In a less-than stellar match-up early, this game features a mere five prospects for the NFL draft, with none expected to be drafted in the top four rounds. Still, both teams were very competitive in their conference and have some youth on offense to be successful in the future.
The Ohio Bobcats have the three feature seniors in the “Famous Idaho Potato Bowl”, but Utah State has a junior runner that potentially could declare for the NFL draft.
1. Noah Keller, ILB, Ohio (#47)
A better athlete than I initially gave him credit for, Keller has been a sound tackler over his career. He can cut and change direction in traffic fairly well for an inside linebacker, and could be a strongside or inside linebacker in a 4-3 defense. Limited a bit in his interior rushing skills for the NFL level and doesn’t have great range in pass coverage for the NFL game, he still could be a starter in the NFL in the right system.
2. LaVon Brazill, WR, Ohio (#7)
An electric open field runner, Brazill has come back from injury well this year and has shown he can be a big play threat with the ball in his hands. Shows decent separation skills, though will need to improve in the short area if he hopes to be an outside target. Still, his shiftiness in the open field and his ability to stay tight along the sidelines while going vertical should make him a down field threat if he gets a shot in the NFL.
3. Robert Turbin, RB, Utah State (JR) (#6)
While I still don’t think he should declare for the NFL draft altogether, I still see the reasons behind it. He’s over 500 carries for his career, usually a good reason to come out for the draft. Playing at Utah State, his stock won’t get much higher. He’s built well enough to be an inside runner and plays aggressively in the hole. Not a great prospect, but if he tests well after the season, he could be a fringe Top 4 rounder.
4. Joe Flading, OT, Ohio (#78)
A good athlete at right tackle, Flading has shown the ability to bend and move to the outside in pass protection. Not an overly powerful run blocker nor overly flexible pass protector, his hand placement and movement could get him an NFL shot and time to develop.
5. Bobby Wagner, ILB, Utah State (#9)
Wagner has been a tackling machine in the WAC, but his NFL prospects aren’t nearly as high. He lacks great lower body strength to hold his ground against second level blockers, and doesn’t have the force to consistently tackle bigger runners in space. He could fit in as a 3-4 inside linebacker, especially as a rusher, but he’ll struggle to last in the NFL.
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