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2015 NFL Draft Big Board: Combine crucial for prospects with red flags
Rob Rang / The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com
http://mweb.cbssports.com/nfl/draft...-combine-crucial-for-prospects-with-red-flags
Perhaps because they translate so well to television, the 40-yard dash and bench press have emerged as two of the favorite tests each year at the annual NFL scouting combine. While popular among fans and media, NFL teams indicate athletic assessments aren't nearly as important in setting their boards as the interviews and medical testing.
This is particularly true in 2015, as this year's class features a disproportionate number of top prospects with significant character or injury red-flags. Wideout Dorial Green-Beckham, for example, could very well star in workouts. But if decision-makers determine he's unreliable and his off-field history is too risky, the top 10 talent could find himself waiting deep into Day 2 for his name to be called.
Teams aren't as worried about off-field decisions with defensive linemen Randy Gregory (Nebraska), Jordan Phillips (Oklahoma) and Owamagbe Odighizuwa (UCLA) but all three have medical concerns.
With "draft season" just starting, much will change between now and April 30. My current top 50 eligible prospects:
1. Leonard Williams, DT, 6-4, 290, 4.88, Jr., Southern Cal: Strong, athletic and passionate, the Trojans' star is earning comparisons to everyone from Texans defensive end J.J. Watt to Bucs defensive tackle Gerald McCoy for his ability to dominate the line of scrimmage while alternating between defensive tackle and defensive end. He's too quick for guards and too strong for tackles, wreaking havoc along the line of scrimmage against the run and pass.
2. Randy Gregory, DE, 6-5, 242, Jr, 4.76, Nebraska: Gregory is the country's elite edge defender. From a two- or three-point stance, he's a natural pass rusher with an explosive get-off, flexibility, long arms and active hands and the tenacious style of play (including against the run) that will endear him to coaches. Gregory is lanky and needs to bulk up if he is to remain at defensive end in the NFL, so scouts are eager to see his weight and strength, as well as his fluidity in linebacker drills. He also struggled with injuries in 2014, making the medical reports teams receive critical to Gregory's final draft grade.
3. Jameis Winston, QB, 6-4, 235, 4.83, rSo, Florida State: If not for Winston's off-field issues he would rank not only as my top quarterback, but my top overall prospect. His combination of size, functional mobility, anticipation and arm talent translate very well to the next level. In terms of accuracy from the pocket -- still most important when projecting quarterbacks to the NFL -- Winston clearly outplayed Marcus Mariota in the Rose Bowl. How Winston handles the tough questions about his decisions off the field will be much more important than any athletic test he'll take in Indianapolis.
4. Marcus Mariota, QB, 6-4, 215, 4.52, rJr, Oregon: Mariota's mesmerizing physical traits have long captivated scouts and there is no question that he earned the Heisman Trophy and was the key to Oregon's berth in the national championship. He is not, however, the "can't miss" prospect that some imply. He is potentially a special weapon because of his speed in an era of dual-threat quarterbacks and has intriguing potential as a passer. He is a good, not great, pocket passer at this time and could struggle with the tighter windows he'll see in the NFL.
5. Shane Ray, DE, 6-3, 245, 4.54, Jr, Missouri: Ray had to bide his time backing up Michael Sam and Kony Ealy but he has been dominant as a junior, leading the SEC with 14.5 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss -- despite missing most of the SEC Championship Game after a hit on Alabama quarterback Blake Sims was deemed to be targeting by officials. Voted the conference's Defensive Lineman of the Week three times, Ray is proving that his phenomenal athleticism -- he has been credited with a 4.4-second 40-yard dash and 40-plus vertical jump -- translates well to the gridiron. Ray might wind up a top-five pick, as the perception in the scouting community is that he is just scratching the surface of his potential.
6. Brandon Scherff, OT, 6-5, 315, 4.93, rSr, Iowa: Scherff may just prove to be the best in the long line of blockers tutored by Hawkeyes coach Kirk Ferentz, which is quite an accomplishment considering that 13 Iowa offensive linemen have been drafted since Ferentz took over in 1999. Scherff won big points with scouts for his toughness, battling back from a torn meniscus and corrective surgery on Sept. 8 to start against rival Iowa State five days later. Team doctors want to check his recovery. Scherff is powerful, tough and tenacious, and I see him as one of the "safe" prospects in the draft.
