2016 prospects
TRANSCRIPT
DeForest Buckner, DE (Oregon): After earning second team All-Pac-12 recognition with a team leading 13 TFL, the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year registered 83 tackles (second on the team), 17 TFL, and 10.5 sacks in 2015. He became the sixth Duck to win the Morris Trophy, voted on by opposing Pac-12 linemen who lined up across from him as he of six finalists for the Ted Hendricks Award as the nation's top defensive end was credited with seven or more tackles in each of his last six appearances. Buckner also led Ducks linemen with four pass breakups as the recipient of the Joe Schaffeld Trophy, given to Oregon's top defensive lineman, in 2014.
Pros:
Size (6’7” 290) and length makes it difficult for offensive linemen to create separation
Explosive first step
Tremendous level of production despite facing constant double teams
Numbers suggest he improved each year
Can be a stand up edge rusher
Incredible strength that allows him to bull rush and make arm tackles
Good gap integrity
Disrupts passing lanes
Has the size to play as a 4-3 tackle or 3-4 end
Strong anchor, rarely getting driven back
Good motor
Sound tackler
Disengages well
Pro Football Focus’ highest overall grade amongst all interior defenders
Cons:
Leans on offensive linemen rather than relying on his length
Inconsistent hand placement, often grabbing the shoulders of offensive linemen
Doesn’t strike offensive linemen with a violent or strong initial punch
Gets washed down easily
Turns his shoulders when fighting double teams rather than squaring up with pads
Needs to improve his array of pass rush moves
Will stand straight up when engaged
Struggles to fight double teams
Doesn’t read screen very well
Needs to do “Pros” more consistently
Pro comp: Calais Campbell Draft projection: Top 10
Pharoh Cooper, WR (South Carolina): Cooper was a first team All-SEC receiver in 2014 after catching 69 passes for 1,136 yards and nine touchdowns while rushing for 200 yards and two touchdowns. This season, he hauled in 66 passes for 973 yards and eight touchdowns while rushing for 111 yards and a touchdown despite playing with three different quarterbacks and even playing wildcat quarterback himself.
Pros:
Tremendous size for a slot wide receiver (5'11, 207 pounds)
Great awareness and speed in size
Huge catch radius
Strong hands
Shows the ability to win one-on-one matchups
Has a second gear to run by defenders
Versatile athlete; 359 career kick return yards and 172 career punt return yards
Explosive; can take the top off a the defense
Doesn't take plays off
Shows willingness to go over the middle
Fights for extra yards; tough
Good footwork
High level productivity despite playing with three different quarterbacks
3+ catches in 11 of 12 games in 2015
Cons:
Spent most of his career from the slot, questioning whether he can line up outside
Shows willingness to block but will need to refine his ability
Lacks quick twitch
Route running can be improved
Will suffer from focus drops
Pro comp: Randall Cobb Draft projection: 2nd-3rd round
Myles Jack, LB (UCLA):
After suffering a season ending knee injury at the end of September, Jack declared for the draft. He is
the only player in Pac-12 history to win the offensive and defensive player freshman award. He also ran
for seven touchdowns as a freshman in 2013 as a finalist for the Paul Hornung Award.
Pros:
Great in both man and zone coverage
Explosive; plays sideline to sideline
Has the three most desirable traits you want in a linebacker: fast, strong, and physical
The most versatile and athletic linebacker in this year's class
Pro Football Focus' top graded linebacker in coverage in 2013
Has shown the ability to cover slot guys and running backs
Takes on blockers at great speed with great strength; shows signs of being a productive
edge rusher
Plays the ball in the air well (defended 11 passes as a freshman)
Delivers a blow to ball carriers and blockers with a strong punch
Solid form tackler
Great size and speed combination (245 pounds)
Cons:
Still recovering from the knee injury while preparing for the combine
Short for an NFL linebacker (6'1)
Doesn't have great length
Gets lost in the mix of things from time to time
Pro comp: Jamie Collins Draft projection: Top 10
Carson Wentz, QB (North Dakota State): Wentz is a high riser, and rightfully so. After sitting behind Brock Jensen in 2013, Wentz started all 16 games in 2014 as he lead the Bison to their fourth straight FCS National Championship throwing for 3,111 yards (school record) and 25 touchdowns against 10 interceptions; he also completed 63.7 percent of his passes (his 228 completions and 358 attempts were both school records) and added another 642 yards (NDSU’s second leading rusher) and six touchdowns on the ground. He started 2015 on fire, completing the same percent of his passes for 1,454 yards and 16 touchdowns with a mere two interceptions before suffering a wrist injury on October 17 that has kept him sidelined. With NDSU facing Richmond in the semifinals this Friday, there is a chance Wentz could return for the National Championship. At 6’5, 231 pounds, Wentz possess serious size and arm strength with the ability make throws to any part of the field.
Pros:
Despite playing in only six games, Wentz’s accuracy and touch were on display
Ability to throw to a spot
Very sound mechanically as he possess strong hips and core that allow him to throw the
ball with such power and velocity
Doesn’t over stride, finishes over the top, and has an over-the-top release that allows
very few passes to be batted down by defensive linemen
Ball explodes out of his hand
Stands tall in the pocket with slight bend in knees
Poise and presence in the pocket; senses pressure well and shows ease when moving
around within the pocket
Ability to extend plays and retain good mechanics when throwing on the run
Excellent decision making; very rarely takes sacks
Unique combination of speed, athleticism, and strength for his size
Sells fakes well
Cons:
Often stands flat footed in the pocket, disallowing him to engage lower half and be
ready to hit an open receiver at a given moment
Drops look lackadaisical; doesn’t set up very quickly
I would like to see him look off defenders more often
Internal clock is slow; makes decisions late
Consistency in mechanics and selling fakes
Pro comp: Blake Bortles Draft projection: Top 15
Will Redmond, CB (Mississippi State): Redmond is a great athlete and has potential to be a ball -hawking corner. Unfortunately, Redmond tore his ACL in October and will likely fall in the draft but could be a positive for ant team should they take him as he is a first round talent.
Pros:
Tremendous straight-line speed
Great coverage skills and anticipation
Can run with quick receivers and doesn’t get out-muscled by bigger, more physical
receivers
Tracks the ball well with solid hand-eye coordination
Mirrors receivers well and doesn’t allow himself to get beat over the top
Physical and aggressive but disciplined on double moves, play-action
Swift hips and rotates them quickly, allowing him to take better angles on ball carriers
and get his body in position to play the ball in coverage
High football IQ, recognizes assignments in Zone
Explosive in jams
Not afraid to take on blockers
High motor; plays at the same speed all four quarters
Fearless
Cons:
Needs to vastly improve his tackling ability; puts head down and can’t see what he’s
tackling, significantly improving his chance of injury
Doesn’t shed blocks well; tries to run around them rather than fight through them
Ankle bitter; doesn’t wrap up and will struggle against NFL backs with a combination of
power and speed
Size and range aren’t desirable
Inconsistent when taking necessary angles to bring down ball carriers
Looks lost in space from time to time
Pro comp: Robert Alford Draft projection: 3rd-4th round
Tyler Boyd, WR (Pittsburgh): Boyd has the ability as he is the ACC’s only player to ever record 1,000 season in both his freshman and sophomore seasons (the same conference that has featured the likes of Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Sammy Watkins, and Peter Warrick to name a few). His 85 receptions for 873 yards this season helped him become the school’s all-time leader in receptions (248) and yards (3,308) and first and second in the conference respectively. Despite his off-field issue, Boyd embodies the receiver who dominates a game as the absence of running back James Conner left Boyd as the only offensive player defenses keyed on and schemed around. His cons can be refined in the next few months as he is a player who could have a major impact on any team.
Pros:
Height
Big play ability
Consistency (3+ catches for 38+ yards in every game including five with 10+ for 89+)
Posted 10 catches for 131 yards and a touchdown against Iowa’s Desmond King, the
Thorpe Award Winner
Great YAC earner
Refined route running; ran full route tree out of multiple sets
Soft, consistent hands; solid hand-eye coordination
Long strider who can hit the next gear
Uses his body well to box out and out-jump defenders
Averaged 7.7 receptions and 79.4 yards despite being the sole focal point of defensive
schemes
Sound footwork and ability to sell fakes
Knows when to extend for passes or haul them in close to his body
Exceptional athlete; 10th in the nation in kick return average (27.6 yards) and first in
the ACC in punt return average (10.1) in 2014
Cons:
Fast, not quick
Rather lean (200 pounds), would like to see him add 15 pounds to his frame
Lacks great quick-twitch
Occasional focus drops
Doesn’t possess great strength, will often go down after first tackle attempt
Poor off-field decisions (DUI arrest during the summer of 2014)
Pro comp: Roddy White Draft projection: 2nd round
Bryce Williams, TE (East Carolina): Williams is a big bodied (6’6, 258 pounds), sure handed tight end who was a First Team All -AAC choice this season. Williams is an intriguing prospect that will likely be available in the third round. His versatility allows him to line up split-out, as an H-Back, or a three point stance; he will need to refine his run blocking.
Pros:
41 of his 96 career catches went for 10 or more yards
Great numbers (58 receptions for 588 yards and four touchdowns)
YAC earner
Finds open windows
Faster and stronger than most linebackers
Great size/speed combination
Tremendous catch radius
Moves and catches passes like a receiver
Strong hands
Good awareness and vision
Moves very well in open space
Is a solid 258
Had multiple catches in each game, 5+ seven times highlighting his consistency
Showed tremendous signs of progress from freshman to senior season
Cons:
Is more of a receiver than blocker
A little too lean; 5-7 extra pounds would make a true threat
Lacks power for someone his size
Questionable functional strength
I wonder if he would put the same numbers in a Power 5 conference
Needs to refine route running, often has to come back for the ball due to his drifting
particularly on out routes
Didn’t run a full route tree at ECU
Pro comp: Anthony McCoy Draft projection: 5th round
Jack Allen, C (Michigan State): Allen has made 46 career starts (41 at center), allowing a mind-boggling three sacks in 47 career games. The Rimington Trophy Finalist has been invited to the Senior Bowl and is a two-time All-Big Ten First Team selection. Allen is quite a project with tools that need to be developed or refined but has quality experience against some of college football’s toughest and most talented fronts. His level of consistency and durability makes him an intriguing prospect with a high ceiling.
Pros:
Extremely high football IQ; can recognize and pick up blitz
Toughness and durability is highlighted by his 46 career starts
Unparalleled level of consistency
Desirable functional strength and anchor
Uses size and strength to engage blockers and generate drive
Solid technique
Gets to the second level and locates defender well
Has a good feel in pass protection
Cons:
Lacks physical tools (6’2, 296)
Will struggle against bigger and stronger defensive tackles
Often too aggressive and will fall off blocks; not a great bender
Balance
Can be dominated at point of attack and will need to improve his pad level
Doesn’t look comfortable in open space
Pro comp: Gino Gradkowski Draft projection: 4th-5th round
Christian Hackenberg, QB (Penn State): The 6’4, 234 pound junior was a highly touted, four star recruit out of Virginia and was ESPN’s number one rated quarterback in the 2013 recruiting class. Living up to the bill, Hackenberg was a five time Big Ten Freshman of the Week, Big Ten Newcomer of the Year, and a True Freshman All -American in his first season as a starter. He struggled mightily his sophomore year, throwing more interceptions (15) than touchdowns (12) while taking 44 sacks before regaining form this past season.
Pros:
Desirable size and build
Ball explodes out of his hand
Good hip rotation and keeps shoulders square when throwing
Opens up when throwing to target
Three years of starting experience
Moves well within the pocket
Throws a tight spiral
Finds his check down
Has the arm to make all the throws
Stays tall in the pocket and scans the field
Has the accuracy to throw to a spot
Cons:
Drops are often sloppy
Has a tendency to over stride
Doesn’t keep the ball on the top shelf in his drops which causes him to drop the ball
when he starts his wind up
Sub-par athleticism
Major regression between freshman and sophomore seasons
Doesn’t step into throws when facing pressure
Has the tendency to stand flat footed in the pocket and throw off his back foot
Eyes go down when the pocket collapses
Completion percentage dropped each year
Doesn’t get the ball out on time, will take sacks
Lacks consistent touch
Pro comp: Sean Mannion Draft projection: 3rd round
Kenneth Dixon, RB (Louisiana Tech): Dixon scored an NCAA freshman record 27 TDs in 2012 before finishing with a then NCAA record 87 that was later broken by Keenan Reynolds. He finished as La. Tech’s all -time leader in rushing yards (4,483), rushing touchdowns (72), total yards (5,452) and total touchdowns.
Pros:
Incredibly productive college career
Great receiving back
Has the size and traits to be a three-down, feature back
Runs behind his pads
Possesses desirable game speed
Natural fluidity, shiftiness, and burst
Strong and powerful lower half; earns his yards
Isn’t afraid to lower his head and shoulder to run through defenders
Great vision
Patient; allows blocking to develop
Tremendous footwork and athleticism
Doesn’t go down after first tackle attempt
Cons:
Pass protection needs work
Relatively average size and frame; susceptible to big hits
Will stutter around in the backfield which leads to tackles for loss
Would like to see him hit the holes harder
Pro comp: Montee Ball Draft projection: 2nd round
Joey Bosa, DE/Edge (Ohio State): The 6’6, 275 pound defensive linemen is a two time All-American after racking up 148 tackles, 51 tackles for loss, 26 sacks, an interception, and five forced fumbles in his three year career.
Pros:
Size
Great athleticism
Flexible and bends well
Squeezes and collapses the pocket
PFF’s highest rated pass rusher in consecutive seasons despite facing increased double
teams in ‘15
Good backside pursuit
Strong at the point of attack
Tremendous strength
Translates speed to power
Length; creates separation
Plus pad level
Footwork
Sets the edge well
Explodes off the ball
Possess an array of pass rush moves
Good hand placement
Great motor
Cons:
Needs to be more violent when striking offensive linemen
Pass rush moves need refinement
Relied on pure strength and push in college but won’t translate well at the next level
Will over pursue the quarterback
Can be easily drawn offsides
Will try to arm tackle running backs while engaged with blockers
Pro comp: Patrick Kearney Draft projection: Top 5
Reggie Ragland, LB (Alabama): The unanimous first team All-American was named to the All-SEC First Team by both the conference coaches and the Associated Press, selected as the SEC Defensive Player of the Year. Ragland lead the team with 97 tackles while recording 6.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles; he lead the team in tackles in eight games this season.
Pros:
Size (6’2, 247 pounds)
Engages and disengages blockers well
Powerful Burst and flexibility off the edge
Seemingly always around the ball; rallies well
Defensive leader Athleticism
Fills holes quickly
Versatility; can play multiple LB positions Great motor; plays sideline-to-sideline
Strong at the point of attack; doesn’t get driven back
Rarely misses tackles Impressive quick twitch for someone his size
Good closing speed
Read and reacts quickly
Cons:
Occasionally lost or out of position in coverage
Will try to run around blocks rather than take them on or engage
Needs to anticipate more often Isn’t particularly fast highlighted by his 4.72 40
Raw pass rusher Pro comp: Dan Morgan Draft projection: 1st round
Terrance Smith, ILB (Florida State): The 6’4, 230 pounder saw action in only nine games this season due to an ankle injury but still recorded 64 tackles, 3.5 TFL, and a sack. Smith was an All-ACC Second team selection after starting 10 games in which he made 86 tackles, 4.5 TFL, a sack, two interceptions and forced a fumble. He was also an All -ACC Honorable Mention and College Football News Sophomore All-America Second Team in 2013.
Pros:
Rangy
Incredible strength and power
Moves well in space
Great combination of speed and power
Solid ball skills
Flies to the ball and through holes; desirable acceleration
Form tackler
Versatility; has played both Mike and Will
Athletic
Cons:
Over aggressive when pursuing ball carriers and often leads to poor angles
Coverage skills need refinement
Frame has room to grow
Questionable whether he can be a three down linebacker
Overall game needs work
Pro comp: Neiron Ball Draft projection: 6th-7th round
Reggie Northrup, LB (Florida State): Northrup had a tremendous 2014 campaign as third team All -ACC selection after leading the team in tackles (122), the most since 2002. He also registered four TFL, and one sack, interception, fumble recovery, and forced fumble before tearing his ACL against Oregon in the Rose Bowl. Northrup returned with a strong 2015 campaign, recording 94 tackles, one TFL, and three passes defended.
Pros:
Flows and moves well in space
Great ability to read-and-react
Explosive and powerful; runs through ball carriers
Plays with desirable intensity and tenacity
Doesn’t shy away from contact
Has the motor to play sideline-to-sideline
Will likely be an early contributor on special teams
Cons:
Undersized (6’1, 236 pounds)
Lacks quick twitch
Isn’t very fast; will get outran by running backs and tight ends in coverage
Isn’t very good in coverage and lacks consistent drops
Will get pushed around by bigger offensive linemen
Pro comp: Anthony Trucks Draft projection: Undrafted
Nile Lawrence-Stample, DT (Florida State): After making 36 tackles, 3.5 TFL, and 2.5 sacks, Lawrence-Stample was a second team All-ACC choice. Pros:
Strong anchor and at the point of attack
Great pad level
Strength to fight through double teams
Sheds blockers with ease
Doesn’t get pushed around, thus clogging lanes
Good hand placement
Projects as a 4-3 tackle
Solid footwork
Use of length
Has great feel for the game
Cons:
Doesn’t push the pocket very well
Average size (Size (6’1, 305 pounds)
Slow first step
Technique needs refinement
Has a tendency to lean on offensive linemen
Average pass rusher
Is more of a rotational down linemen
Lacks quickness; will miss tackles
Pro comp: Tyeler Davison Draft projection: 4th round
Roberto Aguayo, K (Florida State): An unparalleled career and undoubtedly the best specialist in college football, Aguayo has been Mr. Automatic during his three seasons for Florida State, winning the 2013 Lou Groza Award and earning consensus All-American honors in 2014. He finished the 2014 season 27-for-30 on field-goal attempts, including a perfect 18-for-18 on tries under 40 yards. Aguayo's career 96.73 percent (267-of-273) on all kicks is the NCAA’s all-time mark and he is the first kicker in 16 years (Sebastian Janikowski) to declare for the draft early. Pros:
12th kicker in NCAA history to never miss an extra point
Huge, accurate leg (4-of-5 on 50+ yards) Was also the kick off specialist
198 extra points are an ACC record
Holds the ACC and NCAA records for points by a kicker in a season with 157 in 2013
18-of-22 from 40 yards or more in the past two seasons
88.46 career conversion rate on field-goal attempts is the third-best among college
kickers since 2000
Good size
Touchback percentage increased each season
Cons:
Never finished above 25th in touchback percentage in any year of career
11 career kicks have gone out of bounds, one of the highest marks between 2013-2015
Had fewer touchbacks on the road or at neutral sites each year of career
Draft projection: 2nd-3rd round
Robert Nkemdiche, DL (Ole Miss): The former two time USA Today High School All-American and number one overall recruit lived up to the hype: Nkemdiche was a first team freshman All-American and All-SEC choice in 2013 before earning both second team All-American and first team All-SEC in 2014 and 2015. Pros:
Size (6’4, 296 pounds)
Tremendous level of production and consistency despite being the focal point of offensive game plans
Power and strength to push the pocket and fight through double teams Athleticism
Strong at the point of attack; hard to be redirected
Scheme versatility; started his career as a defensive end Anchor prevents him getting driven back
Incredible quickness for someone his size
Slides under offensive linemen to get into the backfield Explodes out of stance
Great length
Quick hands; uses them productively Uses quickness to beat guards inside
Flows well
Controls and plugs gaps Displays a swift, productive swim move
+25.3 pass rush grade ranked fifth among interior defensive linemen via PFF
Cons:
Doesn’t bend very well; stiff hips
Needs to improve ability to fight cut blocks
Will pursue too far up field
Doesn’t take great angles
Lacks multiple pass rush moves, often relying on strength and push
Charged with possession of marijuana after falling 15 feet over a wall
Pro comp: Leonard Williams/Sheldon Richardson Draft projection: 2nd-3rd round
Jaylon Smith, OLB (Notre Dame): According to Irish head coach Brian Kelly, Smith is the best player he has ever coached. He made all the defensive calls as a true sophomore in 2014 and doubled as the team’s leading tackler, earning FBS Independent Co-Defensive Player of the Year and second-team All-American honors (AP). Smith was the winner of the Butkus Award in 2015 as the nation’s bets linebacker after recording 115 tackles, nine tackles for loss, one sack, five passes defended, two fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble. Pros:
Combination of speed and power
Reads keys and flows well
Length Burst off the edge
Athleticism
High football IQ Translates speed to power
Uses strength to shed blockers and make difficult tackles
Plays sideline-to-sideline One of college football’s most productive defenders in coverage (+4.6), against the run
(+20.0) and as a pass-rusher (+5.9)
Great form tackler
Bend Speed in pursuit
Can play Will in a 4-3 or Joker in a 3-4
Drops in coverage are consistent and well positioned Cons:
Size (6’2, 235 pounds); likely won’t play Mike at the next level
Lean frame allows linemen to get their hands on Smith down the field
Take-on strength is sub-par
Size may hinder ability to cover and take down bigger, more athletic tight ends
Pro comp: Patrick Willis Draft projection: 1st-2nd round
Vernon Hargreaves III, DB (Florida): The former MVP of the Under Armour All-American game has had a stellar career as a Florida Gator. Hargreaves started 10 games as a true freshman in 2013 en route to first-team All-SEC honors before duplicating the same honor in 2014 and 2015 while earning first team All -American honors those same season. Pros:
Intercepted four passes as a junior despite being Florida’s best defender as quarterbacks tried to avoid him
Seventh most interceptions in SEC history; a true ball hawk
Great straight line and closing speed Has special team experience
Possesses desirable ball skills
Athleticism allows him to stick with guys in Man Aggressiveness; isn’t afraid to make tackles and get his hands on receivers when in press
man
Quick twitch
Physicality at line of scrimmage Good hip rotation allows fluidity; can turn and run with fast receivers
Solid tackler in space
Doesn’t get out-muscled by bigger receivers Breaks on the ball very well
Surrendered one touchdown all season and 76 yards were the most surrendered in a single game
Only two of Michigan’s 28 targets went Hargreaves’ way Good ball tracking skills and hand-eye coordination
Picks up assignment in zone
Cons:
Will bite on double moves
Occasionally allows too much cushion
Finished 54th in coverage via PFF after finishing second in 2014 Size isn’t great at 5’11, 196 pounds but looks shorter
Slender frame
Doesn’t possess great length Doesn’t mirror receivers well, will get beat inside
Pro comp: Darrelle Revis Draft projection: 1st round
Jared Goff, QB (Cal): After a stellar prep career at Marin Catholic where Goff was 39-4 as a three year starter, Goff carried that momentum into his first year at Cal where he became the first quarterback in school history to start as a true freshman on his way to one of the Pac-12’s most accomplished careers. Goff holds 26 school records including career marks in yards (12,195) touchdowns (96), and completions (952); most impressively, Goff has thrown only career 30 interceptions. His 4,714 yards and 43 touchdowns last season were the most in conference history while he is one of six players in Pac-12 history to throw for 3,000 or more yards in three seasons and the second to throw for 3,000 or more yards in each of his first three campaigns. Pros:
Durability (started all 37 possible games)
Consistent, elite production Numbers improved each season
Good feet; drops are consistent
Has the athleticism to extend the play Quick, compact delivery
Ball jumps out of his hand
Height (6’4) Mobile in the pocket; climbs the ladder
Arm strength to make throws at all levels
Moves defenders with his eyes Goes through progression; will find second and third options
Tremendous accuracy, can throw to a spot
PFF’s number one quarterback a year after finishing eighth Doesn’t take sacks or force many throws
Cons:
Very thin frame (210 pounds)
System hasn’t required him to throw guys open Occasionally doesn’t get his lower half involved when passing
Balls were sail or one hop due to happy feet in the pocket
Mechanics on the run aren’t great Pro comp: Matt Ryan Draft projection: Top 10
Laremy Tunsil, T (Ole Miss): Tunsil, a five-star recruit by Rivals.com, number one offensive tackle prospect in the 2013 recruiting class, and 2013 Army All-American, is one the NFL’s top prospects after a memorable career at Ole Miss. After starting all but four games as a true freshman, Tunsil earned SEC All-Freshman honors by the and first team Freshman All-American honors via The Sporting News after allowing only one sack; he started 11 games as a sophomore before breaking his fibula in the Peach Bowl but was still an All-SEC by the AP. Tunsil was suspended for the first seven games of the 2015 season due to NCAA infractions but held Texas A&M’s Myles Garrett, the SEC’s sack leader at the time, to zero sacks in his first game back. Pros:
Only allowed five total pressures on 225 total snaps
Has surrendered two career sacks PFF’s seventh highest rated OT despite playing in only six games
Does a great job of mirroring defenders
Picks up defenders when they stunt and twist Desirable knee bend, kick slide, and drop
Body control and footwork are top notch
Incredibly technically sound Plays with ideal base and stays positioned; defenders almost never gain leverage
Strikes defenders with force and great timing
Gets to the second level with ease
Cons:
Injuries in 2013 and 2014 forced him to miss time
Needs to be more consistent with his leg drive and blocking edge defenders
Committed a multitude of false start penalties Needs to be more patient which causes him to reach and grab
Pro comp: Tyron Smith/Russell Okung Draft projection: Top 5
Ezekiel Elliot, RB (Ohio State): After rushing for 1,878 yards and 18 touchdowns in his coming out party and sophomore campaign, Elliot was a Heisman front runner in the 2015 preseason. The 2014 Sugar Bowl and College Football Playoff National Championship MVP ran for 1,821 yards and 23 touchdowns this past season while capturing Big 10 Player and Running Back of the Year honors. Pros:
Size (6’0, 225)
Tremendous vision and acceleration
Soft hands Turns up field after making receptions
Has the size and ability to be a workhorse back
Fast feet Lateral quickness, change of direction
Runs behind his pads with a forward lean
Possesses quality instincts and awareness Great burst through the holes
Earns yards after contact with an incredibly strong lower half
Solid in pass protection and as a lead blocker; his +13.1 lead the nation among running backs
Looks good on the hoof
Complete, third down back
Cons:
Publicly called out his head coaches’ decision making
Often had massive holes to run behind that won’t be there as often at the next level
Seems best suited for a zone scheme having taken almost all of his snaps out of shotgun Needs to do a better job of picking up blitz
Isn’t an exceptionally fast open field runner Pro comp: Steven Jackson Draft projection: 1st round
Shilique Calhoun, Edge (Michigan State): The three-time second-team All-American (2013, 2014, 2015) is one of only eight Spartans in program history and the first defensive lineman to earn first-team All-Big Ten honors three times (2013-15). Calhoun ranks among MSU's all-time leaders in tackles for loss yardage (first with 267), sacks (second with 27), sack yardage (second with 211), tackles for loss (fourth with 43.5), fumble recoveries (tied for 10th with five) and forced fumbles (tied for 15th with four); he is also second among active NCAA FBS leaders in sacks (27) and has blocked two kicks in his career. Calhoun has also been a semifinalist and finalist for awards such as the Hendriks Award (best defensive end), Lombardi Award (best linemen), and Bednarik Award (best defensive player). His play in 2013 earned him Big 10 Defensive Player. Pros:
Incredible career at MSU
Leadership (one of three players under Mark Dantonio to be named team captain twice) Consistency and durability (started 41 career games)
Good hands rusher
Gets down the LOS (34 percent of his career tackles have gone for losses) Number one pass rusher among edge defenders via PFF (+43.5)
Quick first step
Flexibility and bend Strong base/hold
Plays with solid pad level
Is able to get offensive linemen out of position, drawing holding calls Strong rip move
Does a good job of setting the edge, forcing cutbacks
Runs the arc well
Cons:
Gives up when he gets held rather than trying to fight through it
A little light at 250, thus lacking power to keep going when initial momentum is stopped
Will miss tackles Technique needs refinement
OLB/DE tweener Pro comp: Michael Strahan Draft projection: 2nd round
Josh Doctson, WR (TCU): After transferring from Wyoming in 2012, Doctson completed arguably TCU’s most prolific career by a receiver as his 180 receptions for 2,785 and 29 touchdowns ranking second, second, and first respectively; he was one reception from being tied for first. He set TCU single-season records for receiving yards (1,018) and touchdown catches (11) on his way to second team All-Big 12 honors in 2014. Doctson exploded in 2015, hauling in 79 passes for 1,337 yards and 14 touchdowns as a first team All-American and Biletnikoff Award finalist, also joining Michael Crabtree as the only FBS players in the last 20 seasons to have six straight games of 100 yards receiving and at least two touchdown catches . Pros:
Tall (6’3) with long arms
Averaged 14.8 yards per reception during career Quick feet and fluid hips creates separation on in breaking routes and gets defenders
out of position
Ball tracking
Timing and anticipation Has the speed to take the top off a defense
Comes back for the ball
Knows when to use his hands or his body to secure a catch Desirable outside release
Finds open windows
Makes contested catches High points the ball
Nation’s top-graded WR at +26.9 before going down to injury in Week 11
Sets up defenders; uses stride and second gear to run down the field uncovered
Cons:
Lanky frame at 195 pounds
Occasionally rounds off routes
Will suffer from focus drops Struggles to beat more physical corners against press
Aggressive corners will jam and reroute him Pro comp: Jabar Gaffney Draft projection: 1st-2nd round
Taylor Decker, OT (Ohio State): Coming out of high school, Decker was rated by Rivals.com as a four-star recruit and was ranked as the 23rd best offensive tackle in his class. He originally committed to the University of Notre Dame flipping to Ohio State. Decker played in all 12 games as a true freshman in 2012, mostly special teams, but played 22 snaps on offense. Decker took over as a starter his sophomore season in 2013, starting all 14 games at right tackle before moving to left tackle his junior year in 2014 as the Buckeyes only returning starter on the offensive line where he started all 15 games, including the 2015 College Football Playoff National Championship win against Oregon. Decker was a Consensus All-American and the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the year this past season. Pros:
Tremendous size (6’8, 315) and length
Has the ability to be a swing tackle Road grader
Tenacity and toughness
Has drastically improved since last season Great in a zone scheme
Athletic
Gets to the second level Mauler
Quick hands
Does a great job of mirroring defenders Solid hand placement
Cons:
Struggles against speed rushers Has a tendency to stand straight up and narrow his base in pass protection
Better run blocker than pass protector
Exposes his chest when pass blocking, allowing defenders to drive their hands into him
Stiff hips Isn’t very quick
Pro comp: Sebastian Vollmer Draft projection: 1st round
Vernon Adams, Jr., QB (Oregon): The graduate transfer had a rough start to his senior campaign with the Ducks, suffering a hand injury that held him out of three contests and limited his play against Utah, a stretch that saw the Ducks go 2-2 before leaving the Alamo Bowl due to a head injury. The Pasadena native needed to first pass a math test to become eligible and couldn’t begin practicing with the team and learning the playbook until mid -August, three weeks before their first game. Adams proceeded to throw for 2,643 yards and 26 touchdowns and run for another 184 and two, all against only six interceptions. He completed 64.9 percent of his passes with a 179.1 quarterback rating, the 10th highest in FBS history.
Pros:
Escapability; the play is never over as long as he has the ball in his hands
Proven leader and winner Intelligent; earned the starting job after three weeks with the team and posted great
numbers (a testament to his ability to learn the playbook quickly)
Athleticism and agility
Incredible accuracy and touch on the run Spins the ball well with great velocity
Climbs the ladder; moves well in the pocket
Constantly keeps his eyes down the field Huge arm for someone his size; can make throws all over the field
Tremendous feet
MVP of the Shrine Game where he displayed all qualities against quality competition Decision making
Ultimate competitor with a will to improve and win (Redshirted in 2011 at EWU, earning Scout Team Player of the Year; came off the bench against Sam Houston State in the 2012 FCS playoffs and almost guided the Eagles to victory after being down 35-0 at halftime)
Finishes throws and stands in the face of pressure
Displays a feel and rhythm for the game
Cons:
Obvious questions about his size (5’11, 201) and Oregon’s system Occasionally late on throws, leaving receivers exposed once they catch the ball
Will make receivers work for the ball
String of injuries this past season Pressure will cause him to force throws and take sacks
Many yards came after the catch on screens and short passes
Inconsistent accuracy and timing down the field Low release point
Pro comp: B.J. Daniels Projected draft value: 4th-5th round
Rashard Higgins, WR (Colorado State): As a true freshman at Colorado State in 2013, Higgins started all 14 games and finished the season with a school freshman record 68 receptions for 837 yards and six touchdowns. Higgins exploded as a sophomore in 2014, hauling in 96 receptions for 1,750 yards and 17 touchdowns in two fewer games, earning his way to a Biletnikoff Award finalist and a consensus All -American; he lead the nation in yards and touchdowns. This past season, Higgins caught 75 balls for 1,062 yards and eight touchdowns. Pros:
Height (6’2”)
Catch radius
Refined route running Earns yards after the catch
Uses hips and head fakes to set up defenders
Can create separation Knows when to use hands and body to haul in passes
Lined up in multiple sets and splits
Deliberate in and out of routes; desirable foot speed and body control Adjusts well to low passes
Long arms
CSU’s all-time leader in catches, yards, and touchdowns Flashes the ability to get hands inside of defenders when blocking
Cons:
Needs to be more consistent when tracking and adjusting to balls Jerks coming out of stance
Struggles to make contested catches
Thin frame, only 190 pounds Didn’t run an expanded route tree
There will be questions about playing in the Mountain West and dip in production after Grayson
Downfield blocking needs refinement Pro comp: Damian Williams Draft projection: 4th round
Bralon Addison, WR (Oregon): Before missing the entire 2014 campaign due to an injury suffered in the Spring Game, Addison was honorable mention Pac-12 all-conference pick after starting 11 of Oregon’s 13 games as the team’s second-leading receiver stands sixth all-time in single-season receptions with 61, while finishing the year with 890 receiving yards and seven touchdowns; he also ranked 14th in the country (second in the Pac-12) in punt returns (14.1 avg.), returning 20 punts for 281 yards and two and earning Pac-12 Special Teams Player of the Week after tying a school record with two punt returns for scores in win over Cal. Addison returned to form in 2015 to earn second-team Pac-12 all-conference accolades as the Ducks' leading receiver in touchdown receptions (10), ranking seventh in the Pac-12 in catches (63), and 10th in receiving yards (804). He hauled in a reception in each of the team's 13 games, including three with 100 receiving yards or more. Pros:
Experience and success as a punt returner Ability to return and improve after missing an entire season
Versatility (scored 14 touchdowns four different ways, including one passing and one punt return)
Lateral quickness and agility Vision
One-cut runner
Deceptive strength; often isn’t taken down by the first defender Good in the screen game
Field awareness is a huge positive as he can find the first down marker
Tremendous burst and acceleration Home run hitter
Extends routes as the play continues
Can go up high to snag passes out of the air
Cons:
Size (5’10”, 190) and system will cause his stock to fall
Size and length will also limit him when it comes to 50/50 balls
Small frame Lacks a large catch radius
Wasn’t asked to block downfield very often
Teams will have questions about his knee injury Pro comp: Brandin Cooks Draft projection: 5th round
Josh Woodrum, QB (Liberty): A four year starter, Woodrum threw for more than 10,000 yards 61 touchdowns while adding another 424 and 16 on the ground in a storied career. Woodrum has experience against FBS opponents and participated in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. He was also responsible for keeping the Flames competitive in the FCS. Pros:
Tremendous build (6’3, 225)
Averaged nearly eight yards per attempt in his four year career
Three year team captain Gets over the top of his left leg on deep balls
Shows touch and zip when necessary
Timing and rhythm are solid; doesn’t take many sacks Senses pressure and climbs the ladder
Sells fakes well
Precision passer Strong arm
Cons:
Often throws falling away in the face of pressure Obvious questions about level of competition
Lacks consistent mechanics causing him to miss throws
Will force throws
Lacks elite physical tools Low delivery point
Played in a system predicated on half rolls and throws under 15 yards
Pro comp: Pat Devlin Draft projection: 7th round-undrafted
Jay Rome, TE (Georgia): The former Under Armour All-American and number one rated tight end in the 2010 recruiting class didn’t have quite the career many expected, finishing with 38 catches for 398 yards and three touchdowns. At 6’6”, 250 pounds, Rome offers serious upside and also chose to play in the Tropic Bowl this year where he was one of the games’ top performers. Pros:
Voted the team’s Most Improved Offensive Player after the end of 2015 Spring practice
Former high school basketball player; versatility and athleticism are there
Can line up as a fullback or on the LOS Turns up field after the catch
Great speed for someone his size
Large hands Has NFL size
Shows effort and strength in determination in run blocking and pass protection
Cons:
Injury-riddled career
Raw prospect that will need to show out at Georgia’s Pro Day
Blocking needs refinement Lack of talent in the TE class will be a contributing factor as to why he’s drafted
Pro comp: Jordan Cameron Draft projection: 6th-7th round
Aaron Karlen, DE (Wisconsin- Stevens Point): A Division III product, Karlen participated in the Dream Bowl in Virginia Beach last week where he posted eye-popping measurables at the Bowl’s combine: bench pressed 225 pounds 24 times, ran a 4.57 second 40-yard dash, posted a 36” vertical, and was clocked at 7.03 seconds in the three-cone drill. Karlen has been force the last three seasons, earning a spot on D3football.com’s Third Team All -American list while earning first team All-West Region last season; he was also second in the WIAC in forced fumbles (five) and sacks (8.5) in 2014. This past season, Karlen bettered his numbers as he led the WIAC in those same categories with three and 11 respectively. Karlen’s 11 sacks were the 11th most in the country while he was second in the conference in tackles for loss (18). Pros:
Strong showing at the Dream Bowl (two strip sacks) and their combine
Long arms (35”) Serious hustle and straight line speed; doesn’t give up on a play
Ability to stack and shed
Active hands and ability to set up offensive linemen allow a nearly unstoppable hump move
Experience on special teams and at OLB
Translates speed to power
Excellent bend and ability to set the edge; can run the arc Explodes off the ball
Flashes great instinct and flow as an OLB
Can play as a Wide 9 or 5-Tech
Cons:
Often has to track down ball carriers from behind because of poor angles
Play recognition is lacking DE/OLB tweener
Obvious questions about level competition
Only 18 D3 players drafted in the last 25 years Lacks an array of pass rush moves
Not enough film for him as an OLB
Size (6’1”, 242) will limit him Pro comp: Andy Studebaker Draft projection: 7th round-undrafted
Victor Ochi, OLB (Stony Brook):
Ochi completed his productive Stony Brook career by racking up 16.5 tackles for loss and 13 sacks
among his 47 tackles in 10 games. As a freshman, he had 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks while starting
five of 13 games before starting nine of 11 games and recording a team-high 10 tackles for loss and 5.5
sacks as a sophomore. His numbers improved as a junior when he racked up 16.5 tackles for loss, 11
sacks and a pair of forced fumbles while starting 11 games as a junior. He finished his career with a
whopping 50.5 tackles for loss and 23.5 sacks, leaving as Stony Brook's all -time sacks leader and the CAA Co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2015. Ochi recently played in the East-West Shrine Game.
