Weekly Prospects Review – December 10th, 2014

December 10, 2014

SAM ARNESON/TE/WISCONSIN #49 6’4/250 … This just in… the Badgers have an NFL TE prospect for the next NFL Draft. Well, that shouldn’t be a bulletin in light of names like DANIELS, GRAHAM, KENDRICKS, etc. But it is news of a sort because ARNESON is a true inline, blocking TE, who can catch the ball in his spare time. ARNESON didn’t set the world on fire this year statistically with 27 catches for 354 yards and 4 TD, but please consider the QBs delivering the ball. For an NFL team looking for a solid TE in a weak year at the position ARNESON should have real value in the closing rounds of the May Draft. His style of play and overall abilities may compare favorably to Seattle’s LUKE WILLSON. I am a bit dismayed to not find his name on an All-STar roster list yet!

JAMES CASTLEMAN/DT/OKLAHOMA STATE #91 6’2/300 … In the newest collegiate dictionary it might as well feature a picture of CASTLEMAN right next to the word ‘workmanlike’. Just like ARNESON above he’s not an elite prospect by any measure. But for an NFL team running a 4-3 defensive scheme that lacks depth and wants a lunch pail toting warrior to add depth to their interior DL rotation CASTLEMAN might just be their man. He was the rock/foundation of the Cowboys D from his DT spot. In 12 games he totaled 42 tackles, including 7 TFL, 2.5 sacks and 3 QBH. He also managed to get an INT and blocked 3 kicks on special teams. He’s a vocal leader and high energy guy as well. He goes out and does his job week-in and week-out. It might be hard to vote him as defensive player of the week in any one game, but the body of his work indicates a plugger who will give high effort and get results. I’m eager to see him at the Shrine venue in January.

SPENCER DRANGO/OT/BAYLOR #58 6’5/315 … Some folks are a bit wary of Baylor OL because of the pass-happy scheme they are perceived to employ. But they also run he ball a lot, and DRANGO (whose name just cries out to play for a Texas pro team) has the length and footwork to block effectively in any type attack. He may not knock people out of their stance with his hand punch, but he mirrors quite well in pass-pro and can get after it in the running game. He stays on his feet and can get around to pull or downfield for second level blocks. DRANGO also looks to be very aware of the action around him and will leave his assignment block to help out further down field. He’s probably the best OL prospect Baylor has produced during the BRILES regime. Medical at Indy will be important because a back injury that cost him time.His overall work was impressive as usual against a tough K-State defense last Saturday. He’s a very good athlete with big upside, who excites most scouts. It really helps him to have played in a team that required him to be proficient in both run and pass blocking. Not a whole lot of pass rush pressure comes through the LT spot on QB/PETTY. Looks like a probable 2nd Rounder, with a chance at late Round 1.

JAKE FISHER/OT/OREGON #75 6’6/295 … The Ducks, especially MARCUS MARIOTA, really got on a roll when FISHER got back into the starting line-up around mid-season after losing time to injury. The tall, long one is another example of what I consider to be the NFL LT of the present/future. A long, athletic player who weighs a bit over 300 lbs. (which FISHER will after in an NFL training regimen) and who relies more on footwork and quickness than brute strength. Athleticism has become more important than bulk at most OT spots around the League. FISHER reminds me a lot of ANTHONY CASTONZO coming out of BC. He has been a part of the hi-tech Oregon offense since his true freshman season and has been a starter since his sophomore campaign. I have seen his name all over the place on prospect ranking charts, but suspect that he is moving up most charts as we head for the bowl season. Right now he is listed as having accepted an invite to the Senior Bowl, which would be a smart move for him since actual NFL coaches preside over that venue. A good showing in Mobile and some athletic numbers at the Combine could propel FISHER solidly into late Round 1 draft status.

