2014 NFL Draft: Midseason Prospect Rankings
We’ve reached the midpoint of the college football regular season, which means we now have a pretty good sample size from which to judge the sport’s top eligible NFL prospects.
So far this season, we’ve seen plenty of big-name stars such as Teddy Bridgewater, Johnny Manziel and Marcus Mariota all step up and shine. However, we’ve also seen some of the most talked-about players of the offseason, such as Jadeveon Clowney and Marqise Lee, fail to match their preseason hype.
Since we’ve still got a long way to go before May 8, obviously, a lot is going to change between now and draft weekend. Nevertheless, this is still a good time to stop and assess where the top prospects rank at this point in the season.
Here’s a look at how the top 25 prospects for the 2014 NFL draft currently stack up, as well as a look at how the top prospects at each individual position stand after seven weeks.
1. Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
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Teddy Bridgewater’s brilliant performance in a Sugar Bowl upset victory over Florida back in January helped the Louisville signal-caller gain plenty of buzz. So far this season, Bridgewater has been able to build off that momentum. He’s been making a great case as to why he deserves to be the first quarterback taken, and potentially the first-overall pick in the 2014 draft.
In his first six games, Bridgewater has displayed NFL-caliber arm strength and outstanding touch on his throws. He’s completed 71 percent of his passes, averaged 10.6 yards per pass, thrown 18 touchdowns compared to just two interceptions and currently ranks third in the nation with a 191 passer rating.
Though some critics may downgrade Bridgewater a bit due to the weak schedule he faces in the AAC, it’s still clear that he’s got all the physical skills, the passing ability and the leadership intangibles to develop into a coveted franchise quarterback prospect.
2. Anthony Barr, LB, UCLA
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Following a breakout performance last season, in which he totaled 13 sacks and 21 tackles for loss, Anthony Barr could have left UCLA early and been a top-15 pick in the 2013 draft. However, his decision to return to school certainly looks like it was the right choice, as he’s now the favorite to be the first defensive player selected next May.
The 6’4’’, 235-pound former running back is a tremendous athlete who plays the game in a tenacious and extremely physical manner.
Barr has all the tools it takes to be a standout rush linebacker in a 3-4 defense at the next level, and he’s the type of player who can completely change the complexion of a defensive front-seven.
3. Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M
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Jake Matthews has proven to be a more than capable replacement for Outland Trophy winner Luke Joeckel, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2013 draft. The son of legendary Hall of Fame tackle Bruce Matthews has shown that he can hold his own at left tackle this season.
He’s been the leader and focal point of an offensive line that’s allowed just six sacks in six games and paved the way for 224 rushing yards per game.
The 6’5’’, 305-pound senior is an experienced four-year starter who is ready to come in and start for an NFL team right away as a rookie. Matthews may not be quite the same caliber of fundamentally sound technician as his former teammate Joeckel, but he’s still a complete tackle prospect who excels in all phases of the game.
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4. Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
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Jadeveon Clowney was lauded with acclaim and praise from the media this offseason following his spectacular sophomore campaign. He entered this season as the consensus No. 1 prospect in the 2014 draft class. Unfortunately, though, he’s not yet lived up to the basically unreachable expectations that were set for him, as he’s been plagued by injuries and had to deal with opponents focusing most of their attention on neutralizing his impact on games.
While Clowney may not be having the type of dominant, award-worthy junior campaign that many were expecting, there’s still no denying that he’s a rare physical freak who is loaded with upside.
The explosive and powerful 6’6’’, 274-pound former No. 1 overall prospect of the 2011 recruiting class possesses the potential to be a disruptive game-changing pass-rusher and a perennial Pro Bowler at the NFL level.
5. Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon
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Marcus Mariota has been the most impressive player in the nation through the first half of the season. His outstanding performance has helped solidify his status as the current frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy.
The dynamic dual-threat signal-caller hasn’t missed a beat without Chip Kelly calling the shots. He’s completed 60 percent of his passes for over 1,700 yards (10.4 yards per attempt), averaged 10.3 yards on 41 rushes and accounted for 25 touchdowns in his first six games. He's proven that he's much more than just a product of Oregon's spread system.
The 6’4’’, 211-pound redshirt sophomore has the skills and natural playmaking ability it takes to develop into a Colin Kaepernick-esque difference-maker at the NFL level. Mariota has all the intangibles and all the physical skills that NFL teams look for in a potential franchise quarterback.
6. Ra’Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota
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It’s extremely rare to find a 6’6’’, 300-plus pound defensive tackle who’s as nimble, agile and athletic as Ra’Shede Hageman. Once considered to be a promising and coveted tight end recruit during his days at Minnesota’s Washburn High School, Hageman has flourished after moving to the defensive side of the ball during his collegiate career.
After putting together a breakthrough season in 2012, in which he totaled six sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss, the incredibly gifted interior force has now started to surge up draft boards.
