.