NFL Draft 2015: Ranking the Best Middle-Round Prospects

Teams will spend the next several weeks working out their needs for the 2015 NFL draft. Some of their best picks could well be middle-round prospects such as offensive lineman Ali Marpet out of Hobart College or cornerback Josh Shaw out of USC—both of whom are on this list.

Each player considered must be projected between the third and fifth rounds in CBS Sports’ prospect rankings. Our final candidates not only exhibit the basic skills necessary for the next level, but they separate themselves from the crowd with their versatility.

Honorable Mentions

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Before we begin, below are three honorable mentions—each of whom possesses a high level of talent but not quite the versatility of the final candidates.

David Cobb, RB, Minnesota

Cobb would be a great middle-round pick for teams that are looking to add depth at the running back position. He's next in line behind T.J. Yeldon; however, the difference in talent between them is just significant enough for Cobb to miss out on the list. As Dane Brugler and Rob Rang of CBS Sports wrote in their evaluation, he isn't as dynamic and lacks the "electric jump-cut" of elite prospects.

Gabe Wright, DT, Auburn

Wright is an excellent pass-rusher; however, he does not defend nearly quite as well against the run and is less versatile than the defensive tackle who did make the cut.

Phillip Dorsett, WR, Miami

Dorsett has a lot to offer in a smaller package, standing at 5’10” and weighing in at 185 pounds. His speed is impeccable; however, he lacks the refined understanding of routes, which is why he did not make the list.

No. 10: Jesse James, TE, Penn State

At 6'7", 261 pounds, the Penn State product fits the physical mold of the league’s large breed of tight ends.

His size and confidence allow him to make difficult catches in traffic, as evidenced by his receptions against Iowa and Wisconsin in the above highlights. He can also break tackles and run-block.

CBS Sports ranked him No. 106 overall and No. 4 in his position with a third- or fourth-round projection.

Although he was by no means a collegiate star, James does exhibit the potential to be groomed into an NFL-caliber tight end.

No. 9: Kwon Alexander, OLB, LSU

The opening highlight against Georgia says it all.

Kwon Alexander has excellent lateral movement and can track down ball-carriers. His 6’1”, 227-pound frame lends itself to those lateral movements. He also has quick footwork.

The LSU product is No. 88 overall and No. 6 among outside linebackers; CBS Sports projects him to be drafted in the third round.

No. 8: Marcus Hardison, DT, Arizona State

The Arizona State product has all the right characteristics for a pass-rusher. The 6’3”, 307-pound defensive tackle is aggressive and explosive enough to consistently penetrate offensive lines. He can also defend the run.

In his time with the Sun Devils, he played all over the defensive line. This versatility is likely the most attractive quality about him—he can adapt to fit whatever needs a team may have.

CBS Sports ranks him No. 95 overall and No. 11 among defensive tackles with a third-round projection.

No. 7: Tyler Lockett, WR, Kansas State

What Lockett lacks in size, he makes up for elsewhere.

The 5’10”, 182-pound receiver out of Kansas State put together one of the program’s most impressive career performances, setting 17 school records in the process.

His success comes largely through his ability to read routes and create space. The separation he creates in the above highlight is a testament to that—it’s also worth nothing it was the play that broke his father’s career touchdown receptions mark.

Lockett is ranked No. 78 overall and No. 12 among receivers; CBS Sports projects him as second- or third-rounder.

No. 6: Bryce Petty, QB, Baylor

In a weak quarterback class, Bryce Petty stands out as a middle-round prospect with all the right ingredients a quarterback-hungry team could groom into a starting player.

He has the arm strength to improve his timing and place deep, intermediate and short passes.

His biggest strength? He’s a playmaker, as demonstrated by the above highlight.

CBS Sports ranks the Baylor product at No. 117 overall and No. 5 in his position and projects him to go in the third or fourth round.

No. 5: Garrett Grayson, QB, Colorado State

Like Petty, Garrett Grayson also possesses the ideal characteristics and potential to grow into a starting NFL quarterback.

CBS Sports ranks him No. 105 overall and No. 4 in the quarterback class and projects him as a third- or fourth-rounder. As far as quarterbacks outside of Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota go, Grayson is a close second to UCLA’s Brett Hundley—a projected second-round pick.

As evidenced in the above highlights, the Colorado State product has the arm strength to make deep passes on target. He also has the versatility to make shorter and mid-range passes.

Not only can he scramble to make plays on the move, but he’s comfortable in the pocket—this is what sets him apart from other middle-round quarterback prospects like Petty. He can extend the pocket without looking rushed; that type of confidence would translate well into the league.

No. 4: T.J. Yeldon, RB, Alabama

The Alabama product has the physicality to break tackles and the quick footwork to make sharp, seamless cuts and spin moves, as seen on the final carry in the above highlights against Texas A&M.

He excelled as a third-down back at Alabama but could have the potential to be an every-down back with the right fit. Rotoworld’s Evan Silva echoed that confidence in Yeldon:

"

I think T.J. Yeldon is an every-down back in NFL. Moves like Arian Foster. Never loses yards & eludes contact with gliding foot movement.

— Evan Silva (@evansilva) February 16, 2015"

CBS Sports ranks him No. 86 overall and No. 9 in the running back class as a possible third-rounder.

No. 3: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB, Oregon

The Oregon cornerback is arguably more valuable than other middle-round prospects, but he saw his draft stock fall after a season-ending knee injury last December.

Regardless, he could be a steal for a team that is looking to beef up its secondary. Ekpre-Olomu’s intangibles, such as his ball skills, are proof enough of the potential he possesses to not only recover from the injury but to thrive in the league. As the highlights demonstrate, he is quick to react and attack the ball.

CBS Sports ranks him No. 114 overall and No. 14 among cornerbacks, with a third- or fourth-round projection.

No. 2: Josh Shaw, CB, USC

Josh Shaw outranks Ifo Ekpre-Olomu for one reason: his 6'0", 201-pound size.

Like Ekpre-Olomu, Shaw is also quick to react to the ball. Furthermore, he isn’t easily fooled by receivers who try to cut back to create separation. And as shown in the above highlights, he is excellent at stopping the run.

A team could also use him in the free or strong safety position, both of which he has played in the past. This versatility makes him an attractive middle-round prospect with the potential to easily adjust to his team’s defensive scheme.

The Southern California product is ranked No. 87 overall and No. 11 among cornerbacks with a third-round projection by CBS Sports.

No. 1: Ali Marpet, OL, Hobart College

Although their positions are not comparable, Marpet beats Ekpre-Olomu and Shaw for the No. 1 spot because he's a more attractive prospect for a greater number of teams.

The 6’4”, 307-pound offensive lineman from Hobart College turned heads at the combine with his impressive 4.98 40-yard dash time—the fastest among offensive linemen.

According to Dane Brugler of CBS Sports, Marpet has a high football IQ in addition to “NFL toughness and play speed.”

Keep in mind he’s a Division III product, but by no means does that limit his potential. In fact, he continues to stand out among the top prospects.

CBS Sports ranks him No. 80 overall and No. 4 among offensive guards and projects him as a second- or third-round pick.