Ten unheralded college football prospects to watch

  • To unlock all of features of Rams On Demand please take a brief moment to register. Registering is not only quick and easy, it also allows you access to additional features such as live chat, private messaging, and a host of other apps exclusive to Rams On Demand.

Ramhusker

Rams On Demand Sponsor
Rams On Demand Sponsor
Joined
Jul 15, 2010
Messages
13,670
Name
Bo Bowen
All these guys are not unheralded anymore. (Sorry for such big pics)

Published: July 19, 2013 at 10:59 a.m.
Updated: July 19, 2013 at 08:59 p.m.
Ten unheralded college football prospects to watch
bucky_brooks-110726_65.jpg

Bucky Brooks
NFL Media analyst
+Follow on Twitter
Share
After taking some time to dig into the 2012 college game tape and have a few conversations with my scouting buddies around the NFL, I came up with a list of 10 unheralded prospects to watch in the fall.

10 Photos Total



  • 1-david-fales-qb-san-jose-state_pg_600.jpg
    10
    AP Photo/Alex Brandon

    1. David Fales, QB, San Jose State
    Teams in search of a cerebral quarterback with capable physical tools will quickly fall in love with Fales. The Spartans' star is one of the best "connect the dots" quarterbacks in college football, with a tremendous feel for working through progressions to hit the open receiver. Although some scouts question his arm strength, the fact that Fales displays outstanding accuracy, ball placement and touch on intermediate and deep throws could make him an ideal fit for a team running a West Coast offense. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

    » For more go to NFL.com/Draft365

  • 2-scott-crichton-de-oregon-state_pg_600.jpg
    9
    Jayne Kamin-Oncea/US PRESSWIRE

    2. Scott Crichton, DE, Oregon State
    The energetic redshirt junior has quietly emerged as one of top defensive ends in the country after racking up nine sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss in 2012. Measuring 6-foot-4, 260 pounds, Crichton flashes the ability to win with speed or power off the edge, while also displaying a non-stop motor that overwhelms opponents late in games. With another year to refine his technique as an edge player, Crichton could shoot up charts as one of the top pass rushers in college football. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea/US PRESSWIRE)

  • 3-mike-davis-wr-texas_pg_600.jpg
    8
    AP Photo/Eric Gay

    3. Mike Davis, WR, Texas
    Scouts searching for a polished receiver with outstanding hands and ball skills will spend plenty of time in Austin poring over Davis' impressive game film. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound senior is a remarkable "jump ball" pass catcher with sneaky speed and quickness. He excels at winning 50-50 balls on vertical routes, but also dazzles as a playmaker on "catch-and-run" balls over the middle of the field. While he needs to continue to refine his skills as a route runner, Davis' raw talent and ability make him an intriguing prospect as a No. 2 receiver at the next level. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

  • 4-morgan-breslin-de-olb-usc_pg_600.jpg
    7
    Steven Bisig/US PRESSWIRE

    4. Morgan Breslin, DE/OLB, USC
    Breslin's quick emergence from JUCO star to dominant Pac-12 pass rusher has created a buzz in the scouting community. Evaluators have been impressed with his explosive first-step quickness, burst and agility as an edge player. Moreover, scouts are smitten by his exceptional snap-count anticipation and closing burst. If Breslin can develop a counter move to complement his speed rush, he could entice a team as a hybrid 3-4 outside linebacker. (Steven Bisig/US PRESSWIRE)

  • 5-derek-carr-qb-fresno-state_pg_600.jpg
    6
    AP Photo/Eugene Tanner

    5. Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State
    The younger brother of former No. 1 overall pick David Carr, Derek Carr has developed into one of the top playmakers at the position. He displays A-plus arm talent, while also showing impressive accuracy, ball placement and touch on passes of all ranges. When given sufficient time in the pocket, Carr has routinely shown the ability to pick apart defenses with pinpoint throws to every section of the field. However, scouts have concerns about his ability to make sound decisions under pressure based on the number of forced throws and dropped interceptions that show up on tape. If Carr can make significant strides as a decision maker and avoid the hurried throws that lead to turnovers, he could surpass several bigger names as a legitimate franchise quarterback candidate. (AP Photo/Eugene Tanner)

