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Prospect watch list: Wrapping bowls, including title game
By Rob Rang
The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com
Jan. 2, 2011Tell Rob your opinion!
Jan. 7
AT&T Cotton Bowl (LSU vs. Texas A&M)
LSU CB Patrick Peterson* (6-1, 222, 4.42): More decorated than a wedding cake, Peterson won the Thorpe Award, Bednarik Award, SEC Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Year awards, but he won't be able to rest on his laurels in the Cotton Bowl, as A&M's Jeff Fuller is a formidable opponent.
LSU DT Drake Nevis (6-1, 285, 4.84): Strong and shockingly quick off the snap, Nevis' ability to create havoc up the middle could give Texas A&M trouble and push him into the draft's first round.
LSU ILB Kelvin Sheppard (6-2, 240, 4.64): The quarterback of the LSU defense, Sheppard led the Tigers in tackles for the second consecutive year. His versatility and consistency could reverse the trend of LSU linebackers falling on draft day.
Texas A&M's Von Miller looks bound for the first round and NFL stardom. (Getty Images)
LSU WR Terrance Toliver (6-4, 205, 4.49): NFL scouts (and LSU fans) know Toliver has struggled with consistency throughout his career, but his rare combination of size and speed virtually guarantees he'll be drafted.
Texas A&M DE/OLB Von Miller (6-2, 243, 4.56): Too small to play defensive end in the NFL, Miller's explosive first step and flexibility as an open-field tackler will make him a first-round lock and star linebacker.
Texas A&M WR Jeff Fuller* (6-3, 215, 4.52): The son of former A&M and San Francisco 49ers safety of the same name, he is quietly emerging as one of the nation's top wideouts and could surprise as an early NFL entry.
Texas A&M RB Cyrus Gray* (5-10, 198, 4.47): Versatile playmaker out of the backfield has teamed with former wideout-turned-quarterback Ryan Tannehill to jumpstart the Aggies offense.
January 8
BBVA Compass Bowl (Pittsburgh vs. Kentucky)
Pittsburgh WR Jon Baldwin* (6-5, 230, 4.48): Possessing a size/speed combination that some scouts have labeled as "freakish," Baldwin will warrant a top-50 selection when he officially decides to come out.
Pittsburgh DE Greg Romeus (6-5, 270, 4.79): The Co-Big East Defensive Player of the Year in 2009, Romeus missed virtually all of this season due to back surgery, but is back for the bowl. A strong performance against Kentucky could reassure he's the first-round talent they thought he was heading into the season.
Pittsburgh DE Jabaal Sheard (6-3, 260, 4.76): With Romeus sidelined, Sheard emerged as the Panthers' dominant pass rusher and won the 2010 Big East Defensive Player of the Year with his burst off the edge and relentlessness.
Pittsburgh OT Jason Pinkston (6-4, 308, 5.02): A veteran of 40 starts, the two-time All-Big East tackle may be best suited inside at OG due to a lack of elite athleticism.
Pittsburgh SS Dom DeCicco (6-3, 230, 4.48): Instinctive, versatile defender led the team in tackles (85) and interceptions this season (fove) and has the size/speed numbers scouts are looking for.
Kentucky WR Randall Cobb (5-11, 190, 4.46): Mr. Everything for the Wildcats, this versatile playmaker leads the SEC with 2,192 all-purpose yards and has scored as a runner, receiver, passer and returner.
Kentucky RB Derrick Locke (5-09, 190, 4.36): He has explosive speed and rushed for 816 yards and 10 touchdowns despite missing four games due to a shoulder injury.
Kentucky OLB Danny Trevathan (6-1, 225, 4.64): The undersized Trevathan had eye-popping stats (SEC-leading 130 tackles) but might need to do more to win over scouts.
January 9
Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl (Nevada vs. Boston College)
Nevada QB Colin Kaepernick (6-6, 225, 4.53): The maestro operating Nevada's Pistol offense, Kaepernick has an intoxicating combination of size, arm strength and straight-line speed that will convince some team they can mold him into a pro-style passer. He joined Tim Tebow and Cam Newton as the only FBS quarterbacks in the 20-20 club (20 passing TDs, 20 rushing TDs) in 2010.
