Prospects to Watch

? Aloysius

Here's a Brandon Lang draft prospect dialogue, courtesy of the game thread from last night:

Aloysius said:
Troy's junior DE Brandon Lang could be a top-flight 3-4 OLB prospect, either this year or next. He's #91 and lines up at LE (opposite the right tackle).
He hasn't done much as a pass rusher in this game, but he's shown great athleticism dropping back into coverage.

@jewdago said:
you're right about lang being a natural in coverage. he's dropped from a three-point stance, bumped a TE and then covered him down the field. kid's great in coverage.

Aloysius said:
Lang finally got a sack...in OT

@jewdago said:
it was a garbage sack, though. the QB stepped up to avoid pressure and ran into lang, who was on the turf after being flattened when he tried a spin move, a move that he'd tried before and looked quite ineffective doing.
he looked good in coverage but terrible rushing the passer. he picked a bad time to get handled all game.

After last night's game, I expect Lang will return to Troy for his senior season. That's what he was saying he'd do last week, and he didn't really do anything last night to change that.

I look forward to watching this guy next year.

? Aloysius

TCU vs. Boise State
Tuesday, December 23rd - 8PM (ET), ESPN

TCU Prospects:

Jerry Hughes, DE-OLB, #98 (Junior)
- 6'2", 248 lbs., 4.67 40 (e)
- Projected: Round 2
- Hughes led the nation with 14 sacks this season, also adding 18.5 tackles for loss. A classic hybrid prospect, Hughes likely will play 3-4 OLB in the NFL. If he declares to the draft, he could be one of our targets in the 2nd Round.
Jason Phillips, ILB, #39
- 6'1", 235 lbs., 4.58 40 (e)
- The redshirt senior led TCU in tackles three of his four years in school. Phillips could fill in at any of the linebacker spots in a 4-3, but he's exclusively an ILB in the 3-4. Could be the kind of guy we bring in to be D'Qwell's backup. nfldraftscout compares him to former Brown Ben Taylor.
Rafael Priest, CB #10
- 5'10", 168 lbs., 4.44 40 (e)
- Projected: UDFA (though some sources say he'll be a Day One pick)
- Priest is an undersized ballhawk who may make a break for the NFL after this season. Not sure we're in the market for another small CB, but he's another guy to take note of.

Boise State Prospects:

Kyle Wilson, CB-FS, #1 (rJunior)
- 5'10", 190 lbs., 4.48 40 (e)
- Projected: Round 2
- Last year, Wilson received a list of things he needed to improve in order to become a complete cornerback. What did he do with it? Hang it up in his locker.
  With another Boise CB (Orlando Scandrick) achieving some success in Dallas, Wilson likely will get drafted on the first day. Though he could use another year of development, he's got all the physical tools to be a starting CB in the NFL.
Jeremy Childs, WR, #9 (rJunior)
- 6'0", 196 lbs., 4.48 40 (e)
- Projected: late Round 4/early Round 5
- Junior receiver's number were slightly down from last year, when he had over 1,000 yards receiving and scored 9 TD's. Part of that drop may have been due to struggles adjusting to a new QB, freshman Kellen Moore. Scouts expect Childs to return for his senior season, though he did submit his name to the NFL advisory committee for feedback about his NFL status.
Ian Johnson, RB, #41
- 5'11", 198 lbs., 4.53 40 (e)
- Projected: Round 6
- One of the main characters in Boise State's storybook bowl victory two years ago, Johnson's college career has declined since that big game (& marriage proposal). For the first time since his freshman year, Johnson was held under 1,000 yards this season, and he's likely looking at a Jason Wright-like backup role in the NFL.

? Aloysius

Hawaii vs. Notre Dame
Wednesday, December 24th - 8PM (ET), ESPN

Hawaii Prospects:

David Veikune, DE, #94
- 6'2", 265 lbs., 4.89 40 (e)
- Projected: late Round 4/early Round 5
- Veikune caught on fire towards the end of this season, notching 5.5 sacks over a three game stretch. Also made 15 tackles for loss, indicating that he isn't a liability in the run game.
  
  My big question is whether he's athletic enough to play 3-4 OLB in the NFL. For what it's worth, nfldraftscout compares him to Brian Robison, a backup 4-3 DE for the Vikings who may be better served playing OLB in a 3-4 alignment.
John Estes, OC-OG, #55 (rJunior)
- 6'2", 295 lbs., 5.14 40 (e)
- Projected: late Round 3/early Round 4
- All-WAC first team center is strong and athletic enough to play any of the interior line spots. In his redshirt freshman season, he started 14 games at right guard.
  
  He probably won't declare for the draft this year. But if he does, he could be an interesting center prospect for us to consider taking in the middle rounds.

