2014 Senior Bowl: Offensive Rankings, Previews, and Predictions

RS12

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Quarterbacks

Rankings (NFL Potential/Draftability)

1. Derek Carr, Fresno State
2. Tajh Boyd, Clemson
3. David Fales, San Jose State
4. Stephen Morris, Miami (FL)
5. Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech
6. TBD

Most to Gain: Stephen Morris, Miami(FL)
When Zach Mettenberger and Aaron Murray went down with injury it opened up two spots on the roster and one of them went to Morris. After coming into the season with plenty of pro buzz, he saw it fizzle with poor decision making, turnovers, and little improvement. Morris has a tremendous opportunity to impress scouts if he can show improved throwing mechanics and accuracy.

Most to Lose: Derek Carr, Freno State
As of right now Derek Carr is generating serious first round attention and with so many teams at the top of the draft needing a QB, his name gets mentioned. Carr has the opportunity to steal the show in Mobile and continue his rise up draft boards. However, a poor week throwing the football will put a halt to some of that top 10 talk.

Overrated: Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech
I’ve watched Thomas play four seasons in the ACC and I still see him make the same mistakes as a Senior that he did as a Freshman. Thomas’ pro potential is predicated on his great size and strong throwing arm, but when it comes to accurate throws and quick decisions, it all comes apart. Thomas could be in for a rough week if he can’t harness his arm and add touch to his throws.

Underrated: David Fales, San Jose St.
I’ve never been a huge David Fales supporter, but he’s getting overlooked in this crowd. Fales doesn’t have an elite arm and plays in a system that doesn’t translate well to the NFL. Fales is a smart kid that should impress in interviews with scouts.

Who Performs Best in Mobile: Derek Carr, Fresno State
All of the stars are aligned for Carr next week. Mettenberger, Murray, and hometown hero A.J. McCarron are out of the game, which means all eyes will be on Derek Carr. He’s by far the most talented passer of this group and should shine in passing drills with his ability to make accurate throws all over the field. The Senior Bowl drills are really geared towards his game.

Most Likely to be a Patriot: David Fales, San Jose St.
I don’t see the Patriots using a pick before the 6th/7th round on a QB. Fales is most likely a later round guy and has the smarts to fit the Patriots organization. However, his arm and system experience aren’t an ideal fit. I feel comfortable in predicting none of these guys will be Patriots, but if I were guessing it’d be Fales.

Running Backs

Rankings:

1) Carlos Hyde, Ohio State
2) Charles Sims, West Virginia
3) Marion Grice, Arizona State
4) Antonio Andrews, Western Kentucky
5) James White, Wisconsin
6) Jerick McKinnon, Georgia Southern

Most to Gain: Carlos Hyde, Ohio State
Hyde can end up becoming the star of Senior Bowl week. He will enter the game as the #1 RB on my draft board and one of the most NFL ready runners in the entire draft. For Hyde, the Senior Bowl will be important not only for his on the field efforts, but also his team interviews.

He needs to answer questions about his past indiscretions and prove to teams he can be trusted. On the field, Hyde needs to show he can impress in pass protection drills and catch the ball consistently. If he does these things he has a chance to be the top RB selected in May.

Overrated: James White, Wisconsin
White never took the lead role at Wisconsin and his build worries me heading to the NFL. White has impressive burst and speed, but lacks power, and probably never develops into a lead back. On top of that White doesn’t catch the ball regularly out of the backfield, which is something a back of his size has to showcase to be successful at the next level.

Underrated: Antonio Andrews, Western Kentucky
Not many people have seen Andrews play since he is relegated to the Sun Belt Conference, but he’s been one of the best All-Purpose backs in college football the last three seasons. Andrews is a do-everything workhorse that catches the ball consistently and even returns kicks. Andrews has the frame and game to adapt to the new style of play in the NFL. With an impressive performance in Mobile, Andrews could hear his name called in the middle rounds.

Best Performance in Mobile: Charles Sims, West Virginia
Sims should stand out in Mobile because of his vast experience as a pass catcher. With practices geared towards 1 on 1 matchups, Sims’ polish as a route runner and receiver out of the backfield will turn heads in Mobile. Aside from that, Sims doesn’t get enough love for his ability to be an effective ball-carrier. He will showcase an impressive cutback running style which utilizes his vision and burst through the first level this week.

Most likely to be a Patriot: Charles Sims, West Virginia
Sims ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and move around the formation should interest the Patriots. Sims does have some flaws to his game, such as his upright running style and lack of tackling breaking power. Based on his versatility and pass catching skills, both something the Patriots need, he fits best out of the other backs.

Wide Receivers

Rankings:
1) Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt

http://www.nepatriotsdraft.com/2014...ensive-rankings-previews-and-predictions.html
 

VThokie7

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Logan has been very inconsistent the last two seasons. No doubt about that. But watching him for four seasons or making the same mistakes he made as a freshman are aren't so accurate considering he backed up the conference player of the year as a freshman and only came in for one play against Miami.

His sophomore season was fantastic. But losing 2 1,000 yard receivers, some starting linemen, and David Wilson were a big blow. His arm and size will draw attention. Hopefully a good QB coach can make a huge difference. As he only got to work with one his final season in Blacksburg.
 
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