The South Roster offers the Senior Bowl’s most talented defensive player in Noah Spence, two potential Alabama defenders, versatility in their secondary players and a Maryland defender who reminds an awful lot of last year’s late rising second-rounder Eric Rowe.
By: Eric Galko, OS Staff
Defensive Linemen
- Noah Spence, DE/OLB, Eastern Kentucky
Noah Spence’s talent on the field puts him squarely in the top-20, if not top-10, discussion. But first, teams need to feel comfortable with his past, most notably a drug addiction while at Ohio State. Fox Sports’ Bruce Feldman detailed Spence’s recovery from drug addiction, and signs point to the elite talent working his way into pro teams’ good graces. As a prospect, Spence possesses elite initial quickness, burst off the snap on the perimeter and countering inside and finishing ability in space to persistently capitalize on tackle-for-loss opportunities. His athleticism and explosiveness as a pass-rusher puts him in the discussion for the best “edge” prospect in the 2016 class, potentially making an immediate impact for 3-4 defenses at the NFL level.
- Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama
Reed is the best run defender of the NFL-bound Alabama defensive line bunch. Playing primarily the nose guard (in 3-4 set) or 3-technique spot (in 4-3 sets), Reed gets his hands up quickly to establish position and hold ground well on the interior. His extension off the snap and extremely sturdy lower half allows him to thrive against the run, and he’s the key to Alabama’s interior run defense that allowed top players like Jonathan Allen and Reggie Ragland to thrive. He was a bit under-appreciated this year, but really showed up in the National Championship game against Clemson. He was a crucial cog in the Alabama defense, and could prove to be the most impactful interior defensive lineman in Mobile.
- Sheldon Rankins, DT/DE, Louisville
Rankins is an average height defensive tackle with a large round body that is a run stopper. The All-ACC defensive lineman does a good job of firing off the ball low and hard and using his hands to lock out blockers and control the P.O.A. He has good lateral quickness that allows him to stunt easily to make big plays in the opposing backfield. His major flaw is his pass rushing ability that is caused by his lack of a first step and poor hand usage. Sheldon has the ability to play as an interior lineman or an end.
- Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor
With one of the most physically imposing body types college football has ever seen, Shawn Oakman looks the part and then some of a future NFL superstar. But the 6’8″, 290-pound defensive end has been a three-year key contributor and a two-year starter and still doesn’t offer consistent play to merit a first- or maybe even second-round draft grade. Oakman is a project, a talent worth tapping into, but NFL teams will question if he’ll ever reach the peak that his body type alludes to. Similar to Oklahoma State’s Justin Gilbert from two drafts ago (though character has derailed Gilbert’s career so far), some players just will not improve, regardless of their athletic capabilities. But he’ll look to prove that theory wrong in Mobile.
- Matt Ioannidis, DT, Temple
- Charles Tapper, DE, Oklahoma
- Dadi Nicolas, DE, Virginia The
- Bronson Kaufusi, DE, BYU
- Quinton Jefferson, DT/DE, Maryland
Linebackers
- Reggie Ragland, Alabama
Ragland is destined to be compared to prior Alabama linebacker turned first-round pick CJ Mosely, but Ragland is a slightly different type of inside defender. While not an elite athlete, Ragland’s adeptness in mid-field pass coverage was part of how the Alabama pass-rush was able to thrive so much. A polished, patient and calculating inside presence, Ragland doesn’t take his defensive line’s play for granted, rarely taking false steps and reacting at a high level on the perimeter. Ragland’s range, effectiveness in space and coverage upside should have him land in the first-round. NFL teams will covet his readiness, but his athletic testing at the NFL combine could be difference, assuming he plays as well as expected in Mobile.
- Kentrell Brothers, Missouri
Brothers was a bit forgotten on a Missouri defense that, as a whole, was under-appreciated thanks to a putrid offense. Still, Brothers might be one of the best linebackers in the 2016 class. He’s extremely explosive in his change of direction, utilizing active feet to both react in coverage and turn and run upfield with burst. His activeness tends to cause him to be at times a bit over-aggressive in running lanes as well as not setting up well enough to take on blockers as he scrapes, but he’s among the most explosive and strong armed linebackers in Mobile, and should thrive in all drills during the week of practice.
