College Football

Alabama Recruiting-Offense

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Alabama Crimson Tide

Offense

Commits: 10 (QB: 1, RB: 1, WR: 2, TE: 2, OT: 2, OG: 2)

Quarterback

The quarterback position is looking pretty wide open following the 2015 season after Jake Coker graduates. For the incoming 2016 class Alabama haJalen Hurtss their quarterback in Jalen Hurts (Channelview, Texas). Hurts is the 9th ranked quarterback prospect for the 2016 class by Scout and Rivals. Alabama is currently not targeting any other quarterbacks for the 2016 class.

 

 

Running Back

Alabama has always recruited the running back position well and this year is no different. There is the possibility for early playing time as well with Kenyan Drake graduating and Derrick Henry likely making the jump to the NFL. Alabama already has BJ Emmonsa commitment from B.J. Emmons (Morganton, NC) the fifth ranked running back and 63rd overall by ESPN. As for who they are targeting you have to look in Wayne, NJ at Kareem Walker, the top ranked running back in the nation. Kareem Walker decommitted from Ohio State in October and visited Alabama for the LSU game in November. Michigan is considered the favorite, but Alabama is not far behind. Next is athlete Devin White (Springhill, LA) who plays both linebacker and running back. The 99th ranked player by ESPN is a big back at 260 pounds. The battle for White will be another classic battle between LSU and Alabama. The 15th ranked running back by ESPN Robert Washington (Mount Holly, NC) is another Alabama target. Washington is considered a longshot to sign with the Tide.

UPDATE (1/20): Commitments: Kareem Walker (Michigan), Devin White (LSU)

Wide Receiver

Given Alabama’s young wide receiving depth and only Richard Mullaney moving on, wide receiver is not an immediate need. The Crimson Tide however do have a chance to land a solid receiving class. It is off to a strong start with the commitment of Trevon Diggs (Rockville, MD), the 123rd ranked player in the nation. The younger Trevon Diggsbrother of Stefon Diggs who plays for the Minnesota Vikings, gives the class a good wide receiver to build around. Also committed to the Tide is four star T.J. Simmons (Pinson, AL) who is the 62nd rated wide receiver by Rivals. Alabama is targeting many highly ranked receiving threats, including 8 in the ESPN 300. The two most likely wide receivers that could commit to the Tide are Ahmmon Richards (West Palm Beach, FL) and Cavin Ridley (Deerfield Beach, FL). The name Cavin Ridley sound familiar? Well it should as he is the younger brother of Calvin Ridley, the Crimson Tide’s true freshman phenom. Cavin is a solid player in his own right as he is Scout’s 17th ranked wide receiver. Ridley’s final list includes Alabama, Florida, Auburn and Tennessee. Ahmmon Richards who is Scouts 14th ranked wide receiver, is also a solid Alabama lean. Richards was a Miami commit, but decomitted from them in late October.

Keith Gavin (Crawfordville, FL) and Mykel Jones (Patterson, LA) are also highly rated players that are Alabama leans. Gavin has great size at 6’4 225 lbs with excellent athleticism. Gavin is the 80th rated player in the ESPN 300, as it will come down to Alabama, Florida State or Georgia. Mykel Jones will most likely come down to a classic LSU and Alabama recruiting battle. Jones is rated 269 in the ESPN 300.

The three top rated receiving targets left for Alabama all are in the top 100 recruiting prospects including 29th rated Mecole Hardman, 57th Demetris Robertson, 69th AJ Brown. Hardman (Elberton, GA) and Robertson (Savannah, GA) are both likely to commit to Georgia and AJ Brown (Starkville, MS) is likely going to end up a Mississippi State commit. Other Alabama targets include Keyshawn Young (Miami, FL) and Tyler Simmons (Powder Springs, GA).

