Ourlads Archives

College Bowl Games - December 31

Dave Syvertsen, Ourlads' Senior Draft Analyst
09/18/2020 1:52PM ET

CINCINNATI

#96 Cortez Broughton – 6’3/288

Fifth year senior.  Three year starter.  First Team All AAC.  Finally had a fully healthy season and really put together a solid year.  16.5 TFL from the interior.  A gap shooter that will work best in a three technique type role.  Will be playing at the Shrine Game.

Other Notables:

#1 Khalil Lewis – WR – 6’0/195

#44 Marquis Copeland – DT – 6’2/287

 

VIRGINIA TECH

#69 Yosuah Nijman – OT – 6’7/314

Three year starter.  A raw but tools-rich prospect that some scouts and coaches will drool over. Long, fast, and powerful.  May be the top athlete at the position but he looks like a guy that will need 2+ years before he can be counted on.  Late rounder that has practice squad written all over him.

#8 Ricky Walker – DT – 6’2/300

Fifth year senior.  2+ year starter.  Had his finest season in 2018, earning 2nd Team All ACC honors.  He is short and stout but gets off the ball with plus-quickness.  Relentless and angry player.  He can make things happen, especially against taller blockers.  Not an every down player but a day three prospect that has backup potential.  He will be at the Shrine Game.

Other Notables:

#32 Steven Peoples – RB – 5’9/222

#61 Kyle Chung – OG – 6’3/310

 

STANFORD

*RB Bryce Love is skipping the game to prepare for the NFL Draft.  OG Nate Herbig is missing the game with injury.

#19 JJ Arcega Whiteside – WR – 6’3/221

Breakout year in 2018.  First Team All Pac 12.  Led the conference with 14 TDs.  A basketball player type that really knows how to use his body to shield defenders in jump ball situations.  Plus route runner, can get open and then attack the ball once it is in the air.  Day 2 pick with some physical limitations but he will be a dependable pro.

#82 Kaden Smith – TE – 6’5/252

Junior that hasn’t declared yet.  If he comes out, he has a shot at being the second TE taken.  Stanford has become the new “Tight End U” and Smith has the tools to become the best of them all.  Really comfortable and fluid mover at 250+ pounds that handles blocking duties just as well as he catches balls in traffic.  He can be a 2nd rounder if he times well.

#73 Jesse Burkett – OC – 6’4/309

Fifth year senior.  Three year starter.  Classic Stanford OL that is stout at the point of attack and grades out as a plus run blocker.  Controls and sticks via his hands.  He will be a dependable backup early on in his career.  He will be playing at the Shrine Game.

#20 Bobby Okereke – LB – 6’3/232

Fifth year senior.  Honorable Mention All Pac 12 two years in a row.  A perfect fit for the new age LB that possesses length and speed.  He can play all over the field and brings power to his hits.  Really nice blend of talent.  Senior Bowl will be huge for him and that is where I really cemented Darius Leonard as my favorite LB last year and I could see the same happening here with Okereke. 

Other Notables:

#22 Cameron Scarlett – RB – 6’1/216

#75 AT Hall – OT – 6’5/306

#71 Brandon Fanaika – OG - 6’3/313

#32 Joey Alfieri – OLB – 6’3/239

#13 Alijah Holder – CB - 6’2/189

 

PITTSBURGH

#82 Rafael Araujo-Lopes – WR – 5’9/190

Fifth year senior.  Began his career at junior college.  Slowly worked his way into the rotation and started to really factor in 2017.  Slot receiver with elite quickness and acceleration.  Will be viewed as one of the top PR prospects in the class that has potential as a #3 or #4 WR.  Day three pick.

#70 Stefano Millin – OT - 6’5/300

Graduate transfer to Pitt after spending four years at Kent State.  Has started at both OT spots as well as OC.  I think he is destined for interior duty in the NFL.  Second Team All ACC.  Really nice set up and consistent technique.  He gets off the ball fast and works hard to keep his hands on.  Will need physical development but zone blocking schemes are going to like this kid a lot.  Day three guy that I think has starter upside.

#78 Alex Bookser – OT – 6’5/315

Fifth year senior.  Three year starter that has split duty at RG and RT.  Honorable Mention All ACC.  Really big and long.  Can make a difference as a straight ahead blocker.  Looks really heavy footed in pass protection.  May need to go back inside on the next level.  Will be playing at the Shrine Game.

