NCAA Scouting NFL Draft Prospect Tracker – Week 14 by Paul Emery December 4th 2012
This week sees a first look at Louisville, Central Florida, Tulsa and Nevada plus my second look at Kent State, but the first I’ve written up for the Diner and they have a prospect already invited to the Senior Bowl…
Louisville at Rutgers
Louisville
Mario Benavides C Benavides is an extremely flexible lineman and looks ideally suited to a zone blocking scheme at the next level. His problem even in that system is going to be anchoring in pass protection. He does a really nice job of getting low in the passing game, but doesn’t have enough strength in his lower body to drop the anchor and stop a bull rush. I always try and imagine how a prospect would fair against Haloti Ngata and I think he would really struggle. In the run game he struggled for power at times, but is very skilled on stretch plays and is tough to shed. He has had numerous injuries over his career, so will need to be checked carefully at the Combine. Day three talent for me and won’t be for everyone.
Adrian Bushell CB didn’t really get going as a kick returner, averaging 15 yards per return. At 5’10” 190 lbs he struggled against 6’3″ 230 lb Mark Harrison on a deep route and was simply overpowered, giving up a 36 yard pass. He did look better on routes in front of him. He broke up a short out route getting his hand in front and avoiding the dreaded hand on the back, which often draws a flag. He does look to have decent movement skills, but I’d like to see more of a break on the ball. Will watch against a couple of times to make my mind up.
Rutgers
Jawan Jamison* – RB if one believes the rumblings, there’s a strong chance Jamison, a redshirt sophomore, is going to leave early. Not healthy last week, I’m not sure how close he was to 100%. He finished with only 50 yards on 15 carries, his second lowest total of the year. His production hasn’t been as good down the stretch, with only one 100+ yard game in the last 7 weeks of the season. At 5’8″ at Rutgers the Ray Rice comparisons are going to roll out, but he didn’t seem quite as powerful on contact but admittedly the ankle injury may have prevented him really driving. He did show some quickness, in short areas he has some make you miss. He gave good effort in pass protection, staying on his feet and sticking his nose right in there, which was really good to see. He has an interesting decision to make if he comes back he knows he has 230-250 carries more to be added to the clock and that simple fact may see him decide to jump now.
Mark Harrison WR 5 catches for 131 yards and a TD. Why not save your best game of the season for Senior Day? I’m sure he would have traded it for the win though… Looked good after the catch on his 68 yard TD broke a tackle and then showed good speed. Caught everything with hands away from his body. Production isn’t high enough to suddenly vaunt him up my board, but if he can show that speed at his Pro Day then he stands a good chance of being drafted.
R.J. Dill OT big right tackle looked good when he got his hands on his man. Not the most flexible prospect, but did try and get under his man in pass protection. Does have foot speed limitations and did struggle against edge speed. Likely a late rounder or undrafted free agent.
Scott Vallone DT plays bigger than his listed 278 lbs over powered Benavides a few times and did a nice job coming off the ball hard and getting penetration. His weight is a limitation is he quick enough for DE? Could be a classic tweener.
Khaseem Greene OLB wasn’t quite as active as in other games I’ve seen. Still was able to show his athletic ability, particularly on wider plays he looks very comfortable moving laterally. He didn’t have any success blitzing, he seemed to be coming from too deep. The former safety though is very comfortable in space and in coverage, so is the perfect modern day linebacker. As such he should be in contention for a second round placing even though he does struggle to get off blocks.
Logan Ryan* – CB didn’t have his best night. Was beaten for a 20 yard TD a double move of sorts, a spin move off the line and then into an up route but he struggled to stay with his man and the play was made. Got sucked inside on a play fake and let the FB get behind for a catch. Later in the game was in zone when a 33 yard post was caught on him and to finish things off he got caught up in a “pick” and was trailing a post, but got lucky as the pass was overthrown. Did show the ability to cover man to man, which always carry more value than a purely zone corner, but it wasn’t his best game.
Kent State vs Northern Illinois (MAC Championship)
Kent State
Dri Archer* – RB/WR Archer has ran for 1,300+ yards and added 500+ more receiving, but Northern Illinois were clearly determined he wasn’t going to beat them. Outside of a 15 yard TD run on a reverse and a 60 pass, he was held in check. He finished with only 15 yards on 12 carries and many of his runs he had no chance to even get going. He dropped a post route early on, but did catch a similar route later, showing that little bit of acceleration to be able to pull away from the corner and run through the ball. He didn’t get a shot to return kicks as Northern Illinois kicked away from him all night. Archer missed last year because of an administrative error (grades were fine, but he hadn’t taken enough hours), but does have a year left. It is conceivable he could come out early as at 175 lbs another year of punishment might not be in his best interests.
