Perhaps the most important week in this series, we finally turn our attention to the NFL Jr. As to be expected, there are several early-round caliber prospects in the SEC who did not even make the first team, including Tennessee’s Antonio Richardson, a likely first-round pick. For this reason an entire B-Team is provided for the offense and defense. Today’s focus is on defense.
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DE: Jadaveon Clowney,* South Carolina
One of the rare defensive talents that only comes along once in a decade, Clowney has an elite combination of size, speed, and strength, which makes him an impactful pass rusher, as well as a very good run defender. Clowney has the athleticism to play at either DE spot in either front, with the ability to drop back as a rush linebacker in a 34 scheme. For all of his talent, however, Clowney has had a rocky junior season, due largely to the combination of intense media and game-planning scrutiny, as well as a recurring foot injury that has hampered his ability. Clowney’s talent is undeniable but the risk is there that he may not live up to his billing as a top prospect.
DE: Kony Ealy,* Missouri
Ealy has a good combination of athleticism and strength that allows him to be a very good all-around player. Unlike Clowney who can play rush linebacker, Ealy has the ability to move inside as a pass rusher, with a skill set similar to that of Justin Tuck of the Giants. If Ealy returns for his senior season and polishes up his game or lights it up at the combine he can be a first round lock.
DT: Anthony Johnson,* LSU
Like former Tiger DT Michael Brockers before him, Johnson can be a frustrating player to evaluate. For as talented as he shows he can be, Johnson does not appear to be the sum of his parts. Johnson has very good burst and strength for a DT prospect, but can struggle to get off the line and shed blocks consistently. He has the tools to be a very good pass rusher, but has not shown himself to make much of an impact, though he can be very good against the run.
DT: Dominique Easley, Florida
Easley is very athletic, but he lacks the bulk strength to hold up on blocks on the inside, and is not quite quick enough to succeed on the outside in a 43 scheme. As a result, Easley might be relegated to a base end role in a three-man front, which could really limit his draft stock. Additionally, Easley suffered a season ending foot injury early this season, which could also affect his offseason performance leading up to draft day.
LB: C.J. Mosley, Alabama
Rarely do I give such a high grade to linebackers who aren’t edge rushers in a 34 scheme, but Mosely breaks that mold. He has outstanding instincts and movement skills to range across the entire field and get to the ball carrier. Mosley doesn’t have great take-on skills but is still very effective against the run and is as sure thing as a tackler as you could ask for. Mosley can play on third down from day one, showing great coverage skills, as well as great ability to blitz from the inside or outside in either front. Versatility could be Mosley’s ticket to a top 15 pick the draft process goes according to plan.
LB: Adrian Hubbard,* Alabama
Hubbard has the frame of a lighter DE prospect but has played linebacker as a member of the Crimson Tide defense, making him a valuable commodity for a 34 team that is looking for a safe bet on the outside. He still needs to work on his coverage skills, but he does have the experience dropping from a two point stance. Hubbard is at his best locking down the edge versus the run, and is no slouch getting after the passer either.
LB: Lamin Barrow, LSU
Like many LSU players on defense, Barrow is a good athlete who is undersized. His instincts are top-notch and is very effective on third down in coverage and getting after the QB. However, Barrow is somewhat lacking against the run, as he does not have the strength and ability to shed blocks well to make the play. When he does get to the ballcarrier, Barrow is a sure thing and can also strip the ball away, provided he can get there.
CB: Louchiez Purifoy,* Florida
While Purifoy is overly lanky and doesn’t have much strength for a player of his height, his long arms allow to be an effective press corner at the college level. Purifoy’s movement skills are top notch, but he plays a very sloppy, undisciplined game, and the onfield results reflect his struggles. He might have the potential to be the best corner in this year’s class, but Purifoy could be a bust if he doesn’t take to NFL coaching and step up his game.
CB: Marcus Roberson,* Florida
While Roberson is a notch below Purifoy in terms of athletic ability, he has a much more polished game and could arguably be a better prospect than him as things shake out. Roberson has very good technique and instincts which allow him to play in either man or zone coverage.
S: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix,* Alabama
Clinton-Dix has the versatile skill set that will allow him to play either strong or free safety at the next level and be just a notch below former Tide safety Mark Barron. His instincts and athletic prowess allows him to both defend the run and drop back into deep coverage. Clinton-Dix is also a very good tackler and has very good ball skills along with the ability to make an impact with the ball in his hands.
S: Craig Loston, LSU
Loston has the skill set to be a very good strong safety, as he brings a strong presence against the run game along with flashes in coverage. Loston has good instincts and football character, but really needs to clean up his tackling. He is sloppy fundamentally, and will could draw a lot of flags at the next level for his reckless hitting style. If Loston values his game check, he would do well to clean up his game before August.
The B-Team:
DE: Michael Sam, Missouri; Dee Ford, Auburn; Ed Stinson, Alabama; Jeoffrey Pagan,* Alabama
DT: Daniel McCullers, Tennessee; Ego Ferguson,* LSU; Kelcy Quarles, South Carolina
LB: Trey DePriest,* Alabama; A.J. Johnson,* Tennessee; Avery Williamson, Kentucky
CB: E.J. Gaines, Missouri; Damian Swann,* Georgia; Deion Belue, Alabama; Andre Hal, Vanderbilt
S: Kenny Ladler, Vanderbilt; Nickoe Whitley, Mississippi State
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