2016 NFL Draft Watch - SEC Players

[jbcarol]

ESPN SEC ‏@ESPN_SEC 14h14 hours ago

Kiper: SEC talent tops 2016 RB rankings http://es.pn/1GnOr8w

Mel Kiper Jr. put together his early positional rankings. Today, it's all about the running backs.

Arkansas' Jonathan Williams is the No. 1 senior, while Alabama's Derrick Henry and another Hog, Alex Collins, make the underclass list.

[jbcarol]

ESPN SEC ‏@ESPN_SEC 20h20 hours ago

Trio of SEC underclassmen in Mel Kiper Jr.'s 2016 tight end rankings http://es.pn/1RA4hlF

Though no seniors from the SEC made the cut, the conference featured the top three underclassmen tight ends with Evan Engram of Ole Miss, Hunter Henry of Arkansas and O.J. Howard of Alabama.

[jbcarol]

Dak Prescott returned to Mississippi State in part to improve his skills for the next level. The fifth-year senior is heralded as one of the top players in all of college football.

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. doesn't project the MSU quarterback as one of the top players in the 2016 NFL Draft. The draft prognosticator projects Prescott as the fifth best senior quarterback in the country.

Prescott ranked behind Michigan State Connor Cook at No. 1, followed by Southern Cal's Cody Kessler, North Dakota State's Carson Wentz and TCU's Trevone Boykin.

[jbcarol]

ESPN SEC ‏@ESPN_SEC 33m33 minutes ago

Kiper: SEC well represented among top DL prospects for 2016 http://es.pn/1dxpMWQ

According to ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr., Alabama has the No. 2-ranked senior (Jarran Reed) and the No. 2-ranked underclassman (A'Shawn Robinson) at defensive tackle. The No. 1 spot among underclassmen belongs to Ole Miss' Robert Nkemdiche, while the other end of the Egg Bowl rivalry, Mississippi State, is represented at No. 4 by Chris Jones.

[jbcarol]

AL.com sports ‏@aldotcomSports 34m34 minutes ago

.@Natalie_Pierre previews the SEC's top draft-eligible players on offense entering 2015 season http://ow.ly/P3o7n 

Heading into the 2015 season, college football reporter Natalie Pierre previews the SEC's top draft-eligible players at each offensive position.

QB Brandon Allen, Arkansas

6-foot-2, 210-pound senior

2014: Completed 190 of 339 passes (56 percent) for 2,285 yards, 20 touchdowns and five interceptions. 

RB Alex Collins, Arkansas

5-foot-11, 224-pound junior

2014: Rushed for 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns on 204 carries (5.4 YPC).

RB Jonathan Williams, Arkansas

6-foot, 224-pound senior

2014: Rushed for 1,190 and 12 touchdowns on 211 carries (5.6 YPC).

TE Hunter Henry, Arkansas

6-foot-5, 250-pound junior

2014: 513 yards and two touchdowns on 37 receptions (13.9 YPC) 

OG Denver Kirkland, Arkansas

6-foot-5, 343-pound junior

OT Laremy Tunsil, Ole Miss

6-foot-5, 305-pound junior

Photos: AP

[jbcarol]

ESPN CollegeFootball ‏@ESPNCFB Jun 24

Ole Miss' Laquon Treadwell headlines @MelKiperESPN's early 2016 WR ranks.

Top five senior wide receivers

1. D'haquille Williams, Auburn Tigers

[jbcarol]

Natalie Pierre ‏@Natalie_Pierre 37m37 minutes ago

Early look at SEC's top draft-eligible defenders. Judging by our comment section, we all agree http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/07/early_look_at_the_secs_top_dra_1.html ...