Notre Dame Prospects:

David Bruton, S, #27
- 6'2", 212 lbs., 4.55 40 (e)
- Projected: Round 5
- Tough run-defender had a great year amidst Notre Dame's disastrous season, notching close to 100 tackles. Stiff hips and questions about his speed may make him a mid-Day Two pick, but he'll contribute wherever he goes: either as a starting safety or as a special teams demon - he serves as the Irish's gunner on specials.
Maurice Crum Jr., LB, #40
- 5'11", 235 lbs., 4.72 40 (e)
- Projected: Round 7/UDFA
- Undersized linebacker may have trouble getting drafted, but his combination of instincts and good character should earn him a spot on an NFL roster. Reminds me of Joe Mays, another small 'backer (5'11", 240 lbs.) who made the Eagles' roster this year after signing as a UDFA.

damajuki

Alo, thanks for putting these up. Really interesting, great reads.

As one of the resident ND fans, I feel confident that Bruton will stick somewhere and I'd have NO problem with him on the Browns. He's big and can hit but can cover enough.

He's not the most athletic guy but I don't remember him getting beat deep. He seems to have a good feel for the passing game and knows where he should be. He's rarely out of position.

And, as you pointed out, he looks good on ST. I like this kid. I think he's a player.

Mr. T

@damajuki said:
Alo, thanks for putting these up. Really interesting, great reads.
As one of the resident ND fans, I feel confident that Bruton will stick somewhere and I'd have NO problem with him on the Browns. He's big and can hit but can cover enough.

He's not the most athletic guy but I don't remember him getting beat deep. He seems to have a good feel for the passing game and knows where he should be. He's rarely out of position.

And, as you pointed out, he looks good on ST. I like this kid. I think he's a player.

Why should we settle for second best? if you state he cant cover then why do we want him? we need the best talent available, period!

? Aloysius

You're welcome, Juki.

@ T: we're talking about a guy we may be able to draft in Round 5. At that point, BPA very well may be a safety whose coverage ability isn't great but is a hard hitter & can contribute on special teams.

? Aloysius

Jerry Hughes, a junior 3-4 OLB prospect from TCU, made an appearance on McShay's Top 32 at #26.

Here's what I wrote about Hughes a few days ago:

Jerry Hughes, DE-OLB, #98 (Junior)
6'2", 248 lbs., 4.67 40 (e)

Projected: Round 2

Hughes led the nation with 14 sacks this season, also adding 18.5 tackles for loss. A classic hybrid prospect, Hughes likely will play 3-4 OLB in the NFL. If he declares to the draft, he could be one of our targets in the 2nd Round.

You can see Hughes play tonight at 8PM on ESPN.

? Aloysius

Here's Todd McShay previewing tonight's game:

lemosley01

Aloysius, why does Hughes not project as a round 1 pick?

? Aloysius

I heard Todd McShay say today that Hughes will be taken in Round 1 if he declares, but he's got him ranked #26 on his list of prospects - that sounds like a guy who could easily slip into the 2nd Round. FWIW, the 2nd is where nfldraftscout has him projected.

As for why, I'm guessing that a lot of it has to do with Hughes only having a year of college success under his belt. Last year, he played behind Tommy Blake and Chase Ortiz, only notching one sack and 3.5 TFL's. Teams may be concerned about whether his great junior season is a Wimbley-like aberration.

Also, I suspect that Hughes is slower than his projected 4.67 40 time. Doesn't really affect his pass-rushing, but it could quell interest among teams looking for a real physical freak to convert into a 3-4 OLB.

? mz.

Alo, though this is far from documented, one of the "in the know" guys on my 'Cuse board has received word that Arthur Jones will be returning to Syracuse for his Senior season.

Another great season and this guy creeps into Round 1 IMO.

lemosley01

Aloysius said:
I heard Todd McShay say today that Hughes will be taken in Round 1 if he declares, but he's got him ranked #26 on his list of prospects - that sounds like a guy who could easily slip into the 2nd Round. FWIW, the 2nd is where nfldraftscout has him projected.
As for why, I'm guessing that a lot of it has to do with Hughes only having a year of college success under his belt. Last year, he played behind Tommy Blake and Chase Ortiz, only notching one sack and 3.5 TFL's. Teams may be concerned about whether his great junior season is a Wimbley-like aberration.

Also, I suspect that Hughes is slower than his projected 4.67 40 time. Doesn't really affect his pass-rushing, but it could quell interest among teams looking for a real physical freak to convert into a 3-4 OLB.

Thanks - as I was watching him a little last night, he didn't seem ridiculously fast. He does have a knack for getting to the football, and that certainly can't be undervalued.

Sounds like another year of college ball will do him good.

? Aloysius

mz. said:
Alo, though this is far from documented, one of the "in the know" guys on my 'Cuse board has received word that Arthur Jones will be returning to Syracuse for his Senior season.
Another great season and this guy creeps into Round 1 IMO.

Yeah, both Jones and Duke DT Vince Oghhobaase announced that they'll be returning to school. Both are solid 3-4 DE prospects, and both could make it into Round 1.

Another guy who'll be up there is Oklahoma's Gerald McCoy. As a redshirt sophomore, he's already ranked #14 on McShay's Top 32. If he doesn't declare this year, he should be the top DT taken in 2010.

? Aloysius

@lemosley01 said:
Thanks - as I was watching him a little last night, he didn't seem ridiculously fast. He does have a knack for getting to the football, and that certainly can't be undervalued.
Sounds like another year of college ball will do him good.

