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http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draf...tt-grayson-all-stats-team-prospects-nfl-draft
http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draf...ist-10-most-athletic-prospects-2015-nfl-draft
Below is our "all-stats team" of under-the-radar prospects who were able to dominate the college game from a statistical standpoint. In order to find the hidden gems, the three Heisman finalists -- Marcus Mariota, Melvin Gordon and Amari Cooper, all of whom had some of the most prolific seasons statistically in college football history -- were left off the list, as well as any prospect projected to be a top-10 pick.
Quarterback: Garrett Grayson, Colorado State
The top two quarterbacks in the upcoming NFL draft are well-known, but what do most fans know about Grayson, the quarterback whom some draft experts rank third?
At Colorado State, Grayson ran a pro-style offense under then-coach Jim McElwain (now the coach at Florida). Despite ranking outside the top 30 nationally in pass attempts, Grayson ranked fourth in passing yards; his yards per attempt average (9.5) trailed only Mariota.
Grayson played with the nation's leading receiver, Rashard Higgins, and many of Higgins' yards were gained on accurate and deep passes from his quarterback. Among the top QB prospects, only Mariota completed a higher percentage of his deep passes than Grayson last season.
Wide receiver: Tyler Lockett, Kansas State
As a four-time all-conference selection, Lockett set 17 school records, including those for receiving yards, receptions and receiving touchdowns once held by his father, Kevin.
The younger Lockett is able to beat opponents in a variety of ways. Despite his small stature (5-11, 175 pounds), he led all Power 5 receivers with 21 receptions on passes thrown 15 yards or longer last season. He also ranked fourth in the Big 12 in yards gained after the catch.
Lockett's return abilities set him apart from other receiver prospects in this year's draft. At K-State, he had more than 2,500 return yards and six return touchdowns in his career. He set the Big 12 record for kickoff return average (28.5) and was twice named the conference's top special teams player. Rookies can make an impact in the return game, and arguably no college player has been a more efficient returner than Lockett in the past four years.
Running back: Tevin Coleman, Indiana
It's not often that a 2,000-yard rusher goes relatively unnoticed in college. After all, there had been only 16 players to reach that mark in a single season prior to 2014. But that may be exactly what happened to Coleman in his final year at Indiana because of the shadow cast by fellow Big Ten running back Melvin Gordon.
Coleman has the speed and power that translate to the NFL. Last season, he averaged 7.5 yards per rush, the same average as Gordon, including 3.2 yards per carry after contact. Among Power 5 running backs with at least 100 rushes, only Todd Gurley, Nick Chubb and Josh Robinson had a higher yards-after-contact average than Coleman. He also led the nation with 10 rushing touchdowns of 25 yards or longer, showing top-end, breakaway speed. Coleman's average rushing touchdown yardage this past season was more than 40 yards.
Offensive lineman: Cameron Erving, Florida State
Erving is the most versatile offensive lineman in the draft. A converted defensive tackle, Erving played the majority of his career at left tackle for the Seminoles. In Florida State's 10th game of the season, Erving made the switch from tackle to center, which opened up Florida State's interior run game; the Seminoles doubled their yards-before-contact per rush average on interior runs in their final five games, compared with their first nine.
Erving has started every game for Florida State in the past three seasons, including all 29 games during the Seminoles' winning streak. He won the ACC's Jacob Trophy, given to the conference's top blocker, in consecutive seasons, as he blocked for Heisman Trophy winner quarterback Jameis Winston and three 1,000-yard rushers during that time.
Defensive lineman: Markus Golden, Missouri
Missouri led the SEC with 44 sacks last season, including 34 when sending four or fewer pass-rushers. More than half of those sacks came from the dynamic defensive end tandem of Shane Rayand Golden.
Although Ray is receiving much of the pre-draft hype, Golden was equally productive for the Tigers. He was one of nine players to record at least 10 sacks and 20 tackles for loss last season, and he was able to pressure opposing quarterbacks at an even higher rate than Ray. Golden may fall in the draft because of his size (6-2, 260 pounds), but his motor and relentlessness rushing the passer make him a sleeper to lead NFL rookies in sacks next season.