CB Vernon Hargreaves, Florida

5-foot-11, 198-pound junior

2014: 50 tackles, 13 pass breakups, three interceptions and two tackles for loss

AP Photo/Butch Dill

[jbcarol]

Michael Bonner ‏@MikeBBonner Jul 3

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. believes MSU has nation's best senior corner http://on.thec-l.com/1IyICtM

Would know

Dak Prescott and Chris Jones are the big names within the Southeastern Conference for Mississippi State. NFL scouts are looking elsewhere.

NFL draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. ranked college football's best corners at the next level. MSU's Will Redmond topped the list among seniors.

6-foot senior ranked ahead of Minnesota's Eric Murray, Auburn's Jonathan Jones ...

Kiper's top underclassmen corners [begins and ends] with Florida's Vernon Hargreaves. Florida State's Jalen Ramsey was second, followed by Virginia Tech's Kendall Fuller, LSU's Tre'Davious White...

[jbcarol]

Matt Zenitz ‏@mzenitz 37m37 minutes ago

http://NFL.com  draft analyst 'disappointed' by O.J. Howard's film, shares other Alabama-related observations http://www.al.com/alabamafootball/index.ssf/2015/07/nflcom_draft_analyst_disappoin.html ...

Running back Derrick Henry

Not listed among the 10 players to watch at running back, Henry was in the "others to watch" category.

Tight end O.J. Howard

Howard was ranked as the No. 6 tight end to watch.

"I came into my tape study very excited about watching Howard, but came away disappointed," Zierlein wrote. "He clearly has the athleticism and seam speed to threaten defenses all over the field, but too often I saw lazy, complacent routes..."

Left tackle Cam Robinson

Robinson was listed as the No. 9 offensive tackle to watch.

"There is a lot to like about the true sophomore left tackle who handled himself like a veteran last season," Zierlein wrote.

Defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson

Robinson was listed as the No. 6 interior defensive lineman to watch.

"Robinson managed to post a higher percentage of impact tackles than other, more highly decorated interior linemen thanks to his jarring upper-body power and ability to push single blockers around when he has his nasty on," Zierlein wrote. "He plays the 5-technique and over the nose, which gives Alabama much-needed versatility. Robinson, however, has a big issue with his pad level. He plays entirely too upright, which manifests itself with blockers being able to knock him off-balance too easily with down blocks, despite his strength..."

Inside linebacker Reggie Ragland

Ragland was the No. 4 linebacker to watch.

"Ragland is a prototype Alabama-style linebacker who is big and will hit," Zierlein wrote.

[jbcarol]

Hunter Henry, Jake Duzey are top CFB TEs to watch in 2015 (maybe ever)


Sarah Bentham/Associated Press

1. Hunter Henry, Arkansas

Even as a junior, I believe him to be the best true tight end in college football. The Razorbacks use Henry as an in-line tight end and a move tight end depending on what the offense is trying to accomplish, but unlike most tight ends in college football today, Henry is a willing and able blocker who is an important part of the Razorbacks' power-rushing attack. Henry has good size and is comfortable working the middle of the field. While he can improve his game after the catch, Henry has the potential to be a relatively high-target threat in 2015.

6. O.J. Howard, Alabama

I came into my tape study very excited about watching Howard, but came away disappointed. He clearly has the athleticism and seam speed to threaten defenses all over the field, but too often I saw lazy, complacent routes...

7. Steven Scheu, Vanderbilt

8. Evan Engram, Ole Miss

10. Griswold, Arkansas State

[jbcarol]

Mel Kiper Jr, ESPN's lead scout for NFL Draft prospects (and man with extraordinary hair), released his top 5 senior Quarterback prospects, and his top 5 underclassmen Quarterback prospects.

Despite the non-committal from the UK coaching staff to name Patrick Towles the starter this season (which he will be), Towles comes in at #5 in Kiper's prospect rankings.

"The numbers won't jump out at you, but the size (6-5, 241 pounds) and natural ability will. Don't let that size make you think Towles lacks athleticism, either. The former high school high jumper can really move. With new offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson's arrival from West Virginia, there will be high expectations for this offense, and the return of four starters on the O-line will help."