Update (1/20): Commitments: Cavin Ridley (Georgia), Tyler Simmons (Alabama)

Tight End

With OJ Howard possibly heading for the draft, the tight end position becomes a major need as they would only return two scholarship players. However, Alabama already has two commitments from the 11th rated tight end Miller Forristall (Cartersville, GA) and 16th rated Brendan Scales (Wildwood, MO). The Crimson Tide Miller Forristallare not done however as they still have four highly rated targets all rated in the ESPN 300. Nick Eubanks (Plantation, FL) is the 259th rated player and will most likely come down to Florida and Alabama. There are two elite prospects that Alabama is targeting, starting with Isaac Nauta (Bradenton, FL) from the IMG Academy. The top rated tight end in the nation and the 10th rated prospect has visited Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Ole Miss and Oklahoma State. Georgia is considered a favorite. Devin Asiasi (Concord, CA) is the 15th ranked player and leans towards hometown USC. However, he did visit the Tide for the Louisiana-Monroe game. It should be a challenge for Alabama to pull Asiasi from the West Coast. The last target for the Tide is the 191st rated player Jacob Mathis (Tampa, FL) who is likely to commit to either Michigan and Florida.

Update (1/20): Isaac Nauta (Georgia)

Offensive Line

Alabama recently have had great success recruiting along the offensive line and this yCharles Baldwinear is no different. The future of the offensive line is bright next year, as Alabama will only lose two out of the five starters. For this incoming recruiting class, Alabama has four commits with two offensive tackles and two offensive guards. This includes Charles Baldwin (Windsor,CT), the top Junior College player in the nation. Baldwin should come in right away and be able to compete for the starting right tackle spot. Along with Baldwin, Alabama also has another great recruit with the 32nd rated player in Jonah Williams (Folsom, CA). With Williams and Baldwin the future of the offensive tackle position looks bright. Alabama also has the 3rd and 4th ranked offensive guard with Deonte Brown (Decatur, AL) and Chris Ownes (Arlingon, TX). Overall, Alabama has built a great class along the offensive line.

The recruiting class can only get better as Alabama still has blue chip targets out there headlined by Greg Little (Allen, TX). Little is the number two player in the nation and could be an instant impact player wherever he goes. The battle for Little looks like it’llGreg Littlecome down to Ole Miss or Alabama. Jauan Williams (Washington, D.C) is another stud offensive lineman who could be going to Alabama. In late November, Williams cut his list to four including Alabama, Florida, LSU, and Florida State. Williams is the 65th rated player. The 90th ranked player Jean Delance (Mesquite, TX) could also pick Alabama. However, it will be tough to beat Texas for his commitment. He is also considering Michigan, LSU and Texas A&M. As for longer shots there is Javon Kinlaw (Goose Creek, SC), who is considered a South Carolina lean, and Tramonda Moore (Oklahoma City, OK) who named his final four of Alabama, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and TCU. Terrance Davis (Hyattsville, MD) is also a possibility as an Offensive Guard, but he will most likely end up at Michigan.

Update (1/20): Greg Little (Ole Miss), Jean Delance (Texas), Javon Kinlaw (South Carolina), Terrance Davis (Maryland)

ALABAMA’S RECRUITING CLASS

College Football

Dear Colin Cowherd, You’re Crazy

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In recent weeks Colin Cowherd and a few others have taken the time to attack Alabama’s resume and the SEC as a whole. Cowherd took to his radio show here to defend his position on why he does not even think Alabama should be in the playoffs. Watch the rant for yourself here…

Alright let’s take this argument apart piece by piece…

“SEC teams last year in bowls against ranked teams were 2-5”

Yes and it must have slipped Colin’s mind that they were 5-0 outside of that in bowls confirming the depth of the SEC. I would agree with Colin if he said the SEC at the top is not as strong as it used to be. The SEC at the top has been Bama and everyone else recently. Not since 2013 has the SEC had multiple elite teams at the top where Bama, Georgia, Florida, Texas A&M and LSU were all top ten teams. However, the depth has not changed. Just take a look at the SEC’s bowl record the past three years: 7-5, 7-3, and 6-3. The SEC remains the deepest and most difficult conference.

