As college football season nears kickoff, we’ll be breaking down the best prospects by position in each FBS conference. Due to the relative lack of teams in the Big Twelve it can be a bit difficult to fill out an entire team of draftable prospects, but here are the best the Big XII has to offer. Today’s focus is on the offensive side of the ball.
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Big XII Prospect Preview
QB: Bryce Petty, Baylor
Petty has all the numbers, but he lacks for legitimate NFL tools in my view. Petty has an average arm and while his completion percentage is stellar in Baylor’s spread offense, his accuracy just good, not great. The biggest concern with Petty is the concern with other QBs who have played under Art Briles: the lack of a playbook. Petty lacks experience handling the demands of a pro offensive system, but has the skillset to at least fight for a backup spot.
RB: Malcolm Brown, Texas
A big, tough runner, Brown is just one of three runners in the Texas backfield who have NFL potential. Brown can lower his shoulder, grind out yards between the tackles, and churn his legs through contact. While Brown lacks explosion and long speed, he has nimble feet and could become a legitimate NFL back in a rotation.
WR: Tyler Lockett, Kansas State
One of the better route runners in the nation, Lockett gains separation at all levels of the field. While he is not the best at tracking the deep ball or making contested catches, he doesn’t lack concentration or drop balls he shouldn’t. Lockett is also very shifty and is a fluid runner with the ball in his hands. At this point I would see him as a day two pick.
WR: Jaxon Shipley, Texas
Shipley has a great blend of route-running, burst, and playing speed which makes him a string candidate for a slot receiver in the NFL. Shipley explodes off the line and gives effort as a blocker, but is not a strong player and could be challenged by the physicality and tighter coverage of the next level of competition.
TE: E.J. Bibbs, Iowa State
Bibbs is a stocky tight end who lumbers when he gets into space and is stiff when trying to block on the move. He is strong and does a good job of catching the ball, but his movement is not up to NFL standards and does not look to have much of a role in the NFL.
OT: Tyrus Thompson, Oklahoma
A good run blocker, Thompson is disappointing in pass protection considering he is the Sooners left tackle. Thompson gets too high in pass pro and as a result will lose much of his natural power. His lateral agility also leaves much to be desired, making him susceptible to moves. However, Thompson can create some holes in the running game for a man-on-man blocking scheme.
OT: Daryl Williams, Oklahoma
Like Thompson, Williams is better in the run as opposed to the pass. Williams will get over-extended and lose his balance, and too often will get turned around and shed by edge rushers. If there is a redeeming quality to Williams, it’s that he actually has decent blocking range when compared to his line mate.
OG: Adam Shead, Oklahoma
Unlike his aforementioned teammates, Shead has the look of a fairly good NFL prospect. Shead has a very strong frame and can move opponents and can stall the bulrush. He is able to get around on pulls and spring big runs with pop. Shead won’t get beat with power, but can be susceptible to be superior athleticism at times.
OG: Quinton Spain, West Virginia
Spain is a massive left tackle for the Mountaineers who will have to slide inside in the NFL. Spain does not get good extension when engaging defenders and does not throw a powerful punch either. He is a lumberer given his massive size, but does have light feet in a short area. Slimming down would likely help his cause to get on the field at the next level.
OC: B.J. Finney, Kansas State
Finney is an anchor from the pivot, rarely getting moved off this spot. Part of this can be attributed to his natural base strength, but he is also a fierce competitor whose playing temperament jumps out on film. He is not very athletically gifted outside of his spot at the line of scrimmage, but Finney could earn a paycheck based on his play on the inside.
Missed the Cut:
QB: Jake Waters, Kansas State
RB: Dreamius Smith, West Virginia
WR: Nick Harwell, Kansas
TE: Blake Bell, Oklahoma
OT: Daniel Koenig
OC: Dominic Espinosa, Texas
On the Horizon:
QB: Trevor Knight,** Oklahoma
RB: Shock Linwood,** Baylor
WR: Dorial Green-Beckham,* Oklahoma
OT: Le’Raven Clark,* Texas Tech
Inside next week’s War Room: 2014 PAC-12 Prospect Preview
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