Since he plays for a mediocre Minnesota squad, which receives basically no national attention, it likely won’t be until after the season concludes and the workout phase of the draft process begins that Hageman will begin to receive the true recognition his talent warrants. With off-the-chart measurables, there’s a great chance that Hageman will be able to work his way into the top 15, and potentially even into the top 10 of the 2014 draft if he puts together the type of workouts he’s capable of, just like Dontari Poe did back in 2012.
7. Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M
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When Mike Evans arrived at Texas A&M back in 2011, he was viewed as an exceptionally gifted, yet also an exceedingly raw former high school basketball standout who possessed loads of potential. After taking a redshirt season to become accustomed with all the nuances of the game, Evans finally got to prove himself in 2012. He certainly made the most of the opportunity, as he became Johnny Manziel’s reliable go-to target, hauling in 82 passes for over 1,100 yards.
This season, the 6’5’’, 225-pound redshirt sophomore has taken his game to the next level, as we witnessed during his tremendous performance in a spotlight game against Alabama, when he hauled in seven catches for 279 yards.
It’s clear that Evans has finally figured out how to make the most of his combination of size, athleticism and natural playmaking instincts. He’s the type of unique and versatile matchup nightmare, who would add a valuable new dimension to an NFL offense as a hybrid Z receiver/H-back.
8. Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson
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Before the season started, I called Tajh Boyd a mashup of Steve McNair and Donovan McNabb, but now I’m starting to re-think that description. While Boyd does share a few similar qualities and traits with both McNair and McNabb—mainly his mobility and his ability to make plays from both inside the pocket and out—he’s also a unique talent who simply defies comparisons.
After putting together a true breakthrough campaign in 2012, in which he totaled over 4,400 yards of offense and 46 touchdowns, Boyd has now become one of college football’s brightest stars of 2013 and one of the top Heisman contenders in the country.
If he can lead the Tigers to another double-digit win campaign and an ACC championship, Boyd should solidify his status as the top senior signal-caller in the 2014 draft class. After acing his test in the season-opener against Georgia, it will be interesting to see how he fares against the likes of Florida State and South Carolina in the second half of the season.
9. Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan
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Taylor Lewan has drawn many favorable comparisons to another former standout Michigan offensive tackle, Jake Long, and it’s easy to see why. Like Long, the 6’8’’, 309-pound Lewan is a gigantic tackle who possesses the size, strength, agility and blocking skills to be a reliable blindside protector in the pros, as well as a nasty run-blocker.
After earning All-American and Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year honors in 2012, Lewan could have left Ann Arbor and been a first-round pick in the 2013 draft. But now, he has the chance to prove to scouts that he is indeed a topflight franchise tackle prospect worthy of a top-10 selection.
10. Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M
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Since the end of last season, no other player in college football has faced the level of scrutiny that defending Heisman-winner Johnny Manziel has. Johnny Football is the true rock star of college football, and unfortunately, at times his persona can overshadow his terrific talent. Still, though he may rub some people the wrong way with some of his actions and antics, no one can deny the special skills he possesses.
Manziel is an electrifying and explosive dual-threat quarterback who seems like he was born to excel in Kevin Sumlin’s spread attack. What the 6’1’’, 210-pound redshirt sophomore may lack in prototypical size and stature for the position, he makes up for with his incredible instinctive playmaking ability, remarkable quickness, underrated arm strength and touch and his natural charisma and star power.
If Manziel can continue to mature and learn what it takes to be the leader of an NFL locker room, he has the chance to be this generation’s version of Steve Young.
11. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon
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Oregon’s high-powered offensive attack is what garners all of the headlines and attention, but the Ducks also have a championship-caliber defense, as well. The unit’s undisputed leader and top impact playmaker is CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu. After totaling 44 solo tackles, four interceptions and 16 pass breakups during his first year as a full-time starter in 2012, Ekpre-Olomu has shown growth and maturity in his game this season, as he’s developed into an elite cover man on the outside.
The 5’10’’, 185-pound junior is a physical player who shows no fear or hesitance when it comes to stopping the run. He also has the speed and cover skills to go toe-to-toe with any receiver who steps in front of him.
Though he may lack elite size, ultimately, if Ekpre-Olomu continues progressing at this pace, it’s likely he’ll eventually be viewed in a similar light as former LSU CB Morris Claiborne, who was picked sixth overall by the Cowboys in the 2012 draft.
12. Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin
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Montee who?
That’s what Melvin Gordon has Wisconsin fans now asking, as he’s stepped up and been a remarkable replacement for the Badgers’ second all-time leading rusher, Montee Ball. After showing glimpses of his prodigious potential and displaying tremendous explosiveness and home-run hitting ability in a very limited role last year, Gordon has now shown that he was what it takes to be a featured back in the NFL.
Though he’s had to split carries with Wisconsin’s other talented rusher, James White, Gordon has still managed to average a whopping 9.6 yards on 90 carries, and he’s rushed for eight touchdowns in just six games of action. He’s totaled over 100 yards rushing in five of those six contests.
