Week Four Risers
1. Jeremy Sprinkle, TE, Arkansas
Bio
A fifth-year senior, Sprinkel was the teams' second TE in 2015, but is already a known commodity. Despite being a back-up, Sprinkle led all SEC TEs with six touchdowns last season (had a three TD game against Miss State), and 77.8% of his catches went for either a first down or a touchdown.
My pre-season thoughts
Sprinkle is expected to be a focal point in the passing game in 2016. Listed at 6'6, 255, Sprinkle is taller, longer, and faster than former teammate Hunter Henry. He also seemed more dedicated as a blocker.
Update
Against Texas A&M, it was far from a perfect game from Sprinkle. He may have been too eager to get into his route when his whiffed chip block allowed Aggies DE Deashon Hall a free path causing QB Austin Allen to fumble. He also got jolted a few times when trying to block DE Myles Garrett one-on-one, but that is what I liked about Sprinkle. He was used as an in-line TE, where he consistently lined up next to LT Dan Skipper, on almost every snap. He was used to double team the top defensive end in the country, and his chip and release was highly effective. Sprinkle finished with only four catches (13 for the season), and was held out of the endzone for the first time this season (four games) but he appears to be a more complete TE than Hodges, Butt, Engram, and Howard.
Between DJ Williams in 2010, and Henry last year, Arkansas became the only program with two Mackey Award winners (awarded to the nation's top TE). Could Sprinkle make it three?
2. Armani Watts, S, Texas A&M
Watts won the starting free safety job in fall camp, then made 59 tackles with three picks as a true freshman. In 2015, Watts was the SEC's second-leading tackler with 126 tackles, including 20 tackles against Ole Miss, 14 against Arkansas, and 15 stops in the Aggies' bowl game against Louisville. Additionally, his 83 solo tackles were the third most in the nation in 2015.
Watts has spent time as a return man and has four interceptions, 10 pass breakups and two forced fumbles in his first two seasons.
SB Nation's Football Study Hall takes a closer look: "the Aggies utilize Watts’ range to play cover 2 on the boundary and enjoy the benefits of having a run-support corner closer to the action plus the additional help that Watts would bring from his deep alignment. They’d also blitz that corner while having Watts pick up the receiver in coverage".
My pre-season thoughts
At 5-11 and 200 pounds is small for the position, but has fantastic range and instincts. I am not quite as high on Watts as the media appears to be, but how Karl Joseph adjusts to the NFL could sway my thinking. They are not identical players, as I feel Joseph was a more punishing hitter. I think Watts is a more consistent tackler than Vonn Bell. Watts also has questionable long speed, but I still think he is capable of matching up against slot receivers or playing center field in a single-high-safety look. The NFL Combine will be important.
Update
Just my pre-season ninth-ranked safety, I had felt Watts was slightly over-rated, but once the 2016 season started, fellow safety Justin Evans became the talk of the town (been called a potential top-20 pick) and Watts had become the forgotten man.
Against Arkansas had perhaps the best game of his career. The junior amassed nine tackles, 2.5 TFL's, one pass break-up, one QB hurry, and a forced and recovered fumble. On three separate occasions, Watts stopped three touchdowns. In the second quarter, Watts stripped Arkansas running back Rawleigh Williams on the A&M one-yard-line and recovered it. In the third quarter, Watts halted Austin Allen on a quarterback sneak at the one-yard-line. He then tackled Keon Hatcher for a five-yard loss on a jet sweep on 4th and Goal.
I was not as excited about Watts after the UCLA game, as he missed a few tackles, and took some poor angles. However, against the Bruins, Watts got his only sack of the season off a safety blitz.
3. Marcus Maye, S, Florida
Bio
Maye came to Gainesville as the #5 HS safety in the country. Maye got two starts in 2013, followed by nine in 2014. He finished with 78 tackles and had two interceptions as a sophomore. Maye totaled 82 tackles, six pass breakups and two interceptions in 2015. Maye's five forced fumbles tied for tops in the SEC in 2015.
