Small School Preview: Top 10 NFL Draft Prospects

Pat Devlin

The FCS ranks have pumped out some top notch prospects recently. From Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to Joe Flacco, scouts have been starting to take real interest in the “lower level” of Division One.

While this class doesn’t seem to include a first round prospect, it does feature a few notable transfers and some defensive tackles that are already viewed as top notch prospects. It’s still early, and a fantastic season by one of these or the many other players could make this list fluctuate a lot.

1. Pat Devlin, Quarterback, Delaware
-Former Penn State QB, the strong armed quarterback has the potential to have a Joe-Flacco type impact. Not as talented, though.

2. Kendrick Ellis, Defensive Tackle, Hampton
-Has the NFL body and size, he needs to work on technique and consistency big time or he’ll slide down this list alot.

3. Cedric Thorton, Defensive End, South Arkansas
-An impressive combo of strength and power, this versatile defensive lineman needs to show more consistency.

4. Ben Ijalana, Offensive Tackle, Villanova
-Very athletic and moves well, Ijalana is a versatile lineman who maxes out as a left tackle but could be an impact guard as well.

5. Mark LeGree, Safety, Appalachian State
-Great ball skills and a true center-fielder, he needs to get stronger and become a more complete tackler. Speed hurts a little as well.

6. Will Rackley, Offensive Tackle, Lehigh
-Athletic at left tackle, his potential is pretty high, and his technique isn’t that far off of the NFL.

7. Cecil Shorts, Wide Receiver, Mount Union
-Extremely versatile with good hands and route running for a D3 player, he needs to bulk up and show he’s better than D3 competition.

8. Martin Parker, Defensive Tackle, Richmond
-Good size and speed for a defensive tackle, he needs to show better run support to make an NFL impact.

9. Christian Anthony, Defensive End, Grambling State
-Great pass rusher and massive size, he lacks consistent tackling and enough pass rush moves to be effective at the next level.

10. Zack Eskridge, Quarterback, Midwestern State
-Moves well outside the pocket, he needs to fine tune is intermediate accuracy and focus on technique a bit more.

While we don’t agree on all our lists, Josh Buchanan of www.JBScouting.com does a fantastic job of covering the small school prospects, and we use him as a resource on these small school prospects each year.

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