Brian Winters OT Winters has already accepted an invitation to play at the Senior Bowl, so is clearly highly regarded by scouts. He’s listed at 6’5″, but looks a couple of inches shorter and certainly may be best suited inside at guard. He had some problems with Northern Illinois’ smaller/quicker ends and wasn’t as impressive as when I saw him earlier in the year. He flashes a nice first step in pass protection though, but gave up the inside a couple of times including on a spin move. In the run game he looked best when asked to get to the second level, he does so quickly, stays square and finishes his blocks very nicely. He still had some pancake blocks, but his troubles against speed might suggest he’s better at guard and therefore his stock won’t be quite as high.
Northern Illinois
Jordan Lynch* QB Lynch in all probability will return for his senior year, but I thought I’d start next year early for him! At 6’0″ he’s always going to be battling the odds to make it as an NFL QB, Drew Brees and Russell Wilson are the exceptions, but most get moved positions. Lynch is 216 lbs, but runs like he’s 240. He has some speed to go with the power and Kent just couldn’t stop him as he amassed 160 yards on the ground. In the passing game, he was off early, but looked better after he settled down. He has a good arm, but like Wilson last year must work on his touch pass particularly at his height where he’ll have to get the ball over linebackers and drop into his receivers.
Sean Progar DE generally quiet and didn’t show up rushing the passer. Showed a nice spin move to get off Winters and made a TFL and also beat a TE inside to make another. Didn’t show that quickness against the pass, where he was a disappointment.
Central Florida vs Tulsa (Conference USA Championship)
Central Florida
Kemal Ishmael FS used in a number of different ways and on special teams, Ishmael looks like he will have a shot at cracking a roster. Most effective in the box, including in short yardage situations where he forced a fumble on one 4th down play. He was used in man coverage at times, but did get called for a pass interference penalty, having his hand on the receivers hip and appearing to drag him back. At times was also playing as a safety in a Cover-2 and also at times rolling to be the single high free safety. He was on the punt return team and was one of about five UCF players who slowed up after a punt was tipped, but not downed and picked up and returned for a touchdown by Watts. Overall, versatility a big plus and looks like he can make a roster because of it.
Tulsa
Alex Singleton RB 260 lb back scored the game winner in Overtime and if nothing comes of football at the next level, he’ll at least remember that special moment for the rest of his life. Had 100 yards even on 25 carries with 2 TD’s. Light on his feet for such a big man, isn’t going to pull away from defenders, but runs low and is a nightmare to tackle. Has huge thighs and is a very powerful runner. I thought he was the best senior on show and I’d find a role for him at the next level.
Willie Carter HB 2 catches for 10 yards, one of which was a really nice one handed effort. Wasn’t in the game a great deal,which seems to have been the case all year as he only has 14 catches. Did a nice job as a blocker, but interestingly wasn’t in the game on short yardage situations. Likely a free agent, but could carve out a niche role.
Dexter McCoil FS looked a bit like a poor man’s T.J. McDonald big safety with long legs (high cut) who can get downhill and really thump people. Doesn’t always wrap, but can do so would like to see that more consistently. Took a gamble in coverage on a short out, undercut the route missed the ball and then was in no position to make a tackle. Got very nosey against the run, but UCF didn’t take advantage and play fake behind him. Downhill ability will mean he gets a camp look on his special teams potential, but must wrap better.
Alabama vs Georgia (SEC Championship)
Alabama
Eddie Lacy* – RB both Alabama backs had monster days and Lacy finished with 181 yards on just 20 carries with 2 TD’s. Even with two big DT’s. Georgia just could not stop the run. Lacy showed a nice burst, both inside the tackles and outside. He broke tackles, including with his usual spin move, one of which led to a 32 yard run. He finished his runs very well, getting low and really punishing tacklers. He struggled against Jarvis Jones in pass protection, but he isn’t the first and won’t be the last. This performance is a nice platform for him to jump to the NFL, I’m sure a multitude of scouts were in attendance and they would have come away very impressed.