Pros:
Scouts salivated over him during Shrine Game practices
Explodes off the ball
Strength allows him to fight holds and double teams
Can play standing up or as a 5-Tech
Incredibly fast first step
Timing and anticipation
Desirable ability to get down the LOS
Stout and aggressive at the point of attack
Long arms (33”)
Presses and turns the outside shoulder of tackles
Cons:
Tweener traits; size projects him as a 3-4 OLB (6’1”, 244)
One-speed pass rusher
Tends to engage in hand fights with offensive linemen
Needs to refine his ability to run the arc
Will pursue too far up field, taking himself out of the play
Can be drawn off-sides
Questions whether he can drop into coverage
Pro comp: Dee Ford Draft projection: 4th -5th round
Daniel Lasco, RB (Cal): After a junior campaign in which he ran for 1,115 yards and 12 touchdowns, Lasco returned for a disappointing, injury-riddled senior season that saw him run for a mere 331 yards and three touchdowns; those are fewer yards than he had receiving in 2014. Lasco had something of a redemption in the East-West Shrine Game where he led all rushers with 62 yards on six carries. Pros:
Runs with good forward lean
Doesn’t shy away from contact and putting his shoulder down
Good patience and burst through the hole Solid vision
Takes multiple defenders to bring down; strong lower half
Runs with good balance Functional athleticism
Short area quickness and change of direction; stops and starts well
Makes plays after the catch Good top end speed
Cons:
Average size; frame has room to grow (6’0”, 210) Tends to stutter step when the hole isn’t there
Lacks elite elusiveness
Pass blocking is inconsistent Often too reliant on
Lacks desired lateral quickness Pro comp: Donald Brown Draft projection: 6th round
Geronimo Allison, WR (Illinois): The former three star recruit and JUCO product produced during his two years in Champaign, hauling in 106 passes for 1,480 yards and eight touchdowns. He had his best year in 2015 when he caught 61 balls for 882 yards and three touchdowns despite erratic quarterback play. Pros:
Averaged 14 yards per catch in his two year career
Great size (6’4”, 200)
Long strider with speed Crisp routes
Ability to recover and avoided getting completely rerouted
Tremendous ball tracking Can cut and change direction without gearing up or down
Great use of the stiff arm
Releases outside well Willingness and ability to block down field; squares defender up
Strong showing at East-West Shrine Game
Cons:
Slender physique, will need to add weight to frame
Doesn’t create much separation
Body control and field awareness aren’t great Tends to juggle or double catch passes
Physical corners will have their way with him in press
Didn’t start playing football until he was a high school sophomore Focus drops; drop rate just under 11 percent
Pro comp: Marquess Wilson Draft projection: 5th round
Michael Thomas, WR (Ohio State): Despite playing in 11 games as a freshman, Thomas only hauled in three passes for 22 yards. He exploded as a sophomore as he snagged 54 balls for 799 yards and nine touchdowns including an acrobatic touchdown reception against Alabama in the College Football Playoff. Thomas posted solid numbers again in 2015 catching two more passes for 781 yards and the same amount of touchdowns despite playing in two fewer games. Pros:
Has the size advantage at 6’3”, 210 pounds
Sets up defenders with quick, light feet and head fakes Uses strength when blocking
Soft hands
Acceleration allows him to earn yards after the catch Runs clean routes with good balance
Comes back for the ball
Has the size and ability to box out defenders and grab the ball at its highest point Knows when to use his hands or catch the ball close to his body
Great body control
Cons:
Change of direction won’t create much separation
Lacks top end speed to take the top off of defense; will likely make his living as a #2, possession receiver
Functional athleticism isn’t going to create mismatches Tight hips
Pro comp: Demaryius Thomas/Keyshawn Johnson Draft projection: 1st-2nd round
Hunter Henry, TE (Arkansas): Henry followed his father’s footsteps as his father, Mark, was a tackle for the Razorbacks from 1987-1991. As a high school senior, Henry was the nation’s number one tight end and a Parade and Under Armour All-American and has since lived up to the billing. He was a freshman All -American and started all 12 games in 2013, and carried success into his sophomore campaign where he started 10 of 13 games and earned second team All-SEC honors (Coaches’ team). Henry’s 2015 campaign was his best, earning first team All-American honors as he was the John Mackey Award winner which recognizes the nation’s best tight end. Pros:
Combination of size (6’5”, 253) and speed will create mismatches Blocks with hands inside and solid, strong base
Soft hands
Sets the edge well, creating running lanes Ball tracking and hand-eye coordination are great
Strength and toughness over the middle
Ran a multitude of different routes
Lined up inline, as an H-Back, and in the slot Flexible, fluid pass-catcher with adequate body control
No drops this past season
Production increased each season PFF’s fifth best receiving grade
Cons:
Average functional athleticism Occasionally stands tall when coming out of his stance
First step lacks desired speed
Tends to round off in and out-breaking routes Called for three holding calls this past season due to his tendency to grab when blocking
Pro comp: Jason Witten Draft projection: 1st-2nd round
Joshua Garnett, OG (Stanford): The former four star recruit and Under Armour All -American had an illustrious career as a Cardinal. He became Stanford’s first true freshman to start on the offensive line since 2000 where he also played all 14 games, while doing the same as a sophomore. He started all 13 games as a junior before earning multiple first team All-American honors as a senior, becoming the first player in school history to win the Outland Trophy Award as college football’s best interior lineman; Garnett was also the Morris Trophy Award winner (Pac-12’s Lineman of the Year) and a team captain. Pros:
Team captain who played all four years
Great size (6’4”, 317) and arm length (33”) PFF’s third best run blocking grade and number one overall grade amongst interior
linemen
Tremendous cut block Functional athleticism to pull and get to the second level
Great knee bender and wide base; light feet
Strong anchor
Maintains leverage and balance Powerful drive block and power step
Fires out of stance
Incredible short set anchor Only four penalties in 947 snaps; allowed pressure on only four percent of those snaps
Road grader
Cons:
Needs to finish blocks more consistently; tends to fall off by over powering guys without using his hands
Flashes the tendency to stand straight up in pass pro
Tight hips Lacks desired speed to get out in screen game
Often ducks his head in pass pro Pro comp: Jahri Evans Draft projection: 1st-2nd round
Cody Whitehair, OG (Kansas State): Whitehair is a four-time All-Big 12 honoree who started 51 of his 52 career games, including a streak of 41 straight to end his career. In 2015, he started all 13 games at left tackle on his way to First Team All-Big 12 honors; he was also named a team captain and earned First Team Academic All-Big 12 honors. Whitehair will be a guard at the next level. Pros:
Size (6’4”, 305)
Strong, powerful lower half produces ideal drive blocks
Gets his hands inside Fluidity and athleticism allow him to get to the second level with ease
Creates running lanes
Desirable short set anchor Light, quick feet
Blocks with great leverage and balance
Knee bender with wide base; doesn’t lose his feet in the process Complete body control; no wasted or extra movement
Four year starter at a position not best suited for him
Squares up and mirrors defenders well in space Stalemates defenders and dictates their positioning; he controls them, not the other
way around
Only three penalties and two sacks allowed in 923 snaps
Cons:
Plays tall
Lacks good length (31” arms)
Very little experience coming out of a three point stance Will allow linemen too close to his body and lean on defenders
Pro comp: Zach Martin Draft projection: 1st-2nd round
A’Shawn Robinson, DT (Alabama): Robinson was a decorated high schooler as member of the second-team 2012 All-USA Football Team, chosen by USA Today. He played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, a five-star prospect by 247Sports, Rivals.com and Scout.com who ranked him as the nation's No. 1 defensive tackle and the fifth-best player in the nation at any position. He certainly lived up to the billing, earning first team Freshman All-America honors from Sporting News and league coaches' Freshman All -SEC team honors as a true freshman. Robinson was named a consensus All-American in 2015, earning first-team votes from the Sporting News, Associated Press, FWAA and AFCA on top of second-team nods from Walter Camp and USA Today; he was also a finalist for the Outland Trophy. Pros:
Incredible size (6’4”, 312) Looks good on the hoof; well-built frame
Will have an impact as a 2-gap run stopper
Uses length to stack and shed Displays functional athleticism
Uses heavy hands to generate push; has the strength to collapse the pocket on tackles
Clogs lanes with good gap integrity Won’t get pushed by offensive linemen
Plays with great leverage and power
Uses good instincts and awareness to get his hands up in passing lanes
Cons:
Slow off the ball
Doesn’t generate much push; won’t have a huge impact in the passing game
Struggles with good pad level; plays too tall Relies on strength rather than technique to fight double teams
Lacks a dominant pass rush move
Zero sacks in 2014 Will likely need more mass
Pro comp: Shariff Floyd Draft projection: 1st round
Jarran Reed, DT (Alabama): Reed was one of the top junior college defensive linemen in the country after starring at East Mississippi Community College where earned NJCAA All-Region honors in 2013 while helping EMCC win the NJCAA National Championship; he also ranked 28th in the ESPN JC50. In his first year with the Crimson Tide, Reed earned All-SEC honorable mention from the Associated Press and played in all 14 games and making 13 starts. Pros:
Size projects him as an elite run stopper (6’3”, 311)
Explodes off the ball with great pad level Keeps arms extended when engaged with blockers
Jolts blockers with heavy-handed, powerful initial punch
Has a good club move when he chooses to use it Fights blockers crossing his face, maintaining his leverage
Possess the ability to effectively stack and shed
Maintains leverage and balance when engaged; keeps eyes in the backfield Recognizes run and screen well
Light feet
Functional strength Elite run stopper
Only missed two tackles all season
108 tackles over the last two seasons despite being on the field for only 55 percent of all snaps
Cons:
Lacks pass rushing prowess
Allows blockers to get their hands inside his frame
Needs to be more active with his hands Struggles against effective double teams
Pro comp: Eddie Goldman Draft projection: 1st round
Su’a Cravens, OLB/SS (USC): Cravens completed his distinguished prep career in 2012 as the USA Today National High School Defensive Player of the Year with 97 tackles, eight sacks, and three interceptions, even graduating a semester early to join USC for 2013, securing a starting spot at strong safety the following fall. Cravens made numerous Freshman All-American teams as well as an honorable mention All-Pac-12 nod after making 52 tackles and four interceptions. He then moved to a safety/linebacker hybrid role as a sophomore, leading the team with 17 tackles for loss, five sacks, and three interceptions to earn third team AP All-American and first-team All-Pac-12 accolades. Cravens repeated those honors in 2015, topping all USC defenders with 86 tackles, 15 for loss, and 5.5 sacks while intercepting two passes and breaking up two others. Pros:
Has the ability to be a 4-3 Will or play inside in a 3-4 Hybrid OLB/SS
Will likely see plenty of action in nickel packages
Speed off the edge Understands responsibility and looks comfortable in Man; disrupts passing lanes
Great closing speed
Fluid hips allow him to mirror receivers and stop and start with good speed Rarely misses tackles
Flies to the ball; tough to stop or slow him down when he’s in pursuit
Plays with great instincts Athleticism allows him to flow laterally
Superb route recognition
Very few, better open-field tacklers Cons:
Struggles to shed bigger blockers
Needs to take adequate angles more consistently, a result of being over aggressive in pursuit
Slender frame; weight will limit his play strength
Lacks a dominant array of pass rush moves
Average ability to set the edge Pro comp: Thomas Davis Draft projection: 3rd round
Leonard Floyd, EDGE (Georgia): The former Scout.com four-star prospect, #18 DE nationally, and #142 overall prospect nationally spent a year at Hargrave Military Academy before enrolling at Georgia. As a true freshman, he played in 13 games, making eight starts as he was voted to SEC All-Freshman Team and named to Phil Steele’s Freshman All-America First Team; he finished with 55 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and a team-high 6.5 sacks. Floyd posted nearly identical numbers as a sophomore, 55 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss in 12 games (11 starts), and team-best six sacks, en route to AP Honorable Mention All-SEC honors as the team’s defensive MVP. He racked up accolades this past season after starting all 13 games where he was second on the team with 74 tackles, co-leader with 10.5 TFLs, leader with 4.5 sacks. Floyd was the Charley Trippi Most Versatile Award winner, All-SEC Coaches’ Second Team member, Butkus Award finalist, and Sports Illustrated Honorable Mention All-America. Pros:
• Has experience playing standing up and along the line • Consistently Georgia’s most productive defender • Fluid hips allow quick change of direction and bend • Length creates separation • Explosive off the ball • Great pursuit and closing speed • Gets his hands inside of blockers • Initial punch with heavy hands jolts blockers • Holds ground at the POA • Speed in backside pursuit • Plays with functional athleticism • Always around the football • Swift, technical rip move • Can dip and slip around the edge and as a gap blitzer
Cons:
• Thin frame (6”4”, 231) will limit his play strength at the next level • Pass rushing defensive end turned hybrid coverage linebacker/edge rusher • Stands too tall in short-yard situations • Poor angles gives up leverage to ball carriers • Lacks route recognition • Goes high when making open field tackles • Needs to maintain leverage at POA more consistently
Pro comp: Dion Jordan Draft projection: 1st round
Jeremy Cash, SS (Duke): Cash originally signed with Ohio State and played in five games as a freshman before transferring to Duke University in 2012. After sitting out 2012 due to NCAA transfer rules, Cash started all 14 games in 2013, recording 121 tackles and three interceptions; he was a second team All -America pick by USA Today, first team All-ACC selection by the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association, second team All-ACC choice by the league’s head coaches, and recipient of Duke’s K.D. Kennedy Iron Devil Award, an honor presented annually to the program’s leader in snaps played. He again started all 13 games in 2014 and recorded 111 tackles, two interceptions and 5.5 sacks as he was recognized as a second team All-America selection by the Walter Camp Foundation and Football Writers Association of America, third team All-America pick by Phil Steele, second team All-ACC honoree by both the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association and the league’s head coaches, Academic All-ACC choice, and the recipient of Duke’s Willis Aldridge Award as the team’s top defensive back. As a senior in 2015, Cash recorded 100 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, eight quarterback pressures, four pass breakups, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in 12 games, capturing the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the first Blue Devils player to earn the award since it debuted in 1993. He was the first Duke player to win either of the player of the year awards 1994. He was also a finalist for the Lott Impact Trophy, the Chuck Bednarik Award, and the Jim Thorpe Award while earning Consensus All-American Honors. He was also named Carmen Falcone MVP of Duke football. Pros:
• Unparalleled career • Provides scheme versatility as a hybrid safety-linebacker (via PFF: “just 2 percent of
his snaps came at safety, compared to 41 percent in the slot and 57 percent at linebacker”)
• High football IQ • Possess the instinct coverage skills and range to play in the back end of a defense • Provides run support and ability to rush the passer; number one grade amongst all
safeties via PFF • Constant physicality and hustle • Speed through gaps • Burst off the edge • Good lateral quickness; quick twitch allows the ability to stop and start with ease • Ankle and hip flexibility allow him to maintain balance • Runs through tackles with power, a testament to his three forced fumbles last
season • Can cover tight ends and slot guys
Cons:
• Recently had wrist surgery • Needs to be a more consistent form tackler • Aggressiveness causes him to over pursue • Route recognition isn’t great • Tall, flat-footed backpedal • Let’s blockers come to him rather than taking them head on
Pro comp: James Ihedigbo
Draft projection: 2nd round Kendall Fuller, CB (Virginia Tech): Kendall became the fourth Fuller brother to suit up for Virginia Tech, and will be the fourth to play in the NFL. Scouts have even praised Kendall as arguably the most talented of them all. A former high school All-American, he had a major impact on defense as a true freshman, starting 12 games and intercepting six passes as he garnered Freshman All-American, second-team All-ACC and Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. Fuller continued to impress during his sophomore campaign, earning second team All-American honors from numerous sources and first team all-ACC nods from the coaches and media- all while playing with a fractured wrist on which he had surgery after the season. Fuller was bitten by the injury bug before the 2015 season as he tore the meniscus in his right knee during preseason camp. He attempted to play through the injury, but decided to hang it up after three games to have it repaired. Pros:
Athletic family pedigree
Terrific career
Toughness to play through injuries
Willing tackler
High football IQ
Speed and burst off the edge
Good ball skills and hand-eye coordinator
Quick hips and feet
Ball skills, range, and anticipation
Experience at safety in Nickle packages
Tracks releases well
Understands assignment in Zone
Started 25 games and broke up 34 passes between his freshman and sophomore seasons
Cons:
Lacks desirable size and length (6’0” 197)
Susceptible to double moves
Occasionally fails to get his head around in Man
Takes false steps when dropping into coverage
Allowed 16.7 yards per completion when he was fully healthy in 2014
Route recognition is lacking, causing him to be late on breaks
History of injuries
Pro comp: Josh Norman Draft projection: 2nd-3rd round
Braxton Miller, WR (Ohio State): Miller makes a strong case as the most accomplished player in this draft class at the high school and college levels. He was named a Mr. Football Award Finalist in the state of Ohio while competing in the Under Armour All-American Game as the number two rated quarterback via Scout.com and number one via Rivals; he received five star and four star ratings respectively. Miller played in all 12 games as a true freshman, becoming the starter in Week 4 as he became the seventh Ohio State player to take home the Big 10 Freshman of the Year accolade; he also won the 2011 CFPA National Freshman Trophy. Miller started all 12 games as a sophomore and junior as he guided the Buckeyes to a 24-2 record and Big 10 Championship over that span. In those two seasons, Miller was also a Heisman candidate, Big 10 POY, Griese-Brees Quarterback of the Year, first team All-Big 10, Chicago Tribune Silver Football Award recipient, and Davey O’Brien Award Finalist (2012). After suffering a shoulder injury during spring practice in 2014 that forced him to miss the remainder of the season, Miller took a medical redshirt before returning as a receiver in 2015, racking up 341 receiving yards and three touchdowns (26 receptions) and another 260 and one on the ground. Mi ller finished with 5,295 passing yards and 52 passing touchdowns in his four year career while adding 3,314 and 33 more on the ground. Pros:
Seamless transition between positions highlights his elite athleticism and speed
Can serve as an emergency quarterback
Combination of fluid hips and feet allow him to set up and freeze defenders Agility and ability to separate were on display this season
Incredible savvy and route-running ability for a former quarterback
Build (6’1”, 204) and length (30”) Possess great field awareness
Adjusts to poorly thrown balls
A threat to score every time he touches the ball with an arsenal of moves Tracks the ball well
Short area quickness
Quick out of stance
Cons:
Only one year of experience
Will be asked to block much more at the next level
Questions about his ability to make contested catches Still learning how to run routes; will round off and drift
Relies on athleticism more than technique
Hasn’t learned or run a full route tree Hesitates after the snap when asked to run block
Pro comp: Darius Heyward-Bey/Julian Edleman Draft projection: 2nd round
Carl Nassib, DE (Penn State): Nassib posted of the more dominant defensive seasons in recent memory as a senior. As a former walk -on who earned a scholarship before his sophomore season, Nassib lead the nation in sacks, forced fumbles and was second in the nation in tackles for loss. The cherry on top? He did all of it in just 10 games. The two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection garnered All-American and All-Big Ten status as the winner of the Ted Hendricks Award (given to the nation’s best defensive end), Lombardi Award, and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. Nassib is the younger brother of New York Giants quarterback Ryan.
Pros:
Size (6’7”, 273), frame, and length provide serious upside
Added 60 pounds between his freshman and senior year while looking good on the hoof
Graduated in December 2015 with a 3.5 GPA and plans to attend medical school
Has lined up across the line as a six tech to a Wide 9
Experience dropping into coverage
Long strides
Strong initial, heavy handed punch that moves blockers
Converts speed to power when rushing the passer
Uses his strong anchor and hand placement that keeps blockers away to make an
impact against the run
Obvious stellar work ethic
Ability to rush the passer coupled with his size signals scheme versatility
Cons:
One year wonder; only 18 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks between 2012-
2014
Stiff hips; lacks quick twitch and ability to consistently run the arc
Blockers have found ways to knock him off balance
Has yet to develop his array of pass rush moves
Struggles to maintain balance, particularly through contact
Still learning the game and the purposes of his movements
Pro comp: Trent Murphy Draft projection: 2nd round
Noah Spence, EDGE (Eastern Kentucky): Urban Meyer’s first five-star recruit as the Ohio State head coach, Spence blossomed as a sophomore with Buckeyes, finishing with 14.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks and earning All -Big Ten honors. However, Spence tested positive for a banned substance, claimed to been slipped in his drink, at the Big Ten title game and was for the Orange Bowl and the opening two games of the 2014 season. He then failed a second test for ecstasy in September 2014, and was later kicked off the team. Spence admitted to having a problem with the drug since high school and, after graduating from a drug-treatment program connected to the Ohio State hospital, transferred to Eastern Kentucky. In his lone season with the Colonels, Spence registered 63 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, 15 quarterback hurries and three forced fumbles. Pros:
Size will be a contributor (6’3”, 261) Absolutely shined at the Senior Bowl against some of CFB’s best tackle prospects
Can play standing up or with his hand in the dirt; has lined up as a Wide 9 and a 5-Tech while rushing off the edge
Active hands allow him to effectively and effortlessly shed blockers Possesses an effective hump and rip move
Explodes off the ball with good pad level and a strong base
Athleticism and flexibility in the hips and ankles allow him to run the arc and slide underneath blockers to make a play
Holds ground with a strong lower body at the POA
Wins when rushing off the edge with tremendous speed in pursuit
Translates speed to power Ability to squeeze and collapse the pocket forces the quarterback into hurried throws
High energy, high motor guy
Cons:
History of drugs and level of competition at EKU will cause some teams to stay away
Average length (32”)
Jumped off-sides multiple times
Misses tackles he’s in position to make due to poor angles Occasionally pursues too far up-field
Lacks elite quick twitch
Hardly effective against cut blocks Pro comp: Von Miller Draft projection: Top 15
Mackensie Alexander, CB (Clemson): Alexander was a five star recruit via ESPN and fourth best player in his class. In addition, he participated in the Army All-American bowl. After redshirting in 2013, Alexander made a name for himself the following year when he became the first freshman corner to start 13 games in a season. He was named a first-team freshman All-American by FWAA, second-team freshman All-American by Athlon, and Honorable Mention All-ACC selection (media, coaches) after recording 22 tackles, two tackles for loss, six pass breakups and one recovered fumble in 766 snaps, ranking first in school history in snaps by a freshman. Opponents threw 57 passes at his man and completed just 20, with two touchdowns as he did not allow a touchdown the final nine games. This past season, he was a third team All-American and first team All-ACC selection. Pros:
Uses the sideline as an extra defender Desirable click-and-close
Knows where is man his in Zone, allowing himself to keep his eyes back on the quarterback
Picks up responsibility in bunch formations Fluid hips benefitted him in bail coverage
Tracks the ball anticipates well
Recognizes run quickly Doesn’t allow receivers to get over the top of him
Very aggressive against the run
Quarterbacks completed a mere 33.3 percent of their passes against him this season Reacts with incredible quickness
Cons:
More of an ankle biter in terms of tackling Will get too grabby down-field
Didn’t record a single interception in two seasons
At 5’11” teams will question his ability to be an outside corner
Has gotten or turned around in bail and Zone Pro comp: Janoris Jenkins Draft projection: 1st round
Darron Lee, LB (Ohio State): The former four star athlete was Scout.com’s 29th best safety is the 2012 class before moving to linebacker in 2013 when he chose to redshirt. In 2014, Lee started all 15 games and was named a freshman All-American by USA Today, Athlon's, Phil Steele, and Scout.com finishing third on the team in tackles with 81 and second in both TFL (16.5) and sacks (7.5); he also earned Defensive MVP honors in the Sugar Bowl. He started all 13 games in 2015 as a redshirt sophomore, finishing with 66 tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks to earn Second Team All -Big Ten honors. Pros:
Closes with great speed
Reacts and recognizes in an instant, allowing him to fly to ball carriers Great bend and ability to consistently take proper angles
Strikes and takes on blockers with ease
Has experiencing lining up in the slot Explodes through ball carriers, even in short areas of the field
Flashes the ability to sift through the trash
Successful blitzer and rusher off the edge Never gives up on the play
Active hands Cons:
Size questions at 6’2”, 235 pounds
Smaller frame; built like the safety he once was
Struggles with balance at the POA as bigger, stronger linemen can knock him around
Will occasionally rely on arm tackles Play strength is average at best
Still learning the nuances of the position Pro comp: Bobby Wagner Draft projection: 2nd round
Laquon Treadwell, WR (Ole Miss): Stellar doesn’t begin to describe Treadwell’s prep career: he was an Under Armour, USA Today, MaxPreps and SuperPrep All-America selection, rated a 5-star recruit by Rivals.com, Scout.com, 247Sports.com and MaxPreps and the nation’s No. 1 wide receiver by Tom Lemming, Rivals.com and ESPN.com, listed as the No. 5 overall recruit in the nation by Rivals.com, No. 6 by MaxPreps, No. 19 by ESPN.com, No. 28 by 247Sports.com and No. 30 by Scout.com, one of 16 final candidates for the 2013 U.S. Army Player of the Year, Illinois’ Male Athlete of the Year by the NWI Times, and the Chicago Tribune Player of the Year. He wasted no time making a name for himself, setting Ole Miss freshman records for catches (72; second most in school history for a single year), receiving yards (608) and touchdown catches (5) in a season, and catches in a game (9), which he did twice, as he was named SEC Freshman of the Year by the league coaches and a first team Freshman All-America (Athlon, Sporting News, 247Sports.com) selection. Treadwell’s sophomore campaign was cut short after suffering a broken fibula and dislocated ankle on the final play of the game against Auburn, but was still an All-SEC second team selection (Athlon). He came back strong in 2015, leading all SEC players with 1,082 receiving yards and ranking second with 76 catches. He was one of three finalists for the Biletnikoff Award becoming the first Ole Miss Player to do so. He made numerous All -American teams via Walter Camp (second team) and third team (AP) and earning a spot on the All-SEC first team (Coaches, ESPN.com). Pros:
Is a threat after the catch with great straight-line speed and acceleration
Uses quick feet and flexible ankles to set up defenders Little wasted motion when running routes; snaps off routes rather than drifting without
gearing up or down
Runs routes smoothly and precisely
Plays with strength and tenacity Tracks the ball well with the ability to snag it out of the air
Consistent hands
Quickly gets his head around after the catch, earning YAC Serious physical tools at 6’2” 210
Shows a willingness to block
Big catch radius and ability to adjust to make any catch Combination of strength and elusiveness to break tackles and make defenders miss
Cons:
Blocking needs refinement and consistency Allows defenders to get his hands inside vs. Press with the inability to keep defenders
away
Will waste energy trying to shake defenders rather than earn an extra two to three yards
Teams will have questions regarding his leg injury Needs to consistently create separation
Pro comp: Dez Bryant Draft projection: 1st round
Ronnie Stanley, OT (Notre Dame): With a stellar career at Bishop Gorman, Stanley ranked the 11th-best offensive tackle in the country and 66th-best prospect nationally by Scout.com and rated No. 118 player nationally and 17th-best offensive tackle in the country by MaxPreps and Tom Lemming. After playing sparingly in 2012, he started all 13 games in 2013 at right tackle as a part of an offensive line that allowed just eight sacks and ranked second in the FBS in fewest sacks allowed; no team in the nation allowed fewer sacks and attempted more passes than Notre Dame (eight sacks on 429 pass attempts) . He would again start all 13 games in 2014, recording 16 knockdowns and surrendering just one sack- the fewest of all Irish linemen. Stanley wrapped up a phenomenal career in South Bend in 2015 after earning Consensus All -American honors. Pros:
Bend and lower flexibility Agile while remaining light on his feet
One of the PFF’s highest rated OT’s the last two seasons
Great knee bend with a strong kick and slide Size (6’5”, 304) and frame will give him a size advantage
Knows how to use his length to create separation and control defenders
Uses his strong anchor to fight for position
Flashes the ability and speed to get to the second level and be an impact blocker Hits moving defenders in space with power and balance
Explodes out of stance and into pass set
Possesses the strength to create running lanes
Cons:
Occasionally loses leverage due to a lack of upper body strength and tendency to stand tall in pass pro; would like to see him sink more
Bull rushers can get him on his heels Base occasionally widens, struggling to reset anchor
Lacks elite explosiveness Pro comp: D’Brickashaw Ferguson Draft projection: 1st round
Jalen Ramsey, S/CB (Florida State): One of the most athletic players in this class, Ramsey was ranked as one of the top athletes in the nation at either wide receiver or corner having been rated a five star prospect by both Rivals and Scout and a four-star recruit by ESPN and 247Sports. He was a US Army All-American and was invited to “The Opening” on the Nike campus after being ranked No. 10 on the Rivals 100, No. 14 on the ESPN 150 and No. 39 on the Top247. After a superb freshman season that saw him earn multiple Freshman All-American nominations in 2013, Ramsey continued playing at a high level in 2014 where he was a first team All-ACC and All-American choice by numerous news outlets. He was a consensus first team All -American and nominee for the Thorpe Award and Nagurski Trophy. Pros:
Successful track background at FSU; was the ACC’s indoor and outdoor champion in the long jump in 2015
Special teams experience
Takes good angles with the ability to redirect
Uses athleticism and instincts to track the ball Elite straight-line speed
Plays with physicality and discipline
Recovery and change of direction Can turn and run in Man
Experience at safety will allow serve him well in nickel packages
Fluidity and bend off the edge; thumper in the run game Size (6’1” 202), range, and length prevents nearly anything to get over him
Click-and-close
Cons:
Tight hips; struggles to move well laterally and turn and run in Press Man Frame has room to grow
Didn’t record any interceptions last season
Functional strength is average Will overrun plays and react too quickly
Pro comp: Patrick Peterson Draft projection: Top 10
William Jackson III, CB (Houston): The former JUCO product (one year at Trinity Valley CC) made a splash in first season in 2013, playing in all 13 games with four starts in the second half of the season and finishing second on the team with seven pass breakups. The following year Jackson was a force for the Cougars where appeared in all 13 games (12 starts) and was second in the AAC with 10 breakups; he tallied two interceptions, 37 tackles, one fumble recovery and a forced fumble en route to second team All-AAC honors. He was a ball hawk in 2015, setting a Houston single game record with seven pass breakups in the AAC Championship game, while also setting a Houston single season record for pass breakups with 21 to go along with his five interceptions. He started 13 games and was named first team All-AAC by Phil Steele while earning Peach Bowl Defensive MVP honors. Pros:
Height (6’1”) and length will draw many suitors PFF’s sixth highest rated corner; fourth in coverage
Allowed a QB rating of 53.9 (5 INTs and 12 PD)
Was an impact blocker on the punt team; will likely be an immediate contributor there Possesses the anticipation, ball tracking, and timing traits that few corners in this class
covet
Plays with great vision and route recognition
Understands assignment in zone Physical player who isn’t afraid of contact
Cons:
Susceptible to head fakes and good footwork Loses balance at the top of routes
Frame has room to grow at 185 pounds; bigger receivers may have their way in Press
Lacks form tackling Coverage technique needs refinement, particularly his back pedal
Pro comp: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie Draft projection: 2nd round
Paxton Lynch, QB (Memphis): After an injury depleted half of his senior season, Lynch saw little attention before Justin Fuente gave him a chance. He took a redshirt as a freshman in 2012 before taking over the starting duties in 2013 where he recorded the school’s 10th 2,000 yard passing season. The following year, he led Memphis to their first conference title since 1971 and a double OT victory in the Miami Beach Bowl against BYU; he threw for 3,031 yards and 22 touchdowns as he was named team MVP and second team All -AAC. Lynch started all 13 games in 2015, throwing for 3,778 yards, 28 touchdowns and four interceptions. In Memphis' 63–0 victory over SMU, he tied an FBS record with seven passing touchdowns in a half . Pros:
Good build at 245 pounds
Height (6’7”) allows him to see over the line with ease Has the arm strength to push the ball down the field and into tight windows
Uses his feet and athleticism to extend the play
Moves well within the pocket; sense pressure well Stands in the pocket with poise rather than relying on his running ability when the first
guy isn’t open
Possesses the desirable zip and touch
He has improved each season and limited the number of turnovers from 2014 19 touchdowns against only two interceptions on deep balls (21+ yards)
His mechanics on the on the run will be an asset to him in boot and play action
Sound decision making as he doesn’t force throws or take many sacks (15 in 477 drop backs)
Ability to throw to a spot
Cons:
Occasionally throws before his feet are set Tendency to rely on arm strength over mechanics
Ball tends to nose-dive on catch-and throws
Played in a system that asked him to read one side of the field Will have to learn move defenders with his eyes and go through progressions faster
Slight wind up Pro comp: Ben Roethlisberger/Ryan Mallet Draft projection: Top 15
Emmanuel Ogbah, DE (OK State): The former high school stud played in all games as a redshirt freshman, finishing the regular season with 20 tackles and tied for the team lead with four sacks. In 2014, Ogbah became the first OSU player to be recognized as Big 12 defensive lineman of the year when as a first-team all-Big 12 honoree by the coaches and the AP. Ogbah was the Defensive Player of the Year this past season after finishing second in the league in TFL, first in sacks, and third in forced fumbles. Pros:
Good hand placement with violent punch
Takes good angles to ball carriers Tremendous level of production in two years as a starter
Has played both sides, bumped down, and standing up
Has the bull rush and play strength to push the pocket and collapse tackles Looks comfortable in coverage
Possesses the speed and power you want with the ability to translate the two
Well built, thick frame that allows to finish through contact
No size issues (6’4”, 275) Plays with power at the POA; doesn’t lose leverage
Cons:
Won’t beat bigger, better tackles as a one-speed pass rusher Inconsistent first step
Will get washed down Pro comp: Datone Jones Draft projection: 2nd round
Shaq Lawson, DE (Clemson): A former number one recruit, Lawson was second-team freshman All-American by CollegeFootballNews.com and Phil Steele and a third-team freshman All-American by Athlon after recording 35 tackles, 10 TFL, and four sacks as a true freshman. Pros:
Scheme versatility having played as 5-Tech , Wide 9, and standing up
Uses his length and punch to create separation and control the LOS
Reads keys well Plays with great body control; fires out of snap low with forward lean
Active hands that will get linemen out of position and draw holding calls
Athleticism allows him to cover TEs and RBs Thick frame; powerful at POA
Cons:
Will float and drift in coverage
First step isn’t great Doesn’t take pulling guards head on
Average flexibility and bend; struggles to turn the edge when rushing Pro comp: Charles Johnson Draft projection: 1st round
Andrew Billings, DT (Baylor): Billings is a freak prospect who broke the 22-year-old Texas state powerlifting meet record (previously owned by Mark Henry) with 2,010 pound effort (805 squat, 500 bench, 705 dead lift); he joined Henry as the only two teenagers in American history to lift over 2,000 pounds. He was the number 158 overall national prospect on 247Sports.com's Top247 listing and number 168 nationally on Rivals250 list. As a true freshman, he played in 11 of 13 games making two starts. In 2014, he all 13 games during and was named consensus first-team All-Big 12 as sophomore; he totaled 37 tackles (26 solo, 11.5 for loss of 38 yards), two sacks, nine hurries and one forced fumble on season. He continued to improve in 2015 where he was the Big 12’s co-Defensive Player of the Year and a Consensus All-American as the team leader with 15 tackles for loss and tying for the team lead with 5.5 sacks. Pros:
Frame and length will allow him to be an impact run defender Light on his feet with a strong anchor; a true dancing bear
Quick first step
Strong initial punch that moves defenders Hands rusher who can rip and dip to get to the quarterback
Strong bull rush to push the pocket
Great bend in his hips and ankles
Next-level power; arguably one of the strongest in his class Maintains leverage and lower body strength against double teams
Consistent backfield player who won’t miss many tackles
Has flashed the ability to stack and shed Plays with good gap integrity
Good closing speed and ability to get down the LOS
Cons:
Lacks awareness against cut blocks
If he doesn’t win early, blockers can get him out of position
Lacks ideal athleticism and recovery as he struggles to change direction Size concerns
Pro comp: Stephen Paea Draft projection: 1st round
Kenny Clark, DT (UCLA): The former four start recruit played in all 13 games as a true freshman, making four starts as he made 31 tackles and 4 TFL. He made strides in 2014 where he finished sixth on the team in tackles (58) and 5.5 TFL and was a second team All-Pac-12 selection. Clark had a monster 2015, finishing second on the team in tackles (75), sacks (six), and TFL (11) as he earned first team All -Pac-12 and third team All-American honors; he was also a team co-captain. Pros:
Plays with great leverage, power, and upper body strength