“Alabama got their arse kicked by Ohio State”

Am I missing something? The final score was Ohio State 42-35. Alabama had a 21-6 lead at one point. I think Colin may really need to go back and look at that game if he thinks it was a blowout.

“Florida is playing for the conference championship, would you think that conference is great”

Colin fails to bring up the fact that their starter got suspended for the year and haven’t been able to do anything offensively since. With Will Grier- 31 points per game, with Treon Harris- 18 points per game. Anybody that has watched Florida will tell you they are not the second best team in the SEC. You think Oklahoma would be able to produce without Baker Mayfield?

“Alabama has struggled with Arkansas, Tennessee and Auburn”

This perhaps is my favorite… Alabama beat Arkansas by 13 and Auburn by 16. Apparently beating a bowl eligible team by multiple scores is struggling. Not to mention he throws Tennessee who is 8-4 into the mix. I think I remember an Oklahoma team, who Colin ranks number 2, struggling with Tennessee. They even needed a comeback and double overtime to beat them. Tennessee is actually a top 25 team who has won 5 straight and only losses come against Alabama, Oklahoma, Florida (with Wiill Grier) and Arkansas. Yet Colin wants to make it sound like Tennessee is a bottom dweller. Ohio State beats Northern Illinois and Indiana, who is 2-6 in the Big 10, by 7 and Colin doesn’t even mention it. If we are taking about who struggles against bad teams the easy answer is Ohio State.

“What impressive win does Alabama have, look at the data”

Don’t worry Collin I did. Against the Playoff rankings top 25 Alabama (2-1) Ohio State (1-1). Alabama has had to play 9 Bowl Eligible Power 5 teams while Ohio State has had to play 5. Every SEC game Alabama has played has been against a team who is bowl eligible. Ohio State had to show up two times during the year and lost one. There is no argument in the world that Ohio State has had a tougher schedule than Alabama.

“Alabama has not faced a NFL quarterback this year”

Neither has Oklahoma. In fact three of Oklahoma’s top 25 wins came against backup quarterbacks. Ohio State has only faced one (Connor Cook didn’t play against Ohio State). To be honest I don’t know why this is part of his argument. Dak Prescott has had plenty of success as a college quarterback, but apparently that doesn’t matter. You know what Colin, no one in college has faced a NFL quarterback. They have all faced college quarterbacks.

“You want me to rely on your Arkansas, Kentuckys and your Vanderbilts”

1/3 Colin. Alabama only played one of those teams.

“The Pac-12 has 10 bowl eligible teams”

Yes and so does the SEC, with the entire SEC West being bowl eligible. What’s your point?

“The Big 10 1-5 is the best conference”

Colin actually has a debatable point here. Except not for the argument of Ohio State vs. Alabama because Ohio State only had to play 2 of those teams. Alabama will have played the top 10 SEC teams by the time the season is over. Last I check too, there were no conferences with only five teams. You are judged on your conference from top to bottom.

Bottom Line

Colin did not make a single point on why Ohio State’s resume is better than Alabama. Instead he decided to just take shots at Alabama’s resume. The only reason I heard in his rant that he picked Ohio State over Alabama was quarterback play. If that is the case I guess the final four should be Memphis, Cal, Michigan State and Oklahoma. Sure Alabama has a one man attack, but has anybody been able to stop it? Another factor that Colin fails to bring up is the Conference Championship which is a criteria that is used by the committee. Bottom line the only argument one could make is the subjective eye test. Every other test including Conference Championship and Strength of Schedule gives Alabama the clear edge over Ohio State.