Kentucky has not had a quarterback taken in the NFL draft since Andre Woodson went in the 5th round in the 2008 draft.

[jbcarol]

Brandon Marcello ‏@bmarcello 2h2 hours ago

3 Auburn receivers could be NFL players after 2015 season, says Gus Malzahn http://ow.ly/PXmVC 

Eight Auburn receivers have landed in the NFL via the draft over the last 20 years.
Gus Malzahn believes he has the best receiver corps of his 10-year career on the college level. Three senior receivers -- D'haquille Williams, Ricardo Louis and Melvin Ray -- are poised for big seasons and all are potential NFL prospects, Malzahn said.

"The thing that probably stands out about this group is we've got three seniors that have a lot of experience coming back that have a chance to really lead our group and I think all three of the seniors we've got coming back will have a chance to play at the next level," Malzahn said last week at SEC Media Days. "I'm not for sure we've ever had that in the past."

At Auburn? No.

[jbcarol]

Parrish Alford ‏@parrishalford Aug 5

Freeze on NFL draft projections for players: Our brand has changed since I've been here. Nationally we're factor, and we're not going away.

[jbcarol]

Matthew Stevens ‏@matthewcstevens 17m17 minutes ago

Updated: WR Duke Williams practice absence due to "personal business"; Return is "day-to-day" -http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/sports/college/auburnauthority/2015/08/07/wr-duke-williams-absent-practice-return-day--day/31323469/ ...

[jbcarol]

https://twitter.com/NextCats/status/631510074985463810

[jbcarol]

https://twitter.com/AdamZagoria/status/634000556437151744

https://twitter.com/AdamZagoria/status/634108406052323328

https://twitter.com/AdamZagoria/status/634111822115680256

[jbcarol]

Bob Holt ‏@BobHoltADG 2h2 hours ago

Bret Bielema said he's been told by many NFL folks that Hogs junior Hunter Henry is best NFL TE prospect junior or senior.

[jbcarol]

Adam Rittenberg ‏@ESPNRittenberg 16h16 hours ago

Robert Nkemdiche beating Ryan Kelly for TFL on second-and-goal ... that's why he'll be a first-round draft pick #MISSvsBAMA

[jbcarol]

Michael Bonner ‏@MikeBBonner 15h15 hours ago

Will Redmond ranks No. 32 among @McShay13's top 32 NFL prospects.

What makes Will Redmond a projected first-round pick? http://on.thec-l.com/1FG2MCM 

MSU hasn't had player selected in the first round since 2012 with Fletcher Cox.

[jbcarol]

Daniel Paulling ‏@DanielPaulling  6h6 hours ago
Three Rebels in top 10 of CBS Sports mock draft: http://on.thec-l.com/1O8dlS8

2. Laremy Tunsil, OT, Mississippi

3. Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Mississippi

10. Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss

11. Vernon Hargreaves III, CB, Florida

15. Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia

20. A'Shawn Robinson, DT, Alabama

23. Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama

32. Jarran Reed, DT, Alabama

[jbcarol]

 Barrett Sallee ‏@BarrettSallee 20h20 hours ago

Sumlin on if Treadwell is better than previous years: "Yes, and I told him that after the game...and I hope I don't see you anymore."

[jbcarol]

Jason Howell ‏@RivalsJason 21h21 hours ago

Leonard Fournette isn't the only NFL-ready sophomore. Here are 5 ready to go to #NFL now. http://rvls.co/SuperSophs 



Myles Garrett and Cam Robinson also make the list

[jbcarol]

Expecting BA to go 5th round in the draft, possible higher depending on his last 3 games.


WPS!!!!

[jbcarol]

Bruce FeldmanVerified account
‏@BruceFeldmanCFB
Eager to see #Bama - #HailState go at it. Spoke to a longtime NFL scout yesterday who thinks there are FOUR 1st RD DLs in this game.