  • 6-morgan-moses-ot-virginia_pg_600.jpg
    5
    AP Photo/Steve Helber

    6. Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia
    The changing dynamics of the NFL make offensive tackles with size, strength and movement skills coveted commodities on draft day. Moses certainly fits the bill with a 6-foot-6, 325-pound frame, but scouts wonder if the big man possesses the feet and hips to play left tackle as a pro. Recent history suggests that left and right tackles are viewed in nearly the same light, but Moses' potential as a blindside protector will ultimately determine his fate on draft day. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

  • 7-bene-benwikere-cb-san-jose-state_pg_600.jpg
    4
    AP Photo/John Storey

    7. Bene Benwikere, CB, San Jose State
    The growing trend of big, athletic pass catchers in the NFL has raised the value of cornerbacks with size, speed and ball skills. Benwikere checks the box in all areas as a 6-foot, 192-pound ballhawk with nine career interceptions. Most importantly, he is a terrific athlete with the agility and movement skills to excel in press or "off" man coverage. If Benwikere can tighten up his footwork and fundamentals while displaying more consistency in coverage, he could skyrocket up draft charts across the NFL as a potential No. 1 corner. (AP Photo/John Storey)

  • 8-malcolm-mitchell-wr-georgia_pg_600.jpg
    3
    John Raoux

    8. Malcolm Mitchell, WR, Georgia
    It's hard to find a more impressive athlete than Mitchell at receiver. The junior standout spent time at cornerback before settling in as a receiver/return specialist. An electrifying pass catcher with exceptional speed and quickness, Mitchell is a home-run threat capable of scoring from anywhere on the field. He needs to master the nuances of the position, such as route running, but Mitchell is the kind of explosive athlete that every offensive coordinator covets in the lineup. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

  • 9-bruce-gaston-dt-purdue_pg_600.jpg
    2
    Dennis Wierzbicki/US PRESSWIRE

    9. Bruce Gaston, DT, Purdue
    The Boilermakers have developed quite a reputation for producing quality defensive linemen over the past decade. Gaston will carry on the tradition as an agile nose tackle with a relentless motor and untapped potential. At 6-foot-2, 305 pounds, Gaston has shown flashes of defeating blockers with speed and quickness, but is at his best when using his combination of size and strength to create penetration at the point of attack. While those efforts have yet to produce impressive sack numbers, his 5.5 tackles for loss and handful of pressures are considerable production for a one-technique. If Gaston can continue to make strides as a pass rusher, he could emerge as a borderline Day Two prospect in the 2014 class. (Dennis Wierzbicki/US PRESSWIRE)

  • 10-lamarcus-joyner-s-florida-state_pg_600.jpg
    1
    AP Photo/Phil Sears

    10. Lamarcus Joyner, S, Florida State
    Joyner will not rank as a premier prospect on some draft boards due to his diminutive physical dimensions (5-foot-8, 195 pounds), but his relentless motor and overall toughness will make him a coveted commodity as a versatile defender. With 27 consecutive starts at safety, Joyner has impressed scouts with his terrific instincts, awareness and ball skills (six interceptions). Additionally, he has dazzled evaluators with his aggressiveness and physicality as a tackler. Factor in his contributions as a return specialist and potential as a special-teams ace, and Joyner is an underrated prospect destined to shine as a pro. (AP Photo/Phil Sears)
 

Alan

Legend
Joined
Oct 22, 2013
Messages
9,765
Good stuff Ramhusker! Thanks. I hadn't heard about a few of those guys before.
 

DR RAM

Rams Lifer
Rams On Demand Sponsor
Joined
Aug 7, 2010
Messages
12,111
Name
Rambeau
But then again, a lot of those guys aren't exactly sleepers either.
 

Alan

Legend
Joined
Oct 22, 2013
Messages
9,765
Maybe he meant "unheralded" to normal fans. Of course, that's not a good description of us is it? :ROFLMAO:
 

Mojo Ram

Moderator
Moderator
Joined
Feb 3, 2013
Messages
22,897
Name
mojo
I like David Fales alot. Needs coaching but i like his aggressiveness and athleticism. Decent size and instincts. I've been meaning to watch more video of him.
Had him in one of my mocks to us in the 5th or 6th rd.
 

DR RAM

Rams Lifer
Rams On Demand Sponsor
Joined
Aug 7, 2010
Messages
12,111
Name
Rambeau
Maybe he meant "unheralded" to normal fans. Of course, that's not a good description of us is it? :ROFLMAO:
You mean because we are evil geniuses? Moooowhaaaa!(y)
 

mr.stlouis

Legend
Joined
Sep 7, 2011
Messages
6,454
Name
Main Hook
I quickly fell in love with David Fales...

