After looking at the AAC and the Independents last week, we move onto the ACC this week. With a fourteen team power conference, there is plenty of talent to choose from. Florida State leads the way with nine prospect mentions for the week. Today’s focus is on offense.
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QB: Tajh Boyd, Clemson
The title of top QB prospect in the ACC is a three-horse race between Boyd, Logan Thomas, and Stephen Morris. However, all three have underwhelmed given the lofty expectations going into their senior seasons. Boyd, who stands under the preferred 6’2” height for NFL QBs, does exhibit a strong arm, very good athleticism, and a prolific collegiate career.
RB: James Wilder Jr.,* Florida State
Son of a former NFL back, Wilder has a big frame that is almost too tall for an NFL RB. If a RB is too tall, it makes it difficult for him to avoid big hits, which usually spells a shorter playing career than the average back. That said, Wilder can move the pile, power through tacklers, and hasn’t had a lot of carries, somewhat mitigating the concerns about his running style.
RB: Andre Williams, Boston College
A rising prospect, Williams has exploded onto the draft scene with a highly productive senior season. Like Wilder, Williams has a big frame and with impressive power. However, he has a history of injuries and his health will need to be closely evaluated before he has a shot to be drafted.
WR: Sammy Watkins,* Clemson
The best prospect in the conference, Watkins has the speed and outstanding acceleration to separate downfield, and the size and strength to get off the line and power through tight coverage. He has excellent hands and ball-skills, and is dangerous after the catch. However, he needs to refine his routes and attention to detail, as well as keep his nose clean off the field.
WR: Michael Campanaro, Wake Forest
Despite having his season ended over the weekend, Campanaro has a very chance to be drafted in May. Despite a smaller frame, Campanaro has excellent hands, is the all-time leader in school receptions, and has a shot to contribute as a slot receiver in the NFL.
TE: Eric Ebron, North Carolina
The undersized Ebron will make ridiculous one-handed touchdown receptions on one play, and let the ball get into his body on the next. He has elite speed for a tight end and can separate downfield, but will need to improve his blocking capabilities.
OL: Morgan Moses, Virginia
An experienced four-year starter for the Cavaliers, Moses is a big, strong man with surprising athleticism for someone of his stature. An accomplished blocker in both pass pro and moving the run game, Moses has some concerns about his weight, but is a good enough prospect to garner some first round consideration.
OL: James Hurst, North Carolina
Like Moses, Hurst is a four-year collegiate veteran and has a great frame with decent athleticism for an OT. With some work on his hand technique, footwork, and pad level, Hurst could become a solid starter in the NFL, but his upside is limited compared to other linemen in this year’s crop.
OL: Cameron Erving,* Florida State
A converted D-lineman, Erving has plenty of potential, but is still a year away from being a serious draft consideration, despite his eligibility. Erving has a huge frame, and may have just enough athleticism to man the blind side.
OL: Seantrel Henderson, Miami
Henderson is one of the largest men in all of football, and an impressive athlete for his size, but he’s nothing if not disappointing. Weighing in at 6’8” and 340 lbs., Henderson has had some off the field incidents, has shown a lack of dedication to the game, and has struggled to hold onto a spot in the starting lineup for the Hurricanes.
OL: Bryan Stork, Florida State
One of the few interior O-lineman in the conference worth noting, Stork offers plenty of versatility along the line, but will fit as a center, his current position, in the NFL. Though he does not possess elite athleticism or overwhelming strength, Stork has enough of each trait to garner mid-round consideration.
Missed the cut:
QB: Stephen Morris, Miami
QB: Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech
RB: Devonta Freeman,* Florida State
WR: Devin Street, Pittsburgh
OL: Brandon Thomas, Clemson
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