Nevada DE/OLB Dontay Moch (6-1, 242, 4.38): Having earned consecutive first-team All-WAC honors as a defensive end, Moch's production (63 career TFL) and verified 4.3-second, 40-yard dash have some scouts convinced he can acclimate to linebacker in the NFL.
Nevada TE Virgil Green (6-4, 242, 4.60): Possessing the athleticism and soft hands to operate as a receiving specialist in the NFL, Green has emerged as Kaepernick's favorite target in the red zone, leading the team with five TD receptions.
Nevada RB Vai Taua (5-10,220, 4.56): Lacks prototype agility and speed but when you are as productive as Taua has been for the Wolf Pack this season (1,534 yards and 19 TDs), scouts take notice.
Boston College OT Anthony Castonzo (6-7, 308, 5.06): Considered by some scouts the best pass-blocking OT in the draft, Castonzo will have his hands full against Moch's speed.
Boston College OLB Mark Herzlich (6-4, 245, 4.75): Nevada's explosive offense shouldn't be any problem for Herzlich, who is quietly re-emerging as one of the draft's best all-around linebackers.
Boston College RB Montel Harris* (5-10, 200, 4.54): A knee injury and subsequent surgery could keep Harris out of this game, but with 3,600 career rushing yards -- the second highest total in BC history -- the junior is the clear engine behind an offense that doesn't have a stabilizer under center.
January 10
Tostitos BCS National Championship Game (Auburn vs. Oregon)
Auburn QB Cam Newton* (6-6, 250, 4.52): Entering the season, Auburn long snapper Josh Harris had a bigger profile in the program's official media guide than Newton, a JUCO transfer. That was before Newton took over the FBS with his running and passing (4,040 all-purpose yards, 49 TDs), won the Heisman Trophy and emerged as the most dynamic weapon in college football since Michael Vick.
Auburn DT Nick Fairley* (6-4, 298, 4.92): In the eyes of scouts, Fairley was every bit the breakout star that Newton has been this season. A first-team All-SEC defensive tackle, he could parlay his spectacular junior campaign (55 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks) into a high first-round pick.
Auburn OT Lee Ziemba (6-6, 320, 5.22): Despite starting 51 games at left tackle for the Tigers and serving as Newton's blindside protector this season, Ziemba's best position in the NFL may be inside at guard.
Auburn ILB Josh Bynes (6-2, 235, 4.78): An instinctive, active inside linebacker, Bynes' 71 tackles lead the Tigers and helped earn him an invitation to the Senior Bowl. His speed to the flanks will be challenged by Oregon's LaMichael James.
Oregon RB LaMichael James* (5-09, 185, 4.42): With the speed to be gone in the blink of an eye, James led the country with 1,682 rushing yards and scored 21 touchdowns. To the disappointment of Pac-10 opponents, James, a redshirt sophomore, has already announced that he'll be returning to Oregon next season.
Oregon QB Darron Thomas* (6-3, 215, 4.58): James gets most of the attention, but Thomas has played a critical role in Oregon's berth in the BCS championship game. Quietly, Thomas tied Stanford star Andrew Luck with 28 touchdown passes to lead the Pac-10.
Oregon ILB Casey Matthews (6-1, 238, 4.78): The unquestioned leader of the Ducks defense, Matthews' numbers might appear relatively pedestrian (73 tackles, 8.5 TFL, three INTs, three fumble recoveries), but his instincts are not. He won't be the most athletic ILB that Auburn has faced this season, but he might be the best open-field tackler.
Oregon DL Brandon Bair (6-6, 272, 4.98): While lacking Nick Fairley's name value, Bair has been very nearly as unstoppable in the middle for the Ducks. His sack numbers (three) won't wow scouts, but his 15.5 tackles for loss and eight passes broken up demonstrate his versatility.
