Second-day Sleepers

In 21 months quarterback Tom Brady went from a sixth-round draft choice to Super Bowl MVP for the New England Patriots. It would be folly to predict who the next Brady will be, but this quarterback-deep draft has a bunch of prospects who, as late-round picks or even undrafted free agents, could get a shot in training camps this summer. Here are three in particular to watch.

ROB ADAMSON, 6'3", 215, MOUNT UNION COLLEGE
Not invited to participate in the NFL scouting combine in February, he showed up outside the RCA Dome in Indianapolis anyway and met as many NFL people as he could. Scouts like his toughness and fluid motion. A career 69.2% passer with 55 touchdown passes and 15 interceptions, Adamson led the Raiders to two Division III national championships. He might be worth a practice-squad spot and would be well served by playing a season in NFL Europe.

BRIAN ST. PIERRE, 6'3", 218, BOSTON COLLEGE
His career stats don't blow anyone away—56.9% completion rate, 48 touchdowns, 32 interceptions—but don't be fooled. He may have had better mechanics than either of his predecessors, Matt and Tim Hasselbeck, had as collegians. Though the Eagles expected more from him in his senior season, St. Pierre showed good field presence, if only an average arm. He's a strong leader and, besides, BC quarterbacks, like Doug Flutie and Matt Hasselbeck, have fared well as NFL long shots.

CURT ANES, 6'1", 219, GRAND VALLEY STATE
His lack of height and the level of competition he faced in Division II are concerns, as is his average arm strength, but he did complete 68.2% of his attempts over the last two seasons. Plus his mechanics—especially his release—are excellent. And how can a guy who threw only nine interceptions in 702 attempts as a junior and senior not get a serious look from a quarterback-needy NFL team?