College Football

Alabama Preview

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Alabama Crimson Tide

Offense

Returning Starters: 3

Key Departures: QB Blake Sims, RB T.J. Yeldon (Jaguars), FB Jalston Fowler (Titans), WR Amari Cooper (Raiders), WR Deandrew White (49ers*), WR Christion Jones (Dolphins*), TE Brian Vogler (Bears*) OT Austin Sheppard (Vikings), OG Arie Kouandjio (Redskins)

*Undrafted Free Agent

Lane Kiffin has a major challenge returning this offense to last year’s form with only starters OT Cam Robinson, OC Ryan Kelly and TE OJ Howard returning. It will all start at the quarterback position where a starter still has not been named between Senior Jake Coker, Redshirt Freshman David Cornwell, and True Freshman Blake Barnett. Whoever takes the reigns as the Crimson Tides next quarterback will be a key factor in how the offense performs. With a new quarterback under center, the running game will be heavy relied on particularly on Heisman candidate Derrick Henry. After rushing for 990 yards last year as a complimentary back to T.J. Yeldon, look for Henry to get a larger share of the carries. Alabama should also work to get Henry more involved in the passing game as he has only 6 catches over the past two years for a ridiculous 194 yards and a 32.3 average. Kenyan Drake should have an impact also as he returns from injury last year. Drake is very versatile and Kiffin likes lining him up in different positions as seen by his touchdown catch against Florida last year. After those two running backs, the Crimson Tide is highly inexperienced. The Tide do however have the top high school running back in Damien Harris coming to Tuscaloosa where he could make an impact early.

As for the wide receiver position, the competition remains wide open after the loss of Cooper, White and Jones. After spring practice Robert Foster looks like the clear leader of the group. He led all receivers in the Crimson Tide’s spring game with 6 catches for 125 yards. After Foster the competition is wide open with ArDarius Stewart, Chris Black, Raheem Falkins and Derek Kief all vying for starting spots. Alabama also has a graduate transfer coming from Oregon State in Richard Mullaney. Mullaney finished his career with 1160 yards and 5 TDs, his best year was his junior year where he finished with 52 catches and 788 yards. The wide receiving position battle being wide open it may offer a chance for an incoming freshman to make an impact. Calvin Ridley could be that guy as he is coming in as a top 25 national recruit. He won MVP at the Nike Opening Camp where the top football players from around the nation come to compete. Ridley’s high school campaign was actually shortened because of an age restriction. Calvin Ridley will actually be an older freshman as he will turn 21 before the season ends. Look for Ridley to compete for playing time and be an impact freshman.

With the receivers being relatively inexperienced O.J. Howard will be called upon to step up from his 17 catches last year. Ty Flournoy-Smith adds additional depth at the tight end position. For the first time in quite a while the offensive line is a bit of a question mark. Alabama does have pre-season all SEC offensive lineman Cam Robinson and Ryan Kelly returning, but they will have to replace three starting spots. Redshirt Freshman Ross Pierschbacher and Bradley Bozeman look to step in at the offensive guards spots. Pierschbacher was a highly rated recruit out of high school and Bozeman stepped in and started two games last year when Ryan Kelly was hurt. Dominick Jackson will hold down the other spot at right tackle and it is hard to miss him. At 6’6 and 315 pounds, Jackson was the top rated Junior College offensive tackle in the country in 2014 as well as Rivals second rated JUCO player overall. Last year he had limited playing time, but now will be called upon to start at right tackle. The way this offensive line develops will be monumental for how the Alabama offense performs.

Defense

Returning Starters: 7

Key Departures: OLB Xzavier Dickson (Patriots), ILB Trey Depriest, S Landon Collins (Giants), S Nick Perry (Ravens*)

*Undrafted Free Agent

Alabama’s Defense comes into the season loaded along the defensive front with arguably the best front 7 in the country. It starts on the defensive line where the Tide are led by A’Shawn Robinson. Robinson has been an impact player since he was a freshman and now as he enters his junior season he looks ready to take his game to new heights. Look for him to be not only one of the best defensive lineman in the SEC, but the country as well. Along with Robinson, Jarran Reed is an excellent defensive lineman in his own right. After having the chance to go pro after a breakout junior season, Reed decided to return to Alabama where he led defensive lineman with 55 tackles last year. Completing the three man starting defensive line is Jonathan Allen who added a breakout season of his own last year. Finishing with 6 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss, Allen gives the Tide a much needed pass rusher. The Alabama defensive line is deeply talented as well, with DJ Pettway, Darren Lake and Dalvin Tomlinson all have playing experience. Look for the talented Da’Shawn Hand to have an increased roll after he saw some action during his freshman year stint.

