by Steve Callahan, Special Contributor
In the 2016 draft, we saw a non-FBS player go in the first round when North Dakota State QB Carson Wentz was selected second overall by Philadelphia. Not only does it seem highly improbable that another FCS prospect will hear his named called within the top five picks of the 2017 draft, but none are likely to be drafted in the first few rounds at all. That’s not to say there aren’t a number of intriguing draft prospects from the FCS ranks this year. Here are some of the best to keep an eye on:
Cooper Kupp, 6-2, 215, WR, Eastern Washington: Kupp leads the way in terms of FCS prospects. His career numbers are off the charts, but even beyond that, he has the small aspects of a receiver’s game that one needs. He doesn’t have breakaway speed but gets off the line well and possesses good size and strength. A scout last year compared him to a stronger, more aggressive Brian Hartline. He could come off the board in the middle rounds as the first FCS player, unless one of these linemen or pass rushers makes strides.
Julie’n Davenport, 6-6, 315, OT, Bucknell: Davenport was named a preseason All-American this year after a breakout year last fall. He has the size, strength and experience that teams look for along the offensive line, although he is still rough around the edges. Regardless, Davenport is one of the best the FCS has to offer at the position.
Jessamen Dunker, 6-4, 290, Tennessee State: Dunker is a former Florida Gator who transferred after encountering some trouble with the law while in Gainesville. Dunker was looking for a fresh start and found it at TSU. Dunker doesn’t have the elite hand and foot speed of a left tackle, but he is the next best thing. He is the only member of the Ohio Valley Conference on the preseason Senior Bowl watch list.
Keionta Davis, 6-4, 270, DE, Chattanooga: Davis is not one of these rail thin rush ends that comes out of school and catches on as a situational player. He is 6-4, 270 pounds. He set the school record for sacks last season with 13.5, while leading the conference in tackles for loss. Davis has had injury issues in the past and coaches actually want him to slim down a bit, but he possesses the burst around the edge that teams are looking for.
Phazahn Odom, 6-7, 245, TE, Fordham: Monster of a human being who looks more like a power forward. In fact, was an all-state BB player in high school where he averaged 19 PPG as a senior. Still hasn’t had a ton of football experience, but has come on the past couple of seasons; And because you can’t teach his combination of size and fluidity, NFL types are intrigued, but needs to find more consistency (and chances) in his game.
Derek Rivers, 6-4, 255, DE, Youngstown State: In today’s NFL, teams value mobility and flexibility. And YSU DE Derek Rivers possesses both the smarts and the aptitude to bounce around a defense’s front seven. He was a Defensive Player of the Year finalist last season, and is on the preseason watch list for the award once again after posting 9 sacks last fall.
Nick DeLuca, 6-3, 245, ILB, North Dakota State: Defensive leader of the 5-time FCS national champion Bisons who had a huge moment in the draft sun this apst April when former QB Carson Wentz was the second player selected overall. DeLuca isn’t going anywhere near that early, but he is a tough as nails inside back with good size and decent range. And for a player with his size, DeLuca plays both the pass and the run very well from the middle linebacker position. Those skills have been on display already early in the 2016 season.
Tanoh Kpassagnon, 6-6, 290, DE, Villanova: Another top FCS prospect built more like a power forward. Kpassagnon was originally a TE but moved to the defensive line after redshirting and has evolved into a prototype 5T defensive end. He’s a terrific athlete who did play basketball, ran hurdles, thrown discus, among others. He added weight to his frame and is shaping up to be a formidable asset on the front four.
Brady Gustafson, 6-6, 235, QB, Montana: Anyone looking for this year’s version of Carson Wentz probably should head to Montana to check out Gustafson. He is another FCS prospect who remains a work in progress, but he has the prototype size that NFL teams want from their quarterbacks, as well as decent arm strength and athleticism. Gustafson stands tall in the pocket and will take a hit to get the ball off, but needs to improve his accuracy as his career completion % is below 60%.
K.D. Humphries, 6-2, 225, QB, Murray State: Off to something of a slow start this fall, but Humphries lead FCS passers in 2015 with almost 3,800 yards, although he plays in a pass-happy offense. Doesn’t necessarily have prototypical size for a pocket NFL, but he possesses the arm strength and work ethic to excel. Also has a quick release, can run out of trouble and throws well on the run. Plays almost exclusively out of a shotgun with the Racers, but reportedly played under center back in high school.