7. Amari Cooper, WR, 6-1, 205, 4.56, Jr, Alabama: Cooper's production this season looks like something out of a video game. Alabama's first Biletnikoff Award winner, Cooper shattered Alabama records with 124 receptions for 1,727 yards and 16 touchdowns, including two scores against the Buckeyes in the Sugar Bowl loss. It isn't just the production in Lane Kiffin's pro-style scheme that has scouts excited. Cooper possesses great agility and first-step acceleration to generate big plays.
8. Dante Fowler Jr., DE, 6-3, 266, 4.84, Jr, Florida: A talented pass rusher with experience at outside linebacker and all over the defensive line, Fowler is an intriguing athlete with range, strength and flexibility. He isn't as explosive off the snap or productive as some of the other pass rushers on this list but Fowler's awareness and physicality make him better suited to handling the run. Fowler, who prior to the Birmingham Bowl announced his intentions of leaving early for the draft, ended his career in fine form, recording three sacks against East Carolina.
9. Kevin White, WR, 6-3, 209, 4.49, Sr, West Virginia: No player improved his draft stock more in 2014 than White. It wasn't just his production (110 catches for 1,447 yards and 10 touchdowns) that is impressing scouts. White's size, strength and ability to come down with contested grabs is something that every team in the NFL is looking for at the receiver position.
10. Alvin "Bud" Dupree, DE, 6-4, 267, 4.63, rSr, Kentucky: The Wildcats may not have the history of churning out high-end defenders of some other SEC teams, but that won't stop Dupree from earning a first-round selection. Dupree's length, agility and closing speed stand out on tape, as does his comfort playing out of the two- or three-point stance. Better yet, his traits translate into production against quality competition. Dupree leaves Kentucky with 24 sacks over his career, more than any other player in the SEC.
11. Vic Beasley, OLB, 6-2, 235, 4.58, rSr, Clemson: With pressure on the quarterback priority No. 1 on defense, teams are more willing than ever to trade size for speed at the position. Like recent "undersized" first-round rushers Von Miller, Bruce Irvin, Barkevious Mingo and Dee Ford, Beasley boasts a lightning-quick first-step and the agility to stalk mobile quarterbacks. Almost never dropped into coverage at Clemson, scouts are eager to see how Beasley handles linebacker drills at the combine.
12. Danny Shelton, DT, 6-2, 323, 5.17, Sr, Washington: Broad-shouldered, powerful and surprisingly passionate in pursuit, Shelton is a classic two-gap run defender with the gaudy statistics to catch the attention of scouts. He has flashed first-round talent throughout his career but has played at a different level as a senior, boosting his stock considerably. Shelton was nearly unstoppable during Senior Bowl practices, cementing his top-20 status.
13. La'el Collins, OT, 6-5, 315, 5.12, Sr, LSU: Collins doesn't get the national attention of other tackles in this class, but the big man is surprisingly agile in pass protection and is a mauler in the running game. Collins isn't an elite athlete and therefore will likely wind up inside at guard or right tackle in the NFL rather than at his customary left tackle position. He has the square build and physical nature to handle the move and saw snaps at left guard in Mobile.
14. Landon Collins, SS, 6-0, 215, 4.53, Jr, Alabama: Instinctive, athletic and an explosive hitter, Collins looks the part of a top-10 pick. His downhill-playing style might be best suited to strong safety as he has been fooled deep on occasion this year due to his aggression. Further, scouts are certainly aware of the fact that few of the highly-drafted defensive backs out of Alabama have performed as brilliantly in the NFL as they did for Nick Saban.
15. DeVante Parker, WR, 6-3, 209, 4.45, Sr, Louisville: A broken left foot sidelined Parker for the first seven games of the 2014 season but he returned with a vengeance, averaging seven receptions for 140 yards and a score in his six games, including a Belk Bowl loss to Georgia. Parker can win with his height and ability to high-point passes. He also has impressive fluidity and acceleration for a receiver of his size.
16. Trae Waynes, CB, 6-1, 183, 4.53, rJr, Michigan State: While former teammate Darqueze Dennard won the Thorpe Award in 2013 as the nation's top defensive back, some scouts questioned if Waynes wasn't the better NFL prospect. Waynes possesses the length, fluidity and ball skills required of cornerbacks in today's pass-happy NFL and is stouter against the run than his frame implies.