Uses his strong lower half to set the edge and hold his ground
Slaps and rips effectively when rushing the passer Strong push and initial punch to beat guards
Wins 1-on-1 with a powerful bull rush
Uses his instincts and IQ to diagnose run Extremely athletic
Effort is on display as he plays all four quarters
Possesses the ability to squeeze and fight double teams Played all along the Bruins line
Gets his hands up to disrupt passing lanes
Fires off low and explosive Incredible body control and balance
Cons:
Lacks ideal size (6’2”, 310) and length Needs to be more consistent fighting down blocks
Good initial burst but doesn’t finish
Average quick twitch Frame has room to grow
Often engages in taffy pull
Questionable three-down potential
One speed pass rusher Pro comp: Domata Peko Draft projection: 2nd round
Austin Johnson, DT (Penn State): As a redshirt freshman in 2013, Johnson played in all 12 games with two starts that saw him record 27 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, one sack and a fumble recovery. The following season, he was an honorable mention All-Big 10 selection after starting all 13 games and finishing fifth on the team with 49 tackles, 6 TFL, and a team-best two fumble recoveries; he also registered three pass breakups. Johnson’s production skyrocketed in 2015 where he tallied 78 tackles, 15 TFL, and six sacks as he earned first team All-Big 10 honors. Pros:
Near-perfect size (6’4” 323) and frame that allows him to play in multiple sets
Thick, powerful lower half that generates a tremendous leg drive Holds ground and maintains leverage and balance when facing double teams and at POA
Ability to stack and shed
Locates the ball with good instincts and awareness Uses an excellent bull rush to push the pocket
Recognizes and dissects screen quickly
Compensates lack of explosiveness with push
Recovers well Fights double teams with strength and toughness
Tremendous hustle and effort
Cons:
Doesn’t possesses desirable technique and explosiveness
Needs to improve his hand usage
Struggles with pad level First step won’t wow you
Tends to lean on blockers rather than engage with long arms
Needs to refine technique Pro comp: Terrance Knighton Draft projection: 2nd round
Vernon Butler, DT (LA Tech): The former three sport athlete from Mississippi racked up numerous accolades last season including first team All-Conference USA and All-Louisiana. He racked up 170 total tackles, 29.5 TFL, five sacks, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble in 48 games over four years. Pros:
Size (6’4”, 325) will serve him well at the next level
Effective rip move and use of the hands
Generates strong push Recovers and relocates well
Strong and stout at the POA
Fights blockers coming across his face Fires out with desirable pad level while maintaining leverage
Has experience dropping into coverage
Ability to shed blockers is evident Holds ground at the snap and is difficult to move
A dancing bear
Tremendous anchor
Cons:
Slips off of ball carriers
Lack of consistent play recognition leads to poor angles
Only five career sacks Will lose battle on down blocks, causing blockers to wash him down
Doesn’t get down the LOS very well
Wins early but doesn’t finish against double teams Pro comp: Muhammed Wilkerson Draft projection: 2nd round
Corey Coleman, WR (Baylor): The former four star recruit had an incredibly stellar career with the Bears. As a redshirt freshman in 2013, Coleman started 10 games, hauling in 35 passes for 527 yards and two touchdowns while amassing another 483 and one as one of the nation’s top return specialists; his 28.4 yards per return was tops in the Big 12. Coleman exploded onto the scene the following year when he caught 64 passes for 1,119 yards (third in Big 12) and 11 touchdowns (first) as an honorable All -American and consensus first team All-Big 12 choice. 2015 was Coleman’s best season, and one of the most productive this century. He snagged 74 balls for 1,363 yards and 20 touchdowns leading the Big 12 in both categories and the nation in touchdowns; those 20 touchdowns are the ninth most in NCAA single -season history and a new Baylor single-season record. He earned unanimous first team All-American honors and was awarded the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver. Coleman leaves Baylor as the first receiver to post consecutive 1,000 yard seasons and career leader in touchdowns with 33. Pros:
Undisputed athleticism and agility Elite quick twitch and short area burst
COD and lateral speed are evident
Averaged 17.4 yards per reception over his three year career Can have an impact in special teams as well
Has lined up in the slot and outside the numbers
Plays with strength with physicality; takes more than one the tackler to bring him down No fear over the middle
Tracks the ball well
Use of head fakes and feet to set up defenders
Cons:
Will try to go East-West on intermediate and short routes
Occasional focus drops (10 drops last season) Doesn’t show great desire to have an impact as a blocker
Gears down on underneath routes
Size (5’11” 190) will likely limit him to the slot Pro comp: Emmanuel Sanders Draft projection: 1st-2nd round
Sheldon Rankins, DT/DE (Louisville): The former three star recruit played in 20 games between his freshman and sophomore seasons, but had little production to show for it (22 tackles, five TFL, and four sacks) before making his mark as a junior in 2014 where he registered 53 tackles and lead the team with eight sacks and 13.5 TFL in 13 starts; he also recorded two interceptions on his way to third team All -ACC honors. He was a force yet again this past season, tallying 58 tackles, 13 TFL, six sacks, and one PD as he earned second team All -ACC team honors. Pros:
Huge improvement between his sophomore and junior season
Has the power and strength to push the pocket Doesn’t give up on plays, earning effort sacks
Uses his hands and rip move to pursue the quarterback and shed blockers
Lined up from tackle to tackle, allowing him to play in a 1 or 2 gap scheme Powerful lower body and hands; delivers a heavy handed punch
Reaction and instincts are a huge plus
Uses athleticism and flexibility to run the arc and bend through gaps
Has the tools to win 1-on-1
Cons:
Tends to lunge when he’s close to quarterback/ball carrier rather than form tackle
Lacks a secondary move when his first is neutralized Undersized (6’1” 304)
Needs to be quicker off the ball
Pass rush needs refinement Pro comp: Kawann Short Draft projection: 1st round
Eli Apple, CB (Ohio State): Despite being highly recruited, Apple was diagnosed with an iron deficiency that affected his ability to give 100% on and off the field. After red-shirting in 2013, Apple started 27 games and and played 28 in 2014 and 2015. He registered 22 passes defended (18 PBUs and four INTs) the past two years and trailed only Vonn Bell among the Buckeyes in this category during that time. He was named second-team all-Big Ten Conference in 2015 and a freshman All-American in 2014 after a season in which he had 53 tackles and was among the Top 10 in the Big Ten with 13 passes defended. Pros:
Use of strength and size (6’1” 200) to shut down opposing receivers
Best suited for press man due to his physicality, length, and straight line speed Quickly diagnoses and reacts to play against the run
Use of hands allows him to shed blocks with ease
Physical at the LOS Coordinated footwork
Click-and-close allows him to constantly be around ball carriers
Possesses good COD
Can turn and run and get head around in man Excellent ability to mirror receivers
Cons:
Tends to get grabby down the field, leading to pass interference calls Often allows too big of a cushion in zone
Needs to refine tackling ability
Doesn’t take adequate angles Will lean on receivers, getting him out of position
Pro comp: Antrel Rolle Draft projection: 1st round
Kevin Dodd, DE (Clemson): The South Carolina native attended Hargrave Military Academy for the 2011 season before arriving in Clemson, and spent three years as a backup (six tackles in eight games in 2012, seven tackles in four games in 2013, eight tackles, 2.5 for loss in 12 games in 2014) behind the Tigers’ loaded defensive line before getting into the starting line-up on the strong side across from Shaq Lawson. Dodd's ascension was set back a bit by a knee injury in the 2013 season, but his play the following year skyrocketed, finishing just behind Lawson in TFL (23.5) and sacks (12), receiving honorable mention all -ACC nods. Pros:
Incredible size (6’5” 275) and frame suggests he’s physically ready for the next level
Deceptive speed Flattens his path to pursue ball carrier
Quick to diagnose and react
Does a solid job of setting the edge Keeps hands active to rip and dip
Has the length to maintain leverage when engaged
Has experience playing standing up and with his hand in the ground
Cons:
Scouts will have questions about his abilities after starting only one season
Inconsistent quickness on the snap
Occasionally leads with his shoulder when taking on blockers in space rather than using his hands
Will lunge at tackle attempts rather than make stops from a solid base
Occasionally pursues too far up-field Pro comp: Robert Quinn Draft projection: 1st round
Jack Conklin, OT (Michigan State): After an accomplished prep career, Conklin redshirted in 2012 before making 13 starts and playing in all 14 in 2013. He was named first-team Freshman All-American by Sporting News, CollegeFootballNews.com and the Football Writers Association of America and was named to ESPN.com Big Ten All-Freshman Team. The following season, Conklin led the team with 113.5 knockdowns, including nine dominators, and played a team-high 959 snaps in which only allowed 2.5 sacks all season en route to numerous first and second team All-Big 10 honors. He received multiple first team All-American honors in 2015 after registering 65.5 knockdowns during the regular season and grading out as a winner in eight of those 10 regular season games. Pros:
Elite size (6’6” 325) and strength
Dominated against DeForest Buckner Skill set to be a swing tackle
Possesses the ability to recover and re-anchor
Sets up in pass pro with strong base and ability to mirror defenders Can get to the second level with ease
Impact run blocker
High motor with a mean streak Strong power step
Gets hands inside with strong, heavy-handed initial punch
Cons:
Tends to open up too early
Will allow defenders into his frame and stand him up
Speed rushers may prove to be a challenge Physical limitations; isn’t exceptionally quick or powerful
Pro comp: Anthony Davis Draft projection: 1st round
Kyler Fackrell, EDGE (Utah State): After playing multiple positions in high school, Fackrell found a home with the Aggies. After redshirting in 2011, Fackrell started all 13 games in 2012 where he earned Football Writers Association of America, Freshman All-American, and first-team All-WAC honors. He started all 14 games the following year as he was named an honorable mention Sophomore All-American by College Football News and earned second-team all-Mountain West honors as he finished the season first on the team with 13 TFL, tied for first with two forced fumbles and second with five sacks, while ranking fourth on the team with 82 total tackles. Although 2014 was lost to a season-ending knee injury in the opener against Tennessee, Fackrell returned to start all 13 games in 2015 where he earned fourth-team All-American honors from Phil Steele and was named a first-team all-Mountain West selection as he finished the season ranking first in the nation with five fumble recoveries, while also ranking first on the team with his 15 TFL and second with his four sacks. Pros:
Good length (32” arms)
Athleticism is off the charts
Smooth transitions and COD
Uses his length to engage and strike Creates separation at the POA
Possesses the flexibility and bend to rush the passer and make difficult tackles
Moves well in space and can push the pocket Translates speed to power
Cons:
Will be a 25 year old rookie Teams will question his ACL tear in 2014
Tends to over stride when pursuing the passer
Lacks an array of pass rush moves and consistent hands Still learning the nuances of a pass rusher
Pro comp: Connor Barwin Draft projection: 2nd-3rd round
Cody Kessler, QB (USC): The highly touted Bakersfield, CA product received honors such as Super Prep All-American, Prep Star All-American, U.S. Army All-American, USA Today All-USA second team, Rivals 100among many others. He redshirted in 2011 and was the placeholder in 2012 before taking over the starting job in 2013. He made 2013 CollegeFootballNews.com Sophomore All-American honorable mention and 2013 All-Pac-12 honorable mention after throwing for nearly 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns against only seven interceptions. The following year, Kessler was All-Pac-12 honorable mention and a Phil Steele All-Pac-12 third team member after setting school records for completions (315), completion percentage (69.7), passing efficiency (167.1) and interception rate (1.11) and season marks for TD passes (39) and 300-yard passing games (7). He started all 14 games this past season, throwing for 3,536 yards and 29 touchdowns against seven interceptions. Pros:
Possesses the patience to go through all his reads and find the check down Throws are timely; great anticipation skills as he rarely takes sacks
Sets up in drops quickly
Doesn’t force many throws: only 19 career interceptions in three years as a starter Desirable accuracy on the move
Deceptive strength
High football IQ Voted as a team captain by teammates
Light on his feet; moves well within the pocket
Cons:
Height and frame (6’1” 220) aren’t desirable
Lacks ideal arm strength
Struggles to push the ball down the field; lacks velocity Touch is significantly lacking
Wildly inaccurate down then field
Appears rattled when the pocket collapses Pro comp: Case Keenum Draft projection: 6th-7th round
Josh Ferguson, RB (Illinois): The former three star recruit and all-state selection played in three games a freshman before suffering a hamstring injury that forced him to miss the rest of the season; Ferguson would earn a medical hardship. He started six games in 2012, leading the team in all -purpose yards (344 return, 312 rushing, and 251 receiving). The following he year he ran for 779 yards (5.5 avg.) and seven touchdowns and caught 50 passes for 535 yards and four touchdowns while ranking second amongst all running backs in the FBS in receiving yards per game with 44.6. Ferguson did it on the ground and through the air in 2014, leading the team in all-purpose yards (735 rushing, 427 receiving) while running for eight touchdowns and hauling in another 50 passes. This past season, he missed three games but started the other nine earning third team All-Big 10 honors. Ferguson is the school record holder in career receptions and receiving yards by a running back and ranks second in all -purpose yards, and he ended 2015 as only active FBS player with 2,500+ rush & 1,500+ receiving yards in a career. Pros:
Incredible short-area quickness
Possesses the burst and foot quickness that will shake defenders
One-cut runner with deceptive strength
Runs with low center of gravity that allows him to maintain his balance Toughness to earn extra yards
A threat in the passing game with solid hands
Presents mismatches against linebackers Will win the foot race to the sideline
Cons:
Size (5’9” 198) suggests he’ll be a compliment back at the next level Spends too much time in the backfield waiting for a whole or dancing around trying to
make something happen
Had a fumbling and focus-drop issue
Too often brought down by one tackler Doesn’t finish through contact
Lacks a second gear Pro comparison: Steve Slaton Draft projection: 5th round
Tyler Higbee, TE (Western Kentucky): The former two star recruit started out as a wide receiver at WKU, but despite playing in 11 games as a true freshman, he only caught two passes for 92 yards and a touchdown. He redshirted in 2012 and converted to tight end in 2013 where he caught 13 passes for 169 yards and a touchdown; his stat line improved very little the following year (save for touchdowns) as he caught 15 passes for 231 yards and four touchdowns. Higbee had a breakout 2015, catching 38 passes for 563 yards and eight touchdowns in only nine games as he missed the other five due to a knee injury. Pros:
Plays like a former receiver with smooth route-running
Great straight-line speed and speed in the open field Uses body control to haul in tough catches; only dropped one pass in 2015
Knows when to catch balls close to his body in traffic
Possesses the speed and savviness to work off the LOS and into the second level Can run after the catch and break tackles
Large catch radius
Huge target at 6’6” 249 pounds Physical, aggressive blocker
Cons:
Recently arrested for an altercation; faces multiple charges Scouts will have questions about his knee injury
Didn’t play much in four years
Absorbs power rather than delivering as a blocker
Lacks explosiveness in and out of breaks Often runs upright
Pro comparison: Kevin Boss Draft projection: 3rd round
Germain Ifedi, OG (Texas A&M): Ifedi was a four star recruit before redshirting in 2012. He started all 13 games the following season as a Freshman All-American; he started 11 games in 2014, missing two due to an MCL sprain. He remained at right tackle in 2015 where he was a second team All-SEC choice. Pros:
Tremendous size (6’6” 335) and build with a wide chest and broad shoulders
Experience playing at guard and tackle
Nearly immovable; rarely on his heels or knocked off base Superior length allows him to lock hands inside of defenders
Upper-body strength and control
Reacts quickly; picks up stunts and blitzes well Recovers well
Cons:
Footwork needs refinement Allows base to narrow
Will lunge and lean as opposed to letting things happen and come to him
Inconsistent hand placement Kick slide is inadequate
Pro comparison: Kelechi Osemele Draft projection: 2nd-3rd round
Kevin Peterson, CB (Oklahoma State): Peterson played in every game as a true freshman in 2012 and proceeded to start 11 in 2013 where he finished the season with 24 tackles, six pass breakups, and two interceptions. In 2014, Peterson registered 59 tackles, two interceptions, and 11 passes breakups. He battled injury this past season but finished with 42 tackles, 4.5 TFL, an interception, six pass breakups, and a fumble recovery as he earned first team All-Big 12 honors. Pros:
Three year starter
Plays with high intensity and toughness Desirable IQ
Loose hips; opens up and is out of backpedal quickly
Ability to quickly read and react Technically sound in Press and Man
Strong showings again Kevin White, Corey Coleman, and Josh Doctson
Physical with receivers without being overly aggressive Doesn’t allow receivers to create much separation or get over the top
Tremendous field awareness
Cons:
Will struggle when on an island against bigger, physical receivers (see: Laquon Treadwell, Sugar Bowl)
Below average size (5’10” 173) and frame
Lacks desired length Bigger receivers will box him out and out jump him
History of injuries
Will likely serve as Nickle back
Below average straight line speed (4.66 40) and lacks burst Pro comp: Trumaine McBride Draft projection: 4th round
Brandon Doughty, QB (Western Kentucky): Despite being a three star prospect, Doughty was lightly recruited before accepting a scholarship to WKU. He redshirted in 2010 before earning the starting job in 2011, but was lost for the season in just the second game of the season; he played very little in 2012, going just 1-3 the entire season. Doughty was able to put it all together in 2013 as he threw for 2,857 yards (school record), 14 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions in 12 games as a starter. The following year, Doughty had one of the best seasons for a quarterback in FBS history, throwing for a whopping 4,830 yards and 49 touchdowns (against only 10 interceptions), the nation’s leader in both categories, en route to Conference -USA Player of the Year honors. His 49 touchdowns set a new C-USA record while he joined only eight other passers in FBS history to throw for eight touchdowns in a single game. After earning a medical hardship waiver, Doughty earned another year under center where he was somehow even better. His completion percentage rose from 67.9 to 71.9 despite throwing 13 more passes for 5,055 yards and 48 touchdowns versus only nine interceptions. Pros:
Incredible IQ; understands the system well and where to go with the football
One of the lowest career interception rates in NCAA history (2.3%)
Makes necessary pre-snap adjustments Scans the field well working through progression
Smooth, over-the-top delivery
Great technique: squares his shoulders to target and uses strong core rotation when throwing the ball
Throws with ideal timing and rhythm
Takes smart, necessary chances
Doesn’t make receivers work
Cons:
Lack of a big arm is evident
Build (6’2” 216) will raise questions and concerns Doesn’t possesses the velocity to attack the defense down the field
“System player” label will be hard to shed
Footwork breaks down when the pocket collapses Doesn’t move very well within the pocket
Will be a 25 year-old rookie Pro comp: David Fales Draft projection: 6th round
John Theus, OT (Georgia): Theus was a prized possession in the 2012 recruiting class, earning Parade Magazine and USA Today All-American honors as ESPNU and Scout.com’s number two rated tackle and five star prospect. He hit the ground running in 2012, starting all 14 games at right tackle and being named to Sporting News All-America Freshman Team and Phil Steele All-America Freshman Team as just the third true freshman to start at offensive tackle in a season opener since 1973. However, Theus played in all 13 games but only started eight the following year before starting all 13 in 2014 where he earned AP Honorable Mention All-SEC honors. Pros:
Height (6’6”) and length are tremendous Plays well in space
Picks up stunts and blitzes efficiently
Strong anchor against bull rushers Has experience at both left and right tackle
Knows how to create running lanes
Physical run blocker
Strong power step
Cons:
Lacks functional athleticism
Speed and hands rushers will have their way with him Sets up in pass pro too slowly
Doesn’t create separation between defender, allowing hands to get inside of his frame
Needs to add more mass (305 pounds) Lacks quick feet
Pro comp: David Hale Draft projection: 7th round
Dominique Alexander, ILB (Oklahoma): Alexander won the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year by starting the final eight games, making 80 tackles, 3.5 TFL, and forcing two fumbles. He started all 13 games each of the next two seasons, earning second-team All-Big 12 honors from the AP in 2014 (107 tackles, six TFL, 1.5 sacks) and first-team all-conference accolades via coaches as a junior (103 tackles, seven TFL, 1.5 sacks). Pros:
Incredible COD and closing speed
Moves well in space Ability to drop into coverage
Loose hips allow him to move well laterally
Plays downhill; isn’t afraid of contact Aggressive and physical with a nose for the ball
Possesses solid anticipation ability
Rangy
Cons:
Severely undersized (6’0” 232)
Strength is very limited
Small frame Lacks take-on ability, choosing to attempt to slip by blockers instead
Will over pursue
Isn’t a solid form tackler Bigger, powerful running backs will have their way
Pro comp: Hayes Pullard Draft projection: 5th round
Kamalei Correa, EDGE (Boise State): The two sport athlete from Hawaii played in all 13 games as a true freshman, recording 12 tackles, 1.5 TFL, and one sack. He exploded onto the scene the following year as he led the Mountain West in sacks (12) and finished third in TFL with 19; he also recorded 59 tackles, two forced fumbles and a blocked punt as a first team All-MW selection. This past season, Correa started all 13 games as the teams’ leader in sacks (seven) and TFL (11) while recording 39 tackles and three forced fumbles. He earned second team All-MW honors. Pros:
Ran a 4.69 and looked explosive and athletic in drills at the Combine
Has experience lining up as 4-3 end, off the edge, and at Mike linebacker Closes quickly
Good take-on strength
Looks comfortable in coverage Quick off the snap
Reads keys and flows well, tracking the ball carrier and pursuing
Tremendous backside pursuit Fights blockers coming across his face well
Cons:
Lacks an array of pass rush moves Stalls at the top of his rush
Hasn’t learned to consistently and efficiently use his hands
Average play strength Often flies up field, over-pursuing the ball carrier
Scouts will have questions about his drop in productivity Pro comp: Jeremiah Attaochu Draft projection: 3rd round
Karl Joseph, SS (West Virginia): The former two time Orlando Sentinel Player of the Year made his impact felt as a true freshman: he started all 13 games as the teams’ Defensive Player of the Year, Freshman All -American, and honorable mention All-Big 12 selection; he lead the team in tackles (104, number 14 in the country) forced fumbles (three), and interceptions (two). He started all 12 games as sophomore where his four fumble recoveries were tops in the Big 12 and second in the nation; he was also third on the team in pass breakups and fourth in tackles as he earned honorable mention All -Big 12 again. The following year, he was all over the field yet again as he registered 92 tackles, 4.5 TFL, one interception and three forced fumbles. The team captain garnered first team All-Big 12 honors via the coaches and ESPN and second team honors via Phil Steele and the AP. This past season, Joseph intercepted a whopping five interceptions through the first four games before being lost to the season due to a torn ACL in a non-contact drill. Pros:
Team captain who started 38 career games
Consistent level of production all four years
An absolute ball hawk with great ball skills Quick to diagnose run and screen
Good route recognition
Physical and downhill in the run game Remains low in backpedal; feet turn over quickly
Explosive off the ball
Can play in the box or Man and Zone
Cons:
Has he fully recovered from ACL surgery?
Average size (5’10” 205) and length
Doesn’t take consistent angles to ball carriers PA will slightly draw him out of area
Doesn’t consistently wrap as a tackler Pro comp: T.J. Ward Draft projection: 2nd round
Jonathan Bullard, DE (Florida): Bullard was five star recruit and Army All-American who was able to put it all together as a senior where he recorded 6.5sacks and 17.5 TFL. Pros:
Projects as a defensive end (6’3” 285) despite playing along the Gators’ line
Combine numbers were a huge plus (4.93, 32” vert, 9’6” broad jump, and 7.31 three cone)
Great length
Lightening quick off the ball
Has the power and the strength to control two gaps Quickly gets his hands on defenders
Uses hands efficiently to shed blocks and push the pocket
Maintains a flat pursuit to the ball carrier
Strong anchor to fight double teams Strength at the point of attack
Cons:
Lacks solid gap integrity; will get washed down and removed from play Injury history
Struggles to consistently win 1-on-1 battles
Fairly stiff lower half Often over pursues
Bit of a tweener Pro comp: Johnathan Babineaux Draft projection: 2nd round
Sheldon Day, DT (Notre Dame): The former high school All-American played in all 13 games as a true freshman, recording 23 tackles, 3.5 TFL, and two sacks. He started eight games the following year (played in 11) where he improved his stat line with 33 tackles, 5.5 TFL, but only half a sack. In 2014, Day was selected as a team captain and the Notre Dame Moose Krause Lineman of the Year after registering 40 tackles, 7.5 TFL, one sack, and two fumble recoveries. He was a force this past season with 45 tackles, 16 TFL (third in Independent), four sacks (third), four pass breakups, and two forced fumbles (second). Pros:
Utilizes his hands when rushing the passer Possesses an effective rip move
Has lined up as a 3-4 end 4-3 tackle
Fires out with good pad level Adequate bend
Uses quickness to beat guards inside
Lateral movement is a plus highlighted by 20 yard shuttle and 3 cone times
Maintains leverage against double teams with a strong anchor Great motor produces effort sacks
Cons:
Lacks the technique to fight double teams, often relying on strength and push Size limitations (6’1” 293); true position is questionable
Inconsistent ability to generate push on the edge
Misses tackles due to poor wrapping and lunging Below average length
Durability questions Pro comp: Dominique Easley Draft projection: 3rd round
Will Fuller, WR (Notre Dame): The former four star recruit played sparingly as a freshman before starting as a sophomore where he caught 76 passes for 1,094 yards and 15 touchdowns (third in the country), a new school record; he also earned honorable mention All-American via Sports Illustrated. As a junior this past season, Fuller was a force yet again as he caught 62 passes for 1,258 yards (20.3 yards a catch) and 14 touchdowns as second team All-American. He left Notre Dame second in career touchdowns receptions. Pros:
Elite speed (4.32 40) that can take the top off a defense Deliberate, hard breaks
Undisputed ability to track the ball
Physical, willing blocker Smooth outside release
In and out of breaks gearing up or down
Has lined up split out and in the slot
Incredible burst and top end speed
Cons:
Focus drops and body catches present a major issue (18 in the last two seasons)
Tends to round off his post and corner routes Size (6’0” 186) will likely limit him to the slot
Tends to hesitate with the ball in his hands in the screen game
Lacks a large catch radius Pro comp: Titus Young Draft projection: 3rd round
Deion Jones, OLB (LSU): One of Louisiana’s top prep football players in 2011, Jones played in all 13 games primarily on special teams, recording 23 tackles and three TFL. The same story remained in 2013 as Jones played in all 13 games on special teams as he recorded 15 tackles. He played in all 13 games yet again in 2014 but was given the starting nod against Louisiana-Monroe; he recorded 27 tackles and 3.5 TFL on the season while his eight special team tackles were the third most. He put it all together this past season, and was an absolute force: he tallied 100 tackles, 13.5 TFL (both tops on the team) five sacks, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. He was also the team captain and Butkus Award Finalist that same season. Pros:
Has played in 51 career games Special teams experience
Quick twitch
Trusts his reads and keys 4.59 40
Incredible athleticism with the motor to play sideline-to-sideline
Powerful form tackler Mirrors running backs through the gaps
Range and comfort in coverage
Quick to diagnose and react
Cons:
Undersized (6’1” 222) as frame has room to grow
Only year of starting experience
Not the downhill thumper you’d like to see Bigger blockers can have their way with him
Needs to be more consistent in coverage Pro comp: Johnathan Casillas Draft projection: 3rd round
Artie Burns, CB (Miami, Fla.)): The former four star recruit played in 11 of 13 games in 2013 on both defense and special teams, recording 17 tackles, three pass breakups, and an interception while averaging 26.1 yards on 10 kick returns. In 2014, Burns was an integral part of the ‘Canes defense, tallying 40 tackles, two TFL, two sacks, and six pass breakups and improved even more in 2015. His six interceptions were tops in the ACC and the most since Sean Taylor’s 10 in 2003; he also recorded 36 tackles, broke up five passes, and recovered a fumble. He was a second team All-ACC choice. Pros:
Rallies to the ball and flows well against the run Physical; gets his hands on receivers
Length is incredible and will serve him well in Press Man
Plays with anticipation and timing Can make difficult plays
Successful track background that carried over to Miami
Good balance and footwork in backpedal
Finishes as a tackler Does a great job of tracking the ball and timing his jump
Good field awareness
Cons:
Will rely on athleticism over technique
Appears to be a raw prospect
Allows inside release far too often Tends to trail too much in Man
While being physical, he can get grabby down the field; committed four pass interference penalties last season
Pro comp: Darius Slay Draft projection: 3rd round
Jeff Driskel, QB (LA Tech): Driskel was arguably the most accomplished prep quarterback in this year’s draft class as the recipient of the Maxwell Football Club National High School Player of the Year and Gatorade Florida Player of the Year Awards; he was also Scout.com and Rivals.com’s number one rated quarterback and an Under Armour All-American. He originally signed with Florida in 2011 where he played in five games as a true freshman, but started 11 games. He threw for 1,646 yards and 12 touchdowns against five interceptions; he was also the team’s second leading rusher with 408 yards and three touchdowns while guiding the Gators to the Sugar Bowl. In 2013, Driskel’s season was cut short due to broken leg after only three starts. He was benched for Treon Harris after playing in only nine games in 2014, choosing to transfer to Louisiana Tech. His first and only year as a starter, he tossed 4,033 yards and 27 touchdowns as the C-USA’s Newcomer of the Year and honorable mention All-C-USA honoree. Pros:
23-9 as a starter
Size (6’4” 231) will have teams salivating
4.56 40, 10’2” broad jump, 32” support his physical tools and athleticism Threw zero interceptions in the Red Zone
Throw first mentality but isn’t afraid to extend the play with his feet
Rarely turned the ball over Delivers the ball in the face of pressure
Follows through over the top
Can drop it in the bucket with solid touch
Keeps feet active in the pocket
Cons:
Only completed 56% of his third down attempts
A high percentage of his drops were one step Has a bit of a loop in his wind up
Ball occasionally loses velocity on intermediate throws
Tends to cut drops short when he sees pressure Plays with a bit of a gunslinger mentality; trusts his arm too much over the middle
Has a bad habit of over striding and standing flat footed in his one-step drops Pro comp: Blaine Gabbert Draft projection: 3rd round
Kevin Hogan, QB (Stanford): Hogan was a high school All-American and Washington D.C.’s top prospect but did not play as a freshman in 2011. The following year, Hogan started five games (won all five) including their Rose Bowl victory as he threw for 1,096 yards and nine touchdowns against only three interceptions while finishing second on the team with 263 rushing yards; he was the Pac-12 Championship Game MVP and honorable mention All-Pac-12 selection. He was given the full reigns the following year as he posted 2,630 passing yards and 20 touchdowns (against 10 interceptions) and 355 rushing yards, the third most for a quarterback in school history. Despite Stanford’s struggles in 2014, Hogan started all 13 games as his 2,792 passing yards and 19 touchdowns guided the Cardinal to a Foster Farms Bowl slaughtering of Maryland; Hogan was named MVP for his performance. Hogan saved his best for last as he completed 67.8 percent of his passes (sixth in FBS) for 2,867 yards and 27 touchdowns (fifth in Pac-12) and finished with a 171.03 passing efficiency rating (fourth in FBS). He added another 336 and six on the ground as the Cardinal won yet another Rose Bowl under Hogan. Pros:
School’s all-time winningest quarterback (36-10)
Team captain
Will pull the down and extend plays with his feet (first passer in school history with 1,000 career rushing yards
Had his best games against their toughest opponents (USC x2, Iowa, Oregon)
Incredibly tough and willing to take a hit Has the zip to squeeze it in tight windows
Next level size (6’3” 218)
Large hands (10 ¼”)
High football IQ Quick feet allows him to get through drops
Cons:
Unorthodox windup and delivery that takes far too long to release the ball Threw most of his interceptions on third down
Turned the ball over far too often in the Red Zone
Sees ghosts Lacks awareness within the pocket; fails to slide and climb efficiently
Stands in the pocket with a wide base and flat feet
Lacks arm strength and accuracy down the field Pro comp: Jeff Van Camp Draft projection: 6th-7th round
Derrick Henry, RB (Alabama): Henry was the undisputed, top prep running back in this year’s draft class as he ran for a national high school record 12,124 rushing yards. He was the class’ number one running back, Parade and U.S. Army All-American, and National Year Player of Year via multiple outlets. Henry ran for 382 yards on 35 carriers in 12 games as a true freshman but bettered his numbers the following season. He started two games (played in all 14) in 2014 where he ran for 990 yards and 11 touchdowns on 172 carriers (5.8 yards per carry) and caught five for 133 yards and two touchdowns. In 2015, his final season, Henry had a story book season as he set an SEC rushing record with 2,219 yards (fifth most in FBS history) and a whopping 28 touchdowns. He set a multitude of school records and became just the third player in SEC history to have four 200 yard games en route to his Heisman trophy. Pros:
Elite blend of size (6’3” 247) and speed
Averaged 102.8 yards after contact per game
Explosive athlete with workhorse potential
One-cut runner Will excel in short yard situations
Tremendous runner behind his pads with desirable forward lean
Runs with serious power and the ability to break tackles Incredible top speed
Excels in zone blocking scheme with great patience and vision
Balanced runner Has the ability to cutback with ease
Cons:
Average lateral movement and COD Will run upright through holes
Questions about his work load
Pass-blocking inconsistencies Lacks soft hands to be a threat in the passing game
Often ran behind big holes, part of the reason for his success Pro comp: Brandon Jacobs Draft projection: 2nd round
Jordan Howard, RB (Indiana): Howard originally signed with and played for the University of Alabama-Birmingham before they canceled their football program in 2015. As a freshman in 2013, he ran for 881 yards (UAB single season freshman record and second nationally among freshman) and two touchdowns which earned him C-USA All-Freshman honors. He nearly doubled his yardage output the following year as he ran for a single-season record 1,587 yards and 13 touchdowns as his 132.3 yards per game were the seventh best in the country; he earned first team All-C-USA honors. In his only season as a Hoosier, Howard’s 1,213 rushing yards were third in the Big 10 while he reached the end zone 10 times. He also finished ninth in the nation in yards per game (134.8) and earned first team All -Big 10 honors despite missing four and a half games and became the only FBS player in the last 20 seasons with 140-plus rushing yards in each of his first four games with a program. Pros:
One of the biggest runners in this year’s class (6’0” 230)
Incredible production despite injury limitations
Had one of his best games against a tough Iowa defense Thick lower half
Gets skinny through tight spaces
Deceptive burst Strong legs that keep driving as multiple tacklers try to bring him down
Runs behind his pads with good forward lean
Patient runner who waits for blocks to develop
Does a good job of identifying running lanes and hitting them with balance Effective stiff arm
Cons:
Lacks top end, breakaway speed; one speed runner Wasn’t heavily used in passing game
Questions about ankle injury
Doesn’t consistently hit holes with burst Will absorb contact in pass pro
Won’t beat defenders to the sideline or make defenders miss in the open field ; often caught from behind
Fails to consistently see cutback lanes Pro comp: Stevan Ridley Draft projection: 3rd-4th round
Devontae Booker, RB (Utah): The former All-State selection out of Sacramento, Booker originally signed with Washington State enrolled in American River College where he ran for 1,472 yards and 15 touchdowns in his second season. He then signed with Utah in 2014 and earned first team All-Pac-12 honors after finishing second in the conference with 116.3 yards per game. His 1,512 yards are the second most in a Utah single season while reaching pay dirt 12 times; he finished tied for second on the team with 43 reception s for 306 yards and two touchdowns. This past season, Booker’s season was cut short due to a torn meniscus after 10 games but he still ran for 1,261 yards (second in conference in yards per game) and 11 touchdowns (fourth) as a second team All-Pac-12 choice. Pros:
Team captain Only the second player in school history to have back-to-back 1,000 yard season
14 100 yard games are tied for most in school history
Has the strength to run through arm tackles; rarely taken down by one defender Runs with balance and a good center of gravity as defenders often try to go high
Can make the tough catch
Runs with desired burst and good forward lean Good vision to identify cutback lanes
Eats up yards with good straight-line speed
Agility to side step defenders Shifty in the open field
Strong lower half that allows him to excel in short yard situations
Cons:
Still recovering from torn meniscus
Suffers from the occasional focus drop
Occasionally late to identify cutback
Won’t accelerate past defenders Tends to slow down when multiple defenders approach
Pro comp: Joseph Randle Draft projection: 2nd round
Alex Collins, RB (Arkansas): Tabbed as one of the nation’s top prep running backs out of Florida, Collins came out with a bang as a true freshman in 2013. He was named SEC Freshman of the Year, a Freshman All-American and to the SEC All-Freshman Team as he became the first freshman in SEC history to begin a career with three straight 100-yard rushing games and the first true freshman in FBS since Adrian Peterson in 2004. He became just the second player in school history (10th in SEC history) to run 1,000 rushing yards, finishing the season with 1,026 on 190 carries with four touchdowns. Despite starting two games in 2014, Collins played in all 13 games and finished the season with 1,100 rushing yards on 204 carries, joining Darren McFadden as the only Razorbacks to ever begin their careers with back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons; he and Jonathan Williams (1,190) were the only FBS teammates to each rush for 1,000-plus yards in 2014. Collins ran for 1,577 yards (5.8 yards per carry) and 20 touchdowns in 2015. Pros:
