2015 is full of high hopes for many ACC teams. With the departure of the former Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston, many programs feel it’s their time to emerge as a conference leader. Unfortunately for those programs a new quarterback star has emerged in the ACC and looks to be leading the Tigers to new heights in 2015.
Deshaun Watson had a great freshman year in spite of the various injuries that plagued him. If he comes back from the injuries 100% the Tigers should finally dethrone Florida State as Atlantic Division and ACC champions.
In the Coastal Division, Duke has a favorable schedule and the senior leadership it takes to be successful. Between their All-American Safety Jeremy Cash, their veteran O-Line and their stable of Running Backs, the Blue Devils have the ingredients to become Coastal Division champions in 2015. The early test in in September against Georgia Tech may be the Coastal Division championship game.By: Patrick Callaway
Quarterback
- Jacoby Brissett 6’4”, 235, NC State- 4th-5th Round
In his first year playing for NC State after transferring from Florida, Brissett immediately elevated the Wolfpack back to a winning program. Has prototypical QB size and is a very accurate passer. His rare pocket mobility and ability to extend plays gives his receivers plenty of time to get open. Needs to show the ability to make more NFL throws in order to raise his draft stock.
- Everett Golson 6’0”, 220, Florida State- 6th-7th Round
Golson is looking to uphold the outstanding quarterback legacy at Florida State after transferring in from Notre Dame. He has a very strong arm and great deep ball accuracy that will produce a lot of big plays for the Seminoles. He is not afraid to tuck the ball and use his speed to gain yards if necessary. If Golson eliminates the chronic turnover issue that plagued him last year, he should be in for a very productive season in Tallahassee.
- Marquis Williams 6’2”, 225, North Carolina-UDFA
An athletically gifted dual-threat QB who can make plays with his arms and legs as evidenced by his 2014 season where he eclipsed over 3,500 yards and 34 TD’s. He has a cannon for an arm which unfortunately leads to him overthrowing even the fastest receivers occasionally. Needs to improve his accuracy on all three levels to become a more consistent passer. A big play threat at all times who will continue to give defensive coordinators nightmares as he continues his historic career at UNC.
- Terel Hunt, 6’3”, 238, Syracuse-UDFA
A big pocket passer that can run if forced to. After missing the majority of the 2014 season, Hunt is looking to get the Orange back to a bowl game this year utilizing his ability to run and throw on the move. He has good anticipation and ball placement skills that allow him to throw balls into tight coverage. Needs to show he has the accuracy to throw NFL routes.
- Michael Brewer, 6’1” 198, Virginia Tech-UDFA
After transferring from Texas Tech, Brewer endured a year full of highs and lows in his first season in Blacksburg. Somehow finds a way to make plays even though he occasionally struggles to make plays from the pocket and is also not very mobile. Must have a good year to get the Hokies back into ACC Coastal contention.
Running Back
- Shadrach Thornton, 6’1” 218, NC State-4th-5th Round Pick
A 2015 preseason All-ACC selection, Thornton looks to have a solid season as he continues to climb up the NC State Record Books. A one-cut, downhill runner who runs through defenders and gains plenty of yards after contact. He has to improve his route running and pass blocking skills in order to become a three-down player. Thornton will be out for the first two games of the season for violation of team rules.
- Shaquille Powell, 5’10” 205, Duke-6th-7th Round Pick
Even though he has only amassed just over 1,000 yards in his three year Blue Devil Career, Powell is still on the pre-season Doak Walker award watch list for the best RB in the nation. He is a two-down back that will gain tough yards between the tackle despite his small size. Powell will continue to fight for carries in a crowded backfield in 2015 but should have a solid season and will lead the Blue Devils to another bowl game.
- C. Coleman, 5’6” 192 Virginia Tech-UDFA
A track & field All-ACC performer that has game breaking speed. Has shown the speed to run outside and the courage to run inside in spite of his small stature. J.C. is a big play waiting to happen if you can get him the ball in space.
- CJ Davidson, 5’10” 200 Clemson-UDFA
A third down back/kick returner that originally walked onto the Clemson football team. A track player playing football with tremendous athleticism that provides good special teams and 3rd down value as he can catch the ball out of the backfield.
- Romar Morris, 5’10”, 190, North Carolina-UDFA
A third down back/ kick returner that possesses exceptional speed. He can also do the valuable task of pass blocking. While not a starter, Morris is a tremendous asset to the Tar Heels that will look to be used in various ways in 2015.
