Top Ten Players I LOVE more than You
1. Jason Spriggs, OT, Indiana:
I preferred Spriggs to the more heralded Taylor Decker, and graded him as a second rounder last season. This season, I have had him in my first round since the spring.
Spriggs has been a constant at left tackle for the Hoosiers the last four seasons. Started in the opener as a true freshman, and led the team in knockdowns with 80 while only giving up two sacks . Fast forward to 2014, Spriggs recorded 45 knockdowns, allowed just two sacks in 689 snaps. Spriggs had some trouble with the speed of Shane Ray last season.
Despite his combination of size (6-foot-7, 305-pounds), athleticism (rumored 4.82 in the 40, with 37.5" vertical, and 33 reps of 225 on the bench), and experience (four year starter), Spriggs has been largely ignored by draft analysts. I expect this will change after the Senior Bowl and NFL combine, where he could test similar to the Eagle's Lane Johnson.
2. A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama:
Over the summer, I went against conventional wisdom, with Robinson as my top defender, over players like Joey Bosa and Robert Nkemdiche. Thus far, I am not embarrassed by it. While CBS Sports does not have Robinson in their most recent top-32 big board, and Matt Miller has him #43, I continue to think Robinson will contend for a top-five selection.
The 6-foot-4, 312-pound Robinson was a big part of the reason that the Crimson Tide was able to slow down Heisman hopeful Leonard Fournette, holding him to just 31 rushing yards on 19 carries. Additionally, Robinson appeared for the first time in Alabama’s short-yardage offensive package. He led the way on two of Henry’s touchdowns, both runs between the tackles. Finally, Robinson was on PAT defense when LSU scored with 9:18 left in the game. He came out of his stance, took a step forward, then jumped over long snapper Reid Ferguson, jumped again and blocked the extra point.
3. Laremy Tunsil, LT, Ole Miss:
While nearly everyone is high on Tunsil, I list him simply because he is my number one overall player. Without an elite QB prospect, or a dynamic edge-rusher, a franchise-caliber LT has the most positional-value, and Tunsil looks like he could be the top OT in the NFL in a few years.
4. Maliek Collins, DT, Nebraska:
Against Wisconsin, Collins did occasionally struggle with the power of the highly regarded Badger Oline. Collins' three total tackles undersells how disruptive the penetrating DT was. In a unique strategic move, the Huskers occasionally rushed Collins from a stand-up position, both on the edge, and up the middle, looking like a jumbo-sized inside linebacker.
Last winter, Scout Inc.'s Steve Muench and Kevin Weidl ranked Collins as their fifth best non-draft-eligible prospect, then over the summer, DraftInsider.net's Tony Pauline gave Collins only a sixth round grade.
Size (just under 6-2 and 300 pounds) is a limitation, but Collins compensates with functional strength, and amazing quickness. In fact, that is the first thing that leaps off the tape about Collins is his snap anticipation. Times snap well. When evaluating Randy Gregory, it was shocking how much quicker Collins was out of his stance.
Led the team in tackles for loss (14), and was second (behind Gregory) in sacks (4.5) and QB hurries (13) in 2014.
With the departure of Gregory to the NFL, Collins is drawling more double teams this season. It will be interesting to see how Collins adjusts. Collins is a former HS state wresting champion, however not as powerful or nasty as former Husker Ndamukong Suh.
5. De'Runnya Wilson, WR, Mississippi State:
Based on the recent selections of Devin Funchess and Kelvin Benjamin, Wilson seems like a Dave Gettleman-type of receiver, and I can see why.
Wilson stands 6'5/235. Still quite raw as a WR, but should contribute immediately as a red-zone weapon.
A former HS basketball star, he played football his senior year in HS, but did not during his sophomore and junior seasons.
6. Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State:
Led team in QB hurries as a true freshman. He's stout versus the run, and can push the pocket. With his thick frame and powerful upper body, Jones has moments where he can dominate at the point of attack. The issue with Jones has been his inconsistency, but he is a very impressive physical talent, with good quickness and athleticism for his size.