I agree. Hughes probably should stay in college another year and solidify his Round 1 grade.

Another concern I've heard from draft geeks is that Hughes may be a product of TCU's incredible defense. Chase Ortiz, the DE-OLB we signed (& cut) as a UDFA this year, was able to notch 9 sacks and 16.5 TFL for TCU last year.

With that in mind, perhaps Hughes' 14 sacks aren't quite as impressive. However, if he can replicate that success with opposing offenses gameplanning for him next year, that'll be extremely impressive.

? Aloysius

Here's a little porn for Notre Dame fans:

Crum's career defined by toughness

? mz.

Dammit, Alo. You're more on top of my Cuse prospects than I am!

Bonus points for linking to the Daily Orange.

? Aloysius

Ha. Just searching for the next Jameel McClain

Here's a good article on another prospect I really like, Cal DT-DE Rulon Davis.

Durability concerns, along with Rulon being older than the average prospect (he's 25), should result in him being a late round/UDFA type. But if he can stay healthy, he could develop in a nice rotational 3-4 DE - he's 6'5", 282 lbs. & runs a sub-5.0 40.

Could be a real diamond in the rough.

? Aloysius

Here's Todd McShay breaking down tonight's Hawaii/Notre Dame matchup.

? Aloysius

Central Michigan vs. Florida Atlantic
Friday, December 26th - 7:30 PM (ET), ESPN

Note: I've let SI's Tony Pauline fill in the holes in my prospect knowledge on this bowl. Not having seen either of these teams play this year, I don't really have a good feel on any of these guys.

Central Michigan Prospects:

Dan Lefevour, QB, #13 (rJunior)
- 6'3", 228 lbs., 4.79 40 (e)
- Projected: Round 3
- Says Pauline: The Chippewas signal caller has been a three-year starter and an All Conference performer every season. He's a big armed passer who can throw the deep ball with accuracy. Lefevour must improve the finer points of the quarterback position but carries a third-round grade at present time.
Andrew Hartline, OT, #74
- 6'5", 294 lbs., 5.14 40 (e)
- Projected: Round 7
- Says Pauline: CMU's starting left tackle is a smart, feisty blocker who's best in a small area. He'll be drafted in the late rounds then moved to the right side of the line in the NFL.

Florida Atlantic Prospect(s):

Frantz Joseph, ILB, #56
- 6'2", 235 lbs., 4.73 40 (e) [*[ Projected: late Round 6/ early Round 7
- Says Pauline: The Boston College transfer is a ferocious run defender who flies around making plays. Frantz comes off a solid season but lacks the true size/speed numbers to be anything other than a late round pick.

And here's Todd McShay previewing the matchup:

? Aloysius

West Virginia vs. North Carolina
Saturday, December 27th - 1 PM (ET), ESPN

West Virginia Prospects:

Quinton Andrews, SS, #8 (rJunior)
- 5'11", 208 lbs., 4.52 40 (e)
- Projected: Round 3
- Says Pauline: Andrews is a hard hitting run defender who elevated his game this season. He's considering entering the draft but projects as a top 75 pick if he returns to school and completes his game.
Pat White, QB-ATH, #5
- 6'0", 192 lbs., 4.48 40 (e)
- Projected: late Round 3/ early Round 4
- Says Pauline: White is a prospect who draws a variety of opinions around the league. He's a college quarterback but is built like a receiver and shows ball carrying skills. White has recently peeked the interest of scouts with his signal caller abilities. Pre-draft events such as the Senior Bowl and combine will go a long way in determining where White is eventually selected in April's draft.
Morrty Ivy, LB, #44
- 6'1", 236 lbs., 4.76 40 (e)
- Projected: Round 5
- Says Pauline: Ivy is a stout, hard-nosed football player yet a limited athlete. He'll get consideration in the late rounds by a defense that employs a 3-4 alignment.
Selvish Capers, OT, #66
- 6'6", 290 lbs., 4.93 40 (e)
- Projected: Round 6
- Says Pauline: Capers is quickly learning the ropes at offensive tackle after playing tight end early in his career. He's a big athlete with a large amount of upside and worth the investment of a late round draft pick.

North Carolina Prospects:

Hakeem Nicks, WR, #88 (Junior)
- 6'1", 210 lbs, 4.57 40 (e)
- Projected: late Round 2/ early Round 3
- Says Pauline: Nicks is a reliable possession wideout who has been ultra-productive since his freshman season. He's got the makings of a good second receiver for an NFL offense.
Trimane Goddard, SS, #31
- 5'11", 195 lbs., 4.57 40 (e)
- Projected: Round 6
- Says Pauline: Goddard has developed into a complete safety, effectively defending both the run and pass. He's an opportunistic defensive back who picked off seven passes and broke up five more this season. Goddard lacks classic safety size, yet has played well enough this season to elevate himself into the middle rounds.
Garret Reynolds, OT, #75
- 6'7", 310 lbs., 5.28 40 (e)
- Projected: late Round 5/ early Round 6
- Says Pauline: Reynolds is a king-sized right tackle who controls opponents once engaged in a block. He lacks the great athleticism but has enough talent to be a backup on the NFL level.