Thickly built frame (5’10” 217) and lower half Productive collegiate career
Deceptive straight-line speed
Runs with desired forward lean, balance, and low center of gravity One-cut ability
Can make defenders miss in the open field
Hits holes with desired burst Takes multiple defenders to bring him down
Hip and ankle flexibility allow fluid stop and start cuts
Elusive enough to cut runs back
Cons:
Wasn’t heavily involved in the passing game
Limited functional athleticism
Lacks improvisation, getting caught in traffic in the backfield and failing to make a play Has flashed the ability to square pads in pass pro but must do it consistently; will duck
his head
Inability to hit the Bend and Bounce may limit him to a power scheme Pro comp: Jeremy Langford Draft projection: 3rd round
Jason Spriggs, OT (Indiana): Spriggs was an accomplished three sport athlete in high school before joining the Hoosiers in 2012. He started all 12 games (an IU freshman record for offensive linemen) and led the team with 80 knockdowns and surrendered just two sacks in 961 snaps; he was an honorable mention All -Big 10 and first team Freshman All-Big 10 selection. He started all 12 games the following as Indiana set single-season records with 508.5 total yards per game, 38.4 points per game, 36 passing touchdowns and 62 total touchdowns while Spriggs was an honorable mention All-Big 10 choice yet again. As a junior, he started 10 games and played in 11 after allowing just two sacks in 689 snaps and recording 45 knockdowns en route to his third consecutive honorable mention All-Big 10 mark. This past season, Spriggs started all 13 games at right guard and allowed just two sacks in 475 called pass attempts with 79 knockdowns in a team-high 1,074 snaps. He received multiple first team All-American honors in addition to second team All-Big 10 recognition. He was also a team captain and the recipient of Indiana’s Chris Dal Sasso Award (Outstanding Lineman) Award. Pros:
Started 47 career games
Elite COD and fluid, functional athleticism
Desirable length (34” arms) and height (6’6”)
Has experience playing as a guard and tackle Good build
Natural knee bender
Gets to the second level with ease; can make blocks down the field Sets up quickly
Accurate with his strikes, punching defenders squarely
Rarely falls off blocks as a true finisher Utilizes his hands to neutralize speed rushers
Cons:
A little light at 301 pounds; may move to guard at the next level Average play strength
Lacks a heavy handed punch
Fails to recover quick enough Tape exposes his ability to consistently maintain base
Will “alligator arm” rather than extending and locking out Pro comp: Eric Fisher Projected draft: 2nd round
Connor Cook, QB (Michigan State): One of the nation’s top prep quarterbacks, Cook redshirted in 2011 before appearing in three games in 2012. The following year, Cook guided the Spartans to a 12-1 record and Rose Bowl victory as he posted one of the best seasons by a quarterback in school history. His play earned him numerous second team All-Big 10 honors. As a junior in 2014, Cook became first Spartan quarterback to garner back-to-back second-team All-Big Ten honors as the conference leader in passing yards per game (247.2). Cook saved his best season for last where he was once again one of MSU’s top single -season passers. He became just the second Big 10 quarterback since 1987 to win the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award in addition to his honor as the Big 10’s top quarterback via the Griese -Brees Award. Pros:
MSU’s winningest quarterback (34-5)
Career leader in passing yards (9,194) and touchdowns (71) Three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection
Improved each season as a starter and guided the offense efficiently
Sets into drops with quick feet Timing and rhythm passer who finds the open windows
Can push the ball down the field with a strong arm
Quick, compact delivery with no wasted motion Stays tough in the pocket
Knows which areas of the defense to attack
Cons:
Arm strength is just good enough
Often stands flat footed when he reaches his hitch
Will throw before his feet are set Accuracy concerns compounded with the inability to throw guys open
Performance against Alabama truly hurt their chances of winning
JAG in big games Pro comp: Kevin Kolb Draft projection: 3rd round
Jacoby Brissett, QB (NC State): Brissett was a four star recruit and U.S. Army All-American from West Palm Beach that spent his first two years at Florida before transferring to NC State; he became the Gators’ first true freshman quarterback to take his first career snap as the starter. In his first year as a starter, Brissett was one of just three quarterbacks in the Power 5 conferences with at least 2,000 passing yards, 300 rushing yards, 20 passing TDs and five or less interceptions, numbers matched only eight times in the previous five seasons. He also went 187 straight passes without an interception, the seventh longest streak in ACC history. This past season, he was fifth in the ACC with 2,662 yards while his 20 touchdowns ranked third; he added another 370 and six on the ground. Pros:
Great size (6’4” 231) with a thick frame Uses his feet to keep the play alive and pick up extra yards
Big-time arm that can drive the ball down the field
Solid zip to hit tight windows Stays cool and poised in the pocket, ready to make any throw
Can challenge defenses with throws to the boundary
Extreme comfort when throwing on the run and in boot
Knowledge of the game grew between 2014 and 2015 as he went through his progressions more frequently
Excellent use of timing to throw guys open
Cons:
Eyes tend to go down when the pocket collapses Struggles to connect on down field shots along the sideline
Flawed mechanics due to over-the-top delivery
Down field accuracy is severely lacking Relies on his arm too much, throwing off his back foot
Isn’t always in rhythm as he will take sacks Pro comp: Ricky Stanzi Projected draft value: 3rd- 4th round
Dak Prescott, QB (Miss. State): Prescott was a three star prep recruit out of Louisiana who enrolled in spring 2011, choosing to redshirt the same year. In 2012, he played in all 12 games primarily in a red zone, short yardage situation as he accounted for eight touchdowns (four passing, four rushing). He started seven games in 2013, throwing for 1,940 yards and 10 touchdowns while adding another 829 and 13 on the ground as a tremendous dual threat. He took over the starting duties full time in 2014 and posted the greatest season by an offensive player in school history, breaking 12 school single-season statistical records while leading the program to its highest poll finish since 1940 and its first Orange Bowl in 73 years. Prescott threw for 3,449 yards and 27 touchdowns, ran for 986 and 14, and even caught two passes for 35 yards and a touchdown; he earned All-American and first team All-SEC honors and finished eighth in Heisman voting. He strung together another remarkable season in 2015 as he accounted for 3,793 yards and 29 touchdown through the air and 588 and 10 on the ground. He was 2015 Senior CLASS Award, which is given to the top NCAA FBS senior student-athlete who is supports the four most ideal areas: community, classroom, character and competition and Conerly Trophy, given to the best football player in the state of Mississippi. Added to the list were All-American and first team All-SEC honors. Prescott leaves as one of four players in FBS history and the second player in Southeastern Conference history to throw for 70 touchdowns and rush for 40 touchdowns in a career, one of 10 players in FBS history and the second player in SEC history to pass for 8,500 yards and rush for 2,000, and a player who accounted for 114 career touchdowns, fourth in SEC history. Pros:
Unparalleled career
Serious dual threat who isn’t a run-first passer Huge hands (10 7/8”)
Solid vision and awareness
Thick frame that has withheld a number of hits in the last three seasons Quick delivery; throws a strike
Cut down on the amount forced throws between 2014 and 2015
Works through his progressions Strong lower half that propels him through arm tackles
Coordinates throws with footwork and eyes
Cons:
Has taken an increased pounding each season
Lacks desired finish and footwork
Recently arrested for DUI Numbers are supported by the amount of throws underneath he relied on
Inability to throw guys open as the throws get longer
Sees ghosts, often eliminating his ability to slide and move within the pocket Pro comp: Brett Hundley Draft projection: 5th round
C.J. Prosise, RB (Notre Dame): A prep defensive back, Prosise was one of Virginia’s top players but did not play in his first year at Notre Dame (2012). He then moved to receiver in 2013 where he played in all 13 games both as a wide receiver and on special teams, catching seven passes for 72 yards, while recording a tackle in the final four Irish games. The following year, his role in the offense increased as he caught 29 passes for 516 yards and two TDs and led all receivers with an average of 17.8 yards per catch in 13 games (six starts); he also led the team in total special teams tackles with 11 (Notre Dame’s Special Teams Player of the Year) and added 126 yards and a touchdown on the ground. He made the full move to running back in 2015 and had a tremendous season: he ran for 1,032 yards and 11 touchdowns on only 156 carriers (6.6 avg.) while hauling in 26 passes for 308 yards and a touchdown. Pros:
An obvious threat out of the backfield having spent time as a receiver Big-bodied, physical runner at 6’0, 220 pounds
Tremendous vision for some who has spent such little time the vision
Quickly identifies cutback lanes and holes Possesses a lethal, effective stiff arm
Solid top end speed and acceleration
Balanced runner who requires three or more defenders to take him down
Flashes the ability to pick up defenders in pass protection Patient runner who eats yards quickly
Cons:
Play speed slows when defenders close in quickly and blow up the pl ay Lateral elusiveness is average
Leg drive slows and/or stops when multiple defenders pursue in the open field
Often hesitates to take hand off as he waits for blocking to develop Five fumbles in 156 carries
Needs to improve consistency in pass protection Pro comp: Arian Foster Draft projection: 4th round
Paul Perkins, RB (UCLA): Perkins was an All-State and three star recruit of Arizona with a background in track. He didn’t play in his first year as a Bruin in 2012 but played in all 13 games and made four starts the following season where he ran for 573 yards and six touchdowns and hauled in 24 passes for 296 yards. Perkins was incredible in 2014 as he became the first Bruin to lead the Pac-12 in rushing since DeShaun Foster in 2001: his 1,575 yards rushing was the second-highest total in a season ever by a UCLA running back; he also snagged 26 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns. This past season, he finished fourth in the Pac-12 in rushing yards (1,343) and tied for second in touchdowns (14). He also caught 30 passes for 242 yards and a touchdown to finish as the school’s all-time leader in receptions as a running back and a second team All-Pac-12 choice. Pros:
Thick runner who can deliver a pounding at 5’10, 208 pounds Desirable functional athleticism
Powerful lower half that earns tough yards
Runs behind his pads as a downhill runner Fearless run and pass protector
Consistent pass catcher who runs good routes and turns up field in a hurry
One-cut runner with an effective jump cut; can stick his foot in the ground and go
Cons:
Doesn’t finish through contact
Despite a thick lower half, Perkins lacks a big frame
Lacks short are burst Easily stood up or halted by defenders
Will stop feet on contact Pro comp: Duke Johnson Draft projection: 3rd round
Jonathan Williams, RB (Arkansas): The Semper Fidelis All-American was heavily recruited before choosing Arkansas in 2012. As a true freshman that same year, he played in 11 games and made two starts, toting the rock 45 times and gained 231 yards while making eight catches for 208 yards and two touchdowns. The following season, Williams played in all 12 games (11 starts), rushing for 900 yards and four touchdowns and even threw a touchdown. He appeared in all 13 games with 11 starts in 2014 as he was named to the AP All-SEC second team as an Earl Campbell Award semifinalist. He finished the season with 211 carries for 1,190 (eighth all-time in school history for a single season) yards and 12 touchdowns. Unfortunately, Williams’ senior season was cut short to a foot injury he suffered in fall camp. Pros:
Runs with a low center of gravity
Packs a punch running behind his pads Thick frame at 5’11, 220 pounds
Fluid lower half that will make defenders miss in the second level
Wins with elusiveness and speed to beat defenders outside Patience allows blocks to set up before hitting the hole with desired quickness
Balanced runner between the tackles
Short-yardage winner who finished runs Adept pass catcher
Cons:
Lost five fumbles in 2014 Still recovering from the foot injury
Needs to eliminate the tendency to dance in the backfield
Style may limit him to a zone blocking scheme May be a more natural fit as a platoon back rather than an every down runner
Pro comp: Marcus Lattimore Draft projection: 3rd-4th round
Sterling Shepard, WR (Oklahoma): Shepard was a four star recruit and Under Armour All -American as the top prep player in Oklahoma. He was named honorable mention Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year after playing in all 13 games with four starts in 2012. His 621 receiving yards were the third-highest total by an OU freshman, while his 45 receptions ranked fourth all-time among OU freshmen. He started 12 games the following season, hauling in 51 passes for 603 yards and seven touchdowns. Shepard turned the corner in 2014, catching 51 passes for 970 yards and five touchdowns as he was named first team All-Big 12 First Team by the league's coaches and ESPN.com and second team All-Big 12 via the AP. He put it all together this past season where he caught 86 passes for 1,288 yards and 11 touchdowns en route to multiple spots on All -American teams and first team All-Big 12 honors. Pros:
Numbers suggest he improved each season Plays bigger than his size (5’10” 194)
Functional strength and athleticism are a big plus
Smooth route runner with clean breaks and double moves Dependable hands: one eight career drops (3.3 drop percentage)
Explodes out of breaks and after the catch
Fearless player who shows complete willingness to block
Elite game speed and bend Quickness off the line doesn’t give defenders a chance to get their hands on him
Cons:
Obvious size concerns (5’10” 194) Stronger and more physical corners will have the advantage in press
Play strength is average
Lacks a large catch radius Often does too much when he releases
Pro comp: Tyler Lockett Draft projection: 2nd round
Austin Hooper, TE (Stanford): Hooper compiled quite the prep career at national power De La Salle where he was a four star recruit Semper Fidelis All-American. He did not play as a freshman in 2013 but played in 13 games (starting 10) where he caught 40 passes for 499 yards and two touchdowns as a member of the All-Pac-12 second team. Pros:
Fast (4.68) and fluid athlete with good size (6’4” 254)
Top end speed will catch your eye and allow him to stretch the second level
Light feet eliminate route limitations Thick frame can withstand hits over the middle
Has the instincts and ability to run with the ball in his hands
Burst off the LOS Athleticism allows him to line up as a Y
Sets up defenders with his routes
Technical blocker who was asked to do it often
Cons:
Doesn’t flash much acceleration at the top of his route
Poor adjustment to tough catches is a reflection of his below average catch radius Won’t set up defenders in the beginning of his routes
Drop rate was nearly 11 percent
Inconsistent as a run blocker Pro comp: Owen Daniels Draft projection: 4th round
Nick Vannett, TE (Ohio State): Vannett was a four star product and the seventh rated player in the state of Ohio. He redshirted as a true freshman in 2011 and played in all 12 games, starting two, the following year as he caught nine catches for 123 yards. In 2013, Vannett played in all 13 games but only hauled in eight passes for 80 yards before catching 19 passes for 220 yards and five touchdowns in all 15 games the following season. He earned honorable mention All-Big 10 this past season after hauling in 19 passes for 162 yards. Pros:
Length (34 ¼” arms) and size (6’6” 257) will create mismatches at the next level
Will survive and make his money over the middle
Has the ability to find the open windows in zone Was asked to block in a zone and power scheme
Wins with leverage and leg drive as a run blocker
Can get out of routes with little wasted movement Big catch radius; can make contested catches
Has spent time inline and split out
Cons:
Needs to refine his route running ability
Upright runner
Struggles to create separation in Man Limited in the passing game as a Buckeye
Pro comp: Zach Ertz Draft projection: 3rd round
Henry Krieger-Coble, TE (Iowa): Krieger-Coble was a three sport athlete in high school, and a very accomplished one at that. He played in nine games as a redshirt freshman in 2012 but only caught four passes for 30 yards and a touchdown. The following season, he saw action in all 13 games but didn’t record any offensive statistics and s aw action in 10 games, with three starts in 2014 but only recorded three receptions for 28 yards and two touchdowns before missing final three games due to injury. Krieger-Coble saved his best for last in 2015 as he caught 35 passes for 405 yards and a touchdown. Pros:
Flashes the ability to make the difficult catch
Incredibly efficient and technical blocker Strong hands
Sells head fakes coupled with quick to create space and get open
Can move inline or flex out Has the ability to shake and set up defenders when getting into his routes
Plays with unmatched speed, physicality, and aggressiveness
Wins with good hand placement and active feet as a blocker
Cons:
Ability to make tough catch isn’t reflective of a lack catch radius
Minimal athleticism
Length isn’t a plus and won’t provide much help Only started for one year
Isn’t a serious threat as a pass catcher Pro comp: Jesse James Draft projection: 6th round
Darion Griswold, TE (Arkansas State): The former all-state quarterback from Arkansas was a two star recruit. He played in all 12 games as a redshirt freshman in 2012, with one start, and finished the year with 10 catches for 172 yards. The following year, he hauled in 24 passes for 312 yards and three touchdowns, earning second team All-Sun Belt honors. Griswold earned third team All-Sun Belt honors in 2014 after bring down 18 passes for 221 yards and four touchdowns. He caught 13 passes for 187 yards and two touchdowns this past season. Pros:
Size (6’4” 253) and frame
High points the ball with impeccable timing; a natural “rebounder” as a former basketball player
Instinctual receiver with soft hands
Long strider who can create separation in the seam
Can line up as an H-Back, Y, or inline tight end Willing blocker who can be effective along the line, as a fullback, or flex out
Possesses the athleticism to be an effective reach blocker
Finds the windows in the defense
Cons:
Raw route runner
Release needs refinement
Lacks quick twitch and burst out of breaks Was used more as a blocker than a pass catcher
Base as a blocker provides with very little support Pro comp: Jared Cook Draft projection: 7th round
Jerrell Adams, TE (South Carolina): Adams attended Fork Union Military Academy after completing high school in 2011 where he was a four star recruit. He caught four passes for 90 yards and a touchdown as a Freshman All -SEC choice in 2012 and played in all 13 games the following year, hauling in 13 passes for 187 yards and two touchdowns. He played in all 13 games again the following year (five starts) as he recorded 21 receptions for 279 yards and a touchdown. This past season, he was the team’s second leading receiver with 28 receptions for 421 yards and three touchdowns. Pros:
Athleticism is going to create mismatches down the seam
Straight-line speed and lateral quickness make him an effective ball carrier Long strider
Sustains blocks, always looking to finish
Engages and keeps a wide base as a pass protector Large catch radius due to length
Offers long-term upside
Cons:
Lacks desired build (6’5” 247) with a thin frame Can stand to get stronger
Often beaten by speed rushers off the edge
Fails to consistently set the edge Doesn’t engage knees and hips as a blocker
Pro comp: Ladarius Green Draft projection: 4th round
David Morgan, Jr. (UTSA): Morgan played in 10 games with two starts as a true freshman in 2011, recording 13 receptions for 214 yards and two touchdowns. After missing 2012 due to injury, he returned in 2013 where he battled injury again and only hauled in seven passes for 69 yards. In 2014, he played in only nine games but caught 20 passes for 255 yards and a touchdown as he earned All -C-USA honors. He became UTSA’s first ever All-American this past season as he caught 45 passes for 566 yards and five touchdowns; he also earned second team All-C-USA honors. Pros:
Massive build (6’4” 262) and frame can withstand a pounding
Instinctual blocker Very fluid movement laterally and in space
One of the better blockers in the class who could spend time as a fullback or H-Back
Plays balanced with good body control
Jump ball winner who high points the ball better than most
Soft hands allow him to bring the ball down and make nearly any catch
A challenge to bring down; YAC earner
Cons:
Is not going to beat you deep with speed or stretch the field
Takes him awhile to reach top end speed
Slot, lumbering feet when getting into route
Fluid hips are missing
Doesn’t create much separation
Pro comp: Nick Boyle Draft projection: 5th round
Kyle Murphy, OT (Stanford): Out of San Clemente, CA, Murphy was a four and five star recruit and MaxPreps All -American. He played in 14 games as a true freshman in 2012 and 13 in 2013 while spending time as a tight end in jumbo packages. He started 13 games at right tackle in 2014 where he earned second team All -Pac-12 honors. Murphy was a third team All-American and first team All-Pac-12 selection after starting at left tackle. Pros:
Out of stance quickly with strong anchor
Shows the ability to re-anchor
Efficient blocker when asked to cross face and get to the next level Knee bender with proper base
Hands and feet are engaged and active
Blocks downhill with a mean streak Always looks to finish blocks
Cons:
Despite being 6’6,” he is only 305 pounds Does not have the athleticism to beat edge rushers
Thin frame that lacks girth
Technique falls apart once he is beaten Sets hands low, allowing defenders to get their hands inside and generate a push
Pro comp: Johnathan Martin Draft projection: 5th round
Le’Raven Clark, OT (Texas Tech): Clark was an Under Armour All-American and four star recruit who did not play in his first year in 2011 (redshirt) before earning multiple Freshman All-American honors after starting all 13 games in 2012. He was a first and second team All-Big 12 selection the following season after starting 13 games at left tackle. In 2014, Clark started all 12 games and earned first team All -Big 12 honors. Pros:
Use of rare length to keep defenders away from him
Bear paws for hands allow a heavy-handed punch
Initial strike jolts defenders Dominance at POA
Digs his heels in the ground in short yardage situations
Possesses the necessary lateral quickness to get down the line and be an impact blocker Engages with tremendous power and strength in the upper body to wash defenders
down
Adequate kick slide
Cons:
Waist bender who will lose leverage to inside rushers
Fails to consistently recover against speed rusher
Raw mechanics with poor hand placement Doesn’t effectively mirror defenders
Feet are often not engaged
Pad level will help win very few 1-on-1’s Pro comp: Orlando Franklin Draft projection: 2nd round
Shon Coleman, OT (Auburn): One of Mississippi’s top prep players, Coleman was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2010 and underw ent treatment in 2011; he was cleared to practice in 2012 but did not play, earning another year of eligibility. He played in eight games in 2013 and started all 13 at left tackle in 2014 before starting 12 games and earning second team All-SEC honors this past season. Pros:
Brute power with unbelievable strength
Defeated leukemia and returned to have an impact with the Tigers
Hands produce a jarring initial punch Upper body strength allows him to dictate when the defender goes
Strong anchor
Mauler in space Feet help him win; good power step
Stance is slightly wider than coached but does not hinder him
Cons:
Too reliant on upper body strength
Heavy footed when at the next level
Lateral ability limits him to being an effective mover Has created a bad, recurring habit of lunging
Likely limited to right tackle Pro comp: Paul Cornick Draft projection: 3rd-4th round
Jerald Hawkins, OT (LSU): A standout high school athlete, Hawkins chose to redshirt as a freshman in 2012 before starting all 13 games in 2013, playing 808 offensive snaps. Hawkins started all 13 games at right tackle in 2014 as he ranked second among all lineman with 834 while recording 43 knockdowns. This past season, he started 11 games at left tackle and played on 754 offensive snaps with 38 knockdowns. Pros:
Plus size and length
Long through the upper body
Aggressive finisher who can dominate the POA Knows how to utilize his athleticism when getting to the second level and sealing
defenders off
Plays with balance and control
Ability to mirror defenders Length creates separation between defenders
Cons:
Overall game lacks consistency Needs to add more girth (305 pounds)
Stronger defenders have no problem getting their hands inside and dictating his movements
Pass set needs refinement Fails to quickly recognize blitzes and stunts
Pro comp: Ricky Wagner Draft projection: 4th round
Christian Westerman, OG (Arizona State): Westerman, a consensus five star prep player from Arizona, is arguably the highest rated recruit in Sun Devil history. He was the state’s top prospect and ESPN’s sixth rated prospect nationally as an Under Armour All-American and USA Today all-first team offense selection. He originally signed with Auburn where he redshirted in 2011 and battled injury in 2012, albeit starting one game at left guard, before transferring to Arizona State. After spending most of his time on the scout team in 2013, Westerman started 12 games at left guard in 2014 and earning honorable mention All-Pac-12. He started all 13 games this past season as a second team All-Pac-12 selection. Pros:
Desirable build (6’3”, 298), looking good on the hoof
Underrated athleticism allows to flow to the second level and be impactful Serious power and strength that is very difficult to match
Massive hands (11 7/8”) with solid length (33 ½”)
Plants his foot in the ground and uses his strong anchor to beat powerful rushers Doesn’t panic or taffy pull if he’s beat initially
Upper body strength will wow you
Can pass up and pick up blitzes and stunts Weight room standout
Cons:
Aggressiveness and stiff lower body hinder him against speed rushers who can simply bend around him
Inconsistent balance
Play strength isn’t as reflective of what he does in the weight room
Struggles in space Isn’t much of a short yardage winner
Would like to see him roll his hips through blocks on a consistent basis Pro comp: Kevin Zeitler Draft projection: 3rd round
Vadal Alexander, OG (LSU): Alexander was a four star recruit as one of Georgia’s top prep players and an Under Armour All -American. In 13 games (nine starts) as a true freshman right tackle in 2012, Alexander earned Freshman All-SEC honors and second team Freshman All-America from Scout.com after finishing with 656 snaps and 49.5 knockdowns. He led the team in snaps (810) and knockdowns (71) as a left guard the following season where he started all 13 games. He remained next to left tackle La’el Collins in 2014 earning second team All-SEC honors after starting 12 games; he ranked third on team in total offensive snaps with 757 and was second on team with 75.5 knockdowns. Alexander replaced Collins in 2015 and led Tigers in offensive snaps with 810 and was second on team with 119 knockdowns, earning him first team All-SEC and second and third team All-American honors. Pros:
Built like an absolute mauler with serious length (6’5”, 326, 10 ½” hands, 35 ¼” arms) Translates speed to power and sustains said power on the move
Shoots his hands inside quickly
Possesses the build and traits to halt gap blitzes Length creates separation and controls defenders
Experience playing guard and tackle
An absolute forced when asked to down block
Powerful base that produces efficient leg drive
Cons:
Slow feet
Lacking next-level athleticism Getting to the edge and space are a difficult task
Hand usage needs refinement; often too wide
Doesn’t translate his power to fire into defenders on the snap Restricted to a phone booth
Rarely takes the necessary angles Pro comp: Brandon Linder Draft projection: 5th round
Landon Turner, OG (North Carolina): A SuperPrep All-American and consensus top guard prospect in the country from Virginia, Turner graduated high school early to join the Tar Heels in January 2011; he would redshirt as a freshman that same year. In 2012, he played in all 12 games, starting four before starting all 13 at right guard the following season where he averaged a team high 75 snaps per game. Turner earned third team All-ACC honors in 2014 after starting 11 of 13 games (missed two to injury) and posting 10-or-more knockdowns in five games. 2015 was a banner year for Turner as he started all 14 and earned ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week four different times after grading out at 90 percent or better in 11 of 14 games. He earned first team All-ACC and first and second team All-American honors for his efforts. Pros:
Looks every bit of an NFL guard (6’4” 330)
Massive lower half; legs built like tree trunks Power step stymies interior pass rushers
Drive blocker who will create running lanes
Refined and knowledgeable hand usage; shoots them inside and has the strength to dictate movement
Consistent winner at POA
Anchors down in pass protection
Sustains blocks
Cons:
Isn’t as flexible and coordinated as some of the other interior prospects
Flexibility restricts fluidity in space and lateral movement COD needs improvement
Average kick slide and explosiveness
Occasional waist bender Pro comp: Laken Tomlinson Draft Projection: 2nd-3rd round
Sebastian Tretola, OG (Arkansas): Tretola originally signed with Nevada out of Cajon High School (San Bernardino, CA) where he redshirted in 2011 and played in 10 games (four starts) the following season. Tretola then transferred to Iowa Western CC where he spent the 2013 season and became the nation’s 29th rated JC prospect. In 2014, Tretola’s first season with the Razorbacks, he played in all 13 games (started 11) and played in over 690 snaps and averaged an offensive grade of 79 percent (tied for second-best on the team). He graded over 80 percent in 11 of 13 games as a senior as the 2015 Co-Jacobs Blocking Trophy Award winner. Pros:
Allowed only 0.5 sacks in two years at Arkansas
Penalized only four times as a junior Remains active when moving down the field
Displays an intensity that carries through the whistle
Knee bender who is swift off the snap Use of hands in pass protection and second level
Effective initial punch
Technician in pass protection, setting up with a sturdy base and broad frame
Dependable as a puller
Cons:
Lack of length (31 ½”) causes him to play catch up
Doesn’t show balance and body control Moving laterally is not a strong suit
Athleticism in space is lacking
Isn’t a mauler or someone who’s going to lay into a defender and move him around Pro comp: A.J. Cann Draft projection: 4th round
Connor McGovern, OG (Missouri): McGovern was North Dakota’s Gatorade Player of the Year before redshirting at Mizzou in 2011. He saw action in nine games in 2012 as a guard and special teams contributor before starting all 14 games the following season. He moved along the line in 2014, starting the first four games at right tackle and the final 10 at right guard before moving to left tackle for all 12 games this past season. Pros:
Absolute weight room warrior who holds multiple school records
2x Academic Honor Roll recipient
Quite possibly the most athletic offensive lineman in the 2016 class Elite versatility
Strength in the weight room transitions to the field where he completely removes defenders from the play
Short yard, phone booth winner Finishes blocks by sustaining balance and body control
Anchor holds him strong at the POA
Big hands (10 3/8”) Keeps fight active to create running lanes
Cons:
Quicker pass rushers have exposed him Will likely be asked to play in power, BOB scheme
Lacks the flexibility in his hips to consistently slow slanting rushers
Stiff kick slide Must play with more consistent technique rather than relying on strength
Can afford to be quicker getting to the second level Pro comp: Ali Marpet Draft projection: 4th round
Denver Kirkland, OG (Arkansas): An Under Armour All-American and top prospect from Florida powerhouse Booker T. Washington, Kirkland played in all 12 games as a true freshman in 2013 (eight starts) earning Freshman All-SEC and All-American honors. He started all 13 games in 2014 where he played in more than 750 snaps and averaged an offensive line grade of 79 percent. Kirkland made the move to left tackle this past season where he started 12 of 13 games. Pros:
Incredible blend of total-body size (6’4”, 335) and strength
Length (34 5/8”) creates serious separation and allows him to quickly land a powerful initial punch
Base remains strong if he loses initial leverage
Uses power and lower half strength to wash defenders on down blocks
Works well in short areas Mirrors defenders well in his kick slide
Plays with a high level of aggressiveness
Has experience at both tackle and guard
Maintains balance against power and delayed rushers
Cons:
Lateral movement is significantly lacking
Poor knee bend Must win early or he won’t finish blocks
Speed rushers will give him fits due to his lack of quick feet
Struggles to reach and sell Heavily reliant on strength over technique and good hand placement
Pro comp: Jordan Mills Draft projection: 4th-5th round
Joe Dahl, OG (Washington State): The Spokane native originally signed with Montana and redshirted his first season (2011) before transferring to Wazzu in 2012; he was forced to sit out that season due to NCAA transfer rules. Dahl started 12 games at left guard in 2013 before moving to left tackle in 2014 where he started 12 games and earned honorable mention All-Pac-12 honors as the recipient of WSU’s Mike Utley Offensive Lineman of the Year. He earned first team All-Pac-12 honors this past season. Pros:
Surrendered only one sack in 771 attempts in 2014
Doesn’t surrender much ground when engaged with defenders
Possesses quick hands that deliver pop Solid functional athleticism
Awareness to locate run-game responsibilities
Refined feet allow him to mirror defender Ability to reach landmarks in a timely, efficient manner
Works well in space
Adequate knee bender with a good aiming point; gets hands inside and locks on
Cons:
Below average size (6’4”, 304) and length (33”)
Needs to clean up his kick slide Hasn’t spend enough time in a three point stance having played in an Air Raid offense
Aforementioned issue translates to inexperience as a run blocker
Can afford to add bulk to his frame Needs to win with combination of mechanics and strength more often
Pro comp: Clint Boling Draft projection: 5th round
Isaac Seumalo, OG (Oregon State): Seumalo was a consensus four star recruit and Under Armour All -American as Oregon’s top prospect in 2012. He became the first freshman to start at center for OSU since 1978 as he earned honorable mention All-Pac-12 and multiple Freshman All-American honors. The following season, he started 10 games at center and two at right tackle as he second team All -Pac-12 honors before suffering a foot injury that forced him to miss all of 2014. He started nine games at right guard and three at left tackle, earning honorable mention All-Pac-12 honors in 2015. Pros:
Multiple first team Pac-12 All-Academic selection
Has experience playing all positions across the line; provides versatility Thick build
Incredible athleticism and lateral ability
Aiming point and use of hands inside help him win Anchors down against bull rush
Power and strength at the POA
Speedy and balanced set up
Plays with desired knee bend and balance Climbs to the second level and provides a difficult object to move
Maintains power on the move
Cons:
Average size (6’4” 303)
Lack of length (9 7/8”) causes him to lunge at defenders
Struggles to coordinate feet with hands Missed the entire 2014 season due to broken foot
Edge rushers can beat him due to slow feet
Waist bender Spatial issues when it comes to mirroring defender
Pro comp: Ryan Groy Draft projection: 4th-5th round
Ryan Kelly, C (Alabama): The center out of Ohio, Kelly was an Under Armour All -American and one of the nation’s top center prospects before choosing Alabama in 2011; he chose to redshirt that year as well but played in 10 games in 2012, earning SEC All-Freshman honors. Kelly started nine games in 2013 and 12 in 2014, missing just seven assignments in 806 snaps on the year for a 99.1 percent success rate . Kelly had a stellar senior season as he earned multiple first team All -American honors and was recognized as the SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year while receiving the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the conference’s top lineman from the SEC. He missed only eight assignments in 1,012 snaps for a success rate of 99.2 percent with 20 knockdowns and just one penalty with no holding calls. Pros:
Surrendered only one sack in 2014 and 2015 combined
Made all the calls for the Tide last season Committed only one penalty last season
Good size (6’4” 311) and length (33 5/8”)
Desirable aiming point with heavy handed punch; knows how to finish with his hands Knee bender who plays with adequate pad level
Use of hands and body control allow him to win against pass rushers
Strong base and anchor shut down interior defenders Functionally athletic
Excellent ability to locate landmarks
Cons:
Might be limited to center
Average strength
Doesn’t possess power and push in short yard situations Feet will come late
Marginal lateral ability
Tends to overextend and fall off blocks Pro comp: Scott Wood Draft projection: 2nd round
Nick Martin, C (Notre Dame): Martin was a multiple first team all-state selection as a top Indiana prospect before enrolling at Notre Dame in 2011. After redshirting that same year, he played in all 13 games at both tackle positions in 2012 before starting the first 11 games at center in 2013 where he suffered a season-ending knee injury. The following season, he started the first three games at center and the final 10 at left guard. Martin moved back to center in 2015 where he started all 13 games. Pros:
Two-time team captain
Serious mean streak
Good size for his position (6’4” 299) Finisher
Low risk, high reward potential
Fluid knee bender who consistently gains leverage Quick to get his hands into defenders
Plays in pass pro with desirable base
Smooth technician who can get out into space Very little issue getting to the second level
Cons:
Lack ideal length (32 ½”) Stiffness in hips prevents from rolling them through contact
Will get grabby and lunge
Plays out front far too often Exposes his frame, allowing defenders to strike and get ahold of him
Explosiveness leaves more to be desired Pro comp: Andrew Jackson Draft projection: 2nd-3rd round
Graham Glasglow, C (Michigan); The Illinois native chose to redshirt in 2011 before playing in five games (one start) the following season. He started nine games at center and four at left guard in 2013, earning Academic All -Big 10 honors along the way; Glasglow also saw time on special teams. He started 11 games in 2014, earing Academic All-Big 10 honors again, before starting all 13 games at center this past season as an honorable mention All-Big 10 and Academic All-Big 10 selection. Pros:
3x Academic All-Big 10 selection
Versatility as he played both guard positons in addition to center
Great build (6’6” 307) Possesses bear paws for hands (10 ¾”)
Post-snap awareness and feel
Combines pad level, leverage, and lower half strength to sustain blocks Sound phone booth blocker
Stymies bull rushers with strong base and anchor
Incredibly consistent Uses leverage and aggressiveness at POA
Cons:
Arrested for DUI in March 2014 and violated prohibition following the event Counter pass rush moves
Could improves effectiveness of his hands
Minimal athleticism Needs to improve aiming point
Doesn’t square feet upon blocking defenders in the second level Pro comp: Travis Swanson Draft projection: 3rd-4th round
Max Tuerk, C (USC): Tuerk was an incredibly decorated prep recruit as his name made it to a multitude of All-American and all-state teams during his career. As a true freshman in 2012, he started the final six games (five at left tackle, one at left guard) and became the first true freshman in school history to start at left tackle; he was named to the CollegeFootballNews.com and Phil Steele Freshman All -American first teams, as well as All-Pac-12 honorable mention and Phil Steele All-Pac-12 third team. The following season, he started 13 games at left guard and once at right tackle, and earned CollegeFootballNews.com Sophomore All-American honorable mention, All-Pac-12 honorable mention, and Phil Steele All-Pac-12 third team honors. Tuerk continued as a valuable piece offensive along the Trojans’ line, starting all 13 games at center as a junior in 2014 and earning All-Pac-12 first team as well as the ESPN.com All-Pac-12 first team, Athlon All-Pac-12 first team, Phil Steele All-Pac-12 first team and CollegeSportsMadness.com All-Pac-12 first team honors. He also won USC's Offensive Lineman of the Year Award. After starting the first five games of the 2015 campaign, Tuerk suffered a torn ACL that forced him to miss the remainder of the season. Pros:
Versatile enough to play everywhere on the line
Absorbs bull rushes with ease, stalemating attempts
Fluid athlete who works well in space Bulked up to 298 pounds
Quality height (6’5”) and hand size (10 ¾”)
Superior initial punch that can drive defenders back Mirrors interior guys well
Flexibility to peel back and slide into the next level
Ability to pick up penetrating defenders
Cons:
Recovering from a torn ACL
Isn’t an impact drive blocker in short yardage situations
Struggles to reach and seal Can afford to be more of a road grader
Stronger defenders may have their way with him Pro comparison: Cameron Erving Draft projection: 4th round
Evan Boehm, C (Missouri): Originally recruited as a guard, Boehm was an ESPN.com first team All -American and the fourth best prospect in the state of Missouri. He started all 12 games at left guard as a true freshman in 2012, earning first and second team Freshman All-American honors as the only Tiger offensive line to start every game. Boehm would never miss a start from there on out, starting 14 in 2013 and 2014 and 12 this past season to give him 52 consecutive starts, a new school record for any position. Pros:
Started 52 straight games
High football IQ that allows him to pick up blitzes and stunts
High character leader Weight room warrior
Thickly built and upper and lower body strength; defenders rarely generate any push
Violent at the POA Sustains blocks with good hand placement and lower leg drive
Recovers well when he surrenders the edge
Phone booth winner Finishes blocks by keeping his feet active and rolling his hips
Cons:
Hindered by shortness: torso, height (6’2”), and legs Struggled with high snaps early in the season
Usually has to win early to stalemate defenders
Doesn’t bend very well Needs to polish his ability to kick slide
Pro comp: Andy Gallik Draft projection: 5th round
Kivon Cartwright, TE (Colorado State): Cartwright completed his career as a Ram with 75 receptions for 1,136 yards and 11 touchdowns in 45 games (34 starts); he is a two-time honorable mention All-MW selection. Pros:
Experience running numerous routes
Blend of athleticism and length (34 ½”) allows him to snag high passes
Separates after the catch and has the speed to stretch the seam Doesn’t waste time getting to top speed
In and out of breaks with little wasted motion
Understands how to control his body
Desirable top end speed
Cons:
Extremely raw in overall game
Not enough film to give complete report Draft projection: 7th round
Mike Matthews, C (Texas A&M): Mike is the latest in football’s royal family as father Bruce is an NFL Hall of Famer while brother Kevin enters his sixth season in the NFL and other brother Jake was a two time All -American and enters his third NFL season. Young Mike had an illustrious senior season as a U.S. Army All -American and second team All-American via Sports Illustrated as a four star prospect. He played in seven games as a true freshman in 2012 before starting all 13 at center the following season and earning the Weight Room Offseason MVP honor. He started 10 games in 2014, missing three due to injury. Pros:
Technician who wins with mechanics
High football IQ Loves the weight room
Strong hands with the ability to get them inside
Quick off the snap, gaining leverage Knows where to win in 1-on-1’s
Team captain
Effective as both a pass and run blocker
Cons:
Lacks the strength and physicality you wish to see at the next level
Very average film; game doesn’t have any one trait that stands out
Ability to slide feet and move in space can be improved Bull rushers win against him due to his lack of a strong anchor
Lacks COD Pro comp: Garth Gerhart Draft projection: 6th-7th round
Austin Blythe, C (Iowa): An accomplished prep wrestler, Blythe was named honorable mention Parade All-American before redshirting in 2011. He played in 10 games (nine starts) at right guard and earned first team Freshman All-American honors via Scout.com the following season. He started all 13 games in 2013 (center) and 2014 (six at center, one at right guard, six at left guard) as he earned honorable mention and second team All-Big 10 honors respectively. Blythe started all 14 games this past season, finishing as a Rimington Trophy finalist and first team All-Big 10 selection. Pros:
Offers versatility having played center and guard
Four year starter Functional strength
Getting outside as a zone blocker is a major aspect of his game
Squares shoulders in pas pro Hands and feet are coordinated
Fluid in space and as a lead blocker; gets to the second level with ease
Excellent aiming point; constantly works to get his hands inside
Drive blocker who can generate momentum and keep his legs moving
Cons:
Size (6’2” 291) and length (30 ¼”) are serious concerns
Struggles to read and pick up blitzes Frame lacks desirable thickness; coupled with size, will likely be limited to center
Defenders with length present a difficult challenge, particularly bull rushers
Limited to zone teams Pro comp: Corey Linsley Draft projection: 5th-6th round
Bronson Kaufusi, DE (BYU): The 6’8” product was Utah’s top prep player and the nation’s ninth rated defensive end (both via Rivals) and spent time on 2012-2013 Cougar’s basketball team, playing at forward in 20 games and averaging 6.4 minutes per game, 1.1 points and 1.7 rebounds. He played in all 13 games as a true freshman in 2012 where he totaled 23 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, one fumble recovery, one quarterback hurry and one pass breakup. Kaufusi registered 37 tackles, seven TFL, four sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble, earning second team All-Independent honors the following season. In 2014, Kaufusi’s production as he tallied 43 tackles, 11.5 TFL, seven sacks (team leader), and a forced fumble; he earned first team All-Independent honors. He was an absolute force this season, racking up 64 tackles, a whopping 20 TFL, 11 sacks, an interceptions, three forced fumbles, and four blocked kicks. Pros:
Physically imposing (6’6” 285) Length is a major factor (34 ½”)
Initial burst off and the ability to get down the LOS
Form tackler who finishes with aggressiveness Acclaimed athlete
Great closing speed
Incredible, non-stop motor that will undoubtedly help him make plays
Gets his eyes in the backfield and can read and react to the football Snuffs the ball out quickly
Into his pass rush with a balanced forward lean
Space eater with quick feet to work well in short areas
Cons:
Still learning the nuances of the game
Pad level prevents him from winning the leverage game Frame likely has room to grow
Struggles between the gaps
Doesn’t have the bend you would like to see Pass rush moves are underdeveloped
Pro comp: Margus Hunt Draft projection: 3rd-4th round
Charles Tapper, DE (Oklahoma): Tapper was a three and four star recruit by many outlets, but didn’t start playing football until his junior year of high school where he also spent time at tight end. He played in five games as a true freshman in 2012 and started 12 games in 2013, earning first and second team All -Big 12 honors. He started all 13 games in 2014 where he earned honorable mention All-Big 12. Tapper was a key part of Oklahoma’s stout defense, earning honorable mention All-American and first team All-Big 12 honors from numerous outlets. Pros:
Imposing figure (6’3” 271) with the build to play in a 3-4 and 4-3
Lower half strength is difficult to match as he holds his ground at the POA Great length (34 3/8”) with massive hands (11 ½”) that allow him to deliver a jolting
punch
Controlling in short areas
Scrapper in the run game Possesses and utilizes his power
Space eater who offers the ability to be a straight-line rusher
Technically sound tackler Locks into defenders and controls the gaps
Cons:
Slow to read and disengage Burst doesn’t follow him off the edge
Still learning to use effective pass rush moves and hands
Pad level is borderline awful
Severe lack of quick twitch Average ability to bend
Pro comp: Cameron Jordan Draft projection: 4th round
Shawn Oakman, DE (Baylor): The Philadelphia has a background in basketball, playing all four years at Penn Wood High School where he was, simultaneously, a top 200 prep prospect in 2011. He originally signed with Penn State but redshirted as a freshman and transferred to Baylor the following year, and was forced to miss the 2012 season. After playing in all 13 games in 2013, he was named honorable mention All-Big 12, setting the stage for a marvelous 2014 campaign where he set a new school record for single -season sacks with 11 (second in the Big 12 that season) as he earned All -American nods. He started 12 games this past season as Big-12 coaches named him second team all-conference. Pros:
Baylor’s career sack leader
Raw with extreme potential Looks phenomenal on the hoof (6’8” 287)
Length (35 ¾”) and massive hands (10 5/8”)
Can set the edge and hold strong at the POA without issue Explosive off the snap
Can play in an odd or even front
Arguably the best bull rusher in the class due to length and upper-strength Unbelievably strong punch
Stands tackles up on the snap with the ability to push the pocket
Cons:
Looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane
Loafer
Relied solely on his bull rush and length to collapse the pocket; needs to develop repertoire of pass rush moves
Thin lower half
Stacks well but takes too long to shed, subsequently losing the ball
Struggles to bend on the edge
Plays with a high center of gravity Pro comp: Corey Wooten Draft projection: 7th round-Undrafted
Jordan Jenkins, OLB (Georgia): Scout.com rated Jenkins as a five star out of Georgia and a top 10 defensive end in the nation by multiple outlets. He played in 14 games as a true freshman (six starts) in 2012 and tallied 31 tackles, eight TFL, five sacks (second on the team) and a forced fumble which earned him the team’s Newcomer of the Year Award. In 2013, Jenkins was voted second team All-SEC by the coaches and Phil Steele after starting 13 games. Jenkins was voted UGA’s Most Improved Player of the Year as a member of Phil Steele’s All-SEC third team after starting all 13 games and registering 70 tackles, 9.5 TFL (second on tem), five sacks (second) and two fumble recoveries (t-first). This past season, he racked up 59 tackles, 10.5 TFL, four sacks, and two forced fumbles. Pros:
Team captain
Supreme length (34 ¼”) and hand size (11 ¼”)
Physicality and strength at the POA
Thick frame (6’3” 259)
Shoots the gaps to make plays in the backfield
Moves well laterally, making it tough to run around him
Finds the ball and will stack and shed to make the play
Uses length to create separation and set the edge
Ability to get his hands into blockers
Cons:
Slowed by groin injury in 2015 Closing and straight-line speed are lacking
Slow first step and COD
Struggles to get down the LOS in adequate time
Not an impact pass rusher Pro comp: Trent Murphy Draft projection: 2nd-3rd round
Eric Striker, OLB (Oklahoma): Striker was a three and four star recruit and a Sports Illustrated first team All-American out of Tampa, FL. He played in all 13 games as a true freshman in 2012 but only registered six tackles before starting all 13 games and earning first and second team All-Big 12 in 2013. His impact was felt in 2014 when he started all 13 games and earned third team All-American and first team All-Big 12 honors. He bettered those honors as he was a first and second team All -American this past season. Pros:
Relentless pass rusher with solid acceleration
Plays without thinking; naturally
Understands winning with leverage Finishes through tackles with power
Sets up blockers with head fakes before slanting back inside
Moved around their defense and made plays everywhere Form tackler
Comfortable in coverage
Instinctual in space and understand landmarks
Cons:
Size (5’11” 227) and frame are clear concerns
Doesn’t possess the coverage skills to spend time as a safety Lack of physicality at POA may cause teams to gameplan towards him
Marginal play strength and athleticism
Bigger and stronger everything (backs, tight ends, blockers) will have their way with him Occasionally gets lost in the shuffle
Pro comp: Larry Foote Draft projection: 5th round
Tyler Matakevich, OLB (Temple): A prep running back and linebacker, Matakevich was also a great baseball player who attended Milford Academy for a year before enrolling at Temple. As a true freshman in 2012, Matakevich started all 13 games and became the first freshman in school history to record 100 tackles (101). As a sophomore he had 137 tackles, one sack and one interception and recorded 117 tackles, 1.5 sacks and one interception the following season. During his senior year, he became the seventh player in FBS history to record 100 tackles all four years, leading Temple to the AAC Championship during his final year of as the AAC Defensive Player of the Year, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Chuck Bednarik Award; all three were firsts for Temple football. He also became Temple's third consensus All-American and broke the school's record for career tackles, finishing with 493. Pros:
Accomplished tackler and leader Read and react is quicker than most at his position
Effective blitzer who utilizes timing and up-field burst
Gets his hands up to disrupt passing lanes Excellent ability to drop and get to landmarks in zone
Uses upper body strength to stack and shed
Trusts his eyes and reads
Recorded five INTs as a senior Downhill thumper who can play between the gaps and get in the backfield
Disciplined in terms of reads
Cons:
Closing and straight-line speed wont serve him well at the next level
Consistent angles need to become a bigger part of his game
Often downhill too quickly, taking him out of the play Tight hipped; struggles against shifty backs
32 missed tackles his last three seasons
Does a poor job sifting through the trash Pro comp: Jonas Mouton Draft projection: 5th-6th round
Kentrell Brothers, OLB (Missouri): Brothers was a three star linebacker and receiver out of Oklahoma but was forced to miss the 2011 season due to a season ending leg injury in August. He played in 11 games as a redshirt freshman in 2012 and only registered 14 tackles, but his production boomed in 2013 as he started every game and racked up 70 tackles and three interceptions. Brothers led Mizzou with 122 tackles three forced fumbles in 2014 and was named second team All-SEC, but truly blew up in 2015: he led the nation with 152 tackles and three blocked kicks while racking up 12 TFL, 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and a team-high two interceptions. He received first team All-SEC honors. Pros:
Muscular build (6’0” 245)
Flashes the ability to track and high point the ball Valuable asset in coverage
Instinctual player who reads quarterbacks precisely
Heavy handed punch Great tackler who reads keys and flows to the ball
Finishes tackles with a thud, converting speed to power
Intellectual player who knows when to utilize technique and strength Plays with gap integrity
Cons:
Lack of length (30 ¾”) attributed to lack of range Short
Average athleticism and quick twitch
Stiff hips
Doesn’t run well in man, allowing tight ends to get on top of him Can afford to take proper angles more consistently
Pro comp: Paul Dawson Draft projection: 5th round
Antonio Morrison, ILB (Florida): The Illinois native was a prep Phenom, earning a four-star rating as the state’s fifth best recruit. Morrison was also named a High School All-American by USA Today (2nd Team), ESPN (3rd Team) and Sports Illustrated (Honorable Mention) and a member of the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl. As a true freshman, he played in all 13 games (four starts) and was named to SEC All-Freshman Team and named SEC Academic Honor Roll. The following season was a disappointment as he played in eight games (seven starts) but suffered a season-ending injury against Vanderbilt, causing him to miss the final three games; regardless, his 77 tackles were second on the team. As a junior in 2014, Morrison’s 101 tackles marked the first time since 2007 that a UF linebacker recorded 100+ tackles, while his 14 tackles on third down were tops on the team. He earned second team All -SEC honors for his play. Morrison recorded 100 tackles again this past season (103) as a second team All -SEC choice. Pros:
Plays with an unmatched tenacity “See ball, get ball” style of play
Takes advantage of a clear path to the passer with good acceleration
Possesses later quickness and burst to meet the play head on Flies to the ball and doesn’t take plays off
COD allows him to turn and chase guys down
Closing speed doesn’t represent poor 40 time Flows downhill well
Good in coverage and maintains responsibilities
Cons:
Issues regarding size (6’1” 232) and length (30 3/8”) which may limit his production at the next level
5.1 40 is going to scare some teams
Lacks fluidity in short arears Takes too long for him to redirect
Lack of patience causes him to be downhill to quickly, easily washed down by combo blocks
May take him awhile to become a three down ‘backer Was arrested twice within five weeks in 2013
Pro comp: Denzel Perryman Draft projection: 6th round
Scooby Wright, ILB (Arizona): Wright has famously earned the nickname “Two Star Scoob,” referencing his two star rating coming out of Cardinal Newman High School (Windsor, CA). Regardless, Wright played in all 13 games (12 starts) as a true freshman in 2013 where he was third on the team with 83 tackles while racking up 9.5 TFL and earning Freshman All-American and honorable mention All-Pac-12 honors. In 2014, he turned in a campaign that has arguably never been seen before. His 163 tackles, 29 TFL, 14 sacks, and six FF ranked him in the top five nationally as the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the Rotary Lombardi Award and the Chuck Bednarik Award winner and Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year; he became just the sixth unanimous All-American in school history. Injuries derailed Wright’s 2015 campaign as he played in only three games. Pros:
Instincts take him to the ball faster than most Play speed is far great than his 40 would suggest
Fierce competitor who uses that to play downhill aggressively
Efficient blitzer off the edge Pure playmaker who is always around the ball
Short area quickness
Can slip through the gaps and make plays in the backfield
Very balanced and coordinated defender with strength throughout his body Finishes through tackles with a combination of power in hips and feet and solid form
Cons:
Questions regarding where he is in the recovery process Lacks desired top end speed
Stiff hips expose him in coverage against speedy backs
Speed to the boundary need to improve COD is a hindrance
Size (6’0” 239) and length (30 ½”) will keep teams away Pro comp: Zach Thomas Draft projection: 4th round
Nick Vigil, ILB (Utah State): Vigil chose to stay close to home after spending time as a running back and linebacker at Fremont in Plain City. He chose to redshirt in 2012 but played in all 14 games (four starts) the following season where he registered 57 tackles, 5.5 sacks (first on the team) and 8.5 TFL. Vigil had a tremendous 2014 campaign as he finished second on the team with 123 but led in TFL (16.5) and was third with seven sacks; his five forced fumbles were tops in the Mountain West, earning him first team All -MW honors. He started all 13 games this past season, recording 144 tackles (sixth in the nation), 13.5 TFL, and three sacks as a first team All-MW honoree. Pros:
Rallies to the ball with good angles
Incredible production his last two season Ability to fluidly redirect
Tough and aggressive downhill player
Playmaker in traffic and space Understands responsibilities in zone and has the necessary range
Diagnoses quickly and effectively, hitting the gaps or chasing the play down on the outside
Squares pads on contact
Cons:
Will spend too much time engaged with blockers
Smallish frame (6’2” 239) Below average strength at POA
Struggles to sift through the trash
Bigger blocks can stand him up Pro comp: Ben Leber Draft projection: 4th round
Josh Forrest, ILB (Kentucky): A high school wide receiver, Forrest redshirted his first year as a Wildcat in 2011 as he transitioned to a hybrid safety/linebacker role. The following season, he played in nine games (13 tackles) but was forced to miss the other three due to a knee injury. Forrest played in all 12 games again in 2013 but only managed 16 tackles while blocking three kicks (two field goals, one punt) and recording an interception. He absolutely blossomed in 2014, leading the team in tackles with 110 as a third team All-SEC honoree. He was a playmaker yet again in 2015, recording 93 tackles, six tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and two interceptions). Pros:
Good combination of size (6’3” 249) and length (33 ½”)
Rangy defender who can have an impact in coverage Use of quick hands and contortion of body to move by second level blockers
COD allows to make plays from sideline to sideline
Gets to drops with adequate depth Plus closing speed
Efficient blitzer
Cons:
Battles consistency in terms of leverage
Catches blockers and ball carriers rather than attacking them
Average play strength Seems to wait for plays to happen rather than use his instincts; reads things too slowly
Susceptible to athletes with better COD
Poor form tackler; nine broken and 22 missed tackles over last two years Pro comp: Draft projection: 6th round
Blake Martinez, ILB (Stanford): Martinez played for Arizona power Canyon del Oro and retired as the school’s all-time tackling leader. He played in all 14 games as a true freshman in 2012 but only managed three tackles finishing with 11 tackles, a forced fumble, and an interceptions the following season where he was an honorable mention Academic All-Pac-12 selection. Martinez was an impact player in 2014, starting 13 games and recording 102 tackles, seven TFL, 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and three interceptions as an honorable mention All-Pac-12 selection. His 2015 campaign was one of the best in nation as Martinez earned second and third team All-American and first team All-Pac-12 honors after recording 141 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception. Pros:
Packs incredible into his muscular frame
Closes pass lanes quickly Good back-side pursuit
Can make a play on the ball in the air
Downhill flyer who can takes along the line and outside COD and ability to redirect in short areas serve him well
Plays with gap integrity and squares his pads at the LOS
Heavy-handed punch Takes on blockers with physicality and aggressiveness
Cons:
Isn’t much of a finisher Below average athleticism translates to poor man coverage
Pad level rises too frequently, causing him to play upright
Will bite on fakes and play action Lateral quickness is not apparent
Hand speed is lacking Pro comp: Brandon Siler Draft projection: 4th-5th round
Jared Norris, ILB (Utah): The Bakersfield, CA native was a stellar prep player but chose to redshirt his season as a Ute in 2011. Norris played in seven games, on defense and special teams, where he recorded two tackles and recovered a fumble. He had a bigger impact the following season as he played in 10 games (seven starts) and tallied 64 tackles, 4.5 TFL, and two sacks as an honorable mention Academic All-Pac-12 selection; he would miss two games to injury. Norris racked up 116, 13 TFL, and four sacks, as an honorable mention All-Pac-12 selection in 2014 and recorded 87 tackles, 6.5 TFL, one sack, and two forced fumbles as a second team All-Pac-12 selection in 2015. Pros:
Gets his big mits (10 1/8”) inside of blockers with the ability to control them
Uses his hands to swat blockers and keep guys off of him Can sift through the trash and snuff out the ball carrier
Fundamentally sound
Possesses the range in coverage Instinctual ‘backer who fill lanes scrape laterally
Approaches everything with full force
Eyes are constantly active in pass drop
Cons:
Length is not ideal (31 ½”)
Marginal ability to change direction and redirect Leads with this should rather than his hands on occasion
Tendency to leave his feet over finishing through tackles
Isn’t much of an in-line tackler Pro comp: Greg Jones Draft projection: 5th-6th round
Xavien Howard, CB (Baylor): The Texas all-state selection chose to redshirt his year before seeing the field the following year (2013) where he played in all 13 games at corner and on special teams, racking up five tackles and a forced fumble. Howard started all 13 games again the next season, tallying 51 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks, and a team high four interceptions as he earned honorable mention All -Big 12. As a junior in 2015, his 42 tackles, one TFL, and team high five interceptions earned him first team All -Big 12 honors. Pros:
Solid straight-line speed and space eater
Can turn and run with anyone due to fluid hips
Great ball skills Short area burst
Bigger corner (6’0” 201) who utilizes his physicality
Closes well on in-breaking routes Ability to get downhill and play the run
Anticipation and reaction offer potential as a ball hawk and impact run defender
Wins 1-on-1 matchups Gets his head around in man
Cons:
Click and close leaves more to be desired Overtly physical down the field as he gets panicky and grabby
Hitches when getting out of his back pedal
Hips are too high when in his backpedal Committed 19 penalties between 2014-2015
Surrendered seven touchdowns in 2014 Pro comp: Bashaud Breeland Draft projection: 3rd round
Harlan Miller, CB (SE Louisiana): The lightly recruited Louisiana prospect played in all 11 games as a true freshman in 2012, recording seven tackles. The following season, Miller started every game and racked up 45 tackles and four interceptions (third in conference) as a first team All -Southland Conference honoree. He registered 21 tackles, two PBUs, and three interceptions (second on team) to earn third team All -American and first team All-Southland Conference honors. As a senior, his four interceptions and six TFL earned him second team All-American honors. Pros:
Aggressive and fearless against the run
Route recognition will serve him well and help him win 1-on-1 battles Flexible ankles and light, fluid feet allow him to mirror receivers with ease
Doesn’t stall when he reaches the top of his backpedal and pursues
Physical corner who gets his hands on receivers to knock them off their route Finishes as a tackler
Keeps everything in front of him in off coverage
Tasmanian Devil style of play, always flying to the ball and leaving his zone when the ball is in the air
Can click and close without an ounce of hesitation
Cons:
Very limited athleticism Thin frame at 6’0” 182
Average length (31 3/8”)
Questionable ability to succeed as a bump and run corner
Gets caught with his eyes in the backfield during play action Occasionally too aggressive
Pro comp: Lorenzo Doss Draft projection: 4th round
Eric Murray, CB (Minnesota): Murray was a tremendous prep player in Wisconsin before playing all 13 games as a true freshman in 2012. The following season, he started all 13 games and registered 52 tackles, one TFL, 10 PBUs, and one fumble recovery to earn honorable mention All-Big 10. Murray earned honorable mention and second team All-Big 10 nods in 2014 before earning third team All-Big 10 nods as the recipient of the Carl Eller Award (team's top defensive player) and the team's Defensive Back of the Year this past season. Pros:
Has experience playing bump-and-run and man where he also excelled
Closing speed helps him win Desirable chase speed and ability
INT total isn’t reflective of great ball skills
Feet and ability to get his hands on receivers in the snap make him a threat Does a solid job of sticking with his man hence his success in press
Physical corner who can change direction and cover ground
Form tackler with no fear against the run
Cons:
Stalls when getting to the top of his backpedal
Size (5’11” 199) may force teams to move him inside Click and close isn’t great
Struggles to transition via pad level
Shedding bigger receivers in the run game is a chore
Isn’t a very balanced corner due to base inconsistencies Pro comp: Josh Thomas Draft projection: 3rd-4th round
Miles Killebrew, SS (Southern Utah): The Henderson, NV native was a stellar prep on and off the field. He spent 2011 as a redshirt but started all 11 games the following season as an honorable mention All-Big Sky selection, finishing with 69 tackles, 42 solo, with five passes broken up (which co-led the team), a fumble recovery, and a blocked kick; he would repeat the honor in 2013 as he tallied 54 tackles and 4.5 TFL. Killebrew blew up in 2014, starting all 12 games and recording 101 tackles, two TFL, three interceptions, and four forced fumbles as a second team All-Big Sky selection. He was named to the first team this past season. Pros:
Never one to shy away from a big hit
Extremely productive tackler who reads things before they happen Great size (6’2” 217)
Force and power behind his technically-sound tackles
Lateral movement and functional athleticism are among the best safeties in this class Compact frame with thick lower half
Tackling ability and size could see him as a hybrid linebacker in some packages
Sound in coverage with equal tracking skills
Aggressive upper body in the box and at the LOS Breaks on flat routes with ease
Cons:
Likely questions about level of competition Coverage limitations as routes occasionally get behind him
Despite seeing things before they happen, he’s hesitant to follow through with reaction
Limited game speed High volume of production came from everything in front of him; when he was in box
Pro comp: Deone Bucannon Draft projection: 2nd-3rd round
Darian Thompson, S (Boise State): The Lancaster, CA native chose to redshirt in 2011 before playing in all 13 games (six starts) in 2012 where he finished with 43 tackles, one fumble recovery, and three interceptions. Thompson would start all 13 games in 2013 where he registered 63 tackles, 1.5 TFL, one forced fumble, and four interceptions. 2014 was a phenomenal year for him as he recorded 71 tackles, five TFL, and seven interceptions (third nationally) to earn second team All-American and first team All-MW honors. He continued to be a playmaker in 2015, tallying 65 stops, one sack, 8.5 TFL, two forced fumbles, and five interceptions and earning multiple All-American nods. Pros:
Long, muscular build (6’2” 208)
Ball hawk who simply finds the ball; 19 career INTs Rangy back end who can play both safety spots
Makes difficult catches and leaves his zone to make plays
Tackle numbers support his downhill play in the run games Solid open field tackler
Great closing speed on underneath to intermediate routes
Fearless hitter with adequate power Anticipatory player
Cons:
Bites on fakes Lateral movement is not a strong aspect of his game
Keeps his eyes in the backfield for too long, losing sight of receivers
Tight hips prevent desirable COD and ability to open run
Consistently beat by speedier guys in man Pro comp: Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix Draft projection: 2nd-3rd round
Vonn Bell, S (Ohio State): Bell was as highly recruited as they come: a five star, Under Armour All -American as Georgia’s fourth best prospect. He played in all 14 games (one start) as a true freshman in 2013 as he finished with 19 tackles, one TFL, and one interception. He exploded onto the scene in 2014, recording 92 tackles (most by an OSU safety since 2002), two TFL, and six interceptions (eighth in the nation) as a key member of their National Championship run and honorable mention All -Big 10 selection. Bell’s 65 tackles, one TFL, and one interceptions earned him first team All-American honors this past season. Pros:
Uses the sideline as an extra defender
Seemingly always around the ball Adjusts and contorts body to make a play on the ball
Intelligent player who is always in the right place
Reads and reacts to throws immediately Timing and reaction are a major aspect of his game and success in coverage
Opens up and runs with receivers
Flows downhill and possesses swift hips to move well laterally
Ability to track and high point the ball
Cons:
Not a dependable open field tackler
Lacks desirable size (5’11” 199) Technical struggles in coverage
Doesn’t pack a thud behind his pads
Isn’t much of a physical box player Inability to fight through traffic
Pro comp: Tashaun Gipson Draft projection: 1st-2nd round
KJ Dillon, S (West Virginia): Hailing from national power Apopka, Dillon played in all 13 games as a freshman in 2012, and recorded 20 tackles and a forced fumble. The following season, he played in nine games (four starts) as he finished the year with 28 tackles and three TFL. In 2014, Dillon played in 13 games (12 starts) and finished with 62 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and tied for the team lead with three interceptions and seven pass breakups; he played nearly 1,000 snaps (998). He tallied 55 tackles, 7.5 TFL, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. Pros:
Many responsibilities in West Virginia’s defense
Click-and-close ability is evident Terrific box player who is tenacious against the run
Reactive athleticism
Can cover the slot Physical tackler who plays downhill
Frame has room for more muscle
Hard hitter who doesn’t shy away from contact
Cons:
Wins with quickness over speed
Doesn’t consistently take proper angles
Ability to turn and run takes longer than it should Struggles to finish and run through tackles
Too upright in his backpedal Pro comp: Cody Grimm Draft projection: 5th round
Keanu Neal, S (Florida): The Florida product chose to stay home where he saw time on special teams and as a reserve safety during his true freshman season (2013); he played in all 12 games and lead the team with five special teams tackles. He played in 10 games (eight starts) the following season, tallying 45 tackles and three interceptions. Neal racked up 96 tackles this past season despite missing the first two games to a hamstring injury. Pros:
Combination of size (6’0” 211) and speed
Solid length (32 ¾”)
Desirable functional athleticism Possesses the quick twitch you wish to see
Can make plays against the run from all over the field
Wastes very little time getting to top speed Incredibly aggressive downhill
Plays with tenacity and a force that carries over against the run
Spent time as a centerfielder is single high coverage Explodes through ball carriers
Doesn’t allow much separation between he and the receiver
Cons:
Will flow downhill too quickly, overrunning the play
Route recognition and field awareness are inconsistent
Doesn’t consistently square pads on contact Plays at one speed, lacking burst
Would like to see him diagnose things faster
Fights to get off blocks but struggles to do such Pro comp: Johnathan Cyprien Draft projection: 2nd round
Jayron Kearse, S (Clemson): Kearse was the nation’s 16th best athlete via Scout.com and Rivals.com and a top-300 All-American by PrepStar out of Florida. As a true freshman in 2013, he played in 12 games (three starts) and registered 55 tackles, a team-tying-high four interceptions, and a forced fumble. Kearse had 67 tackles, five TFL, three sacks, one quarterback pressure, a team-tying-high two interceptions, seven pass breakups and one recovered fumble in 13 games (12 starts) the following season. He finished the 2015 campaign with 62 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and six passes defensed (second on team), earning second team All-ACC honors. Pros:
Terrific combination of size (6’4” 216) and length (34 ¼”)
Long-strider who can cover ground in a hurry Adequate closing speed
Impact on special teams
Successful near the LOS where he wasn’t afraid to stick his nose in there Consistently around the ball
Incredible range with the ability to time his attack on the ball
Can line up in single high and get to the boundary
Cons:
Frame is far too thin
Heavy feet Fluidity and quick twitch simply aren’t there
Likely won’t be asked to play in the slot due to his poor athleticism
Fails to open his lower half and accelerate
Can be beat in man coverage Pro comp: James Sample Draft projection: 5th round
Yannick Ngakoue, OLB (Maryland): Ngakoue was a first team Parade All-American, the 2012 D.C. Gatorade Player of the Year, and an Under Armour All-American as a four-star recruit by Rivals and 247Sports.com. He played in all 13 games as a freshman in 2013 before starting all 12 the following season and earning honorable mention All-Big Ten after finishing second on the team in TFL (13.5) and sacks (six). This past season, he played in all 12 games (11 starts) and set the single-season sack record (13.5) earning first team All-Big 10 honors. Pros:
Build (6’2” 252) and frame
Upper body strength
Sets the edge very well Dependable motor and hustle
Maintains pad level when bending around the edge
Wins with flexibility and athleticism Plays smart and knows when to find his burst inside
Strong anchor allows him to control and clog lanes
Ability to move well laterally Plus body control and balance
Cons:
Engages in taffy pull at the POA Struggles to disengage and maintain track of the ball
Needs to better utilize the use of his hands
Lacks short are burst Stands up on the snap
Won’t be much of a factor in coverage Pro comp: John Simon Draft projection: 5th-6th round
Chris Jones, DT (Mississippi State): Considered the nation’s No. 2 overall prospect in the country by 247Sports, while earning the distinction of being the top-rated player in the state of Mississippi by nearly every publication, Jones was an Under Armor and Semper Fidelis All-American. As a true freshman in 2013, Jones played in all 13 games (three starts) and was named a Freshman All-American by Bleacher Report, Athlon Sports and 247Sports honorable mention All-SEC honoree. He played in all 13 games the following season, but failed to start a game, recording 26 tackles, 3.5 TFL, three sacks in 2015. This past season, Jones started all 13 games and was named a second-team All-America selection by PFF. Pros:
Mammoth frame at 6’6” 310 pounds
Combines length (34 ½”) with big hands (10 ¾”) Functional athleticism will surprise some
Bull rusher who uses strength to collapse the pocket
Experience playing in a 3-4; offers versatility Two-gap player who stonewalls blockers
Sits on double teams, clogging running lanes
Wins with his hands and upper body strength Explodes out of his stance into blockers
Cons:
Recent DUI Limited pass rusher
Loses the leverage battle due to his inability to play with low pad level
Won’t be a factor getting down the LOS Lacks counter pass rush moves
Motor fizzles out towards the end of the third quarter on a consistent basis Pro comp: Deandre Coleman Draft projection: 3rd round
Tavon Young, CB (Temple): The prep star spent time as a receiver and corner and a key member of Potomac High School’s track team. He played in 10 games (two starts) as a true freshman in 2012, recording two interceptions, and played in all 12 (six starts) the following season. In 2014, Young started all 12 games and picked off four passes, while his 13 passes defended (nine PBUs) ranked third in the AAC; he earned honorable mention and third team All-AAC honors. Despite not posting eye-popping numbers, Young was effective in neutralizing number one receivers in 2015 as he played in 12 games but missed two to injury. Pros:
Earned the right to wear a single digit as one of the nine toughest players in the program
Timing and closing speed are major aspects to what he brings to the table Not afraid to stick his nose in against the run
Instinctive player
Physicality and demeanor are better than size suggests Plus ball skills
Ability to get his head around in time to track the ball
Crowds receivers using deceptive toughness Instinctive with good ball skills
Cons:
Major size (5’9” 183) and length (30 5/8”) concerns that will cause him to fall late in the draft process
Over aggressive against bigger receivers who beat him
Bigger receivers give him fits
Those size and length concerns translate to his struggles in man Balance issues at the top of his backpedal due to narrow base
Struggles to unlock his lower half Pro comp: Jayron Horsley Draft projection: 6th round
Justin Simmons, FS (Boston College): The Florida product did just about everything for Marin County High School, while averaging a double-double in basketball his senior year. Simmons played in 12 games (seven starts) in his true freshman campaign in 2012, ranking seventh on the team with 52 tackles and finishing tied for the team lead with two forced fumbles. The following season, he saw action in all 13 games and recorded 34 tackles, including 22 solo tackles, and three pass break-ups, and started all 13 games in 2014 and led the team with 76 tackles and two interceptions; he finished second with five pass breakups. In 2015, Simmons started all 12 games at free safety and finished the season third on the team with 67 tackles second in the ACC with five interceptions. He also ended the season tied for second with three fumble recoveries as a second team All-ACC selection. Pros:
One of the best athletes in this years’ class Long frame (6’2” 205)
Spent time as a corner
Elite COD and lateral movement Solid length (32 5/8”)
Special teams experience
Route recognition is spot on
Can play center field with his range and ability to close on the sideline Click-and-close and acceleration aid him against the run; allowed only four missed
tackles in 2015
Desirable ball skills coupled with timing and leaping ability Everything he does is at a quick pace
Cons:
Despite length, frame is lanky and rather thin Tall backpedal
Bails on deep responsibilities as though he doesn’t trust himself to make a play
Safety/corner tweener
Quarterbacks can beat him by looking him off Lacks physicality, particularly in the run game
Pro comp: Josh Evans Draft projection: 4th round