Michael Williams TE once again it’s amazing how many big runs are in large part because of Williams. He sets the edge very nicely and even showed he can make a combo block very nicely (chip a lineman and then get out and hold up a LB). He had two short catches and that lack of an extra gear might limit his stock, which is a shame as he’s a dominant blocker and a big reason for Alabama’s success on the ground. I’d certainly recommend a game watching him as he usually leads you to the point of attack.
D.J. Fluker* – OT Fluker had more problems in pass protection with Jarvis Jones than he has with any other SEC pass rusher. Fortunately he often had big John Jenkins lined up over him and this matchup was far more comfortable for the big right tackle. He also did a nice job of getting to the second level on combo blocks and was able to log up Ogletree a few times. Is limited because of his struggles against pure edge speed, but this was the first game he’s really struggled and even at the next level there aren’t many as fast as Jones around, so he should be just fine.
Chance Warmack OG Warmack had some good moments, but equally he had some bad and certainly I don’t see him as a first round quality prospect as most do. He gave up a sack to John Jenkins, a matchup that should have been perfect for him at 320 lbs but he was overpowered, Jenkins getting Warmack’s hands off him with ease. He also released Jenkins into a run play, which became only a short gain. He pulled a couple of times, but released blocks a little too early Ogletree getting under him to shed and Jones coming off him. He did get some movement in the run game, particularly against Geathers and also was able to get nice and square at the second level to deal with linebackers. He’s a solid prospect, but I wouldn’t want to spend a first round pick on him.
Barrett Jones C having struggled against a smaller/quicker NT in the Texas A&M; game he had a bigger NT on him in Kwame Geathers (350 lbs). He had some problems at times, but stuck with it and as the game progressed was winning the battles more often than not. In pass protection he struggled to anchor at times, so that’s a concern particularly if he’s drafted in a division with lots of 3-4 teams. He got pushed back a few times in the run game, including one by Geathers which really blew up a play. The versatility is a major plus for him and might keep him higher in the draft than his play at times warrants has had some inconsistencies down the stretch, although at times he has looked like a sure fire first rounder.
Jesse Williams DT left the game with a knee injury, which looked bad but fortunately was able to return. His game has come on this season, better able to shed blocks than he was even in the early weeks in the season. He showed this again, stacking his man and getting off blocks a few times. He doesn’t quite have that burst to get to ball carriers outside the tackle box and is not much of a pass rusher (and indeed isn’t on the field in most nickel and dime situations), something that might keep him out of the first round, but certainly still has upside and will be ideal for a team needing a 0 or 1 technique.
C.J. Mosley* -ILB on the field more than Johnson in their time share arrangement. In many ways it’s bizarre that someone who isn’t a three down linebacker (but not in the traditional way, he’s off the field in running situations) can be viewed as a first round pick by many. But his athletic ability and comfort in coverage make him such. I’d still love to see him come back for his senior year and stay on the field in all situations, but if he gets a first round grade from the NFL advisory committee, I wouldn’t blame him for coming out especially if they beat Notre Dame.
Nico Johnson ILB rarely on the field and didn’t show up much when he was. Rated as a top 100 talent by many, he looks to be a run stuffing two down LB which some weeks might mean he’s rarely on the field. Not sure you’d spend a third round pick on someone like this.
Dee Milliner* – CB Georgia generally steered away from him, only throwing two passes his way one of which was caught with the other being broken up. He almost had a big interception on a tipped pass, but replay overturned it. He showed his ability on his pass break up getting his head around very nicely and tipping the pass away. Even the pass caught on him he was tight to his man, but the throw was too good. I don’t think he’s as good as Claiborne or Jenkins last year, but he’s big and plays in an NFL type system and as such he is likely to push for a first round slot as long as he can run relatively fast.
Robert Lester FS Texas A&M; went after Lester and he didn’t respond well and Georgia did so at times as well with the same result. On a deep corner-post move by King, he bit on the shoulder fake to the corner and was nowhere near the Georgia man as he caught a 43 yard pass. He also let a TE get behind him, but got away with it as Murray went elsewhere. He missed a couple of tackles as well. It will be interesting to see if playing in a Nick Saban coached secondary will save his Draft stock, but like a few Alabama DB’s who haven’t made it I’d be quite wary of taking him too high.