17. Shaq Thompson, OLB, 6-2, 231, 4.56, Jr, Washington: Boasting terrific athleticism, instincts and awareness, Thompson has proven a standout wherever he's played for the Huskies, earning him the Paul Hornung Award as the nation's most versatile player. While perhaps not as stout as preferred, Thompson's fluidity, reliable open-field tackling and big play moxie could earn him a hybrid linebacker/safety role.
18. Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, 6-5, 225, 4.49, rJr, Oklahoma: His split surname is appropriate as the former Missouri and Oklahoma wideout possesses the height and grace of Cincinnati's A.J. Green and the ability to make the ridiculous catch look easy, ala Giants star rookie Odell Beckham Jr. The character concerns that prompted Green-Beckham's transfer from Missouri will certainly require investigating. Given that the 2015 crop of receivers is again quite strong, anything less than an impressive effort on the field and in interviews at the combine could result in Green-Beckham's stock tumbling.
19. Eddie Goldman, DT, 6-3, 314, 5.28, Jr, Florida State: Teams are willing to gamble on difference-makers along the defensive line almost as much as they are quarterbacks, and no defensive tackle has captured the imagination of scouts more than Goldman this season. Goldman is broad, powerful and surprisingly athletic, having stood at defensive end in 2013 before making the switch back inside this year. Goldman was carted off the field with an ankle injury during the ACC Championship and didn't play up to his normal standards in the Rose Bowl loss to Oregon.
20. T.J. Clemmings, OT, 6-5, 305, 5.05, rSr, Pittsburgh: Clemmings has made steady progress at right tackle since making the jump from defensive end two years ago, demonstrating an exciting combination of length, agility and tenacity. He remains quite raw, however -- something that the polished defensive ends at the Senior Bowl took full advantage of. Clemmings' upside will earn him a first-round selection, but the team that selects him will need to be patient as he learns the finer points of the position.
21. Devin Funchess, WR, 6-5, 230, 4.55, Jr, Michigan: Funchess began his college career at tight end but he starred outside at receiver in 2014 and projects best in this role in the NFL. His combination of size, acceleration and body control make him a matchup nightmare, though he still drops more passes than he should. If Funchess runs in the 4.5s during workouts, it is hard to imagine him slipping out of the first round.
22. Melvin Gordon, RB, 6-1, 207, 4.52, rJr, Wisconsin: The Heisman finalist gashed Auburn for an Outback Bowl-record 251 yards and three scores, once again proving that his speed stands out even against the SEC. Gordon boasts elite acceleration and great lateral agility to make defenders miss. With Georgia's Todd Gurley suffering an ACL tear -- and tumbling out of my Big Board rankings -- Gordon has ascended to the top spot among running backs.
23. Ereck Flowers, OT, 6-5, 322, 5.26, Jr, Miami (Fla.): Flowers played left tackle at Miami but may need to move to the right side in the NFL. Flowers is light on his feet and balanced in pass protection. He is aggressive and active as a run blocker, including looking for defenders in pursuit. He dropped off the list after undergoing knee surgery in late October but certainly looked no worse for wear upon his return. If Flowers checks out medically, he's a likely first-round pick.
24. Andrus Peat, OT, 6-6, 312, 5.28, Jr, Stanford: Peat signed with Stanford as a five-star recruit and possesses the combination of size and athleticism scouts drool over. However, he has experienced notable lapses this season, from getting blown up by Notre Dame and struggling mightily against Utah's Nate Orchard. Peat's upside warrants early consideration but unless he develops more nastiness to his play, there is doubt that he will fulfill his potential.
25. Marcus Peters, CB, 6-0, 198, 4.52, Jr, Washington: On the field, Peters is the top cornerback in the class. His aggression, length and ball skills (11 career interceptions) are clearly first-round caliber. However, I have some reservations about his straight-line speed and the greater concern is his character. Peters was dismissed from the team by new Washington head coach Chris Peterson Nov. 6 and he was suspended by the previous staff for the first quarter of the 2012 Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl, as well. Pre-draft interviews will be critical for Peters.
26. Jordan Phillips, DT, 6-6, 334, 5.10, rJr, Oklahoma: With only 16 career starts, Phillips would be a gamble in the first round but given his freakish combination of size and quickness, don't be surprised if it occurs. For that to happen, however, teams will need to confirm Phillips' health as he missed most of the 2013 season after undergoing back surgery.