Came to MSU at 280, was up to 318 as a sophomore, but said he will play at 280 in 2015. New DC Manny Diaz plans on moving him around, both at DE and DT. Poised for a breakout year, and could be the next Fletcher Cox.
Enter, 2015. Once again, Jones has been inconsistent, but he was nearly unblockable against Missouri. Jones was credited with just one sack, and one hurry, but was close on many occasions. He also had two tackles for loss.
7. Josh Harvey-Clemons, Safety, Louisville:
While many (including myself) have been going gaga over Clemson's Jayron Kearse, JHC could be his equal.
Harvey-Clemons started 11 games for Georgia and played in 25 during his first two seasons, but was dismissed from the team, and chose to transfer to Louisville and reunite with former Bulldogs defensive coordinator Todd Grantham. Grantham used the 6-foot-5 Harvey-Clemons as a traditional safety in his base 3-4 defensive scheme and in a hybrid linebacker-defensive back role called the "star" position when the Bulldogs moved to a nickel defensive.
Once ranked by ESPN.com as the nation's No. 1 outside linebacker prospect in the nation, JHC was forced to sit out the 2014 season.
JHC is a freak-athlete, bigger and taller than other "hybrids" Eric Striker, Su'a Cravens, and Tony Conner. He is capable of becoming a first-round pick (at either OLB or SS) if his checkered past checks out.
He'll likely be evaluated at both spots, but I feel his playmaking ability is best served as a safety, where his speed and size will allow him to best match tight ends, and slot receivers.
8. Nate Sudfeld, QB, Indiana:
I believe Sudfeld is the most underrated QB in the country. I first notice him when watching Bronco's wideout Cody Latimer two years ago, then continued to notice him when watching Tevin Coleman last season. Listed at 6'6/240 pounds, he has the prototypical size preferred by the NFL. Despite starting just 22 of 33 career games, he has "flashed" good mobility and a strong arm. His physical traits are right up there with Cardale Jones, Christian Hackenberg, Paxton Lynch, and Jared Goff.
Sudfeld got on the field as a true freshman, and in seven games, threw for 632 yards with seven touchdowns, but continued to rotate starts with the more mobile Tre Roberson during his first two years. While he became the undisputed starter last season, Sudfeld suffered a shoulder separation to his left, non-throwing shoulder, missing the rest of the season. This season, he's missed one game with an ankle injury (knocked out of Ohio State game), and has never started a complete season or experienced a winning record. Still developing, he will hold on to the ball for too long at times, and needs to speed up his internal clock.
This season, Sudfeld leads the Big Ten in passing (278.6 yards per game), and has thrown 15 touchdowns vs five picks, completing just over 60% of his passes.
While Indiana leads the Big Ten in total offense, it will be hosting the nation's second-ranked defense this Saturday. If Indiana can somehow upset Michigan, Sudfeld likely played a big role, and may finally get more draft recognition.
9. Marquez North, WR, Tennessee:
As a freshman, North recorded 496 yards on 38 receptions (1 TD), providing several (ok, MANY) highlight reel catches, but was shut-down for the year after a shoulder injury limited him as a sophomore. In 2014, he recorded less yards (320), catches (30), and yards per catch (10.7), but did score four touchdowns.
This season, I expected a resurgence from the 6'4/221 pound North, but instead North suffered a pre-season knee injury and back "stiffness" has kept him out of many games this season.
North has flashed top-10 ability, including strong hands, ability to beat press coverage, and the ability to high-point the ball, and if he both declares and passes his medicals, I would once again grade him as a first round prospect.
10. James Conner, RB, Pittsburgh:
Speaking of medicals, Conner was expected to miss the 2015 season after tearing his MCL in the first game of the season. Recently, there has been some talk that Conner may infact play again this season.
Last season, Conner was named ACC Player of the Year last season, upsetting Jameis Winston. The 6-foot-2, 250-pound rushed for 1,765 yards and 26 touchdowns on the season, averaging 6.0 yards a carry on 277 attempts, and even played some defensive end at times. Conner was named a first team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association. Last season Conner had a three game span in which he carried the ball 96 times, and a two game span with 68 rushes with seven touchdowns. However, he had only five catches in 2014, something new offensive coordinator Jim Chaney had hoped to improve upon.