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By Rob Rang
The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com
Jan. 2, 2011Tell Rob your opinion!
Jan. 7
AT&T Cotton Bowl (LSU vs. Texas A&M)
LSU CB Patrick Peterson* (6-1, 222, 4.42): More decorated than a wedding cake, Peterson won the Thorpe Award, Bednarik Award, SEC Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Year awards, but he won't be able to rest on his laurels in the Cotton Bowl, as A&M's Jeff Fuller is a formidable opponent.
LSU DT Drake Nevis (6-1, 285, 4.84): Strong and shockingly quick off the snap, Nevis' ability to create havoc up the middle could give Texas A&M trouble and push him into the draft's first round.
LSU ILB Kelvin Sheppard (6-2, 240, 4.64): The quarterback of the LSU defense, Sheppard led the Tigers in tackles for the second consecutive year. His versatility and consistency could reverse the trend of LSU linebackers falling on draft day.
Texas A&M's Von Miller looks bound for the first round and NFL stardom. (Getty Images)
LSU WR Terrance Toliver (6-4, 205, 4.49): NFL scouts (and LSU fans) know Toliver has struggled with consistency throughout his career, but his rare combination of size and speed virtually guarantees he'll be drafted.
Texas A&M DE/OLB Von Miller (6-2, 243, 4.56): Too small to play defensive end in the NFL, Miller's explosive first step and flexibility as an open-field tackler will make him a first-round lock and star linebacker.
Texas A&M WR Jeff Fuller* (6-3, 215, 4.52): The son of former A&M and San Francisco 49ers safety of the same name, he is quietly emerging as one of the nation's top wideouts and could surprise as an early NFL entry.
Texas A&M RB Cyrus Gray* (5-10, 198, 4.47): Versatile playmaker out of the backfield has teamed with former wideout-turned-quarterback Ryan Tannehill to jumpstart the Aggies offense.
January 8
BBVA Compass Bowl (Pittsburgh vs. Kentucky)
Pittsburgh WR Jon Baldwin* (6-5, 230, 4.48): Possessing a size/speed combination that some scouts have labeled as "freakish," Baldwin will warrant a top-50 selection when he officially decides to come out.
Pittsburgh DE Greg Romeus (6-5, 270, 4.79): The Co-Big East Defensive Player of the Year in 2009, Romeus missed virtually all of this season due to back surgery, but is back for the bowl. A strong performance against Kentucky could reassure he's the first-round talent they thought he was heading into the season.
Pittsburgh DE Jabaal Sheard (6-3, 260, 4.76): With Romeus sidelined, Sheard emerged as the Panthers' dominant pass rusher and won the 2010 Big East Defensive Player of the Year with his burst off the edge and relentlessness.
Pittsburgh OT Jason Pinkston (6-4, 308, 5.02): A veteran of 40 starts, the two-time All-Big East tackle may be best suited inside at OG due to a lack of elite athleticism.
Pittsburgh SS Dom DeCicco (6-3, 230, 4.48): Instinctive, versatile defender led the team in tackles (85) and interceptions this season (fove) and has the size/speed numbers scouts are looking for.
Kentucky WR Randall Cobb (5-11, 190, 4.46): Mr. Everything for the Wildcats, this versatile playmaker leads the SEC with 2,192 all-purpose yards and has scored as a runner, receiver, passer and returner.
Kentucky RB Derrick Locke (5-09, 190, 4.36): He has explosive speed and rushed for 816 yards and 10 touchdowns despite missing four games due to a shoulder injury.
Kentucky OLB Danny Trevathan (6-1, 225, 4.64): The undersized Trevathan had eye-popping stats (SEC-leading 130 tackles) but might need to do more to win over scouts.
January 9
Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl (Nevada vs. Boston College)
Nevada QB Colin Kaepernick (6-6, 225, 4.53): The maestro operating Nevada's Pistol offense, Kaepernick has an intoxicating combination of size, arm strength and straight-line speed that will convince some team they can mold him into a pro-style passer. He joined Tim Tebow and Cam Newton as the only FBS quarterbacks in the 20-20 club (20 passing TDs, 20 rushing TDs) in 2010.
