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NFL Draft Big Board: ACC stars Cook, Williams, Trubisky coming up aces
by Rob Rang
While the overall talent in the SEC or Big Ten will prove itself on draft day -- and perhaps the College Football Playoff -- it was the Atlantic Coast Conference that provided the most excitement in Week 13.
North Carolina quarterback Mitch Trubisky, Clemson wide receiver Mike Williams and a pair of Florida State Seminoles -- running back Dalvin Cook and defensive lineman DeMarcus Walker -- enjoyed the type of splashy performances that has their respective draft stock soaring at just the right time.
With the regular season over for most teams and only conference championships and the subsequent bowl games still on the schedule, the talent likely to be available in the 2017 NFL draft is becoming clear. Here is my updated personal ranking of the Top 32 NFL prospects in the country.
Players are listed by name, position, school, year, height, weight and 40-yard dash time
1. Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M, Jr, 6-5, 262, 4.74
After dominating Texas-San Antonio the week before to the tune of 4.5 sacks, Garrett was largely silenced by LSU's powerful rushing attack, collecting just two tackles (albeit one for loss) in a humbling 54-39 loss likely to be his final game at College Station. Garrett has been limited this season by a nagging ankle which will obviously require careful examination by NFL doctors whenever he should make himself eligible for the draft, but his talent -- at least when healthy -- is obvious. Boasting a prototypical blend of explosiveness, flexibility and length off the corner, Garrett has the look of a future Pro Bowl regular.
2. Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama, Sr, 6-3, 292, 4.85
Whereas Garrett has been slowed by injury this season, Allen has maintained his season-long perch as my top-rated senior prospect regardless of position, recording six tackles, including two for loss in the Iron Bowl victory over Auburn. Capable of creating havoc while lining up inside or out, Allen reminds me a little of Seahawks' Pro Bowler Michael Bennett, winning with an explosive upfield burst and powerful, coordinated hands.
3. Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU, Jr, 6-1, 230, 4.45
LSU's dominance over Texas A&M was all the more impressive given that Fournette was again unable to suit up due to the ankle injury which has nagged him all season long. While Fournette's struggles this season are not ideal (and raise legitimate concerns about his durability), he possesses the most exciting blend of size, speed and power among running backs since Adrian Peterson.
4. Jabrill Peppers, SS/OLB, Michigan, rSoph, 6-0, 208, 4.48
Defensive coordinators looking for versatile playmakers will be highly intrigued by Peppers, the latest in a new line of defensive 'erasers' capable of lining up at safety, linebacker or cornerback similar in style to recent first-round picks Deone Bucannon, Damarious Randall and Shaq Thompson.
5. Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama, Sr, 6-1, 240, 4.72
Inside linebackers rarely warrant top-10 consideration but Foster is a rare talent. Foster might be the most intimidating hitter in all of college football and he possesses the fluidity and speed to cover. He is a more explosive athlete than Alabama's recent stars at linebacker, showing ridiculous closing speed and an utter disregard for his own safety or that of his opponents.
6. Teez Tabor, CB, Florida, Jr, 6-0, 199, 4.52
Tabor's first name was Jalen, until this summer when he chose a new name that may provide a more accurate description of his game. Tabor teases with an exciting combination of size, fluidity and speed, standing out in coverage and as a gunner on special teams the past two years. Even in a loss to Florida State, Tabor's agility, closing speed and hand-eye coordination stood out.
7. Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama, rSoph, 6-1, 198, 4.53
Teams prioritizing size and physicality will find a lot to like with Humphrey, the son of former Alabama star and NFL first-round pick Bobby Humphrey (Denver, 1989). A former track star, Humphrey is built well for a young player at a solid 6-1, 198 pounds and is an aggressive tackler, including in run support. Like Tabor, Humphrey has four interceptions on the season, tied for first in the SEC.
8. Jamal Adams, S, LSU, Jr, 6-0, 211, 4.48
It is easy to mistake Adams for former LSU Tigers star Tyrann Mathieu, given their similar instincts and highly aggressive playing style. Like Mathieu, Adams possesses the agility and speed to handle coverage duties on slot receivers, possesses soft hands for the interception and is a tenacious run defender. Adams' kamikaze style of play can lead to occasional mistakes but he is always around the ball.
9. Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State Seminoles, Jr, 5-11, 206, 4.46
While Fournette's blend of size, speed and power are certainly intriguing, it was easy to see against a talented Florida defense in Week 13 why some believe that Cook offers the greater recipe for success in the NFL. Cook offers terrific instincts as a runner, showing vision, patience and burst to attack on the ground. Just as importantly in today's pass-happy era, Cook possesses soft hands out of the backfield, as well as the toughness and selflessness to block, when necessary.
10. Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee, Jr, 6-3, 257, 4.76
A more polished defender than even the top-rated Garrett, Barnett has silenced critics (including me) who questioned prior to the season whether he possessed the length and burst to warrant a first-round selection. While perhaps lacking in pure explosiveness, Barnett varies his attack, incorporating quickness, power and refined technique to wreak havoc against the run and pass, alike. Those close to the program rave about his work ethic and Barnett's production (including an SEC-leading 12 sacks) speak for themselves.
11. Mike Williams, WR, Clemson, rJr, 6-3, 220, 4.50
Williams was brilliant in his final game at Death Valley, torching rival South Carolina for a career-high three touchdowns. Though last year's neck injury and an occasional drop of an "easy" pass remain concerns, Williams is in the same class athletically as former teammates Sammy Watkins, DeAndre Hopkins and Martavis Bryant. An imposing target with explosive speed and the body control to win contested passes, Williams looks the part of a future No. 1 receiver in the NFL.
12. Zach Cunningham, LB, Vanderbilt, rJr, 6-3, 230, 4.74
Listed 18th overall on my initial Big Board back in August, Cunningham has only reinforced my opinion this season that he warrants top-20 consideration. Instinctive, aggressive and athletic, Cunningham offers an exciting and versatile skill set sure to intrigue any creative defensive coordinator in the NFL. Cunningham currently leads the SEC with 119 tackles -- one more than he posted a year ago, when he earned First Team All-SEC honors despite not starting until the fourth game.
13. Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford, Jr, 6-0, 202, 4.48
Despite Stanford's struggles, McCaffrey has proven every bit as dynamic as in past seasons -- quietly again leading the Pac-12 in rushing (145.7) and all-purpose yards (211.5) per game. With his easy agility, instant acceleration and soft hands, he reminds me of another former Pac-12 star, Reggie Bush. Like Bush, McCaffrey lacks the bulk to be a true bell-cow back at the next level but I believe that he possesses the athleticism and receiving skills to potentially handle slot receiver duties, as well.
14. John Ross, WR, Washington, rJr, 5-11, 190, 4.35
Perhaps no player has improved his NFL Draft stock more this year than Ross, who has overcome two separate serious knee injuries earlier in his career to rank among national leaders with 16 touchdown receptions. Ross is a DeSean Jackson clone with blinding straight-line speed, agility and versatility as both a receiver and returner.
15. Mitch Trubisky, QB, Jr, North Carolina, 6-3, 220, 4.74
Though he failed to guide UNC to a win over state rival North Carolina State in Week 13, Trubisky showed off the NFL-caliber combination of size, arm strength and athleticism likely to earn him a top pick whenever he should elect to make himself eligible to the NFL. Trubisky's traits are undeniable but he is largely a projection at this point. Though he played in 19 games the past two seasons as an often-used backup, the only 12 starts of his college career have come this season and he is supported by legitimate NFL talent at running back and wide receiver.
16. Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State, Jr, 6-5, 282, 4.92
Scouts are intrigued by McDowell's blend of size, strength and athleticism, which has allowed him to play virtually every position along the defensive line over the past three seasons for the Spartans. Unfortunately, for all of his talent McDowell has also shown a troubling tendency to get nicked up, missing snaps in several games this season. McDowell is a clear-cut top-10 talent but his stock is slipping as scouts question whether he possesses the physical and mental toughness to excel at the next level.
17. Sidney Jones, CB, Washington, Jr, 6-0, 181, 4.49
Jones and the rest of the Washington secondary declawed Luke Falk and the Washington State Cougars in the Apple Cup, limiting the high-octane offense to just 17 points (25.6 less than WSU scored in every other Pac-12 game this season). A silky-smooth athlete with excellent awareness and composure with the ball in the air, Jones has a shot to be the first cornerback selected this spring, though some worry about his somewhat slim frame.
18. Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama, Jr, 6-5, 327, 5.28
Robinson has starred at left tackle for the Tide since earning the job as a true freshman but his NFL future may be on the right side or even inside at guard. As his monstrous size implies, Robinson can be a road-grader in the running game and his quickness and length can make him very effective in pass protection.
19. DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame, rSoph, 6-4, 230, 4.84
Kizer is the most gifted draft-eligible quarterback prospect in the country with a prototypical blend of build, arm strength and functional athleticism. He possesses the kind of undeniable talent that could lead to an early selection should he opt to head to the NFL but is far from a surefire franchise quarterback, making head-scratching decisions or simply inaccurate passes in virtually every game this season. Teams will not overlook that Brian Kelly has produced just one NFL quarterback (2010 sixth-round pick Tony Pike, Carolina) in 26 seasons as a head coach.
20. O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama, Sr, 6-6, 242, 4.57
Howard lacks the production one might expect of an early NFL draft pick, catching just 35 passes for 404 yards and two touchdowns thus far this season (104-1,535-6 for his career). He is the best tight end in the country even if he plays an inconsistent role in the Alabama offense. His freakish combination of size, speed and strength make Howard a mismatch nightmare in the passing game and he's made major strides this season as a blocker.
21. Carl Lawson, OLB/DE, Auburn, rJr, 6-2, 253, 4.67
Though Lawson has not officially confirmed that he is forgoing his final season of eligibility to join the NFL Draft, he was announced among the seniors last week in the year's final game at Jordan-Hare Stadium, a strong indication of his intention. Finally healthy after missing 19 of 26 games over the 2014-15 seasons with a torn ACL and hip injury, Lawson has recorded a career-high nine sacks for the Tigers this fall, winning with a fearsome combination of initial burst, core strength and a relentless motor.
22. Bucky Hodges, TE, Virginia Tech, rJr, 6-6, 245, 4.78
Unlike Alabama's bigger, stronger Howard, Hodges is more of a hybrid receiver, projecting best as a mismatch in the passing game, similar to Seattle's Jimmy Graham. A high school quarterback who didn't make the full transition to pass-catcher until his sophomore season at Virginia Tech, Hodges is understandably raw but the kind of freakish athlete to be worthy of a first-round gamble.
23. Desmond King, CB, Iowa, Sr, 5-10, 200, 4.53
King nearly made the jump to the NFL after a junior season in which he recorded eight interceptions and was recognized with the Thorpe Award as the nation's top defensive back. His statistics have dropped this season (only one interception) as opponents have wisely avoided him. Scouts admire King's instincts, physicality and ball-skills but question his straight-line speed.
24. Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin, rJr, 6-5, 316, 5.29
The Badgers are well known for producing quality offensive linemen but Ramczyk (pronounced Ram-check) comes with a unique back story as a transfer from D-III UW-Stony Brook. Possessing uncanny agility and balance for a player of his size, Ramczyk joins Alabama's Robinson as one of the few college tackles this year worthy of first-round consideration.
25. Takkarist McKinley, OLB/DE, UCLA, Sr, 6-2, 258, 4.58
The NFL loves freaky athletes and they don't come much more explosive than McKinley, a former track star who has steadily developed into one of the nation's most fearsome edge rushers. Like Lawson, McKinley possesses the upfield burst and bend to attack off the corner (as his 10 sacks in 11 games this season imply), but he is not "just" a pass rusher, showing the awareness and closing speed to drop into coverage or spy mobile quarterbacks, as well.
Best of the Rest:
26. Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan, Sr, 6-3, 213, 4.48
27. Dan Feeney, OG, Indiana, rSr, 6-4, 310, 5.09
28. Lowell Lotulelei, DT, Utah, Jr, 6-2, 310, 5.28
29. Dorian Johnson, OG, Pittsburgh, Sr, 6-5, 300, 5.20
30. JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, Southern Cal, Jr, 6-2, 220, 4.52
31. DeMarcus Walker, DT, Florida State, Sr, 6-2, 273, 4.86
32. Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU, Sr, 5-11, 192, 4.50
by Rob Rang
While the overall talent in the SEC or Big Ten will prove itself on draft day -- and perhaps the College Football Playoff -- it was the Atlantic Coast Conference that provided the most excitement in Week 13.
North Carolina quarterback Mitch Trubisky, Clemson wide receiver Mike Williams and a pair of Florida State Seminoles -- running back Dalvin Cook and defensive lineman DeMarcus Walker -- enjoyed the type of splashy performances that has their respective draft stock soaring at just the right time.
With the regular season over for most teams and only conference championships and the subsequent bowl games still on the schedule, the talent likely to be available in the 2017 NFL draft is becoming clear. Here is my updated personal ranking of the Top 32 NFL prospects in the country.
Players are listed by name, position, school, year, height, weight and 40-yard dash time
1. Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M, Jr, 6-5, 262, 4.74
After dominating Texas-San Antonio the week before to the tune of 4.5 sacks, Garrett was largely silenced by LSU's powerful rushing attack, collecting just two tackles (albeit one for loss) in a humbling 54-39 loss likely to be his final game at College Station. Garrett has been limited this season by a nagging ankle which will obviously require careful examination by NFL doctors whenever he should make himself eligible for the draft, but his talent -- at least when healthy -- is obvious. Boasting a prototypical blend of explosiveness, flexibility and length off the corner, Garrett has the look of a future Pro Bowl regular.
2. Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama, Sr, 6-3, 292, 4.85
Whereas Garrett has been slowed by injury this season, Allen has maintained his season-long perch as my top-rated senior prospect regardless of position, recording six tackles, including two for loss in the Iron Bowl victory over Auburn. Capable of creating havoc while lining up inside or out, Allen reminds me a little of Seahawks' Pro Bowler Michael Bennett, winning with an explosive upfield burst and powerful, coordinated hands.
3. Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU, Jr, 6-1, 230, 4.45
LSU's dominance over Texas A&M was all the more impressive given that Fournette was again unable to suit up due to the ankle injury which has nagged him all season long. While Fournette's struggles this season are not ideal (and raise legitimate concerns about his durability), he possesses the most exciting blend of size, speed and power among running backs since Adrian Peterson.
4. Jabrill Peppers, SS/OLB, Michigan, rSoph, 6-0, 208, 4.48
Defensive coordinators looking for versatile playmakers will be highly intrigued by Peppers, the latest in a new line of defensive 'erasers' capable of lining up at safety, linebacker or cornerback similar in style to recent first-round picks Deone Bucannon, Damarious Randall and Shaq Thompson.
5. Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama, Sr, 6-1, 240, 4.72
Inside linebackers rarely warrant top-10 consideration but Foster is a rare talent. Foster might be the most intimidating hitter in all of college football and he possesses the fluidity and speed to cover. He is a more explosive athlete than Alabama's recent stars at linebacker, showing ridiculous closing speed and an utter disregard for his own safety or that of his opponents.
