Following the Senior Bowl in Mobile, AL, the attention of NFL evaluators shifts to Arlington, TX for the 2015 College Gridiron Showcase. With plenty of NFL talent and potential late draft picks in the game, here’s a snapshot look at each of the top prospects set to play in the game.
By: Alex Brown
Pete Thomas, QB, Louisiana-Monroe
Once a highly touted quarterback, Pete Thomas made stops at Colorado State and North Carolina State before landing in Louisiana-Monroe. In terms of size, physique and arm talent, Thomas looks the part of an NFL QB. Thomas began training with QB guru George Whitfield as an 8th grader and sports clean mechanics, but simply wasn’t able to put it all together. Throwing exactly the same number of touchdowns and interceptions, Thomas has to improve at working past his first read and making sound decisions.
Dee Hart, RB, Colorado State
Dee Hart declared early for the 2015 draft and is likely the top running back prospect at the College Gridiron Showcase. Running behind a zone scheme at Colorado State, Hart showed the patience to read and setup blockers after the mesh point. He senses overpursuit and shows footwork to cleanly work to the backside but lacks much of a burst through the hole, which will likely limit his NFL upside to a rotational role.
Levi Norwood, WR, Baylor
Despite running a limited route tree at Baylor and being a converted Baylor basketball player, he shows natural burst at the top of the route and the ability to drive out of the break with acceleration. Lack of production will hurt his grade, but has translatable slot receiver skills. Showcases plus hands to finish catches away from his body and can create after the catch with deceptive speed. He enters as the top WR prospect in the Gridiron Showcase.
Alex Mateas, OC, Connecticut
Because Mateas grew up in Ottawa, Ontario and played high school ball in Canada, he currently ranks as the #2 overall prospect on the CFL Scouting Bureau draft board. CFL teams are required to start a minimum of seven national (Canadian) players, so each year teams are searching for the top Canadian-born prospects in the FBS or FCS. Mateas is a fringe draftable center prospect that will look to show NFL evaluators that he belongs in the U.S.
B.J. Larsen, DE, Utah State
A former walk-on at Utah State, Larsen turned in a highly productive career for the Aggies and possesses the 6’5, 275 lbs. frame to project into a 5-technique role at the NFL level. He isn’t a creative pass rusher, but he is a strong player at the point of attack. Our area scout Matt Harmon compares Larsen to former Carolina Panthers DL Tyler Brayton, in that Larsen is more of a role player versus the run.
Junior Sylvestre, LB, Toledo
Junior earned first team all conference honors and was the unquestioned leader for Toledo in 2014. Sylvestre shows the fluidity to flip and run down the seams with tight ends and slot receivers, and projects best to a 4-3 weakside linebacker position Evaluators will love Sylvestre’s plus instincts and nose for the football, but lack of size and strength shows when he’s forced to take on blockers. He’s a day three draft target that can develop into a sub package linebacker, reserve WLB and star on special teams coverage.
Dexter McDonald, CB, Kansas
McDonald was a JUCO transfer out of Butler Community College and started each of the last two seasons for Kansas. He’s a long, physical corner that is most confident in a press alignment. McDonald uses his length to wall receivers to the sideline and also shows the physicality to work off blocks. Playing primarily press at Kansas, he’ll have a big adjustment this week in off-man coverage. While he currently grades out as a UDFA for us at Optimum Scouting, a strong week at the Gridiron Showcase could push McDonald into the Day Three range.
Daniel Fitzpatrick, S, Tennessee State
Working as the single-high free safety for Tennessee State, Daniel Fitzpatrick shows excellent vision for the football and ball skills to force turnovers. He’s more than willing to come down in run support and square up ball carriers, but does his best work when given the freedom to jump patterns as a free defender. In man coverage over the slot, he tends to squat on underneath patterns and use hand checks to slow vertical releases. He needs to show scouts he can play disciplined and provide lid protection versus vertical routes.
Robenson Therezie, S, Auburn
Shorter than ideal at safety, Robenson Therezie plays the game with violent aggression and sets tone for the Auburn defense. He’s a quick athlete that can pedal and mirror with slot receivers, but needs more experience and development to be counted on as a nickel corner. Therezie excels as a pressure player, having closing burst to affect the quarterback. Better suited to play close to the box as a nickel safety. Not an every down starter but can be expected to contribute day one on special teams.
Nick Perry, S, Alabama
Buried on the depth chart as an underclassman and knocked out of last season with a shoulder injury, Nick Perry is finally healthy and showcasing his NFL talent. Possesses a well-put together frame with the reactive athleticism to make plays in coverage and finish tackles in the open field. Shows no limitations in terms of playing free or strong safety. Processes information quickly for a player with minimal starting experience. Physically has the traits worth developing at the next level and could wind up being a better pro than college player.
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