2016 NFL Draft: Big Ten’s Top Five Prospects at Each Position

The Big Ten conference has regained its spot in the national spotlight, highlighted by Ohio State’s national championship run. They seemed primed and ready to make another strong push for the playoffs again in 2015, but have a big decision to make at the starting QB position.

By Matt Vahey and Mike Vahey

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Big Ten – SEC – Pac-12 – Mountain West

Michigan State will be a strong contender in the East lead by Quarterback Connor Cook, and are coming off a strong campaign where they won the Cotton Bowl in exciting fashion. Also in the East, Penn State and Michigan should also be much improved for the 2015 campaign. Christian Hackenberg looks like a future first rounder at Quarterback. But the most intriguing story will be the kind of impact Jim Harbaugh will have on an underachieving Michigan team.

In the West, it will come down to Wisconsin and Nebraska. Wisconsin has another new coach in Paul Chryst but also has another potential superstar in Running Back Corey Clement, they appear to be the strongest contender for the Big Ten Championship. Nebraska also has a new coach in Mike Reilly and there will be a learning curve, but they have the talent and could contend.

With the recent rise of the Big Ten highlights the wealth of talent seen in the conference; and while a lot of talent is comprised of super underclassman in Joey Bosa, Ezekiel Elliot, Hackenberg and not to mention Cardale Jones, the senior class has a lot to offer for the 2016 draft class. Below we highlight the top 5 seniors at each position entering the 2015 season.

Again, please note that juniors are not included in this list.

Quarterbacks

1. Connor Cook, Michigan State – 6’4’’, 218 – 1^st – 2^nd Round

Highly considered the nation’s top QB prospect going into next season, look for Cook to continually impress scouts.   With his prototypical size and great accuracy, he will look to solidify the top QB spot in the nation.

2. Nat Sudfeld, Indiana, 6’5”, 240 – 5^th – 6^th Round

After ending the season on a low note with a shoulder injury that required surgery, Sudfeld will be looking to regain his 2013 form where he had a great season. He has great size and a very consistent completion percentage, look for him to rise in the QB rankings.

3. Braxton Miller, Ohio State – 6’2’’, 215 – 7^th Round – UDFA

A two-time Big 10 player of the year, Braxton was the face of the offense for Ohio State until being injured in 2014. In 2015, Miller will be playing a different position, but he is more than capable of returning to the helm to lead the offense and is still one of the senior passers in the conference.

4. Joel Stave, Wisconsin, 6’5’’, 220 – UDFA

Stave took a step back in 2014, throwing for 9 TDs and 10 INTs in 9 starts. He will be looking to get back to his 2013 where he threw for 22 tDs and close to 2500 yards. He won’t have the luxury of Melvin Gordon at his side, so he may be called on more to be a leader of the offense.

5. Zack Oliver, Northwestern, 6’4’’, 240 – UDFA

Oliver hasn’t been a starter since he stepped onto campus as a freshman, but his upside is promising.   According to his teammates and coaches he is determined to win the starting spot, and is leaving no stone unturned.

RELATED: Braxton Miller’s NFL Potential as a Non-Quarterback

 

Running Backs

*Braxton Miller, Ohio State – 6’2’’, 215 – 3rd-4th Round

While it’s unclear what position Miller will play at the NFL level, his most easily projected spot is running back, where his 4.4 speed and open-field elusiveness can best be utilized. He’ll get work at receiver, H-Back and running back this season, and could emerge as a better version of Denard Robinson as a prospect.

1. Josh Ferguson, Illinois, 5’10”, 195 – 5^th Round

Ferguson will be the staple of the Illinis offense in 2015 and clearly one of the team’s leaders, he will be looked upon to carry the load early and often.   Averaging a consistent 5.0+ yards a carry the past two years, with more touches he could be the leading rusher in the Big 10 in 2015.                 5th

2. Imani Cross, 6’1”, 230 – 6^th – 7^th Round

After playing behind Ameer Abdullah for his career, Cross will be getting his chance to get the carriers in 2015. During his limited role, he proved to be affective when called upon, and not to mention he is a physical specimen at 61” and 240 pounds, he is a very physical back.     6th-7th

3. Ross, Brandon Ross, Maryland, 5’9” 205 – 7^th Round – UDFA

A fifth year senior, Ross started 9 games last year and finished second on the team in rushing yards. A shifty runningback will look to make the most of his playing time this year and hopes to get more carries.

