The South Roster offers two potential “project” quarterbacks, a running back who was among the country’s best before a season-ending injury, the best small school receiver in the 2016 draft and loads of offensive line talent, especially at guard.By: Eric Galko, OS Staff
Quarterbacks
- Jacoby Brissett, NC State
At times, Jacoby Brissett draws stark similarities to Ben Roethlisberger, his ceiling as a prospect and a projection that some feel isn’t too lofty. He’s a plus athlete in and outside the pocket, is a highly skilled passer on the move (primarily when rolling to his right) and, as a streaky passer, can have drives where his placement, poise and decision-making (including when to run or pass) can really threaten any defense in the country. But his indecisiveness along with over-reliance on his first-read gets him into trouble. His flashes over the last two years should have scouts excited, but showing a next-level control, confidence and accuracy during Senior Bowl practices could get him into the second-round discussion.
- Dak Prescott, Mississippi State
Seeing Prescott develop over the years has been a treat. When he first attained the starting job, he was not much more than a strong athlete with a nice arm. Prescott, in his final year, looked much more mentally adept than ever before. He was not holding the ball as long and was getting the ball where it needed to be more often than not. Obviously, there is still a lot to work on for Prescott, namely in the department of getting consistent accuracy out of him, but his athletic traits and the confidence that he exudes are more than enough to want to bring him in as a developmental backup quarterback.
- Brandon Allen, Arkansas
Much like Hogan, Allen has the makings to be quality backup. He flows smoothly within the structure of the play, but he needs that structure. When structure is there for him to lean on, Allen looks confident and sharp, but he is not so impressive when forced to improvise. There is nothing wrong with that. The league is in dire need of reliable backups and Allen can be that for a team, given proper time to adapt to the system. His experience in a traditional pro-style offense should help his adjustment.
- Jacob Coker, Alabama
Coker may have been a part of a national championship winning team, but he has a long way to go before he can operate in the NFL. Though he slowly got better as the year went on, Coker struggled as a passer in 2015. His accuracy was as erratic as could be and his timing, both with sensing pressure and knowing when to throw, was poor. His progress, so to speak, was diminished by his performance versus Clemson; a game in which he crumbled on the biggest stage of his career. Coker’s appeals are his arm and size, but he has yet to show NFL traits beyond his physical gifts.
Running Backs
- Jonathan Williams, Arkansas
Johnathan Williams is more of a power back than elusive. A big, durable rusher who runs through defenders and has good lateral quickness. A between-the-tackles runner he won’t make many miss, but he will fight for tough yards. One of the top senior backs in the nation that had over 1,100 yards last year, but was lost for the season due to foot injury. Williams has solid vision reading blocks and is patient enough to hit holes and hits holes hard. It’s worrisome to see where he fits as an every down back because he isn’t the best in pass pro or as receiver in the check down.
- Aaron Green, TCU
With what looks like legit low 4.4 speed, Green offers high-end big-play speed out of the backfield, requiring plus blocking initially to work on the interior. He tends to shy away from big contact, both as an interior runner and when playing on the perimeter. Green offers awesome one-on-one elusiveness, but it’s the lack of contact aggressiveness that worries about his NFL future.
- Kenyon Drake, Alabama
After suffering a broken leg in 2014, Drake dealt with nagging leg injuries in 2015, a major concern for NFL teams. A taller, leaner rusher, Drake offers dynamic running ability as a running back, pass-catcher and returner, and certainly made his presence felt on special teams against Clemson. His special teams upside will be the reason he gets drafted, but a strong week in Mobile, likely with ample fan support, could force more teams to consider him a mid-round running back worth drafting.
Wide Receivers
- Sterling Shepard, Oklahoma
Shepard is one of the best route-running receivers in recent draft history, as he thrives in multiple aspects of route separation. He’s decisive in his build-up and eventual break steps, consistently escaping hand contact designed to dislodge him. He’s able to change speeds at the top of his routes, setting up double moves naturally and without hesitation. And when his quarterback is in trouble, he’s the best college receiver I’ve ever seen at coming back to the ball, adjusting off his initial route, and giving his quarterback a throwing lane. Length, size and timed speed limitations may not help his draft process, but Shepard has a long-term home in the NFL as a starter.
- Paul McRoberts, SE Missouri State
Our top rated small-school receiver, McRoberts got the late call-up from the Senior Bowl which forced him out of the East-West Shrine game week ago. Clearly dominating his level of competition in college, McRoberts offers smooth vertical athleticism, natural finishing ability away forms frame and after-catch running upside on film. He’ll have to answer level of competition concerns from NFL-level cornerbacks, especially physicality-wise, and show off route polish and development, but his smooth athleticism and finishing ability away from his frame should make him an early impact in the NFL.