At the Linebacker position it starts and ends with Reggie Ragland. After turning down the NFL where he had the potential to be an early round draft pick, Ragland is back to leading the Tide. Ragland will be a Butkus award contender this year as the Nation’s top linebacker after his 95 tackle season last year. On the outside linebacker spots Alabama is deep and talented with potential breakout players in Denzel Devall, Ryan Anderson, Tim Williams and Dillon Lee. For Alabama to be successful on defense this year one of these guys will have to step up as an impact pass rusher, the kind Alabama has lacked the past few years. On the last linebacker spot on the inside look for Reuben Foster to make an impact. He has all the ability to be Alabama’s next great linebacker, but will have to play with intelligence and instinctiveness. Shaun Din Hamilton should also get in the rotation after a successful freshman campaign.

Finally, the biggest question of the Alabama Defense and their biggest weakness last year… the secondary. Nick Saban has done a great job recruiting top defensive back talent into Tuscaloosa, but now it is time for that talent to step up. Cyrus Jones has one of the cornerback positions locked up, but it will be a question who can step in for the other one. Tony Brown has all the talent and speed in the world, but will need to play more consistent than he did as a freshman. Bradley Sylve was benched a lot of last year after a rough opening start against West Virginia and Kevin White. Look for Sylve to get a lot more playing time this year in his senior campaign and have a bounce back year. Marlon Humphrey redshirted his freshman year after coming in as a highly touted recruit. Humphrey could enter the cornerback rotation for a unit that struggled all last year. There are also two freshman that could come in and possibly earn playing time with Kendall Sheffield and Minkah Fitzpatrick. At the Safety position Alabama must replace both starters Nick Perry and 2nd round pick Landon Collins. In spring ball Eddie Jackson made the switch to safety after starting most of last year at corner. Against Ohio State Jackson was burned a few times, the move to safety I believe will be better for his physical traits and skills. Along with Eddie Jackson, Geno Smith is projected to start. Smith has had an up and down Alabama career. He has seen action since his freshman year, but will finally get a chance to start. That is if he stays out of Nick Saban’s doghouse after being arrested for his second DUI this off season. After those two, the next best bet at the safety position looks like Laurence “Hootie” Jones. Hootie has a strong safety build at 6’2 and 219 pounds. He had limited action last year after being a highly ranked recruit. The final position in Alabama’s defense called the Star position (nickel corner) will be filled by Maurice Smith and Jabriel Washington. For this defense to live up to their potential a few guys in the secondary will have to step up and play much better than last year.

Bottom Line

The Tide have the challenge of having the toughest schedule in all of College Football. Not only do they have to face a complete talented division of the SEC West, but they also face arguably the top two teams in the SEC East as well with Georgia and Tennessee. For a talented team like Alabama, they obviously have National Championship aspirations. Alabama will be carried by their front seven on defense this year. This will be particularly important against the teams who rely on the running game like Wisconsin, Georgia, Arkansas, and LSU. Alabama has a ton of unproven talent on offense and this year will need to rely heavily on Derrick Henry and the running game. Henry will also need to step up and show he is an every down back. The most important aspect of this team will be whether the secondary steps up.  If the secondary does not play up to their potential this Alabama could suffer 3-4 loses. However, I think there is enough talent in the secondary for this defense to be very good and Alabama to make the playoffs

PREDICTION: 10-2 (1st SEC)