4. Jordan Canzeri, Iowa, 5’9”, 192 – UDFA

Canzeri made 1 start in 11 games last year and finished second on the team in rushing yards. He is slated in a tie at the #1 running back slot going into camp this year but has proved himself to be productive when given the ball averaging over 5 yards a carry the past two seasons he will look to seize the opportunity if provided.

5. Dan Vitale, Northwestern, 6’2’’, 235 – 7^th Round – UDFA

Listed as a fullback on the roster, is more of the teams “superback” as they call it. He is a jack of all trades and is one of the best at the FB position. He can run, catch and block and has great size and athleticism combination at 6’2” and 235 pounds, look for Vitale to continue being the metaphorical utility knife for the Wildcats.
Wide Receivers

1. Leonte Caroo, Rutgers, 6’1”, 205 – 3rd Round

After a 1,000 yard junior season, many speculated that he would declare for the draft after the bowl game versus North Carolina. He earned first team Big 10 honors, but told the team after the game he was coming back to play his senior season. He will be a highly scouted player that will be looking to put together an even bigger season in 2015.

2. Geronimo Allison, Illinois, 6’4”, 195 – 5^th – 6^th Round

A big bodied wide receiver who had an up and down junior season, will look to have a more consistent season for the Illinis this season. He is capable of putting up monster numbers (watch the 2014 Washington game), which he will be looking to string more of these together in his senior year.

3. Tevaun Smith, Iowa, 6’2”, 205 – 5^th – 6^th Round

He may be more widely known for the YouTube clip of him making 41 one handed catches in 60 seconds, but he is looking to be more than a viral video star. Has the talent, and clearly has the hands, to rack up the numbers. What Smith will be looking for is consistent QB play for his talents to be put on display.

4. Aaron Burbridge, Michigan State, 6’1”, 201 – 7^th Round – UDFA

Burbridge will be looking to take the go to role for Connor Cook to throw to in 2015. He was limited in spring practice with a lower leg injury, but he should be the WR Cook will be throwing to early and often in 2015.

5. Macgarrett Kings Jr, Michigan State, 5’10”, 186, 7^th Round – UDFA      

Kings will have to get past his recent run-in with the law where he was charged with resisting arrest, but could prove to be one of Connor Cooks most intriguing weapons on offense. More of a shifty athlete, but if he can keep focused he will have a good season in 2015.

 

Tight Ends

1. Nick Vannett, Ohio State, 6’6”, 260 – 5^th – 6^th Round

Vannett will be the full-time starter this season after splitting time with Jeff Heuerman last season and will look to build off the National Championship performance where he had two catches and a TD in the win. He has great hands and is a great athlete and will be looking to have a great season.

2. Jake Duzey, Iowa, 6’4”, 248 – 6^th – 7^th Round

He had knee surgery on April 27, but head coach Ferentz said the team is optimistic that he will be back on the field of 3-4 months. Duzey is an Honorable Mention Big-Ten in 2014 and there aren’t many in the Big-10 that have his combination of strength and athleticism, let’s hope he comes back healthy to show why he’s one of the best in the conference.

3. Kyle Carter, Penn State, 6’3”, 241 – 7^th Round – UDFA

When Carter stepped on to the field as a freshman in 2012 and had an immediate impact, everyone was expecting much bigger things that what has transpired over the past two seasons. His sophomore year was considered the sophomore slump, and then the switch of head coaches seem to have an impact on his junior year. Carter will need to have an impressive bounce back year this season.