AUSTIN HILL/WR/ARIZONA #29 6’2/210 … Back in 2012, when HILL was a soph. he blew things up with 81 catches for 1364 yards and 11 TD. He looked to be a big name star ascending until he blew out a knee (ACL) and was lost for the entire 2013 season. He came back this season and improved physically over time, as was to be expected. He ended the season with 45 catches for 605 yards and 4 TD. He is not a speedster, but has good hands and can really rack up yards after catch with strength and some elusiveness. His biggest test this post season is likely to be how he looks at the Shrine Game and his medical reports in Indy. He’s borderline Top 100, and likely to get pushed out when the flood of juniors starts. There wasn’t much chance to get a good look at him in the big Loss to Oregon as the Wildcats Offense struggled mightily and even changed their QB mid-game. He caught 3 balls for 19 yards, which reflects a lot more on his team than him personally. He is a player whose off-season numbers will mean a lot to his draft ranking.

CHRISTION JONES/WR/RS/ALABAMA #22 5’11/190 … JONES is considered to be one of the top all-around speed threats on the SEC. His speed and quickness combine to make him a weapon as a Punt returner, Kick returner and a Wide Receiver. As a marked man coming off an exceptional 2013 season, his numbers in 2014 as a returner were a step back as teams kicked away from him whenever possible. In 2013 he averaged 14 yds per punt return and 28,7 yds per kick return, in addition to 36 catches. In 2014 BLAKE SIMS only had eyes for AMARI COOPER in the passing game, to the tune of over 100 catches. As a result JONES catch total slipped to 19 and only 1 TD this season. But my guess is he will get some prospect luster back when he puts up some impressive speed and quickness numbers at the Combine and/or his Pro Day. He made some big plays against Missouri in the SEC Championship Game and has perhaps 2 more big games to display his wares. Some pro team could get a late round value in JONES come May.

JOSUE MATIAS/OG/FLORIDA STATE #70 6’6/330 … There is very little extra praise to throw around when your entire OL is All-Conference, except for the 5-Star true frosh that you can’t keep off the field. But trust me when I say NFL Personnel people are well aware of his ability. Playing in a high powered pro style offense for the Seminoles works to his advantage of course. Has been a starter since his true sophomore season, never red shirting. MATIAS is certainly not the quickest OL in the country, but his length helps him offset some initial quickness off the ball. He can be a real road grader in the run game due to his mental makeup and his bull strength. Although it’s a very subjective stat MATIAS is generally acknowledged as the leading pancake blocker on the FSU line. Was recently named second team All-ACC. MATIAS, like most interior OL toils in relative obscurity most of the time but will get 3rd or 4th Round attention next May when the NFL Draft rolls around.

JOEY MBU/DT/HOUSTON #92 6’3/315 …. Unless you are a real draftnik or college football fan you may not have heard of MBU, who has toiled away in the often ignored American Athletic Conference. But he has been on NFL scouting radar since a solid junior season in 2013. He has an incredibly thick, strong middle body from his knees to his lower chest. He neutralizes the line-of-scrimmage as an immovable object for the Cougars. He can get a bit of push at times, but he looks to be limited somewhat from what appear to be relatively short arms. We’ll see when those arms and hands get measured at the Senior Bowl venue which he has indicated he will attend. MBU gives good effort but is limited in his pursuit ability because of girth and short, stout legs. I don’t see MBU as a true NT despite his build. For 2014 his personal stats are quite interesting: 12G – 31T – 4.5TFL – 2.5 Sacks – 1 INT – 4 PBU – 1 QBH. His stats confirm that he is well aware of what the QB is doing in the pocket and though not an elite inside pass-rush threat gets his arms/hands up to obscure QB sight/throwing lanes.

QUAYSHAWN NEALY/LB/GEORGIA TECH #54 6’1/235 … NEALY has been an every down LB for Tech since his RS Freshman year. He has over 40 starts to his credit. Has improve his tackle totals every season topping out with 90 in 2014. He’s always around the ball and can pressure the pocket. This season he was credited with 8 TFL, 4 sacks, 1 INT and 3 forced fumbles. He works hard, but is assignment sure per his coaches. In Tech’s big overtime win over Georgia NEALY chipped in with 9 tackles, 1 forced fumble & 1 PBU. He is not an elite pro prospect because he’s not special in any specific skill area. But he contributes in so many ways that he should add value to the bottom third of an NFL roster immediately. I have little doubt after watching TECH in action 5 times this year that he can be a Special Teams contributor right away and work into some sub-packages from scrimmage. His size will limit him somewhat in the NFL, but his versatility and accountability should work to his advantage. Look for him around Round 5/6.