27. Malcom Brown, DT, 6-4, 320, 5.24, Jr, Texas: Much quicker than his well-proportioned frame would indicate, Brown proved a relative bright spot in 2014 for the Longhorns, earning consensus All-American honors with 72 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. Though Brown is leaving Austin as just a junior, the NFL may be impressed with his maturity, as he's married with two children.
28. Cameron Erving, OL, 6-5, 308, 5.16, rSr, Florida State: Don't blame Erving for Florida State's Rose Bowl loss. In making a seamless transition from left tackle to center, Erving won the ACC's Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the conference's top blocker after winning the same award last year at the blind side. He also captured the imagination of scouts, who see Erving's length, agility and selflessness as traits worthy of a first round selection.
29. P.J. Williams, CB, 6-0, 190, 4.48, Jr, Florida State: Williams has gone up against some of the more talented receivers in college football and succeeded, demonstrating the fluidity, balance and acceleration scouts expect out of a first-round cornerback. I'd like to see him wrap more securely but as he proved yet again with solid hits in the Rose Bowl loss to Oregon, Williams doesn't lack confidence or physicality as a tackler.
30. Maxx Williams, TE, 6-4, 250, 4.85, rSo, Minnesota: Though just a redshirt sophomore, it is easy to see Williams' talent, as he boasts a solid frame with good acceleration and overall athleticism, soft hands and the grit to hold up as an inline blocker. He has a long ways to go before warranting the hype, but comparisons to Dallas Cowboys' star Jason Witten aren't far off.
31. Danielle Hunter, DE, 6-6, 240, 4.68, Jr, LSU: Hunter sports a lanky build, but he is surprisingly strong at the point of attack and uses his length and lateral agility very well to harass quarterbacks -- rushing after them or batting down passes at the line of scrimmage. Hunter knocked down three passes, for example, against Alabama. Like many of the pass rushers on this list, Hunter is a work in progress but his exciting skill-set and the value of his position in today's NFL could push him into the first round if he were to make himself eligible.
32. Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, 6-3, 270, 4.79, rSr, UCLA: Quarterback Brett Hundley (listed below) earned much of the attention for the Bruins' win over Kansas State in the Alamo Bowl, but Odighizuwa also performed brilliantly, recording six tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack and two passes broken up. He followed that up with a strong performance during Senior Bowl week. Odighizuwa possesses an NFL-ready frame, a quick first step and good power. He's likely to earn a first-round selection if doctors clear his surgically-repaired hip, an issue that caused him to miss the entire 2013 season.
Just missed the cut:
Todd Gurley , RB, 6-1, 233, 4.54, Jr, Georgia
Jaelen Strong , WR, 6-4, 212, 4.55, rJr, Arizona State
Eli Harold , OLB, 6-4, 235, 4.73, Jr, Virginia
Eric Kendricks , OLB, 6-0, 230, 4.68, rSr, UCLA
Nate Orchard , DE, 6-4, 255, 4.76, Sr, Utah
Sammie Coates , WR, 6-2, 213, 4.45, Jr, Auburn
Quinten Rollins , CB, 5-11, 193, 4.45, rSr, Miami (Ohio)
AJ Cann , OG, 6-3, 318, 5.18, Sr, South Carolina
Lorenzo Mauldin , DE/OLB, 6-4, 243, 4.73, Sr, Louisville
Ameer Abdullah , RB, 5-09, 195, 4.48, Sr, Nebraska
Mario Edwards, Jr. , DE, 6-3, 294, 4.88, Jr, Florida State
Donovan Smith , OT, 6-6, 341, 5.15, Jr, Penn State
Arik Armstead , DT, 6-7, 296, 4.96, Jr, Oregon
Brett Hundley , QB, 6-3, 227, 4.64, rJr, UCLA
Michael Bennett , DT, 6-2, 288, 4.96, Sr, Ohio State
Paul Dawson , OLB, 6-2, 230, 4.76, Sr, TCU
Ty Sambrailo , OT, 6-5, 315, 5.27, rSr, Colorado State
Jay Ajayi , RB, 5-11, 220, 4.54, rJr, Boise State
Cody Prewitt , FS, 6-2, 212, 4.59, Sr, Mississippi
Rob Rang / The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com
http://mweb.cbssports.com/nfl/draft...-combine-crucial-for-prospects-with-red-flags
Perhaps because they translate so well to television, the 40-yard dash and bench press have emerged as two of the favorite tests each year at the annual NFL scouting combine. While popular among fans and media, NFL teams indicate athletic assessments aren't nearly as important in setting their boards as the interviews and medical testing.