4. Michael Cooper, Indiana, 6’5” 256 – UDFA

A former Arizona transfer, saw his first action for Indiana last season with six starts and was decently productive. He is an excellent blocking tight end who flashes the ability to make catches when called upon.

5. A.J., Williams, Michigan, 6’6”, 285 – UDFA

A glorified offensive lineman for the Wolverines, Williams is called upon mostly in terms of running the ball and not asked to make catches and only hauled in 5 passes as a junior. Though the Wolverines have a lack of depth of the roster and their number 1 on the depth chart, Jake Butt, having a few injuries nagging him, Williams could be called upon to be more of an option for the Wolverines.

Offensive Tackles

1. Taylor Decker, Ohio State, 6’7 315 – 1^st Round

A starter since his sophomore year, Decker could be the best at the position in the country. He has great size, length, and strong hands used to steer defenders past the quarterback. He plays physical and balanced but will need to work on pad level.

2. Keith Lumpkin, Rutgers, 6’8”, 310 – 2^nd Round

Great size and production, Lumpkin has the look of your prototypical left tackle. Uses his length and impressive footwork to keep a clean pocket, but will need to work on anchoring against the bull rush at the next level.

3. Tyler Marz, Wisconsin, 6’7”, 318, Wisconsin – 3^rd Round

27 game starter over the past two seasons, he’s nothing if not consistent. He doesn’t excel in any one area but is good and does just enough in all. He has NFL size and traits to be a surprise at the next level.

4. Alex Lewis, Nebraska, 6’6”, 290 – 4^th Round

Has experience at both guard and tackle, with nine starts coming at the left tackle spot in 2014. He’s a good athlete, evidenced by playing tight end as a freshman, but comes with several red flags (age and conduct off the field).

5. Jason Spriggs, Indiana, 6’7”, 305 – 4^th Round

Spriggs has been a steady and consistent performer at Left Tackle for the Hoosiers over the past several seasons. He’s fluid, athletic and maintains good balance at the tackle position. Needs more power but has traits teams will like.

Interior OL

1. Jack Allen, Michigan Statem 6’2”, 300, OC – 3^rd Round

A starter since his freshman season, Allen is your classic grinder. Wins with toughness, intelligence, and a nasty demeanor. While not the most physically gifted, he’s one of the best at the position in all of college football.

2. Austin Blythe, Iowa, 6’3”, 290, OC – 4^th Round

The leader of the Iowa offensive line, Blythe has been a starter since his redshirt freshman year. Blythe, while not the largest player, has great leg drive along with athletic ability to create running lanes. His best projection is at Center at the next level.

3. Ted Karras, Illinois, 6’4”, 310, OG – 4^th Round

Karras has great bloodlines, being the 7^th member of his family to play in the Big Ten. While he’ll a few months removed from a torn ACL and MCL, he’s been a steady performer for the past three seasons.

4. Robert Kugler, Purdue, 6’3”, 295, OC – 5^th Round

Redshirt senior who has started every game over the past two seasons. A team captain and sound player, though a bit undersized. A former tight end, he has good quickness and intelligence and goes a bit unnoticed in the conference.

5. Jordan Walsh, Iowa, 6’4”, 290, OG – 5^th Round

An undersized player who has been the starter over the past several seasons, logging 23 total starts. While undersized, he’s athletic and well coached and will be a potential depth player with added bulk.

Defensive Tackles

1. Anthony Zettel, Penn State, 6’4”, 280 – 1^st Round

Zettel’s best asset is his versatility. As a sophomore he lined up at defensive end, last year at defensive tackle. Explosive with a non-stop motor, his production and skill set should make up for his lack of prototypical size.

2. Adolphus Washington, Ohio State, 6’4”, 290 – 1^st-2^nd Round

Washington has great size and good initial quickness to be effective on the interior. Washington had his best season in 2014, with 48 tackles, 10.5 TFL and 4.5 sacks. What’s encouraging is that he’s improved each season, and looks to improve his draft stock this year.