- Jordan Jenkins, Georgia
Playing a defensive end role for the Bulldogs this year, Jenkins will look to return to his more natural linebacker spot during practices. As an edge, Jenkins struggled to show build-up speed to win as an edge rusher, though he proved effective at pinching down the line, separating in traffic and finishing as a run defender. He’s not overly quick off the snap, but his inside pass-rush capabilities is a plus for his 3-4 strongside linebacker upside. How he fares in coverage and in space in run defense will be intriguing to watch during practices.
- Deion Jones, LSU
A Butkus finalist for the nation’s top linebacker award, Jones had a breakout year racking up 80 tackles and 10.5 tackles for loss. Athleticism is a key attribute of Jones. He can run with tight ends and slot receivers in coverage. His instincts are the main reason why his reaction time to plays is like a lightning stike. He uses his eyes to diagnose plays, but sometimes is too patient and has to run and chase. Jones will be a solid weakside backer primed to contribute on 3rd downs and is worthy of a draft pick for his special teams contributions alone. Jones could improve his stock dramatically with a great week.
- Antonio Morrison, Florida
- Eric Striker, Oklahoma
- Josh Forrest, Kentucky
Cornerbacks
- Jalen Mills, LSU
Mills missed most of his senior season with a fractured fibula. A 4-year starter, Mills transitioned from corner to free safety last year and has fits better in a zone coverage scheme. He plays the ball very well and is suited for FS position due to his football IQ, even though he’s listed as a cornerback on the Senior Bowl roster. He can pack a punch for a smaller safety. Mills has the athleticism to fly around with very good range and can support in the running game despite being subpar at finishing tackles. Mills has a very high ceiling and could be a solid mid-round pick up as a nickel cover guy or as a free safety, and I’d expect him to get time at corner and safety during practices.
- Cyrus Jones, Alabama
Thriving most as a dangerous punt returner for the Crimson Tide, Jones’ dynamic return skills stem from confidence in his reads and remarkable acceleration to his top speed. As a cornerback, Jones is an athletically gifted and speedy cornerback whose footwork in underneath and comeback routes coupled with poor footwork and timing in vertical routes stunt his NFL upside. His willingness to be physical and as an effective tackler will make him a solid cornerback prospect, but one that will need time and safety protection early and often during his NFL career.
- Harlan Miller, Southeastern Louisiana
Miller is one of the better run defending cornerbacks in attendance at the Senior Bowl despite not boasting great bulk or size. Playing away from his frame to explode through receiver contact and finish at the ball carrier, Miller is highly effectively in off coverage as a run and pass defender. He’s a bit indecisive at times, and could be susceptible to more polished receivers in attendance, but he fires his hands well through coverage and should be able to make-up for missteps with plus ball skills
- James Bradberry, Samford
- Jonathan Jones, Auburn
Safeties
- Jeremy Cash, Duke
Cash is an all-around football player with a muscular and filled out frame. He plays the run like a linebacker and plays the pass like a safety. The Two-Time All-American has a had a stellar collegiate career filled with an abundance of accolades such as 2015 ACC Defensive Player of the Year which are the result of his ability to consistently create turnovers, make TFL’s, sacks PBU’s and tackles. Cash reminds a bit of Tyrann Mathieu due to his position versatility, finishing ability as a tackler despite just mediocre size and range as a run-defending safety.
- Sean Davis, Maryland
Offering some position and college situation similarities to Eric Rowe a year ago, Sean Davis has played cornerback and safety in his career, but may be best at safety. What he lacks in top-end hip fluidity for vertical coverage he makes up for with decisive footwork, plus-timing in coverage and a knack for dislodging the ball on underneath routes, Davis could offer value at either safety spot and in the nickel cornerback spot during practices.
- Jordan Lucas, Penn State
- DeAndre Houston-Carson, William & Mary
- Kevin Byard, Middle Tennessee State
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