[jbcarol]

Michael Carvell ‏@Carvell_AJC 8h8 hours ago

Keith Marshall leaving Georgia after this season http://trib.al/jlPF0Nt

"He thought that he'd like to declare this as his senior season, to which I said that's fine. I blessed it," Richt said. "Obviously he's come in and played extremely well for us throughout his career. He's going to be graduating. He just wants to go ahead and move on and take his shot at the NFL when this season is over. He wants to finish strong like the rest of the seniors, but he'll be in the ceremony."

[jbcarol]

Matt Zenitz ‏@mzenitz 18h18 hours ago

Alabama has third D-lineman emerging as top 2016 NFL draft prospect http://s.al.com/kGcuWBY

The collision left Saban with a scar on his left cheek.

After Allen was named SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week Monday, Saban joked, "I really think Jonathan Allen got it for what he did to me."

NFL draft analysts have long projected that two Alabama defensive linemen — junior A'Shawn Robinson and senior Jarran Reed — could be first round picks in next year's NFL draft.

At least some in NFL circles believe the 6-foot-3, 285-pound Allen, a junior, could also be a first round pick next year based on his play this season.

Allen is tied for eighth nationally and ranks second in the SEC with nine sacks despite being part of an Alabama defensive line rotation that doesn't allow him to play nearly as many snaps as most other top defensive linemen around the country.

With his three sacks vs. Mississippi State, Allen became the first Tide player to post three sacks in a game since Courtney Upshaw in 2010...

[jbcarol]

SEC Network ‏@SECNetwork Nov 25

Saturday is his final game in garnet and black.

South Carolina WR Pharoh Cooper will enter the NFL Draft.

[jbcarol]

Michael Carvell ‏@Carvell_AJC 2h2 hours ago

Leonard Floyd to reporters: 'I'm gone' http://trib.al/10e1FeB

ATHENS — Leonard Floyd may have been turning pro anyway, but the news on Sunday hastened his departure.

Floyd, a junior outside linebacker and NFL prospect, was in a car leaving the athletic building's parking lot on Sunday night when he yelled this out:

"I'm gone too, by the way!"

Stated Coach Richt was the only one that could convince him to stay.

[jbcarol]

But since we've reached the halfway point in the college football season, it's time to rank every draft-eligible player side by side. Things are sure to change, but this is where I have things now.

Mel, Jr. on Quarterbacks

6. Dak Prescott, Mississippi St.

A few other names who would be next include Cardale Jones from Ohio State, Brandon Allen from Arkansas and Jacoby Brissett from North Carolina State.

Before the Mississippi State and Mizzou games

[jbcarol]

Rand GetlinVerified account
‏@Rand_Getlin
I'm told Ole Miss WR Laquon Treadwell has indicated to multiple sources that he is currently leaning toward entering the NFL draft.

[jbcarol]

Ross Dellenger ‏@DellengerAdv Dec 9

AM | #LSU Notes: Miles' confidence "good" in keeping juniors; Texas Bowl has sold 60K tix; Miles croot'n in Houston http://bit.ly/1NJVkni

A few draft-eligible juniors have told LSU coach Les Miles that they'd be returning for their senior seasons, but the coach declined to reveal their names.

Miles said his confidence in keeping a large number of the draft-eligible players is "good," and coaches, as of Sunday, were deciding what five players will request evaluations from the NFL Draft College Advisory Committee, he said.

LSU has lost 23 players to the NFL draft over the last four years –

[jbcarol]

Joe Schad ‏@schadjoe 16h16 hours ago

Florida CB Vernon Hargreaves said again that he is "pretty sure" he is entering the next NFL Draft.