Seen as a chain mover at the next level, with a floor of LeGarrette Blount, Conner dropped somewhere between 10 and 20 lbs during the offseason in the hopes of being more explosive. Unlikely to break into the top-100, where he could be a steal.
Top Ten Players I HATE more than You
1. Sean Oakman, DE, Baylor:
I expect many fans to agree with me on this one, but the media still expects the NFL will take Oakman early. I agree, but as they say "It only takes one", and I believe there will be more than one GM, position coach, or whoever, that gets one look at the 6-foot-nine, 275 pound "Oak-monster" and decides they have to have him.
Built like Lebron James, Oakman will be a unique athlete in the NFL. He is in need of technique refinements (having sat out both the 2011 and 2012 seasons. Penn State transfer) but has put together some tremendous flashes from his right defensive end spot. In his first season as a starter, he had 19.5 TFL with 11 sacks adding 8 additional hurries, 3 forced fumbles, and 3 pass break-ups last season.
Despite a massive frame, Oakman has a ridiculous first step that immediately puts OTs off balance. Unfortunately, last season, he too often allows them to recover. Oakman's game is quite limited due to his unusual build and skill-set. At 6'9 he has a hard time getting under offensive lineman's pads, his lateral agility is average, and he rarely spins back to the inside to take advantage of LTs overplaying his speed rush.
2. Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida:
It's hard for me to put Hargreaves in my "hate" section, given there has not been a corner I have enjoyed watching more this past three seasons. His body of work is truly exceptional.
However, going forward, I am not as optimistic. CBS currently has him number five overall, and most of the reputable draft analysts agree.
I agree, to the point that he is first round worthy, but more of a back-end of the first round. Built similarly to Jason Verrett (25th pick, 2014) but I don't think Hargreaves is as fast.
While generally providing sticky coverage in press-coverage, and good instincts in off-coverage, there have been whispers that he will not "measure-up" to his 5'11/199 listing. Remember, led by the Eagles and Seahawks, more and more teams will not consider a corner under six-foot.
Last season, some observers began to doubt Hargreaves after he was bit able to contain Amari Cooper, but given Coopers' talents, that criticism seems unfair. Then earlier this season, he was denied the opportunity to shadow top-wideout Laquon Treadwell. Quite the opposite, as the two rarely saw each other.
3. Spencer Drango, 6'6/310, OT, Baylor:
Started all 13 games at left tackle as redshirt freshman, earning first-team Freshman All-American honors. The following season, Drango started only nine of 13 games, missing the final four games due to back injury. Came back healthy in 2014, and was named a AP first-team All-American.
He’s the star pass protector for an offense that threw the ball 519 times, but he’s at his best when he’s able to line up and blast away for the running game.
Baylor's scheme not only inflates the stats of the QB and other skill position players, but also makes it more difficult to send more than four pass-rushers, which helps out the offensive line. Baylor offensive lineman have not transitioned well to the NFL, a list that includes Cyril Richardson, Danny Watkins, and monumental draft bust Jason Smith.
Surprised many when he announced he would forgo the NFL. Was not regularly tested, as there are not many NFL-caliber pas-rushers in the Big-12. Struggled to contain Michigan State's Shilique Calhoun in last year's Cotton Bowl.
4. Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor:
This one is hard for me, as I have given him a first round grade, but wouldn't want MY team to spend a first rounder.
Over the summer, NFL.com ranked Baylor redshirt junior WR Corey Coleman as their No.1 "most freakish" athlete in college football. He runs a time of 4.38 in the 40, with a clocking of 6.62 seconds in the three-cone drill (that would've led all WRs at this year's NFL Scouting Combine), and boasts a 45-inch vertical and an 11-foot-3 broad jump.
I am just not a fan of spending a first round pick on players like Brandon Cook (who I compare Coleman to), Phillip Dorsett, or Tavon Austin.
5. Will Fuller, WR, Notre Dame:
Recently, Fuller announced his intention to return to South Bend for his senior season, a decision that I agree with.