Georgia
Aaron Murray* – QB was 1 out of 4 in games against top 10 teams, so is now 1 out of 5. It’s perhaps harsh to judge QB’s this way as there are other factors in the game (Georgia not stopping the run in this one), but Murray had his shot late in this one and didn’t get it done. Down at the 10 with 13 seconds left, he elected not to spike the ball to stop the clock and instead threw a short out, which was tipped at the line but still caught. His man was tackled in bounds and it was game over. Now, the receiver could have just spiked the ball down and not got it so part blame there but the ball should have gone in the end zone or in row W to get another shot. Better to take your time, huddle and get a good call in as it is he rushed and the result was a missed opportunity. Better in this one overall that in the South Carolina and Florida games this year, he threw quite a few passes over 20 yards in the air and was 3 out of 9 with an interception. His pick was a horrible hope and a prayer throw on 3rd and 18 which had no chance. He did show he can get the ball out quickly, but certainly struggled at times with the variety of blitzes the Crimson Tide through at him. Already working on his masters, he may well elect to come out early, but I’m sure he’ll reflect on this missed chance for a long time.
Tavarres King WR 5 catches for 142 yards. The big play man averaged 21.7 yards per catch on 39 receptions. He’s the master of the double move, I’ve seen him make numerous ones the last couple of years and he did so in this one against Lester. Has always had a great deal of expectation to replace A.J. Green, which is unfair as not many are going to be anywhere near as talented as him. I think at times that has weighed him down, so he might be able to play with a little more freedom moving forward and therefore will be an interesting mid round option.
John Jenkins DT despite being 350 lbs, Jenkins is often used at DE in a 3 man front with Kwame Geathers manning the nose. Much like Ohio State’s Johnathan Hankins it’s not always the best idea and I think has to be taken into account with his evaluation. Most exciting in this one was his sack against Warmack, he hasn’t showed that kind of explosion in the second half of the season and that was good to see. He made several tackles in the run game, but too often was peeling back and making the tackle after solid gains. There are a number of these big DT’s in this class and it will be interesting to see if teams feel they fit in the pass happy NFL, I do have a feeling they may slip a little more than people think.
Jarvis Jones* – OLB in the post match interview, Nick Saban admitted they couldn’t block Georgia in the passing game and really that was Jones. He was too much off the edge for Fluker and even when doubled on one play he still beat both the TE and Lacy to get pressure. In the run game he had some good moments, but did seem to wear down as the game progressed. He missed a tackle on Lacy and gave up the edge a couple of times. He’s 6’2″ 242 lbs, but doesn’t look that big he gives good effort, but just physically couldn’t stand up to the pounding all game long. A little more physical than Von Miller coming out against the run, who had similar concerns, he should be OK in the NFL but there were some concerns from this one.
Alec Ogletree* – ILB had some problems getting off blocks at times, but overall had a decent game. He was suspended for the first 4 games, something that might put some teams off and perhaps coming back next year might allay some fears, but it does seems he’s going to declare for the Draft. Looks athletic enough, but just needs to clean up his tackling (two missed tackles) and get off blocks a little better but does read the game very well.
Bacarri Rambo FS Rambo looks like a better bet at free safety than Robert Lester both are ball hawks, but Rambo over the season has looked better. He showed his ability in centre field hitting a WR as the ball arrived to force an incompletion. He did though get out jumped on a 43 yard pass by Cooper, who’s only listed as an inch taller than him. He got pushed back by Lacy at times, but did make the tackles. Hopefully will be at the Senior Bowl to be tested in man coverage.
Shawn Williams SS not that active, which was surprising in a game which should have been ideal for a strong safety. Like Rambo he also struggled tackling Lacy at times and was held up by Williams which sprung a TD run. Not the first game I’ve seen from him where he’s been quiet and looks like a day three prospect to me.
Boise State at Nevada
Boise State
D.J. Harper RB Boise were coasting in this game and got a few series Harper wasn’t in the game, but as Nevada crept back into it he returned. He finished with 130 yards from 24 carries with a TD with one reception, which was actually for -3 yards. He showed a good burst through the hole and the ability to turn the corner outside. When the original design of the play wasn’t there he showed good vision and the ability to jump cut into a hole. He ran low to the ground but still showed good balance. He got a key block in pass protection, but I would still have preferred him to stay on his feet, instead he went with the cut. At the next level the athletic ability of LB’s means it’s better to stay on your feet, cutting often means a man can hurdle you. He did ice the game, recovering what was a good onside kick. Overall, he looked good – he does have two serious knee injuries in his past (he’s a sixth year senior) and this will need to be checked in the post season process.