Outside linebacker: Hau'oli Kikaha, Washington
Can anyone name the 2014 FBS leader in sacks? That's right, Washington's Kikaha led the nation with 19 sacks, the third-most in a single season by any player since 2000, trailing only Arizona State's Terrell Suggs (24) and Louisville's Elvis Dumervil (20). Not bad company to keep. In fact, the list of year-by-year FBS leaders in sacks is filled with NFL All-Pros such as Dwight Freeney, Julius Peppers, Von Miller, Suggs and Dumervil.
Kikaha is not a one-year wonder, either. He had 13 sacks in 2013, making him one of two players to record double-digit sacks during both of the past two seasons; projected first-round pick Vic Beasley is the other.
Insider linebacker: Eric Kendricks, UCLA
Kendricks led the nation with 101 solo tackles in 2014, the second time in three years that he led the country in that statistic. To put it bluntly, Kendricks is a tackling machine; he finished his Bruins career with a school-record 481 total tackles, and has had at least 100 total tackles in three straight seasons.
Because of his production, Kendricks won the 2014 Butkus Award, given to the nation's top linebacker. C.J. Mosley, Manti Te'o, Luke Kuechly and Von Miller were the four Butkus Award winners before Kendricks, and they have combined for six Pro Bowl appearances in 10 years in the NFL.
Defensive back: Anthony Harris, Virginia
The easy defensive back pick for our "all-stats team" would be Louisville safety Gerod Holliman, who tied a 46-year-old record with 14 interceptions last season. Because interceptions are inherently random, college interception totals rarely translate to the NFL. Instead, Harris makes the all-stats team because of his versatility and production against the pass and the run.
Like Holliman, Harris is a ball hawk. He led the nation with eight interceptions in 2013 and has at least 12 passes defended in two straight seasons. What sets Harris apart, however, is his run support. He has recorded at least 80 tackles in three straight years; Holliman does not have 80 total tackles in his career. Harris' consistency and versatility make him a viable long-term option for any NFL team looking for a safety.
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Here are my top 10 athletes in the 2015 draft class, in large part based on their performances at the scouting combine. These players have the tools to compete at a high level in the NFL, yet their draft slots vary greatly because of differences in tape, experience, injury history and intangibles.
1. Byron Jones, CB, UConn
Jones tops this list, even though he didn't run the 40 because he's recovering from a shoulder injury. He is believed to have shattered the combine record for the broad jump when he posted a ridiculous 12 feet, 3 inches, and his 44.5-inch vertical is more than 9 inches higher than the five-year combine average for corners. He also posted quick short shuttle and three-cone times.
He isn't just a track star. Jones is fluid, has good balance and flashes above-average recovery speed, which is why he has moved into the early-second-, late-first-round conversation. His stock could continue to rise if he runs as well as expected at his pro day in March.
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2. Chris Conley, WR, Georgia
The five-year combine 40 time average for receivers is 4.54; Conley ran a 4.35 at almost 6-foot-2 and 213 pounds. The jumps are also important tests when it comes to predicting NFL success for receivers. His 45-inch vertical and 11-7 broad jump are significantly above average. Throw in his 33¾-inch arms and Conley is an explosive prospect with a wide catching radius.
Though he put up good numbers against Georgia Tech that year, Conley lost some steam after missing two games with an ankle injury in 2013. He didn't have a breakout senior season, so he has flown under the radar. He flashes big-play ability and good ball skills, most notably on the Arkansas tape, but he appears faster than quick and is a little mechanical as a route runner. He has gone from a potential free agent and moved into the Day 3 mix.
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3. Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
Like many others, I had concerns about Beasley's frame heading into the combine. He eased them by weighing in at 246 pounds, but how well would he carry the added weight on his 6-3 frame? He ran the fastest 40 in addition to posting the third-highest broad (10-10) and vertical (41 inches) jumps for the outside linebacker group. Plus, his short shuttle time (4.15) is slightly quicker than the five-year combine average for corners and his three-cone time (6.89) is quicker than the five-year combine average for safeties.
