Missouri is the one final roadblock standing between Alabama and a trip to the first ever College Football Playoff. Claiming the SEC East in a year that saw Florida head coach Will Muschamp fired and The Ole Ball Coach’s South Carolina Gamecocks flounder, Missouri poses a handful of tough matchups for the Crimson Tide. Offensively, their quarterback Maty Mauk goes out of his way to create off-schedule passing plays. Defensively, their edge rushers Markus Golden and Shane Ray wreak havoc in the backfield.
Alabama holds a decisive advantage at the line of scrimmage when it comes to size and strength, and I expect a heavy dose of T.J. Yeldon in this game. Both Markus Golden and Shane Ray are 3-4 OLB projections in my estimation with the two prospects struggling the most at the point of attack. Last year’s SEC championship game saw Auburn rush for a record amount of yards versus Missouri, so we’ll see if Missouri can keep history from repeating itself against the Crimson Tide. Here are the top seniors and early round junior prospects to take note of in this game, along with their respective scouting reports.
By: Alex Brown
Alabama Crimson Tide
(JR) Blake Sims, QB, #6
It’s hard to overlook how productive Blake Sims has been this season, especially considering 2014 was his first year starting and first year playing in new offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin’s system. He shows more arm strength and zip than you’d expect, deep touch accuracy and the athleticism to create second lives outside the pocket. What concerns me with Sims is his lack of height (likely to measure in at 5’10) and how poorly he’s played on the road as a senior. At home games, play caller Lane Kiffin is famous for whistling over to the quarterback in the presnap phase to make any necessary checks to put his passer in an advantageous situation. That’s great at the college level, but Sims lacks the experience of managing the line of scrimmage with autonomy and only brings one season of starter experience to the table. If you draft him as a quarterback, it’ll take time for him to be ready to play and even then his stature limits the types of pocket platforms you want him to operate under. As such, I feel like Sims’ best fit is as a running back conversion (ala Jerick McKinnon) where he can utilize his explosive cutting ability and plus acceleration.
(JR) T.J. Yeldon, RB, #4
Yeldon is taller than ideal with a natural upright running style. With that being said, he does have elite plant foot balance and burst at all levels of the field. Despite being a bigger back, he runs with exceptional lateral control and can string together multiple cuts without losing his footing. He shows great patience to see the hole develop and attack up the field. Very much a pick-and-slide ball carrier, Yeldon maneuvers with ease and appears to be dodging traffic in rush hour. Concerns exist over ball security (10 fumbles, 7 lost in 37 games played) and his previously mentioned upright running style, but Yeldon displays the qualities of a full-service back at the next level. As far as comparisons go, think of a more explosive and coordinated Alfred Blue.
Jalston Fowler, FB, #45
Former HB that packed on weight and developed into a lead blocker. Experienced working as a flex TE and lead FB. Shows soft hands out of the backfield and ability to adjust to off-target throws. Not a developed route runner but effective receiver in the flats. Well-put together back that flashes the burst and powerful base to be productive ball carrier. Adds value in that he can serve as a reserve RB while contributing as a lead blocker.
Amari Cooper, WR, #9
Cooper is undoubtedly a talented kid with good long speed, natural body control to run explosive routes under control and the ability to do additional damage after the catch. What impresses me the most with Cooper, however, is his attention to detail and obvious dedication to mastering the craft of playing wide receiver. He understands how to adapt route concepts to the coverage in front of him and attack the defensive back’s leverage, placing opponents in recovery mode on a majority of snaps. He always plays under control and is patient to set up the route break. Going back to his physical tools, Cooper has the suddenness to consistently win in-route. He may not be a plus size target or plus speed threat, but this Alabama receiver is definitely a plus receiver. Moving forward, I want to see much better effort as a blocker and improved focus to cut out the focus drops.
DeAndrew White, WR, #2
Versatile in that he’s proven to be productive on the outside as an X, Z or slot receiver, White showcases the ability to defeat the press with clean footwork off the line and importantly creates separation with his body control out of the route break. He transitions from receiver to ball carrier without any wasted movement, and has the explosive acceleration to turn a short reception into a big play.