3. Darius Hamilton, Rutgers, 6’4”, 255 – 3^rd Round

A five star recruit coming out of high school, he hasn’t yet fulfilled his potential. He’s on the small side for the interior, but has good quickness and elusiveness to effectively penetrate the pocket. Should have a highly productive final year.

4. Lawrence Thomas, Michigan State, 6’4”, 300 – 5^th Round

Thomas has settled in at Defensive Line, after starting his career linebacker and fullback. A good athlete with good size at 6’4 300, will need a strong season and has enough talent to provide depth at the next level.

5. Joel Heath, Michigan State, 6’6”, 295 – 7^th Round

Started 12 of 13 games in 2014, moving inside to defensive tackle. Big, athletic player who is still learning the position after putting on over 30 pounds for the move inside.

Defensive Ends

1. Shilique Calhoun, Michigan State, 6’5”, 250 – 1^st Round

Great decision for Calhoun to return and improve on his draft stock. Calhoun does a great job at the point of attack, using a violent punch and length to control blockers. An improved senior season should see Calhoun drafted in the 1^st round.

2. Drew Ott, Iowa, 6’4”, 272 – 4^th Round

A steady player with good power and a constant motor, Ott wins with his relentless attitude. Uses these traits to overwhelm tackles with an impressive bull rush. While not explosive, he has the frame, toughness, and strength to be scheme versatile.

3. Jihad Ward, Illinois, 6’6”, 295 – 4^th Round

Good athlete who put in solid production along the defensive line last year, earning him Honorable Mention All-Big Ten honors. A former receiver, he’s a good athlete along the defensive line and a versatile player.

4. Dean Lowry, Northwestern, 6’6”, 280 – 5^th Round

Northwestern’s best draft eligible prospect, Lowry has consistently improved from year to year and looks to do the same this year. He’s a good athlete with good size and a good fit as a 3-4 end in the NFL. Will need to battle to keep weight up.

5. Theiren Cockran, Minnesota, 6’6”, 260 – 6^th Round

Cockran is a bit undersized but is a sound who goes a bit unnoticed in this conference. He has plus quickness and solid overall movement skills who can be used in sub packages on passing downs at the next level.

Linebackers

1. Joshua Perry, Ohio State, 6’4”, 252 – 2^nd – 3^rd Round

The leading tackler for the Buckeyes who is a true leader on and off the field for the team. He has stated that his driving force is his brother who has Asperger’s Syndrome. He has matured very quickly during his career at Columbus and has turned into a force on the field as well. He was a second team all-conference selection last year and will be looking to build on that this season.

2. Mason Monhein, Illinois, 6’1, 235 – 4^th – 5^th Round

An Honorable Mention All-Conference selection in 2014, Monheim is a solid performer week in and week out for the Illinis and has racked up at least 85 tackles every season and has improved every season.   Named to the Lombardi and Butkus watch lists, he will be one of the top linebackers in the conference for the 2015 season.

3. Ed Davis, Michigan State, 6’3”, 242 – 5^th – 6^th Round

Ed Davis had a great season in 2014, finishing with 58 tackles, 12 TFLs and 7 sacks. He has been groomed by some top tier talents and will be taking on a more vocal leadership role this season and will be looking to prove the country he is a top tier linebacker.

4. Joe Bolden, Michigan, 6’3”, 232 – 5^th – 6^th Round

Bolden put together his best season of his career in 2014, racking up 102 tackles and 2 sacks. He has seen action in 38 games during his career with the Wolverines and entering his senior year and build upon a great junior season.

5. De’Vondre Campbell, 6’5”, 241 – 6^th – 7^th Round

A physical specimen who is long and very active, putting up great numbers as a full time starter in 2014 with 75 tackles and 6.5 TFLs and 2.5 sacks. He is a great athlete and has been named to the Butkus watch list for his senior year, will be in the running for all-conference honors in 2015.

 

 

Cornerbacks

1. Eric Murray, Minnesota, 6’0”, 196 – 2^nd Round

Has the size and physicality teams covet in corners. Shows impressive skills in man to man coverage and he’s also talented on special teams. While not the best corner in the class, he checks a lot of boxes.