Admittedly, the 6’1’’, 203-pound redshirt sophomore has benefited from playing some soft run defenses early on this season. However, it’s runs like this 80-yard touchdown scamper against Arizona State that show he’s got the type of elite elusive speed to be considered one of the rare running back prospects who are worthy of a first-round pick in this pass-happy era.
13. Marqise Lee, WR, USC
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Though he’s managed to haul in 30 catches in five games of action this season, it’s obvious that Marqise Lee really misses former QB Matt Barkley. Last year, Lee and Barkley formed a powerful passing partnership, as the 6’0’’, 195-pound pass-catcher led the nation with 118 catches for 1,700 yards and scored 14 touchdowns.
Unfortunately, since Lee was not eligible for the 2013 draft, he’s had to return to a Trojans team that’s been plagued by lackluster quarterback play and plenty of drama this fall.
Though his drop in production will likely diminish his draft stock a bit, scouts likely still view Lee as a potential game-changing No. 1 wide receiver. Ultimately, he should become a successful pro player along the lines of Colts' receiver Reggie Wayne, who he shares many physical traits with.
14. Jason Verrett, CB, TCU
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TCU has one of the best secondaries in college football this season. It’s a unit which has allowed just 6.2 yards per pass and just a 107 overall opponent quarterback rating in the Horned Frogs’ first six games. The leader and face of the dominant defensive backfield is All-American CB Jason Verrett.
After totaling six interceptions, 16 pass breakups and 46 solo stops in 2012, it’s obvious that opposing quarterbacks have now learned their lesson and are shying away from the shutdown corner. Nevertheless, Verrett has still managed to make some key plays on the ball the few times it’s come his way, as he’s already totaled 10 pass breakups and an interception.
The 5’10’’, 176-pound senior is a tenacious and fearless cover man who possess superior ball skills and natural instincts in coverage.
15. Khalil Mack, LB, Buffalo
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For the first three years of his career, Khalil Mack gained a reputation as one of the most feared defenders in the MAC. Now, as a senior, he’s finally becoming a nationally recognized star. In his first six games of 2013, Mack has already totaled five sacks and 41 total tackles, including eight tackles for loss and 22 solo stops.
The 6’3’’, 248-pound outside ‘backer is a proven penetrator who can cause chaos as both a run-stuffer and a pass-rusher. Mack is a similar type of player to Jarvis Jones, the 17th overall pick in the 2013 draft. Like Jones, he may not be an elite athlete, but he has a non-stop motor, and he always seems to find a way to be around the ball, making impact plays.
16. Louis Nix, DT, Notre Dame
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Though Manti Te’o received pretty much all the credit and recognition for Notre Dame’s defensive success in 2012, the real heart and soul of the Irish’s stout run defense was massive nose tackle Louis Nix.
With the headline-hogging Te’o now in the NFL, Nix has finally started to garner the type of recognition he truly deserves. The powerful 6’2’’, 332-pound junior is the centerpiece of an Irish defense that currently ranks 23rd nationally in run defense.
While he may not make a ton of flash plays, Nix does all the dirty work needed to be a successful run-stuffer in a 3-4 defense. He can eat up double-teams with his size and strength and can swallow up any all ball-carrier that dares to try to run it up the gut.
17. Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson
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Sammy Watkins followed up a fantastic freshman campaign in 2011 with a rather disappointing and forgettable sophomore showing in 2012. However, now that he’s fully healthy and fully focused, and now that DeAndre Hopkins is no longer around to steal his thunder, it appears that Watkins has reverted back to his freshman form this season. In six games, he’s managed to haul in 36 catches for 582 yards and four touchdowns.
The speedy 6’1’’, 205-pound big-play threat is an explosive field-stretching receiver who demands constant attention from opposing defenses at all times.
If Watkins continues to play this way in the second half of the season, there’s no reason he shouldn’t be a top-20 pick in the 2013 draft if he chooses to declare as expected.
18. AJ McCarron, QB, Alabama
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Last year, AJ McCarron transformed from a “game manager” into a game-changer, as he developed into one of the most efficient passers in all of college football. After leading Alabama to two straight national championships in his first two seasons as a starter, McCarron is now in the process of proving to NFL scouts that he’s got what it takes to be a successful starter in the pros.
Though the 6’4’’, 218-pound senior has had to deal with some inconsistent protection from his inexperienced offensive line, McCarron has still managed to complete 69 percent of his passes for over 1,400 yards and 11 touchdowns in his first six games. Not only has he looked like an NFL-caliber passer this year, he’s also shown the desired leadership traits scouts are looking for, most notably late in the fourth quarter of the Tide’s huge win on the road over Texas A&M.
Ultimately, McCarron may never be one of the true top-shelf quarterbacks in the NFL. However, he could easily develop into a bigger and better version of Bengals' QB Andy Dalton, which is something that a lot of quarterback-needy NFL teams could certainly use right now.
