2016 Draft Prospects Ready to Step Up in Absence of Former Teammates Now in NFL
At the intersection of talent and opportunity, top NFL draft prospects are usually found.
College football's top teams simply reload once their top players leave to pursue dreams of playing in the NFL. These institutions do so by recruiting at a high level, which allows young players to learn while waiting in the wings until it's their time to contribute. Those young players then prove their worthiness as draft prospects when an opportunity is finally presented.
The cycle never stops.
Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston, for example, replaced EJ Manuel at quarterback for the Florida State Seminoles after Manuel was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2013 NFL draft. It worked out favorably for both parties, since Winston went on to capture the Heisman Trophy and a BCS National Championship during the 2013 season. The quarterback was eventually drafted No. 1 overall in this year's NFL draft.
In some cases, the departure of a star player simply allows a talented teammate to step up and finally become the focal point of the scheme, which creates an opportunity to fully realize his potential.
A perfect example was found in Wisconsin last year after running back James White exhausted his eligibility. White carried the ball a team-leading 221 times in 2013, while Melvin Gordon finished the season with 206 carries for 1,609 yards. Gordon, though, took his game to the next level in 2014, when he was finally afforded the opportunity to be the Badgers' full-time ball-carrier. The junior back exploded with 2,586 yards on 343 carries.
The nation's top 10 programs are a great starting point to find NFL-caliber talent ready to take the next step and become household names instead of being held back by others on the roster.
Each year, Phil Steele provides the "college football bible" when his College Football Preview hits newsstands. As such, there is no better place to look for next year's projected AP Top 10 teams, since college football is still three months away from 32 teams opening their seasons Thursday, Sept. 3.
Constant turnover defines programs—even the top ones. Due to the turnover, each of those teams will find new breakout stars ready to establish themselves as top draft prospects.
Bleacher Report identified a player from each of the projected Top 10 teams who is ready to take the next step as a collegiate contributor and an ascending NFL talent.
1. Ohio State Buckeyes: DT Adolphus Washington
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When discussing the Ohio State Buckeyes' attempt to defend their national title, Adolphus Washington's name certainly won't be the first or second brought up in conversation.
The defensive tackle will certainly come after linemate Joey Bosa, all three of the team's quarterbacks, left tackle Taylor Decker and maybe even fellow defenders Darron Lee, Vonn Bell and Eli Apple.
However, the biggest shift in last year's defense came courtesy of Washington's willingness to sacrifice individual success in order to make the team better.
Halfway through the season, Washington flipped with senior Michael Bennett from 3-technique to 1-technique, and vice versa. A 3-technique—the defensive tackle who lines up on the outside shoulder of the guard—is given more freedom to freelance and make plays in the backfield. The 1-technique—the defensive tackle who lines up on the outside shoulder of the center—is asked to consistently take on double-teams as the primary run defender in the middle.
Bennett went on to dominate as the team's 3-technique, particularly during the Big Ten Championship Game and College Football Playoff. The Jacksonville Jaguars felt Bennett was an ideal fit in Gus Bradley's defensive scheme and spent a sixth-round selection on the former Buckeyes star.
Washington, who began his career as a defensive end, still finished the season with 10.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks, and those numbers should be expected to increase significantly once he takes over as the team's full-time 3-technique.
The difference between Washington and Bennett is that the current Buckeyes defender is longer, leaner and stronger at the point of attack with the versatility to play both interior positions, which increases his overall value as a draft prospect.
Ohio State's Key Losses: tight end Jeff Heuerman, cornerback Doran Grant, defensive tackle Michael Bennett, right tackle Darryl Baldwin, linebacker Curtis Grant and wide receivers Devin Smith and Evan Spencer
2. TCU Horned Frogs: LT Halapoulivaati Vaitai
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While TCU head coach Gary Patterson built his reputation on relentless defense, the Horned Frogs offense will dictate how successful the team is this fall.
Halapoulivaati Vaitai will be a crucial part of the unit's success as he transitions from right to left tackle.
After 22 starts on the blind side, Tayo Fabuluje became a sixth-round selection by the Chicago Bears earlier this month.
Vaitai isn't the same physical presence as the 6'6", 353-pound Fabuluje, who was named second-team All-Big 12 after last season, but the Haltom, Texas, native proved to be a consistent performer with 20 starts at right tackle over the past two seasons.
The senior blocker may not be as big, at 308 pounds, as his former bookend, but he's very powerful at the point of attack with strong hands and a solid base.
As quarterback Trevone Boykin receives Heisman Trophy consideration, his success will be dependent on Vaitai protecting his backside.
A strong senior campaign in which Vaitai proves he's nimble enough to play left tackle should be enough for his draft stock to soar.
