Both Oklahoma and Clemson have excellent draft prospects worth taking a look at in this bowl game, particularly on the edges. Oklahoma senior offensive tackles Daryl Williams and Tyrus Thompson will have their hands full with a very explosive edge rusher in senior Vic Beasley. It’ll also be interesting to see how Clemson’s offense performs after losing their starting QB Deshaun Watson to an ACL injury and offensive coordinator Chad Morris to the SMU head coaching vacancy.
With all that in mind, there are as many as 8-10 draftable senior prospects in this contest and plenty more talented underclassmen to evaluate for the Russell Athletic Bowl.
By: Alex Brown
Oklahoma
Sterling Shepard, WR, #3 (JR)
Shepard exploded onto the scene in 2014 with over 900 yards receiving through Oklahoma’s first 7 games. Unfortunately, he injured his groin while pulling down a 46-yard reception versus Iowa State and has since had a tough time returning to full strength. Shepard wins with his quickness and ability to make defenders miss after the catch. And while he lacks elite long speed, Shepard is a skilled route runner that understands how to setup and attack opposing defensive backs. His polished receiving skills and playmaking ability after the catch could garner 3rd round grades.
Tyrus Thompson, LT, #71
For Thompson to reach his full potential, it’s all about working on his base setup off the snap and playing under control. When he has his feet underneath him and squares up his target, he flashes a dominant skill set. It’s poor initial hand placement that forces him to grab or clutch at his target in recovery, “turning the gate” early in pass sets. Thompson has a plus upside with elite size, natural anchor ability and surprising foot quickness, and could intrigue on the second day of the draft.
Daryl Williams, RT, #79
Once this tackle gets his hands on you, the battle is usually over. Dominant with his punch and latch grip, Williams gets away with subpar foot speed and inconsistent body positioning. Likely to stick at right tackle or kick inside to guard, Williams combination of size, length and strength make him a plus run blocker and a more than adequate pass protector. His kick slide isn’t pretty but again, he’s able to compensate with his long arms and firm grip and compares favorably to San Diego Chargers RT D.J. Fluker.
Jordan Phillips, DT, #80 (RS SO)
As a third-year sophomore, Phillips is a draft-eligible nose tackle with the frame and skill set to be the centerpiece for a 3-4 defensive front. He flashes the ability to collapse the pocket as a pass rusher, command double teams and finish tackles in the backfield. Phillips will benefit from playing in a rotation at the next level and, as a 0-technique nose tackle, he could wind up drawing a day two NFL Draft grade.
Zack Sanchez, CB, #15 (JR)
Sanchez is a very confident, aggressive corner that will take chances in off-man or zone coverage. He’s quick to jump pass patterns, which can lead to boom-or-bust results. As a prospect, he lacks great long speed or recovery athleticism but his length, ball skills and ability to read through the route make him a plus fit for zone-heavy defenses.
Others to watch:
Blake Bell, TE, #10
Adam Shead, OG, #74
Chuka Ndulue, DT, #98
Corey Striker, OLB, #19 (JR)
Quentin Hayes, S, #10
Clemson
Vic Beasley, DE/OLB, #3
Beasley is too small to be an all-down DE, but fits the bill as a 3-4 OLB and rotational edge rusher. As a pass rusher, he shows the elite first step quicks and flexibility to bend the edge. Facing a pair of oversized offensive tackles in Tyrus Thompson and Daryl Williams, it’ll be important to watch Beasley’s hand usage and ability to hold his ground. On passing downs, Beasley owns a decisive athleticism advantage and should be in a position to create pressure with speed rush maneuvers.
Grady Jarrett, DT, #50
Senior Grady Jarrett may be short, but he isn’t small. Jarrett’s game is predicated on hand usage and countering the blocker’s initial punch. He shows the ability to make plays as a one-technique and three-technique, but is best served playing the shade nose tackle position at the next level. Jarrett faces off against the powerful, yet underrated senior Adam Shead, who excels as a latch and drive blocker
Stephone Anthony, ILB, #42
Stephone Anthony is an explosive straight-line athlete, but struggles with breaking down and finishing plays in the open field. From a skills standpoint, he has the plus size and closing burst to develop into a starting caliber player. Issues come in pass coverage and in the open field, as he’s more of a two-down thumper than an every down starter. With those factors considered, he’s likely to be selected on the third day of the draft.
Others to watch:
Corey Crawford, DE, #93
Garry Peters, CB, #26
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