Christion Jones, WR, #22
Quick, shifty slot with elite movement skills after the catch. Breaks down defenders in the open field and simply makes plays when given the opportunity. Gets into and out the break with noticeable burst, maintaining his speed through the cut. Limited route tree experience from the slot, running crossers, verticals and slants. Highly productive in the screen game, where he shows the vision to set up and maximize his blockers. Shows same type of vision as a return specialist. Brings an immediate NFL impact in return game as a threat for six every time the ball is kicked to him. Lacks a plus catch radius and isn’t a natural hands catcher, but does protect the catch well and finish in traffic.
Arie Kouandjio, OG, #77
Kouandjio is more brawler than blocker, but his wide body and latch grip enable him to move defenders off the ball with consistency. Balky knees (tore both ACL tendons as a redshirt freshman) and lack of plus foot speed are the two big negative factors working against him. He’s going to be limited to power man schemes only and needs help from the center to deal with quicker 3-techniques. Still is an effective pulling guard on power-o concepts and capable of getting to the second level. Packs a mean punch and overwhelms defenders if he lands his hands. Has the thick lower half and broad shoulders you look for.
Austin Shepherd, OT, #79
Too short and squarely built to play offensive tackle, but looks more than capable of transitioning to guard at the next level. Has a skill set that is similar to Missouri’s Mitch Morse, in that he blocks almost exclusively through his upper half. Isn’t a fluid or natural athlete and has clearly worked hard to fill out his frame. Working on flexibility will be critical for him, as he needs to be more efficient in his movements to compensate for a lack of great athletic qualities. Understands the importance of landing hands first and locking out, which gives him a chance to make a roster as a utility blocker.
Xzavier Dickson, OLB/DE, #47
Solid 3-4 outside linebacker that has big hands and ideal length to set the edge, defeat blockers and finish tackles in the backfield. Brings standup and hand in dirt experience on the edge, with the speed-strength package to be a 4-3 end. Shoots arms to create separation at the point of attack and read the backfield. Plays gap assignment under control and keeps feet well when working through trash. As a pass rusher, he wins primarily by stemming a speed rush off the snap and countering back towards the inside with power. Flashes a quick dip/rip move to take the edge and pursues QB with plus effort. Lacks any exceptional traits to be a top of the line starter, but has starter potential on the edge.
Trey Depriest, ILB, #33
Mike linebacker prospect that projects best to a 3-4 defense. Lacks plus range but shows downhill closing burst on the football. Not a great athlete, but good enough to cover back out of backfield or gain depth in zone coverage. Needs to be more consistent in locating and rerouting receivers that pass through his zone drops. Extremely powerful through the hips and upper body, being able to stack and shed uncovered guards. Does his best work when faced with a lead blocker in the hole. Instincts are average, but disciplined play style and ability to defeat blockers make him a strong candidate to earn reps as a young player in the NFL. Limited range and stiff hips are downfall, and he’ll be a day three pick as a result.
Landon Collins, S, #26
His eye discipline as a deep coverage defender can be best described as “aggressive.” Will jump the first look given by the passer and immediately work to take away the primary read. Likes to freelance in coverage and play the eyes of the quarterback. Good, not great athlete that shows the closing burst and speed to have a noticeable impact on special teams –starts as one of the gunners on punt coverage. Shows some inconsistencies in gathering a run/pass read, but quick to close the distance and fit against the run. Does a good enough job of attacking the upfield shoulder in the alley to force the runner back inside. Knifes low on most of his tackles. In Kirby Smart’s defense, it’s easy to tell that he’s the most valuable player. He’ll play single-high, two-high, in-the-box or even line over the slot as a third safety. The Swiss-Army knife safety of this draft class, Landon Collins next level role will be as a strong safety and special teams maven.
Nick Perry, S, #27
Buried on the depth chart as an underclassman and knocked out of last season with a shoulder injury, Nick Perry is finally healthy and showcasing his NFL talent. Possesses a well-put together frame with the reactive athleticism to make plays in coverage and finish tackles in the open field. Shows no limitations in terms of playing free or strong safety. Processes information quickly for a player with minimal starting experience. Physically has the traits worth developing at the next level and could wind up being a better pro than college player.
