Despite a senior class full of experienced starters, no Arkansas player made a huge splash in the 2017 NFL Draft.
New England picked defensive end Deatrich Wise in the fourth round. He was the highest pick taken and one of just three Hogs drafted.
Several other players signed free-agent deals and a few look to have good situations as they battle for roster spots. Here are a few predictions for the Arkansas 2017 Draft class.
Most likely to be an NFL star: Deatrich Wise
I’m not really going out on a limb here taking the highest-drafted player, but Wise has the combination of being the most talented of the class and in the best situation. Ask another former Arkansas defensive lineman Trey Flowers - one of the heroes of the Patriots' Super Bowl win in February - how ideal it is to play in New England.
Wise will reunite with Flowers, who can help mentor and mold him on a solid defensive unit and in an organization primed to win more titles soon. It is a perfect situation for Wise, who has battled injuries and hasn’t played his best football yet. He can come in and learn the system and get healthier and soon team with Flowers on a dominant pass rush defense.
Wise could be one of the bigger steals of the draft. The Pats had their eye on him all a long and waited to grab him with a value pick. If he stays healthy he will be one more player the ultra-successful Patriots have won big on.
Drafted player with toughest training camp battle: Jeremy Sprinkle
The athletic tight end from White Hall may have been drafted higher if he hadn’t had shoplifted during the Belk Bowl festivities at the end of last season. Instead, the Washington Redskins picked him in the fifth round.
Washington already features veteran tight ends Jordan Reed, Vernon Davis, Niles Paul, Derek Carrier and Wes Saxton. Sprinkle is going to have to beat one or two of them out to earn a spot.
His advantage is that he may be a better blocker than half the group - a skill he picked up in Bret Bielema’s run-oriented offense. Most of the Redskins are known for their pass-catching ability. Still, Sprinkle is going to have to work hard and continue to develop his body for the rigors of the NFL season. If he does, he may send a vet packing.
Free agent with best shot to make a team: Dan Skipper
I’m not quite sure how a player who logs significant playing time for four years on the offensive line and is All-SEC doesn’t get drafted. The scouting reports leading up to the draft pointed out that Skipper’s 6-foot-10 frame could be an advantage and a disadvantage. Some that are critical of Arkansas’ conditioning program may say if Skipper was more flexible and agile he would have been drafted.
Either way, he is on the Dallas Cowboys roster, which is a good place to be. If Skipper was just an offensive linemen I would say he is destined to the practice squad. The fact that he can also be used on special teams to block kicks gives him added value.
While he is getting accustomed to playing on the line and developing better technique to make up for his height, he could be filling in there. I think he makes the team as a final cut and will have a long career in the NFL.
Free agent in the best system: Cody Hollister
The New England Patriots have been successful using a stable of no-name or cast-off veteran receivers. Wes Welker, Danny Amendola and Julian Edelman have made good careers out of playing with Tom Brady in the Patriots’ system. Most recently Chris Hogan has emerged as the latest under-the-radar weapon.
Hollister only picked up 140 yards receiving last year, but he was Arkansas’ special teams MVP. The 6-4, 209-pounder, along with his tight end twin Jacob, are on a team where their skills may be valued.
Don’t bet against: Toby Baker
Baker, a standout punter, wasn’t even signed as a free agent by the New York Jets. He is only getting a minicamp tryout, which is typical for specialists.
Baker may not make the Jets roster, but don’t be surprised if he lands in the NFL. He may have been one of the more under-appreciated Hogs booming punts at a 43-yard average in 27 games, with 27 punts of 50 yards or more and 45 punts inside the 20-yard line. He earned some All-SEC mention and was invited to the Senior Bowl.
Drew Morgan at Miami could be included here, too. I have loved the guy’s heart since I saw him play in high school at Greenwood. He is a long shot, but he won’t give up.
Nate Olson is a contributor for WholeHogSports