[jbcarol]

Michael Carvell ‏@Carvell_AJC  2h2 hours ago
South Carolina junior confirms he will prepare for the 2016 NFL Draft http://trib.al/AZJAkgy

Junior receiver Pharoh Cooper confirmed just what South Carolina fans didn't want to believe. The Gamecocks star is going to start preparing for the 2016 NFL Draft.

https://twitter.com/KingTutt_chdown/status/675768504910499840

[jbcarol]

Ole Miss:

Daniel Paulling ‏@DanielPaulling 3h3 hours ago

Fadol Brown and Evan Engram have requested draft grades. Teams can only request five.

The deadline is Jan. 4. I can't imagine Treadwell, Tunsil and Nkemdiche would request.

[jbcarol]

LSU:

Ross Dellenger ‏@RossDellenger 5h5 hours ago

Beckwith says he requested a draft grade. So, that's the max of five (tho u can ask 4 more): Beckwith, White, Pocic, Hawkins, LaCouture

[jbcarol]

Jonathan Williams ‏@Jwillpart2 4h4 hours ago

Ya boy just finished college! What a great feeling

[jbcarol]

Matt Zenitz ‏@mzenitz Dec 17

Ryan Kelly the 'heart and soul' of Alabama's offense, a potential early round NFL draft pick http://s.al.com/Q6pXaJC

[jbcarol]

SEC Network ‏@SECNetwork 18h18 hours ago

Robert Nkemdiche announces he will enter the 2016 NFL Draft. http://es.pn/1MpEl8I   

Statement:



More dangerous than nasal polyps

[jbcarol]

Zach Abolverdi ‏@ZachAbolverdi 1h1 hour ago

McElwain says Kelvin Taylor and Demarcus Robinson are turning pro.

Two #UF juniors turning pro #Gators https://www.seccountry.com/florida/two-florida-juniors-turning-pro ...

All-America cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III and defensive end Alex McCalister had already decided to forgo their senior seasons. McCalister was dismissed from the team this month.

Junior safeties Marcus Maye and Keanu Neal have yet to make the call, while linebacker Jarrad Davis and defensive tackle Caleb Brantley both said they're returning for 2016.

[jbcarol]

ESPN SEC ‏@ESPN_SEC Dec 21

Draft hit for LSU shouldn't be terrible, but multiple underclassmen still must decide http://es.pn/1mw8ezm

... there are multiple LSU underclassmen -- most notably cornerback Tre'Davious White -- who will be selected should they enter the 2016 draft. Once the Tigers get through bowl season (they play Dec. 29 against Texas Tech in the Advocare V100 Texas Bowl), players such as White, linebacker Kendell Beckwith and offensive linemen Jerald Hawkins and Ethan Pocic must determine whether they are satisfied with where they stand or if another college season is necessary to earn the draft status they desire.

LSU senior Vadal Alexander wrestled with those possibilities last year and believes his decision to return was correct since it not only allowed him to display positional versatility by shifting from offensive guard to right tackle, but it also was a special year personally.

"It's probably one of the best experiences you'll ever have in your whole life," Alexander said. "High school's great, but being a senior in college, there's nothing like it. It's obviously more of a business at the next level, so if you're able to come back, I would always say come back."

Of the five LSU players that ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. lists among the top 10 prospects at each position -- guard Alexander, center Pocic, inside linebacker Beckwith, cornerback White and safety Jalen Mills -- three are underclassmen.

Those players would be early- or middle-round selections, with multiple draft analysts projecting White as a possible first-round pick after an All-SEC junior season.

[jbcarol]

Michael Carvell ‏@Carvell_AJC 6h6 hours ago

NFL personnel director on Robert Nkemdiche: "would not take him in the first 15 picks" http://trib.al/GejlDEo

[jbcarol]

NFL scout on Jake Coker: "I think he can be a better pro than college quarterback"

Much of the college football community raised its eyebrows last week when Senior Bowl director Phil Savage selected Alabama quarterback Jake Coker to partake in the January festivities.

"Phil is going to take a lot of heat for choosing Coker as a homer pick for a Senior Bowl spot at quarterback, but he's going to get drafted," an anonymous NFL scout told NFL.com.