TCU's Key Losses: linebacker Paul Dawson, offensive tackle Tayo Fabuluje, cornerback Kevin White, running back B.J. Catalon, defensive tackle Chucky Hunter and safeties Sam Carter and Chris Hackett
3. Alabama Crimson Tide: LB Reuben Foster
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The Alabama Crimson Tide have been an assembly line of NFL talent since head coach Nick Saban took over the program in 2007.
Linebacker Reuben Foster is the latest former 4-star recruit to wait his turn before getting an opportunity to fully unleash his abilities on the field.
Last season, Trey DePriest was the team's defensive leader in the middle of the unit. The linebacker eventually signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent (Note: DePriest was later released).
Alongside DePriest, Reggie Ragland roamed as the Crimson Tide's other inside linebacker in the team's 3-4 scheme. Ragland finished second on the team with 95 total tackles. He also added 10.5 tackles for loss.
Foster, who was considered the No. 1 overall inside linebacker recruit in the 2013 class by ESPN.com, must fill the void left by DePriest and not be overshadowed by Ragland, an established upperclassman and one of the top inside linebackers available for the 2016 class.
Foster, though, exudes talent. When he's on the field, his impact is surely felt, whether it's on defense or on special teams. The junior is a heat-seeking missile.
In limited playing time, the young linebacker registered 22 total tackles and two tackles for loss. During his lone start last season against the West Virginia Mountaineers, Foster finished third on the team with seven tackles.
It would be easy to identify talented players on Alabama's roster, like running back Derrick Henry or cornerback/safety Geno Smith, as those prospects ready to step up and take on bigger roles, but they've already been major contributors to the team. Instead, it's time for Foster to step up and realize his full potential.
Alabama's Key Losses: wide receiver Amari Cooper, safety Landon Collins, running back T.J. Yeldon, guard Arie Kouandjio, fullback Jalston Fowler, right tackle Austin Shepherd, outside linebacker Xzavier Dickson, inside linebacker Trey DePriest and quarterback Blake Sims
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4. Baylor Bears: WR Jay Lee
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The Baylor Bears' breakout stars at wide receiver over the past four years include Kendall Wright, Terrance Williams, Tevin Reese and Antwan Goodley. Jay Lee is next in line to outperform expectations in Art Briles' spread offense.
Lee does face different circumstances than his predecessors did, though.
Each of those previously mentioned wide receivers didn't have the team's leading receiver returning the following year. The succession was clean and easy. Wright gave way to Williams, who then handed the reins to Reese and Goodley.
However, this year's Bears offense is a little different. The team's top two receivers from last season, Corey Coleman and KD Cannon, both return. Each of them eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards. Lee, meanwhile, finished fourth on the team with 633 yards.
The senior, though, can fit a specific role in the offense with his size and experience.
Goodley and Levi Norwood combined for 1,149 receiving yards last season. Both are now gone after exhausting their eligibility. Lee can fill a large portion of the void left by both.
At 6'3" and 215 pounds, no other experienced wide receiver on the roster presents the same type of size as Lee. This makes him an ideal target in the red zone or on crucial third downs. He's also shown the ability to stretch the field after averaging 15.4 yards per catch last season, with a long of 65 yards.
While Coleman and Cannon serve as explosive threats in Baylor's uptempo spread offense, Lee can be a reliable target who still produces at a high level. The possibility exists that Baylor boasts three 1,000-yard wide receivers once the 2015 season is complete.
Baylor's Key Losses: quarterback Bryce Petty, linebacker Bryce Hager and wide receivers Antwan Goodley and Levi Norwood
5. Oregon Ducks: LT Tyler Johnstone
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Jake Fisher, who was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of this year's draft, was never supposed to play left tackle for the Oregon Ducks this past season. As a matter of fact, Kyle Long didn't play on the blind side, either, during his time in Eugene, and he still went on to become a first-round pick by the Chicago Bears.
Tyler Johnstone is the reason behind both.
Johnstone was the Ducks starting left tackle from 2012 to 2013. He started 26 consecutive games until he suffered a torn ACL during the 2013 Alamo Bowl against the Texas Longhorns.
As he recovered, the former Freshman All-American had dreams of returning to the field, excelling and eventually declaring early for the NFL draft after his junior campaign, according to Duck Territory's Will Rubin.
Unfortunately, Johnstone tore the same ligament the following August after rushing back.
Two ACL tears automatically raise a red flag for any NFL draft prospect, but it proved to be a learning experience for the 6'6", 295-pound left tackle.