#30 Qadree Ollison – RB – 6’2/230

Fifth year senior.  Former top recruit that got his first opportunity because of injuries in 2015, winning the ACC Rookie of the Year.  James Conner took over RB duties in 2016 so he went backwards production wise.  The past two years Ollison has shown a lot to scouts with some of the best weight/speed numbers in the class.  For such a high hipped ball carrier, Ollison has shown quick feet and easy transitions.  That combined with really powerful downhill running, Ollison can consistently break tackles.  Ollison is a day 2 prospect that could end up starting for some teams early in his career. He will be playing at the Shrine Game.

#22 Darrin Hall  - RB – 5’11/225

Has been a steady part of the rotation the past two seasons.  His running style is different than Ollison, but he is still more of a power based back.  He is a cut and go runner that will run through lanes whether they are there or not.  Straight line guy with speed.  I think he is more of a round 5 or 6 guy, but he will make a team and get in the rotation.  He will be at the Shrine Game.

#8 Dewayne Hendrix – DE – 6’4/265

Fifth year senior.  Began his career at Tennessee.  Basically a 2 year contributor at Pittsburgh.  He looks better in practice than he does in games.  Blessed with some natural tools but still looks raw and has a way to go as a strength defender.  Late rounder.

Other Notables:

#66 Mike Herndon – OG – 6’4/310

#35 George Ashton – FB – 6’0/240

#25 Elijah Zeise – LB – 6’2/240

#23 Oluwaseun Idowu – LB – 6’0/230

 

MICHIGAN STATE

CB Junior Justin Layne will not play to prepare for the NFL Draft.

#81 Matt Sokol – TE – 6’6/255

Fifth year senior.  Two year starter that has been used in a variety of ways.  Wasn’t featured a lot in the passing game but that was partially a result of poor QB play.  Plus-blocker that can benefit a lot from a good week at the Shrine Game.  Likely a late rounder that could pop into round 4 or 5 with a strong pre-draft process.

*#48 Kenny Willekes – DE – 6’4/260

Fourth year junior.  Former walk on that earned All American honors in 2018.  35 TFL over the past two years.  Won’t jump off the screen athletically but he knows how to beat one on one blockers.  Crafty hands, strong lower body, and very aware.  I think he returns but there are some rumors swirling.  If he comes out, I think 3rd or 4th round at best.

Other Notables:

#5 Andrew Dowell – LB – 6’1/225

#27 Khari Willis – S – 6’0/215

 

OREGON

85 Kano Dillon – TE – 6’5/265

Fifth year senior.  Grad transfer from South Florida.  Huge target and catching radius as a pass catcher,  there are tools to work with.  He has flashed on multiple occasions, just needs more consistency.  Good power blocker that has more promise in that area.  Late rounder that will be on display at the Shrine Game.

#97 Jalen Jelks – OLB – 6’6/246

Fifth year senior.  Didn’t become a factor until 2017.  First Team All Pac 12 in 2018, fought through some injuries and couldn’t match his 2017 production this year.  He is wiry and in need of bulk, but he plays with some pop.  Not a soft player at all.  Has some developed rush moves to work with but will need some time to develop.  Day 2 pick that can make some money Senior Bowl week. 

#7 Ugo Amadi – CB – 5’9/199

Senior that has started games every year of his career.  One of my favorite under the radar corner prospects.   Shows plus speed and acceleration.  Can really plant his foot and explode.  Plays a lot of nickel and it is a role I can see him thriving in.  Plays a physical brand but can also run with anyone.  Adds some return value.  He scored 1 TD via a punt and 2 TDs via interception returns.  He is a playmaker that may time out with the best, which could make him a 3rd/4th rounder.

Other Notables:

#20 Tony Brooks-James – RB – 5’9/190

#11 Justin Hollins – LB – 6’5/242

 

MISSOURI

*#3 Drew Lock – QB – 6’4/225

Led the SEC in passing in 2016.  Led the nation with 44 touchdowns in 2017.  Re-wrote the record book at Mizzou.  A gifted, borderline special arm.  Can rifle the ball with a simple flick of the wrist.  Plus-athlete with good lower body engagement when he lines things up.  When he’s on, he looks like one of the best QB prospects we have seen in years.  The issue, however, is a lack of consistency.  When he’s off, he barely looks like someone that can play in the NFL.  There is a lot of work to be done with his footwork and decision making, but he is a pile of clay that a lot of coaches will want to work with.  There is a 1st round chance here. Senior Bowl..