The 6-foot-4 senior has completed 65.7 percent of his passes for 2,489 yards, 17 touchdowns and eight interceptions this year.

"He has size and a pro arm," the scout said. "I think he can be a better pro than college quarterback."

[jbcarol]

ESPN SEC ‏@ESPN_SEC 19h19 hours ago

Five SEC underclassmen who should stay in school another year http://es.pn/1ZpFSVM

Chad Kelly, Ole Miss

De'Runnya Wilson, State

O.J. Howard, Alabama

Daeshon Hall, A&M

Carl Lawson, Auburn

[jbcarol]

ESPN SEC ‏@ESPN_SEC Dec 22

Five SEC underclassmen who should declare for the NFL draft http://es.pn/1OJbcaw

Derrick Henry, Alabama

Pharoh Cooper, South Carolina

Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss: Injury is always the biggest concern when players contemplate coming back to school

Alabama's defensive line

Vernon Hargreaves III, Florida

[jbcarol]

Ross Dellenger ‏@RossDellenger 2h2 hours ago

Miles indicates that underclassmen have received their draft grades. They'll now discuss options with family and coaches after bowl. #LSU

Scott Rabalais ‏@RabalaisAdv 1h1 hour ago

#LSU LB Kendell Beckwith says he hasn't seen NFL draft grade, won't make decision until after the bowl.

Ross Dellenger ‏@RossDellenger 1h1 hour ago

Christian LaCouture received his draft grade and it was "good." Won't make decision until after bowl.

Lewis Neal says he also put in a draft grade. Has received it and hasn't made a decision yet.

[jbcarol]

Michael Bonner ‏@MikeBBonner 10h10 hours ago

Day two recap: Chris Jones opens door to return in 2016 http://on.thec-l.com/1YLFKhh (video)

Gabe Myles and Chris Jones talked with the media today side-by-side. I asked Myles if Jones was returning in '16.

[jbcarol]

Matt Miller Verified account
‏@nfldraftscout

My "player who could shoot up draft boards in the next four months" favorite: LSU T Jerald Hawkins.

[jbcarol]

Daniel Paulling ‏@DanielPaulling 1m1 minute ago

Ole Miss WR Laquon Treadwell torn on whether to leave early: http://on.thec-l.com/1Jcqb02

NEW ORLEANS - Wide receiver Laquon Treadwell came to Ole Miss with the intention of leaving for the NFL within three years, the earliest he could go.

Now, the junior is considering staying despite being projected as a first-round pick.

"If I do get that specific feeling, that gut feeling I should leave, I'll go with that," Treadwell said. "But nothing is drawing me away from school, nothing is telling me to come out this year. After the bowl game, I'll go home and see what I'm feeling, see what my family's feeling."

Daniel Paulling ‏@DanielPaulling 3h3 hours ago

OK State DC Glenn Spencer: "(Treadwell's) done it against some of the supposed best defenses in the nation, right?"

[jbcarol]

Patrick Brown ‏@patrickbrownTFP 36m36 minutes ago

Jalen Reeves-Maybin did confirm he's submitted paperwork to NFL draft advisory board. Cameron Sutton and Alvin Kamara have as well.

The advisory board simply gives feedback to underclassmen considering early entry, and it's no surprise those three are doing this.

[jbcarol]

Michael Carvell ‏@Carvell_AJC 5h5 hours ago

Alabama star announces he won't enter NFL draft: "I'm coming back" http://trib.al/JFvE5va

Junior pass rusher Tim Williams told Tuscaloosa radio station WDGM he won't enter the NFL draft early.

"Yeah, I'm coming back because I see all the examples in front of me, like Reggie Ragland — he came back for his senior year — C.J. Mosley, a couple other guys," Williams said.

Pro Football Focus listed Williams as the nation's most productive pass rusher. He has 9.5 sacks this season.