Beasley's natural ability consistently shows up on tape, and he is one of the most dangerous edge rushers in this class. He is the No. 19 prospect on our board and could go much earlier because of the demand for edge rushers.
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4. Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest
Johnson cracks the top five, even though he ran the 15th-fastest 40 out of all the corners at the combine. He posted the fastest short shuttle time (3.89) and the fifth-fastest three-cone time (6.89) among corners. Those times are impressive considering that taller players generally don't fare as well in these drills, and Johnson measured 6-0. Plus, he posted excellent broad and vertical jump numbers.
He doesn't have Jones' recovery speed, but his 4.52 40 is slightly quicker than the five-year combine average for corners (4.55) and he runs well on tape. More importantly, his cover skills graded out as outstanding and he has above-average instincts when you throw on the tape. Johnson is the second-ranked corner on our board and could go in the top 15.
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5. Bud Dupree, OLB, Kentucky
Few players carry their weight as well as Dupree, who is on the heavier and taller side at 6-4, 269. Dupree ran a 4.56 40, slightly faster than the five-year combine average for corners (4.55), and no linebacker jumped farther (11-6 broad jump). Dupree's 42-inch vertical was the second highest of the linebacker group.
Dupree projects as a fringe first-round pick despite his considerable natural ability, and his hands are one of the biggest reasons. He can do a better job of keeping blockers off his frame and countering when he does get reached.
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6. Jake Fisher, OT, Oregon
The 6-6, 306-pound Fisher ran well in Indy, positing a 5.01 40, but it's the foot speed he demonstrated that separated him from the rest of the offensive linemen. His 4.33 short shuttle time is better than the five-year combine average for tight ends, and his 7.25 three-cone drill time is quick for an offensive tackle.
Fisher is an archetypal positional blocker with the quickness and athletic ability to wall off his assignment. He flashes an edge but doesn't show a violent punch or have the power base to move defenders off the ball, so he projects as a fringe second-round pick.
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7. Stephone Anthony, LB, Clemson
At a little over 6-2 and 243 pounds, Anthony ran a 4.56 40 in addition to recording a 37-inch vertical jump and a 10-2 broad jump. However, his 4.03 short shuttle time stands out because it's much quicker than the five-year combine average for corners.
Anthony is an effective run-stopper with the strength to hold up between the tackles and the range to make plays in pursuit, but as well as he tested, he doesn't show good body control in space on tape. He projects as a fringe second-round pick.
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8. Kenny Bell, WR, Nebraska
Bell (6-1, 197) ran a 4.42 40 and jumped well, finishing with the third-highest vertical (41½) and fourth-longest broad (10-9) out of the receivers. Plus he posted the third-fastest three-cone time (6.66) and his 4.15 short shuttle time is quicker than the five-year combine average.
Nebraska's run-heavy scheme and shaky quarterback play didn't do Bell any favors, but he flashes on tape. He has deceptive top-end speed, and his smooth transition upfield makes him a threat after the catch. He projects as a Day 3 pick because of his leaner frame and inconsistency as a route runner.
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9. Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA
At 6-3, 267, Odighizuwa ran a 4.67 40, and his 4.19 short shuttle time is quicker than the five-year combine average for safeties. His explosiveness stood out on his jumps, as he recorded a 39-inch vertical and a 10-7 broad; both are among the top five for edge defenders at the combine.
There are concerns about Odighizuwa's durability that stem from him missing the 2013 season and undergoing surgery on both hips. He had a strong senior season, but his production -- 12.5 career sacks -- hasn't quite matched his talent. He projects as a second-round pick because he is strong against the run, has a nonstop motor and has above-average upside as a pass-rusher.
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10. Eric Rowe, S, Utah
Rowe ran a 4.45 40 at 205 pounds and a shade under 6-1. More importantly, he eased concerns about his change-of-direction skills by posting a 3.97 short shuttle and a 6.70 three-cone drill. Both are excellent times for corners, let alone safeties and taller defensive backs.