Johnstone explained to Rubin that he learned to listen to his body:
"Not every aspect of the first time was a failure, but I did re-tear it. Nothing of that is on the trainers or anything, I just feel I didn’t go above and beyond what I would have needed to do to get it back to being ready. I don’t think I listened to myself, listened to my body after I passed those tests. I don’t think I listened to my knees the first time around, and that’s where I failed.
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A fully healthy Johnstone is one of the most athletic and talented left tackles in the country.
NFL organizations will rely heavily on medical evaluations during the predraft process, but the blindside protector must prove himself again once he returns to his old, familiar spot.
Oregon's Key Losses: quarterback Marcus Mariota, defensive end Arik Armstead, offensive tackle Jake Fisher, center Hroniss Grasu, linebackers Derrick Malone and Tony Washington and cornerbacks Ifo Ekpre-Olomu and Tye Hill
6. Michigan State Spartans: DE Lawrence Thomas
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Last season, Michigan State defensive tackle Lawrence Thomas could look to his left or right and find one of the Big Ten Conference's top 10 pass-rushers. He'll take over one of those roles in 2015.
Shilique Calhoun returned for his senior season despite being a potential first-round pick, but Marcus Rush is no longer with the team after being a four-year starter at defensive end. The aptly named edge defender wasn't drafted. He eventually signed with the San Francisco 49ers as a free agent.
Other members of the team proved to be more valuable during the draft. Rush, however, was a consistent performer along the team's defensive front. In order to replace him, Michigan State's coaching staff decided to move Thomas from 1-technique to defensive end, per the Detroit News' Matt Charboneau.
As the team's starting nose tackle in its 4-3 front, Thomas finished his junior campaign with 30 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and three sacks.
His play inside, though, hid his two greatest strengths: versatility and quickness.
Since arriving at Michigan State, Thomas has played fullback, defensive end, nose tackle and defensive tackle. At 6'4" and 300 pounds, he's highly athletic with an explosive first step.
During Michigan State's spring game, two things became quickly evident. First, no one along the Spartans offensive line, even projected first-round left tackle Jack Conklin, could handle him on a regular basis. He was constantly in the offensive backfield.
Plus, Thomas may start at end, but it's clear the staff wants to move him all along the defensive line to take advantage of mismatches.
The Spartans program is built on stellar defense and a strong running attack. During Thomas' career, he has contributed to both. Instead of being the team's utility man this fall, his potential to become a dominant defender should finally be on display.
Michigan State's Key Losses: cornerback Trae Waynes, running back Jeremy Langford, safety Kurtis Drummond, linebacker Taiwan Jones, defensive end Marcus Rush and wide receivers Tony Lippett and Keith Mumphery
7. USC Trojans: FS Leon McQuay III
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Nothing will be handed to USC safety Leon McQuay III, but he's in position to make a rather large impact for the Trojans this fall.
McQuay ended spring practice as a co-starter at free safety alongside redshirt sophomore Chris Hawkins. However, the junior started nine games last season at strong safety. He then tied for the team lead in tackles during USC's spring game.
Last season, the safety registered 36 total tackles, two interceptions, four pass breakups and six deflections.
The Trojans already claim one of the nation's most talented safeties in Su'a Cravens, but he will make a full-time transition to linebacker this fall (until he's drafted and moved to safety once again).
Plus, Josh Shaw's absence last season forced some of the young defensive backs into prominent roles earlier than expected. Shaw was an integral part of the team during the previous two seasons, before becoming a fifth-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in this year's NFL draft.
Prior to arriving in Los Angeles, McQuay was viewed as the third-best safety prospect in his recruiting class by ESPN.com. The only two recruits ranked ahead of him at the time, Cravens and Ole Miss' Tony Conner, are regularly projected as first-round prospects for next year's draft.
Cravens already established himself as an elite player, and McQuay should be expected to do the same as a full-time starter.
USC's Key Losses: defensive end Leonard Williams, running back Buck Allen, cornerback Josh Shaw, tight end Randall Telfer, linebackers Hayes Pullard and J.R. Tavai and wide receivers Nelson Agholor and George Farmer
8. Florida State Seminoles: DE DeMarcus Walker
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After a very strong two-year run, the Florida State Seminoles suffered major attrition when 11 members of last year's team were chosen in the 2015 NFL draft.
Multiple members of the remaining roster will need to rise to the occasion this fall for the Seminoles to remain one of the country's best teams. Defensive end DeMarcus Walker's continued growth should prove to be a catalyst for the defense.
The Seminoles lost six of their nine starters along the offensive and defensive lines. Four of the team's five starting offensive linemen are now competing for jobs in the NFL, while two starting defensive linemen, Mario Edwards Jr. and Eddie Goldman, were selected in the second round.
Walker is the obvious candidate for a breakout season after being named the team's co-defensive MVP once spring practice concluded.