Pro Prospects

RB Derrick Henry*, DT A’Shawn Robinson*, ILB Reggie Ragland, DT Jarran Reed, C Ryan Kelly, DE Jonathan Allen*, TE OJ Howard*, CB Cyrus Jones, OLB Denzel Devall, RB Kenyan Drake, OT Dominick Jackson, DE DJ Pettway

*Junior

NFL Draft

NFL Draft Day 2- Best Available

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After some surprises by NFL Teams, Here are the Top 15 Players Available on my Big Board. Click on the Players names for a full player profile. You can also check out the full Big Board by clicking >>Here<<

TOP 15 Available

#1

Randy Gregory OLB Nebraska 6’5″ 238
Gregory is a long talented defensive end who excels at rushing the quarterback. He has very good football instincts and shows a good motor. Gregory played very light at Nebraska, but still played with good strength. He was banged up a little bit this year with a knee injury, but still showed enough to warrant a high draft position. He does have some off the field concerns however as he tested positive for Marijuana at the NFL Combine. Randy Gregory is best as a stand up Outside Linebacker in the 3-4 with his excellent length and speed around the edge.

#2

La’el Collins OT LSU 6’5″ 308
Collins played left tackle this past year for LSU and was a major piece in establishing the run game. Collins looks like this years Zack Martin as he is a premium road grader on the offensive line and will most likely start out as a guard. On tape you constantly see La’el Collins move defensive lineman out of the way and creating great holes for the running back. Collins has a good kick slide in pass protection along with decent athleticism. He isn’t the most fluid, but still shows the ability to get to the second level. Look for Collins to be a high draft pick and eventually ending up as an effective tackle at the next level.
#3
Landon Collins S Alabama 6’1″ 221
 Collins is a great tackler and plays the safety position from a run support perspective about as well as you can. He excels at flying from the back end of the defense in run support and has great power when tackling. Along with being great in run support, he also is a magnet to the ball in pass coverage. It is a legitimate concern if he can play as a single high safety at the next level or if he is strictly a strong safety. He is not elite in coverage, however Collins is an instant starter and impact player as a rookie.
#4
T.J. Clemmings OT Pittsburgh 6’5″ 309
Clemmings made a heck of a jump in only his second year playing right tackle after starting his career at defensive line. He has all the tools you look for to be a tackle at the next level. He is very athletic and does a good job finishing his blocks in the run game. In pass protection he has a nice kick slide but still needs some development with balance and his punch. Clemmings will need some NFL coaching for his raw skills, mostly exposed at the Senior Bowl in Mobile where he struggled. He will be a project, but his upside is a pro bowl left tackle at the next level.
#5
Jordan Phillips DT Oklahoma 6’5″ 329
He left Oklahoma early as a redshirt sophomore so he will need to be developed, but has the type of talent to be a definite starter. Phillips is huge and moves very well for his size. He excels in pass rush as he has a number of moves to beat the offensive lineman. I believe he is scheme diverse at the next level in either a 3-4 or 4-3 defense. One area that he needs to improve on as a nose tackle is his ability to hold up against offensive lineman in the run game. At his size he sometimes gets moved when he shouldn’t. Phillips is kind of a boom or bust prospect, as he shows very rare traits for his size.
#6
Jaelen Strong WR Arizona St. 6’3″ 217
After being a top junior college recruit, Strong has put two outstanding seasons together as a Sun Devil. Jaelen Strong shows excellent soft hands with the ability to pluck the ball out of the air. Along with the great hands, he also exhibits excellent body control and the ability to win one on one battles. Strong isn’t the quickest, but does show good long speed as a deep threat. With Jaelen Strong’s good size and hands, he has the potential to be a number one receiver in the NFL.
#7
Eddie Goldman DT Florida St. 6’4″ 339
Eddie Goldman was an anchor on the Florida State defensive line. Even at 339 pounds he moves very well for his size. He does an excellent job holding up against double teams and against the run. However, he is not the most prolific pass rush threat. As an NFL player you are getting a player that can be an impact player on the defensive line, just not in the sacks category. Goldman is scheme diverse as a 3-4 Nose tackle or a 4-3 defensive tackle.
#8
Jake Fisher
 OT Oregon 6’6″ 306
Solid Left Tackle at Oregon. He is very athletic and shows a good nastiness to finish off blocks. Fisher has a very good kick slide in pass protection. At times he lets the defender into his body. He also needs to improve balance and being quicker against interior rusher. Could be a surprise 1st round pick and solid starter at the next level.