This is particularly true in 2015, as this year's class features a disproportionate number of top prospects with significant character or injury red-flags. Wideout Dorial Green-Beckham, for example, could very well star in workouts. But if decision-makers determine he's unreliable and his off-field history is too risky, the top 10 talent could find himself waiting deep into Day 2 for his name to be called.
Teams aren't as worried about off-field decisions with defensive linemen Randy Gregory (Nebraska), Jordan Phillips (Oklahoma) and Owamagbe Odighizuwa (UCLA) but all three have medical concerns.
With "draft season" just starting, much will change between now and April 30. My current top 50 eligible prospects:
1. Leonard Williams, DT, 6-4, 290, 4.88, Jr., Southern Cal: Strong, athletic and passionate, the Trojans' star is earning comparisons to everyone from Texans defensive end J.J. Watt to Bucs defensive tackle Gerald McCoy for his ability to dominate the line of scrimmage while alternating between defensive tackle and defensive end. He's too quick for guards and too strong for tackles, wreaking havoc along the line of scrimmage against the run and pass.
2. Randy Gregory, DE, 6-5, 242, Jr, 4.76, Nebraska: Gregory is the country's elite edge defender. From a two- or three-point stance, he's a natural pass rusher with an explosive get-off, flexibility, long arms and active hands and the tenacious style of play (including against the run) that will endear him to coaches. Gregory is lanky and needs to bulk up if he is to remain at defensive end in the NFL, so scouts are eager to see his weight and strength, as well as his fluidity in linebacker drills. He also struggled with injuries in 2014, making the medical reports teams receive critical to Gregory's final draft grade.
3. Jameis Winston, QB, 6-4, 235, 4.83, rSo, Florida State: If not for Winston's off-field issues he would rank not only as my top quarterback, but my top overall prospect. His combination of size, functional mobility, anticipation and arm talent translate very well to the next level. In terms of accuracy from the pocket -- still most important when projecting quarterbacks to the NFL -- Winston clearly outplayed Marcus Mariota in the Rose Bowl. How Winston handles the tough questions about his decisions off the field will be much more important than any athletic test he'll take in Indianapolis.
4. Marcus Mariota, QB, 6-4, 215, 4.52, rJr, Oregon: Mariota's mesmerizing physical traits have long captivated scouts and there is no question that he earned the Heisman Trophy and was the key to Oregon's berth in the national championship. He is not, however, the "can't miss" prospect that some imply. He is potentially a special weapon because of his speed in an era of dual-threat quarterbacks and has intriguing potential as a passer. He is a good, not great, pocket passer at this time and could struggle with the tighter windows he'll see in the NFL.
5. Shane Ray, DE, 6-3, 245, 4.54, Jr, Missouri: Ray had to bide his time backing up Michael Sam and Kony Ealy but he has been dominant as a junior, leading the SEC with 14.5 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss -- despite missing most of the SEC Championship Game after a hit on Alabama quarterback Blake Sims was deemed to be targeting by officials. Voted the conference's Defensive Lineman of the Week three times, Ray is proving that his phenomenal athleticism -- he has been credited with a 4.4-second 40-yard dash and 40-plus vertical jump -- translates well to the gridiron. Ray might wind up a top-five pick, as the perception in the scouting community is that he is just scratching the surface of his potential.
6. Brandon Scherff, OT, 6-5, 315, 4.93, rSr, Iowa: Scherff may just prove to be the best in the long line of blockers tutored by Hawkeyes coach Kirk Ferentz, which is quite an accomplishment considering that 13 Iowa offensive linemen have been drafted since Ferentz took over in 1999. Scherff won big points with scouts for his toughness, battling back from a torn meniscus and corrective surgery on Sept. 8 to start against rival Iowa State five days later. Team doctors want to check his recovery. Scherff is powerful, tough and tenacious, and I see him as one of the "safe" prospects in the draft.