Leonte Caroo, WR (Rutgers); Caroo hails from national power Don Bosco Prep, and looks to join the list of stars that hail from the New Jersey high school. He was USA Today’s top prep receiver and one of the state’s top players as a U.S. Army All-American, choosing to stay close to home. As a true freshman in 2012, he saw action in all 13 games but failed to record a single reception before finding a rhythm in 2013 where he caught 28 passes for 478 yards and a team-high nine touchdowns despite missing two games. Caroo was a force in 2014, hauling in 55 passes for 1,086 yards (second in Big 10) and 10 touchdowns as just the sixth player in school history to record a 1,000 season after starting 13 games; he was a first team All-Big 10 selection. This past season, he led the team with 39 receptions for 809 yards and 10 touchdowns despite playing in only eight games, earning honorable mention and third team All -Big 10 honors. Pros:
29 touchdowns and 19.5 yards per reception in his career despite missing seven games over that time
Plus size (6’0” 211) and frame
Willing blocker who takes in pride in such
Soft hands that extend in front of his body Pushes comebacks before snapping them off
Wins with timing and solid route running
Doesn’t waste time getting up field after the catch Use of body control and ball tracking allows him to win 50/50 balls
No change in speed in and out of breaks
Feet and acceleration off the LOS
Cons:
Average length (31 5/8”)
Suspended two games for an assault charge and missed the first half of the first game after being suspended for missing curfew
Won’t separate or take the top off a defense
Upright in his routes without much of a forward lean
Exposing his chest allows bigger, more physical corners to get their hands on him Pro comp: Golden Tate Draft Projection: 3rd round
Maurice Canady, CB (Virginia): Canady played quarterback, wide receiver, and cornerback at Varina High in Richmond, VA. He played in 11 games (two starts) as a true freshman in 2012, leading the team with two interceptions before playing in nine games (eight starts) in 2013; he missed three to injury. In 2014, Canady started all 12 games and finished tied for the team lead with three interceptions and second in the ACC with 12 PBUs as he earned second and third team All-ACC honors. Canady started all 12 games again this past season. Pros:
Good height and thickness at 6’1”
Reaction time in the Red Zone in is a plus
Use of foot and hip speed allows him to mirror receivers Balanced corner who accelerates down the field
Can set up blockers with last-second directional shift
Finds the ball Lined up virtually everywhere for the Wahoos
Physical in one-on-one matchups
Slow to let double moves play out
Cons:
Average length (31 5/8”)
Gave up 10 touchdowns between 2014 and 2015 Dives below the body in his tackling attempts
Close speed and click-and-close simply aren’t what you wish to see
Backpedal needs work Loses jump balls against taller, more athletic receivers
Pro comp: Curtis Marsh Draft projection: 5th-6th round
Joe Haeg, OT (North Dakota State): The Minnesota native’s illustrious career as he started all 15 games in 2012 and 14 in 2013 as a member of an offensive line that produced two 1,000 rushers in both seasons. Haeg started all 16 games in 2014, earning first team FCS All-American and All-Missouri Valley Conference honors as College Sporting News’ Offensive Lineman of the Year. He graded out at 91 percent during the regular season with 45 knockdowns in 11 games this past season on his way to consecutive first team FCS All-American and All-Missouri Valley Conference honors; he would also repeat as College Sporting News’ Offensive Lineman of the Year. Pros:
High level of production will not go unnoticed
Possesses the hands to stymie pass rush moves Use of length (33 ¾’) is an advantage
Smooth athlete who moves well laterally
Rarely panics Pulls and seals the edge
Controlled kick slide
Passes off stunts and blitzes Squares pads on contact
Combination of build and size (6’6” 304)
Cons:
Questions about FCS level of competition
Needs to be more consistent with his aiming point and timing
Size and lack of leg drive may limit him to a zone scheme Stands to add more size to his frame
Can be beaten by bull rush push Pro comp: Tanner Hawkinson Draft projection: 3rd-4th round
Jihad Ward, DE (Illinois): The Philadelphia native spent time as a wide receiver and safety in high school before moving to the defensive line at the JUCO level where he was a three and four star recruit and the nation’s number six prospect via 247Sports.com. In his first season with the Illini, Ward started all 13 games and recorded 51 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 3.0 sacks, five QB hurries, two forced fumbles and one PBU as an honorable mention All-Big 10 selection; his four fumble recoveries were second in the nation. He posted a similar stat line this past season (53 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, two PBUs, two QB hurries one forced fumble and one fumble recovery) as a repeat honorable mention All-Big 10 honoree. Pros:
Size will be heavily coveted (6’5” 297)
Powerful athlete who moves like a skill position High motor guy with tremendous hustle and the ability to get down the line
Flexibility in the lower half (ankles, hips) allow his to run the arc and bend around tackles
Possesses the ability to maintain balance and control at the top of his rush Has played on the interior where he can generate push with good hand positioning
Heavy handed punch
Initial strike knocks blockers off course Holds his ground with a strong anchor at the POA
Cons:
Power dissipates against the run Doesn’t win early, especially against double teams
Needs refinement against the run as an interior player
Exposes his chest and torso against double teams, standing straight up Relative in experience at the position
Pro comp: Cameron Heyward Draft projection: 3rd round
Demarcus Robinson, WR (Florida): The Georgia product was a U.S. Army All-American before playing in seven games as a true freshman in 2013; he hauled in five passes for 23 yards. Robinson exploded onto the season with a 2014 campaign in which he played in all 12 games (11 starts) and 53 passes for 810 yards and seven touchdowns, earning third team All-SEC honors. His 48 receptions led the way for the Gators this past season as he went for 522 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games (nine starts). Pros:
Quick off the snap with excellent release
Gets on the top of corners and safeties
Acceleration and top end speed create separation Swift cuts and breaks
Body control and flexibility
Tremendous athlete Possesses the ball tracking ability and hand-eye coordination you want to see
Knows when to turn on the burners
Won’t be taken down by ankle biters
Cons:
Four different suspensions hurt tremendously
11 career drops Alarming lack of desire to block
Toughness and strength concerns
Relies on athleticism over technique in terms of route running Pro comp: Steve Johnson Draft projection: 4th-5th round
Joshua Perry, OLB (Ohio State): The Ohio product was one of the nation’s top prep linebackers. He saw action in 10 games, both on defense and special teams, as a true freshman in 2012, but broke through in 2013: he played in all 13 games (10 starts) and racked up 64 tackles and two TFL. Perry earned second team All-Big 10 honors in 2014 after playing a key role in the Buckeyes’ title run; he started 14 games and tallied the second most tackles in the Big 10 with 124. He received first team honors in 2015 after recording 105 tackles, 7.5 TFL, and 3.5 sacks. Pros:
An active community member who has spent considerable time giving back
Praised for maturity on and off the field Superior size (6’4” 254) and good length (33 7/8”)
Leader of the defense
Downhill thumper who has allowed just one broken tackle the last two season Trusts his instincts and reads, constantly taking him to the ball
Desirable motor who’s game speed and effort never dissipates
Physicality coupled with his ability to wrap up produces high tackle numbers
Runs through contact
Cons:
Flashes athleticism but average overall Would like to see him chase the boundary better
Struggled in man where he was forced into one-on-one matchups
Occasionally overaggressive, taking himself out of the play
COD and lateral ability are equally average Pro comp: Rolando McClain Draft projection: 2nd round
Jalen Mills, CB (LSU): Mills hails from Texas power DeSoto where he contributed to their 10-2 run. He started all 13 games in 2012 where his 57 tackles ranked fourth team, earning him Freshman All-American honors. Mills staretd 13 games again the following season, tallying 67 tackles, three sacks (second on the team), and three interceptions (t-first); 2014 would mark the third consecutive season of 13 starts where he racked up 62 tackles and three TFL. After missing the first of the 2015 season, Mills played in six games (five starts) and recorded 30 tackles en route to All-American honors. Pros:
Four year starter who has played every position in the defensive backfield
Terrific slot corner Special teams experience
Work ethic allowed him to come back and play in six games after fracturing his fibula and tearing ligaments in his ankle
Understands responsibilities Adequate, timely blitzer
Balanced backpedal and transition
Patrols center field and tracks the ball Fluid athlete with closing speed
Cons:
Injuries are of significant proportion Thin frame at 6’0” 193 pounds without much length (31 1/8”)
Charged with striking a woman in the face in May 2014
Ball skills need improvement Corner/safety tweener who be restricted to the slot
Fails to engage defenders, electing to go around them
Tackling ability is lacking Pro comp: Lamarcus Joyner Draft projection: 3rd round
Matt Skura, C (Duke): ESPN’s 13th rated center from Ohio redshirted in 2011 and played in 10 games at guard the following season; in 2013, Skura started all 13 games at center where he saw 986 snaps. He would start all 13 games again the following season, earning honorable mention and thi rd team All-ACC honors after being on the field for 919 snaps. Skura was a first team selection this past season. Pros:
Well built (6’5” 305) with necessary length (35 ¼”)
Plays with a mean streak
Leader on the line Keeps everything engaged and controlled through contact
Light feet that keep him ready
Picks up combos well and knows how to stymie them Adequate base
Excels in pass protection with good base and knee bend
Aiming point is almost always on the mark Keeps his eyes moving at all times
Weight is centered despite a slight forward lean
Cons:
Adding more weight will likely be asked of him
Pad level rises on occasion
Functional strength and power aren’t always part of his reason for winning Doesn’t move well in short areas
Athleticism is lacking
Inability to re-anchor is a concern Pro comp: P.J. Lonergan Draft projection: 6th round
Ron Thompson, DE (Syracuse): The Michigan product chose to redshirt in 2012. He played in all 13 games the following season and recorded 20 tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss, and two sacks before starting all 12 games in 2014 and registering 32 tackles, seven tackles for loss, three sacks, and two forced fumbles. He started all 12 games in 2015 and earned third team All-ACC honors after pacing the defensive line with 35 tackles. Pros:
Fluid athlete with good lateral quickness
Moves well in short areas
Effective spin move Possesses the awareness to find the ball
Good in coverage
Fights blockers coming across his face Wins off the snap with quick get-off
Slippery defender who plays in the backfield
Plays with desirable bend in his knees Experience in a two and three point stance
Gets weight going forward in pass rush
Cons:
Severely undersized (6’3” 253)
Doesn’t have a violent strike behind his punches
Isn’t much of a dog, particularly when setting the edge Lacks aggressiveness
Speed off the edge is average
Stalls at the top of his rush without countering Pro comp: Kasim Edebali Draft projection: 6th-7th round
Deon Bush, FS (Miami, FL)) Bush was a highly rated, four star recruit from Miami who chose to stay home. In his first season with as a ‘Cane in 2012, Bush played in 10 games (six starts) and racked up 34 tackles, three forced fumbles, and three PBUs as a second team Freshman All-American. Bush played in 11 games (three starts) the following season, missing two to injury, and earned honorable mention All-ACC honors along the way. In 2014 and 2015, Bush recorded more than 50 tackles each season as an honorable mention All-ACC selection season. Pros:
Above average size (6’0” 199)
Plus straight-line speed Does a solid job of mirroring receivers
Rangy with the ability to go up high and snag passes
Impact special teams player who shows effort Rotated everywhere in the ‘Canes backfield due to his athleticism
Plays bigger and more physically than size suggests
Fluidity in his hips and ankles allow for seamless transitions and COD
Puts pads behind his tackles, finishing through ball carriers
Cons:
Length (30 7/8”) is a concern Fails to break down before making tackles, allowing guys to cut right by him
Elects the big hit over a form tackle
Poor closing speed
Occasionally out of position on the snap A bit of herky-jerky backpedal
Poor route recognition Pro comp: Kurt Coleman Draft projection: 6th-7th round
Sean Davis, CB/FS (Maryland): Rivals’ fifth rated Washington D.C. prospect played in all 12 games (two starts) as a true freshman in 2012 while contributing on special teams. His team high 102 tackles the following season ranked ninth in the Big 10 as he started all 13 games, a feat repeated in 2014 where his 115 tackles were fourth in the nation among defensive backs; he also posted four TFL, one sack. He earned honorable mention All -Big 10 this past season after tallying 88 tackles, five forced fumbles (second in the nation), and a team best three interceptions. Pros:
40 career starts
Incredible physique Averaged nearly 100 tackles in his last three seasons
Excellent straight-line speed
Possesses the aggressiveness to go win 50/50 balls Athleticism and COD
Downhill in a hurry against the run
Big hitter who translates speed to power
Lightening quick close Cuts off underneath routes
Cons:
Surrendered 10 touchdowns the last two seasons
Missed 40 tackles the last three seasons
Committed four PI penalties this past season
Doesn’t show the understanding of challenging receivers at the catch point Backpedal is simply too slow
Plays tall with slow feet
Will bite on double moves Allows too much separation
Pro comp: Bennett Jackson Draft projection: 3rd round
Beniquez Brown, ILB (Mississippi State): Brown was a four star prospect by many outlets but chose to redshirt his first year in 2012. He saw action in all 13 games (three starts) the following season, recording 39 tackles while contributing on special teams. His 62 tackles in 2014 were second on the team, adding seven TFL, two sacks, and two interceptions in 13 games (12 starts). Repeating as the team’s second leading tackler, with 99, Brown also blocked two kicks in all 13 starts in 2015. Pros:
Technical tackler
Put on seven pounds between the Combine and his pro day
Plays sideline-to-sideline and seems to find his way to the ball Desirable straight-line speed
Trusts his instincts
Flows through gaps with ease Downhill thumper
Prides himself on toughness
Cons:
Vastly undersized (6’1” 236)
Marginal athleticism
Lacks the balance through contact as he can be knocked around Reacts than recognizes
Occasionally goes around through blockers Pro comp: Danny Trevathan Draft projection: 4th-5th round
Malcolm Mitchell, WR (Georgia): The Valdosta, GA product was an Under Armour All -American and ESPN’s seventh best receiver. He played in 11 games (nine starts) as a true freshman in 2011, hauling in 45 passes for 665 yards and four touchdowns as a third team Freshman All-American honoree. Mitchell started nine games again in 2012 but saw action in 13 games as the team’s leading receiver with 40 catches for 572 yards and four touchdowns; he also spent time on defense. In the opener against Clemson the following year, he torn his ACL and forced him to miss the remainder of the season. He returned strong in 2014 as he caught 31 passes for 248 yards and three touchdowns before starting all 13 games this past season as the team’s leading receiver (58 receptions for 865 yards and five touchdowns). Pros:
Active community member
Consistent ability to track the ball well Has the speed and explosiveness to make plays down the field
Can work with the ball in his hands, earning YAC
Adjusts to and high points the ball adequately Quick in and out of breaks
Silky COD and hip flexibility makes him a nightmare matchup when working inside
Dependable, consistent hands
Cons:
Isn’t going to sell or push long, out-breaking routes
Medical concerns Thin torso
Long, physical corners will succeed in getting their hands inside and rerouting
Speed is consistent enough to take the top off a defense Pro comp: David Gettis Draft projection: 5th round
Javon Hargrave, DT (South Carolina St.): Hargrave had a stellar freshman campaign as his 45 tackles and 4.5 TFL earned him Freshman All-American honors. The following season, he posted 12.5 TFL and 5.5 sacks, but really burst onto the scene in 2014 where he sacked the quarter an FCS-record six times against Bethune-Cookman; he earned first team All-American honors and MEAC Defensive Player of the Year honors. Hargrave would repeat those honors in 2015 after registering a conference-best 13.5 sacks as a senior, including three multi-sack games; his 20 TFL were second in the MEAC. Pros:
First-step explosiveness
Short area burst Hands rusher with effective swim and rip moves
Gives blockers fits due to his disruptiveness and ability to shoot the gap
Bend and flexibility in his lower half Functional athleticism is impressive
Clogs lanes with a strong anchor at the POA
Holds tremendous power in his lower half
Stacks and sheds well Violent, heavy-handed punch
29.5 sacks the last two season
Cons:
Length is average (32”) with small hands (9 5/8”)
Build is not ideal
Needs to have more of an impact in pursuit Feet tend to stop during pass rush
Questions about level of competition at SC State
Often wins with athleticism over technique Might be seen as a pass rusher only
Pro comp: Darius Philon Draft projection: 4th round
Hassan Ridgeway, DT (Texas): The prep All-American participated in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl as an honorable mention all-state selection. He chose to redshirt in 2012 before playing in all 12 games at defensive tackle the following year and finishing fourth in quarterback pressures. Ridgeway played in 13 games (10 starts) at defensive tackle and on special teams as his six tacks and 11 TFL were second and fourth on the team respectively. The coaches voted him honorable mention All-Big 12 while he was granted first team by ESPN in 2015 following his 36 tackle, 6.5 TFL, and 3.5 sack stat line. Pros:
Deceptive athleticism
Thickly built with power in both his upper and lower body Coordinates hands and feet when rushing the passer
Consistent one-on-one winner
Beats blockers off the ball Anchors against double teams as nearly immovable object
Has the power to push the pocket
Can stack-and-shed at the LOS when runs come his way
Strikes defenders with violent punch to set the edge Doesn’t allow blockers to slow his momentum or forward lean
Cons:
Was forced to rotate quite often due to poor conditioning
Career plagued by nagging injuries
Production dip in 2015 despite the talent
Didn’t always have his eyes in the right place Hands need refinement
Pro comp: Jay Bromley Draft projection: 2nd-3rd round
DeAndre Houston-Carson, FS (William & Mary): Houston-Carson was a three position prep star from Virginia, who did not see any action as a freshman in 2011 (redshirt). He put it together the next season as he started all 11 games and finished the season with 55 tackles, an interception, six PBUs and a blocked field goal . In 2013, he started every game again (12) and finished the season with 62 tackles, 4.5 TFL, a sack, two interceptions, 13 PBU’s and two blocked kicks earning third team All-CAA honors; he would earn second team honors in 2014 after intercepting a CAA second best three passes. Houston-Carson accomplished a rare feat for the Tribe football program in 2015, becoming just the third player in 122 to earn All-American honors as he was a first team choice with 109 tackles. Pros:
Tremendous special teams experience (nine blocked kicks and punt team gunner)
Durability Seamless transition from corner to safety
Possesses burst off the edge
Plays with quick twitch and quick feet to mirror receivers Balanced player
Can slip around blockers with little wasted movement
Packs power behind his pads Plus ball skills coupled with a large catch radius
Loose athlete who can change direction and click-and-close with speed
Looks comfortable in zone
Cons:
Thin frame with poor length (30 1/8”)
Poor angles to the ball stand out Average top end speed
Relies on power as a hitter over being a true tackler
Tends to over pursues against the run Unreliable open field tackler
Pro comp: Husain Abdullah Draft projection: 4th-5th round
KeiVare Russell, CB (Notre Dame): SuperPrep rated the running back and corner back as Washington’s fourth best prospect. Russell earned Freshman All-American honors by numerous outlets as a true freshman in 2012, recording 58 tackles, two TFL, and with two interceptions (third on team). He started all 13 games again the following season and registered 51 total tackles, 1.5 TFL, one interception, one fumble recovery, one quarterback hurry and eight pass breakups. Prior to the 2014 season, Russell was involved in academic that lead to his dismissal for his entire junior year; he was reinstated before the start of the 2015 campaign, and finished fourth on the team with 60 tackles. A broken leg would keep him out of the last two games. Pros:
Well-built, muscular frame
Plenty of experience against top flight pass catchers Uses the sideline as extra defender
Closes on underneath routes balanced and under control
Hips swivel and open up swiftly Athleticism to play in any coverage
Vision and hand-eye coordination to track the ball
Recovers well Approaches tackling attempts squared with open chest
Light feet
Good play speed and route recognition
Cons:
Size (5’11” 192) an length (31 5/8”) concerns
Suspended due to academic dishonesty Broken fibula towards the end of 2015 campaign
Bigger, more physical receivers body him up
Failure to consistently get his head around and change direction quickly
Not downhill quick enough against the run Pro comp: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu Draft projection: 5th round
Deiondre’ Hall, CB (Northern Iowa): Hall was a key defender and receiver for Blue Springs High School (Blue Springs, MO) before enrolling at UNI. As a true freshman in 2012, Hall played in 11 games (six starts) and finished the season with 29 tackles, a blocked kick, and a forced fumble. He broke the starting lineup the following season as he started all 12 games at corner and linebacker and finished with 57 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions to earn honorable mention All-MVFC status. 2014 was a stellar campaign for Hall who earned second team All-MVFC and third team All-American honors after finishing the season as UNI’s fifth leading tackler (74) and first in the conference with five interceptions. This past season was Hall’s best: he third on the team with 82 tackles while intercepting six passes as the MVFC DPOY. Pros:
Four career pick sixes (school record)
11 INTs the last two seasons Tall, lengthy build (6’2” 199)
Unbelievable length (34 3/8”)
Rangy with huge catch radius Positional versatility (linebacker, corner, safety at NIU)
Not timid when playing against the run
Instinctual player who sees ball, gets ball even in the run Consistent 50/50 ball winner
Gets his hands inside of receivers to reroute them
Can create separation to keep track of ball carriers when engaged with blockers Challenges receivers after the catch trying to pry the ball loose
Cons:
Lanky with poor COD Questionable functional strength
Can afford add bulk
Burst and click-and-close is cause for concern Choppy backpedal ; sits on heels and hinders his ability to stick-and-go
Will allow too much cushion
Ability to turn and run isn’t great Bad habit of getting grabby down the field
Pro comp: Trumaine Johnson Draft projection: 5th-6th round
Rashard Robinson, CB (LSU): The South Florida product was a three and four star recruit, and a PrepStar Top 300 All-American. As a true freshman in 2013, Robinson played in 12 games (two starts) and finished with 16 tackles, three pass breakups and an interception. Pros:
Height (6’1”) with long build and arms (32 ¼”)
Played with a high level of confidence as a true frehsman
Functional athleticism Provides a good pop against ball carriers
Exceptional in press man, allowing him to use his length against receivers
Good closing and straight-line speed Agility to stick with and track double moves
Sits on routes and knows when to challenge receivers Cons:
Admitted to being selfish during his tenure at LSU
Arrested in July 2015
Dismissed from the team prior to his sophomore campaign Suspended in 2014
Hasn’t played football in two years
Wiry lower half
Poor functional strength Bigger receives will provide an issue on short to intermediate routes
Pro comp: Terrance Newman Draft projection: 7th round
Kenny Lawler, WR (Cal): Lawler was a Prepstar All-American and four star recruit (ESPN) before redshirting as a freshman in 2012. He was an impact player for the Bears in 2013 as he played in 11 games (five starts), co-leading the team with five touchdown catches among his 37 receptions for 347 yards receiving that were both fourth on the team. 2014 was a breakout year for Lawler who played in 11 games (five starts) and led the team with54 receptions and 701 yards receiving while finishing second with nine touchdowns. He played in all 13 games (nine starts) this past season, hauling in a team-best 52 receptions for 658 yards and 13 touchdowns (eighth in nation) to earn first team All -Pac-12 honors. Pros:
Good build (6’2” 203) and length (33 3/8”)
Big, soft mitts (10 ½”) with the strength to make the one handed catch Wastes no time getting to top speed
Precise footwork creates separation off the LOS
Good athlete Possesses the burst and acceleration to earn YAC
Catches everything out in front of him
Big catch radius Can make the tough catch due to body control and tracking ability
Sinks when getting into breaking routes
Challenges defenses vertically
Cons:
Lack of bulk will hurt against bigger corners
Doesn’t eat space quickly Can be brought down by one defender due to lack of strength
Occasional focus drop when they shouldn’t happen
Physicality at the next level may give him fits Pro comp: Riley Cooper Draft projection: 4th round
Ronald Blair, DE (Appalachian State): Blair was the Georgia Region 4-AA DPOY and began his career at App State with a bang. He was second on the team with 11.5 TFL and third in sacks with 3.5 as an FCS Freshman All-American after starting all 12 games. Blair earned first and second team All-Southern Conference honors in 2012 in which he led all SoCon defensive linemen with 60 total tackles and tied for ninth with 8.5 tackles for loss; his three sacks were fifth on the team. A thumb injury in the second game of the following season required surgery and held him out of 2013, earning a medical redshirt. He returned to start all 12 games at defensive end in 2014 as he paced the Mountaineers with six sacks and 13 TFL, good for seventh in the Sun Belt in both categories; he would earn second team All-Sun Belt. His 70 tackle, 19 TFL, and 7.5 sack stat line earned him Sun Belt DPOY in 2015. Pro:
Serious length (34”) 2x team captain
Uses a powerful lower half to split double teams
Launches into blockers on the snap with low pad level and bend in his knees Pushes the pocket well
Uses length to create separation and set the edge
Great motor with an equal ability to get down the LOS
Uses his hands and pass rush moves to get to the quarterback Solid functional strength
Violent tackler and striker that finishes through contact
Squeezes cutback lanes and fights through gaps
Cons:
Relatively short (6’2”)
Missed most of 2014 to a thumb injury Received a citation for underage drinking in 2012
Caught driving without a license in 2013
Arrested and charged with driving after consuming alcohol as a minor in 2013 Too much wasted movement out of stance
Fast but not quick
Isn’t much of a one-on-one winner; his production won’t come off the edge Lacks consistent balance
Pro comp: Jared Crick Draft projection: 6th round
Maliek Collins, DT (Nebraska): Collins was ranked among the top 20 prospects in the state of Missouri and one of the top 25 defensive tackles in the country according to Fox Sports Next. He played in all 12 games (one start) as a true freshman, recording 12 tackles, before starting every game in 2014 and leading the Huskers with 14 TFL, while ranking second on the team with 4.5 sacks and 13 quarterback hurries; he also totaled 45 tackles and earned honorable mention All-Big 10 honors. Collins played in every game in 2015 (12 starts) and made 29 tackles, seven TFL, and 2.5 sacks. He also had six quarterback hurries on the year, en route to second and third team All-Big 10 honors. Pros:
Two time Academic All-Big Ten
Explosive first step, generating a thud Desirable motor
Solid length (33 1/8”)
Lateral movement is a major part of his game Powerful with the ability to control blockers at the POA
Plus athleticism as he played all along the Huskers’ line
Plays with good pad level and use of hands Refined pass rush ability with effective ability to get inside
Light feet
Cons:
Doesn’t engage lower half when trying to get lateral; remains square
Inability to stack-and-shed is evident, remaining engaged for too long
Double teams constantly beat him due to a lack of anchor and balance On the ground more than you would like to see
Occasionally rushes too far up field
Functional strength leaves more to be desired Pro comp: Martin Parker Draft projection: 3rd-4th round
DJ Reader, DT (Clemson): Reader is a phenomenal athlete as a top 50 guard and defensive tackle in high school, as well as a standout baseball player. He was incredibly productive as a true freshman in 2012 where he racked up 40 tackles, three quarterback pressures and one pass breakup in 236 snaps (a tackle nearly every six snaps). The following season, he had 43 tackles, five TFL, three sacks, and eight quarterback pressures in 13 games (three starts) before recording 27 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 1.5 sacks and 10 quarterback pressures in 12 games (one start). He missed the first half of the season due to personal reasons. Pros:
Mammoth man (6’3” 327) with solid length (33 5/8”)
A true dancing bear Gets down the LOS well
Two-gap controller
Phone-booth winner Moved around the Tigers’ line
Quick off the ball with up-field pass rush potential
Stout at POA
Wins the leverage game Pushes the pocket with ease
Consistent one-on-one winner
Cons:
Leaving for personal questions will have to addressed
Hands can be refined and taken to the next level
Heavily reliant on strength and push over technique Production should match his level of play
His ability to move laterally is very limited Pro comp: Ron Brace Draft projection: 5th-6th round
Paul McRoberts, WR (SE Missouri State): The St. Louis product was a standout prep football and basketball player. As a true freshman in 2012, he was the team’s third-leading receiver having caught 11 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns in nine games; the following season, he was the top receiver with 44 catches for 646 yards and nine touchdowns. He repeated such honors in 2014 after catching 44 passes for 711 yards and nine touchdowns as a first-Team All-Ohio Valley Conference selection. Roberts hauled in 76 balls for 940 yards and nine touchdowns, breaking Southeast's all-time career record in receiving touchdowns (29). He would repeat as a first team All-OVC honoree. Pros:
2x team captain
Experience as a returner Good size (6’2” 202) and length (33 ½”)
Big hands, length, and tremendous leaping ability create a huge catch radius
High points the ball better than most Wins 50/50 balls with superb body control and strong hands
Extends his arms and catches balls close to his body when necessary
Physical after the catch Good field awareness
Swift route runner who can cut and break with ease
Cons:
Missed five games in 2014 to a Lisfranc injury
Falls off blocks far too easily
Plays the game at one speed Allows defenders into his frame too often
Isn’t a space eater off the LOS
Doesn’t do an adequate job of pushing routes deep before snapping them off
Can afford to sell his routes his better Pro comp: Kenny Britt Draft projection: 5th round
De’Vondre Campbell, OLB (Minnesota): Campbell spent a year at Hutchinson Community College in 2012 where he garnered three star status. In first season as a Golden Gopher, he played in 13 (three starts) and notched 41 tackles, three TFL, one PBU, and one forced fumble. The following season was a breakout season as Campbell started all 13 games as the third leading tackler (75) with 6.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries, and one PBU. He earned honorable mention All-Big 10 this past season after playing in all 13 games (11 starts) in and finishing third on the team with 92 tackles with 6.5 TFL, a team high four sacks, three PBUs, and a forced fumble. Pros:
Tall (6’4”) with good length (33 5/8”)
Functional athleticism is top flight Can blitz off the edge
Experience playing inside and outside
Sets the edge well, forcing cut backs Quick twitch athlete with good COD
Strikes blockers with a quick punch that packs power
Tracks the ball well and flows to play-side action Plus closing speed with the ability to chase ball carriers from behind
Plays with good balance
Cons:
Can afford to add more weight to frame
Looks uncomfortable dropping into coverage
Ability to read and react is severely behind Waits for action to come to him rather than being a downhill player
Fails to finish as a tackler on a consistent basis
Over pursues and runs himself out of the play Pro comp: Josh Kaddu Draft projection: 5th round
Montese Overton, OLB (East Carolina): A two sport prep star, Overton redshirted during his first season in 2011. A knee injury limited him to eight games (three starts) in 2012 but he recorded 29 tackles 3.5 TFLs, and a sack that earned a spot on the Freshman All-C-USA team. In 2013, Overton made 50 stops a team second-best 10.5 TFL with six sacks; led all special teams tacklers with 11 in 13 games. He would assume the starting role in 2014 (13 games) as he was among the team’s leaders in tackles (fourth; 68), TFL (second; 11.5), and sacks (third; three). The 2015 campaign was a strong one for Overton: he earned second team All-AAC honors (70 tackles, team-leading 10 TFL and 7.5 sacks, seven PBUs). Pros:
A bit of wild card in their defense, playing nearly everywhere
High level of production that will impress teams Understands coverage responsibilities
Flattens his path to the quarterback, maintaining good pad level
Special teams experience Can stop and start quickly
Has the potential to succeed in a rover role
Aggressive player who plays with great physicality Tremendous speed and equal motor
Twitchy player who comes off the edge hard
Cons:
Size (6’2” 223) is a serious concern as some teams may ask him to play safety
Thin build
Average length (32 ¾”) Responsibilities were primarily limited to rushing off the edge and playing against the
run
Grabby and a hair too physical down the field
Didn’t pursue between the gaps very often Limited coverage responsibilities
Pro comp: Christian Kirksey Draft projection: 7th round
Dadi Nicolas, OLB (Virginia Tech): Nicolas spent his time on the hardwood over the gridiron, playing only year of high school football. Regardless, the Palm Beach Post rated him as the area’s 35th best plyer before redshirting in 2011. In 2012, he played in 10 games on defense and special teams as he tallied 17 tackles, 3.5 TFL, two sacks, and a forced fumble and fumble recovery. Nicolas earned honorable mention All-American honors the following season as he made 32 stops, seven TFL, four sacks, and 13 hurries before really coming into his own as a junior. Nicolas recorded 72 tackles on the season, including a team-high 18.5 TFL and nine sacks, while turning in 35 quarterback hurries, a fumble recovery and two blocked kicks; he earned second team All-ACC honors. Recovering from a broken hand, Nicolas played in all 13 games (12 starts), recorded 45 tackles with seven TFL and 2.5 sacks, and third team All-ACC. Pros:
Great length (34 ¾”) Ability to track and rally to the ball
Wastes no time getting up field as a pass rusher
Athleticism on the field and in testing Does his best work in short areas due to his quick feet
Plus closing speed
Splits double teams with speed and wins on the edge with his ability to bend
Explosive first step Works well inside having lined up along the Hokies’ line
Lateral speed allows him to chase down ball carriers
Cons:
Is a project due to lack of size (6’3” 235) and thin frame
Takes far too long to disengage
Functional strength and power are evident on film Consistently beat by bigger, stronger blockers against the pass and the run
Won’t be a hard edge-setter due to his lack of physicality
Not much of an instinctual player Pass rush moves and use of hands needs refinement
Pro comp: Nigel Bradham Draft projection: 6th round
Thomas Duarte, WR (UCLA): Duarte had a decorated prep career at Mater Dei, earning USA Today and Parade All-American honors as a four star recruit. As a true freshman in 2013, made 16 receptions for 214 yards and three touchdowns as an honorable mention All-Pac-12 selection. Duarte hauled in 28 passes for 540 yards and four touchdowns as a repeat honorable mention All-Pac-12 choice, but saved his best for last: he was second on the team with 53 catches for 872 yards and a team high 10 touchdowns. He was a second team All-Pac-12 selection. Pros:
Eats space quickly
Possesses a burst at the top of his routes “Move” tight end traits and ability
Works the seam well as a matchup nightmare for linebackers and safeties
Creates separation well A threat after the catch as an effortless long-strider
Moves well laterally
Refined route runner who snaps in and out of routes
Cons:
Undersized (6’2” 231) tweener
Blocking ability is average despite effort Lacks physicality and aggressiveness as a run blocker
Will be asked to improve his play in pass pro
Bigger players off the edge who translate speed to power will give him fits Pro comp: Jordan Reed Draft projection: 4th-5th round
Joe Schobert, OLB (Wisconsin): The all-state product hailing from Wisconsin played in five games as a true freshman in 2012. He played in all 13 games (one start) at outside linebacker the following season, totaling 24 tackles, 2.5 TFLs a sack, and three pass breakups but saw more action in 2014. He started all 14 games and earned honorable mention All-Big 10 honors after tallying 69 tackles, 13.5 TFL, three sacks, a team-high seven pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. He was one of America’s top linebackers this past season as he started all 13 games and logged 79 tackles, 19.5 TFL, 9.5 sacks, five forced fumbles (tied for single season school record) and 14 quarterback hurries; he earned first and second team All-American honors as the Big 10’s Linebacker of the Year. Pros:
Reliable special teamer
Reads and rallies to screens well Gets his hands involved as a pass rusher
Physical player who attacks double teams and runs through tackle attempts
Very instinctual player who trusts his eyes to take him to the play Plus awareness in which he keeps his eyes in the backfield
Solid open-field tackler
Contorts body to bend off the edge and slip through the gaps Takes quality angles in pursuit, forcing cutbacks
Punch creates quality separation before disengaging and flowing to ball
Cons:
Below average length (31 1/8”)
Fails to consistently finish tackles (18 missed tackled the last two seasons)
Often uprooted from his spot Bigger tight ends are constant winners against him in coverage
Often trusts his play too much, causing him to over pursue
Speed leaves more to be desired as his up-field burst is average Doesn’t possesses the strength to set the edge hard
Pro comp: Mason Foster Draft projection: 5th round
Matt Ioannidis, DT (Temple): Hailing from New Jersey, Ioannidis compiled quite a prep career at Hunterdon Central Regional High School. He saw action as a true freshman in 2012 but had a better campaign the following season, starting seven games and pacing the team with three sacks and the defensive line with 26 tackles. 2014 saw him become a leader and team captain as his 47 tackles led all defensive linemen and his 11 TFL were a team-high; he started all 12 games and earned second team All-AAC honors. Ioannidis was a third team All-American and first team All-AAC in 2015. Pros:
Well-built frame
Plethora of pass rush moves including an effective hump move Rarely falls off path in pursuit of the ball
Control his gap against the run, forcing cutbacks
Offers scheme versatility having lined up inside and outside for the Owls Strong hands provide adequate rip moves and ability to disengage quickly
Strong lower half creates stout base at POA
Fast off the ball and in his ability to redirect
Consistent double-team winner Squeezes the pocket on the tackles with his ability to push the outside shoulder
Cons:
Gets to the passer but fails to finish on a consistent basis
Slow in his twists and stunts, rendering him ineffective
Unrefined spin moves that he tried to use too often
Pads rise on the snap as he will occasionally lose the leverage battle Very little twitch and ability to move laterally
Average athleticism Pro comp: Adrian Taylor Draft projection: 3rd-4th round
Jalin Marshall, WR (Ohio State): Marshall was regarded as Ohio’s second best prospect via ESPN and Scout, an Under Armour All -American. As a redshirt freshman in 2014, Marshall was a Freshman All -American and the second-leading receiver with 38 receptions for 499 yards and six touchdowns. He played in 12 games (11 starts) this past season and was second on the team with 36 catches for 477 yards and five touchdowns as an honorable mention All-Big 10 choice.