He has average arm length (31½ inches) for the position despite his frame, and length has proved more important than some may realize when it comes to projecting defensive backs. He is not a proven playmaker and doesn't transition out of breaks as well as you would expect from a player with his ability, so he projects as a Day 3 pick.
http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draf...tt-grayson-all-stats-team-prospects-nfl-draft
http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draf...ist-10-most-athletic-prospects-2015-nfl-draft
Below is our "all-stats team" of under-the-radar prospects who were able to dominate the college game from a statistical standpoint. In order to find the hidden gems, the three Heisman finalists -- Marcus Mariota, Melvin Gordon and Amari Cooper, all of whom had some of the most prolific seasons statistically in college football history -- were left off the list, as well as any prospect projected to be a top-10 pick.
Quarterback: Garrett Grayson, Colorado State
The top two quarterbacks in the upcoming NFL draft are well-known, but what do most fans know about Grayson, the quarterback whom some draft experts rank third?
At Colorado State, Grayson ran a pro-style offense under then-coach Jim McElwain (now the coach at Florida). Despite ranking outside the top 30 nationally in pass attempts, Grayson ranked fourth in passing yards; his yards per attempt average (9.5) trailed only Mariota.
Grayson played with the nation's leading receiver, Rashard Higgins, and many of Higgins' yards were gained on accurate and deep passes from his quarterback. Among the top QB prospects, only Mariota completed a higher percentage of his deep passes than Grayson last season.
Wide receiver: Tyler Lockett, Kansas State
As a four-time all-conference selection, Lockett set 17 school records, including those for receiving yards, receptions and receiving touchdowns once held by his father, Kevin.
The younger Lockett is able to beat opponents in a variety of ways. Despite his small stature (5-11, 175 pounds), he led all Power 5 receivers with 21 receptions on passes thrown 15 yards or longer last season. He also ranked fourth in the Big 12 in yards gained after the catch.
Lockett's return abilities set him apart from other receiver prospects in this year's draft. At K-State, he had more than 2,500 return yards and six return touchdowns in his career. He set the Big 12 record for kickoff return average (28.5) and was twice named the conference's top special teams player. Rookies can make an impact in the return game, and arguably no college player has been a more efficient returner than Lockett in the past four years.
Running back: Tevin Coleman, Indiana
It's not often that a 2,000-yard rusher goes relatively unnoticed in college. After all, there had been only 16 players to reach that mark in a single season prior to 2014. But that may be exactly what happened to Coleman in his final year at Indiana because of the shadow cast by fellow Big Ten running back Melvin Gordon.
Coleman has the speed and power that translate to the NFL. Last season, he averaged 7.5 yards per rush, the same average as Gordon, including 3.2 yards per carry after contact. Among Power 5 running backs with at least 100 rushes, only Todd Gurley, Nick Chubb and Josh Robinson had a higher yards-after-contact average than Coleman. He also led the nation with 10 rushing touchdowns of 25 yards or longer, showing top-end, breakaway speed. Coleman's average rushing touchdown yardage this past season was more than 40 yards.
Offensive lineman: Cameron Erving, Florida State
Erving is the most versatile offensive lineman in the draft. A converted defensive tackle, Erving played the majority of his career at left tackle for the Seminoles. In Florida State's 10th game of the season, Erving made the switch from tackle to center, which opened up Florida State's interior run game; the Seminoles doubled their yards-before-contact per rush average on interior runs in their final five games, compared with their first nine.
Erving has started every game for Florida State in the past three seasons, including all 29 games during the Seminoles' winning streak. He won the ACC's Jacob Trophy, given to the conference's top blocker, in consecutive seasons, as he blocked for Heisman Trophy winner quarterback Jameis Winston and three 1,000-yard rushers during that time.
Defensive lineman: Markus Golden, Missouri
Missouri led the SEC with 44 sacks last season, including 34 when sending four or fewer pass-rushers. More than half of those sacks came from the dynamic defensive end tandem of Shane Rayand Golden.
Although Ray is receiving much of the pre-draft hype, Golden was equally productive for the Tigers. He was one of nine players to record at least 10 sacks and 20 tackles for loss last season, and he was able to pressure opposing quarterbacks at an even higher rate than Ray. Golden may fall in the draft because of his size (6-2, 260 pounds), but his motor and relentlessness rushing the passer make him a sleeper to lead NFL rookies in sacks next season.