Jamar Taylor CB Taylor wasn’t tested a great deal against a principally running team, but when questions were asked of him he didn’t always answer. His deep speed looked to be a question, he was trailing his man by a good yard on a deep seam route and had to resort to pulling the receivers arm back drawing the flag. On a run play right at him, he wanted no part of the tackle and just let Stefphon Jefferson run right by! He also had a 13 yard curl route caught on him, but it was later in the game when they were in prevent. Nothing else was thrown at him, but he did blitz twice one of which got him a sack. I’ll be interested to see his 40 time at the Combine.
Nevada
Stefphon Jefferson* – RB the junior may well opt to return, but after 341 carries this year (for 1,703 yards) he may have a little think. He had a couple of nice runs late in the game, but overall didn’t show the same kind of burst as Harper. He ran low, but too often seemed to just get 3 or 4 yards and almost just dive forward, so I would question his balance. Ed Cunningham mentioned in commentary the coaching staff have been wanting more from him, which doesn’t seem like a good platform to leap to the NFL…
Brandon Wimberly WR is petitioning the NCAA for an extra year of eligibility he missed the 2011 season with a gunshot wound and it seems Coach Ault is confident he will get it. He was kept quiet in this one with only 2 catches for 39 yards, one of which was late on against prevent defense. He does have good size though (6’3″ 215 lbs) and has been consistent throughout his career (53, 41 and 63 catches). I’ll take another look in the Bowl game and hopefully next year as well.
Zach Sudfeld TE had a mixed day. Caught a wheel route and was heading into the end zone, but fumbled at the 1 yard line and Boise recovered for a touchback losing by six I’m sure he’d want that play back. He did make a spectacular 47 yard catch the ball was tipped right in front of him and he was able to adjust superbly for the ball and still catch in soft hands. He’s very tall (6’7″), so is a nice target. His blocking was decent. In the run game he was at HB and led several option plays, doing a nice job of engaging at the second level. He did give up a sack to Samuel Ukwuachu, just completely missing the block. Has suffered from a multitude of injuries over his career and was playing hurt, so needs to be checked medically.
Albert Rosette ILB played DE last year, but with James-Michael Johnson and Brandon Marshall now in the NFL, he was moved back to LB. He’s certainly not shy about contact he filled the hole and took on the FB and there were some big collisions. Unfortunately he didn’t do a great job in getting off those blocks. He still made numerous tackles and played with good intensity. He showed he has the range to get out to the sideline, his highlight play being a TFL on a D.J. Harper screen. You could tell he was the leader on defense and that kind of player often finds a home in the NFL.
Kahlid Wooten CB a bigger CB at 6’0″ 200 lbs. Nevada played some Cover-2 and for the most part did a nice job of getting a jam in. When he missed one jam at the line, he showed recovery speed to bail himself out. Had two pass breakups one being a really nice break on a curl route with the other being a deeper throw that held up in the wind. Did have a couple of shorter passes caught on him, but was in decent position on both. Will need to run in the 4.5’s I think to hope to get drafted early on day three, the slower his time is the lower he’ll go such is life for CB’s, although of course with his size some may see him as a safety.
Duke Williams SS I saw a great deal of Nevada in the previous two seasons, but their move to the Mountain West this is the first time I’ve seen Williams this year. I’ve missed the WAC Network games this year, although enthusiastic colour commentator Joe Glenn now is Head Coach of South Dakota and I think that’s almost what I missed most!
Anyway, I digress. Williams has a fairly thin frame at 190 lbs, but he can hit as hard as any safety in this class. On one play he was lucky not to get called for targeting as he left his feet and left with the crown of his helmet to bring a WR down after a swing pass. At times he flashes up into the play very quickly from deep from time to time he’s a little out of control and he had a couple of missed tackles. He also will bite on play fakes, so he just needs to play the game with a little more control. He’s asked to cover in zone but also in man, which can only boost his stock. He was in off coverage but looked very comfortable in man, for example blanketing a WR on a crossing route. He showed good enough quickness to be able to stay with WR’s on double moves, which is also encouraging. He almost had a pick, breaking under a crossing route to break the pass up. Overall he should be a special teams star, he’s like a heat seeking missile out there, but with a little more control I like his chance to force his way into a starting lineup.
