Oregon kicked off the first ever college football playoff with a near-forty point destruction of Florida State, forcing Jameis Winston into more turnovers than the Seminoles could have ever expected, and Marcus Mariota solidifying his Heisman season by pushing his team to the National Championship 2015.
Ohio State entered their game against Alabama as major underdogs, but, lead by Cardale Jones, the Buckeyes turned an early season loss to Virginia Tech into a playoff victory over Alabama. Ohio State entered the playoff with the longest odds to win, but after beating Alabama, they have every reason to relish the underdog role.
By: Eric Galko and Ian Wharton
Oregon
Marcus Mariota, QB, #8 – 6’4, 215 (JR)
The draft’s consensus top passer, Mariota’s skill set, character and projected upside is what makes him the odds on favorite to be the top pick in the draft, if/when he declares. His velocity, foot speed and decision-making is what has NFL teams generally excited, but he’s not without concerns. His deep ball accuracy has improved this year, but concerns over his offense’s role in his success will lead to sharp development needs once he reaches the NFL. With more spot throws and pre-determined reads in the offense, along with defenses being always threatened by the read-option, Mariota’s vision and control of an NFL-level offense may be met with some issues in the draft process and as a rookie.
Hroniss Grasu, OC, #55 – 6’2, 297
The most highly touted center in the country, Grasu has been a staple of the Oregon offense for the past three years, and his injury this year lead to offense-wide concerns during the season. As an ideally zone blocking center, he slides laterally with great positioning and control, lacking a great initial pop or the length to control blocks at the second level, but his efficiency as a “phone booth” blocker and consistency in zone run blocking should still make him a top-100 pick.
Jake Fisher, OT, #75 – 6’6, 299
A plus-athlete for the position, Fisher has the potential to play left or right tackle based on his career at Oregon. With the balance, lateral control and ability to engage with control in space, Fisher showcase all the tools required as a pass-blocker in the NFL. And his tenacity and desire to finish blocks with explosion and to the ground could allow him to develop into a plus-downfield blocker. With his upside, the first-round isn’t out of the question.
Tony Washington, DE/OLB, #91 – 6’3, 250
Despite flashing top-end talent as an edge rusher, Washington was used in a variety of areas, including in coverage and in a more true linebacker role. With plus athletic ability and long speed, Washington will fit best as a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL, and ideally the Ducks will use him as more of an open-field edge threat to contain Jameis Winston’s offense.
Derrick Malone, LB, #22 – 6’3, 220
With his consistent role almost that of a Nickel linebacker in the NFL, that’ll be Malone’s easiest transition after his senior season. With great read-react skills in coverage to underneath routes along with coming downhill and finishing as a long-speed run defender, Malone’s balance and control, along with his vision (which allows him to have outside the box range) allows him to be a consistent tackler, including in the open field. He’ll be a key part of the gameplan against the Florida State rushing and short-area passing attack.
Arik Armstead, DE, #9 – 6’7, 296 (JR)
A high-upside, still raw pass rusher, the Ducks use Armstead in a variety of areas, as they look to capitalize on his length and lateral control as a rusher. While he plays a bit high as a rusher and can be contained if his initial rush gets too close to his blocker’s chestplate, his swift hand movement, strong initial punch thanks to his explosion off the snap, and control as he works down the line is certainly intriguing enough that, if he declares, he’ll have top-100 suitors.
Others to Watch:
Pharaoh Brown, TE (JR)
Tyler Johnstone, OT (JR)
DeForest Buckner, DE (JR)
Erick Dargan, S
Ohio State
Devin Smith, WR, #9
Another guy who has had a big senior season, Devin Smith has become a draftable talent at receiver. He’s become a legitimate threat when in traffic, which is a huge difference than what he was in previous seasons. Smith should hear his name called somewhere on day two or three of the draft.
Taylor Decker, OT, #68 (JR)
Just a junior, Decker has been rumored to be leaving Ohio State. He’s been a very good left tackle due to his athleticism and length combination. Decker’s best attribute is his run blocking, but he has the talent to become a solid tackle in the NFL.
Jeff Heuerman, TE, #5
The under-utilized tight end has excellent size, catch radius and run blocking ability. Heuerman has been limited in the Buckeyes’ offense, but he should be an instant-impact player at the next level as a day two NFL pick.
Michael Bennett, DT, #63
The top prospect for the Buckeyes is their disruptive defensive tackle, Michael Bennett. Bennett has perfect size for a 4-3 three-technique, and his speed off the snap gives opponents huge issues. Throughout the season, Bennett has been able to become much more solid as a run defender in addition to his strong pass rush skills.
Joshua Perry, LB, #37 (JR)
An unlikely player to declare early, Perry is a physical specimen that can be a very good weak side linebacker in the NFL. He’s rangy, similar to a safety, but built perfectly for a nickel linebacker role. Watch for Perry to be in space often because of his natural athleticism and high football IQ.
Doran Grant, CB, #12
One of the biggest risers on the team, Doran Grant has evolved into a very reliable outside cornerback for the Buckeyes. He’s 5’11 and 190 pounds and has shown the talent to shadow receivers well throughout most routes and then burst toward the ball as it arrives. Currently Grant projects as a late day 2 type prospect.
Cardale Jones, QB, #12 (RS Soph)
The shocking leader of the Ohio State surge, Jones’s arm talent and athleticism have been enough to keep the Buckeyes’ season alive. He’s still very raw as a pocket passer, not showing much in terms of NFL-level reads, positioning when forced off his initial platform, and placement along the edge from the pocket. However, his clear elite tools, success in the controlled Ohio State offense and flashes of vertical ability is what should have scouts excited, and his NFL future bright.
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