Wide Receiver
- Quinshad Davis, 6’4”, 205, North Carolina-2nd-3rd Round
A tall and skilled receiver that runs routes like a much smaller receiver but attacks high passes like a basketball player grabbing a rebound. He knows how to use his body to shield defenders from the ball and has great hands that allow him to catch the ball the first time and turn up field to gain yards. Also a good blocker on the perimeter. It will be interesting to see how he returns after breaking his leg in the bowl game in 2014.
- Canaan Severin, 6’2”, 205, Virginia-6th-7th Round
A team captain, Severin looks to lead the Cavaliers back to a bowl game. His acrobatic catching ability and physical run after the catch ability should be a big reason that they get there. Lines up in the slot a lot but projects to be an outside receiver at the next level.
- Herb Waters, 6’2”, 198, Miami-UDFA
A big play receiver that has excellent speed. Could have value as a special teams player as well. Would like to see him become more of a receiver rather than just an athlete by improving his route running skills.
- Max McCaffery, 6’2”, 200, Duke-UDFA
Max’s best skill is probably his ability and willingness to block on the perimeter. He does not have great athletic ability but he uses he is savvy when it comes to getting open which probably comes from having a NFL pro bowl receiver as a father.
- Dimitri Knowles, 6’1”, 180, Virginia Tech-UDFA
Predominantly a special teams player that has the ability to return kicks due to his history on the Virginia Tech track team. Can use his speed to stretch a defense vertically.
Tight End
- P. Holtz, 6’4” 250, Pittsburgh- 4th-5th Round
An in-line TE that can run block and also be a threat in the passing game. His soft hands and big body make him a good redzone target and also gets good yards after the catch. He consistently moves DE’s backward off the line of scrimmage on run plays using his power and good feet. Playing in an offense full of Play-Action at Pitt should lead to big 2015 for Holtz.
- David Reeves, 6’5” 255, Duke-6th-7th Round
Reeves was a first year starter in 2014 but excelled at the position. He provides versatility as he can be used as an in line TE or as an H-Back/Fullback type that can block and run routes out of the backfield. Looks to be a part of one of the better TE tandems in the ACC this year with fellow senior TE Braxton Deaver returning off of a season long injury in 2014.
- Ryan Malleck, 6’5” 252, Virginia Tech- UDFA
A Mackey award pre-season watch list player that has been a two year starter at Virginia Tech. Malleck is an in-line traditional TE that can catch and run block. He may slip down to the backup role for his senior season after the emergence of Freshman All-American Bucky Hodges in 2014.
- Michael Giacone, 6’5”, 254, Boston College -UDFA
A first year starter in 2014 that is predominantly a blocking TE. Needs to become a threat in the passing game to improve his NFL stock.
- Benson Browne, 6’6, 255, North Carolina State-UDFA
Predominantly a blocking TE. Uses his big body, long arms and basketball footwork from high school to put himself in good position to block defenders.
Offensive Tackle
- Bryan Chamberlain. 6’4”. 294. Georgia Tech- 6th-7th Round
A 2014 All-ACC selection, Chamberlain is a versatile and mobile linemen. He has elite movement skills that allow him to pull and climb to the second level of the defense. He projects as a guard in the NFL due to stature and movement ability.
- Dylan Intemann, 6’5”, 305, Wake Forest-6th-7th Round
A long and lean linemen that looks to project as a RT on the next level. Dylan is athletic has the movement skills to pull easily as well as the ability to seal off edges for outside run plays. If he learns to play with a better base that will translate to more power and could lead to him becoming a dominant Tackle.
- Errin Joe, 6’3, 307, Georgia Tech-UDFA
An athletic and solid built tackle that excels in the run heavy triple-option offense that Georgia Tech runs. He fires off of the ball low and hard and gets to the second level of the defense with ease. Needs to display the ability to pass block more to raise his draft stock.
- Joe Gore, 6’6”, 300, Clemson-UDFA
Predominantly a backup in his career but Joe Gore has the size and athleticism necessary to play at the next level. He can reach the second level well when run blocking. Also a serviceable pass blocker. He needs to play with better pad level and run his feet on contact with defenders.
- Michael Lasker, 6’5”, 295, Syracuse-UDFA
An athletic tackle who has good feet that allow him to redirect while pass blocking. Needs to play with lower pad level to be an affective pass blocker.
Interior Linemen
- Matt Skura, 6’5”, 305, Duke-2nd-3rd Round
A Rimington award pre-season watch list player and pre-season All-ACC Center. Skura is a complete C that can run block, pass block and also be the leader of the O-Line. Possesses great feet and tenacity that allows him to stay on defenders and finish blocks. Was an All-ACC pick in 2014 and will look to rack up more awards at Duke his final year if he continues to play the he played last year.