QUINTEN ROLLINS/CB/MIAMI (O) #2 6’0/205 … It was a real task to watch a MIami (O) football game this year as he team stumbled it’s way to another big losing season at 2-10, after going winless in 2013. But it was worth it to watch the senior sensation who decided to play football this season after an illustrious basketball career as a defensive force to be reckoned with. ROLLINS blew things up in his college football debut. Playing at CB through 11 games he had 66 tackles, 4 TFL, 1 FF, 14 PD and 5 INT. To say he was a revelation to NFL personnel people would be an understatement. His ball-hawking ability is not quite as surprising as his willingness to stick his nose into the action in run support. Luckily for all of us he was invited to the Senior Bowl, by popular NFL pro scout demand, and will be on display, under pro coaching in Mobile. He’s already not a sleeper any more by any measure, but the chance to see him in practice and game action against the football big boys in Mobile is just what everyone wants to see. The buzz over ROLLINS is tremendous in scouting circles right now. Trying to figure out how high he has to be taken by teams who really want him is now the question that begs scrutiny. Remember this name when Senior Bowl Week rolls around in January.

DEVIN SMITH/WR/OHIO STATE #9 6’0/200 … In 2013 a guy named COREY BROWN emerged as the Buckeyes most productive WR. By and large NFL scouts missed on his breakout year and he went undrafted. He made the PANTHERS this fall as an URFA. Meet DEVIN SMITH, who despite the Ohio State QB shuffle this season jumped from 44 catches and 8 TD as second fiddle to BROWN in 2013 to being the team’s deadly, big play WR in 2014. His reception total dropped to 30 catches this season, but he took those catches to an average of 26.6 yards per catch, and 11 TD. His work last Saturday night in the blowout over Wisconsin was typical of his fine season. He caught 4 passes, but for 137 yards and 3 TD. I’m most eager to see his 40-time at the Combine. He may make a great NFL wideout/No. 3 receiver to stretch the field in an NFL offense. I’d also like to see him get a shot as a Kick Returner at the next level as well. He might sneak into Round 3 for the right team, but I’d guess R4/5 would be his most likely draft spot. No matter what, he has the smooth speed to transition easily into an NFL Offense. He helped beat the stuffing out of the Badgers secondary, but PACKERS fans probably wouldn’t mind seeing this guy help Aaron Rodgers stretch the field next season in Lambeau. I’m still waiting for an All-Star tilt to sign him up.

TERRY WILLIAMS/NT/EAST CAROLINA #54 6’0/350 … I would be the first guy to admit that this bowling ball needs to shed about 20-30 lbs., depending upon what he really weighs currently. But I would also tell you after watching him in 3 ECU games this past Fall, he is a productive/destructive force in the middle of their 3-4 DL. I would also tell you that he is high energy and despite playing over weight, he hustles and finishes plays more often than many of his teammates. He’s built low to the ground with a massive base and does not get knocked off of his feet. He plugs the middle and then pushes blockers into the pocket or ball carrier. He can be neutralized, but very seldom pushed off his spot. You might expect him to disappear in the 4th quarter from fatigue, but his play looks the same to me no matter what time in the game you focus on him. WILLIAMS seems to take/get no more blows on the sideline than his line mates. He more than held his own against UCF in the season finale for ECU. It’s getting late in the process, but I would still like to see him in action at a post-season All-Star game. I think he’s pretty similar to NT/BRANDON WILLIAMS who wowed us at the Senior Bowl in 2013 with his strength and girth,sub-packages and now anchors the DL in Baltimore. If he can find an agent who will send him to a performance camp in January, we might really see something from this young man at around 330 lbs. or so at his Pro Day. Might be draftable in Round 7 for a 3-4 team, more likely