#84 Emmanuel Hall – WR – 6’3/195

A former accomplished track athlete that took awhile to really get going at Missouri, but a 2nd Team All SEC season in 2018 jolted him from upside player to quality prospect.  A true deep threat that can get behind a secondary and track the ball well.  Hall has battled some soft tissue injuries over the past 2 years, but he has put enough quality tape together that could get him drafted day 2.

#11 Kendall Blanton – TE – 6’6/245

Senior that played in a tight end rotation for the past three years.  Didn’t get a lot of attention as sophomore Albert Okwuegbunam is the better pro prospect and receiver that got more targeted in the passing game.  However Blanton is  tools-rich player himself that could easily have a better career in the NFL than what he’s shown in college.  The former high school basketball star has the frame and movement that can be developed into something.  Also a pretty solid blocker.  Day three prospect that will be at the Shrine Game.

#77 Paul Adams – OT – 6’6/315

Fifth year senior.  Three year starter and two year team captain.  Big and wide frame with controlling hands.  Has handled some of the better SEC pass rushers.  Can mirror against speed and quickness.  Will have to improve footwork at the next level but he has done enough to warrant a day three grade.  He will be at the Shrine Game.

#5 Terry Beckner Jr – DT – 6’4/305

A former top tier recruit out of high school.  Began his career with a bang, earning Freshman All American honors.  However he tore his ACL and MCL late in the year then tore up the other knee in 2016.  Medicals will be huge for him.  He put together strong 2017 and 2018 seasons with a combined 20.5 TFL. Very solid penetrator that can pursue plays all over the field.  Plus athlete with a lot of twitch and short area power.  One of my favorite day 2 prospects.  Has the potential to dominate at the Shrine Game.

Other Notables:

#99 Walter Palmore – DT – 6’4/320

#24 Terez Hall – LB – 6’2/230

#4 Brandon Lee – LB – 6’2/225

#7 Cam Hilton – S – 6’0/190

 

OKLAHOMA STATE

RB Junior Justice Hill is skipping the game to prepare for the NFL Draft

#14 Taylor Cornelius – QB – 6’6/232

Fifth year senior.  Former top tier athlete in high school.  Honorable Mention All Big 12 in his lone year as a starter after backing up Mason Rudolph for 3 years.  Became my favorite non-1st round QB in the class the more I saw him.  Really big body with some sneaky athleticism.  Powerful arm that can hit every throw from any angle.  Love the composure and even-keeled approach no matter what the situation.  I think there is a lot of untapped upside here with the more game experience he gets. The Shrine Game will be huge for him and I still think he can end up in the top 100 overall. 

*#94 Jordan Brailford – DE – 6’3/250

Fourth year junior that already declared.  First Team All Big 12.  Put together two really solid years after missing all of 2016 with an injury.  Plus burst and power.  Can beat blockers in a variety of ways.  Shows refined moves and can be a solid 3 down player.  Right now I see a 3rd rounder but I need to see more.

#19 Justin Phillips – LB – 6’0/230

Fifth year senior.  Two year starter and the leader of the defense.  In a conference known for poor defensive play and even worse tackling, Phillips stood out all year for not being a part of that problem.  Phillips is rangy and a take down tackler.  Smart player that can make up for size deficiencies.  5th or 6th rounder that will excel on special teams early on.

Other Notables:

#99 Trey Carter – DT – 6’3/299

#82 Cole Walterschield – DE – 6’5/260

 

NORTHWESTERN

#18 Clayton Thorson – QB – 6’4/225

Fifth year senior.  Has NFL lineage.  Took over the starting job in 2015 and really helped turn the program around.  Became the winningest QB in Northwestern history in 2017 but tore his ACL in the bowl game.  He ended up being ready, albeit on a limited basis, week 1 of this season.  He wasn’t the athlete he showed in previous years, but Thorson had a really solid year.  Thorson is a gamer.  Tough kid that can make those around him better.  He has a limited upside but I do see some starter potential in him down the road.  Senior Bowl week will be huge for him.

