In this year’s Cotton Bowl classic, scouts will get a chance to look at two high profile quarterback prospects and heavyweight battles in the trenches. Senior QB Bryce Petty looks to finish his season on a high note, as he will soon be preparing for the Senior Bowl and interviews with prospective NFL teams. Junior Connor Cook is still undecided, but would likely be ranked as a top 5 QB in this year’s draft class. Michigan State LT Jack Conklin will have the tall task of blocking Baylor’s Shawn Oakman, while Baylor LT Spencer Drango draws junior DE Shilique Calhoun off the edge.
It’ll be an exciting game to watch from an X’s and O’s standpoint as well, considering Baylor’s vertical-based offense and Michigan State’s Cover 4-heavy defense. There will be plenty of one-on-one plays down the field and we’ll find out if Michigan State can keep up with the speed of Baylor. With all that in mind, here are the top prospects that NFL scouts will have their eyes on.
By: Alex Brown
Michigan State
Connor Cook, QB, #18
In a down year for draft-eligible quarterbacks, Connor Cook has a chance to be this year’s Blake Bortles and climb into the first round conversation. He’s a big, athletic passer with the functional mobility to avoid sacks and the arm talent to execute high difficulty throws. He can be streaky with his ball placement and baited into certain throws, but ultimately shows the moldable traits teams are looking for at the position. As far as draft grades go, he’s more of a 2nd round prospect with the upside to draw a first round selection by the time the draft rolls around.
Tony Lippett, WR/CB, #14
Lippett is an intriguing senior prospect that has upped his stock from the late rounds to the late day two-early day three range. He’s garnered high praise from his head coach Mark Dantonio and a comparison to former Carolina Panthers CB Chris Gamble, who also flashed the ability to play on both sides of the football. Lippett has the ideal physical skill set for the next level with a long, athletic frame capable of adding strength. He’s worked hard to improve at the catch point, but is still developing as a route runner and technician.
Jack Conklin, OT, #74 (RS SO)
If he declares for the draft, Jack Conklin would likely be the highest graded prospect on the Michigan State roster. As a 6’6, 303 pound left tackle, Conklin looks the part and plays the part of an NFL blindside protector. He has all the physical tools you look for when it comes to length, foot speed, punch strength and balance. In his matchup with Ohio State, Conklin shut down the Buckeye’s star sophomore DE Joey Bosa and finally started to receive national notoriety for his outstanding play. Conklin could skyrocket up NFL Draft boards, especially considering the lack of many clear-cut options at the top part of the draft.
Shilique Calhoun, DE, #89 (JR)
Calhoun has been indecisive about his NFL future but currently projects as a 2nd or 3rd round pick. Playing linebacker and excelling on the basketball court in high school, Calhoun has filled out his frame and steadily improved as a point of attack defender. As a pass rusher, he’ll have to do a better job of locking out his arms and using his length to his advantage. Too often he plays inside the framework of the tackle and is unable to initiate any moves off the edge. His stiffness shows when breaking down for open field tackles, and his best NFL fit is in a 4-3 defense.
Trae Waynes, CB, #15 (JR)
Waynes is one of the few corner prospects worthy of first round consideration in the 2015 draft class, as he proved that he could handle #1 receivers and dominate as a press corner. Facing elite speed from the Baylor receiving corps and a day two senior prospect in Antwan Goodley, this will be another chance for Waynes to showcase his NFL skills. With a strong outing against Baylor’s high-flying pass attack, Waynes is a good bet to declare for the upcoming 2015 NFL Draft.
Other Prospects:
Jeremy Langford, RB, #33
Marcus Rush, DE, #44
Taiwan Jones, OLB, #34
Kurtis Drummond, S, #27
Baylor
Bryce Petty, QB, #14
Bryce Petty is headed to the Senior Bowl and his best NFL comparison is New England Patriots’ backup rookie QB Jimmy Garoppolo. Like Garoppolo, Petty comes from a wide open, spread offense that emphasized the development of quick timing throws and limited the number of post-snap reads down the field. A majority of throws are determined in the presnap phase based on alignment, making the game easier on the quarterback. In that sense, Petty’s release quickness and natural arm talent are an ideal fit for that offense. Still, Petty’s unrefined pocket movements make him appear jumpy and erratic when forced to reset versus interior pressure. If a team falls in love with his makeup and arm talent, then Petty could still end up being a day two pick. For us at Optimum Scouting, we view him as a day three option with a plus upside.
Antwan Goodley, WR, #5
The top senior prospect for the Bears, Antwan Goodley looks more like a bruising tailback than a wide receiver with his imposing 5’11, 220 pound frame. He’s an explosive burner on the outside and a powerful receiver that can fight through the press and win downfield at the catch point. Concerns lie around his inconsistent hands and unpolished routes, but the ability to win vertically and after the catch will excite NFL evaluators. He’s more of a 3rd rounder to me with his need for development and his stock sits in the day two range.
Spencer Drango, OT, #58
Although he’s headed back to school, Drango is still a prospect worth keeping an eye on. He blocks with sound fundamentals at the point of attack and lands his hands inside on a consistent basis. Lacks the length to be a next level tackle, and will be viewed as an offensive guard prospect for the 2016 NFL Draft. Negatives primarily deal with injury concerns, as Drango underwent an offseason back surgery after last season to repair a ruptured disc. If he continues to improve his game and stay healthy, we’re talking about a potential 2nd round pick.
Shawn Oakman, DE, #2
Also returning to school as a 2016 NFL Draft prospect, Shawn Oakman has elite physical tools but inconsistent production on the field. His competitive temperament is frustrating to evaluate on tape, as he flashes effort in pursuit at times and then becomes a spectator on the very next snap. He knows he can dominate with just his first step speed or solely with power, and is still working to “put it all together.” Learning his fit in the run game, recognizing blocking schemes and generally being more efficient with his hand usage will go a long way in helping Oakman reach his sky-high, Calais Campbell-like ceiling.
Other Prospects:
Levi Norwood, WR, Baylor
Bryce Hager, ILB, Baylor
Xavien Howard, CB, Baylor (RS SO)
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