While, I am not acknowledge what a great season collegiate player Fuller is, I believe his frame is not that of an NFL starter. Prior to the season, I compared Fuller to former Florida State wide-out Rashad Green. Green set FSU records for career receptions (270) and yards (3,830) while leading the Seminoles in receiving all four seasons, but slid to the fifth-round due to a lack of elite measurables.
I believe Fuller has better deep speed, but have continued to grade his draft value as a third rounder since the spring, while some in the media have had him as a first rounder (currently #17 overall by Matt Miller, at one point, Todd McShay's 31st ranked player).
6. Jared Goff, QB, California:
There are many QBs I could have listed here, but with many still feeling Goff is competing for the number one pick, I definitely hate Goff more than most in the media.
I need to study more film, but he appears to be a younger, but less athletic Bryce Petty, and will inevitably face many of the same criticisms, because the Bears' signal-caller doesn't have experience in a pro-style offense. Expect to hear "you don't see him taking snaps from under center", "he was not asked to make NFL-type throws, or fit passes into tight-windows" once to post-season tearing prospects apart begins. It's fair to mention that Petty faced a steep degree of difficulty last winter in transitioning from Baylor's no-huddle, spread offense to the pro-style formations used at the Senior Bowl, and how (and Mariota) transitions to the NFL could prove influential.
7. Vadal Alexander, guard, LSU:
Alexander enters his fourth season as a starter, getting nine starts at RT as a true freshman before transitioning to LG (25 starts) the past two seasons. Expected back at RT in 2015, Alexander appears to be much bigger than his listed 6'6'/320. Is a big, powerful blocker who excels at moving people at the point of attack and clearing holes in the run game.
When I watch Alexander, I don't see a tackle, and I don't see a first round talent. I see an NFL guard who should be drafted between 50-80. (CBS sport's #28th player).
8. Noah Spence, Edge Rusher, Eastern Kentucky:
More, and more I am seeing Spence graded as a first rounder. Recent writings by John Harris (Houston Chronicle), Josh Norris (RotoWorld), Matt Miller (Bleacher Report) and Justis Mosqueda (DraftBreakdown.com) have all stated they believe Spence's talent is first round, but referenced off-field concerns.
After being declared "permanently ineligible" by the Big-10, former Ohio State DE Noah Spence transferred to Eastern Kentucky. The former five-star recruit was projected by many as a future first-round pick, as he recorded eight sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss in 2013, but was suspended for the Buckeye's bowl game (as well as the first two games of 2014) after testing positive for ecstasy. He tested positive again, causing him to miss all of the 2014 season.
I have not seen Spence since his days at OSU, but Spence is (was?) an athletic pass-rusher (listed at 6'3/255), that can quickly climb the charts is he can keep out of trouble. Many consider the fourth round to the place where character and medical risks are more palatable, however Seattle took Frank Clark (coincidentally, a member of last year's top-10 I LOVE, prior to his character concerns being made public) in the second round.
9. Carl Nassib, DE, Penn State:
Perhaps, it's as simple as not trusting the fifth-year senior who did next to nothing prior to this season, but I have Nassib as a fringe top-100 player. Drafttek.com has him #14 overall.
He's a first-year starter, but has a massive frame, at 6'7,272. He's up to 15.5 sacks on the season, and was recently invited to the Senior Bowl.
Last season, ProFootballFocus was very high on former Stanford DE Henry Anderson, and it appears that they feel the same way about Nassib. PFF values production above all else. "Did you do your job". They don't as much care about arm-length, 40 times, or other athletic "traits".
While, sometimes to a fault, most NFL scouts prefer traits over production. Personally, I am skeptical about Nassib.
10. Cody Whitehair, OL, Kansas State:
Whitehair held up very well against Baylor's Sean Oakman, but we have already discussed how that is hardly major accomplishment. Whitehair is a fifth-year senior, and four-year starter, who has played both tackle positions and guard.
At 6'4/305, he is likely a guard in the NFL. I disagree with CBS sport's big board, where Whitehair is their 31st ranked player. He is a better football player than athlete, and more likely to outplay his draft position than to be picked high.