Going into the 2016 season, Rob Rang of CBS Sports calls Maye a "true three-down defender". Rang writes Maye "is a highly aggressive defender who trusts his eyes and is not afraid to attack upfield as an enforcer in the running game...He is a controlled, yet physical hitter who breaks down well, providing the excellent open-field tackling skills required as the last line of defense." Rangs calls Maye's ability to produce turnovers (11 turnovers created in just 21 career starts) his "calling card" but cautions that he can be overaggressive sometimes, "grabbing facemasks and jerseys", and warns that he will occasionally over-pursue and drops his primary assignment while looking for the big play.
My pre-season thoughts
Maye is a rarity of sorts – a fifth-year senior expected to be an early-round pick in the 2017 NFL draft. Going into 2015, I had not been very impressed with the Gators' safety duo of Maye and Neal, as the pair looked inconsistent as sophomores. When looking at their film, you saw turnovers and big hits, but there are also a ton of blown coverages. Now a red-shirt senior, Maye appears to be the complete package. He combines prototypical size and athleticism with improved instincts. He is physical near the line of scrimmage, has shown solid skills in coverage, and flashed a knack for creating turnovers. Both Vernon Hargreaves and Keanu Neal jumped early for the draft, and were rewarded with first round selections, however some feel Maye and Tabor may be better.
Update
Maye finished with eight tackles, but had a mixed game against Tennessee. Early in the first quarter, Maye had a huge pass break-up on a fourth-and-goal after a muffed punt gave Tennessee the ball on the two yard line,and made a couple of tackles on the always slippery Joshua Dobbs. However in the fourth quarter, Maye took a bad angle on WR Josh Malone crossing the field and that let him get to the sideline for a 42-yard touchdown, then missed a tackle on RB Jalen Hurd and was run over by Dobbs on the Vols final touchdown. Listed at 6'0/207, Maye can play FS, SS, and nickel.
4. Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU
Bio
Just a three-star prospect out of HS, an injury caused Sutton to red-shirted his first year. In 2015, Sutton earned Freshman All-American honors after he led all first year WRs with nine touchdowns, catching 49 passes for 862 yards.
Back in August, WalterFootball was the first to suggest Sutton could be a first round pick, and they currently have him as their WR2.
Update
Against TCU, Sutton caught five passes for 113 yards, but failed to score. Earlier in the year, Sutton had six catches for 112 yards with a TD against Baylor. The TCU game was my first time watching Sutton, and while I only saw half of the game (TCU won 33-3), I can see what all the fuss if about. Just a red-shirt sophomore, Sutton is listed at 6'4/215, and has the look of a future #1 receiver in the NFL. I will need to watch more, but in a WR class that looks like it is lacking first round prospects, Sutton is certainly someone to watch.
5. Deatrich Wise Jr, DE, Arkansas
Bio
Over the summer, ESPN's Mel Kiper listed Wise as his third ranked senior defensive end.
Pro Football Focus writes "Few players affected the quarterback as frequently as Wise Jr during the second half of the season and his pass rush productivity of 16.0 against Power-5 competition ranked second to only first-round pick Joey Bosa among 4-3 defensive ends. Wise used his long frame to pick up 10 sacks, 12 QB hits, and 21 hurries on only 258 hurries last season and he complemented it with a solid +4.5 grade against the run. Wise has the size to move around the defensive front for the Razorbacks, so look for him to rush off the edge while also kicking inside to take advantage of guards as well."
Pre-season thoughts
A quiet first half of the season caused Wise to fly under the radar in 2015, but he emerged as a star in the second half, with seven sacks in November against Ole Miss, LSU, Mississippi State and Missouri to finish with eight for the year. He also had three forced fumbles and three pass breakups.
One of the SEC’s best pass rushers, and a rising star in the NFL draft circles, Wise is athletic for his size. At 6-5 and 280 pounds, Wise has got the bulk and a strong first step.