- Malcolm Mitchell, Georgia
A once remarkably talented athlete who played both sides of the ball earlyin his career and seemed destined for a first-round pick, Mitchell now appears to be an unrefined and injury-prone prospect. He’s college routes were primarily vertical, deep post and underneath routes, and it’s unclear whether the 6’0 receiver can get separation at the NFL level. Still, when healthy, Mitchell’s vertical speed and ball skills flash of an NFL starter. A strong Senior Bowl coupled with strong injury checks at the NFL Combine could push him into the early rounds once again.
- Jay Lee, Baylor
- Charone Peake, Clemson
- KJ Maye, WR, Minnesota
Tight Ends
- Jake McGee, Florida
A 6th year senior transfer from Virginia, McGee is intriguing because he fits the mold of a Chris Cooley type of Tight end/H-back. He can be moved around the offense and can create mismatches along the edge or across the middle vs. linebackers. Hands-catcher that will go up and grab the ball. Plus athletic ability for a tight end that can create separation due to plus route running. He can be a big weapon at the next level on 3rd downs and this year has been Florida’s most consistent receiver. McGee’s weakness lies strictly in the running game as he is a well below-average blocker with poor strength. But in a Senior Bowl setting, McGee could quickly grow into one of the quarterbacks’ favorite targets.
- Glenn Gronkowski, Kansas State
- Jerrell Adams South Carolina
Offensive Linemen
- Cody Whitehair, OG, Kanas
Whitehair plays left tackle for Kansas State and shows the necessary punch, strength, and speed combination to make it stick at the next level. However, not having the best measurable may make him a better prospect at guard for the NFL. Whitehair has brute strength and hand placement that allows him to control defenders and get to the next level in the running game. He plays with a certain nastiness that you love to see in an offensive lineman and could be a top 50 pick in the upcoming draft. Whitehair’s versatility and ability to do everything well as a left tackle earned him his Senior Bowl invitation, and he’ll look to leave as Mobile’s best blocker.
- Vadal Alexander, OG/OT, LSU
Alexander has been very versatile along the offensive line for LSU. He’s started at both guard positions and this year as right tackle, and offers plus run blocking and can be inserted at either guard. Strengths of his game include being a mauler on edge defenders often gobbling them up with his large frame and brute strength. He can get to the second level and take you of play. In the passing game he can adjust to stunts and inside rushes well, but struggles vs. speed rushers on the edge due to sluggish footwork and a below average slide step, which will likely keep him from becoming an NFL left tackle. Best suited as a guard in a rushing attack where he can create running lanes and show off his strength.
- Le’Raven Clark, OT/OG, Texas Tech
Clark has rare size, athleticism, and length at nearly 6’7” and 315 lbs. The film shows a solid pass blocker who can adjust to counter moves very effectively and quick run blocker. Clark has good bend on the edge and good foot quickness to slide over for speed rushers. Clark is a 3-time all-conference selection, but there’s a question as to which position he’ll play at the NFL level. How he kick slides against speed rushers will determine if he’s a tackle at the NFL level, but his efficiency as an upfield blocker and keeping inside leverage strong should make him one of the more impressive blockers in Mobile.
- Connor McGovern, OG, Missouri
Playing with plus power at the line of scrimmage to handle bigger interior defensive linement and staying balanced and fluid at the second-level, McGovern might be a better prospect than rookie standout and former Missouri Tiger Mitch Morse. McGovern is a tremendously strong interior blocker who could offer NFL value at right tackle too. Along with a strong week in Mobile, I’d expect McGovern to shoot up draft boards at the NFL Scouting Combine.
- John Theus, OT, Georgia
An experienced starter in the SEC at left tackle, Theus is a massive left tackle prospect who offers great length, bulk and experience that NFL teams will covet. However, despite his bulk, he doesn’t play with great initial strength off the snap, coming off a bit high and not driving with his legs all that effectively. He also doesn’t show, at least on film, a nastiness that most Georgia (and many SEC) offensive linemen show. He’s a near lock to be drafted based on his experience and length, but he could be one of the more abused left tackles in Mobile if he hasn’t worked on that core strength between his season’s end and practices.
- Christian Westerman, OG, Arizona State
- Sebastian Tretola, OG, Arkansas
- Spencer Drango, OT/OG/OC, Baylor
- Evan Boehm, OC, Missouri
- Graham Glasgow, Michigan
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