7. Amari Cooper, WR, 6-1, 205, 4.56, Jr, Alabama: Cooper's production this season looks like something out of a video game. Alabama's first Biletnikoff Award winner, Cooper shattered Alabama records with 124 receptions for 1,727 yards and 16 touchdowns, including two scores against the Buckeyes in the Sugar Bowl loss. It isn't just the production in Lane Kiffin's pro-style scheme that has scouts excited. Cooper possesses great agility and first-step acceleration to generate big plays.
8. Dante Fowler Jr., DE, 6-3, 266, 4.84, Jr, Florida: A talented pass rusher with experience at outside linebacker and all over the defensive line, Fowler is an intriguing athlete with range, strength and flexibility. He isn't as explosive off the snap or productive as some of the other pass rushers on this list but Fowler's awareness and physicality make him better suited to handling the run. Fowler, who prior to the Birmingham Bowl announced his intentions of leaving early for the draft, ended his career in fine form, recording three sacks against East Carolina.
9. Kevin White, WR, 6-3, 209, 4.49, Sr, West Virginia: No player improved his draft stock more in 2014 than White. It wasn't just his production (110 catches for 1,447 yards and 10 touchdowns) that is impressing scouts. White's size, strength and ability to come down with contested grabs is something that every team in the NFL is looking for at the receiver position.
10. Alvin "Bud" Dupree, DE, 6-4, 267, 4.63, rSr, Kentucky: The Wildcats may not have the history of churning out high-end defenders of some other SEC teams, but that won't stop Dupree from earning a first-round selection. Dupree's length, agility and closing speed stand out on tape, as does his comfort playing out of the two- or three-point stance. Better yet, his traits translate into production against quality competition. Dupree leaves Kentucky with 24 sacks over his career, more than any other player in the SEC.
11. Vic Beasley, OLB, 6-2, 235, 4.58, rSr, Clemson: With pressure on the quarterback priority No. 1 on defense, teams are more willing than ever to trade size for speed at the position. Like recent "undersized" first-round rushers Von Miller, Bruce Irvin, Barkevious Mingo and Dee Ford, Beasley boasts a lightning-quick first-step and the agility to stalk mobile quarterbacks. Almost never dropped into coverage at Clemson, scouts are eager to see how Beasley handles linebacker drills at the combine.
12. Danny Shelton, DT, 6-2, 323, 5.17, Sr, Washington: Broad-shouldered, powerful and surprisingly passionate in pursuit, Shelton is a classic two-gap run defender with the gaudy statistics to catch the attention of scouts. He has flashed first-round talent throughout his career but has played at a different level as a senior, boosting his stock considerably. Shelton was nearly unstoppable during Senior Bowl practices, cementing his top-20 status.
13. La'el Collins, OT, 6-5, 315, 5.12, Sr, LSU: Collins doesn't get the national attention of other tackles in this class, but the big man is surprisingly agile in pass protection and is a mauler in the running game. Collins isn't an elite athlete and therefore will likely wind up inside at guard or right tackle in the NFL rather than at his customary left tackle position. He has the square build and physical nature to handle the move and saw snaps at left guard in Mobile.
14. Landon Collins, SS, 6-0, 215, 4.53, Jr, Alabama: Instinctive, athletic and an explosive hitter, Collins looks the part of a top-10 pick. His downhill-playing style might be best suited to strong safety as he has been fooled deep on occasion this year due to his aggression. Further, scouts are certainly aware of the fact that few of the highly-drafted defensive backs out of Alabama have performed as brilliantly in the NFL as they did for Nick Saban.
15. DeVante Parker, WR, 6-3, 209, 4.45, Sr, Louisville: A broken left foot sidelined Parker for the first seven games of the 2014 season but he returned with a vengeance, averaging seven receptions for 140 yards and a score in his six games, including a Belk Bowl loss to Georgia. Parker can win with his height and ability to high-point passes. He also has impressive fluidity and acceleration for a receiver of his size.
16. Trae Waynes, CB, 6-1, 183, 4.53, rJr, Michigan State: While former teammate Darqueze Dennard won the Thorpe Award in 2013 as the nation's top defensive back, some scouts questioned if Waynes wasn't the better NFL prospect. Waynes possesses the length, fluidity and ball skills required of cornerbacks in today's pass-happy NFL and is stouter against the run than his frame implies.
