OT Greg Robinson – © USA TODAY Sports Images
January 6, 2014 BCS National Championship: 2014 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch
by BigBlueInteractive.com Contributor Sy’56
AUBURN
*#73 Greg Robinson – LT – 6’5/320
Third year sophomore. Unfortunately Robinson did not receive the public recognition until halfway through the year because most had no idea he was three years removed from high school. Robinson caught my eye last year when I was scouting opposing players. He is enormous but carries minimal bad weight. He is light on his feet but can anchor himself in to the ground and stone a bull rusher. Robinson may be THE left tackle of this class if he comes out. While I think he is a bit raw and will need some balance/core/stability work, Robinson has two years of starting experience in the SEC with game tape just as, if not more, impressive as Kouandijo. If he comes out, he could really go anywhere from #1 to #15 overall.
*#21 Tre Mason – RB – 5’10/205
Third year junior that has not declared yet. Mason is a fun player to watch. He had a big year (1,600+ yards) in 2013 but I am trying to figure out how much of it was the scheme, and how much was it based on his talent. He is short, but Mason is not undersized. He is thick throughout and he runs with power between the tackles and in space. He can shoot out of a cannon and accelerate through traffic with the best of them. Very efficient mover with minimal wasted steps. Once Mason is in the open field, he has good, but not great speed. His game is based on short area quickness and breaking tackles, which is what I want most in a running back. Right now he is a 2nd rounder but there is a chance he ends up being the first back taken.
#30 Dee Ford – DE – 6’2/240
Fifth year senior. Ford is a playmaker from the outside that makes things happen behind the line of scrimmage. My gripe with him is a pure lack of size/bulk and the fact that he doesn’t make his presence known play to play. If Ford doesn’t sack the QB or guess right on a running play, he doesn’t make an impact. He won’t be able to handle the power of the NFL unless he gets significantly bigger. Ford’s lack of staying power wasn’t an issue in college, but he will be manhandled by tight ends if he is an every down guy. Right now, he is a situational pass rusher that only fits certain schemes. Day three guy.
#11 Chris Davis – CB – 5’11/200
Fourth year senior. Best known for his return for a TD after a missed Alabama FG to win the game. Davis is actually a solid CB prospect that I think can be a contributor early on in his career. He is very quick, very explosive. He plays downhill with aggression. Davis is an excellent turn and run guy. He has the quick twitch and reaction that you want to see out of corners. His return skills will only boost his grade as I think he could be a 5th or 6th round guy.
#35 Jay Prosch – FB – 6’0/258
Fourth year senior. Rarely will you see a traditional fullback be drafted, but I think Prosch has a good shot at being a day three pick. He is not a receiver, he is not a rusher. But Prosch might be the best lead blocker that I’ve ever seen and I think his impact at the next level will be immediate. Prosch is effective in space against fast linebackers and defensive backs He always has his balance and power under him. He can send a violent jolt to defensive linemen as well who often outweigh him. He can perform multiple blocking duties at a high level and even though this role is dwindling in numbers around the league, I think Prosch will be drafted.
Potential UDFA to Look For:
#94 Nosa Eguae – DE – 6’3/269
FLORIDA STATE
#75 Cameron Erving – LT – 6’6/320
Fourth year junior. Redshirted in 2010 because of a back injury. Backup defensive tackle that played in every 2011 game as the team’s primary run stuffer. Made the move to left tackle prior to the 2012 season and has started every game since then. Finished 2012 season on a strong note and has displayed an impressive tool set. Some consider Erving a top 10 pick and I think it is very possible. He is still somewhat new to the position, which will lead some to believe that he has a lot of untapped upside even though he plays at a very high level currently. He is an easy bender with a lot of hand power. He leans too much though and will likely need some time to shore up some technique issues before he can play. I think Erving is a solid prospect that may need some time on the bench before starting. But all in all, a likely top 15 guy.