19. Odell Beckham Jr., WR, LSU
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QB Zach Mettenberger isn’t the only LSU player who’s benefited from Cam Cameron taking over the offensive coordinator duties in Baton Rouge this year. WR Odell Beckham Jr. has also flourished in Cameron’s offense, totaling 37 catches for 733 yards (19.8 yards per catch) and scoring six touchdowns in his first six games.
To give you a good idea of his big-play ability, the supremely explosive 6’0’’, 193-pound junior currently ranks second in the nation with 19 receptions of over 20 yards.
Beckham’s breakthrough performance as a junior has certainly boosted his draft stock in a big way. He, along with Mettenberger, fellow receiver Jarvis Landry and RB Jeremy Hill, are four Tigers who scouts will be paying very close attention to the rest of the season.
20. C.J. Mosley, LB, Alabama
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Last year, C.J. Mosley was the centerpiece of Alabama’s dominant top-ranked defense. He led the Tide with 107 tackles, including 66 solo stops and four sacks. This year, Mosley has once again been the Tide’s most productive and consistent defensive playmaker. He’s racked up 48 total tackles, which is double the amount of the team’s second-leading tackler.
Mosley has been a perfect fit as an inside linebacker in Kirby Smart’s 3-4 defense. However, the 6’2’’, 232-pound senior possesses the versatile skill-set to fit into a variety of different roles and schemes at the next level.
No matter where Mosley ends up lining up in the pros, though, he’s surely going to make a big impact, since he possesses the toughness, instincts and radar for the football that you just don’t see very often from collegiate linebackers.
21. Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State
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Ohio State’s defensive schemes have put a lot of pressure on Bradley Roby this season, often leaving him out on an island to defend the opposing team’s top receiver without any help. Though Roby had his fair share of struggles against both Cal and Wisconsin, which have raised some concerns about his man-to-man coverage skills, for the most part, he’s been pretty solid this season.
The 5’11’’, 192-pound junior may not be the truly elite prospect that some made him out to be in the preseason, but he’s still got the type of natural skills that are worth getting excited about. Roby clearly has the talent and overall confidence and attitude to become a standout starter in the NFL.
22. Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA
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Considering Brett Hundley was once considered one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2011 recruiting class, it isn’t really surprising that he’s had so much success throughout his first year and a half as UCLA’s starting quarterback. After surprisingly leading the Bruins to nine wins and a Pac-12 South division title last year, Hundley once again has UCLA looking like a potential conference contender in 2013.
So far this season, Hundley has completed 68 percent of his passes, averaged 9.2 yards per throw, rushed for 260 yards and accounted for 16 total touchdowns, as he’s led the team to a 5-0 record, including big road wins at Nebraska and Utah.
The 6’3’’, 222-pound dynamic dual-threat signal-caller is clearly loaded with potential. However, there are still some noticeable flaws in his game, especially concerning his comfort in the pocket. Though he would likely benefit from another season at the college level, it would be hard to blame Hundley if he becomes enamored with the allure of being a high first-round pick in the 2014 draft.
23. Loucheiz Purifoy, CB, Florida
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You won’t find many other defenses in college football that can boast the amount of talent that Florida has this year. The Gator defense is loaded with future NFL draft picks, but none possess the type of potential and upside that CB Loucheiz Purifoy offers. Though Purifoy may still be a work-in-progress in terms of his coverage skills and overall defensive awareness, he’s an elite athlete who possesses the physical ability that will make scouts salivate.
The 6’0’’, 190-pound junior is a long-limbed and fluid athlete who is faster than most current NFL corners. The fact that he has just one career interception is certainly a cause for concern, but he’s simply not the type of prospect who you should judge based on a stat sheet. The former 4-star recruit is a gifted young player who’s only just beginning to tap into his true potential.
Over the last four years, 11 SEC defensive backs have been selected in the first round of the draft. Now it looks like Purifoy is destined to be the next one to follow in their footsteps.
24. Kyle Van Noy, LB, BYU
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Ezekiel Ansah may have been the BYU defender whom scouts became enamored with throughout the 2012 season. However, the true heart and soul of the Cougars defense was actually Ansah’s close friend, LB Kyle Van Noy, who totaled 13 sacks, 22 tackles for loss and six forced fumbles last year.
This season, Van Noy has once again been one of the most frightening edge-rushers in the country. He’s totaled three sacks, seven quarterback hurries and 9.5 tackles for loss in his first six games.
The 6’3’’, 245-pound senior is a former high school wide receiver who packs plenty of speed and explosiveness into his long frame. Though Van Noy may not possess the same amount of seemingly unlimited upside that his former teammate Ansah had to offer, he still has all the necessary skills to become a terrific 3-4 rush linebacker at the next level.