6. Teez Tabor, CB, Florida, Jr, 6-0, 199, 4.52
Tabor's first name was Jalen, until this summer when he chose a new name that may provide a more accurate description of his game. Tabor teases with an exciting combination of size, fluidity and speed, standing out in coverage and as a gunner on special teams the past two years. Even in a loss to Florida State, Tabor's agility, closing speed and hand-eye coordination stood out.
7. Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama, rSoph, 6-1, 198, 4.53
Teams prioritizing size and physicality will find a lot to like with Humphrey, the son of former Alabama star and NFL first-round pick Bobby Humphrey (Denver, 1989). A former track star, Humphrey is built well for a young player at a solid 6-1, 198 pounds and is an aggressive tackler, including in run support. Like Tabor, Humphrey has four interceptions on the season, tied for first in the SEC.
8. Jamal Adams, S, LSU, Jr, 6-0, 211, 4.48
It is easy to mistake Adams for former LSU Tigers star Tyrann Mathieu, given their similar instincts and highly aggressive playing style. Like Mathieu, Adams possesses the agility and speed to handle coverage duties on slot receivers, possesses soft hands for the interception and is a tenacious run defender. Adams' kamikaze style of play can lead to occasional mistakes but he is always around the ball.
9. Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State Seminoles, Jr, 5-11, 206, 4.46
While Fournette's blend of size, speed and power are certainly intriguing, it was easy to see against a talented Florida defense in Week 13 why some believe that Cook offers the greater recipe for success in the NFL. Cook offers terrific instincts as a runner, showing vision, patience and burst to attack on the ground. Just as importantly in today's pass-happy era, Cook possesses soft hands out of the backfield, as well as the toughness and selflessness to block, when necessary.
10. Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee, Jr, 6-3, 257, 4.76
A more polished defender than even the top-rated Garrett, Barnett has silenced critics (including me) who questioned prior to the season whether he possessed the length and burst to warrant a first-round selection. While perhaps lacking in pure explosiveness, Barnett varies his attack, incorporating quickness, power and refined technique to wreak havoc against the run and pass, alike. Those close to the program rave about his work ethic and Barnett's production (including an SEC-leading 12 sacks) speak for themselves.
11. Mike Williams, WR, Clemson, rJr, 6-3, 220, 4.50
Williams was brilliant in his final game at Death Valley, torching rival South Carolina for a career-high three touchdowns. Though last year's neck injury and an occasional drop of an "easy" pass remain concerns, Williams is in the same class athletically as former teammates Sammy Watkins, DeAndre Hopkins and Martavis Bryant. An imposing target with explosive speed and the body control to win contested passes, Williams looks the part of a future No. 1 receiver in the NFL.
12. Zach Cunningham, LB, Vanderbilt, rJr, 6-3, 230, 4.74
Listed 18th overall on my initial Big Board back in August, Cunningham has only reinforced my opinion this season that he warrants top-20 consideration. Instinctive, aggressive and athletic, Cunningham offers an exciting and versatile skill set sure to intrigue any creative defensive coordinator in the NFL. Cunningham currently leads the SEC with 119 tackles -- one more than he posted a year ago, when he earned First Team All-SEC honors despite not starting until the fourth game.
13. Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford, Jr, 6-0, 202, 4.48
Despite Stanford's struggles, McCaffrey has proven every bit as dynamic as in past seasons -- quietly again leading the Pac-12 in rushing (145.7) and all-purpose yards (211.5) per game. With his easy agility, instant acceleration and soft hands, he reminds me of another former Pac-12 star, Reggie Bush. Like Bush, McCaffrey lacks the bulk to be a true bell-cow back at the next level but I believe that he possesses the athleticism and receiving skills to potentially handle slot receiver duties, as well.
14. John Ross, WR, Washington, rJr, 5-11, 190, 4.35
Perhaps no player has improved his NFL Draft stock more this year than Ross, who has overcome two separate serious knee injuries earlier in his career to rank among national leaders with 16 touchdown receptions. Ross is a DeSean Jackson clone with blinding straight-line speed, agility and versatility as both a receiver and returner.
15. Mitch Trubisky, QB, Jr, North Carolina, 6-3, 220, 4.74
Though he failed to guide UNC to a win over state rival North Carolina State in Week 13, Trubisky showed off the NFL-caliber combination of size, arm strength and athleticism likely to earn him a top pick whenever he should elect to make himself eligible to the NFL. Trubisky's traits are undeniable but he is largely a projection at this point. Though he played in 19 games the past two seasons as an often-used backup, the only 12 starts of his college career have come this season and he is supported by legitimate NFL talent at running back and wide receiver.
16. Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State, Jr, 6-5, 282, 4.92
Scouts are intrigued by McDowell's blend of size, strength and athleticism, which has allowed him to play virtually every position along the defensive line over the past three seasons for the Spartans. Unfortunately, for all of his talent McDowell has also shown a troubling tendency to get nicked up, missing snaps in several games this season. McDowell is a clear-cut top-10 talent but his stock is slipping as scouts question whether he possesses the physical and mental toughness to excel at the next level.
17. Sidney Jones, CB, Washington, Jr, 6-0, 181, 4.49
Jones and the rest of the Washington secondary declawed Luke Falk and the Washington State Cougars in the Apple Cup, limiting the high-octane offense to just 17 points (25.6 less than WSU scored in every other Pac-12 game this season). A silky-smooth athlete with excellent awareness and composure with the ball in the air, Jones has a shot to be the first cornerback selected this spring, though some worry about his somewhat slim frame.
18. Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama, Jr, 6-5, 327, 5.28
Robinson has starred at left tackle for the Tide since earning the job as a true freshman but his NFL future may be on the right side or even inside at guard. As his monstrous size implies, Robinson can be a road-grader in the running game and his quickness and length can make him very effective in pass protection.
19. DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame, rSoph, 6-4, 230, 4.84
Kizer is the most gifted draft-eligible quarterback prospect in the country with a prototypical blend of build, arm strength and functional athleticism. He possesses the kind of undeniable talent that could lead to an early selection should he opt to head to the NFL but is far from a surefire franchise quarterback, making head-scratching decisions or simply inaccurate passes in virtually every game this season. Teams will not overlook that Brian Kelly has produced just one NFL quarterback (2010 sixth-round pick Tony Pike, Carolina) in 26 seasons as a head coach.
20. O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama, Sr, 6-6, 242, 4.57
Howard lacks the production one might expect of an early NFL draft pick, catching just 35 passes for 404 yards and two touchdowns thus far this season (104-1,535-6 for his career). He is the best tight end in the country even if he plays an inconsistent role in the Alabama offense. His freakish combination of size, speed and strength make Howard a mismatch nightmare in the passing game and he's made major strides this season as a blocker.
21. Carl Lawson, OLB/DE, Auburn, rJr, 6-2, 253, 4.67
Though Lawson has not officially confirmed that he is forgoing his final season of eligibility to join the NFL Draft, he was announced among the seniors last week in the year's final game at Jordan-Hare Stadium, a strong indication of his intention. Finally healthy after missing 19 of 26 games over the 2014-15 seasons with a torn ACL and hip injury, Lawson has recorded a career-high nine sacks for the Tigers this fall, winning with a fearsome combination of initial burst, core strength and a relentless motor.
22. Bucky Hodges, TE, Virginia Tech, rJr, 6-6, 245, 4.78
Unlike Alabama's bigger, stronger Howard, Hodges is more of a hybrid receiver, projecting best as a mismatch in the passing game, similar to Seattle's Jimmy Graham. A high school quarterback who didn't make the full transition to pass-catcher until his sophomore season at Virginia Tech, Hodges is understandably raw but the kind of freakish athlete to be worthy of a first-round gamble.
23. Desmond King, CB, Iowa, Sr, 5-10, 200, 4.53
King nearly made the jump to the NFL after a junior season in which he recorded eight interceptions and was recognized with the Thorpe Award as the nation's top defensive back. His statistics have dropped this season (only one interception) as opponents have wisely avoided him. Scouts admire King's instincts, physicality and ball-skills but question his straight-line speed.
24. Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin, rJr, 6-5, 316, 5.29
The Badgers are well known for producing quality offensive linemen but Ramczyk (pronounced Ram-check) comes with a unique back story as a transfer from D-III UW-Stony Brook. Possessing uncanny agility and balance for a player of his size, Ramczyk joins Alabama's Robinson as one of the few college tackles this year worthy of first-round consideration.
25. Takkarist McKinley, OLB/DE, UCLA, Sr, 6-2, 258, 4.58
The NFL loves freaky athletes and they don't come much more explosive than McKinley, a former track star who has steadily developed into one of the nation's most fearsome edge rushers. Like Lawson, McKinley possesses the upfield burst and bend to attack off the corner (as his 10 sacks in 11 games this season imply), but he is not "just" a pass rusher, showing the awareness and closing speed to drop into coverage or spy mobile quarterbacks, as well.
Best of the Rest:
26. Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan, Sr, 6-3, 213, 4.48
27. Dan Feeney, OG, Indiana, rSr, 6-4, 310, 5.09
28. Lowell Lotulelei, DT, Utah, Jr, 6-2, 310, 5.28
29. Dorian Johnson, OG, Pittsburgh, Sr, 6-5, 300, 5.20
30. JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, Southern Cal, Jr, 6-2, 220, 4.52
31. DeMarcus Walker, DT, Florida State, Sr, 6-2, 273, 4.86
32. Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU, Sr, 5-11, 192, 4.50
theoneandonly
Quality Starter
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Browns are all over him, which means he is destined to bust.
theoneandonly
Quality Starter
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I was hoping he'd last to the Cowboys pick but now it probably doesnt happen.
- Messages
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And they pass on opportunity to draft a prospect who's eons better (Wentz) and then claim to everyone its because they didn't see Wentz as a "1st rd pick talent". This guy is nowhere near the prospect Wentz is.
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From the MMQB site:
Drafting Lists
With the college football regular season winding down, it’s as good a time as any to assess the 2017 draft: Who’s moving up draft boards, who are the most polarizing prospects, who could be the next Dak Prescott and more
Biggest Draft Board Risers
1. Mitch Trubisky, QB, North Carolina. “Trubisk-who?” scouts, this time last year. The biggest knock on Trubisky: He’s a one-year starter. But in a middling year for top quarterback talent, many have become intrigued by Trubisky’s accuracy, vision and poise under pressure. He has one year of eligibly remaining at UNC. But if he declares, he’s a strong first-round consideration.
2. Takkarist McKinley, LB, UCLA. I got a flurry of texts after one of The MMQB’s Anonymous Scouts pondered if McKinley could be “the next DeMarcus Ware.” Many around the NFL were having a hard time figuring McKinley out. Since his College Column tout, the linebacker has been on a tear: He’s averaging a sack-per-game and showcasing his skills as a pass-rushing linebacker in a 3-4 system.
3. John Ross, WR, Washington. Ross is listed at 5-foot-11 and he’s on the leaner side. But scouts can’t stop gushing over his speed—even after two knee surgeries, one of which sidelined him for all of last season. Ross is mesmerizing when he gets touches, and so far this season, he’s had a lot: 64 receptions for 991 yards and 15 touchdowns.
4. Zach Cunningham, LB, Vanderbilt. He’s racking up stats, most impressively: 16.5 tackles for loss. Here’s our Anonymous Scout on Cunningham last month: “Long arms. Explosive with sideline-to-sideline speed. Natural when he drops into coverage. Converts speed into power as a tackler, but could use some improvement in finishing tackles.” The Vandy linebacker has long been on NFL teams radars, but could sneak into the Top 50.
* * *
Best Small-School Prospects
1. Julie’n Davenport, OL, Bucknell. Get ready to hear the comparisons between Davenport and Ali Marpet, the Hobart College product turned second-round guard for the Buccaneers in 2014. I’m told there’s a lot to like about Davenport, who shows impressive athleticism for his size (6' 6", 315 pounds). In a thin year for offensive tackles, this big guy from a small liberal arts school could go as high as the second round.
2. Gerald Everett, TE, South Alabama. It’s the year of the tight end—a renaissance for a position group that has been underwhelming over the last few draft cycles. You’ll hear Everett’s name right up there with Alabama’s O.J. Howard, Michigan’s Jake Butt, Virginia Tech’s Bucky Hodges and Mississippi’s Evan Engram. The UAB transfer is acrobatically athletic.
3. Cooper Kupp, WR, Eastern Washington. “If you really want to find the next Carson Wentz, you should be looking at Cooper Kupp,” says someone I know in the NFL scouting community. (Different positions, but the point is understood.) Kupp is a crisp route-runner with reliable hands and the ability to box out defenders. He could be special at the next level. Other wideouts received consideration for this slot, including East Carolina’s Zay Jones and Western Michigan’s Corey Davis.
4. Keionta Davis, DE, Chattanooga. A College Column Anonymous Scout gushed about Davis earlier this season: “High on this guy,” he wrote, noting that Davis caught his eye last season after a strong showing against Florida State tackle Roderick Johnson.
• IN SEARCH OF ‘THE NEXT CARSON WENTZ’: Combing the FCS ranks for the next top QB prospect, the search came across Brady Gustafson, a 6'7" passer from Montana who beat Wentz in his first career start.
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Biggest Draft Question Marks
1. Charles Walker, DL, Oklahoma. Walker is at best a Day-2 pick, but he generated headlines earlier this month when he left Oklahoma to prepare for the draft (he had been sidelined with a concussion). This didn’t sit well with Sooners defensive coordinator Mike Stoops who said: “Quitting on your teammates is hard to take, as a coach.” It might not resonate well with scouts, either, who already had concerns about Walker’s work ethic.
2. Chad Kelly, QB, Mississippi. The nephew of Hall of Famer Jim Kelly, Chad was already the draft’s most polarizing quarterback prospect. He’s talented but erratic on the field, with a checkered past off of it. Kelly has to convince NFL teams he can be trusted, which becomes more challenging as he recovers from a torn ACL. That means Kelly will be sidelined for prove-it events, such as the Senior Bowl.
3. Quarterbacks in general. Are any worthy of a first-round pick? The more I hear about this draft class, the more I am reminded of 2013. That’s the year when the Bills reached for EJ Manuel and the Jets hitched their hopes to Geno Smith. Deshaun Watson could be the franchise-changer many have pegged him as since last season, and Miami’s Brad Kaaya, Notre Dame’s DeShone Kizer and North Carolina’s Mitch Trubisky (should any or all of them declare) could very well pan out. But nobody is a sure thing, and that’s scary for a lot of quarterback-needy teams.
4. Anthony Walker, LB, Northwestern. By the end of last season, some were touting the Northwestern Wildcat as a first-round talent. But when some scouts watched him early this season, they left campus wondering if Walker was even a Day 3 pick. Walker was hampered by injury to begin 2016, and through the season and has regained some momentum. But I’m always intrigued by someone who generates such polarizing reports.
* * *
Most Likely to be the Next Dak Prescott
1. Nathan Peterman, Pittsburgh. A few NFL teams are intrigued by the graduate transfer from Tennessee. Though his size (6' 2", 225 pounds) is average and his decision-making can be shaky, Peterman has the intangible scout covet the most: toughness. He stands tall in the pocket, but also flashes mobility outside it.
2. Seth Russell, Baylor. He’ll need some coaching, but Russell has a big arm. The word you’ll often see tagged to this quarterback: athleticism. After a broken left ankle cut his season short, he needs a big showing at the combine (if he’s healthy in time) or in pre-draft workouts, but many believe he’s capable.