*#1 Kelvin Benjamin – WR – 6’5/242
Third year sophomore. Benjamin has evolved in to my favorite WR in this draft class if he comes out. I have a higher opinion of him than most though. He would be better suited off returning to school so he can play with Winston one more year and make himself a definite top 10 pick in 2015. What I like about Benjamin is obvious. His height, length, and girth make him a matchup nightmare for defenses. At his size, it is unreal how well he moves when going after a pass and/or running with the ball in his hands. He has progressed more than any WR in the nation over the past year. In that offense, we may not even come close to seeing what he is capable of. I may have a top 10 grade on Benjamin when all is said and done but if he comes out, he will likely be a late 1st rounder.
#22 Telvin Smith – OLB – 6’3/215
Fourth year senior. Career backup and rotational defender until 2013 but has been consistently productive when his name is called. Was the team’s third leading tackler in 2012. Took over the starting WILL position in 2013 and flourished. Thin but wiry frame, plays stronger than he looks. Top-tier speed in pursuit, can play sideline-to-sideline. Aggressive downhill defender that can fill the lane and locate the ball carrier. Good form tackler that can be relied upon in space. Excellent in man coverage, can stick with most, if not all backs and tight ends. Fluid hips that turn well, light feet that can change direction. Has the tendency to over-pursue on runs to the other side of the line, opening cutback lanes. Discipline isn’t always there when it comes to his assignments. Will dance around blockers too often rather than meeting them straight up. Smith’s game speed and power can make him a three down defender at the next level. He has played both the MIKE and WILL positions very well for one of the nation’s top defenses over the past two years. He is also considered to be one of the more vocal leaders of the team. Smaller linebackers with supreme speed and good enough power are becoming big time players across the league. I think he can be a top 45 player in this class, although I’d expect him to be a 3rd/4th rounder in May.
#20 Lamarcus Joyner – S – 5’8.195
Fifth year senior that has seen a lot of playing time at both CB and S. Lacks the ideal height (5’8”) but weighs a solid 195 pounds and plays worth a chip on his shoulder. Possesses elite acceleration and agility. Can chase down some of the fastest receivers that college football has to offer from behind. Closes a 10 yard window as fast as anyone. Effective blitzer (5 sacks through November in 2013) with the ability to explode through small creases and ability to finish. Has long arms for his height. High energy player that the FSU defense looks to for leadership. Over-aggressive style can be taken advantage of by QBs with the ability to look off defenders. Takes a lot of false steps and is often found recovering. His attitude can only do so much downfield in one on one situations. Gets too hands on and will be flagged a lot. Creates mismatches that opposing offenses will look to exploit. Joyner is a hard nosed football player that can overcome his physical shortcomings. His approach and versatility are always in high demand across the league. Could be a 2nd/3rd rounder.
*#80 Rashad Greene – WR – 6’0/175
Third year junior that has led the team in receptions and yards all three years of his career to this point. Also an accomplished punt returner in 2012. Easy and fluid mover that can separate from man coverage all over the route tree. Has the speed to knife through a secondary over the top. Aggressive pass catcher with a strong pair of hands. Slight frame that can be beat up at the point of attack. Usually starts off the line. May not handle the press corners effectively. Effort as a blocker is there, but he does not make a big difference on the edge. Greene shows a lot of NFL ready skills and I’m not sure how much he could gain by returning to school. His upside is limited but he could be a QBs best friend because of his ability to get open, catch the ball, and run after the catch. 2nd/3rd rounder.
*#8 Timmy Jernigan – DT – 6’2/298
Third year junior. Was a top tier, 5 star recruit out of high school that made an immediate impact in a rotational role as a freshman in 2011, winning the team’s newcomer of the year award. Plays the inside gaps, mostly lining up over center. Smaller than the typical nose tackle, but plays low and powerful, making him a tough guy to push back. Strong player with outstanding footwork. Incredible quickness and speed for the position. Does a nice job of sending the initial punch with a strong pair of hands, keeping his base low so he can control the engagement with the blocker. Well-developed technique, knows how to get off blocks using moves and positioning. No matter that, he will need to develop more lower body strength before being relied upon against NFL linemen. Jernigan is a disruptor in every sense of the word that has several ways to beat a blocker. Despite his less than ideal height/weight numbers, he can play multiple roles along any defensive front. Could be 2nd/3rd rounder.
