by Steve Callahan; GBN Special Correspondent
The college football and NFL seasons have just gotten underway, yet it is never too soon to check in on the top prospects for the 2017 draft next April, major publications are already making mock drafts. Everyone is familiar with the big names at the most popular schools at the most prestigious positions, but there are other, equally as talented prospects that are flying under the radar. These guys deserve attention as well for what they can do on the football field and how they can help a professional team next season.
Jamal Adams, FS, LSU – If not for the way LSU’s offense garners headlines (both positively and negatively), Adams may be more well known. He is one of the best defensive backs in the country. Adams is a bigger and better prospect than former safety Tyrann Mathieus was for LSU because he packs his punch into a bigger frame and possesses none of the off-field concerns that Mathieu did.
Zach Cunningham, LB, Vanderbilt – Sure, Vanderbilt plays in the SEC, but that doesn’t mean the Commodores garner the attention that that conference brings. Cunningham is the best Vanderbilt has to offer, and he’s a good one. A superb run defender as an inside linebacker, Cunningham has the speed and range to cover sideline to sideline in all facets.
Dan Feeney, OG, Indiana – Offensive linemen never get the credit they deserve. This is doubly true for interior offensive linemen. For an offensive guard at Indiana, the deck is completely stacked against Dan Feeney. Yet he is arguably the best at his position in the country.
Charles Harris, DE, Missouri – After Missouri has produced the likes of Shane Ray and Kony Ealy in recent years, maybe Harris isn’t completely under the radar anymore, but he isn’t as highly thought of as he should be. As a rush end, Harris has the burst of speed around the edge as well as moves to get through the best blockers.
Bucky Hodges, TE, Virginia Tech – Bucky Hodges has been getting a lot of pub for years now in ACC circles, but that excitement hasn’t exactly spread nationwide because his production hasn’t always matched his potential. But as CBS Sports puts it, “Hodges might just be the freakiest pass-catcher in the country.”
Mitch Leidner, QB, Minnesota – A Power 5 quarterback will find it hard to slip under the radar, but playing for Minnesota helps. Mitch Leidner has all the measurables you would want from an NFL starting quarterback, including the ability to run. Feelings on him are mixed though, including by his own fan base. Leidner will need to have a good 2016 but could find himself in the day-one discussion.
Lowell Lotulelei, DT, Utah – The name surely sounds familiar to football fans but only because of Lowell’s big brother Star. Lowell is an elite defensive tackle prospect in his own right though. He isn’t a pass rusher through the middle, something that would make him arguably a top-10 overall pick. But his strength, run stuffing, quickness and ability to shed blockers still leaves NFL scouts salivating.
Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame – While teammate Mitch McGlinchey receives all the headlines, Quenton Nelson is arguably as good of a lineman prospect for the Irish. He plays guard though instead of tackle. Yet Nelson was the only Irish player to be named to SI’s preseason All-American team this summer.
Dawuane Smoot, DE, Illinois – Pass rushers with Smoot’s combination of speed and moves don’t stay hidden for long. He may become a household name by the time the 2017 draft rolls around, possibly being as high as the top 50 on draft boards.
Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU – SMU is on no one’s radar in the sport of football. That’s why third-year sophomore Courtland Sutton can be a virtual unknown despite tallying nearly 900 yards and nine touchdowns in his first full collegiate season. At 6-4, he won’t hide for long and is already off to a nice start this season.
Anthony Walker, LB, Northwestern – Anthony Walker is a linebacker who finds his way into the opponent’s backfield impressively often. He isn’t a pass rusher though and has raw skills that still need to be refined. If it wasn’t for that, or the fact that he plays for Northwestern, Walker would be a household name by now.
Davis Webb, QB, Cal – With all the dual-threat quarterbacks atop draft boards, Webb is flying low at Jared Goff’s alma mater. Webb transferred from Texas Tech. He has a big arm and throws the ball down the field well but needs to improve his decision-making.