- Landon Turner, 6’4”, 325, North Carolina-2nd-3rd Round
A pre-season All-American, Turner is a stellar Guard that can do it all. He is very powerful and easily clears lanes for his Tar Heels to run behind. He can pass block and run block exceptionally well. Needs to work on his blitz pickup skills and has ability to redirect with defenders.
- Eric Mac Lain, 6’5”, 315, Clemson-4th-5th Round
A former TE that moved to O-Line, Eric has a very high ceiling due to his athletic ability. He still moves like a TE but looks like a RT. Needs to learn to be a knee bender rather than a hip bender so that he can play with better balance. This developmental player was named to the 2015 pre-season All-ACC team as an OG and only started one game in 2014. Should have a big 2015 season as a first year starter.
- Alex Barr, 6’8”, 318, NC State- 4th-5th Round
A versatile player that can play LG, RG, and RT. I project him as a RT at the next level. He is a competitive player and you will often see him making blocks 10 yds. down the field. His 6-8 frame prevents him from playing with leverage. If he can learn how to overcome his leverage issue he could be an all-conference lineman at the end of 2015.
- Ross Burbank, 6’4”, 310, Virginia- 6th-7th Round
This 2014 All-ACC Center not only leads the O-Line but also the whole team as he is one of the team captains. He is a positional blocker and uses his feet to stay in front of them and also to move them after he makes contact. Needs to develop his strength to become a more effective blocker.
Defensive Tackle
- Corey Marshall, 6’2”, 268, Virginia Tech-2nd-3rd Round
A 2014 All-ACC selection that will only be more dominant in 2015. He possesses an elite first step that allows hip to be an effective gap penetrator. He would be an ideal 4-3 3-technique at the next level. Needs to improve strength so that he can disengage from blockers easier.
- Derrick Mitchell Jr., 6’4”, 305, Florida State- 4th-5th Round
As a first year starter in 2015, Mitchell showed that he can be a force in the middle as a gap penetrator. He can move very well for his size and often finishes plays with a tackle. A savvy player that plays with technique and knows how to avoid blockers.
- Connor Wujciak, 6’3”, 300, Boston College- 4th-5th Round
A 4-3 DT that fires off of the ball low and hard. Uses his hands well to get past blockers. A playmaker in the backfield. Needs to work on taking on double teams so that he doesn’t get moved so easily off of the P.O.A.
- Tylor Harris, 6’4”, 305, Wake Forest-6th-7th Round
A strong 4-3 Noseguard that could probably be a DE in a 3-4 scheme as well. Plays with great pad level and knows how to use finesse at the proper time to get through holes and make plays in the backfield. Also has an excellent knack for blocking kicks.
- Carlos Wray, 6’2”, 290, Duke- UDFA
Carlos is a hold the point interior linemen that has a high motor and is always in pursuit of the ball carrier. Wray isn’t the most athletic but he makes up for it with low pad level and usage.
Defensive End
- Sheldon Rankins, 6’2”, 303, Louisville- 2nd-3rd Round
A very athletic lineman that fires off the ball fast, low and with his hands inside that projects to be a 3-4 DE at the next level. He usually wins at the P.O.A. and can make plays in the back field. He is more of an interior pass rusher that needs to improve on his balance to help him finish plays.
2. Dadi Nicolas, 6’3”, 227, Virginia Tech- 3rd-4th Round
This 2014 All-ACC player is a designated pass rusher that projects as a 3-4 OLB. A speed rusher that doesn’t use much technique while edge rushing. Needs to diversify his skill set to be an elite edge rusher.
- Adam Gotsis, 6’5”, 282, Georgia Tech- 4th-5th Round
This pre-season All-ACC selection is a very long and physical run stopping defensive end that projects to be a 3-4 DE at the next level. His long arms allow him to separate from blockers and make plays on the ball carrier. Needs to work on his edge rushing ability to become a three-down player.
- Mike Rose, 6’3”, 270, NC State- Undrafted
A long run stopping DE that has a knack for making plays in the opponent’s backfield. He uses his awareness and track background to quickly diagnose and make plays. Needs to become a more effective pass rusher in 2015.
- Mike Moore, 6’4”, 265, Virginia- Undrafted
A run stopping DE that always finds a way to be around the ball. A strong defender that consistently wins at the P.O.A. Moore needs to become more productive in 2014.