25. Cyril Richardson, OG, Baylor
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Baylor once again has one of the most powerful and potent passing offenses in college football this season. It’s an attack that currently ranks second in the nation, averaging 414 yards through the air per game. What some people fail to realize, though, is that the Bears’ ground-game is almost just as dangerous, currently ranking fourth in the nation with 299 rushing yards per game.
Leading the way in the trenches is All-American-caliber guard Cyril Richardson, a former tackle, who has proven that he can open up some huge holes in the interior for star RB Lache Seastrunk to burst through. The massive 6’5’’, 340-pound senior is a powerful run-blocker who also possesses the pass-blocking skills that you’d expect to see from a player who once manned the all-important left tackle position for a full season.
Though he may be just a notch below the two top interior linemen from the 2013 draft class—Jonathan Cooper and Chance Warmack—Richardson is one of the rare guard prospects who deserves first-round consideration.
Quarterbacks: The Top 25 Seniors
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1. Tajh Boyd, Clemson
2. AJ McCarron, Alabama
3. Derek Carr, Fresno State
4. Zach Mettenberger, LSU
5. Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech
6. Stephen Morris, Miami
7. David Fales, San Jose State
8. Aaron Murray, Georgia
9. Jeff Mathews, Cornell
10. Keith Price, Washington
11. Bryn Renner, North Carolina
12. Jimmy Garoppolo, Eastern Illinois
13. Taylor Martinez, Nebraska
14. Derek Thompson, North Texas
15. Jordan Lynch, Northern Illinois
16. Keith Wenning, Ball State
17. Casey Pachall, TCU
18. Connor Shaw, South Carolina
19. Kenny Guiton, Ohio State
20. Chase Rettig, Boston College
21. Jamal Londry-Jackson, Appalachian State
22. James Franklin, Missouri
23. Tom Savage, Pittsburgh
24. Nathan Scheelhaase, Illinois
25. Tyler Russell, Mississippi State
Quarterbacks: The Top 15 Underclassmen
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1. Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville
2. Marcus Mariota, Oregon
3. Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M
4. Brett Hundley, UCLA
5. Kevin Hogan, Stanford
6. Braxton Miller, Ohio State
7. Devin Gardner, Michigan
8. Blake Bortles, UCF
9. Sean Mannion, Oregon State
10. Bryce Petty, Baylor
11. Brett Smith, Wyoming
12. Jeff Driskel, Florida
13. Taylor Kelly, Arizona State
14. Chuckie Keeton, Utah State
15. Shane Carden, East Carolina
Running Backs: The Top 25 Seniors
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1. Charles Sims, West Virginia
2. Marion Grice, Arizona State
3. James White, Wisconsin
4. Rajion Neal, Tennessee
5. (FB) Trey Millard, Oklahoma
6. Carlos Hyde, Ohio State
7. Silas Redd, USC
8. Damien Williams, Oklahoma
9. Antonio Andrews, Western Kentucky
10. Jeff Scott, Ole Miss
11. Dri Archer, Kent State
12. Alfred Blue, LSU
13. Roderick McDowell, Clemson
14. LaDarius Perkins, Mississippi State
15. Brennan Clay, Oklahoma
16. Stephen Houston, Indiana
17. Ben Malena, Texas A&M
18. Tyler Gaffney, Stanford
19. James Sims, Kansas
20. David Fluellen, Toledo
21. Venric Mark, Northwestern
22. Tim Flanders, Sam Houston State
23. Andre Williams, Boston College
24. (QB) Jerick McKinnon, Georgia Southern
25. Branden Oliver, Buffalo
Running Backs: The Top 15 Underclassmen
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1. Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin
2. Lache Seastrunk, Baylor
3. De’Anthony Thomas, Oregon
4. Jeremy Hill, LSU
5. Bishop Sankey, Washington
6. James Wilder, Florida State
7. Ka’Deem Carey, Arizona
8. Jerome Smith, Syracuse
9. Tre Mason, Auburn
10. Brendan Bigelow, California
11. Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska
12. Michael Dyer, Louisville
13. Devonta Freeman, Florida State
14. Kenny Hilliard, LSU
15. Adam Muema, San Diego State
Wide Receivers: The Top 25 Seniors