Update
Against Texas A&M, Wise flashed his pass-rushing skills. Wise played on both sides, getting plenty of reps against Aggies' LT Avery Gennesy. In the second quarter, Wise was fooled by a zone-read, losing containment on Trevor Knights' long touchdown run. However, had a sack when he looped to the inside on a stunt, then later in the game was one of three to converge on Arkansas' QB for another takedown. A rotational pass-rusher in the past, Wise has improved his run defense to take on a bigger role this season.
6. Ryan Switzer, WR, North Carolina
Bio
Named a first-team All-American (by some publications) as a punt returner as a true freshman, after his five punt returns for touchdowns that season tied the NCAA record. Switzer enters his senior season tied for second with seven career punt returns, and has 148 catches in his career.
My pre-season thoughts
Listed at 5'10, 185, Switzer is not the type of prospect than every team covets, however he is a proven punt returner who should get a look as a slot receiver. Sixth round prospect.
Update
This was my first time seeing the new look Tar Heels, and their passing attack looked very impressive against Pittsburgh. While QB Mitch Trubisky completed 35-of-46 passes for career highs of 453 yards and five touchdowns, it was the UNC quartet of receivers I came away impressed by.
Early in the game, Switzer had what would have been his eighth career punt return for a touchdown called back because of an illegal block. He then was tackled for a safety after taking a jet-sweep (but made a nice effort to get the ball out of the end-zone). Switzer finished with a career high 16 catches (out of 17 targets) for 208 yards. Down by 13 points, with just over seven minutes left, Switzer had five catches in UNC's final game-winning drive, including three fourth down conversions. As a punt returner and slot-receiver, there is certainly a role for Switzer in the NFL.
7. Caleb Brantley, Florida
Brantley considered declaring for the draft after the 2015 season but returned to chase a first round selection. In 2015, Brantley earned Second Team All-America honors from Pro Football Focus. He finished with 29 tackles, 6 ½ tackles for loss, three sacks, and a pair of hurries.
He’ll be better positioned to beat those numbers in 2016, as Brantley is moving from the nose to take over for Jonathan Bullard at the 3-technique position.
My pre-season thoughts:
Brantley started 10 games last season and flashed big-time potential for a loaded defense. His combination of strength and quickness allows him to clog running lanes, and collapse the pocket with his bull-rush. The redshirt junior is listed at 6-foot-2 and 314-pounds. Brantley has always had the physical tools. ESPN ranked him the 42nd best player in the 2013 recruiting class, but he quickly learned that won't be enough and was red-shirted his first season on campus. The Gators have had ten defensive linemen (including DEs and DTs) drafted in the past nine years, including first rounders Sharrif Floyd and Dominique Easley. Brantley has a flashed first-round potential, but will need to be more consistent.
Update:
My pre-season DT4, Brantley really impressed against Tennessee (notably weak offensive line). Early on, Brantley had a stuff on the goal line. In the third quarter, Brantley hit Josh Dobbs' arm as he threw, that led to an interception for the Gators. Brantley was causing a ton of disruption all game. He was blowing up run plays in the backfield and getting pressure on the quarterback. Brantley was unblockable for much of the game. He used a quick first step to live in the backfield against the run, while adding a QB hit and four pressures on 19 rushes (per PFF). This was a tape that will help him to grade out as a first-round pick.
8. Takkarist McKinley, DE, UCLA
Bio
Pro Football Focus sees UCLA senior edge rusher Takkarist McKinley as the No. 93 overall player in college football. While thought of as more of a pass-rusher, McKinley logged identical +10.8 grades against the run and as a pass rusher per PFF grading.
McKinley also made it on Bruce Feldman's Annual 'Freaks List". Feldman writes "He's about 6'4/265 now (up from 250 last season). UCLA coach Jim Mora Jr told Felman "He was a 10.6 100-meter guy in high school and still has that speed."
My pre-season thoughts
In 2016, UCLA will transition from a 3-4 to a 4-3 on defense. Mora called senior defensive end Takkarist McKinley the MVP of spring camp. "I feel like the (4-3) defense is really built around me at that razor position," said McKinley, using the term "razor" to refer to him playing at a pass-rushing position out on the edge, the 5-technique and the 6-technique.
