In the first-ever college football playoff, the selection committee set up a juicy Nick Saban-Urban Meyer rematch for longtime SEC football fans. Much will be made of that coaching matchup, but on the field there are plenty of players to watch for the upcoming 2015 NFL Draft. Just looking at seniors in the game, there are more than 10 prospects carrying draft eligible grades from our scouting staff.
Alabama receiver Amari Cooper highlights the prospects on display in this game, but he’ll have a good matchup with Ohio State senior CB Doran Grant. In the trenches, it’ll also be an excellent showcase opportunity for Ohio State DT Michael Bennett as he faces a stout Alabama offensive line. Be sure to continue reading for an in-depth look at the personnel for both of these talented teams, as Alex Brown breaks down Alabama’s draft-eligible players and Ian Wharton breaks down Ohio State.
By: Alex Brown and Ian Wharton
Alabama
Blake Sims, QB, #6
Blake Sims’ development has been fun to watch during the 2014 season. His usage early in the season limited the number of downfield throws and the playbook steadily expanded as he gained experience. Despite being short and undersized, Sims still has a plus arm to attack all levels of the field. Vision for second level defenders has been his major fault, however, as he tends to lose sight of linebackers and robber safeties. Sims has mid-level passer qualities that are worth developing, but his explosive athletic ability makes him unique and potentially more intriguing as a RB conversion. He’ll have the platform to win over scouts as a quarterback at the Senior Bowl, and it’ll be interesting to evaluate his performance there.
T.J. Yeldon, RB, #4 (JR)
Yeldon is taller than ideal with a natural upright running style. With that being said, he does have elite plant foot balance and burst at all levels of the field. Very much a pick-and-slide ball carrier, Yeldon maneuvers with ease and appears to be dodging traffic in rush hour. Concerns exist over ball security (10 fumbles, 7 lost in 37 games played) and his previously mentioned upright running style, but Yeldon displays the qualities of a full-service back at the next level. As far as comparisons go, think of a more explosive and coordinated Alfred Blue.
Amari Cooper, WR, #9 (JR)
Cooper is the top receiver in the upcoming draft for a number of reasons. He has long speed to win vertically, natural body control to run explosive routes under control and the ability to do damage after the catch. What impresses me the most with Cooper, however, is his attention to detail and obvious dedication to mastering the craft of playing wide receiver. He understands how to adapt route concepts to the coverage in front of him and attack the defensive back’s leverage, placing opponents in recovery mode on a majority of snaps. He always plays under control and is patient to set up the route break. He’ll likely be a top ten pick in the upcoming draft.
DeAndrew White, WR, #2
Versatile in that he’s proven to be productive on the outside as an X, Z or slot receiver, White showcases the ability to defeat the press with clean footwork off the line and importantly creates separation with his body control out of the route break. He transitions from receiver to ball carrier without any wasted movement, and has the explosive acceleration to turn a short reception into a big play. Should receive consideration as an early day three prospect.
Arie Kouandjio, OG, #77
Kouandjio is more brawler than blocker, but his wide body and latch grip enable him to move defenders off the ball with consistency. Balky knees (tore both ACL tendons as a redshirt freshman) and slow feet to redirect are the two big negative factors working against him. He’s going to be limited to power man schemes only and needs help from the center to deal with quicker 3-techniques. There’s a chance he goes in the latter half of the 3rd round, but I view Kouandjio as more of a 4th round prospect.
Xzavier Dickson, OLB/DE, #47
Solid 3-4 outside linebacker that has big hands and ideal length to set the edge, defeat blockers and finish tackles in the backfield. Shoots arms to create separation at the point of attack and read the backfield. Plays gap assignment under control and keeps feet well when working through trash. As a pass rusher, he wins primarily by stemming a speed rush off the snap and countering back towards the inside with power. Although he lacks any exceptional traits to be a top of the line starter, Xzavier Dickson has starter potential as a mid round prospect.
Landon Collins, S, #26 (JR)
His eye discipline as a deep coverage defender can be best described as “aggressive.” Likes to freelance in coverage and play the eyes of the quarterback. Shows some inconsistencies in gathering a run/pass read, but is very quick to close the distance and execute his run fit. Does a good enough job of attacking the upfield shoulder in the alley to force the runner back inside. Knifes low on most of his tackles. In Kirby Smart’s defense, it’s easy to tell that he’s the most valuable player. He’ll play single-high, two-high, in-the-box or even line over the slot as a third safety. The Swiss-Army knife safety of this draft class, Landon Collins next level role will be as a strong safety and special teams maven.
Other Prospects:
Christion Jones, WR, #22
Jarran Reed, DT, #90 (JR)
Trey Depriest, ILB #33
Reggie Ragland, ILB, #19
Nick Perry, S, #27
Ohio State
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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