3. Davis Webb, California. Interesting that we’re tagging Jared Goff’s successor as the “Next Dak Prescott.” Though Webb doesn’t have Goff’s pedigree, some scouts believe he has a better arm. The graduate transfer from Texas Tech already proved he’s more than just a system guy. With a strong draft season, beginning with the Senior Bowl, Webb can prove he can start in the NFL, too.
4. Pat Mahomes, Texas Tech. Valuations on Mahomes vary from Top 50 pick to undrafted free agent. While his size (6' 3", 230 pounds) and arm strength are enticing, scouts wonder if he’s just a product of Tech’s system. Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy doesn’t think so. Here’s Gundy, earlier this month: “I think [Mahomes] is a potential first-round pick. He reminds me a lot of Dak Prescott, when we played Dak and Mississippi State when he was younger. The style of play, body, strength, speed, ability to throw in different positions, it reminds me a lot of him.”
* * *
Teams With The Most Draftable Talent*
Rated by potential Top 50 picks
1. Alabama: DE Jonathan Allen, CB Marlon Humphrey, OT Cam Robinson, LB Reuben Foster, LB Tim Williams, TE O.J. Howard
2. Michigan: LB Jabrill Peppers, TE Jake Butt, DE Taco Charlton, WR Amara Darboh, DT Chris Wormley, CB Jordan Lewis
3. Washington: WR John Ross, CB Sidney Jones, DT Vita Vea, S Budda Baker, DT Elijah Qualls
4. LSU: RB Leonard Fournette, S Jamal Adams, C Ethan Pocic, CB Tre’Daviorous White
* * *
PICK MY GUY
A current NFL player explains why his former collegiate teammate is destined for success as a pro. Here’s Ravens offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley hyping former Notre Dame linemate Mike McGlinchey.
“I played alongside him for two years. I remember my first impression of Mike: This kid needs to calm down. He’s a guy that’s pretty loud and out-there with his personality. But he brings it all to the field and channels it in a good way. He’s a high-energy player who gets his teammates hyped up. He’s someone you want on your side of the ball. His best attributes are his size, he’s a big kid and that helps a lot, but he’s also athletic. I know he played basketball, which probably helps with his athleticism. He understands football and studies the game. I definitely know he has what it takes to play offensive line in this league.”
* * *
THE ANONYMOUS SCOUT
Illinois’ Chunky Clements.
A few NFL evaluators introduce you to the players they’re keeping an eye on… Note: In honor of Thanksgiving, I decided to curate a group of players with food-related names. Corny, yes. But I was so excited that my editor couldn’t say no.
Jarrod “Chunky” Clements, DT, Illinois: Loves going to the swim move. Loves to shoot gaps. More of an interior pass rusher than a run stopper.
Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan: Has always been strong against the run game. Really coming along as a pass rusher this year, learning how to bend the edge and developing pass rush moves. Turning into a complete player.
Pita Taumoepenu, DE, Utah: Became a starter after a teammate was injured. Used mostly as a pass rush specialist. Probably projects to outside linebacker at pro level.
• BIG LINEMAN HAS TO BE A BIG LOSER: USC offensive lineman Zach Banner is 6' 9" and once weighed close to 400 pounds. He lost the weight and is on a quest keep it off.
* * *
FACTOID OF THE WEEK
55-year-old South Carolina State RB Joe Thomas Sr.
Photo: David Gardner
55-year-old South Carolina State RB Joe Thomas Sr.
Joe Thomas Sr., a 55-year-old walk-on running back at South Carolina State, became the oldest player in the history of Division I college football. (He is the father of Joe Thomas Jr., a linebacker on the Packers). That’s the factoid of the week, but the story behind it is even more remarkable. I recommend everyone take the time to read this piece by colleague David Gardner. “I believe that if the coaches looked past my age and just let me play football,” Thomas told Gardner, “I’d steal someone’s position.”
* * *
WHAT I’M WATCHING
Saturday unless noted, all times Eastern…
No. 6 Washington at No. 23 Washington State (Friday, 3:30): The Huskies, once College Football Playoff locks, now likely need two wins to secure a spot in the final four. It’s doable, especially if they knock off Mike Leach’s squad in Pullman. Washington State, behind Leach and quarterback Luke Falk, had its eight-game winning streak snapped against Colorado last week. Falk, a redshirt junior, has been excellent, but there’s a buzz among scouts that he could be returning to school next year. Falk (who already has 3,935 passing yards and leads the nation with a 71.4 completion percentage) missed last year’s matchup due to injury. Meanwhile, we’ve gushed about Washington’s NFL talent in this column, specifically on defense. They generate an intimidating pass rush, often without blitzing, and the Huskies’ secondary (a trio I talk about often: Budda Baker, Sidney Jones and Kevin King) could be the most talented in the nation. How important is this game to both sides? Neither coach made their players available to the media this week, with the crutch excuse of “limiting distractions.”
No. 3 Michigan at No. 2 Ohio State (noon): Thinking of my podcast partner and colleague, Albert Breer, the Ohio State super fan, who will be making his first trip to the Horseshoe in more than a decade. I know how badly he wants his Buckeyes to win in what is the most important matchup between these rivals since 2006, when Ohio State and Michigan were ranked No. 1 and 2, respectively. Jim Harbaugh’s crew needs to rev up the offense; the Wolverines scored a season-low 13 points in their loss to Iowa and their quarterback options are Wilson Speight (coming off a shoulder injury) or backup John O’Korn (coming off a shaky performance against a not-so-great opponent in his only start). The Buckeyes have home field advantage, and with a win, seem poised for the College Football Playoff, having already secured wins over No. 6 Wisconsin, No. 9 Oklahoma and No. 16 Nebraska. And yet, I know as much as I’d like Breer to be happy, he’ll likely be rooting against my Nittany Lions in the afternoon game against Michigan State. A Penn State loss, following an Ohio State win, would earn the Buckeyes a trip to the Big Ten title game.
No. 21 Utah at No. 9 Colorado, 3:30 p.m.: I’m sorry for sleeping on you for so long, Colorado. You are a legitimate College Football Playoff contender, and really, just a legitimate team. Kudos to coach Mike MacIntyre for an incredible turnaround. Remember, the Buffaloes haven’t qualified for a bowl game in a decade, last finished with a winning record in 2005, and won just one Pac-12 game last year. Quarterback Sefo Liufau is on the NFL’s periphery, especially after his 345-yard throwing and three-rushing touchdown performance last week against Washington State. And Colorado’s defense is no joke. But neither is Utah. In order to complete it’s worst-to-first makeover, Colorado must overcome a stout Utes defense. The defensive line is anchored by Lowell Lotulelei (brother of Panthers’ lineman, Star) and Hunter Dimick, the program’s new career sacks leader with 29.
• LUKE FALK AND THE AIR RAID CONUNDRUM: The high-powered college offense has produced few NFL success stories. The latest Mike Leach pupil, Luke Falk, has a chance to buck the trend.
* * *
SAVAGE’S SENIORS
Former NFL GM and current Reese’s Senior Bowl Executive Director Phil Savage highlights senior match-ups he’ll be keeping an eye on this week.
Auburn OT Robert Leff vs. Alabama OLB Ryan Anderson: Our hometown area (Mobile and Baldwin Counties) has consistently produced NFL talent on an almost annual basis, and the 2017 draft will be no exception. In the Iron Bowl, Daphne’s Anderson (6' 2", 253 pounds) will face off with Fairhope product Robert Leff (6' 6", 299 pounds). Anderson has enjoyed a very productive senior campaign with 42 total tackles, 14.5 tackles-for-loss, 6.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles, while Leff, as a first-year starter, has helped solidify the Tigers’ offensive line and will make his 52nd game appearance on Saturday.
