2014 NFL Draft: Baylor Preview

RS12

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1. OG Cyril Richardson (6-5, 335, 5.27)
Arguably the best senior interior line prospect in the nation, Richardson's combination of power and athleticism makes him a legitimate contender to sneak into that first round next April. After starting a handful of games at guard as a freshman, he was RGIII's left tackle in 2011 before moving back inside to guard last season where he was voted the top lineman in the conference by Big 12 coaches. Richardson has the natural frame, girth and wingspan to engulf defenders and plow run lanes with his body strength. He carries his weight well for blocker in the 330-340 pound range, using his light feet to pull, seal and get to the second level to spring big runs. Richardson needs to show the same grit and determination on every snap, but when he flashes his aggressive nature, he can control rushers and take them out of the play. He needs to improve his hand quickness and placement off the snap and can be slow with his eyes to react initially, but he recovers well and uses angles with his wide base to latch-and-drive. Richardson will be blocking for a new quarterback and a healthy stable of running backs led by Lache Seastrunk in 2013 so he'll have every opportunity to cement his NFL value as a top-40 draft pick.

2. RB Lache Seastrunk (5-9, 210, 4.50)*
Since Art Briles took over the head job, the Baylor offense has developed into one of the most explosive, not only in the Big 12, but in the entire country. And while quarterbacks Robert Griffin and Nick Florence have received most of the headlines, Briles' offense has produced three 1,000-yard rushers the past three seasons, including Seastrunk last year. A five-star high school recruit, he began his college career at Oregon before deciding to transfer to Baylor and his home state of Texas, sitting out the 2011 season. Seastrunk started six games last year and led the team in rushing with 1,012 yards (7.7 yards per rush average) despite finishing with 48 less carries than Glasco Martin. He is a silky runner between the tackles with active feet and explosive lateral burst to juke defenders and easily redirect his momentum to avoid contact. Seastrunk is balanced with a low center of gravity and finishes with toughness, but he has very average bulk on his frame and won't drag tacklers or win with power. He needs to prove he can be a three-down player by improving his focus as pass-catcher and consistency when left alone to pass protect. But above all, Seastrunk needs to improve his run instincts and shed the bad habit of unnecessarily going east-west or even backwards to try for the home run instead of taking what is there. He is an exciting, jitterbug athlete and if he can consistently stay under control at all levels of the field, Seastrunk will be a welcome addition to any offense in the NFL.

3. SS Ahmad Dixon (6-0, 205, 4.49)
Born and raised in Waco, Dixon had a roller-coaster recruitment that included commitments to Texas and Tennessee before he finally decided to stay home and attend Baylor. He has started the past two seasons at the team's nickel “Bear” position, which is a hybrid linebacker/safety role, but will move to safety for his senior year in 2013. Dixon is an excellent size/speed athlete with the fluidity and natural speed to cover the entire field, making plays behind the line of scrimmage and in the deep half of the field. He is a physical striker and enjoys throwing his body around in run support. Dixon works hard to shed blocks to make open-field stops and is a violent tackler, but needs to consistently wrap up and not just hit his target with body shots.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/rob-rang/22648188/2014-nfl-draft-baylor-preview
 
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