#9

Eli Harold
 OLB Virginia 6’3″ 247
Eli Harold excelled at Virginia as a edge rusher with his athleticism. Harold is a quick twitch edge rusher who also has good length. Harold plays with a high motor rusher and gets off the line quick. He will have to improve against the run.

#10

Carl Davis DT Iowa 6’5″ 321
 A big, versatile Defensive lineman that is highly disruptive. Needs to be a more every down player instead of just showing flashes. He does flash excellent quickness off the line and the ability to be disruptive in the backfield. Can play 4-3 DT or 3-4 DE.

#11

Eric Kendricks ILB UCLA 6’0″ 235
 Highly instinctive, 3-down linebacker. Plays sideline to sideline and is the top linebacker in terms of coverage in this draft. Has a nose for the football and is an instant impact player.

#12

Dorial Green-Beckham WR Oklahoma 6’5″ 237
 If not for 2 marijuana arrest and a domestic violence dispute where he pushed his girlfriend down the stairs, he’d be up there with the other elite Wide Receivers in this draft. DGB excels in jump ball situations and also has good speed/quickness.
#13
Maxx Williams TE Minnesota 6’4″ 249
Rare tight end combination where he excels in blocking and catching the ball. Very athletic and can separate from coverage. Excellent ball skills as well.
#14
Denzel Perryman ILB Miami 5’11” 242
Perryman has great athleticism and aggressiveness. He has the quickness to split offensive lineman and get in the back field. He is an excellent runstopper, but at times is over aggressive in tackling. Another concern is how well he plays in coverage. The team that drafts Perryman gets a big hitter who plays with great power playing and a low base.
#15
Paul Dawson OLB TCU 6’0″ 230
One of the most instinctive linebackers in the draft, Dawson was all over the field for the Horned Frogs this past season. Dawson is quick to react, and is best at the next level as a 4-3 weakside linebacker. Two concerns about Dawson are his size and speed.
NFL Draft

No. 1- Leonard WIlliams

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Leonard Williams

 Position School Height Weight
DT USC 6’4″ 5/8 302
Workout Results
Bench Press N/A Broad Jump 8’10”
40 yd Dash 4.97 20 yd Shuttle 4.53
Vertical Jump 29.5 Cone Drill 7.59
The top player in this year’s draft, Williams was extremely disruptive this year at USC. He excels at disengaging blockers and finding the ball carrier. Leonard Williams is very athletic for his size and will be an instant impact player. Williams can play all three downs where he excels as a run stuffer and a pass rusher. The one risk is that there is talk that he may have long terms shoulder problems. At 6’5 and 300 LBS he has the athleticism to be scheme diverse at the next level as a 3-4 DE or a 4-3 DT. This highly versatile defensive lineman should be a definite top 5 draft pick.
NFL Draft

No. 2- Jameis Winston

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Jameis Winston

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 Position School Height Weight
QB Florida St. 6’4″ 235
Workout Results
Bench Press N/A Broad Jump 8’7″
40 yd Dash 4.97 20 yd Shuttle 4.36
Vertical Jump 28.5 Cone Drill 7.16
On the field Jameis Winston is a great quarterback prospect with his great size, accuracy and arm strength. Winston maintains his poise in the pocket and has unbelievable anticipation throwing the ball on time. Winston did get in trouble trusting his arm too much this year and forcing the ball shown by his 18 Interceptions. He has also had plenty of Off the field issues that teams will have to consider when drafting him. However, he is the top quarterback in this class and has shown on the field that he has the tools to be a franchise quarterback.
NFL Draft