*#42 Paddy Fisher – LB – 6’4/241

Third year sophomore.  Has had two dominant-caliber seasons.  Second Team All Big 10 two years in a row and 3rdTeam All American in 2018.  He has the NFL body and power to excel against the run.  A true wrap up tackler that reads the action as well as anyone.  Fisher, if he comes out, can be an early round pick if he tests well enough athletically. 

#24 Montre Hartage – CB – 6’0/195

Three year starter.  First Team All Big 10 with very solid size and speed.  Aggressive and physical enough to stuff receivers at the line.  Excels at locating and tracking the ball.  Question with him is long speed and agility.  Will be at the Shrine Game. 

Other Notables:

#2 Flynn Nagel – WR – 5’11/190

#72 Blake Hance – OT – 6’5/301

#32 Blake Hall – LB – 6’2/231

#99 Jordan Thompson – 6’3/292

 

UTAH

#70 Jackson Barton – OT – 6’7/310

Fifth year senior.  Two year starter at left tackle.  First Team All Pac 12.  Swift and balanced athlete.  Shows power at times to get push or sustain against NFL defenders.  Will need some time to enhance core strength but there is plenty to work with.  Day 3 pick.  Will be at the Shrine Game. 

#79 Jordan Agasiva – OG – 6’3/320

Two years at junior college before transferring to Utah before starting 22 games for the Utes.  First Team All Pac 12.  Straight ahead blocker with plenty of pop.  Creates a lot of torque and will play hard.  A lot of desire in his game but lacking skill.  Late rounder that lacks starter upside but he can find a backup role somewhere. 

#22 Chase Hansen – LB – 6’3/230

Will be a 26 year old rookie.  First Team All Pac 12 linebacker that fits in with the new age really well.  Has some safety experience and has some hybrid in him.  Teams will love the versatility he brings to the table.  He has outstanding quickness and power.  He had an amazing 22 TFL and 5 sacks, amazing in that I think his top traits are in coverage. Medicals will be important where he gets drafted. This is a guy to watch at the Senior Bowl.

#30 Cody Barton – LB – 6’2/230

Brother to Jackson, noted above.  2018 was his first full year as the starter and he earned Honorable Mention All Pac 12 honors.  Excels at flying around making tackles sideline to sideline.  Can factor enough in coverage to stay on the field.  Really smart and decisive.  Will be at the Shrine Game.

*#23 Julian Blackmon – CB – 6’1/190

Junior that hasn’t declared.  I think he will get a 2nd round grade from the Advisory Board and it will cause him to come out.  Really long cover man with WR caliber ball skills.  Some scouts drool over this kid.  I need to see more of him but there is an outside shot at round 1 if he comes out. 

#15 Corrion Ballard – S – 6’3/200

Junior college for 2 years before starting 22 times for the Utes.  Versatile skill set that has him playing both safety spots.  Wiry frame that needs more bulk for the style he plays.  Rangy and has some tools.  Day three guy.

Other Notables:

#69 Lo Falemaka – OC – 6’5/291

#13 Marquis Blair – S – 6’2/195 Will be playing in the Senior Bowl.

 

NC STATE

WR Junior Kelvin Harmon is skipping the game to prepare for the NFL Draft

#15 Ryan Finley – QB – 6’4/210

Sixth year senior.  Began his career at Boise State as a redshirt in 2013.  Broke his ankle early in 2015 and received a medical hardship.  He graduated college in just 3 years and transferred to NC State, not having to skip a year.  Three year starter for the Wolfpack that showed improvement each season.  I had a “possible” first round grade on him entering the year but he didn’t get over the hump.  There is a notable lack of arm strength and not enough accuracy to make up for it.  I still think there is a day 2 grade on him with the upside of a solid starter.  But I wouldn’t make him a franchise, top 10 pick by any means.

#53 Tyler Jones – OT – 6’3/300

Fifth year senior.  Has primarily played left tackle.  Two time 1st Team All ACC.  Will make a move to guard in the NFL and should rank as one of the top guys at the position when all is said and done.  Has proven to be a plus-pass blocker.  Strong and thick base, heavy hands.  Gets a little top heavy but he graded out as one of the most consistent blockers I saw all year.  Day 2 pick that can start early in his career.Will be playing in the Shrine Game.