Outside linebacker: Hau'oli Kikaha, Washington
Can anyone name the 2014 FBS leader in sacks? That's right, Washington's Kikaha led the nation with 19 sacks, the third-most in a single season by any player since 2000, trailing only Arizona State's Terrell Suggs (24) and Louisville's Elvis Dumervil (20). Not bad company to keep. In fact, the list of year-by-year FBS leaders in sacks is filled with NFL All-Pros such as Dwight Freeney, Julius Peppers, Von Miller, Suggs and Dumervil.
Kikaha is not a one-year wonder, either. He had 13 sacks in 2013, making him one of two players to record double-digit sacks during both of the past two seasons; projected first-round pick Vic Beasley is the other.
Insider linebacker: Eric Kendricks, UCLA
Kendricks led the nation with 101 solo tackles in 2014, the second time in three years that he led the country in that statistic. To put it bluntly, Kendricks is a tackling machine; he finished his Bruins career with a school-record 481 total tackles, and has had at least 100 total tackles in three straight seasons.
Because of his production, Kendricks won the 2014 Butkus Award, given to the nation's top linebacker. C.J. Mosley, Manti Te'o, Luke Kuechly and Von Miller were the four Butkus Award winners before Kendricks, and they have combined for six Pro Bowl appearances in 10 years in the NFL.
Defensive back: Anthony Harris, Virginia
The easy defensive back pick for our "all-stats team" would be Louisville safety Gerod Holliman, who tied a 46-year-old record with 14 interceptions last season. Because interceptions are inherently random, college interception totals rarely translate to the NFL. Instead, Harris makes the all-stats team because of his versatility and production against the pass and the run.
Like Holliman, Harris is a ball hawk. He led the nation with eight interceptions in 2013 and has at least 12 passes defended in two straight seasons. What sets Harris apart, however, is his run support. He has recorded at least 80 tackles in three straight years; Holliman does not have 80 total tackles in his career. Harris' consistency and versatility make him a viable long-term option for any NFL team looking for a safety.
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Here are my top 10 athletes in the 2015 draft class, in large part based on their performances at the scouting combine. These players have the tools to compete at a high level in the NFL, yet their draft slots vary greatly because of differences in tape, experience, injury history and intangibles.
1. Byron Jones, CB, UConn
Jones tops this list, even though he didn't run the 40 because he's recovering from a shoulder injury. He is believed to have shattered the combine record for the broad jump when he posted a ridiculous 12 feet, 3 inches, and his 44.5-inch vertical is more than 9 inches higher than the five-year combine average for corners. He also posted quick short shuttle and three-cone times.
He isn't just a track star. Jones is fluid, has good balance and flashes above-average recovery speed, which is why he has moved into the early-second-, late-first-round conversation. His stock could continue to rise if he runs as well as expected at his pro day in March.
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2. Chris Conley, WR, Georgia
The five-year combine 40 time average for receivers is 4.54; Conley ran a 4.35 at almost 6-foot-2 and 213 pounds. The jumps are also important tests when it comes to predicting NFL success for receivers. His 45-inch vertical and 11-7 broad jump are significantly above average. Throw in his 33¾-inch arms and Conley is an explosive prospect with a wide catching radius.
Though he put up good numbers against Georgia Tech that year, Conley lost some steam after missing two games with an ankle injury in 2013. He didn't have a breakout senior season, so he has flown under the radar. He flashes big-play ability and good ball skills, most notably on the Arkansas tape, but he appears faster than quick and is a little mechanical as a route runner. He has gone from a potential free agent and moved into the Day 3 mix.
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3. Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson
Like many others, I had concerns about Beasley's frame heading into the combine. He eased them by weighing in at 246 pounds, but how well would he carry the added weight on his 6-3 frame? He ran the fastest 40 in addition to posting the third-highest broad (10-10) and vertical (41 inches) jumps for the outside linebacker group. Plus, his short shuttle time (4.15) is slightly quicker than the five-year combine average for corners and his three-cone time (6.89) is quicker than the five-year combine average for safeties.