No. 3- Amari Cooper

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Amari Cooper

 Position School Height Weight
WR Alabama 6’0″ 7/8 211
Workout Results
Bench Press N/A Broad Jump 10’0″
40 yd Dash 4.42 20 yd Shuttle 3.98
Vertical Jump 33 Cone Drill 6.71
Amari Cooper had a monster season with 124 catches and over 1700 yards. Cooper did have quite a few screen catches in Lane Kiffin’s system, but excelled after the catch. Cooper shows the ability to naturally pluck the ball out of the air. He is one of the best wide receivers in this draft and can beat the press with his quickness of the line. Cooper combines this quickness and speed with also being a great route runner and will be able to get on the NFL right away as an impact rookie. He did have a few easy drops late in the season, but the team that drafts Cooper shouldn’t worry as he has shown reliable hands throughout his career. Cooper can come in and be an instant impact rookie as he is the most polished wide receiver in the draft.
NFL Draft

No.4- Dante Fowler Jr.

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Dante Fowler Jr.

Dante Fowler

 Position School Height Weight
DE Florida 6’2″ 5/8 261
Workout Results
Bench Press 19 Broad Jump 9’4″
40 yd Dash 4.60 20 yd Shuttle 4.32
Vertical Jump 32.5 Cone Drill 7.40
I have Dante Fowler as the top edge rusher in a draft filled with talented pass rushers. Fowler shows something special with his ability to bend around the corner at his size. This Florida Gator plays with a high motor and is extremely quick. Dante Fowler is also strong in the run game as well as he shows good strength at the point of attack. At Florida he showed the ability to drop back into coverage. With Fowler you get not only an excellent pass rusher, but also a guy who won’t be a liability in the run game. He is scheme diverse also as a 4-3 DE or a 3-4 OLB. With teams always seeking for talented pass rushers, look for Fowler to go early in the draft.
NFL Draft

No. 5- Marcus Mariota

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Marcus Mariota

 Position School Height Weight
QB Oregon 6’3″ 3/4 222
Workout Results
Bench Press N/A Broad Jump 10’1″
40 yd Dash 4.52 20 yd Shuttle 4.11
Vertical Jump 36 Cone Drill 6.87
Mariota has everything you ask for in terms of tools from a college quarterback. He possesses a great arm and accuracy with his quick delivery. Along with being a great thrower, Mariota is the best scrambling quarterback I have ever scouted as he shows blazing speed. The tools are not the problem when it comes to Mariota, it is whether he can translate from the Oregon offense to the NFL in terms of reading defenses. Mariota also must protect the ball better as he has accumulated 27 fumbles throughout his college career. Despite the down falls, Mariota is a quarterback that coaches around the league will love to work with because of his great character and elite tools.
NFL Draft

No. 6- Kevin White

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Kevin White

 Position School Height Weight
WR West Virginia 6’2″ 5/8 215
Workout Results
Bench Press 23 Broad Jump 9’10”
40 yd Dash 4.35 20 yd Shuttle 4.14
Vertical Jump 36.5 Cone Drill 6.92
Kevin White experienced a breakout year at West Virginia jumping from just 507 yards during his junior year to 1447 yards in his senior campaign. At 6’3″ Kevin White has an excellent catch radius and exhibits natural hands. White is excellent in the air as well, he shows a great ability to adjust his body. A question going into the combine was his straight line speed. However, after the 4.35 in Indianapolis he has truly shown he is a complete wide receiver. Where Cooper distinguishes himself from White is the ability to create separation. Too many times on tape did you see a cornerback right on White. This is an aspect Kevin White must improve upon to be successful at the next level. However, White is right up there with Cooper when it comes to top wide receivers in the draft and can be an excellent NFL player at the next level.