#70 Terronne Prescod – OG – 6’5/331

Fifth year senior.  Two-plus year starter with experience at both guard spots as well as RT.  Huge, mountain of a man.  Has all the thickness and length one would want in an OL.  Little late with his feet and hands but a guy OL coaches will want to work with on the development side.  Late day 3.

#65 Garrett Bradbury – OC – 6’3/300

Fifth year senior.  Arrived to NC State as a tight end.  Made the move to OL in 2015 and was in the starting lineup for 2016.  First Team All ACC.  Might be the best athlete among all OC prospects in this class.  Zone blocking schemes are going to love this kid.  Plays with a chip on his shoulder but could still use more core strength to handle NFL DTs.  Day 2 prospect that can start right away Will be playing in the Senior Bowl..

#3 Germaine Pratt – LB – 6’3/240

Fifth year senior.  Backup safety in 2014/2015, medical redshirt in 2016 because of a shoulder injury.  Made the move to LB and was an important rotation player in 2017 before getting the starting job in 2018.  He ran with it.  First Team All ACC.  Really long and fast.  Shows plus range against the run and pass, a three down player.  One of the most improved players from September to now.  If he tests well like I think he will, he has a shot at round 2/3.Senior Bowl bound.

Other Notables:

#25 Reggie Gallaspy – RB – 5’11/235

#45 Darian Roseboro – DE – 6’4/283

#14 Dexter Wright – LB – 6’2/228

 

TEXAS A&M

*#5 Trayveon Williams – RB – 5’9/200

Junior that hasn’t declared yet, I think he will though.  Has been a coach’s favorite from the beginning.  Capped the year with leading the SEC in rushing and all purpose yards.  First Team All SEC.  Not an every down guy but someone that can be a real difference maker right away in the right system.  Can be a day 2 pick. 

*#81 Jace Sternberger – TE – 6’4/250

Fourth year junior.  Started off at Kansas then to junior college and jumped on the national scene right away in 2018.  First Team All SEC and All American.  47/804/10 in his first year in the SEC.  Dynamic playmaker with near-WR caliber speed.  Doesn’t have much of a presence as a blocker but his intent is there.  Right now I say 3rd rounder but if he dominates workouts, he could see a nice bump into round 2.

#78 Keaton Sutherland – OG – 6’5/314

Has started games all four years.  Has dealt with a few injuries  Really solid frame and makeup.  Has the tools and approach to be a much better pro than college player.  Upside of a starter is there.  Will be at the Shrine Game.

#46 Landis Durham – DE – 6’3/255

Former linebacker that moved to DE in 2016.  Broke out in 2017 with a team leading 10.5 sacks.  Another solid year in 2018 and earned an invite to the Shrine Game.  Really good bender with easy agility and balance.  Needs more power in the run game and could use a more versatile arsenal against quality one on one blocking.  4th/5th rounder.

#88 Keke Kingsley – DT – 6’4/305

Three year starter.  Has had an up and down career.  Many have been disappointed with his career as a whole but I’ve seen enough out of him in multiple games to see enough promise.  He has a nice blend of tools.  Plus athlete with heavy hands.  Shows range and good technique, just lacks consistency.  His 3 week stretch against Alabama/Arkansas/Kentucky made him look like a first rounder and that is enough to warrant a 3rd or 4th round pick.

#5 Daylon Mack – DT – 6’1/320

Former top tier recruit.  Began his career looking like a future first rounder but 2016 and 2017 just didn’t live up to the hype.  Not even close.  Mack had a different look about him this year and really elevated his play on all levels.  He can be a fierce run defender that keeps his ground and controls double teams.  He had 5.5 sacks in 2018 after entering the year with 2.5 total over the previous three years.  It sounds like he matured and figured out his ceiling.  This kid is likely a round 3 or 4 pick but may produce like a 1st rounder.

#42 Otaro Alaka – LB – 6’3/240

Fifth year senior.  Missed most of 2015 with a variety of injuries, elbow and shoulder mainly.  Started the next three years and has been consistently productive.  An off ball LB that has 35.5 TFL over the last 3 years.  Really long and rangy player.  Speed is a plus but doesn’t show the reaction quickness and instincts.  An athlete that can be a factor on special teams but may take awhile to develop in terms of being an every down player.

Other Notables:

#26 Donovan Capers-Smith – CB – 6’0/200

#6 Donvan Wilson – S – 6’1/207