Best of the Rest:
Washington CB Kevin King vs. Washington State WR Gabe Marks
Villanova DE Tanoh Kpassagnon and FS Lorenzo Jerome vs. St. Francis (Pa.)
Purdue DT Jake Replogle vs. Indiana OG Dan Feeney
Michigan DT Ryan Glasgow vs. Ohio State OC Pat Elflein
Colorado State LB Kevin Davis vs. San Diego State RB Donnel Pumphrey
Drafting Lists
With the college football regular season winding down, it’s as good a time as any to assess the 2017 draft: Who’s moving up draft boards, who are the most polarizing prospects, who could be the next Dak Prescott and more
Biggest Draft Board Risers
1. Mitch Trubisky, QB, North Carolina. “Trubisk-who?” scouts, this time last year. The biggest knock on Trubisky: He’s a one-year starter. But in a middling year for top quarterback talent, many have become intrigued by Trubisky’s accuracy, vision and poise under pressure. He has one year of eligibly remaining at UNC. But if he declares, he’s a strong first-round consideration.
2. Takkarist McKinley, LB, UCLA. I got a flurry of texts after one of The MMQB’s Anonymous Scouts pondered if McKinley could be “the next DeMarcus Ware.” Many around the NFL were having a hard time figuring McKinley out. Since his College Column tout, the linebacker has been on a tear: He’s averaging a sack-per-game and showcasing his skills as a pass-rushing linebacker in a 3-4 system.
3. John Ross, WR, Washington. Ross is listed at 5-foot-11 and he’s on the leaner side. But scouts can’t stop gushing over his speed—even after two knee surgeries, one of which sidelined him for all of last season. Ross is mesmerizing when he gets touches, and so far this season, he’s had a lot: 64 receptions for 991 yards and 15 touchdowns.
4. Zach Cunningham, LB, Vanderbilt. He’s racking up stats, most impressively: 16.5 tackles for loss. Here’s our Anonymous Scout on Cunningham last month: “Long arms. Explosive with sideline-to-sideline speed. Natural when he drops into coverage. Converts speed into power as a tackler, but could use some improvement in finishing tackles.” The Vandy linebacker has long been on NFL teams radars, but could sneak into the Top 50.
* * *
Best Small-School Prospects
1. Julie’n Davenport, OL, Bucknell. Get ready to hear the comparisons between Davenport and Ali Marpet, the Hobart College product turned second-round guard for the Buccaneers in 2014. I’m told there’s a lot to like about Davenport, who shows impressive athleticism for his size (6' 6", 315 pounds). In a thin year for offensive tackles, this big guy from a small liberal arts school could go as high as the second round.
2. Gerald Everett, TE, South Alabama. It’s the year of the tight end—a renaissance for a position group that has been underwhelming over the last few draft cycles. You’ll hear Everett’s name right up there with Alabama’s O.J. Howard, Michigan’s Jake Butt, Virginia Tech’s Bucky Hodges and Mississippi’s Evan Engram. The UAB transfer is acrobatically athletic.
3. Cooper Kupp, WR, Eastern Washington. “If you really want to find the next Carson Wentz, you should be looking at Cooper Kupp,” says someone I know in the NFL scouting community. (Different positions, but the point is understood.) Kupp is a crisp route-runner with reliable hands and the ability to box out defenders. He could be special at the next level. Other wideouts received consideration for this slot, including East Carolina’s Zay Jones and Western Michigan’s Corey Davis.
4. Keionta Davis, DE, Chattanooga. A College Column Anonymous Scout gushed about Davis earlier this season: “High on this guy,” he wrote, noting that Davis caught his eye last season after a strong showing against Florida State tackle Roderick Johnson.
• IN SEARCH OF ‘THE NEXT CARSON WENTZ’: Combing the FCS ranks for the next top QB prospect, the search came across Brady Gustafson, a 6'7" passer from Montana who beat Wentz in his first career start.
* * *
Biggest Draft Question Marks
1. Charles Walker, DL, Oklahoma. Walker is at best a Day-2 pick, but he generated headlines earlier this month when he left Oklahoma to prepare for the draft (he had been sidelined with a concussion). This didn’t sit well with Sooners defensive coordinator Mike Stoops who said: “Quitting on your teammates is hard to take, as a coach.” It might not resonate well with scouts, either, who already had concerns about Walker’s work ethic.
2. Chad Kelly, QB, Mississippi. The nephew of Hall of Famer Jim Kelly, Chad was already the draft’s most polarizing quarterback prospect. He’s talented but erratic on the field, with a checkered past off of it. Kelly has to convince NFL teams he can be trusted, which becomes more challenging as he recovers from a torn ACL. That means Kelly will be sidelined for prove-it events, such as the Senior Bowl.
3. Quarterbacks in general. Are any worthy of a first-round pick? The more I hear about this draft class, the more I am reminded of 2013. That’s the year when the Bills reached for EJ Manuel and the Jets hitched their hopes to Geno Smith. Deshaun Watson could be the franchise-changer many have pegged him as since last season, and Miami’s Brad Kaaya, Notre Dame’s DeShone Kizer and North Carolina’s Mitch Trubisky (should any or all of them declare) could very well pan out. But nobody is a sure thing, and that’s scary for a lot of quarterback-needy teams.
4. Anthony Walker, LB, Northwestern. By the end of last season, some were touting the Northwestern Wildcat as a first-round talent. But when some scouts watched him early this season, they left campus wondering if Walker was even a Day 3 pick. Walker was hampered by injury to begin 2016, and through the season and has regained some momentum. But I’m always intrigued by someone who generates such polarizing reports.
* * *
Most Likely to be the Next Dak Prescott
1. Nathan Peterman, Pittsburgh. A few NFL teams are intrigued by the graduate transfer from Tennessee. Though his size (6' 2", 225 pounds) is average and his decision-making can be shaky, Peterman has the intangible scout covet the most: toughness. He stands tall in the pocket, but also flashes mobility outside it.
2. Seth Russell, Baylor. He’ll need some coaching, but Russell has a big arm. The word you’ll often see tagged to this quarterback: athleticism. After a broken left ankle cut his season short, he needs a big showing at the combine (if he’s healthy in time) or in pre-draft workouts, but many believe he’s capable.
3. Davis Webb, California. Interesting that we’re tagging Jared Goff’s successor as the “Next Dak Prescott.” Though Webb doesn’t have Goff’s pedigree, some scouts believe he has a better arm. The graduate transfer from Texas Tech already proved he’s more than just a system guy. With a strong draft season, beginning with the Senior Bowl, Webb can prove he can start in the NFL, too.
4. Pat Mahomes, Texas Tech. Valuations on Mahomes vary from Top 50 pick to undrafted free agent. While his size (6' 3", 230 pounds) and arm strength are enticing, scouts wonder if he’s just a product of Tech’s system. Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy doesn’t think so. Here’s Gundy, earlier this month: “I think [Mahomes] is a potential first-round pick. He reminds me a lot of Dak Prescott, when we played Dak and Mississippi State when he was younger. The style of play, body, strength, speed, ability to throw in different positions, it reminds me a lot of him.”
* * *
Teams With The Most Draftable Talent*
Rated by potential Top 50 picks
1. Alabama: DE Jonathan Allen, CB Marlon Humphrey, OT Cam Robinson, LB Reuben Foster, LB Tim Williams, TE O.J. Howard
2. Michigan: LB Jabrill Peppers, TE Jake Butt, DE Taco Charlton, WR Amara Darboh, DT Chris Wormley, CB Jordan Lewis
3. Washington: WR John Ross, CB Sidney Jones, DT Vita Vea, S Budda Baker, DT Elijah Qualls
4. LSU: RB Leonard Fournette, S Jamal Adams, C Ethan Pocic, CB Tre’Daviorous White
* * *
PICK MY GUY
A current NFL player explains why his former collegiate teammate is destined for success as a pro. Here’s Ravens offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley hyping former Notre Dame linemate Mike McGlinchey.
