NFLPA Certified Contract Advisor, Jeff Sperbeck (of The NOVO Agency), has been involved with $1 billion-plus worth of contract negotiations throughout his career. The 20-year veteran just added a few more clients to his roster, which already includes LaMichael James (San Francisco) and Nick Toon (New Orleans).
“I’m extremely proud to be working with three great NFL Draft prospects in Terrance Mitchell, cornerback from Oregon, Michael Sam, defensive end from Missouri, and Brandin Cooks, wide receiver from Oregon State,” Sperbeck said. “All had outstanding college careers at their respective schools, but now they are training to prepare for the next chapter in their football lives.”
Mitchell finished 2013 with 59 tackles and five interceptions and is a projected second/third round selection in May. He is ranked one of the top-10 cornerbacks available in the 2014 Draft.
“NFL teams are going to see that Terrance is a bigger, more physical corner than most in the draft,” Sperbeck said. “He’s an aggressive man defender who has the strength and agility to match up with the bigger receivers in the NFL. He doesn’t shy away from contact either.”
This past season, Missouri’s Michael Sam led the SEC in both quarterback sacks (10.5) and tackles for loss (18). In 2013, the Associated Press chose Sam as the SEC Defensive Player of the Year. The Hitchcock, Texas native earned AP First-Team All-SEC honors as well. He will be participating in Reese’s Senior Bowl on January 25 in Mobile, Alabama.
“Michael’s senior year is one of the best from a defensive player in the school’s history,” Sperbeck said. “His motor is relentless and his explosiveness will be seen at the Senior Bowl. His thick frame and lower body strength make him effective in the run game, but his speed off the edge is what contributed to him leading the SEC in sacks.“ NFLPA Contract Advisor Marlon Sullivan will co-represent both Sam and Mitchell with Sperbeck.
Cooks, the country’s top wide receiver in 2013 (at least statistics-wise), won the Fred Biletnikoff Award (nation’s outstanding college football receiver). The Stockton, California native recorded 128 receptions for 1,700-plus yards and 16 touchdowns, surpassing the 200-yard mark twice. NFLDraftScout.com lists Cooks as the No. 7 wide receiver in the 2014 Draft.
“At just 5-10 and 186 pounds, he lacks elite size for the position, but he shines with his natural athleticism and dynamic ability before and after he touches the ball,” NFLDraftScout.com said.
Added Sperbeck: “Brandin’s season was remarkable and capped off by winning the Biletnikoff Award. He is more than just a quick receiver who caught bubble screens. He will impress NFL personnel with his route running, remarkable hands and his RACability. Some personnel already believe he may be the most polished receiver in this draft class.”
Mitchell will be training in Los Angeles with Travelle Gaines at Athletic Gaines while Sam and Cooks will be in San Diego at Athletes Performance.
“The character, work ethic, and football IQ of all three players will impress the NFL brass.” Sperbeck said. “I’m excited to get this process going.”
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