As we conclude our series preview of draft prospects, we turn our attention to those who didn’t quite make the cut, or were not quite as regarded as they are currently. Rather than naming a position-by-position team, there are twelve prospects listed for both sides of the ball. Today’s focus is on offense. Interestingly enough, every prospect is an underclassman.
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QB: Johnny Manziel,** Texas A&M
We all know what an enigmatic and polarizing prospect he can be, but with the right fit Manziel can be a successful signal-caller in the NFL. While he has displayed Michael Vick-esque athletic ability, Manziel has taken strides as a passer this season, proving that he is a quarterback, not just a thrower. With good football IQ and ability to read the defense, Manziel can adjust his style of play to the NFL. The big question is whether is attitude and off-field antics will get in the way of his natural talent.
QB: Blake Bortles,* Central Florida
While a Google search might convince you that his girlfriend is more well-known than he is, evaluators definitely know better. Bortles is a very good all-around QB prospect, showing off a good arm, good accuracy, and a fine mental makeup, with good athleticism thrown in. This is his first full season playing against quasi-BCS talent, however Bortles has had a good enough showing to hear his name called within the first two rounds in May.
RB: Ka’Deem Carey,* Arizona
Carey has been the most productive running back in the FBS for the past two seasons, showcasing the type of running ability to make him the first back selected in this upcoming draft. Like LeSean McCoy, Carey has excellent burst and agility, to go with good speed. He can also catch the ball and blow through arm tackles when he needs to, which makes him an ideal back in today’s NFL. The big question is whether his somewhat smallish frame can hold up for 250+ carries in a pro season.
WR: Jarvis Landry,* LSU
The more polished of the two Tiger receivers, Landry has good size and strength for a wide-out, and runs very good routes, showing the ability to get off the line of scrimmage and get separation. Landry also displays very strong hands to go up and come down with the ball.
WR: Odell Beckham Jr,* LSU
The more athletic of the two Tiger recievers, Beckham has good speed but has acceleration and agility. Beckham can be a nightmare to tackle in the open field and flashes the ability to be a primary return man in the NFL.
WR: Paul Richardson,* Colorado
Richardson is a wiry receiver who put up stellar numbers for a bad team after coming back from ACL surgery at the beginning of last season. A downfield threat with speed to burn, Richardson could bring an immediate impact to a team that runs a lot of deep and vertical routes, a la DeSean Jackson with the Eagles. Richardson really needs to get stronger, however, as he might have difficulty separating from physical corners that dominate the line of scrimmage.
WR: Davante Adams,** Fresno State
Adams is a young receiver who has piled up numbers that some All-Americans don’t even compile in their four year careers. Playing in the Mountain West, with a great QB and a spread guru for a coach, Adams numbers might be inflated, but he is a legitimate NFL talent. Adams combines a big frame, strong hands and deadly acceleration to go up against defenses. What he really needs is to develop his routes, as the Bulldogs run a lot of screens and Adams doesn’t seem to run a full route tree, something which will keep him out of the first round if he declares.
OT: Antonio Richardson,* Tennessee
With a nickname like “Tiny,” he has to be huge. Richardson has amazing girth and power, especially for an offensive tackle, along with good movement ability. His size belies his athletic ability, and he could very well play on the blindside for a team like the Steelers that like overpowering linemen at every position. While he only has two years of starting experience at the major college level, Richardson has gone up against some of the best pass rushers in the SEC and is well versed in keeping them away from his QB.
OT: La’el Collins, * LSU
Collins is a very strong prospect, but does not have the athleticism desired for a left tackle in the NFL. He could either play at right tackle or move inside to guard at the next level, but either way he has a good chance to be successful in a man-blocking scheme.
OT: Cedric Ogbuehi,* Texas A&M
For having played guard last season and at the right tackle position this season, Ogbuehi has the skills to play left tackle. In fact, if not for Luke Joeckyl and Jake Matthews, both of whom likely will be top 5 draft picks, Ogbuehi would have played on the blindside for the Aggies two seasons ago. Ogbuehi is a great foot athlete, possibly even more so than Matthews, but could stand to bulk up and get stronger to handle bigger defenders at the next level.
OT: Cameron Erving,* Florida State
Erving has a very good frame and athleticism, but is a very raw prospect. While he would be best suited to return for his senior season and get more starting experience under his belt, his raw potential and the fact that he could win a National Championship in January could sway his decision to declare early. Like most FSU prospects, Erving projects best in a zone-blocking scheme.
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