“I played alongside him for two years. I remember my first impression of Mike: This kid needs to calm down. He’s a guy that’s pretty loud and out-there with his personality. But he brings it all to the field and channels it in a good way. He’s a high-energy player who gets his teammates hyped up. He’s someone you want on your side of the ball. His best attributes are his size, he’s a big kid and that helps a lot, but he’s also athletic. I know he played basketball, which probably helps with his athleticism. He understands football and studies the game. I definitely know he has what it takes to play offensive line in this league.”
* * *
THE ANONYMOUS SCOUT
Illinois’ Chunky Clements.
A few NFL evaluators introduce you to the players they’re keeping an eye on… Note: In honor of Thanksgiving, I decided to curate a group of players with food-related names. Corny, yes. But I was so excited that my editor couldn’t say no.
Jarrod “Chunky” Clements, DT, Illinois: Loves going to the swim move. Loves to shoot gaps. More of an interior pass rusher than a run stopper.
Taco Charlton, DE, Michigan: Has always been strong against the run game. Really coming along as a pass rusher this year, learning how to bend the edge and developing pass rush moves. Turning into a complete player.
Pita Taumoepenu, DE, Utah: Became a starter after a teammate was injured. Used mostly as a pass rush specialist. Probably projects to outside linebacker at pro level.
• BIG LINEMAN HAS TO BE A BIG LOSER: USC offensive lineman Zach Banner is 6' 9" and once weighed close to 400 pounds. He lost the weight and is on a quest keep it off.
* * *
FACTOID OF THE WEEK
55-year-old South Carolina State RB Joe Thomas Sr.
Photo: David Gardner
55-year-old South Carolina State RB Joe Thomas Sr.
Joe Thomas Sr., a 55-year-old walk-on running back at South Carolina State, became the oldest player in the history of Division I college football. (He is the father of Joe Thomas Jr., a linebacker on the Packers). That’s the factoid of the week, but the story behind it is even more remarkable. I recommend everyone take the time to read this piece by colleague David Gardner. “I believe that if the coaches looked past my age and just let me play football,” Thomas told Gardner, “I’d steal someone’s position.”
* * *
WHAT I’M WATCHING
Saturday unless noted, all times Eastern…
No. 6 Washington at No. 23 Washington State (Friday, 3:30): The Huskies, once College Football Playoff locks, now likely need two wins to secure a spot in the final four. It’s doable, especially if they knock off Mike Leach’s squad in Pullman. Washington State, behind Leach and quarterback Luke Falk, had its eight-game winning streak snapped against Colorado last week. Falk, a redshirt junior, has been excellent, but there’s a buzz among scouts that he could be returning to school next year. Falk (who already has 3,935 passing yards and leads the nation with a 71.4 completion percentage) missed last year’s matchup due to injury. Meanwhile, we’ve gushed about Washington’s NFL talent in this column, specifically on defense. They generate an intimidating pass rush, often without blitzing, and the Huskies’ secondary (a trio I talk about often: Budda Baker, Sidney Jones and Kevin King) could be the most talented in the nation. How important is this game to both sides? Neither coach made their players available to the media this week, with the crutch excuse of “limiting distractions.”
No. 3 Michigan at No. 2 Ohio State (noon): Thinking of my podcast partner and colleague, Albert Breer, the Ohio State super fan, who will be making his first trip to the Horseshoe in more than a decade. I know how badly he wants his Buckeyes to win in what is the most important matchup between these rivals since 2006, when Ohio State and Michigan were ranked No. 1 and 2, respectively. Jim Harbaugh’s crew needs to rev up the offense; the Wolverines scored a season-low 13 points in their loss to Iowa and their quarterback options are Wilson Speight (coming off a shoulder injury) or backup John O’Korn (coming off a shaky performance against a not-so-great opponent in his only start). The Buckeyes have home field advantage, and with a win, seem poised for the College Football Playoff, having already secured wins over No. 6 Wisconsin, No. 9 Oklahoma and No. 16 Nebraska. And yet, I know as much as I’d like Breer to be happy, he’ll likely be rooting against my Nittany Lions in the afternoon game against Michigan State. A Penn State loss, following an Ohio State win, would earn the Buckeyes a trip to the Big Ten title game.
No. 21 Utah at No. 9 Colorado, 3:30 p.m.: I’m sorry for sleeping on you for so long, Colorado. You are a legitimate College Football Playoff contender, and really, just a legitimate team. Kudos to coach Mike MacIntyre for an incredible turnaround. Remember, the Buffaloes haven’t qualified for a bowl game in a decade, last finished with a winning record in 2005, and won just one Pac-12 game last year. Quarterback Sefo Liufau is on the NFL’s periphery, especially after his 345-yard throwing and three-rushing touchdown performance last week against Washington State. And Colorado’s defense is no joke. But neither is Utah. In order to complete it’s worst-to-first makeover, Colorado must overcome a stout Utes defense. The defensive line is anchored by Lowell Lotulelei (brother of Panthers’ lineman, Star) and Hunter Dimick, the program’s new career sacks leader with 29.
• LUKE FALK AND THE AIR RAID CONUNDRUM: The high-powered college offense has produced few NFL success stories. The latest Mike Leach pupil, Luke Falk, has a chance to buck the trend.
* * *
SAVAGE’S SENIORS
Former NFL GM and current Reese’s Senior Bowl Executive Director Phil Savage highlights senior match-ups he’ll be keeping an eye on this week.
Auburn OT Robert Leff vs. Alabama OLB Ryan Anderson: Our hometown area (Mobile and Baldwin Counties) has consistently produced NFL talent on an almost annual basis, and the 2017 draft will be no exception. In the Iron Bowl, Daphne’s Anderson (6' 2", 253 pounds) will face off with Fairhope product Robert Leff (6' 6", 299 pounds). Anderson has enjoyed a very productive senior campaign with 42 total tackles, 14.5 tackles-for-loss, 6.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles, while Leff, as a first-year starter, has helped solidify the Tigers’ offensive line and will make his 52nd game appearance on Saturday.
Best of the Rest:
Washington CB Kevin King vs. Washington State WR Gabe Marks
Villanova DE Tanoh Kpassagnon and FS Lorenzo Jerome vs. St. Francis (Pa.)
Purdue DT Jake Replogle vs. Indiana OG Dan Feeney
Michigan DT Ryan Glasgow vs. Ohio State OC Pat Elflein
Colorado State LB Kevin Davis vs. San Diego State RB Donnel Pumphrey
theoneandonly
Quality Starter
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We can forget the Myles Garrett dream if there ever was one. Schefter reporting he is the player Cleve covets. With such a weak QB class they can probably trade back to the top 5 to get Trubisky too.
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Hey Roger Goodell, this is a real example of domestic violence. Just thought I'd pass this along for clarity for you, since you apparently still cant figure out the Zeke Elliott situation after months of an "investigation" despite witnesses (even female witnesses) debunking the entire story and text messages proving the woman was trying to extort Elliott.
Video is up at link below.
Joe Mixon's lawyers release video of Oklahoma Sooners RB punching female in 2014
The attorneys for Joe Mixon released a surveillance video on Friday that shows the Sooners star running back punching a female Oklahoma student in 2014.
The video shows Mixon punching Amelia Molitor, fracturing four bones in her face, during an altercation at a sandwich shop near Oklahoma's campus in Norman. He was charged with a misdemeanor at the time of the incident, and the university suspended him for the entire 2014 season.
The video was released after the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters sued for its access, prompting the Oklahoma Supreme Court to rule earlier this month that the city of Norman should release it. The city had until Dec. 26 to either release the video or file an appeal.