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1. Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt
2. Mike Davis, Texas
3. Devin Street, Pittsburgh
4. Cody Hoffman, BYU
5. Jalen Saunders, Oklahoma
6. Isaiah Burse, Fresno State
7. Jared Abbrederis, Wisconsin
8. Tevin Reese, Baylor
9. Shaquelle Evans, UCLA
10. Michael Campanaro, Wake Forest
11. Josh Huff, Oregon
12. TJ Jones, Notre Dame
13. Ryan Grant, Tulane
14. Robert Herron, Wyoming
15. Kevin Norwood, Alabama
16. Kofi Hughes, Indiana
17. Chandler, Jones, San Jose State
18. Eric Ward, Texas Tech
19. Jeremy Gallon, Michigan
20. Corey Brown, Ohio State
21. Jeff Janis, Saginaw Valley State
22. (QB) Kain Colter, Northwestern
23. D.J. Coles, Virginia Tech
24. Alex Neutz, Buffalo
25. Geraldo Boldewijn, Boise State
Wide Receivers: The Top 15 Underclassmen
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1. Mike Evans, Texas A&M
2. Marqise Lee, USC
3. Sammy Watkins, Clemson
4. Odell Beckham Jr., LSU
5. Brandon Coleman, Rutgers
6. Allen Robinson, Penn State
7. Jarvis Landry, LSU
8. Brandin Cooks, Oregon State
9. Davante Adams, Fresno State
10. Donte Moncrief, Ole Miss
11. Antwan Goodley, Baylor
12. DeVante Parker, Louisville
13. Rashad Greene, Florida State
14. Justin Hardy, East Carolina
15. Paul Richardson, Colorado
Tight Ends: The Top 25 Seniors
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1. CJ Fiedorowicz, Iowa
2. Arthur Lynch, Georgia
3. Marcel Jensen, Fresno State
4. Justin Jones, East Carolina
5. Ted Bolser, Indiana
6. Crockett Gillmore, Colorado State
7. Jacob Pedersen, Wisconsin
8. Trey Burton, Florida
9. Blake Jackson, Oklahoma State
10. Asa Watson, NC State
11. Chris Coyle, Arizona State
12. Gabe Holmes, Purdue
13. Kaneakua Friel, BYU
14. Rob Blanchflower, UMass
15. Nexon Dorvilus, Florida Atlantic
16. Alex Bayer, Bowling Green
17. Nehemiah Hicks, Texas A&M
18. Justin Perillo, Maine
19. Jordan Najvar, Baylor
20. Gator Hoskins, Marshall
21. Beckett Wales, Syracuse
22. Zane Fakes, Ball State
23. Joe Don Duncan, Dixie State
24. Asante Cleveland, Miami
25. Gabe Linehan, Boise State
Tight Ends: The Top 15 Underclassmen
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1. Jace Amaro, Texas Tech
2. Eric Ebron, North Carolina
3. Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Washington
4. Colt Lyerla
5. Jake McGee, Virginia
6. Nick O’Leary, Florida State
7. Xavier Grimble, USC
8. A.C. Leonard, Tennessee State
9. Randall Telfer, USC
10. Richard Rodgers, California
11. Kyle Carter, Penn State
12. Jay Rome, Georgia
13. Clive Walford, Miami
14. Jake Murphy, Utah
15. Rory Anderson, South Carolina
Offensive Tackles: The Top 25 Seniors
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1. Jake Matthews, Texas A&M
2. Taylor Lewan, Michigan
3. James Hurst, North Carolina
4. Cornelius Lucas, Kansas State
5. Charles Leno, Boise State
6. Wesley Johnson, Vanderbilt
7. Morgan Moses, Virginia
8. Ja’Wuan James, Tennessee
9. Kevin Graf, USC
10. Zack Martin, Notre Dame
11. Jack Mewhort, Ohio State
12. Seantrel Henderson, Miami
13. Ryan Groy, Wisconsin
14. Rob Crisp, NC State
15. Austin Wentworth, Fresno State
16. Donald Hawkins, Texas
17. Billy Turner, North Dakota State
18. Kenarious Gates, Georgia
19. Michael Schofield, Michigan
20. Matt Hall, Belhaven
21. Joel Bitonio, Nevada
22. Fou Fonoti, Michigan State
23. Bryce Quigley, San Diego State
24. Davonte Wallace, New Mexico State
25. Matt Patchan, Boston College
Offensive Tackles: The Top 15 Underclassmen
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1. Cameron Erving, Florida State
2. Cyrus Kouandjio, Alabama
3. Antonio Richardson, Tennessee
4. Cedric Ogbuehi, Texas A&M
5. La’El Collins, LSU
6. Jake Fisher, Oregon
7. Eric Lefeld, Cincinnati
8. Sean Hickey, Syracuse
9. Spencer Drango, Baylor
10. Tyler Johnstone, Oregon
11. Cameron Fleming, Stanford
12. Kaleb Johnson, Rutgers
13. Le’Raven Clark, Texas Tech
14. Brandon Scherff, Iowa
15. Torrian Wilson, UCF