I'd be surprised if he's there in the 5th round. I'd take him there.
 

Alan

Legend
Joined
Oct 22, 2013
Messages
9,765
http://walterfootball.com/draft2014QB.php
David Fales, QB, San Jose State
Height: 6-1. Weight: 220.
Projected 40 Time: 4.73.
Projected Round (2014): 4-6.
2/22/14: Fales had some disappointing outings early on in 2013 against Sacramento State, Stanford and Utah State. After the slow start, he heated up against Colorado State (431 yards) and Wyoming (482 yards) with eight touchdowns and one interception in those games. In the regular-season finale, Fales had a prolific game completing 37-of-45 passes for 547 yards with six touchdowns and no interceptions to beat Derek Carr and Fresno State by a score of 62-52.

Fales completed 64 percent of his passes in 2013 for 4,189 yards with 33 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. San Jose State did not receive a bowl bid despite having six wins. Fales didn't impress at the Senior Bowl and showed a real lack of arm strength.

8/3/13: Fales started out his collegiate career at Nevada in 2009. Things didn't work out there, so he transfered to a community college. Fales excelled there before enrolling at San Jose State to become the team's starter in 2012. He completed 72.5 percent of his passes for 4,193 yards with 33 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

Fales dominated his weaker competition. His worst game of the year was the season opener against Stanford, his best opponent. He completed 24-of-35 passes for 217 yards with a touchdown and interception.

Fales looks like he has a decent arm and some accuracy. His completion percentage is inflated by a lot of short, quick passing offense. While Fales isn't a dual-threat quarterback, he has some mobility to move in the pocket. Fales needs to improve his field vision as he has a tendency to stare down his primary option. He also has to make improvements in his foot work.

Personal: Psychology major. His backup quarterback is his younger brother, Austen Fales.


Good chance he'll be there. I might draft him too.
 

PhxRam

Guest
When "experts" question arm strength what exactly does that mean? I mean how vital even is it?

I wouldnt say Kurt Warner had all world arm strength, but when the game was on the line I would take him over just about any QB that existed.
 

rdlkgliders

"AKA" Hugo Bezdek
Joined
Jul 1, 2013
Messages
7,806
Name
Don
When "experts" question arm strength what exactly does that mean? I mean how vital even is it?

I wouldnt say Kurt Warner had all world arm strength, but when the game was on the line I would take him over just about any QB that existed.
ANY EVER!
 

Alan

Legend
Joined
Oct 22, 2013
Messages
9,765
PhxRam with a Q:
When "experts" question arm strength what exactly does that mean? I mean how vital even is it?

I wouldnt say Kurt Warner had all world arm strength, but when the game was on the line I would take him over just about any QB that existed.

Kurt wasn't Vick but he had good arm strength I thought.

Wasn't Clemens lack of arm strength the main reason why the Givens thing didn't work and caused them not to try it very often?
 

PhxRam

Guest
Kurt wasn't Vick but he had good arm strength I thought.

Wasn't Clemens lack of arm strength the main reason why the Givens thing didn't and caused them not to try it very often?

So are they saying the kid cant physically throw the long ball or he just lofts his balls without any velocity.
 

Alan

Legend
Joined
Oct 22, 2013
Messages
9,765
PhxRam wanting details:
So are they saying the kid cant physically throw the long ball or he just lofts his balls without any velocity.
Bhudda only knows! Plus I doubt any of the experts have the same definition. :ROFLMAO:
 

NJRamsFan

Please Delete
Rams On Demand Sponsor
Joined
Aug 15, 2012
Messages
3,801
IMO its become a generic go-to term that gets thrown around far to often. Elite arm strength is just one of many ways to pass successfully in the nfl. It just makes the guy a different type of QB and shouldn't be considered a bad thing..imo
 

Mojo Ram

Moderator
Moderator
Joined
Feb 3, 2013
Messages
22,897
Name
mojo
Joe Montana comes to mind as a QB with very average arm strength. He did ok.
 

Ramhusker

Rams On Demand Sponsor
Rams On Demand Sponsor
Joined
Jul 15, 2010
Messages
13,670
Name
Bo Bowen
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #18
Joe Montana comes to mind as a QB with very average arm strength. He did ok.
Yeah, he was just average. He's the first guy that came to mind when Kurt Warner was mentioned as the guy you'd want when the game was on the line.

I really like Fales and think he could be had in the 5th, maybe even 6th if the stars line up just right.