The defensive end really came on strong during the second half of last season and started the final seven games. As a sophomore, the 6'2", 277-pound edge-rusher finished the season with 38 total tackles—only six less than Edwards and three more than Goldman—and six tackles for loss.
Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher expects Walker to take the next step this season and help the Seminoles became a better overall pressure front than they were a year ago.
"As you grow into your job, the urgency becomes different and the message your coach gives you sometimes, the next year, it sounds totally different," Fisher told ESPN.com's David Hale. "It's the same words but it's because of your maturity."
By the end of last season, Walker was already a better edge player than Edwards. The current Seminoles defender now needs to extend that level of play throughout an entire campaign.
Florida State's Key Losses: quarterback Jameis Winston, center Cameron Erving, defensive end Mario Edwards Jr., defensive tackle Eddie Goldman, running back Karlos Williams, tight end Nick O'Leary, wide receiver Rashad Greene, cornerbacks Ronald Darby and P.J. Williams and guards Tre' Jackson, Bobby Hart and Josue Matias
9. Auburn Tigers: QB Jeremy Johnson
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The automatic assumption is that a team will take a step back at certain positions, particularly quarterback, when talented and experienced players graduate or leave for the NFL.
This may not be the case in Auburn as Jeremy Johnson takes over for Nick Marshall as the Tigers' new starting quarterback.
Marshall was a dynamic dual-threat quarterback and a perfect maestro for head coach Gus Malzahn's uptempo spread offense. Johnson adds a completely different dynamic as a pure pocket passer with tremendous presence behind center.
Johnson stands at 6'5" and weighs 240 pounds with the ability to threaten any part of the field. During his lone start last season against the Arkansas Razorbacks, Johnson completed 12 of 16 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns.
The junior won't be running the zone read to the extent of Marshall or Cam Newton during their times with the Tigers, but he's already taking over the offense and making it his own.
Malzahn discussed Johnson's spring performance with Auburn Undercover's Phillip Marshall:
"Jeremy had an outstanding spring. Of course, we knew a lot about him already. He got a lot of quality experience in games, but, more importantly, he got a lot of reps with our ones the last two years. This spring he really stepped up. He's taking charge that this is his team, not just the offense, but our defensive players have responded to him.
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With prototypical size and a strong arm, Johnson has the potential to quickly develop into one of the nation's top quarterbacks and an elite draft prospect.
Auburn's Key Losses: wide receiver Sammie Coates, running back Cameron Artis-Payne, tight end C.J. Uzomah, center Reese Dismukes, safety Jermaine Whitehead, quarterback Nick Marshall and defensive tackles Angelo Blackson and Gabe Wright
10. Georgia Bulldogs: WR Malcolm Mitchell
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The Georgia Bulldogs football program and the team's fans have been waiting for Malcolm Mitchell to become a dominant performer for the past four years. They're still waiting. This fall could finally be his coming-out party as an elite playmaker in the SEC.
The past two seasons were lost or slowed due to knee injuries. His entire 2013 campaign was wiped out by an ACL injury. He then required more surgery, which forced him to miss the first four games of 2014.
Despite those missed games, Mitchell still finished third on the team with 31 receptions. He also added 248 receiving yards.
With both of Georgia's top two receivers, Chris Conley and Michael Bennett, graduated, Mitchell will finally become the focal point of the offense. The Valdosta, Georgia, native will now be the team's big-play threat. He's excited for the opportunity, with running back Nick Chubb expected to establish a strong ground game in Brian Schottenheimer's new system.
"Once he’s running the ball, that pulls the safeties down," Mitchell told Dawgs247's Jake Rowe. "That does a lot [for] the receivers. It does for the offensive linemen. It just changes the whole game."
Schottenheimer served nine seasons as an NFL offensive coordinator with the New York Jets and St. Louis Rams before returning to the collegiate ranks. His inclusion on Georgia's staff will allow Mitchell to be better prepared for the NFL ranks.
Mitchell explained to Rowe the difference in Schottenheimer's approach:
"So when he’s teaching, he’s rolling through. It’s not taking five minutes to teach one play. It’s like 10 seconds and you better know it by tomorrow. He’s just brought that in. Every time we install, it’s quick. We might have a 30-play install that might last five minutes.
We love it. Everyone in the room wants to go to the NFL. That’s where he came from. So if he’s doing that, he’s just showing us how to be at the next level.
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A fully healthy, explosive, NFL-prepared No. 1 target like Mitchell becomes a highly enticing NFL prospect.
Georgia's Key Losses: running back Todd Gurley, wide receiver Chris Conley, cornerback Damian Swann, quarterback Hutson Mason, center David Andrews, defensive end Ray Drew and linebackers Ramik Wilson and Amarlo Herrera
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