Interior Linemen: The Top 25 Seniors
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1. Cyril Richardson, Baylor
2. Gabe Jackson, Mississippi State
3. Jonotthan Harrison, Florida
4. Spencer Long, Nebraska
5. Anthony Steen, Alabama
6. Gabe Ikard, Oklahoma
7. Antwan Lowery, Rutgers
8. Travis Swanson, Arkansas
9. John Urschel, Penn State
10. Weston Richburg, Colorado State
11. Tyler Larsen, Utah State
12. Zach Fulton, Tennessee
13. Jon Halapio, Florida
14. Brandon Linder, Miami
15. Chris Watt, Notre Dame
16. Dakota Dozier, Furman
17. Chris Burnette, Georgia
18. Mason Walters, Texas
19. Bryan Stork, Florida State
20. Chris Elkins, Youngstown State
21. Andrew Norwell, Ohio State
22. Austen Bujnoch, Cincinnati
23. Zac Kerin, Toledo
24. Will Simmons, East Carolina
25. Kadeem Edwards, Tennessee State
Interior Linemen: The Top 15 Underclassmen
37 of 47
1. David Yankey, Stanford
2. Hroniss Grasu, Oregon
3. Tre Jackson, Florida State
4. Xavier Su’a-Filo, UCLA
5. Arie Kouandjio, Alabama
6. Josue Matias, Florida State
7. Trai Turner, LSU
8. Ryan Kelly, Alabama
9. Malcolm Bunche, Miami
10. Russell Bodine, North Carolina
11. AJ Cann, South Carolina
12. Kyle Costigan, Wisconsin
13. Brandon Vitabile, Northwestern
14. Landon Turner, North Carolina
15. Cyril Lemon, North Texas
Defensive Tackles: The Top 25 Seniors
38 of 47
1. Ra’Shede Hageman, Minnesota
2. Will Sutton, Arizona State
3. DaQuan Jones, Penn State
4. Dominique Easley, Florida
5. Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh
6. DeAndre Coleman, California
7. Calvin Barnett, Oklahoma State
8. Ryan Carrethers, Arkansas State
9. Daniel McCullers, Tennessee
10. Demonte McAllister, Florida State
11. Jay Bromley, Syracuse
12. Bruce Gaston, Purdue
13. Robert Thomas, Arkansas
14. Justin Ellis, Louisiana Tech
15. Byran Jones, Arkansas
16. Khyri Thornton, Southern Miss
17. Kerry Hyder, Texas Tech
18. Caraun Reid, Princeton
19. Levi Brown, Temple
20. Shaq Rowell, West Virginia
21. Zach Kerr, Delaware
22. Beau Allen, Wisconsin
23. Ashton Dorsey, Texas
24. Nikita Whitlock, Wake Forest
25. Kaleb Ramsey, Boston College
Defensive Tackles: The Top 15 Underclassmen
39 of 47
1. Louis Nix, Notre Dame
2. Timmy Jernigan, Florida State
3. George Uko, USC
4. Anthony Johnson, LSU
5. Carl Davis, Iowa
6. Danny Shelton, Washington
7. Kelcy Quarles, South Carolina
8. Grady Jarrett, Clemson
9. Tyeler Davison, Fresno State
10. Leon Orr, Florida
11. Christian Covington, Rice
12. Ego Ferguson, LSU
13. Travis Raciti, San Jose State
14. Brandon Ivory, Alabama
15. Chucky Hunter, TCU
Defensive Ends: The Top 25 Seniors
40 of 47
1. Chaz Sutton, South Carolina
2. Kareem Martin, North Carolina
3. Jackson Jeffcoat, Texas
4. Cassius Marsh, UCLA
5. James Gayle, Virginia Tech
6. Trevor Reilly, Utah
7. Jonathan Newsome, Ball State
8. Dee Ford, Auburn
9. Ben Gardner, Stanford
10. Taylor Hart, Oregon
11. Chris Smith, Arkansas
12. Josh Mauro, Stanford
13. Denico Autry, Mississippi State
14. Michael Sam, Missouri
15. Ed Stinson, Alabama
16. Darryl Cato-Bishop, NC State
17. IK Enemkpali, Louisiana Tech
18. Marcus Thompson, Rutgers
19. Marcus Smith, Louisville
20. Roosevelt Nix, Kent State
21. Ethan Westbrooks, West Texas A&M
22. Will Clarke, West Virginia
23. Chidera Uzo-Diribe, Colorado
24. Tyler Scott, Northwestern
25. Colby Way, Buffalo
Defensive Ends: The Top 15 Underclassmen
41 of 47
1. Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina
2. Demarcus Lawrence, Boise State
3. Vic Beasley, Clemson
4. Stephon Tuitt, Notre Dame
5. Scott Crichton, Oregon State
6. Shilique Calhoun, Michigan State
7. Aaron Lynch, South Florida
8. Trey Flowers, Arkansas
9. Henry Anderson, Stanford
10. Kony Ealy, Missouri
11. J.R. Collins, Virginia Tech
12. Jeoffrey Pagan, Alabama
13. Marcus Rush, Michigan State
14. Lorenzo Mauldin, Louisville
15. Eddie Yarbrough, Wyoming
Linebackers: The Top 25 Seniors
42 of 47
1. Anthony Barr, UCLA
2. Khalil Mack, Buffalo
3. C.J. Mosley, Alabama
4. Kyle Van Noy, BYU
