|
The first six weeks of the college football season have been accounted for and PFDN’s rankings are all updated. There is still a lot of football to be played and the draft board is very fluid. Many of the senior prospects currently listed in our top 32 will not be selected in the 1st round when a number of very talented underclassmen declare by January 15th. Here are a few prospects that it will be interesting to see how they finish their collegiate careers: DE Quinton Coples, North Carolina: Everyone knows that Coples has the size, long arms and athletic ability that every NFL team seeks in a defensive end. However, he has had a very quiet senior season. It is time for Coples to turn the switch on and start wrecking some havoc on the field. Mario Williams had a slow start in his final season, but had some dominant games down the stretch. Coples needs to do the same. DE Andre Branch, Clemson: This Tiger is coming on strong. Branch leads the undefeated Clemson squad in tackles. This is impressive for a defensive lineman and is a testament to his all-out effort. Branch will continue to open eyes with a disruptive second half. S Mark Barron, Alabama: The Crimson Tide are loaded on defense and Barron is a big part of a fine secondary. Barron can certainly tackle and support against the run. He had a solid start to the season in coverage. Barron has to continue to display playmaking ability versus the pass. It is hard to find a safety that can be a factor against the run and the pass. Barron has a chance to show that he can be that type of player. OT Nate Potter, Boise State: Can Potter gain some strength and solid weight? He is a student of the game and has been very effective at left tackle. Potter may not be able to answer the strength issue until the post-season when he can train full-time. QB Ryan Tannehill, Texas A & M: The Aggies’ signal-caller continues to gain experience. Will he do a better job of not locking onto a receiver too soon and reduce his interceptions? Tannehill will have an opportunity to prove his development against Oklahoma and Texas later in the season. A number of generally highly regarded seniors did not quite make our top 32 at this point. This can change, but here is why: WR Jeff Fuller, Texas A & M: The big Aggie receiver has had a sluggish start (27 receptions for 280 yards (10.4 per) and 2 touchdowns) in 5 games played. Fuller looks to be more of a possession receiver at the next level and not a difference maker. He will have to make more of an impact in the red zone and start breaking some tackles in the coming weeks. WR Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma: The Sooners’ leading receiver continues to pile-up statistics. He is a terrific college receiver, but his small size (5’ 10” and 188 lbs) and lack of strength are a concern. He has not looked explosive on punt returns. Broyles can work the slot as a 3rd receiver in the NFL, but his small frame and lack of strength could limit his upside. OT Andrew Datko, Florida State: The experienced left tackle’s game is more about finesse than power. He is now dealing with a recurring shoulder injury and how much he can play the rest of this season remains to be seen. DT Alameda Ta’amu, Washington: The big man (6’ 3” and 330 lbs) looks the part of an NFL nose tackle. However, he does too much leaning and his play frequently looks lackluster. Ta’amu has a ways to go to being a productive professional run-stuffer. CB Brandon Boykin, Georgia: Boykin is a terrific athlete who can help an NFL team at cornerback and as a kick returner. He has a slight frame and has to be careful in order to stay healthy. It will be interesting to see if Boykin can learn to anticipate routes better to take more advantage of his athleticism. The PFDN Top 32 list and draft board for the 2012 NFL Draft will be updated again toward the end of the college football regular season. Of course, the rankings will be significantly changed again when the underclassmen officially declare.
|
Articles 