*#32 James Wilder Jr. – RB – 6’2/226
Third year junior. Top tier athlete out of high school that was highly recruited. Son of former NFL running back James Wilder. A physical specimen with the size/speed/strength that will make NFL coaches dream about stardom. Hard-nosed, physical runner that is tough to bring down once he has a head of steam. Broke out in 2012 with almost 6 yards per carry and 11 TDs. Superb blocker with the ability to process information quickly and deliver a violent jolt to the defender. Breaks a lot of tackles in space and is a tough guy to bring down past the second level of the defense. Maintains a strong grip on the ball and can be relied upon to secure it. Runs with a high pad level in traffic. Lacks the quick twitch acceleration and change of direction when approaching the line. Too many recovery steps with approaching the line of scrimmage. Not a natural receiver. Limited role but can be a valuable weapon as part of a committee approach. Wilder Jr. could declare early and me a mid-round pick that out-produces backs drafted ahead of him. I see some Eddie George here. A true workhorse that does a lot of little things well on top of having enormous gifts.
#7 Christian Jones – LB – 6’4/232
Fourth year senior that has started games at both outside linebacker positions as well as defensive end. Productive player that led the team in tackles in 2012, and was second on the team in 2011. Great size/speed/strength numbers that contributes on special teams as well. Physical player that plays well with his hands. Pursues well across the line. Can close a 5-10 yard window fast. Effective tackler that makes the effort to wrap up while maintaining a powerful presence. Can be used in a variety of ways. Gets locked on to and ridden out of plays by quality linemen and tight ends. Doesn’t use his hands effectively to control the engagement with blockers. Lacks awareness and reaction as a pass defender. Better athlete than he is a football player. I’m not as high on guys like this. He looks like a guy that will be a solid backup and special teamer, but I wouldn’t draft him until day three.
#31 Terrence Brooks – S – 5’11/197
Fourth year senior, two year starter. Plays a lot of single high safety but has shown the ability to approach the line and make tackles in the box. Led all FSU defensive backs in tackles in 2012. Quick and fluid hips that can get him moving laterally in a blink. Anticipates well and has coverage ability that you will find in a cornerback. Doesn’t have good enough speed to run downfield with speed receivers. Won’t make a lot of plays in back side pursuit. Aggressive player but doesn’t have the physical presence as a tackler to make a big difference. Does a lot of little things well to get him on the field, but has not stood out among a talented FSU defense. Sometimes guys like this get overlooked because they lack star power, but are solid prospects that can grab a roster spot in the NFL. Brooks can be a reliable third safety that can play both spots if need be. Day three guy.
#52 Bryan Stork – C – 6’4/312
Fifth year senior that has been starting since 2011. Has seen time at both guard and center. Graded out as the team’s top blocker in 2012 and is considered to be the leader of the line. Big weight room strength. Active feet that can get his hips in to the hole easily. Moves in space like a tight end, very good athlete. Lacks the power presence when matched up with bigger defensive tackles. Doesn’t create a new line of scrimmage. Leans forward too much. Weak hands prevent him from locking on to a defender. Stork isn’t strong enough for my liking when it comes to immediate production/reliability. He has good movement skills though so I think he can be drafted late and be given time to add some power to his game.
#81 Kenny Shaw – WR – 6’1/170
Fourth year senior that has played in every game since the start of 2011. Big play threat that works best in the slot because of his ability to find the holes in zone coverage. Very thin frame that needs to add bulk. Won’t break a lot of tackles. Average agility in space to make defenders miss and will often go down on initial contact. Not a pure hands catcher. Will allow the ball to get in to his body which impedes his after the catch ability. Not a fluid mover considering his size/frame. Has been the beneficiary of such a talent-rich Florida State offense which has inflated his statistics. There isn’t enough here to get me excited about his potential in the NFL. I don’t think he will handle the physical side of the game and we aren’t talking about an elite burner here. Late rounder.
Potential UDFA to Look For:
#97 DeMonte McCalister – DT – 6’2/285
#55 Jacobbi McDaniel – DT – 6’0/286
#6 Dan Hicks – DE – 6’4/260
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