Pros:
Accomplished punt returner
Versatile player who has lined up spilt out, in the slot, and as a ball carrier
Great functional athleticism Shifty player with fluid COD
Good short-area burst
Quick feet and ability to get to top speed create separation Turns on the burners, using his elite acceleration to
Tracks the ball well
Cons:
Limited game experience as a redshirt sophomore
Functional strength is below average
Inadequate ball skills who struggles to win 50/50 balls and adjust to underthrow passes Route running needs refinement
Limited to a scheme that utilizes bunch sets and jet sweeps Pro comp: Theo Riddick Draft projection: 6th round
Antwione Williams, OLB (Georgia Southern): The Georgia native stayed close to home, playing in 11 games (three starts) as a true freshman in 2011; he finished with 25 tackles. Williams played in 14 games (three starts) the following season, totaling 32 tackles, but would miss the 2013 campaign to injury. He would return to start 12 games and finish second on the team with 65 tackles as an honorable mention All-Sun Belt selection. This past season, Williams was an honorable mention All-Sun Belt choice after starting all 13 games and leading the team with 107 tackles. He also finished with 10.5 TFL, four sacks, a team-high four forced fumbles, two quarterback hurries, and three pass breakups. Pros:
Thick build with good size (6’3” 245)
Comfort in coverage Fluid athlete who wins with athleticism on occasion
Possesses desirable chase speed
Packs power behind his pads and runs through ball carriers Reacts with the ability to diagnose what is happening; flows quickly
Good in pursuit, taking the necessary angles
Breaks down and squares pads on contact
Cons:
Average COD
Plays with a narrow base at times Tight lower half that fails to unlock
Occasionally waits for play to him
Isn’t much of a quick-twitch player Draft projection: 7th round
Tajae Sharpe, WR (UMass): The all-state selection and two star recruit from New Jersey played in 11 games (eight starts) as a true freshman in 2012, hauling in 20 passes for 206 yards. 2013 was a breakout for Sharpe, who started 11 games and led the team with 61 receptions for 680 yards and touchdowns four touchdowns; he earned first team All-MAC honors the following year after leading the conference in receptions (85) and finishing second in yards (1,281). Sharpe capped an illustrious career, snagging 111 balls (single-season school record) for 1,319 yards and five touchdowns en route to first team All -MAC honors and second team All-American honors. Pros:
School’s record holder in career receptions (277) and yards (3,486)
Caught at least one pass in all 47 career games Long build with good height (6’2”) and length (32 ¼”)
Good field awareness
Fearless over the middle Crisp route runner who can snap and break off routes
Works well in space
Soft, strong hands that allow him to snag balls away from defenders Plus footwork that allows to him sell double moves and beat defenders when releasing
Has the experience and traits to line up in the slot and split out
Cons:
Thin frame at 194 pounds
Lacks burst out of routes
Isn’t going to push things or challenge defenders vertically Consistent body catcher that will be asked to break the habit
Corners have shown an ability to crowd the LOS and reroute him Pro comp: Aaron Dobson Draft projection: 3rd round
Rees Odhiambo, G (Boise State): Although he redshirted in 2011, he was the recipient of the team's Ultimate Goon Award, handed out by head strength coach Tim Socha. He played in six games in 2012 before starting eight games the following season; he missed five to injury. Odhiambo was a second team All-MW selection in 2014 after playing 10 games (nine starts), but earned first team honors in 2015. Pros:
3x time Academic All-MW
Positional versatility having played tackle
Thick build (6’4” 314) and frame Plays with a strong, wide base with good bend in his knees
Serious upper body strength and explosive initial punch
Strong hands allow him to control defenders with good aiming point Flexible, fluid lower half that allows him to get into the second level and drive defenders
out
Balanced player who does a good job of mirroring defenders
Maintains power and speed as an effective puller that fits well in a zone scheme Finishes blocks and doesn’t take plays off
Anchor hold strong at the POA
Cons:
Career has been hampered by injuries
Average length (33 ¼”) is another factor that may see him kick inside
Late to pick up stunts, causing him to panic and revert back to power Untimely punches
Heavily reliant on physicality and strength
Occasionally falls off blocks Bend at the waist is seen on film; needs to bend at the knees more often
Pro comp: Eric Kush Draft projection: 4th round
Tyler Ervin, RB (San Jose State): The All-CIF defensive back and running back was a jack of all trades during his true freshman season in 2011, spending time at the former two positions and as a kick returner; he played in all 12 game s and had 672 return yards and 107 rushing yards. He tied an SJSU school record with two kick return touchdowns in 2012 as a second team All-WAC selection, but missed the entire 2013 season to injury. In 2014, Ervin paced the team with 888 rushing yards and four touchdowns while adding 29 receptions for 306 yards and a touchdown as an SI honorable mention All-American. He totted the rock for 1,601 yards and 13 touchdowns and caught 45 passes for 334 yards and two touchdowns. He earned first team All -MW honors as a running back. Pros:
Impact kick returner
Smooth, fluid athlete who can take over a game Gets to top speed in a hurry
Balanced runner between the tackles
Creates his own running lanes if necessary Space-eater who earns big boy yards
Obvious threat of the backfield with solid route running and natural hands
Makes defenders miss in the backfield and can beat defenders to the perimeter Incredible functional athleticism, acceleration, and COD
Short area burst
Cons:
Lacks the size (5’10” 192) and build to withstand a pounding
Won’t offer much one-cut, change-of-pace ability
Needs to be more patient and let blocking develop Size contributes to many factors that may keep him off the field; three down option,
balance through contact, play strength
Doesn’t possess much power
Powerful defenders delivery serious blows Pro comp: David Wilson Draft projection: 4th-5th round
Joe Thuney, G (NC State): Thuney redshirted his first year in 2011 but played in eight games at center the following season. In 2013, he started the first two games on the right side at both guard and tackle before starting the next 10 at left tackle; he earned the Jim Ritcher Award for the team’s most valuable offensive lineman. He missed four games to mono as a junior but played every offensive snap in the eight of nine games he saw action. He earned second team All-ACC honors in 2015. Pros:
Member of the team’s leadership council in 2013
Good height (6’5”)
Positional versatility having played all five positions Functional athleticism stands out
Ability to anchor and re-anchor are evident
Uses athleticism to work to the second level and seal guys off Road grader who creates running lanes and works to contact
Recognizes and picks up blitzes and stunts
Technical blocker
Cons:
Lean with less than ideal length (32 ¼”)
Engages in taffy pull far too often Sets up in pass pro with feet too close together
Aiming point needs improvement
Consistent forward lean that causes him to often fall off blockers Waist bender
Drops his head in pass pro Pro comp: Mark Glowinski Draft projection: 7th round
Parker Ehinger, G (Cincinnati): A three star recruit via Scout and Rivals hailing from Michigan, Ehinger redshirted in 2011. He would go on to play every game over the next four years (52), earning honorable mention (2013) and first team (2015) All-AAC along the way. Pros:
Never missed a game in his career
Great size (6’6” 310)
Has spent time at multiple positions Sets up in pass pro wide adequate base
Athletic, balanced blocker who uses his hands as an effective pass protector
Succeeds as a run blocker due to his ability to seal the edge and wall guys off Mirrors defenders well in pass pro
Squares pads at the LOS, disallowing him from leaning on defenders
Cons:
Lean frame that stands to add more girth
Poor length for someone who stands 6’6” (33”)
Lacks aggressiveness at the POA Below average lateral movement and COD
Edge rushers give him fits
Occasionally opens up too early in pass pro Pro comp: Mark Asper Draft projection: 7th round
Spencer Drango, OT (Baylor): The four star recruit was voted Texas’ “Best Offensive Lineman” Dave Campbell. He played in three games as a true freshman (2011) but redshirted to retain eligibility. Drango had a stellar sophomore campaign as he started in nine of 13 games (missed the other four to back injury) and averaged a team-high 89.2 percent coaches grade and totaled 43 knockdowns on season as a first team All-Big 12 selection. He racked up the accolades in 2014, starting all 13 and earning Consensus All-American unanimous first-team All-Big 12 honors as the Big 12 Co-Offensive Lineman of Year. Once again, Drango averaged team-high 88.5 percent coach’s grade and 39 knockdowns. After starting all 13 games and pacing team with 90.4 percent coaches grade, along with 53 knockdowns, Drango became just the eighth Unanimous All-American in school history as the Big 12’s Offensive Lineman of Year. Pros:
2x Baylor Dean’s List 4x Academic All-Big 12
8x Big 12 Commissioner honor’s roll
Has experience playing in a zone scheme that asked him to be affective sealer and second-level blocker
Great size (6’6” 315)
Mauler who knows how to utilize his serious strength
Moves well in space with good awareness Desirable kick slide
Quick off the ball
Plays with a heavy-handed punch and ideal base
Cons:
Length leaves more to be desire (33 ¾”)
Needs a more consistent hip roll Falls off an alarming number off blocks
Frame likely has room to grow
Mistimes punches on occasion
Heavily-reliant on strength when run blocking Pro comp: Zach Hurd Draft projection: 5th-6th round
Keith Marshall, RB (Georgia): Widely regarded the number as the nation’s number one and two rated running back, Marshall was an Under Armour All-American and North Carolina’s Gatorade POY. In 2012, he toted the rock 117 times for 759 yards and eight touchdowns in all 14 games before only playing five the next year as a torn ACL forced him to miss the remainder of his sophomore season. Although he returned and ran for only 24 yards in three games, Marshall earned the team’s Comeback Player of the Year Award after running for 350 yards and three touchdowns. Pros:
Incredible combination of size (5’11” 219) and speed (4.31 40)
Was able to produce at the same level of Todd Gurley early in his career Functional strength is impressive
Powerful lower-half that keeps churning
Runs through arm tackles Gets to the second level and runs past everyone
Flashes potential out of the backfield
Possesses the awareness to find running lanes and burst through them
Cons:
Career has been hampered by a 2013 ACL tear
Knee injury may have affected his lateral ability and will require serious evaluation Slows as defenders approach, appearing hesitant to make guys miss
Can afford to run behind his pads on a more consistent basis
Isn’t much of an open field runner Pro comp: Lamar Miller Draft projection: 5th round
Alex McCalister, DE (Florida): The prep, four star North Carolinian redshirted his first year (2012) and played in six games the following season. In 2014, McCalister played in all 12 and totaled 23 tackles, nine TFL, and six sacks. He was tied for the team lead in sacks (6.5) this past season, totaling 26 tackles and 9.5 TFL in nine games (six starts). Pros:
Absolutely incredible length (36”)
Excellent height at 6’6”
Off-the charts functional athleticism and COD with the ability to bend around the corner Flattens his path to the quarterback
Up-field burst that covers ground in a short amount of time
Uses his length to create separation and find the ball Raw ability
Low body flexibility that allows to dip around and under tackles
Length gives him the range to play zone read options
Cons:
Was dismissed from the team in December
Lack of bulk may be the catalyst for a move to OLB Pure speed player who doesn’t play with much strength
Isn’t going to set a hard edge
Doesn’t hump back inside
Heavily reliant on his shoulder dip as a pass rusher with no counter moves Lack of hand usage is concerning
Pro comp: Obum Gwacham Draft projection: 5th round
Kelvin Taylor, RB (Florida): The son of former Jacksonville Jaguars star running back Fred Taylor ran for 2,423 yards and 41 touchdowns as a senior, surpassing NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith as the state of Florida's all -time with 12,121 yards and 191 touchdowns (he was later surpassed by Derrick Henry). He was recognized as an Under Armour All-American as well. As a true freshman in 2013, Taylor earned Freshmen All-SEC and honorable mention All-Freshmen honors after rushing for 508 yards and four touchdowns. He played in all 12 games (two starts) in 2014 and was the team’s second leading rusher for the second consecutive season with 565 rushing yards and six touchdowns before earning the starting role in 2015. He became just the ninth player in school history to surpass 1,000 yards (1,035) while his 13 touchdowns were third most in a single season. Pros:
Zero fumbles in 510 career touches Bulky player who runs with physicality behind his pads
Can stop and start
Utilizes cuts to make defenders miss Gets skinny between the tackles
Runs with a good leg drive and forward lean that allows him to earn tough yards
Can beat defenders to edge with speed
Good improvisational skills Desirable acceleration and vision to find cutback lanes
Cons:
Undersized (5’10” 207) with short arms (29 ¼”) Battled injuries during his tenure
Lacks the play strength to have an effective anchor in pass pro
Marginal athleticism Needs to remain more balanced as he can be brought down by first defender
More patience will allow lanes to open
Hesitant runner who seems to wait for defenders to attack rather than making a move Pro comp: Isaiah Pead Draft projection: 6th round
Aaron Burbridge, WR (Michigan State): Countless recruiting services rated Burbridge as Michigan’s number one prep receiver as a SuperPrep and PrepStar All-American. As a true freshman in 2012, he played in 11 games (seven starts) and caught 29 passes for 364 yards and two touchdowns, earning Freshman All-Big 10 honors. He combined for 51 receptions for 552 yards and a touchdown between 2013 and 2014 before putting it all together in 2015. Burbridge earned first team All-Big 10 and honorable mention All-American honors after hauling in a school record 85 passes for 1,258 yards and seven touchdowns as the conference’s Receiver of the Year. Pros:
Solid build (6’0” 206)
Fearless over the middle Takes pride in run blocking and was asked to do it often
Deceptive deep threat
Precision route runner who can snap routes off and explode out of breaks Good ball skills with the ability to high point and win 50/50 balls
Physical and aggressive player
Solid catch radius with the ability to go down low and snag passes thrown behind him
Adjusts to make tough catches
Plus tracking ability and field awareness
Cons:
Average length (31 5/8”)
Suffered a broken foot prior to the 2015 season
Poor foot quickness to get a desirable outside release
Doesn’t possess the acceleration to run past defenders after the catch
Marginal burst off the LOS
Average ability to push routes before snapping them off
Lacks explosiveness
Pro comp: Chris Givens Draft projection: 3rd round
Daniel Braverman, WR (Western Michigan): Braverman was a two and three star recruit from Florida who posted 18 receptions for 135 yards as a true freshman in 2012. He redshirted the following season due to injury, but caught 86 passes for 997 yards and six touchdowns in 2014 as a third team All-MAC selection. Braverman was sensational in 2015, snagging 109 passes for 1,367 yards and 13 touchdowns. Pros:
Double-digit receptions in five of 13 games
Special teams experience
10 catches for 123 yards and a touchdown against Ohio State Quick off the LOS with desirable foot speed
Ability to break off routes and move laterally create problems for defenders
Great open field runner who will make defenders miss A threat after the catch due to his shiftiness
Possesses short area burst
Effective head fakes
Cons:
Size (5’10” 177) is a concern that will take him off many teams’ boards
Scouts and executives will be weary of level of competition Poor catch radius results from equally poor length
Coupled with size, traits limit him to a slot role
Doesn’t have desirable long speed Lacks the physicality and build to withstand a beating
Pro comp: Cole Beasley Draft projection: 4th round
Jason Fanaika, DE (Utah): Hailing from Pleasant Grove, Fanaika originally played for Utah State in 2010 and 2011 before going on LDS mission. He redshirted in 2013, but played in all 13 games (eight starts) the following season and registered 55 tackles, 9.5 TFL, and five sacks. He earned honorable mention All-Pac-12 this past season after playing in all 13 games (10 starts) and tallying 53 total tackles, 10.5 TFL (second on the team), four sacks, two forced fumbles (second on team), and four pass breakups. Pros:
Thick compact frame
Burst of the LOS to beat tackles around the edge
Heavy-handed initial punch Wins leverage battle on the snap with low pad level
Finishes tackles with pop behind his pads
Sets a hard edge Possesses good play strength
Experience rushing out of a two and three point stance
Strength at the POA Gets his hands inside of blockers, creating separation and allowing him to track the ball
Was an effective interior rusher
Cons:
Average length (32 5/8”)
COD and lateral movement are below average
Not enough bend and flexibility to be an edge rushing threat Lacks quick twitch and explosion
Needs to play with more balance
Often looked gassed by the time the fourth quarter rolled around Pro comp: Karl Klug Draft projection: 6th round
Cyrus Jones, CB (Alabama): Jones earned four and five star status as a receiver out of high school as a Parade and Under Armour All -American. As a true freshman, he played in 11 games and caught four passes for 51 yards and returned 10 kicks for 250 yards and eight punts for 61 yards. He made the move to corner the following season and saw action in 11 games collecting 25 tackles, 1.5 TFL, a sack, two interceptions, and seven PBUs. In 2014, Jones started all 14 games and finished with 46 tackles, two TFL, two forced fumbles, three interceptions, and a team-high 13 pass breakups; he also had four punt returns for 82 yards and four kickoff returns for 77 yards as a second team All-SEC choice. This past season, he blossomed into one of the nation’s most versatile athletes with 37 tackles, four TFL, two interceptions, eight PBUs, and 42 punts for a total of 530 yards and four touchdowns. Pros:
Special teams success will not go unnoticed Tough, hard-nosed player
Fluid athlete who succeeded at the positon in a short amount of time
Contributor against the run as he plays downhill and attacks blockers Plus field awareness
Hip flexibility to turn and run in off man
Knows how to use the sideline as an extra defender
Plays with physicality, getting his hands into receivers Disciplined player who lets route combinations plays out
Cons:
Lacks the size (5’10” 197) and length (31 3/8”) to seriously challenge bigger receivers Former receiver still learning the position
Six career fumbles as a return man
Arrested for domestic violence in April 2015 Had surgery to repair a torn labrum in January 2015
Doesn’t possess the speed to turn and run
Struggles to consistently get his hand around in man Slow to recover
Inadequate timing Pro comp: Leon McFadden Draft projection: 4th round
Kevin Byard, SS (Middle Tennessee): Despite being a two star recruit and redshirting as a freshman (2011), Byard developed into one of the nation’s best safeties. He started all 12 games in 2012 and finished tied for third on team with 74 tackles in addition to a team-best four interceptions, two pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a hurry; he was a Freshman All-American. Byard earned honorable mention All-C-USA honors the following season after starting all 13 games and leading the team with 106 tackles five interceptions; he also finished with five pass breakups, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. He was a force yet again in 2014 where he started all 12 games and ranked fourth on the team with 66 tackles, including three TFLs, a team-high six interceptions, four pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a blocked kick. After missing three games (targeting call, injury) he started nine games and posted 66 tackles, a team-high four interceptions, and six pass breakups as a first team All-C-USA selection. Pros:
School record holder in INTs, INT yards, and pick-sixes Compact build (5’11” 216) with equal frame and solid length (33 ½”)
Reads the quarterback’s eyes, allowing him to locate the ball
Aggressive player who fights the ball Incredible long speed as he can run guys down
Fluid backpedal with smooth footwork and ability to transition
Possesses the instincts and awareness to excel as a single-high safety Works downhill against the run
Dependable open-field tackler with a habit of creating turnovers
Desirable ball skills and tracking ability Rarely out of position when dealing with route combinations
Cons:
Ability to mirror receivers needs improvement Doesn’t square his pads on contact and finish on a consistent basis
Would like to see him improve his ability to sift through the trash
Below average top end speed
Physicality doesn’t support what his build and ability to create turnovers suggests Rarely opts for the big hit
Pro comp: Antoine Bethea Draft projection: 5th round
Byron Marshall, WR (Oregon): The 2012 U.S. Army All-American began his career as a running back before switching to wide receiver heading into the 2014 season. Despite suffering a season-ending injury this past season after only four games, Marshall became the first player in Pac-12 history to have a 1,000 rushing (2013) and 1,000 yard receiving season (2014). He finished his career with 1,877 yards and 19 touchdowns and the ground and 97 receptions for 1,293 yards and eight touchdowns as a two-time honorable mention All-Pac-12 selection (2013 and 2014). Pros:
Kick returning experience
Athletic prospect who excelled at two positions in a short amount of time Thick build with length that is better than height would suggest (5’9”)
Balanced runner
Solid long speed who is a threat after the catch Does a nice job of adjusting to the ball with a catch radius bigger than size suggests
Plus field awareness
Quick feet can set up defenders
Possesses the acceleration to eat space and run by defenders off the LOS
Cons:
Obvious size concerns (5’9”) Coming off an ankle injury that robbed him of his season
Numerous drops occur on film
Inexperience as a route runner
Still learning the nuances of the position Very low chance he could be a three down runner
Ball security issues Pro comp: Robert Herron Draft projection: 7th round-Undrafted
Adam Gotsis, DT (Georgia Tech): Gotsis is an Australian native who spent his prep years playing with American rules. As a true freshman in 2012, he played in 12 games but only recorded five tackles, 1.5 TFL, and a sack before starting all 13 games the next year; he finished the year with38 tackles, the second most TFL (14.5) and sacks (5.5) on the team, one interception, and two blocked kicks. Gotsis earned second team All-ACC honors in 2014, starting all 14 games and finishing with 36 tackles, 6.5 TFL, three sacks, one interception and two blocked kicks. He started the first nine games in 2015 before missing the remainder of the season to injury. Regardless, he finished with 31 tackles, five TFL, three sacks, and two fumble recoveries and earned honorable mention All-ACC honors. Pros:
Checks the size (6’4” 287) and frame boxes
Desirable length (34 1/8”) and hand size (10 ¾”) Engages his lower half and his length to set a hard edge
Plays with a burst to beat blockers on the snap and between gaps
Pure strength with the ability to push the pocket Has a nose for the ball
Wins off the snap with desirable pad level
Physical player who finishes sack and tackle attempts with power Plays with a mean streak
Possesses functional athleticism
Cons:
Suffered a season ending knee injury at the end of October
Struggles to disengage as frequently as you would like
Projects as a two down run stopper due to his lack of upside as a pass rusher Occasionally loses the leverage battle as pad level rises
Lacks a sustained pass rush
Limited athleticism Pro comp: Lorenzo Washington Draft projection: 5th round
Travis Feeney, OLB (Washington): One of the Bay Area’s top prospects, Feeney redshirted as a freshman in 2011 before moving from safety to linebacker the following season and playing in all 13 games (nine starts) as an honorable mention All-Pac-12 honoree. He played in every game over the next two seasons (two starts in ’13, nine in ’14) as the team’s Special Teams POY in 2014. Feeney was voted a team captain in 2015 and started 12 of 13 games as he finished the season ranked third in the Pac-12 in both sacks (eight) and TFL (17.5) and tied for second in the Pac-12 with three forced fumbles; he earned second team All -Pac-12 honors. Pros:
Valuable special teams experience
Allowed only three missed tackles this season Solid functional athleticism
Relies on desirable speed, allowing to make plays anywhere
Physical defender who delivers a pop to ball carriers Flows to the action well, reading and reacting accordingly
Pursues and covers cover ground like the former safety he is
Burst off the edge coupled with good bend
Possesses the upper body strength to push the pocket as a pass rusher Utilizes his length to create separation
Cons:
Has torn his left labrum twice and right labrum once
Thin-framed ‘backer who lacks desired power
Plays with high pad level
Blockers consistently overpowered him at the POA Pad level causes him to fall on or lunge at tackling attempts
Lack of power and functional strength won’t produce a hard edge setter Pro comp: Will Hill Draft projection: 6th round
Kenyan Drake, RB (Alabama): A four star recruit and top Georgia prep, Drake toted the rock 42 times for 281 yards and five touchdowns as a true freshman in 2012. The following season, he played in 11 games (one start) while rushing for 694 yards and eight touchdowns on 92 carries with eight and adding 12 receptions for 135 yards. In 2014, Drake suffered a brutal broken leg against Ole Miss in the fifth game of the season, but returned to full strength in 2015: he carried the ball 77 times for 408 yards and a touchdown while catching 29 passes for 276 yards and a score; he returned 19 kicks for 505 yards, hitting pay dirt once. Pros:
Good sized back (6’1” 210)
Versatile back who can do it all Leg drive allows to him earn tough yards
Balanced runner behind his pads
One of the better receiving backs in this class due to his route running and ability after the catch
Presents a matchup nightmare for safeties and linebackers
Explosive runner who gets to a desirable top speed in a hurry
Feet check the box for every conceivable adjective regarding quick Maintains burst and balance through holes
Lets blocking develop before finding a hole and bouncing it outside if it collapses
Cons:
Gruesome broken leg in 2014 before breaking his arm this past season
Average hands as a pass catcher
Isn’t a viable three down option out of the gate Size alone doesn’t project him as a serious goal line option; rather, a COP back
Drops show up on film
Fails to consistently see cutback opportunities
Struggled to pick up blitzers in pass pro Pro comp: Charles Sims Draft projection: 5th round
Nelson Spruce, WR (Colorado): The California native is one the most receivers in Pac-12 history as the conference’s all-time leader in receptions with 294. The Buffs’ offensive struggles in 2015 limited Spruce’s production (84 catches for 942 yards and three touchdowns) but he proceeded to finish as the school’s all-time leader in receptions, yards (3,347), and touchdowns (23). He holds or shares more than 38 school records. Pros:
Incredible level of production
Consistent player and producer
Only three drops in the last 288 targets Above average size (6’1” 206)
Sticks his foot in the ground and changes direction after the catch, making defenders miss
Precision route runner who can find the holes in zone Dependable, good-sized hands (10”)
Looks to turn up field immediately after the catch
Willing blocker who knows how to punch through defenders Maneuvers through traffic well across the middle
Tracks balls into his hands with good hand eye coordination
Cons:
Hard not to get caught up in production
Disappointing straight-line is highlighted by his 4.69 40
Doesn’t have that second gear to pull away from defenders Limited lateral ability; isn’t going to beat defenders that way
Little to no explosive ability
Corners are able to sit on his routes due to his inability to beat them over the top Pro comp: Jordan Shipley Draft projection: 6th round
Wendell Smallwood, RB (West Virginia): In 38 career games, Smallwood rushed for 2,462 yards and 12 touchdowns and hauled in 68 receptions for 618 yards. He was the Big 12’s leading rusher this past season with 1,519 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground and 26 receptions for 160 yards. Pros:
Experience as a returner
Solid length (30 ½”) despite measuring at 5’10”
Receiving threat out of the backfield Plus straight-line speed
Runs with a good forward lean
Good zone runner who hits the hole hard Solid lateral athlete who can escape danger
Aggressive runner who puts his head down and runs through defenders
Beats defenders to the edge Was asked to pass protect and excelled
Cons:
Involved in a case surrounding a murder committed by his friend Marginal athleticism
Thinner frame that stands to add more bulk
Isn’t going to make defenders miss in the open field
Projects as more of a platoon or COP back Upright runner between the tackles
Limited cut ability Pro comp: Kenjon Barner Draft projection: 7th round
Trae Elston, SS (Ole Miss): ESPN rated Elston Alabama’s 12th best product, earning an invitation to the Under Armour All -American game. He played in 50 games (43 starts) from 2012-2015, finishing with 252 tackles, one sack, 11 TFL, two forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, 24 PBUs, and five interceptions. He earned Freshman All -American honors as ESPN recognized him as the hardest hitting freshman in the SEC and first his career as an All-American and All-SEC honoree. Pros:
High level of production throughout his career
Aggressive, downhill player against the run
Gets his hands on receives down the field Rangy player who can close space
Physical defenders who fights for 50/50 balls
Solid field awareness Breaks down in the open field before making a solid tackle attempt
Hard-hitter who doesn’t shy away from contact
Plus ability to high point the ball
Cons:
Undersized (5’11” 195)
Loafs in pursuit when the opportunities are there Disoriented footwork in coverage lands him in trouble
Hesitant in recognition and flow to the ball
Stiff athlete who fails to click-and-close at a desirable speed Gets his eyes caught in the backfield as his man runs by him
Pro comp: Draft projection: 7th round-Undrafted
Brandon Allen, QB (Arkansas): Allen entered the Razorbacks programs as a highly touted prep quarterback. He completed 57.4 percent of his career passes, throwing for 7,463 and a school record 64 touchdowns against 26 interceptions while his streak of 34 starts is the most for a quarterback in school history. He the second highest single-season completion percentage in Razorback history at 65.9 percent. Pros:
Well-built frame (6’1” 217) that can take a hit
Completion percentage rose nearly 10 percent from 2014 to 2015
48 completions of 20+ yards Rhythm passer
Ideal over-the-top release that finishes with a snap
Deceptive arm strength, squeezing the ball in tight windows Throws a heavy ball with great velocity
Balls has great velocity as the throws get longer
Maintains mechanics and ball placement on the run Sets up in the pocket quickly
Engages torso and legs which allows for accurate shots down the field
Plus ball placement who rarely makes receivers work Great touch on long balls with the ability to drop it in the bucket
Cons:
Short by NFL standards Hand size (8 7/8”) may be cause for concern
Played behind the biggest line in all of football, NFL included
Would like to see him take more 1-on-1 chances Occasionally takes questionable chances
Needs to use his eyes to move defenders around as he often locks on to his target
Played in a system heavily reliant on play action
Panics when pocket closes, bring it down rather than hanging in for a tick longer Pro comp: Aaron Murray Draft projection: 5th round
Jordan Lucas, SS (Penn State): The three star prospect via Scout and Rivals also spent time at running back as a prep from New York. He finished his career as a Nittany Lion with 181 tackles, 11 TFL, four sacks, three interceptions, and three forced fumbles in 46 games (34 starts). He is a two time honorable mention All-Big 10 selection (2013 and 2014). Pros:
Team captain
Offers positional versatility as a former corner
Takes precise angles Physical player who finishes through tackle attempts with a thud
Aggressive downhill player against the run
Closes on the ball in a hurry Plus route recognition
Fluid, functional athlete with the feet to transition well
Does a solid job of mirroring receivers Quick ability to click-and-close
Cons:
Lacks ideal length (30 1/8”) Hesitant to react and trust his instincts when the opportunity is there
Bigger blockers pose a bigger threat when he needs to disengage for run support
Gets his hands on guys too far down the field Needs to be a more consistent form tackler
Poor strength at the POA Pro comp: Draft projection: 7th round-Undrafted
Dan Vitale, H-Back (Northwestern): The elite athlete from Illinois was a top 200 recruit as an athlete and corner back, while spending time as a wide receiver. He played as a “super back” in the Wildcats offense (hybrid fullback/tight end), finishing his career with 135 receptions for 1,427 yards and 11 touchdowns. Vitale was no stranger to accolades either: he was a Big 10 All-Freshman selection in 2012 before earning honorable mention (2014) and second team (2015) All-Big 10 honors. Pros:
Special teams expeiernce
3x Academic All-Big 10
Listed as a “superback” on the Wildcats’ roster who lined up virtually everywhere Impressive athlete with desirable straight-line speed
Plus COD
Flashes good burst off the line Deceptive speed with slot abiltiy
Refined blocker who gets his inside and keeps legs moving
Solid route running who can find the open windows Can make contested catches
Effective blockers in pass pro
Cons:
Relatively undersized (6’1” 239)
Only six carries
Often slows or speeds up to adjust to balls due to lack of length (31 ¾”) and catch radius Won’t explode out of breaks or accelerate past defenders after the catch
Isn’t much of a dog in a 1-on-1 blocking situations, lacking tenacity and physicality
Struggles as an in-line blocker Fails to create at the top of his routes
Pro comp: James Casey Draft projection: 7th round-Undrafted
Avery Young, OT (Auburn): Young was highly rated by ESPN, Rivals, and Scout, earning four stars nods, as an Under Armour All-American. Aside from center, Young saw action at every positon along the offensive line as he played in 37 games (36 starts) and earned third team All-SEC honors this past season. Pros:
Size is a major plus (6’5” 328) with big hands (10 ½”)
Has spent time at guard and tackle
Delivers powerful strike to defenders Solid run blocker who keeps feet active
Strong anchor that holds against bull rush
Effective puller who gets to the second level with ease Moves well in short areas
Flashes the ability to pick and peel
Quick out of stance, launching himself into defenders’ frame
Cons:
Short, choppy kick slide
Unbalanced player who can be easily moved Speedy edge rushers can beat him due to his opening too quickly
Below average athleticism as a tackle
Stiff leg bend Pro comp: Zebrie Sanders Draft projection: 7th round
Lawrence Thomas, DE (Michigan State): The Rivals.com, SuperPrep, PrepStar, Under Armour, and MaxPreps All-American finished his career as a Spartan with 72 tackles, 9.5 TFL, six sacks, six PBUs, and a fumble recovery; he also caught seven passes for 78 yards a redshirt freshman fullback. He played in 47 games (30 starts). Pros:
Solid build (6’3” 286) who combines elite athleticism
Meaty hands (10 1/8”) with solid length (33 ¼”)
Projects as an end or tackle at the next level Plus upper body strength
Has played along the Spartans’ defense
Desirable motor who uses strength reactive athleticism to beat defenders on the edge Remains active in the interior, keeping his linebackers clean
Lateral ability and bend serve him well as a pass rusher
Works for better positioning
Cons:
Production doesn’t match the traits
Pass rusher who mistimes moves and hands Slow to disengage
Lacks a true plan as a rusher who wastes movement
Needs to be more productive in the backfield
Raw product who needs to put the pieces to the puzzle Pro comp: Mitch King Draft projection: 7th round
Tyvis Powell, FS (Ohio State): The Defensive MVP of the 2015 National Championship earned honorable mention All-Big 10 this past season. He played 42 career games (33 starts), finishing with 195 tackles, 3.5 TFL, five sacks, eight interceptions, and nine PBUs. Pros:
Good size prospect (6’3” 211) with equal length
Twitchy player with solid range
Solid closing speed Good aiming point, getting his hands on guys in press
Can man the defensive secondary in deep coverage
Aggressive player who looks to may a play in the run game Dependable slot defender
Breaks down and keeps action in front of him
Tracks the ball well with the ability to pluck it out of the air
Cons:
Credited with 13 missed or broken tackles this past season
Takes poor angles to the ball
Susceptible to stutter steps and head fakes Can afford to be more downhill in the run game
Leads with head in tackling attempts Pro comp: Thomas DeCoud Draft projection: 6th round
James Bradberry, CB (Samford): Bradberry originally signed with Arkansas State out of high school, choosing to redshirt as a freshman in 2011, before transferring to Samford. He earned first (2015) and second (2014) team All -Sun Belt honors after intercepting four passes and breaking up 15 passes in the two combined seasons. Pros:
Lengthy corner with a solid build (6’1” 211)
Tracks the ball and times his jump
Fluid footwork which allows him to transition with ease Aggressive against the run and a finisher as a tackler
Uses the sideline as an extra defender, squeezing his man outside
Wins in press with length and solid aiming point Can reroute receivers on the snap
Understands zone coverage and routes developing in front of him
Balanced turn-and-run ability High points the ball with ease
Cons:
Questions surrounding his level of competition Struggles to pick up route combinations
Has opportunities to be aggressive but remains passive
Isn’t a consistent form tackler, often lowering his head upon contact
Doesn’t fly and react to the ball Fails to unlock his lower half and change direction
Pro comp: Khalid Wooten Draft projection: 5th round
Marshaun Coprich, RB (Illinois State): The do it all back from San Bernardino, CA leaves as one the FCS’ most distinguished backs ever. Illinois State’s all-time leader in rushing yards (5,195), attempts (926), touchdowns (59), all-purpose yards (5,800), points scored (362) and total touchdowns (60) owns every single-season rushing record and ranks second in MVFC history in yards and touchdowns. He was the FCS OPOY this past season and is a two time first team All-American. Pros:
Thickly built with a strong lower half
Burst out of cuts
Balanced runner with a low center of gravity Offers solid zone potential
Light feet make for a fluid runner
Squeezes through the holes Incredibly productive career that will catch the eye of scouts
Adequate job of breaking tackles, requiring more than one defender to bring him down
Possesses the vision to find the cutback lane Hits the next level through the holes
Cons:
Caught selling marijuana to undercover police officer Execs will look deeper into production against FCS teams
Short (5’9”)
Lacks desirable strength in pass pro Marginal top end speed
Would like to see him lower his head and run through contact
Doesn’t finish as many runs as he should Pro comp: Thomas Rawls Draft projection: 7th round
Jatavis Brown, ILB (Akron): Brown helped guide Glades Central High School to Florida State Championship as a senior before completing an illustrious career as a Zip. He compiled 345 tackles, 18 sacks, 41.5 TFL, 10 forced fumbles, one interception, and four PBUs, earning All-MAC honors from 2013-2015. He was the conference’s DPOY this past season. Pros:
Posted a 4.47 40 at the regional combine
Committed only two penalties over the past two season
Athletic player who can bend and utilize flexibility to get around the edge Valuable special teams experience
Desirable closing speed
Form tackler who loves contact; squares pads on contact Sideline-to-sideline player who excelled in coverage
Physical player who finds the ball
Delivers a powerful blow to blockers at the POA
Cons:
25 missed tackles the last two seasons highlighted by his inconsistent tackling ability; over too aggressive and fails to wrap
Undersized (5’11” 227) with poor length Size suggests a possible move to safety
Late to recognize routes
Tends to bite on play action Struggles to effectively shed blocks
Occasionally puts his head down on tackling attempts Pro comp: D’Qwell Jackson Draft projection: 6th round
Zack Sanchez, CB (Oklahoma): Sanchez was a three star recruit and first team all-state selection (2011) before embarking on his journey as a Sooner. He started 37 of 39 games in his career (missed two as a junior to injury) , totaling 134 tackles, five TFL, half a sack, 15 interceptions, and 28 PBUs. His play earned him All-American honors (2013, 2015) and All-Big 12 honors (2014-2015). Pros:
13 interceptions the last two seasons
Solid play strength who fights screens
Ball hawk who possess all the ball skills you wish to see Intelligent in zone, passing the necessary routes off against combos
Willing form tackler who finishes through attempts
Balanced backpedal Possesses the footwork to mirror receivers in man
Takes adequate angles
Can open his hips and turn and run in press Downhill in run support
Good athlete who’s always looking to make a play on the ball
Plus ability to quickly click-and-close
Cons:
Poor size (5’11” 185) with thin frame
Minimal length (31 3/8”) Gives up too much underneath
Was beaten numerous times, surrendering touchdowns
Lacks the physicality to contest bigger receivers Aggressiveness gets him in trouble
Marginal play strength Pro comp: Asa Jackson Draft projection: 4th round
Kavon Frazier, DB (Central Michigan): The Detroit product finished with 269 tackles, five TFL, three forced fumbles, the fumble recoveries, 16 PBUs, and five interceptions. He saw action in 51 out of 52 games (25 starts) , earning second team All-MAC honors in 2015. Pros:
Thick, muscular frame will wow you
Good length (32 ¼”)
Valued special teams experience Physical player willing to impose his will
Downhill against the run, looking to make a play
Solid closing burst Plus field awareness
Great motor
Impressive ability to start and stop Translates speed to power
Cons:
Play action draws him in Susceptible to double moves and head fakes
Eager to make a play against the run, taking poor angles
Doesn’t do an adequate enough job of challenging receivers at the catch point
Likely limited to strong safety Isn’t much of a rangy defender
Pro comp: James Sample Draft projection: 6th round
Dean Lowry, DE (Northwestern): Lowry earned three star honors via ESPN as a prep star from Illinois. He chose to stay in-state, completing his career as a Wildcat with 134 tackles, 31.5 TFL, 15 sacks, 21 PBUs, 3 forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and one blocked kick in 48 career games (33 starts). He earned Freshman All -Big 10 (2012), honorable mention All-Big 10 (2014), and second team All-Big 10 honors (2015). Pros:
Massive player (6’6” 296) allows for positional versatility
Thick frame
Does a good job turning speed to power Provides backside pursuit and the ability to get down the LOS
Explodes off the ball into blockers with good pad level
Hard edge setter due to violent strike Always active with a great motor
Diagnosis things at a quick rate
Consistently looking to make a play in the back field Finishes through tackle attempts
Cons:
Disappointing length (31”) and hand size (9 3/8”) One dimensional and one speed pass rusher
Stays engaged longer than desired
Stalls if he doesn’t win first Marginal athlete who doesn’t change direction well
Relies on upper body strength and push to make plays
Plays with a narrow base Pro comp: Taylor Hart Draft projection: 7th round
Jonathan Jones, CB (Auburn): Despite earning three star status, Jones established himself as key proponent of the Tigers’ defense. In 45 career games, he compiled 129 tackles, 3.5 TFL, two forced fumbles, 26 passes defended, and seven interceptions. He earned first team All-SEC honors this past season. Pros:
Length better than size suggests (30 ¼”)
Elite straight-line speed
Challenges receivers at the catch point Quick close
Discipline in zone, only trying to make a play when he know he can
Physical player who isn’t afraid to mix it up Can turn and run with anyone
Fluid lower half allows him to mirror receivers and open hips
Doesn’t allow anything behind him Gets his head around in man
Cons:
Six of seven career interceptions came in 2015, outlining inconsistent career production Suffered numerous injuries from 2013-2015
Severely undersized (5’9” 186)
Inconsistent tackler
Concerns regarding matchups against bigger receivers at the next level Struggles to disengage down the field
Doesn’t project much run support
Allows too much cushion in man Pro comp: Jason Verrett Draft projection: 4th round