17. Shaq Thompson, OLB, 6-2, 231, 4.56, Jr, Washington: Boasting terrific athleticism, instincts and awareness, Thompson has proven a standout wherever he's played for the Huskies, earning him the Paul Hornung Award as the nation's most versatile player. While perhaps not as stout as preferred, Thompson's fluidity, reliable open-field tackling and big play moxie could earn him a hybrid linebacker/safety role.
18. Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, 6-5, 225, 4.49, rJr, Oklahoma: His split surname is appropriate as the former Missouri and Oklahoma wideout possesses the height and grace of Cincinnati's A.J. Green and the ability to make the ridiculous catch look easy, ala Giants star rookie Odell Beckham Jr. The character concerns that prompted Green-Beckham's transfer from Missouri will certainly require investigating. Given that the 2015 crop of receivers is again quite strong, anything less than an impressive effort on the field and in interviews at the combine could result in Green-Beckham's stock tumbling.
19. Eddie Goldman, DT, 6-3, 314, 5.28, Jr, Florida State: Teams are willing to gamble on difference-makers along the defensive line almost as much as they are quarterbacks, and no defensive tackle has captured the imagination of scouts more than Goldman this season. Goldman is broad, powerful and surprisingly athletic, having stood at defensive end in 2013 before making the switch back inside this year. Goldman was carted off the field with an ankle injury during the ACC Championship and didn't play up to his normal standards in the Rose Bowl loss to Oregon.
20. T.J. Clemmings, OT, 6-5, 305, 5.05, rSr, Pittsburgh: Clemmings has made steady progress at right tackle since making the jump from defensive end two years ago, demonstrating an exciting combination of length, agility and tenacity. He remains quite raw, however -- something that the polished defensive ends at the Senior Bowl took full advantage of. Clemmings' upside will earn him a first-round selection, but the team that selects him will need to be patient as he learns the finer points of the position.
21. Devin Funchess, WR, 6-5, 230, 4.55, Jr, Michigan: Funchess began his college career at tight end but he starred outside at receiver in 2014 and projects best in this role in the NFL. His combination of size, acceleration and body control make him a matchup nightmare, though he still drops more passes than he should. If Funchess runs in the 4.5s during workouts, it is hard to imagine him slipping out of the first round.
22. Melvin Gordon, RB, 6-1, 207, 4.52, rJr, Wisconsin: The Heisman finalist gashed Auburn for an Outback Bowl-record 251 yards and three scores, once again proving that his speed stands out even against the SEC. Gordon boasts elite acceleration and great lateral agility to make defenders miss. With Georgia's Todd Gurley suffering an ACL tear -- and tumbling out of my Big Board rankings -- Gordon has ascended to the top spot among running backs.
23. Ereck Flowers, OT, 6-5, 322, 5.26, Jr, Miami (Fla.): Flowers played left tackle at Miami but may need to move to the right side in the NFL. Flowers is light on his feet and balanced in pass protection. He is aggressive and active as a run blocker, including looking for defenders in pursuit. He dropped off the list after undergoing knee surgery in late October but certainly looked no worse for wear upon his return. If Flowers checks out medically, he's a likely first-round pick.
24. Andrus Peat, OT, 6-6, 312, 5.28, Jr, Stanford: Peat signed with Stanford as a five-star recruit and possesses the combination of size and athleticism scouts drool over. However, he has experienced notable lapses this season, from getting blown up by Notre Dame and struggling mightily against Utah's Nate Orchard. Peat's upside warrants early consideration but unless he develops more nastiness to his play, there is doubt that he will fulfill his potential.
25. Marcus Peters, CB, 6-0, 198, 4.52, Jr, Washington: On the field, Peters is the top cornerback in the class. His aggression, length and ball skills (11 career interceptions) are clearly first-round caliber. However, I have some reservations about his straight-line speed and the greater concern is his character. Peters was dismissed from the team by new Washington head coach Chris Peterson Nov. 6 and he was suspended by the previous staff for the first quarter of the 2012 Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl, as well. Pre-draft interviews will be critical for Peters.
26. Jordan Phillips, DT, 6-6, 334, 5.10, rJr, Oklahoma: With only 16 career starts, Phillips would be a gamble in the first round but given his freakish combination of size and quickness, don't be surprised if it occurs. For that to happen, however, teams will need to confirm Phillips' health as he missed most of the 2013 season after undergoing back surgery.