Update
In UCLA's opener against Texas A&M, McKinley was largely invisible, but was seen limping late in the game. While I did not see the BYU game, McKinley finished got his first sack of the season adding a pass break-up.
Stanford's traditionally strong offensive line always is a tough test, and against the Cardinal, McKinley made three tackles, with two TFL, including his second sack of the season, but once again was seen limping. At this point, I am not sure what to make of McKinley, as I don't think he has been healthy all season (missed game two), but I will call him a riser for displaying toughness and playing through the pain.
9. Josh Reynolds, WR, Texas A&M
Bio/pre-season thoughts
Each of Reynolds' first two seasons, he caught just over 50 passes for roughly 900 yards. If all four of the Aggies' receivers are healthy, it would be hard to see him doing more, but Reynolds did catch 11 passes in their bowl game loss to Louisville. At 6'4, 195, Reynolds looks like Josh Doctson circa 2014, and will need to add more functional weight.
Update
Over the summer, I had Reynolds as my WR19, but with three other talented receivers (Christian Kirk Ricky Seals-Jones and Speedy Noil) on the Aggies' roster, I could see him becoming the odd man out. Against Arkansas caught four passes for 141 yards including a 92-yard touchdown after the Aggies goal-line stand to end the third quarter. After four games, he is leading the teams in reception yardage and yards per catch, and is second in receptions.
10. Jeremy McNichols, RB, Boise State
Bio
In 2015, McNichols tied for the national lead with 26 touchdowns (20 rushing, 6 receiving). He also rushed for 1,337 yards, while adding 51 receptions for an additional 460 yards.
My pre-season thoughts
At 5'9/207, McNichols is short, but not small. A big, strong, and productive downhill back with reliable hands in the passing came, who would be ranked much higher if he can show top end speed.
Former BSU RB Jay Ajayi was slid into the fifth round after failed medicals. Expect McNichols to go higher
Update
Against Oregon State, McNichols ran for 208 yards and scored four first-half touchdowns (one receiving) in leading the Broncos to their fourth consecutive win over a PAC-12 team. After just three games, McNichols has nine touchdowns (combined rushing and receiving) and is fifth in the nation in all-purpose yards. McNichols might become everything Ajayi was supposed to be.
Week Three Sliders
1. Jalen (Teez) Tabor, CB, Florida
ESPN's Mel Kiper ranked Tabor #8 on his initial 2017 Big Board.
Rarely does Pro Football Focus agree with the conventional draftniks, but PFF writes TABOR COULD EMERGE AS TOP CB IN THE NATION. "His numbers improved across the board, giving up just 26 receptions for 231 yards, while coming away with four interceptions and 12 pass breakups."
Other sources state Tabor had 40 tackles, led the Gators with 14 passes broken up, and his four interceptions tied Hargreaves for the team lead. He had two pick-sixes in 2015. Tabor played in all 12 games and started five times at cornerback as a true freshman, earning Freshman All-America honors in 2014.
NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah's pre-season evaluation. "Tabor has excellent size, versatility and ball skills. He lines up outside, in the slot and occasionally over the tight end. He is a loose, fluid athlete who can match up with both the smaller, quicker receivers as well as the bigger, more physical pass-catchers. My biggest issue with Tabor is his play against the run."
My pre-season thoughts
Entering his junior season, Tabor has allowed only one touchdown pass in his career. Many are saying he is better than former teammate Vernon Hargreaves. Over the summer, Tabor was being called a "first-round lock" as the unanimous CB1 by the media, but I don't think he is anywhere near a lock to be the first corner taken. For one, I think there will be questions will be about his deep speed, as Tabor only ran a 4.64 in the 2013 SPARQ HS National Championships. Another aspect of his game that needs to improve is against the run. PFF charted Tabor with nine missed tackles in 45 attempts in 2015.
