Jermichael Finley
TE, Texas · 2008 NFL Draft, Round 3, pick #91 (GNB)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: age. Details below.
- Age
21 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.6% of the time (663 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #119 (#8 at his position), close to where he went (#91). The whole market, not just his team, missed on him.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Texas: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.82 40-yard dash at 243 lbs: faster than 21% of TEs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.2% of the time (1,232 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
TE (TE group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 37.1% of the time (321 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 70 of ~96 possible regular-season games from 2008 through 2013 (~73%). Last NFL season: 2013.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numbers
| Games | 70 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 3 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 27 |
| Receiving | 223 rec, 2,785 yds, 20 TD |
| Defense | 4 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2013 |
The 2008 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2008 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Age 21 or younger | 56.6% n=663 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Bottom 25% at his position | 50.2% n=1,232 | |
| Position TE | 37.1% n=321 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 4", 243 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.82 s |
| Bench press | 20 reps |
| Vertical | 27.5" |
| Broad jump | 117" |
| 3-cone | 7.15 s |
| Shuttle | 4.38 s |
| Age at draft | 21 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #119 overall (#8 TE) |
Picked around him 2008 redraft
| 88 | Bruce Davis | redraft #199 |
| 89 | Steve Slaton | redraft #78 |
| 90 | Marcus Harrison | redraft #142 |
| 92 | Cliff Avril | redraft #21 |
| 93 | Philip Wheeler | redraft #53 |
| 94 | Kevin O'Connell | redraft #219 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.