Beasley's natural ability consistently shows up on tape, and he is one of the most dangerous edge rushers in this class. He is the No. 19 prospect on our board and could go much earlier because of the demand for edge rushers.
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4. Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest
Johnson cracks the top five, even though he ran the 15th-fastest 40 out of all the corners at the combine. He posted the fastest short shuttle time (3.89) and the fifth-fastest three-cone time (6.89) among corners. Those times are impressive considering that taller players generally don't fare as well in these drills, and Johnson measured 6-0. Plus, he posted excellent broad and vertical jump numbers.
He doesn't have Jones' recovery speed, but his 4.52 40 is slightly quicker than the five-year combine average for corners (4.55) and he runs well on tape. More importantly, his cover skills graded out as outstanding and he has above-average instincts when you throw on the tape. Johnson is the second-ranked corner on our board and could go in the top 15.
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5. Bud Dupree, OLB, Kentucky
Few players carry their weight as well as Dupree, who is on the heavier and taller side at 6-4, 269. Dupree ran a 4.56 40, slightly faster than the five-year combine average for corners (4.55), and no linebacker jumped farther (11-6 broad jump). Dupree's 42-inch vertical was the second highest of the linebacker group.
Dupree projects as a fringe first-round pick despite his considerable natural ability, and his hands are one of the biggest reasons. He can do a better job of keeping blockers off his frame and countering when he does get reached.
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6. Jake Fisher, OT, Oregon
The 6-6, 306-pound Fisher ran well in Indy, positing a 5.01 40, but it's the foot speed he demonstrated that separated him from the rest of the offensive linemen. His 4.33 short shuttle time is better than the five-year combine average for tight ends, and his 7.25 three-cone drill time is quick for an offensive tackle.
Fisher is an archetypal positional blocker with the quickness and athletic ability to wall off his assignment. He flashes an edge but doesn't show a violent punch or have the power base to move defenders off the ball, so he projects as a fringe second-round pick.
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7. Stephone Anthony, LB, Clemson
At a little over 6-2 and 243 pounds, Anthony ran a 4.56 40 in addition to recording a 37-inch vertical jump and a 10-2 broad jump. However, his 4.03 short shuttle time stands out because it's much quicker than the five-year combine average for corners.
Anthony is an effective run-stopper with the strength to hold up between the tackles and the range to make plays in pursuit, but as well as he tested, he doesn't show good body control in space on tape. He projects as a fringe second-round pick.
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8. Kenny Bell, WR, Nebraska
Bell (6-1, 197) ran a 4.42 40 and jumped well, finishing with the third-highest vertical (41½) and fourth-longest broad (10-9) out of the receivers. Plus he posted the third-fastest three-cone time (6.66) and his 4.15 short shuttle time is quicker than the five-year combine average.
Nebraska's run-heavy scheme and shaky quarterback play didn't do Bell any favors, but he flashes on tape. He has deceptive top-end speed, and his smooth transition upfield makes him a threat after the catch. He projects as a Day 3 pick because of his leaner frame and inconsistency as a route runner.
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9. Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA
At 6-3, 267, Odighizuwa ran a 4.67 40, and his 4.19 short shuttle time is quicker than the five-year combine average for safeties. His explosiveness stood out on his jumps, as he recorded a 39-inch vertical and a 10-7 broad; both are among the top five for edge defenders at the combine.
There are concerns about Odighizuwa's durability that stem from him missing the 2013 season and undergoing surgery on both hips. He had a strong senior season, but his production -- 12.5 career sacks -- hasn't quite matched his talent. He projects as a second-round pick because he is strong against the run, has a nonstop motor and has above-average upside as a pass-rusher.
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10. Eric Rowe, S, Utah
Rowe ran a 4.45 40 at 205 pounds and a shade under 6-1. More importantly, he eased concerns about his change-of-direction skills by posting a 3.97 short shuttle and a 6.70 three-cone drill. Both are excellent times for corners, let alone safeties and taller defensive backs.
He has average arm length (31½ inches) for the position despite his frame, and length has proved more important than some may realize when it comes to projecting defensive backs. He is not a proven playmaker and doesn't transition out of breaks as well as you would expect from a player with his ability, so he projects as a Day 3 pick.