Mixon's attorneys, however, said the running back asked that they make public the video before the city's deadline.
"Mr. Mixon asked us to once again say he is sorry for the way he acted that night,'' a statement through his attorneys said. "He has publicly apologized to Ms. Molitor, her friends, his family, teammates, and the University. He hopes that his voluntary release of these recordings will help put this matter to rest.''
Sooners' Mixon sorry for punching woman in '14
Oklahoma running back Joe Mixon has apologized for punching a female student in an incident from 2014.
The university issued a statement on Friday night, shortly after the video was released:
"University officials were made aware of the content of the video prior to taking action with respect to Joe Mixon [in 2014]," the school said. "Based on that information, the university immediately suspended and removed Mr. Mixon from the football team for one year, during which high standards of conduct were expected and maintained. It was made clear to Mr. Mixon at the time of his suspension that violence against women will not go unpunished at the university. Coach [Bob] Stoops has been proactive in presenting training for his team aimed at preventing such behavior in the future. Sensitivity training in the area of violence has been intensified and best practices will continue to be implemented. Mr. Mixon has apologized for his actions, and the university hopes that it is an indication that he has learned from his mistakes. We are an educational institution, where we hope young people will learn from their mistakes and chart a better future course."
Mixon issued a formal apology last month but also suggested that racial slurs were hurled at him, which he said initiated the incident.
"I was not drinking," Mixon said in the apology, which was sent to The Oklahoman. "I have never had a drink in my life. At the end of the night, a group of apparently drunk people started harassing us. Some of my teammates were wise enough to leave. I did not, and I am sorry."
Last week, in a statement released to The Oklahoman, attorneys for Molitor called the narrative that she "spit on, punched and hurled racial slurs at a cornered man" false. Her attorneys asked a judge to suppress the release of the video, arguing it alone wouldn't tell the full story.
According to Mixon's attorneys, however, Molitor has since given the OK to release the video.
Molitor has a pending civil lawsuit against the running back.
Mixon, 20, pleaded guilty to the charge without making an admission of guilt. He received a one-year deferred sentence and was required to perform 100 hours of community service and undergo counseling.
Stoops was asked in 2015 why he did not kick Mixon off the team.
"In our situation, we felt this [the suspension] was the right way to proceed," Stoops said last year. "In the end, we felt that he's been disciplined. He was removed totally from all team activities from that point on. And he's earned a way to be back to have an opportunity for a second chance to redeem himself with strict guidelines that go with it."
In 11 games for the Sooners this season, Mixon has rushed for a team-leading 1,183 yards and eight touchdowns. Oklahoma plays Auburn in the Allstate Sugar Bowl on Jan. 2.
Mixon is a third-year sophomore who is eligible for the 2017 NFL draft.
On ability alone, ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. ranks Mixon as his fifth-highest-rated running back behind Leonard Fournette, Dalvin Cook, D'Onta Foreman and Christian McCaffrey.
Video is up at link below.
Joe Mixon's lawyers release video of Oklahoma Sooners RB punching female in 2014
The attorneys for Joe Mixon released a surveillance video on Friday that shows the Sooners star running back punching a female Oklahoma student in 2014.
The video shows Mixon punching Amelia Molitor, fracturing four bones in her face, during an altercation at a sandwich shop near Oklahoma's campus in Norman. He was charged with a misdemeanor at the time of the incident, and the university suspended him for the entire 2014 season.
The video was released after the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters sued for its access, prompting the Oklahoma Supreme Court to rule earlier this month that the city of Norman should release it. The city had until Dec. 26 to either release the video or file an appeal.
Mixon's attorneys, however, said the running back asked that they make public the video before the city's deadline.
"Mr. Mixon asked us to once again say he is sorry for the way he acted that night,'' a statement through his attorneys said. "He has publicly apologized to Ms. Molitor, her friends, his family, teammates, and the University. He hopes that his voluntary release of these recordings will help put this matter to rest.''
Sooners' Mixon sorry for punching woman in '14
Oklahoma running back Joe Mixon has apologized for punching a female student in an incident from 2014.
The university issued a statement on Friday night, shortly after the video was released:
"University officials were made aware of the content of the video prior to taking action with respect to Joe Mixon [in 2014]," the school said. "Based on that information, the university immediately suspended and removed Mr. Mixon from the football team for one year, during which high standards of conduct were expected and maintained. It was made clear to Mr. Mixon at the time of his suspension that violence against women will not go unpunished at the university. Coach [Bob] Stoops has been proactive in presenting training for his team aimed at preventing such behavior in the future. Sensitivity training in the area of violence has been intensified and best practices will continue to be implemented. Mr. Mixon has apologized for his actions, and the university hopes that it is an indication that he has learned from his mistakes. We are an educational institution, where we hope young people will learn from their mistakes and chart a better future course."
Mixon issued a formal apology last month but also suggested that racial slurs were hurled at him, which he said initiated the incident.
"I was not drinking," Mixon said in the apology, which was sent to The Oklahoman. "I have never had a drink in my life. At the end of the night, a group of apparently drunk people started harassing us. Some of my teammates were wise enough to leave. I did not, and I am sorry."
Last week, in a statement released to The Oklahoman, attorneys for Molitor called the narrative that she "spit on, punched and hurled racial slurs at a cornered man" false. Her attorneys asked a judge to suppress the release of the video, arguing it alone wouldn't tell the full story.
According to Mixon's attorneys, however, Molitor has since given the OK to release the video.
Molitor has a pending civil lawsuit against the running back.
Mixon, 20, pleaded guilty to the charge without making an admission of guilt. He received a one-year deferred sentence and was required to perform 100 hours of community service and undergo counseling.
Stoops was asked in 2015 why he did not kick Mixon off the team.
"In our situation, we felt this [the suspension] was the right way to proceed," Stoops said last year. "In the end, we felt that he's been disciplined. He was removed totally from all team activities from that point on. And he's earned a way to be back to have an opportunity for a second chance to redeem himself with strict guidelines that go with it."
In 11 games for the Sooners this season, Mixon has rushed for a team-leading 1,183 yards and eight touchdowns. Oklahoma plays Auburn in the Allstate Sugar Bowl on Jan. 2.
Mixon is a third-year sophomore who is eligible for the 2017 NFL draft.
On ability alone, ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. ranks Mixon as his fifth-highest-rated running back behind Leonard Fournette, Dalvin Cook, D'Onta Foreman and Christian McCaffrey.
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I get that a man should never strike a woman, especially a bigger, stronger athlete, but she did attack him first.
Women want equal rights but still want to act like innocent and defenseless victims in situations like that.
He is a talented RB though, It will be interesting next year when it gets close to the 2018 draft.
Women want equal rights but still want to act like innocent and defenseless victims in situations like that.
He is a talented RB though, It will be interesting next year when it gets close to the 2018 draft.
ThoughtExperiment
Quality Starter
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I wouldn't call that much of an "attack". She was just a drunk girl sort of pushing at him.
English Cowboy
UDFA
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Welcome. Just don't get offended when cmd34 tells you you've got it all wrong.
- Messages
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English Cowboy
UDFA
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Glad your here. Wanted your opinion on a player. Harold Landry, 6-3 250, Boston College. 22 TFL this past season. Could be that speedy edge rusher we need and should be available when we pick, although he's climbing the boards. And you have to admit, the name Landry would look good on the back of a Cowboys jersey.
https://youtu.be/JTcwb7oVqrs
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jeremysmith214
Practice Squad
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Looks like Jake Butt will fall down into the later rounds. Some had him projected to the Cowboys.
The Tennessee homer in me wants us to take Alvin kamara. He's like a Reggie bush type player that the Vols coaches never used correctly. We can immediately put him in whatever position we're trying for force Lucky Whitehead and Lance Dunbar in. Only he'd make game changing plays.