27. Malcom Brown, DT, 6-4, 320, 5.24, Jr, Texas: Much quicker than his well-proportioned frame would indicate, Brown proved a relative bright spot in 2014 for the Longhorns, earning consensus All-American honors with 72 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. Though Brown is leaving Austin as just a junior, the NFL may be impressed with his maturity, as he's married with two children.
28. Cameron Erving, OL, 6-5, 308, 5.16, rSr, Florida State: Don't blame Erving for Florida State's Rose Bowl loss. In making a seamless transition from left tackle to center, Erving won the ACC's Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the conference's top blocker after winning the same award last year at the blind side. He also captured the imagination of scouts, who see Erving's length, agility and selflessness as traits worthy of a first round selection.
29. P.J. Williams, CB, 6-0, 190, 4.48, Jr, Florida State: Williams has gone up against some of the more talented receivers in college football and succeeded, demonstrating the fluidity, balance and acceleration scouts expect out of a first-round cornerback. I'd like to see him wrap more securely but as he proved yet again with solid hits in the Rose Bowl loss to Oregon, Williams doesn't lack confidence or physicality as a tackler.
30. Maxx Williams, TE, 6-4, 250, 4.85, rSo, Minnesota: Though just a redshirt sophomore, it is easy to see Williams' talent, as he boasts a solid frame with good acceleration and overall athleticism, soft hands and the grit to hold up as an inline blocker. He has a long ways to go before warranting the hype, but comparisons to Dallas Cowboys' star Jason Witten aren't far off.
31. Danielle Hunter, DE, 6-6, 240, 4.68, Jr, LSU: Hunter sports a lanky build, but he is surprisingly strong at the point of attack and uses his length and lateral agility very well to harass quarterbacks -- rushing after them or batting down passes at the line of scrimmage. Hunter knocked down three passes, for example, against Alabama. Like many of the pass rushers on this list, Hunter is a work in progress but his exciting skill-set and the value of his position in today's NFL could push him into the first round if he were to make himself eligible.
32. Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, 6-3, 270, 4.79, rSr, UCLA: Quarterback Brett Hundley (listed below) earned much of the attention for the Bruins' win over Kansas State in the Alamo Bowl, but Odighizuwa also performed brilliantly, recording six tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack and two passes broken up. He followed that up with a strong performance during Senior Bowl week. Odighizuwa possesses an NFL-ready frame, a quick first step and good power. He's likely to earn a first-round selection if doctors clear his surgically-repaired hip, an issue that caused him to miss the entire 2013 season.
Just missed the cut:
Todd Gurley , RB, 6-1, 233, 4.54, Jr, Georgia
Jaelen Strong , WR, 6-4, 212, 4.55, rJr, Arizona State
Eli Harold , OLB, 6-4, 235, 4.73, Jr, Virginia
Eric Kendricks , OLB, 6-0, 230, 4.68, rSr, UCLA
Nate Orchard , DE, 6-4, 255, 4.76, Sr, Utah
Sammie Coates , WR, 6-2, 213, 4.45, Jr, Auburn
Quinten Rollins , CB, 5-11, 193, 4.45, rSr, Miami (Ohio)
AJ Cann , OG, 6-3, 318, 5.18, Sr, South Carolina
Lorenzo Mauldin , DE/OLB, 6-4, 243, 4.73, Sr, Louisville
Ameer Abdullah , RB, 5-09, 195, 4.48, Sr, Nebraska
Mario Edwards, Jr. , DE, 6-3, 294, 4.88, Jr, Florida State
Donovan Smith , OT, 6-6, 341, 5.15, Jr, Penn State
Arik Armstead , DT, 6-7, 296, 4.96, Jr, Oregon
Brett Hundley , QB, 6-3, 227, 4.64, rJr, UCLA
Michael Bennett , DT, 6-2, 288, 4.96, Sr, Ohio State
Paul Dawson , OLB, 6-2, 230, 4.76, Sr, TCU
Ty Sambrailo , OT, 6-5, 315, 5.27, rSr, Colorado State
Jay Ajayi , RB, 5-11, 220, 4.54, rJr, Boise State
Cody Prewitt , FS, 6-2, 212, 4.59, Sr, Mississippi
