UCLA Football: The Bruins' Top 5 2015 NFL Draft Prospects

Five former UCLA football players have a great shot at fulfilling their respective dreams in becoming members of the National Football League in 2015. 

A couple of the potential draftees are considered two of the most productive players—regardless of position—in UCLA history. Two more were integral members of the team last year, while a fifth shocked many when he declared for the draft after his junior season. 

This piece will speak about the five players in question. A look at where each Bruin could be drafted will also be explored. 

Here are the Bruins' top five prospects heading into the 2015 NFL draft. 

Brett Hundley

Quarterback Brett Hundley is the most high-profile player of any within this piece. 

The three-year starter out of Arizona had a wonderful career in Westwood, breaking multiple school records and accruing over 11,000 yards of total offense. 

At this point, Hundley is battling to be the third quarterback taken in the draft, behind Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston. One would think Hundley will test out well at the combine physically, as well as impress during interviews with his articulate nature. 

He will be the first UCLA quarterback drafted since Cade McNown in 1999. Depending on a team fit, he could be drafted in the latter half of the first round. It could behoove a team with an established quarterback to trade back into the first round and scoop Hundley up.

Should such a scenario present itself, the former UCLA signal-caller will be afforded the chance to sit behind a potential starter and learn without being rushed into action right away. It would be surprising to see Hundley last beyond the second round.

Anthony Jefferson

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Jefferson making the tackle on a Stanford athlete.

Of these five UCLA players, Anthony Jefferson is the most unheralded prospect heading into the combine. 

The Los Angeles native battled countless injuries en route to a very solid last two seasons under Jim Mora. He's a versatile player, having performed well at both corner and safety. He can also be categorized as a smooth player with surprising physicality. 

In terms of an NFL future, Jefferson will likely have to make his mark on special teams initially. His position flexibility does give him some added value. Conventional wisdom suggests he will be a late-round draft choice.

Depending on how well he tests out in Indianapolis, he could get drafted as high as the fifth round. 

Eric Kendricks

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Linebacker Eric Kendricks

Eric Kendricks was UCLA's "Mr. Reliable" during his career in Westwood. 

The Fresno native is a tackling machine. Not only is Kendricks technical in his tackling approach, but he also displays underrated athleticism with immense intelligence. 

His size is the major deterrent as a prospect. Listed at 6'0", 230 pounds, he's a bit undersized. However, no one can question his productivity. He led the Bruins in tackles twice and accrued at least 100 tackles in three straight seasons. 

Kendricks should fall somewhere in the second-round range. His skill set and lineage (his brother is current Eagles linebacker Mychal Kendricks) translates very well to the NFL. 

Ellis McCarthy

Associated Press

Defensive lineman Ellis McCarthy

Ellis McCarthy announcing for the 2015 NFL draft was a bit of a shock. 

The mammoth defensive lineman didn't start for the Bruins. As a junior he was backing up both Eddie Vanderdoes and Kenny Clark. He finished last year with only 21 tackles and three sacks. 

Out of high school, McCarthy was an elite prospect. Unfortunately, injuries and conditioning issues limited his effectiveness at the collegiate level. There were flashes of his immense ability, but he never was able to put it together. 

Simply put, he's a tantalizing prospect. All of the physical tools are there for him to be a very good football player. He'll have to get himself in better shape—something he is presumably doing in preparation for the combine. He can help himself considerably with a strong showing in Indianapolis.

A team will take a chance on him, likely drafting McCarthy purely on upside and potential. Don't be surprised if he shoots up the draft board. A third-round or even second-round selection isn't out of the realm of possibilities. 

Owamagbe Odighizuwa

If one were to construct the perfect-looking football player, Owamagbe Odighizuwa would be it. 

The Portland native looks as if he were carved meticulously out of granite. One would be hard-pressed to find a more impressive prospect. 

He's a very interesting player in his own right. Although he didn't put up overly gaudy numbers during his senior year, his physical ability is evident. Odighizuwa also has active hands and terrific natural strength.

He'll have to prove to teams he can cover in space. If he can, "Owa" would in theory act as both a 4-3 defensive end and potentially as a 3-4 outside linebacker. 

As Chris Foster of the Los Angeles Times reports, Odighizuwa is shooting up the draft boards. Assuming he tests well—which he should in all likelihood—a second-round grade seems fitting. If a team really likes him, he could sneak into the first round.