Update
Tabor was suspended for Florida's opener, but responded with an interception against Kentucky in game two. Tabor had a mixed game against Tennessee. He gave up a short completion to Josh Malone, a pair of completions to WR Jauane Jennings, including a 67 yard touchdown (after slipping an falling down), but got his second pick of the season. His missed several tackles, but provided good coverage for much of the game before heading the the locker room with an ankle injury. Tabor was able to return to the game.
2. Jarrad Davis, ILB/OLB, Florida
Bio
ESPN's Mel Kiper listed Davis No. 21 overall on his initial Big Board, writing "Not an edge outside linebacker, Davis is a guy who can make plays all over the field, dropping into coverage and attacking the backfield."
Suddenly, Davis went from one of the most underrated players in the country, to arguably the top inside linebacker in the country.
Just a three-star recruit, the 6-foot-2, 230-pound Davis was a role player with only one start each of his first two seasons. In 2015, Davis had 98 tackles with 11 tackles for loss, including 3.5 sacks along with five pass break-ups as a junior for an excellent Florida defense.
Over the summer, NFL.com's Lance Zierlein wrote:
Davis is a long linebacker with incredible sideline-to-sideline range and he accelerates into his tackles for maximum force. His explosiveness also makes him a quality blitzer. One area of concern for Davis is his inconsistency as a tackler. Davis' speed and aggressiveness have to be harnessed when he's on the move and he has to cover ground with more patience to avoid overrunning potential tackles.
CBS Sports' Rob Rang also shared his pre-season report on Davis:
Davis has the agility to slip past would-be blockers, and his naturally low center of gravity and core strength help him quickly disengage when opponents do reach him. He shows terrific football intelligence, quickly locating the ball and anticipating where it is going. He is alert in coverage, anticipating routes and slapping at the ball as it arrives to break up passes.
Pro Football Focus ranked Davis as just the No. 97 player in college football entering the 2016 season, but noted "in only 49 rushes last year, Davis notched four sacks, seven QB hits and 11 hurries. In coverage, his +7.9 grade ranked No. 10 in the nation (among LBs)".
My pre-season thoughts
Davis could have easily gone pro, but he decided to return for his senior season and is considered by many to be the top off-the-ball LB prospect available. Rumored to be one of the fastest linebackers in the country, Davis boasts absurd closing speed and his film shows him knocking ball carriers out of bounds with regularity. While he's not huge, he absorbs blocks well, keeping his balance.
Slightly overrated, Davis had the unenviable task of facing Derrick Henry, Leonard Fournette, Dalvin Cook, and the talented Tennessee rushing attack in 2015, and his performance against these elite talents does not measure up to the hype. While a potential asset in coverage, I only noticed one play where he was asked to cover TE OJ Howard and twice against Evan Engram (made one pass break-up, but not the pick). With only 14 career starts (two prior to 2015), Davis still needs to "prove it" in 2016.
Update
Against Tennessee, Davis had a few missed tackles and a face mask penalty. In pass coverage, Davis was beaten for a 20-yard touchdown by the tight end running straight down the seam. For those who scout traits over tape, Davis is likely still a first rounder, for those that rely on tape, his stock fill fall a little.
That being said, he has sideline-to-sideline speed with the athleticism to be a three-down defender. Scheme diverse, Davis could be an Mike (middle) or Will (weakside) linebacker in a 4-3, or on the inside of a 3-4.
3. Elijah Hood, RB, North Carolina
Bio
North Carolina made it to the ACC Championship game in 2015 with Hood as the team's feature back. Hood finishes his sophomore campaign with 1,463 rushing yards (6.7 yards per carry) and 17 touchdowns, including 13 carries for 118 yards in the Russell Athletic Bowl vs. Baylor.
According to Pro Football Focus, "Hood finished seventh in the nation with an elusive rating of 95.7 while his +20.4 rushing grade ranked 13th. He averaged 4.1 yards after contact per rush, second-best in the nation, and if he can cut down on his four fumbles, he’ll be right there in the second tier of this loaded group of running backs."