Missouri Tigers
Marcus Murphy, RB, #6
Change of pace RB with the elusiveness and balance to turn short receptions into big-play yardage. Instinctive in open field to feel out cutbacks and use the width of the field to his advantage. Has stop-and-start agility to break down defenders. Plus returner skills to immediate compete and contribute in kick and punt return game. Decisive with cuts and gets north and south in a flash.
Bud Sasser, WR, #21
Long, fluid pass catcher that shows smoothness in his release and out of the route break. Creates subtle separation with body positioning and has strength to break free from arm tacklers. Not a fast athlete, but controlled in movements to win at the catch point. Limited route running experience in Missouri’s system but brings experience as X and slot receiver. Must be more physical and competitive when the ball is not thrown his way.
Jimmie Hunt, WR, #88
Built like a slot target with ideal transition burst and long speed to make explosive receptions. Has route running experience inside and outside, and also brings kick return experience. Does not do a good job of finishing contested catches or attacking the ball away from his framework. Consistently looks to body the reception. Lack of production can be tied equally to his slow development and inconsistent QB play. Athletic enough to warrant a spot on the practice squad and potentially worth rostering if he can improve his pass catching skills.
Mitch Morse, OT, #65
Stout, square frame with the strong hands to latch and control defenders. Wins with his hands at the point of attack, but consistently engages from a secured lower half base. Brings his feet with him to reach inside shaded defenders, but does not show great initial quickness to consistently execute these types of blocks. Needs to keep elbows tighter to the chest when delivering a punch, as he tends to lobster arm in pass protection. Athletic enough to climb and cutoff linebacker flow. Good awareness in pass protection to recognize and pickup DT twists. Smart, tough blocker that can make it in the league as a guard.
Shane Ray, DE, #56
Ray’s game is predicated on quickness. He’s a very twitchy, explosive athlete that possesses the explosive first step and closing burst to win as a speed rusher. Missouri likes to stunt Ray to the inside on a variety of twist games with the defensive line, but he’s clearly at his best when given the green light from a wide alignment. His go-to move is an outside rip through move, and you see instinctive hand usage to protect his chest plate on outside rush moves. Weaknesses in Ray’s game include his pad level and overall leverage. He tends to pop upright when reading and reacting to the run, and also shows his numbers early when stunting to the inside. Another concern I have is his lower half flexibility. Being high-cut with a long-legged build, Ray is a bit rigid when attempting to bend the edge. His athleticism and speed is more straight-lined than I’d like to see, and he’ll have to continue improving his balance. With his elite quickness, Ray best projects as a next level 3-4 OLB.
Markus Golden, DE, #33
Plays edge with good snap anticipation and natural speed rush ability. Creates separation by locking out inside arm while running the arc. Definitely fits the bill as a bit of a one trick pony in terms of rush repertoire. Lacks ideal variety to his pass rush stem, either using outside speed or stunting inside on slant movement. Athletic to keep his feet versus cut blocks. He will surprise blockers with long gait and deceptive build-up speed. Most of production has come versus opponent’s RT. Lacks elite edge flexibility to dip and bend around the corner. Gives outstanding effort in pursuit and always runs to the football. Better suited to be a wide-9 technique, making him more of a rotational end than a full-service starter.
Matt Hoch, DT, #89
Has the size, length and movement skills to transition into either a 3-technique or 5-technique role at NFL level. Hoch displays the strong, long arms and ability to attack gaps with quickness off the snap. One-gap player that struggles when asked to take on the double. Must improve at keeping his pad level down and playing with consistent leverage as an interior defensive lineman. Might benefit most as a DE for 3-4 defenses. Flashes ability to incorporate swim moves and skinny his shoulders as a pass rusher.
Braylon Webb, S, #9
Smart defender that wastes little time determining run or pass, and has a keen sense for proper pursuit angles to the football. Adequate range in over the top coverage, but only has experience as a Cover 2 safety. Anticipates and closes in time to impact the catch point, but needs to improve on finishing with the interception. Eye discipline is generally good, but he lacks the athleticism to recover from bad positioning. Has backup qualities at safety, but needs to test well in order to earn a draftable grade.
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