Nevada DE/OLB Dontay Moch (6-1, 242, 4.38): Having earned consecutive first-team All-WAC honors as a defensive end, Moch's production (63 career TFL) and verified 4.3-second, 40-yard dash have some scouts convinced he can acclimate to linebacker in the NFL.
Nevada TE Virgil Green (6-4, 242, 4.60): Possessing the athleticism and soft hands to operate as a receiving specialist in the NFL, Green has emerged as Kaepernick's favorite target in the red zone, leading the team with five TD receptions.
Nevada RB Vai Taua (5-10,220, 4.56): Lacks prototype agility and speed but when you are as productive as Taua has been for the Wolf Pack this season (1,534 yards and 19 TDs), scouts take notice.
Boston College OT Anthony Castonzo (6-7, 308, 5.06): Considered by some scouts the best pass-blocking OT in the draft, Castonzo will have his hands full against Moch's speed.
Boston College OLB Mark Herzlich (6-4, 245, 4.75): Nevada's explosive offense shouldn't be any problem for Herzlich, who is quietly re-emerging as one of the draft's best all-around linebackers.
Boston College RB Montel Harris* (5-10, 200, 4.54): A knee injury and subsequent surgery could keep Harris out of this game, but with 3,600 career rushing yards -- the second highest total in BC history -- the junior is the clear engine behind an offense that doesn't have a stabilizer under center.
January 10
Tostitos BCS National Championship Game (Auburn vs. Oregon)
Auburn QB Cam Newton* (6-6, 250, 4.52): Entering the season, Auburn long snapper Josh Harris had a bigger profile in the program's official media guide than Newton, a JUCO transfer. That was before Newton took over the FBS with his running and passing (4,040 all-purpose yards, 49 TDs), won the Heisman Trophy and emerged as the most dynamic weapon in college football since Michael Vick.
Auburn DT Nick Fairley* (6-4, 298, 4.92): In the eyes of scouts, Fairley was every bit the breakout star that Newton has been this season. A first-team All-SEC defensive tackle, he could parlay his spectacular junior campaign (55 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks) into a high first-round pick.
Auburn OT Lee Ziemba (6-6, 320, 5.22): Despite starting 51 games at left tackle for the Tigers and serving as Newton's blindside protector this season, Ziemba's best position in the NFL may be inside at guard.
Auburn ILB Josh Bynes (6-2, 235, 4.78): An instinctive, active inside linebacker, Bynes' 71 tackles lead the Tigers and helped earn him an invitation to the Senior Bowl. His speed to the flanks will be challenged by Oregon's LaMichael James.
Oregon RB LaMichael James* (5-09, 185, 4.42): With the speed to be gone in the blink of an eye, James led the country with 1,682 rushing yards and scored 21 touchdowns. To the disappointment of Pac-10 opponents, James, a redshirt sophomore, has already announced that he'll be returning to Oregon next season.
Oregon QB Darron Thomas* (6-3, 215, 4.58): James gets most of the attention, but Thomas has played a critical role in Oregon's berth in the BCS championship game. Quietly, Thomas tied Stanford star Andrew Luck with 28 touchdown passes to lead the Pac-10.
Oregon ILB Casey Matthews (6-1, 238, 4.78): The unquestioned leader of the Ducks defense, Matthews' numbers might appear relatively pedestrian (73 tackles, 8.5 TFL, three INTs, three fumble recoveries), but his instincts are not. He won't be the most athletic ILB that Auburn has faced this season, but he might be the best open-field tackler.
Oregon DL Brandon Bair (6-6, 272, 4.98): While lacking Nick Fairley's name value, Bair has been very nearly as unstoppable in the middle for the Ducks. His sack numbers (three) won't wow scouts, but his 15.5 tackles for loss and eight passes broken up demonstrate his versatility.
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DAL @ GB
IND 
CAR 
JAX 