Anthony Zettel, DT (Penn State): Zettel was a four star recruit and the nation’s number six defensive end via Rivals. He f inished his career tied for number seven in Penn State history with Rich McKenzie (1989-92) with 20 career sacks while his 38 career TFL rank 10th. He also became the first Penn State defensive lineman since at least 1959 with at least three interceptions in a season in 2014. Zettel was an All-Big 10 selection in 2014 (first team) and 2015 (third team). Pros:
Was the only player in the FBS to rank among the national leaders in sacks and interceptions per game in 2014
He was selected as the Lions Pride Outstanding Senior Player Award winner for the greatest career contributions to Penn State football
Versatility; played everywhere along the Lions’ line
Motor is incredible as he never takes a play off
Backside pursuit and ability to get down the LOS are apparent Changes direction and flattens path well
Pushes the pocket and capitalizes on sluggish blockers
Explodes off the ball Succeeded and looked comfortable when asked to drop in coverage
Cons:
Far too light (277 pounds) Length might scare some teams (31 1/8”)
Often out of control when going up field, causing him to over pursue
Limited athleticism
Relies on motor and energy to earn sacks Double teams pose a serious threat
Pro comp: Xavier Cooper Draft projection: 5th round
LeShaun Sims, CB (Southern Utah): The former eight-man footballer parlayed his success into a great career with the Thunderbirds. He was a third team All-Big Sky selection and finished his career with six interceptions. Pros:
Solid height weight combo (6’0” 203)
Had a productive week at the Shrine Game
Transitions well with good timing Crowds guys at the LOS
Shows willingness in the run game
Does a solid job of mirroring receivers
Hips have no issue turning and running Consistently challenges receivers at the LOS by striking and jabbing their frame
Leaves a comfortable gap when trailing receivers
Cons:
Questions regarding level of competition
Average length (31 5/8”)
Slow to disengage and play downhill Aggression leaves more to be desired
Lacks natural hands, dropping sure-fire interceptions
May have issues improving his catching ability due to tiny hands (8 1/8”) Struggles in bail
Pro comp: Carlos Rogers Draft projection: 4th round
Kyle Friend, C (Temple): Friend was the first three-time team captain in the program's history and a first-team All-AAC selection in 2015. Pros:
3x team captain
Drive blocker with tremendous lower body strength
Flashed the ability to get out in space in the screen game Does a solid job sealing and walling off defenders
Plays with a balanced base
Great functional strength
Possesses the feet and athleticism to get to the second level Very quick snap-to-step
Powerful anchor that holds strong against bull rushers
Cons:
Round build (6’2” 305) that lacks length
Length prevents him maintaining blocks
Needs to do things more consistently Lunger who can be knocked off balance
Tends to over extend Pro comp: A.Q. Shipley Draft projection: 5th round
Willie Beavers, OT (Western Michigan): The former three star recruit finished his career as one of the Broncos’ best players. He played in 46 career games (40 consecutive starts) and earned first and second team All -MAC honors (2014-2015). Pros:
Great length (34”)
Held his own against top competition
Remains active and keeps feet moving Efficient down blocker
Fires off the ball as a run blocker
Heavy-handed punch
Fluid athlete with the ability to move in space Plus pass pro ability, sliding and setting up well
Straight-line speedster with necessary quickness
Recovers well if initially beaten Possesses an effective power step to stymie inside rushers and twists
Quick hands remain active, staying on blocks for as long as possible
Cons:
Impatient when letting the action to come to him, causing him to lunge
Inconsistent pad level
Average upper strength Opens too quick against edge defenders
Aiming point will extend outside of pads
Speed and hands rushers give him fits due to a lack of reactive athleticism Tends to engage in a taffy pull
Pro comp: Jamon Brown Draft projection: 5th round
Eric Mac Lain, G (Clemson): Mac’Lain was a former top tight end recruit before making the move to offensive tackle in 2013. He played 38 snaps at tight end as a redshirt freshman, but did not catch a pass ; Mac’Lain earned first team All-ACC honors in 2015. Pros:
Desirable size (6’4” 313)
Has earned high praise from coaches for leadership
Nimble feet Efficient drive blocker
Does a solid job coordinating hands and feet
Good athlete who possesses functional strength Offers positional versatility
Quick feet who can set up in kick slide well
Physical player who looks to dominate
Cons:
Spent only one year at guard
Developmental prospect Fails to consistently win the leverage battle
Sets up in pass pro too high
Lacks spatial movement and awareness
Isn’t a balanced player Draft projection: 7th round-Undrafted
James Cowser, DE (Southern Utah): Another Thunderbird defender with NFL potential, Cowser was a Freshman All -American and honorable mention All-Big Sky selection in 2012 before earning second team honors the following year. In 2014, he broke the conference record for sacks (11.5) as a first team All -American before bettering his senior season (19 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, four forced fumbles). He set FCS records for career sacks (42.5) and tackles for loss (80). Cowser is older than most prospects because he redshirted in 2009 before heading to a two-year LDS church mission. Pros:
Elite level of production that will catch the eyes of many scouts
Big hands (10 ¼”) Played on both sides of the ball
Doesn’t waste time dis engaging
Effective spin move that jumps out at you Active rusher with solid hands and ability to bend around the edge
Lateral ability
Good burst and ability in short areas
Can locate the ball and fight double teams with ease
Cons:
Vastly undersized (6’3” 248) with short arms (32 7/8”) Isn’t a space eater in his up field pass rush
Doesn’t set a hard edge
Fails to bring his feet through at the POA
Needs to learn to sink his hips to maintain power and balance Lacks secondary moves to counter when initial rush stalls
Pro comp: David Bass Draft projection: 6th-7th round
Kolby Listenbee, WR (TCU): The three star prep prospect has a successful background in track as well. In 40 career games, Listenbee hauled in 74 passes for 1,432 yards and nine touchdowns, earning honorable mention All-Big 12 honors (2014) along the way. Pros:
Serious straight-line, deep threat (4.35 40)
Averaged almost 20 yards a catch this past season
Pushes vertical routes and accelerates past corners Fluid, quick feet to release off the LOS
Use of hands to swipe defenders in press and man
Possesses the burst to run under deep balls Wastes very little time getting to top speed
Has a better catch radius than length would suggest
Shows the ability to high point the ball Tracks the ball well, watching it into his hands
Cons:
Wiry frame at 197 pounds Body catcher on intermediate routes
Functional strength shows on film as he struggles to break tackles
Won’t have much of an impact as a run blocker at the next level
Often waits for the ball to come to him Slow out breaks
Lacks physicality to succeed as a down field blocker Pro comp: Chris Owusu Draft projection: 5th round
Darius Latham, DT (Indiana): The U.S. Army All-American finished his career with 81 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 18.5 TFL two fumble recoveries, one interception, seven pass breakups, and two blocked kicks. He played in 35 games (20 starts) as a two time honorable mention All-Big 10 choice (2013, 2015). Pros:
Thick build at 6’4” 311
Great length (34 ¾”)
Has played and made an impact at all positions along the line Creates separation as he scrapes the LOS
Experienced hands that can rip and slap with some power
Desirable motor Serious upper body strength to defeat blockers on the snap, willing early
Combines use of strength and leg drive to push the pocket
POA winner with his ability to disengage in a timely manner Deceptive speed to beat interior blockers
Cons:
Multiple suspensions this past season Committed eight penalties last season
Poor lower body flexibility; can be washed down with relative ease
Doesn’t do a great job of breaking down to finish tackle attempts
Play recognition is behind Fails to track the ball in the back field
Pro comp: DeAngelo Tyson Draft projection: 6th round
Curt Maggitt, OLB (Tennessee): The consensus four star recruit and prep All-American was hampered by injury during his time at Tennessee. He finished his career with 141 tackles, 13.5 sacks, 28.5 TFL, four PBUs, and one forced fumble in only 35 career games (29 starts). He was a second team All -SEC choice in 2014. Pros:
Solid combination of size (6’3” 247) and length (33”)
Meaty hands (10 1/8”)
Looks to win with powerful initial punch Burst off the ball to win off the edge
Good take on strength as he can handle blockers and quickly disengage
Can shift and match elusive runners Anchors down against the run
Powerful closing burst
Possesses good twitch Comfort dropping into coverage
Cons:
Accused of punching former teammate Drae Bowles for assisting a woman who said she was raped
Thin frame at 6’3” 247
Career riddled by injuries
Poor range who won’t make plays sideline-to-sideline Limited athleticism translates to issues in man
Lacks bend off the edge
Effort sacks and didn’t consistently win with tools Pro comp: Draft projection: 7th round
Devon Cajuste, WR (Stanford): The talented New York product finished his career with 90 receptions for 1,589 yards and 14 touchdowns in 46 career games (25 starts). He broke the school record for yards per reception (22.9) as a sophomore. Pros:
17.7 career yards per reception highlight big play ability
Big bodied (6’4” 234) with long arms (33”) and big hands (10 ¾”)
Quick feet allows him to release outside Great ability to track the ball
Possesses the traits and blocking ability to play H-Back
Can high point the ball and use height and timing to win 50/50 balls Willing blocker with functional strength
Clean route runner
Finds a burst at the top of his route Big frame protects him over the middle
Cons:
Tweener size COD and lateral quickness is lacking
Needs to improve his ability to push vertical routes
Doesn’t hit a second burst or accelerate past defenders
Isn’t going to separate from corners Pro comp: Terrance Toliver Draft projection: 5th-6th round
Jordan Payton, WR (UCLA): Payton was another consensus four star, U.S. Army All -American who lived up to the billing. In 52 career games (40 starts), Payton became the school’s career receptions leader (201) as a senior; his 201 receptions went for 2,701 yards and 14 touchdowns. He is a two time honorable mention All-Pac-12 (2014-2015). Pros:
High level of production
Fairly muscular build at 6’1” 207
Big hands (10 1/8”) Space eater off the LOS
Extends to catch balls away from his body
Takes advantage of smaller corners using his physicality Stays in front of defenders when blocking
Good strides and straight-line speed to provide down field potential (14 catches of 25+ plus yards this past season)
Creates separation as a blocker, allowing him to control defenders Strong, active hands keep defenders off of him
Refined route runner who can create separation
Cons:
Top end speed isn’t going to scare anyone
Struggles to shake defenders in man
Corners have shown their ability to sit on his routes Offense created separation for him at the intermediate level
Very little to offer as a runner in terms of elusiveness
Takes too long for him to turn on the burners Pro comp: Shaq Evans Draft projection: 6th round
Jake McGee, TE (Florida): McGee is used to new beginnings: he was a high school quarterback and defensive back before moving to tight as a freshman in 2010. He also signed with Virginia but transferred after the 2013 season; he earned honorable mention All-ACC honors in 2012. He finished his career with 112 receptions for 1,150 yards and 11 touchdowns in only 37 career games. Pros:
Good size (6’5” 250)
Huge catch radius as he can go down low and snag passes out of the air
Possesses adequate speed to split the seam Will create separation across the middle
Great tracking ability
Has flashed the ability to bend and dip around press Athleticism projects him as a “move” tight end
Terrific hands as a consistent pass catcher
Quick off the LOS
Cons:
24 years old
Doesn’t earn much after the catch Choppy route runner with clunky feet
Poor run blocker who will duck his head into contact
Sustaining blocks is a huge issue as defenders can have their way with him Isn’t going to challenge anyone vertically
Pro comp: Daniel Hardy Draft projection: 7th round
Nate Sudfeld, QB (Indiana): California’s 23rd rated prep prospect (ESPN) is the most prolific passer in Hoosier history: first in passing touchdowns (61), passing yardage (7,879), 350-yard games (6), 300-yard games (11), 250-yard games (13), 200-yard games (19), four-touchdown games (5) and three-touchdown games (10), tied for first in 400-yard games (1), second in completion percentage (60.3) and completions (593), third in total offense (8,011) and fourth in attempts (983) on IU’s career lists in 37 games (26 starts). He finished with eight rushing scores and a 144.1 passing efficiency mark, which ranks ninth in Big Ten history. He earned honorable mention Freshman All-Big 10 honors (2012) and third team honors (2015) in his career. Pros:
Three year starter
Tremendous size (6’6” 234) that warrants a serious look Successful rhythm passer
Functionally strong
Doesn’t make his receivers work very hard Big armed passer who can step up and deliver a strike
Physical runner who isn’t afraid to earn yards
Displays great touch, allowing guys to run underneath his throws Able to get the ball out on time while avoiding sacks
Zips the ball from the opposite hash
Cons:
Long arms create a windup throwing motion
Isn’t mechanically sound due to a wide base
Noticeable struggles against the blitz Will force some throws if his first read isn’t open; trusts his arm too much at times
Doesn’t engage his torso and lower half in his throws, causing him to push the ball
Above ‘con’ also leads to balls sailing on him
Ability to scan the field is lacking, often bird-dogging his primary guy Pro comp: Tom Brandstater Draft projection: 6th-7th round
Brandon Shell, OT (South Carolina): The Parade and U.S. Army All-American was a highly touted, home-grown prospect; he played in 52 career games and started the third most games in school history (48). He earned Freshman All -American and All-SEC honors in 2012. Pros:
Strong NFL bloodlines
2x Academic All-SEC
Started his final 47 games Checks all the intangibles boxes (6’5” 324; 34 ¾” arms; 10 ¾” hands)
Reliable strength and anchor to have an impact in the run game
Moves well from combo blocks Carriers his weight well with good quickness on the snap
Adequate kick slide
Patient player who allows defenders to come to him before snapping his hands into their frame
Uses his length to create separation and elongate the arc of edge rushers
Cons:
Feet tend to slow or stop in pass pro Plays with poor balance
Lacks the necessary reactive athleticism to pick up stunts
Aiming point needs to improve Sluggish feet make it hard for him to recover
Waist-bender
Lack of coordination between feet and hands Pro comp: Billy Turner Draft projection: 6th round
Cleveland Wallace, CB (San Jose State): Rivals’ 84th rated California prospect originally signed with Washington, where he played in nine games as a redshirt freshman and intercepted his first career pass. He completed his career as a Spartan, playing in 35 total games and intercepting five passes as a second team All-MW selection (2014). Pros:
Long build with solid length
Patient player who keeps everything in front of him
Moves well in zone with good spatial awareness Always looking to make a play when necessary
Challenges receivers at the catch point; possesses good ball skills
Does a great job of reading and playing route combos Exceptional closing speed and COD
Twitchy hips allow him to turn and run in press
Solid long speed
Cons:
Little to no functional power or strength
Inconsistent in getting his head around in man Lack of size (5’11” 188) leads to him getting bodied by bigger, more physical receivers
Terrible tackler who missed or didn’t finish 20% of tackle attempts this past season
Relies on athleticism at times
Isn’t much of a willing tackler Choppy click-and-close
Pro comp: Ryan Steed Draft projection: 7th round-Undrafted
Caleb Benenoch, OT (UCLA): The four star recruit played in 39 games (35 starts) as a Bruin, earning second team Freshman All -American (2013) and honorable mention All-Pac-12 honors (2014). Pros:
Solid recovery ability, working himself back into the action
Effective down blocker
Works well along the backside, executing cutoff blocks Packs power behind his pads and plays with a mean streak
Anchor holds strong against a bull rush
Possesses the lateral speed to be an effective zone blocker
Fluid feet to mirror pass rushers Good motor, playing to the whistle
Plays with a desirable knee bend
Winner at the POA with good aiming point and length to create separation
Cons:
Panics against speed rushers, causing him to over compensate and allowing them to hump inside
Incredibly lean at 305 pounds; likely won’t add much girth in his upper body
Will overextend
Catches defenders and struggles to maintain control; leaner
Offers little as a drive blocker Opens too quickly in pass pro
Inconsistent bend that will occur at the waist Pro comp: Takoby Cofield Draft projection: 7th round-Undrafted
Alex Redmond, G (UCLA): Redmond, the four star and highly-rated Western region prep prospect, started 31 games at UCLA. He was a two time honorable mention All-Pac-12 selection (2013-2014) and a Freshman All-American (2013) while his 13 starts as a true freshman tied a record for most starts at said grade. Pros:
Quick set up with hands at good height
Knee bender with strong anchor
Possesses quality functional athleticism Gets to the second level in a hurry
Solid lateral mover who can execute his kick out assignment
Fluid punch that lands inside the defenders’ frame Moves well through traffic
Aggressive player who is always looking to win
Balanced and agile blocker Maintains speed when pulling
Cons:
Questions surrounding his suspension Plays with too much of a forward lean; weight gets over his toes
Very little power in his game
Stronger defensive tackles will likely impose their will
Base narrows, causing him to lose the leverage battle Light (294 pounds)
Defenders knock him back a step or two when they strike Pro comp: Trevor Canfield Draft projection: 7th round-Undrafted
Ryan Malleck, TE (Virginia Tech): Malleck was a three star recruit who finished his career with 62 receptions for 658 yards and four touchdowns. Pros:
Special teams contributor
3x team captain
Only one drop the last two seasons Consistent ability to sustain blocks
Strong, balanced runner who requires more than one guy to take him down
Understand body positions as a blocker
Dependable hands Does a nice job of sinking into routes
Physical run blocker
Releases off the LOS with little wasted movement
Cons:
Functional power and speed hinder his draft stock
Fails to engage his lower half as a run blocker Athleticism is below par
Likely limited to being the “Y”
Doesn’t adjust to balls outside of his catch radius well Pro comp: Tyler Kroft Draft projection: 7th round-Undrafted
Ka’imi Fairbairn, K (UCLA): Fairbairn far outplayed his two star recruiting rating as the Lou Groza Award winner became the Pac-12’s all-time leading scorer in 2015; he finished his career by connecting on 41 straight field goal attempts from 35 yards and in. The first team All-American’s (2015) 60 yarder against Cal was the longest in school history and the longest ever in a Pac-12 game. The first Bruin to score 100+ points in four consecutive seasons was the KOS from 2013-2015. Pros:
Pac-12’s all-time leading scorer
Has never had a kick blocked
Numbers improved each season Only one missed PAT (94-95) over the last two seasons
Led all kickers in the 2015 draft class with 59 touchbacks from 84 kickoffs
100% (16-16) on all kicks inside the 40 31-32 on kicks inside the 40 over the last two seasons
No kickoffs went out of bounds
70% touchback rate Made 41 consecutive kicks inside the 35
Cons:
Made only 54.5% of kicks from 40 and beyond over the last two seasons Field goal percentage dropped six points between 2012 and 2013
Missed three kicks in the fourth quarter last season Draft projection: 5th round
Ross Martin, K (Duke): Martin is a three-time honorable mention All-American via Sports Illustrated. He finished career holding Duke career records for field goals made (78), field goals attempted (93), field goal percentage (.893), field goals of 50+ yards made (8), PATs (196), consecutive PATs made (152) and total points (430). Martin also set Duke single-season records for field goals made (26 in 2015), field goals attempted (30 in 2015), points (120 in 2015) and field goals of 50+ yards made (4 in 2015). Pros:
Holds numerous school records
Has never had a kicked block
Handled kick off duties for first three years 13 special teams tackles
Connected on a 60 yarder at the Senior Bowl
Finished his career by converting 78-93 field goals (89.3%) 8-10 from 50 and beyond in his career
13-16 from 40 and beyond in his career
Made 90.5% and 86.7% of kicks in his final two seasons Cons:
Very few kicks were touchbacks
Lost kickoff duties during his junior season Kickoff average was only 60 yards
Had two kicks returned for two touchdowns Draft projection: 7th round
Drew Kaser, P (Texas A&M): The nation’s number four prep punter set school records for season punt average (47.5) and punts inside the 20 (22) in 2015 and 2014 respectively; he also broke Shane Lechler’s 16 year record of coffin corner punts. Kaser earned first team All-SEC honors in 2013 and 2015. Pros:
Solid athlete with good build (6’2” 212)
Career long of 70 yards
17 of the last 24 games featured a punt of 53+ yards 46.3 career yards per punt average
17% of punts landed inside the 10
Five of 11 games featured a punt of 60+ yards Adjusts to snaps well
Keeps head down and eye on the ball all the way through the punt
Does a good job stepping into and finishing through the ball Dependable hands that rarely drop or mishandle the ball
Cons:
Nine punts went for touchback in 2015 Often outkicked his coverage unit
Directional punting is occasionally inconsistent
Almost 38% of his punts were returned last season Draft projection: 6th-7th round
Tom Hackett, P (Utah): Hackett was phenomenal as a two-time Ray Gay Award winner. He is first Ray Guy Award winner in Utah and Pac-12 history and the only two-time consensus All-American in school history. He is three-time first-team All-Pac-12 punter after being named to the Pac-12 All-Century Football Team and finishing with most career punt yards in school history (10,933). Hackett tied the school record for career punts (242) among the numerous school records he set. Pros:
Landed 45.9 percent of his punts inside the 20-yard line
Finished with 22 percent of his punts inside the 10-yard line
Averaged 45.2 yards over his career 68 career punts of 50+ yards set the school record and included four punts of 70+ yards
Placed 43.2% of his career punts inside the 20 (102-of 236)
48 inside the 10-yard line 18 inside the 5-yard line
Traditional and rugby-style punter
Cons:
A bit of awkward build (5’10” 198)
Often takes a while from snap to kick
Unsure if fake success (4-4) will translate to the next level due to lack of athleticism Hard to judge hang-time
Draft projection: 5th-6th round
Charone Peake, WR (Clemson): The talented prep receiver was a consensus top 100 player and USA Today All -American. His career was hampered by injuries, but he finished with 99 receptions for 1172 yards and 10 touchdowns in 51 career games. Pros:
Attractive build (6’2” 209) with serious length (34”)
Strong at the catch point as he won’t lose many 50/50 balls
Hits the burst at the top of his route to pull away from defenders Large catch radius with the ability to track the ball into his hands
Long speed will challenge defenses vertically
Toughness over the middle and ability to work in space signal his impact at all levels Sound route runner who leaves defenders guessing
Freezes defenders with head fakes
Willing and physical blocker Natural hands
Cons:
Set back by two career knee injuries Never put the tools together to turn in production
Inconsistent hands are highlighted by his drop rate of 9.1 percent
Shows the know-how to work in space but struggles to consistently find the holes in zone
Fails to execute to a viable release against press
Slows when tracking the ball down the field Pro comp: Michael Floyd Draft projection: 3rd round
T.J. Green, FS (Clemson): The two star Alabama product tallied 118 tackles, 5.5 TFL, one sack, one interception, three passes defended, and two forced fumbles in 31 career games; he also returned 24 kickoffs for 505 yards. Pros:
Possesses the triangle traits with size (6’2” 209), length (32”), and speed (4.34 40)
Success in the box, mixing it up with physical blockers
Takes the proper angles in run support Projects as an impact defender in man with his triangle traits
Dependable ball skills
Solid kick return experience
High motor play who catch guys from behind Provides a burst off the edge
Efficient blitzer who can turn the corner off the edge
Rangy cover player
Cons:
This past season was his one and only year as a starter
Registered 17 missed or broken tackles this past season Gets lost in zone and fails to trust his instincts
Appears to be one trick pony who relies on speed over legitimate coverage ability
Played solely as a high safety and wasn’t asked to do much outside of that realm Terrible tendency of leading with his head and shoulder on tackle attempts
Pro comp: Myron Lewis Draft projection: 4th round
Keyarris Garrett, WR (Tulsa): Garrett set Daingerfield High School records (Daingerfield, TX) before becoming a star at Tulsa. He caught 219 passes for 3209 yards and 22 touchdowns in 45 career games (36 starts) while his 1,588 receiving yards led the nation as a first team All-C-USA member. Pros:
Tremendous size (6’3” 220) and length (34 ½ ”)
28 catches of 20+ yards this past season
Plus route running Wins with timing and ability to high point the ball
Bodies corners and overpowers them with physicality
Pushes vertical routes with long speed, getting on top of corners Strides eat cushion
Initial quickness off the line
Length creates a catch radius that allows to snag poorly throw passes and pluck them out of the air
Jump ball and 50/50 winner
Cons:
13 drops over the last two seasons Small hands (9”)
Doesn’t possesses consistent enough route running to challenge at all three levels
Likely questions surrounding offensive system and level of competition Has had his career hindered injuries
Lacks the desired burst out of breaks
Defenders can challenge him at the catch point Pro comp: Mark Harrison Draft projection: 4th-5th round
D.J. White, CB (Georgia Tech): Rated as a three star prospect from, White stayed in-state. In 48 career games (34 starts), White finished with 162 tackles, 3.5 TFL, five forced fumbles, 21 passes defended, and seven interceptions. He was an honorable mention All-ACC selection in 2014. Pros:
Team captain
Works well in short areas due to his quickness and COD
Solid straight-line speed Physical player who constantly looks to force turnovers in the run game
Shows no reservations as a tackler against the run
Plus field awareness Ball skills stand out with the ability to high point and track the ball
Plays all coverages well with balance and awareness
Technician who doesn’t let anything get past him Leaves just enough distance when trailing
Coordinated defender who plays the ball at the catch point
Cons:
Size and length combo are average (5’11” 193; 31 ½”)
Relies on arm tackles against the run
Hesitant to attack on things in front of him, allowing receivers to make a move
More quick than fast Recovery and closing speed need improvement
Functional strength may present matchup issues Pro comp: Alphonso Smith Draft projection: 3rd round
Cardale Jones, QB (Ohio State): Although Jones struggled early as a Buckeye, he came in for the injured J.T. Barrett in the 2014-15 season and beat Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship Game, proceeding to lead the Buckeyes to a national title. Jones finished the year completing 60 percent of his throws for 860 yards and seven touchdowns against two interceptions, adding 296 yards and a score on the ground. He struggled in the first half of the season (1,460 passing yards, 62.5 percent on completions, eight TD, five INT; 193 yards, two TD rushing in eight starts) before being pulled for Barrett. Pros:
Terrific size (6’5” 253) and frame with desirable bulk
The stage is never too big for him; displays confidence and calm Footwork improved as he was able to shuffle and slide in the pocket
Makes smart decisions
Reading progressions improved between 2014 and 2015 Accuracy and touch down the field were on display
Hangs in the pocket and keeps his eyes down the field
Huge arm coupled with the confidence to take shots down the field
Throws a heavy ball with great velocity Can escape the pocket and earn tough yards with his feet
Cons:
Lacks the starting experience
Accuracy and ball placement issues when throwing on the run
Maturity issues regarding off the field issues
Red zone accuracy issues Was benched this past due to his poor play
Bird-dogs his primary target and fails to look defenders off
Threw when feet weren’t set as pocket collapsed, causing passes to sail Internal clock needs refinement
Pro comp: John Skelton Draft projection: 4th round
Ben Braunecker, TE (Harvard): The Indiana native hauled in 68 receptions for 1168 yards and 10 touchdowns in 25 games as an FCS first team All-American (2015). Pros:
Good size (6’3” 250)
Tracks the ball well and possesses a good catch radius
Possesses a mean streak Solid route runner who can adjust on the go
Can create separation against linebackers and split the seam
Efficient cut out of breaks
Physical blocker who looks dominate in the run game Will have an impact after the catch as a solid athlete who can score
Finishes through the whistle as a blocker
Cons:
Questions regarding level of competition
Speed is lacking and likely won’t translate to much success at the next level
Body catcher Strength as an inline blocker will be tested at the next level
Stiffer athlete who won’t beat defenders laterally Pro comp: Jake Stoneburner Draft projection: 5th-6th round
Willie Henry, DT (Michigan): In 35 career games (22 starts), the two sport prep star from rival state Ohio finished with 86 tackles, 10 sacks, 18.5 TFL, one PBU, and one interceptions. Henry was an honorable mention All-Big 10 honoree this past season. Pros:
Good length (33 3/8”) with huge hands (10 7/8”) that deliver a serious blow
Versatility having played inside and outside
Tremendous motor that allows him to get down the LOS Possesses the up field burst you wish to see from an interior pass rusher
Moves like he’s less than 300 pounds
Functional athleticism is impressive Sits on down blocks and stymies their efforts
Balanced player who wastes no movement in stunts
Wins with plus pad level on the snap Explosive closing burst
Uses his strong anchor to control gaps
Cons:
Occasional waist bender who leans on blockers
Won as a pass rusher with motor over moves and counter moves
Base narrows on flowing to sweeps
Committed five encroachment penalties this past season Turns his shoulders when trying to get through gaps
Often engages in taffy pull
Late to recognize action Pro comp: Ego Ferguson Draft projection: 3rd round
Beau Sandland, TE (Montana): Sandland was the nation’s top JUCO tight end prospect in 2012 before signing with the Hurricanes, where he played sparingly. In his only season as a Bobcat, he snagged 37 passes for 632 yards and nine touchdowns, earning All-American and first team All-Big Sky honors. Pros:
Solid triangle traits (6’4” 243; 34”; 4.74)
Big hands (10 1/8”)
Scored on every 4.1 receptions this past season Creates separation at the top of his routes
Physical run blocker who works to get hands inside
Long strides allow him to build speed and split the middle Able to eat space off the line
Looks to gain yards after the catch
Quick off the LOS Strong runner who requires multiple defenders to bring him down
Excels at high pointing the ball
Cons:
Questions regarding level of competition
Lack of overall college experience
Occasional body catcher
Base will narrow as a run blocker causing him to fall off blockers Doesn’t possess an effective second gear
Route running needs refinement Pro comp: Kyle Rudolph Draft projection:
Jaydon Mickens, WR (Washington): The Los Angeles native finished second in school history with 203 receptions for 2,187 yards, the fifth most, in 53 games (35 starts) as a Huskie. Mickens also carried the ball 32 times for 190 yards and three touchdowns and returned 19 kicks for 408 yards. Pros:
Jitterbug quickness and agility
Dependable hands who holds on to the ball after a big hit
Mixes defensive backs with multiple head fakes and quick feet Everything he does is fast
Crossing and out breaking routes create separation
Burst off the LOS Straight-line speed allows him to quickly eat space and get over the top of corners
Whips in out of breaks
Cons:
Size and strength limits him to the outside (5’11” 170)
Occasionally runs routes with no plan, relying on speed
Limited play strength with the inability to break tackles Often drops passes he shouldn’t
Has made his mark as an athlete rather than a receiver Pro comp: Chris Harper Draft projection: 7th round
Daryl Worley, DB (West Virginia): The Philly native played in 33 career games and finished with 143 tackles, nine TFL, 10 interceptions, 11 PBUs, one fumble recovery, and two forced fumbles. Worley was a first team All -Big 12 selection in 2015. Pros:
Good size (6’1” 204)and length (33 3/8”)
Praised by coaches for his work ethic
Fights blocks well and shows no fear on contact Plus spatial awareness allows him to take smart angles
Consistent 50/50 winner
Tracks the ball well and finishes plays Physical player who looks to impose his will
Delivers a pop behind his pads
Plays with desirable reactive quickness Instinctual player who knows when to take chances away from his assignment
Cons:
Shoulder injury in 2014 that required surgery Suspended for 2015 bowl game due to academics
Arrested on a misdemeanor battery charge in 2014
Poor lower half mechanic’s; feet and hips aren’t in sync
Doesn’t offer much downhill potential against the run Allows too much space in underneath routes and when trailing
Likely limited to press Pro comp: Brian Jackson Draft projection: 6th round
Stephen Weatherly, OLB (Vandy): The prep DE/OLB also spent time as a receiver. In 36 career games (21 starts), Weatherly racked up 120 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 27 TFL, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and four PBUs. Pros:
Great size (6’4” 267) and length (34 ½”)
Has experience standing up and with his hand in the ground
Pursues to the ball in a hurry Tremendous closing speed
Translates speed to power like very few in this class
Adequate strider with good long speed
Straight-line athlete who can quickly cover short areas Lightening quick off the edge
Fights across the face of down blocks
Has looked comfortable in coverage
Cons:
Tweener
Doesn’t possess much functional strength Struggles to disengage in a timely manner
Lacks a heavy handed punch to neutralize blockers
Ability to bend is just average Needs to get better at pushing the pocket and collapsing tackles
Hesitant pass rusher who relies on speed rather than a designated plan Pro comp: Jerry Hughes Draft projection: 6th round
Luther Maddy, DT (Virginia Tech): Maddy was not highly recruited, but he earned All -ACC honors from 2013-2015 and finished with 175 tackles, 29.5 TFL, 14 sacks, two PBUS, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Pros:
First step stands out immediately
Plays all four quarters and is a non-stop hustler
Possesses an effective, refined spin move Leverage winner
Explodes off the ball
Functionally strong interior player who wins at the POA
Locks out against blockers and keeps his eyes on back field action Athletic player who can stunt and get from gap to gap with ease
Twitchy player who moves well in short areas
Gets down the LOS well; looks to make plays down the field
Cons:
Serious concerns surrounding size (6’0” 287)
Small hands (9”) Torn meniscus (2014)
Fails to finish tackle and sack attempts
Swarmed by double teams Struggles to beat interior blockers as is often uprooted
Lacks the counter moves to win as a pass rusher
Allows blockers into his frame, struggling to shed them Upper body flexibility is missing
Pro comp: Mike Daniels Draft projection: 5-6th round
Juston Burris, CB (NC State): The talented North Carolinian racked up 121 tackles, five TFL, three interceptions, 15 PBUs, one fumble recovery, and two forced fumbles in 41 consecutive starts. Pros:
Solid height/weight combo (6’0” 212)
Durable player who started 41 straight games
Quarterbacks completed only 34.1 percent of passes against him (44 targets) Surrendered only one touchdown
Finishes as a tackler (allowed no broken tackles)
Constantly looking to play against the run; hard downhill player
Attacks ball carriers rather than catching them Quick click-and-close
Sufficient form tackler
Plays longer than length would suggest, knock receivers off balance in press Keeps everything accounted for underneath
Can recognize and cut off routes
Cons:
Four pass interference penalties supports his tendency to become grabby down the field
Frustrating inability to finish interceptions that should be caught
Inconsistent base Overaggressive style results in trying to jump too many routes
High and unbalanced backpedal
Lacks the desired long speed Needs a long runway to get to top speed
Pro comp: Jabari Price Draft projection: 3rd-4th round
Ricardo Louis, WR (Auburn): Louis was a highly rated, dual threat prep athlete who made his impact felt at Auburn. He caught 98 balls for 1,338 yards and eight touchdowns and added another 578 and two on the ground in 49 games (25 starts) as a Tiger. Pros:
Good straight-line speed (4.43 40)
Combination of size (6’2” 215) and athleticism will draw looks
Elusive ball carrier who can make defenders miss and beat them to the edge Fluid ability to create separation; sells head fakes and uses twitchy hips
Possesses the spatial awareness to utilize feet along sideline
Desirable hand-eye coordination to track and look the ball all the way in Solid burst at the top of his routes
Plants and bursts on out-breaking routes
Works well underneath where he can quickly get the bal l in his hands and get up field
Cons:
Played in system designed to get him open down the field
Inconsistent get off speed Heavily reliant on speed
Contested throws down the field are rarely finished
Lets the ball hangs in the air too long rather than attacking it
Visible route running issues Suffers from focus drops
Pro comp: Hakeem Nicks Draft projection: 7th round
Darrell Greene, G (San Diego State): The two star prep from California started 25 straight games before being suspended for the first half of the season. The 2014 honorable mention All-MW selection returned to start the final seven. Pros:
Thickly built (6’3” 321)
Combo blocker who shows the footwork to flow the second blocker
Locates and locks-on to assignment when kicking out and pulling Knee bender who plays with a wide base
Deceptive athlete who can be an effective puller
Heavy handed, six-inch punch
Wins in a phone booth Aggressive player with a mean streak that continues through the whistle
Quick initial punch who looks to win early
Drive blocker who possesses the lower body strength to wipe out defenders Simply overpowers defenders, taking them to the ground
Cons:
Suspended for six games after testing positive for mari juana Poor length (31 5/8”)
Questionable ability to block effectively in space
Interior defenders with length can get their hands in his frame and generate some push Lunger who doesn’t anticipate very well
Tends to remain upright when pulling Pro comp: Joe Looney Draft projection: 5th round
Cole Toner, OT (Harvard): The dual sport prep earned first team All-Ivy League honors in 2014 and 2015. Pros:
Mountain of a man (6’6” 305) with a large frame Displayed an impressive Senior Bowl performance
Locates defenders well at the second level
Well timed, heavy-handed punch Knee bender with light feet to produce a smooth kick slide that gets him in good
position
Plus ability to redirect
Mirrors defenders well Looks to win with aggressiveness but has the know-how to remain patient when need
be
Efficient zone blocker as he crosses the defenders’ face Feet keep moving on contact, allowing him to sustain blocks
Cons:
Questions regarding level of competition Opens the gat too early, allowing edge rushers to hump inside
Marginal lower body flexibility
Choppy pass pro is missing at times
Average play strength Isn’t going to over power and dominant defenders
Pad level rises immediately in pas pro Pro comp: Matt Reynolds Draft projection: 6th round
Matt Judon, DE (Grand Valley State): Judon was a first team All-GLIAC selection in 2014 before earning the conference’s Defensive Lineman of the Year honor in 2015: his 18 sacks lead the nation regardless of division as the sixth most for a single season in NCAA history. His 32 career sacks rank second in school history by one half-sack. Pros:
Good size (6’3” 275)
Production alone warrants serious looks
Collapses the pocket on tackles Gets his hands up to disrupt passing lanes
Dips around the edge with good hip flexibility
Tightly runs the arc Effective rush and counter moves
Breaks down in the open field and finishes tackles
Fluid athlete with the feet to move well laterally Packs power
Successful inside stunter who possesses the speed to simply rush by interior blockers
Closing burst and explosiveness is there
Cons:
Pros come with a huge asterisk having played at the Division II level
Suffered a torn ACL in 2013
Missed the East-West Shrine Game due to a meniscus issue Doesn’t disengage quick enough
Hands are nearly nonexistent in his pass rush
Was too often the last person to react to the snap Loses the leverage battle due to an exposed frame
Pro comp: Donte Paige-Moss Draft projection: 5th-6th round
Tyler Johnstone, OT (Oregon): Johnstone is a three-time All-Pac-12 and Freshman and second team All-American selection after starting all 39 career games. Pros:
One of only three players to earn Oregon Elite status for improvement in every phase of off-season conditioning (power, strength, speed and agility) in 2012
Height (6’5”), length (34”), and hand size (10 3/8”)
Climbs to the second level with ease Timely punches
Drive blocker who plays with unmatched physicality
Sustains engagement and finishes with good core strength Balanced blocker with plus agility
Showed the ability to seal defenders in a zone scheme
Balanced, fluid kick slides Athletic blocker who explodes out of stance and looks to jolt defenders
Cons:
Was forced to miss all of 2014 to injury Knee injury could be worse than expected
Leans on defenders
Disregards upper body strength for athleticism
Lacks power at the POA Functional strength is not there
Occasionally plays with a narrow base that negates his power and balance Pro comp: Charles Leno Jr. Draft projection: 7th round-Undrafted
Jay Lee, WR (Baylor): An integral part of Baylor’s success through the air, Lee finished with 101 receptions for 1,700 yards and 15 touchdowns in 45 career games (26 starts). He also finished seventh in yards-per-reception (16.83), tied for ninth in career receiving TDs (15) and 10th in receiving yards-per-game (37.78). Pros:
Eye-catching combination of size (6’1” 214) and speed
Length (32 7/8”) allows him to pluck balls out of the air and extend for tough catches
Second gear is present and difficult to close on Explodes out of stance to eat cushion in seconds
Was asked to block often and succeeded along the perimeter
Excellent in space as he can make defenders miss and earn YAC Can go down low and secure the ball
Body control allows to adjust to the ball in mid-air
Vertical threat propelled by a quick release Transitions with little wasted movement out of breaks
Cons:
Scheme limited his route tree Average sized hands
Third option who was viewed solely as an intermediate to deep threat
Route combinations were designed to get him open in space
Inconsistent ability to create separation at the top of his breaking routes Visible tendency to rounds his routes
Doesn’t catch balls away from his body, causing him to drop passes Pro comp: Draft projection: 6th-7th round
Alex Lewis, OT (Nebraska): The Arizona native saw action in all 12 games in 2011, playing both tackle and tight end as a true freshman before moving to guard. Lewis made three starts including one at left tackle and two at tight end. He started all 12 games at left guard in 2012 and earned honorable mention sophomore All-America honors, grading out as the second-best CU offensive linemen and allowing just two sacks on the season. After sitting out in 2013 due to transfer rules, Lewis started all 26 games as a Cornhusker (13 in ’14 and ’15) and earned All-Big 12 honors in both seasons. Pros:
Thickly built frame a result of solid size (6’6” 312)
Adequate length (34”) Positional versatility having succeeded at guard and tackle
Possesses the ability to re-anchor
Knee bender with technical set up Balanced pass protector who stays upright
Offers swing tackle potential
Anchor holds strong at the POA
Cons:
Assaulted an Air Force cadet in May 2013
Pad level rises Punches are poorly timed
Feet are slow and choppy
Lacks a desired power step
Bull rushers have shown the ability to push him up field Pro comp: David Quessenberry Draft projection: 7th round
Kalan Reed, CB (Southern Miss): Draft projection: 5th round
De’Vante Harris, CB (Texas A&M): Draft projection: 6th round
Nick VanHoose, CB (Northwestern): Draft projection: 5th round
Michael Thomas, WR (Southern Miss):
Draft projection: 3rd-4th round
Adolphus Washington, DT (Ohio State)
Draft projection: 2nd-3rd round