Scout’s Notes: Top 5 Non-BCS Juniors Who Could Consider NFL Jump

So far, two non-BCS prospects have declared for the 2012 NFL Draft. Robert Turbin, running back from Utah State, and Dontari Poe, nose tackle from Memphis, both have forgone their senior seasons to be eligible for the NFL Draft. Generally, non-BCS underclassmen rarely declare for the NFL Draft, as a combination of exposure and overall talent level leaves a lot to be desire for this likely productive yet undervalued prospects.

Still, Poe is likely to be among the top defensive tackles in this 2012 draft class and a potential Top 20 pick. Turbin is likely to be selected after the Top 100, but a combination of exposure at Utah State, the NFL interest already, his build and size, and the number of carries he’s already handled, he likely wouldn’t have gone much higher if he had stayed for his senior season.

So, while few non-BCS prospects declare for the NFL Draft, here are five more who could be contemplating the decision now.

Bernard Pierce, RB, Temple
The most likely of any on this list of five, Pierce is in a somewhat similar situation as Robert Turbin. He’s already way up there in carries for his career, and staying another year will only worry teams more about the his shelf-life in the NFL. Also, he’s been plagued with injuries over his career and another season likely wouldn’t help the injury-concern aspect. He’s one of my favorite prospects in this draft, and his elite NFL vision and balance could make him worthy of a 1st round selection. But regardless of where he’s picked, he’s in the mix for the 3rd running back eligible for the draft behind Richardson and Polk, and in the mix with Lamar Miller, David Wilson, and Doug Martin.

Jonathan Massaquoi, DE, Troy
At around 6’2, 250, he’s an ideal edge rusher in a 3-4 scheme. His athleticism and versatility in his rush moves has impressed me the most, and a combination of those athletic traits along with the Troy defensive end pipeline in the NFL Draft in past and recent years, Massaquoi may consider declaring and potentially be a 2nd or 3rd round pick. Ideally, it’d be great if he returned to school another season and further developed his skills, and he’d be in-line for first round consideration. But if he does declare, he could test out as a Top 5 or 6 defensive end in this class.

Ronnie Hillman, RB, San Diego State
Reports are (via @TonyPauline) that Hillman is strongly considering declaring for the 2012 NFL Draft after his redshirt sophomore season, but in my opinion, it’d be wise to stay. As of now, NFL teams are fairly set at running back (over 40 running backs drafted in the past 2 drafts), so teams won’t be viewing many runners highly in the draft. Still even despite those glaring numbers of running backs, Hillman doesn’t have the complete game and devesting ability to leap ahead of the top 5 or 6 running backs in this class (including likely underclassmen declaring). If that’s the case, he’ll likely slip to the 4th or 5th round or even later. If he stays, he’ll likely be the feature running back in the 2013 NFL Draft class and still have one more year of eligibility.

Eric Page, WR, Toledo
An explosive playmaker for Toledo the past four years, he just finished up his junior season in a Military Bowl that saw him catch 11 passes (8 screen passes) for just 47 yards. While Air Force limited his potential numbers, those screen passes as well as outstanding return ability show why opposing teams are willing to play aggressive with him in the slot as well as focus on special teams heavily before their games. Likely staying in school as an undersized slot receiver/return specialist, he would be among the draft’s best at both positions. He still isn’t fully developed as a deep route runner and could utilize his hands better down the field. If he declares this year, he’s a Top 10 slot receiver and Top 5 returner in this draft, likely a 5th round selection. If he stays for his senior year and stays healthy, he could be a Top 3 slot receiver and the top returner in the 2013 draft, and a potential 2nd or 3rd round pick.

Travis Johnson, DE/OLB, San Jose State
The most unlikely to declare on this list, Johnson has been quitely very productive in a WAC conference that, despite Boise State gone, features quite a few NFL prospects. At around 6’3, 240, he’s likely an edge rusher in a 3-4 scheme in the NFL, but past San Jose State defensive linemen have gone on to some NFL success. Wouldn’t advocate him declaring at all, but in a draft not loaded with 3-4 outside linebacker talent, he’d be a draftable prospect.