For the beginning of his career, Hood had been a part of a running back committee. He was fourth on the team in carries his freshman year and struggled to immediately find himself in the college game (just 3.87 yards per carry), missing four game with an injury.
Hood made Bruce Feldman's annual "freaks" list. Feldman wrote Hood squated 635 pounds prior to his sophomore season, before the strength coaches banned him from adding any more weight. Hood also benches 375, power cleans 338 and hoists up a combined 1,150 pounds between the bench, squat and power clean.
Over the summer, NFL.com's Lance Zeirlein predicted Hood will have a "huge" season in 2016, and wrote that "Hood is an instinctive runner with limited speed, but he has an ability to run through arm tackles with his power and balance."
My pre-season thoughts
Hood is a light-footed power runner with some feature back qualities. At 6'0 and 220 pounds, he has the ideal frame for the NFL game, and an excellent skill set that includes speed, power, size and balance.
Update
Hood received just eleven carries against Pittsburgh, gaining only 25 yards on the ground with one fumble. He was worse in the passing game, catching one pass, but dropping another. Hood was at least partially responsible for two of the Tar Heels four sacks allowed. This was just one game, and I still like Hood. It's just hard to put him above the likes of Founette, Chubb, McCaffrey, and Freeman. Hood has the traits of a feature back, but going forward, I believe the Tar Heels offensive identity to be Mitch Trubisky distributing the ball to UNC's wideouts.
4. Eddie Vanderdoes, UCLA
Bio
A five-star recruit who initially committed to Notre Dame, he was ESPN.com’s #10 overall prospect, and top HS defensive tackle in the country. Vanderdoes was named first-team Freshman All-America by Sporting News in 2013.
In 2014, the 6-foot-3, 305-pounder had 50 tackles and 5 ½ tackles for loss, and he was poised for big things last year alongside fellow defensive lineman Kenny Clark. Then, Vanderdoes tore his ACL in the 2015 season-opener against Virginia, missing the rest of the season.
My pre-season thoughts
Going into the 2015 season, some questioned his conditioning. Vanderdoes appeared better at stuffing the run than attacking quarterbacks, and displayed powerful leg drive, lateral agility, and the ability to elude blockers.
With Clark gone to the NFL, Vanderdoes is the most important player on the defense, a strong and physical space-eater who is capable of making a lot of plays against the run. Has started 20 games entering the 2016 season.
Update
Against Stanford, Vanderdoes was held in check by RG Johnny Caspers and company, and he finished with zero tackles. It is difficult for defensive lineman to look good against Stanford, but Vanderdoes now has a career total of 2.5 sacks in 30 games. That is not always the job of a defensive tackle, but now listed at 325 pounds, he looks too heavy.
After watching him against both Texas A&M and Stanford, Vanderdoes looks more like a two-down nose tackle in the NFL. The potential to be a top-100 pick is still there, but I would be shocked if Vanderdoes was selected as high as former teammate Kenny Clark (27th pick, 2016).
5. Speedy Noil, WR, Texas A&M
Bio
A consensus five-star recruit, and high school SPARQ star, Noil had a spectacular first season with the Aggies, as a receiver and return man. Despite starting just five games and missing four due to injury, he led the team in all-purpose yardage.
As a sophomore Noil lost touches to to freshman phenom Christian Kirk, who led the team in receptions and took over punt and kick off return duties. Noil finished fourth on the team with 21 catches in 2015.
My pre-season thoughts
There may not be enough balls to keep Noil involved in 2016. May not be tall enough for some teams.
Update
I watched the Aggies' opener against UCLA, but Noil was suspended for the contest, and entered week four with only six catches for 84 yards. Against Arkansas, Noil was held without a catch, but did return three kickoffs, looking effective in that role. Just a junior, Noil should return for his senior season, or risk being the next Jalin Marshall (undrafted out of Ohio St, 2016).