Linebackers
- Terrance Williams, 6’4”, 230, Florida State-2nd-3rd Round
A two time All-ACC player and a pre-season All-American that possesses rare physical traits. Projects to be either a 4-3 Sam or a 3-4 ILB at the next level. Has a lot of range and can run plays down from behind. Also an excellent blitzer that is very productive. Needs to improve on his in the box footwork to be a better run defender.
- Deon Clarke, 6’1”, 227, Virginia Tech- 2nd-3rd Round
A sideline to sideline OLB that runs extremely well. He has good play recognition and is a physical tackler once he gets to the ball. Clarke was only a first year starter in 2014 so I expect him to be much improved in 2015.
- Brandon Chubb, 6’1”, 245, Wake Forest- 4th-5th Round
A 2015 pre-season All-ACC selection that can play the run as well as the pass. He has tremendous sideline to sideline ability as evidenced by his multiple 18+tackle games. Chubb is also a good interior pass rusher with a great burst to the QB to finish plays. Looks like he could play ILB in a 4-3 or a 3-4 defense in the NFL.
- Jeff Schoettmer, 6’2”, 230, North Carolina-6th-7th Round
A 4-3 MLB that takes good angles to the ball and has good closing speed. Needs to work on his ability to make tackles in space and his ability to shed blocks to become an elite linebacker.
- Raphael Kirby, 6’1”, 234, Miami-6th-7th Round
An instinctive player that was a first year starter in 2014. A good run blitzer that can make plays in the backfield. Needs to become more physical when making tackles to avoid yards after contact.
Cornerback
- Juston Burriss, 6’1”, 185, NC State- 4th-5th Round
A long cover corner that projects to play outside corner at the next level. He is a 4 year starter that has great hips that allow him to easily turn and run with receivers. Once the ball is in the air he is aggressive at going up and attacking it. Needs to refine his technique but has a high ceiling if he can work on the details of his game.
- Maurice Canady, 6’2”, 195, Virginia-4th-5th Round
A 4-year starter in Charlottesville that earned All-ACC honors in 2014. He has the versatility to play outside corner or at the nickel position. Doesn’t have great recovery speed and occasionally struggles to attack the ball versus bigger receivers. Best in man coverage but can play zone as well.
- Lafayette Pitts, 5’11”, 195, Pittsburgh- 6th-7th Round
A physical corner that loves to press at the line of scrimmage. Pitts can play either man or zone coverage. Has good recovery speed, He projects to be an outside corner at the next level.
- D.J. White, 5’11”, 185, Georgia Tech-UDFA
A 2014 All-ACC selection that has great closing speed. Occasionally takes his eyes off of his man in man coverage. He is a ball hawk that led the team in INT’s and PBU’s but is also not afraid to come up and tackle. Will probably be a nickel defender at the next level.
- Chris Milton, 5’11”, 190, Georgia Tech-UDFA
A physical corner that is best suited to play in a zone-heavy system where he can use his zone awareness and come up and make plays on receivers. He also has a knack for using timing and speed to block kicks which is a valuable commodity. Milton is a four year starter that can play either safety or corner.
Safeties
- Justin Simmons, 6’3”, 201, Boston College-2nd-3rd Round
A long and versatile defensive back that can play safety, corner or nickel. He has the ability to play man coverage, press and turn and run with receivers. He also comes up and plays in run support well and delivers big hits on ball carriers. Simmons will be looking to lead the Eagles back to a bowl game in his senior season.
- Deon Bush, 6’1”, 205, Miami-2nd-3rd Round
A versatile safety that could play either strong safety or free safety in the NFL. He has great ball skills, can blitz, and come up in run support or tackle. Possesses great speed and hopefully it leads to more INT’s for Bush in his senior campaign.
- Jeremy Cash, 6’2, 210, Dule-2nd-3rd Round
A two-time All-American, Jeremy Cash has had a legendary career thus far. He has had multiple 100+ tackle seasons and also has 20 TFL’s and 6 INT’s to add to that. Cash projects as a strong safety at the next level. I would like to see him play in more deep zone coverage next year to show off his range on passing plays.
- Donovan Riley, 5’11”, 211, Virginia Tech- 4th-5th Round
Donovan’s exceptional speed and ability to switch directions with his hips makes him a good pass coverage safety. Also athletic enough to make great tackles in the open field. After being a first year starter in 2014, Riley should be prepared to have a big season in 2015.
- Tyler Hunter, 5’11”, 198, Florida State-6th-7th Round
Hunter is a fast and physical safety that projects to be a strong safety at the next level. He comes up and makes plays in the run support after defeating blocks on the perimeter with strength. Needs to improve pass coverage skills to raise his NFL stock.
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