2. Jordan Lucas, Penn State, 6’0”, 199 – 2^nd Round

Will look to move to Safety this fall after two years at Corner. A confident and aggressive player, Lucas has shown to have the footwork to cover receivers and a physical downhill playing style against the run.

3. Wayne Lyons, Michigan, 6’1”, 193 – 3^rd Round

He has the size, length, and mentality to be successful at the next level. Should have a chance to show these traits for John Harbaugh at Michigan after transferring from Stanford.

4. Briean Boddy-Calhoun, Minnesota, 5’11”, 188 – 4^th Round

Energetic and vocal, Boddy-Calhoun is the heart of the Gophers defense. Flashed some play making ability last year showcasing fluid hips and quick feet. While he may not have the recognition of Murray, teams will fall in love with him.

5. V’Angelo Bentley, Illinois, 5’10”, 190 – 5^th Round

Entering third season as a starter, Bentley is a smart, feisty, and confident player with plenty of experience. Has value as special team’s player who is tough and plays with a chip on his shoulder. If he becomes more consistent his stock could rise.

Safeties

1. Sean Davis, Maryland, 6’2”, 198 – 5^th – 6^th Round

Davis is a hybrid CB/S and there are rumblings of him returning to the CB spot for the 2015 season. He finished first in the conference for tackles by any defensive back, he is looking to put together a great season and help the Maryland defense improve in 2015.

2. Michael Caputo, Wisconsin, 6’1”, 212 – 6^th – 7^th Round

A seasoned veteran For the Badgers, he has started 26 of his last 27 games and earning second team All-Conference honors and even received some All-American honors by some sports writers. He is a high motor player who is all over the field for Wisconsin. He will looking to build on his momentum and have an even bigger 2015.

3. Frankie Williams, Purdue, 5’9”, 190 – 7^th – UDFA

Having dealt with some Bone Spurs in spring practice, Williams looks to be back in time for camp and pick up where he left off with his second team All-Conference pick. He has put up better seasons since getting significant playing time since he was a freshman. He has a lot of experience and will be looking to solidify his worth in 2015.

4. Jordan Lomax, Iowa, 5’10”, 205 – UDFA

Voted the team hustle award winner on both defense and special teams, it says a lot about who Lomax is as a player. He saw his first real action in 2014 and didn’t let it go to waste. He does a lot for the Hawkeyes and in 2013 as a sophomore he was added to the teams leadership counsel.

5. Damarius Travis, Minnesota, 6’2”, 215 – UDFA

Travis started in 7 of the 13 games last season, which another safety was drafted (Brock Vereen this past year to the Bears). Travis is determined to make the most of his full-time role in his senior year and follow the footsteps of his predecessors. He has the talent to do it, look for him to have a good 2015 season.

Specialists

1. Brad Craddock, Maryland, 6’1” 195, K – 5^th Round

Reining winner of the Lou Groza Award, where last year he hit 18 of 19 field goal attempts, including a 57-yarder and a game-winner against Penn State. Might be the best kicker in the entire class.

2. Peter Mortell, Minnesota, 6’2”, 191, P – 7th Round

Lead the Big-Ten in punting in 2014, with an average of 45.1 yards per punt. Was named Big-Ten Punter of the year and earned All Big-Ten First Team honors.

3. Paul Griggs, Purdue, 6’1”, 196, K – 7^th Round -UDFA

Purdue’s special teams MVP in 2014. Really improved from his sophomore year to his junior year, will need more consistency.

4. Erich Toth, Indiana, 6’3”, 208, P – 7^th Round -UDFA

Averaged 40.7 yards per punt, with 18 coming inside the 20 yard line. Had a school record 77 punts in 2014 (not exactly a good stat).

5. Thomas Meadows, Purdue, 6’0”, 180 P – 7^th – UDFA

Averaged 39.8 yards per punt in 2014, with 15 of those coming inside the 20 yard line.