6. Avery Gennesy, T/G, Texas A&M
Bio
Gennesy was a transfer from East Mississippi Community College, and had to sit out 2014. In 2015, he started every game at LT when many thought Germain Ifedi (31st pick, 2016) would man the blind spot.
Pre-season thoughts
Over the summer, I studied Gennesy during the Aggies bowl loss to Louisville, and came away thinking he will need to play guard in the NFL. He gave up two sacks to Devonte Fields including not picking up a blitz when Fields lined up at ILB and then losing on a more traditional speed rush later in the game. Gennesy did not have as much difficulty when facing DT Sheldon Rankins - Draftbreakdown
It is very unlikely Gennesy will make it four years in a row the Aggies have an offensive lineman taken in the first round.
Update
Very thick, with a Pepsi machine build. Once Gennesy gets his hands on you, you're in trouble. He held his ground against Wise, but I continue to see a mid-round guard when I watch him.
7. Dan Skipper, OT, Arkansas
Bio
Skipper started out his career as a way-tall guard who grew into a terrific run blocker before moving to offensive tackle. He stated at LT as a sophomore, then moved over to the right side earning Second Team All-SEC honors in 2015. He will once again play LT as a senior. Entering 2016, he has started 34 games in his career.
Pre-season thoughts
Not surprisingly, the unit that Bret Bielema has most left his mark on since arriving at Arkansas is the offensive line, which quickly emerged as the team's best unit. There is rebuilding to do this year with three starters gone, but Bielema has two stellar building blocks in Skipper and Frank Ragnow. At 6-10 and 326 pounds, Skipper is one of the nation's tallest players. He's tough to get around and powerful enough to provide a pop.
Update
Skipper struggled against Texas A&M. During the first quarter, Skipper was called for holding against Myles Garrett and the Razorbacks smartly used TEs and backs to help out. At one point, Skipper went for a cut block and dived with his helmet straight at the knee of Garrett. It was a dirty hit from Skipper. There is no shame in getting beat by Garrett who was my number-one ranked player entering the season. However, Garrett did expose Skipper for what he is; a marginal RT prospect, along the likes of Rams' RT Rob Havenstein.
8. Travin Dural, WR, LSU
Bio
After being red-shirted in 2012, Dural saw limited targets in 2013 as former LSU receivers Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry put up monster numbers as the focus of LSU’s passing attack. Dural took advantage of more targets in 2014 after the departure of LSU’s leading receivers, putting up 758 yards on 37 receptions and scoring seven touchdowns.
Pre-season thoughts Update
Surprised many when he elected to return to LSU for a fifth season. Dural, a track athlete, obviously has vertical speed, but he was held back by the Tiger's inexperience at QB, and his own inconsistencies. Last season, the Tigers gained just 2,118 passing yards compared with 2,919 on the ground.
Dural can dominate in the vertical or downfield game. A similar athlete to Sammy Coates, I think Dural can become a better WR.
Update
In the two games against Wisconsin and Auburn, Dural has just 97 yards combined (on nine catches). While much of the blame goes to the since fired coaching staff, Dural and fellow WR Malachi Dupre have have barely developed during their time at LSU. Against Auburn, Dural caught 3-of-5 passes thrown his way in LSU's final drive, but between QB misfires and Dural's inability to gain separation he finished with only four catches, only had one catch before then final two minutes of the game. Dural will leave LSU as an over-aged (will turn 24 during his rookie season), but undeveloped prospect.
9. Davon Godchaux, DT, LSU
LSU suspended junior DL Davon Godchaux following his Monday booking on false imprisonment and domestic abuse battery/child endangerment. Some had penciled Godchaux as a potential first round pick. Draft Insider's Tony Pauline was one, who called him a "dominant defender" against Wisconsin. He made 20 tackles with two sacks and two fumble recoveries in the Tigers' first four games of the season.
NFL.com reminds us that "prospects will not be allowed to participate in the NFL Combine if a background check shows misdemeanor of felony convictions involving violence or use of a weapon, domestic violence, sexual offense, and/or sexual assault."