The 2015 Alamo Bowl features one of the more high-profile prospects in UCLA QB Brett Hundley, who will be facing a stiff Kansas State defense that is led by CB Danzel McDaniel. For Hundley, he’s already graduated as a junior and made his mind up to enter the 2015 NFL Draft. McDaniel on the other hand, has a decision to make, along with another K-State junior in LT Cody Whitehair. McDaniel is the type of long-levered, physical press cornerback that will intrigue NFL evaluators, while Whitehair has the makeup of a starting offensive guard at the next level.
UCLA still has a few standout prospects outside of Hundley though, with ILB Eric Kendricks and DE Odighizuwa Owamagbe. Both are day two talents and headed to Mobile, Alabama later in the month for the Senior Bowl. With those names in mind, here’s a quick snapshot on each of the top 2015 draft-eligible prospects playing in this contest.
By: Alex Brown
Kansas State
Tyler Lockett, WR, #16
Lockett is a difficult player to evaluate. On one hand, he’s a speedy route runner that shows the savvy to beat man coverage or settle down in open zones. On the other end of the spectrum, his diminutive frame and inconsistent hands combine for a small catching radius. His ability to contribute out of the slot and as a punt returner will make him a valued commodity on the third day of the NFL draft, but Lockett must continue to improve on extending and finishing catches away from his framework.
Cody Whitehair, OT, #55 (JR)
Arguably Kansas State’s top draft-eligible prospect, Cody Whitehair started the last few seasons at LG but has made a smooth transition to LT as a junior. Whitehair blocks with all of his cleats in the ground and sound base fundamentals, and is able to land an inside fit to control the point of attack. Although he lacks the length to remain at LT in the NFL, he projects
B.J. Finney, OC, #66
As solid a center prospect you’ll find in the Big 12, Finney consistently locks and secures an inside fit on defenders. He projects as a solid utility blocker on the interior with potential to play guard or center, but has neither the athletic balance nor blocking strength to recover when out of position. His experience, football intelligence and technique could land him a roster spot but he’s a fringe draftable to undraftable prospect.
Danzel McDaniel, CB, #7
JUCO transfer with plus size at 6’1, 205 pounds and the natural movement skills to click and close into position. Quick to get a run/pass read and excels at setting the edge. Engages opposing receivers in run support and wastes no time discarding the block with his hands. Operates primarily from press bail technique in Kansas State’s Cover 4-heavy zone defense. Possesses the size-length skill set that NFL teams vie for, and would be a fit in a variety of schemes thanks to his ability to flip open and locate the football.
Other Prospects:
Jake Waters, QB, #15
Randall Evans, S, #15
UCLA
Brett Hundley, QB, #17
As a pure thrower and athlete, Hundley has the plus tools NFL teams vie for at the QB position. Hundley throws from a wide platform and does a solid job of controlling his velocity when throwing between levels. When he tucks the ball and attacks defenses as a ball carrier, he also shows the explosive burst and elusive qualities to make defenders miss. But while he shows positive traits in spurts, Hundley lacks consistency in sensing pressure or seeing the field (I.E. maintaining eye level downfield and working through progressions). Hundley still could wind up being the third QB selected in a down draft class for quarterbacks, and he’ll look to use this bowl game as a springboard into the predraft process.
Odighizuwa Owamagbe, DE, #94
Owamagbe’s name is ridiculously hard to spell and pronounce, but he’s a legit NFL prospect with his combination of length and strength off the edge. Owamagbe does an impressive job of leveraging underneath blockers and locking out to reset the line of scrimmage in the backfield. So while he may not finish with a ton of sacks on the box score, he’s disrupting opposing offenses and allowing his teammates to flow to the football. He’ll be a day two option for NFL teams.
Eric Kendricks, ILB, #6
My favorite prospect on UCLA’s roster is Kendricks, the younger brother of Philadelphia Eagles ILB Mychal Kendricks. Highly instinctual and a quick play reader, Eric Kendricks consistently finds himself around the football. He became the all-time leader in tackles at UCLA as a senior and has already accepted an invite to the Senior Bowl. He’s a lock for the 2nd round and could sneak into the top 40 if he tests well.
Other Prospects:
Jordan Payton, WR, #9 (JR)
Anthony Jefferson, S, #23
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