News: BTB: Week Eleven: CFB Open Thread

[NewsBot]

Over the last two weeks, I've focused on the top prospects along the trenches. For Week Nine, we took a look at the top defensive tackles and ends that should be available come April. For Week Ten, we went to the other side and sized up the top offensive guards and tackles that are either seniors or eligible juniors.

Week Ten also included my first Cowboys Mock Draft of the year: and it went a little something like this.

ROUND Pick No. Prospect School
1 21
DT Rashede Hageman
Minnesota​

The prototypical 1-tech/3-tech hybrid, which is really what the Cowboys will need even if they keep Jason Hatcher. Uncanny burst for a man that stands 6'6" and weighs in at 311. "Hageman consistently pushes his counterparts deep into the backfield, demonstrating rare upfield burst for a man of his size, as well as impressive strength."

ROUND Pick No. Prospect School
2 53
DE Michael Sam
Missouri​

The senior from surprising Missouri is terrorizing offensive linemen. Of his 32 combined tackles, he has a CFB-leading 24 for losses, to go along with his 10 sacks; also leading CFB. He's not making it to 53, just like Tank Carradine wasn't making it to the 3rd round last year, but for now.. We can dream.

ROUND Pick No. Prospect School
3 85
OG Xavier Su'a Filo
UCLA​

Spent two-years at a Mormon mission. "Strengths: Powerfully-built. Very good initial quickness, hand placement and impressive upper body strength to gain the initial advantage on defenders. Due to his core strength and flexibility, Su'a-Filo anchors very well against bull-rushes and shows lateral agility and balance in pass pro. Perfect match in UCLA's drive-blocking scheme, but has the athleticism to fit in a zone-blocking scheme as well."

ROUND Pick No. Prospect School
4 117
OT Morgan Moses
Virginia​

Continues in the tradition of stout Virginia linemen prospects, has been playing LT after being RT last two years. Has ability to play both. Huge guy, great feet.

"Moses showed good initial quickness and was smooth in his kick-step despite his inexperience dropping from the left side. He caught defenders with his long, strong arms and protected the edge nicely, giving Virginia quarterback David Watford enough time to scan the field throughout this game. His only hiccup in pass protection, in fact, ironically came when he was leaning too far left, allowing a counter-move from Washington to slip between he and left guard Luke Bowanko."

ROUND Pick No. Prospect School
5 149
QB Jimmy Garoppolo
Eastern Illinois​

"Strengths: Good-sized, rhythm quarterback with excellent accuracy, timing and a quick release that really helps him be efficient from the pocket. Sets up quickly and shows good lower body movement skills to evade pressure and deliver from different platforms."

Currently leads all of CFB (FBS or FCS) in TD passes. Been named OVC POW 8 times, one shy of conference record. Played well against 2 FBS teams (No. Illinois, SD State) going 65-95 711 yds, 9 TDs, 2 INTS… plus… well, we'll let CBS tell the story:

"Against the No. 2 ranked defense nationally, Garoppolo completed 24-of-41 passes for 410 yards and four touchdowns and helped the Panthers rack up 567 yards of total offense in the game (200 yards more than TSU had given up to any other team this season). His fourth touchdown of the game was the 35th of the season for the Walter Payton Award candidate, breaking the previous OVC single-season record of 34 set by Tony Romo in 2002 (when he won the Payton Award)."
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This mock will stand for a couple reasons. I'm waiting on some of the other draft sites to update their rankings as I don't want to continuously use the same one. Hopefullly next week will offer a new mix so I can introduce some new candidates to you.

But enough draft talk, there's plenty of collegiate action to take in today!

Today's Top Matchup:


No. 13 LSU at No. 1 Alabama, 8pm ET

This has become the biggest regular season matchup over the last five years. It's kind of fitting there are no other Top 25 vs Top 25 matchups on today's slate.
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Want to watch other elite players? Here's a look at the pre-season candidates for the Nagurski and Outland Trophies. Compare that against the complete television schedule provided by 506Sports. Also, check out MockingTheDraft's "NFL Draft Watch Notes" for a deeper look into some of the compelling games featuring first-round targets.

Consider this your open thread for all your CFB activities!

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