5. Christian Jones, Florida State
6. Trent Murphy, Stanford
7. Jonathan Brown, Illinois
8. Shayne Skov, Stanford
9. Telvin Smith, Florida State
10. Morgan Breslin, USC
11. Prince Shembo, Notre Dame
12. (DE) Jeremiah Attaochu, Georgia Tech
13. Andrew Jackson, Western Kentucky
14. Max Bullough, Michigan State
15. James Morris, Iowa
16. Keith Smith, San Jose State
17. Steven Jenkins, Texas A&M
18. Lamin Barrow, LSU
19. Shaquil Barrett, Colorado State
20. Chris Borland, Wisconsin
21. Devon Kennard, USC
22. Greg Blair, Cincinnati
23. Jeremiah George, Iowa State
24. Xavius Boyd, Western Kentucky
25. Mike Marry, Ole Miss
Linebackers: The Top 15 Underclassmen
43 of 47
1. Ryan Shazier, Ohio State
2. Yawin Smallwood, Connecticut
3. Adrian Hubbard, Alabama
4. A.J. Johnson, Tennessee
5. Trey Depriest, Alabama
6. Benardrick McKinney, Mississippi State
7. Hayes Pullard, USC
8. Jake Ryan, Michigan
9. Carl Bradford, Arizona State
10. Ronald Powell, Florida
11. Josh Shirley, Washington
12. Amarlo Herrera, Georgia
13. Eric Kendricks, UCLA
14. Denzel Perryman, Miami
15. Bryce Hager, Baylor
Cornerbacks: The Top 25 Seniors
44 of 47
1. Jason Verrett, TCU
2. Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State
3. Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State
4. Lamarcus Joyner, Florida State
5. Aaron Colvin, Oklahoma
6. Kyle Fuller, Virginia Tech
7. Pierre Desir, Lindenwood
8. Jemea Thomas, Georgia Tech
9. E.J. Gaines, Missouri
10. Osahon Irabor, Arizona State
11. Rashaad Reynolds, Oregon State
12. Bene Benwikere, San Jose State
13. Deion Belue, Alabama
14. Andre Hal, Vanderbilt
15. Ross Cockrell, Duke
16. Dexter McDougle, Maryland
17. Marcus Williams, North Dakota State
18. Bennett Jackson, Notre Dame
19. Jimmy Legree, South Carolina
20. Ricardo Allen, Purdue
21. Carrington Byndom, Texas
22. John Fulton, Alabama
23. Dayonne Nunley, Miami (Ohio)
24. Ciante Evans, Nebraska
25. L.J. Jones, Fresno State
Cornerbacks: The Top 15 Underclassmen
45 of 47
1. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Oregon
2. Bradley Roby, Ohio State
3. Loucheiz Purifoy, Florida
4. Marcus Roberson, Florida
5. Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest
6. Damian Swann, Georgia
7. Terrance Mitchell, Oregon
8. Byron Jones, Connecticut
9. Quandre Diggs, Texas
10. Wayne Lyons, Stanford
11. Demetrious Nicholson, Virginia
12. Jalen Collins, LSU
13. LeVander Liggins, Louisiana Tech
14. Tim Scott, North Carolina
15. Nick Waisome, Florida State
Safeties: The Top 25 Seniors
46 of 47
1. Craig Loston, LSU
2. (CB) Antone Exum, Virginia Tech
3. Terrence Brooks, Florida State
4. (CB) Jaylen Watkins, Florida
5. Tre Boston, North Carolina
6. Hakeem Smith, Louisville
7. Sean Parker, Washington
8. Isaiah Lewis, Michigan State
9. Deone Bucannon, Washington State
10. Ahmad Dixon, Baylor
11. C.J. Barnett, Ohio State
12. Alden Darby, Arizona State
13. Jeremy Deering, Rutgers
14. Daytawion Lowe, Oklahoma State
15. Kenny Ladler, Vanderbilt
16. Christian Bryant, Ohio State
17. (CB) Stanley Jean-Baptiste, Nebraska
18. Nickoe Whitley, Mississippi State
19. Jimmie Ward, Northern Illinois
20. Ty Zimmerman, Kansas State
21. Dezmen Southward, Wisconsin
22. Darwin Cook, West Virginia
23. Julien David, Howard
24. Isaiah Johnson, Georgia Tech
25. Nat Berhe, San Diego State
Safeties: The Top 15 Underclassmen
47 of 47
1. Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix, Alabama
2. Jordan Richards, Stanford
3. Kurtis Drummond, Michigan State
4. Calvin Pryor, Louisville
5. Ed Reynolds, Stanford
6. Jonathan Dowling, Western Kentucky
7. Adrian Amos, Penn State
8. Dion Bailey, USC
9. Derron Smith, Fresno State
10. Ronald Martin, LSU
11. Vinnie Sunseri, Alabama
12. Corey Moore, Georgia
13. Tevin McDonald, Eastern Washington
14. Erick Dargan, Oregon
15. Kyshoen Jarrett, Virginia Tech
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.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
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