After previewing the East Coast the last few weeks, we’re turning our attention inland to take a look at the Big Ten. The Midwest has been a disappointment in terms of collegiate play the last few years, and this year has seen it bottom out (hopefully). That said, Ohio State features a lot of NFL talent and there are a few isolated gems in this wasteland of a conference. Today’s focus is on offense.
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QB: Kenny Guiton, Ohio State
Braxton Miller may be the better collegiate player, but Guiton, Miller’s backup, has a skillset more suited for the conventional NFL offense. While Guiton is also a threat with his feet, he shows a lot more accuracy and a better mental makeup than Miller. Guiton may not have the upside to be a starter in the league, but he has the composure and football IQ to be an ideal backup.
RB: Carlos Hyde, Ohio State
A big, bruising sledgehammer Carlos Hyde is one of the better power backs in the nation. He’s not all brute strength, though, as he can catch the ball very well out of the backfield and hold up in pass protection. It’s these traits that can allow Hyde to carve out a role as a third-down and goal-line back, with the potential to become a complementary power back in the NFL.
RB: Melvin Gordon,** Wisconsin
Like most, if not all, Badger RBs since Ron Dayne, Gordon will be viewed very skeptically by evaluators, having come from a system that regularly churns out NFL-caliber offensive linemen that make life much easier for the backs. Only a sophomore, Gordon has the shiftiness and running style to at least be considered as one of the better RBs in this year’s crop.
WR: Allen Robinson,* Penn State
Already the holder of Penn State’s single season receiving yardage, Robinson has a very good shot to be drafted just three seasons removed from his high school career. He lacks great playing speed, but Robinson is a phenomenal pass-catcher with the ability to high-point make the spectacular grab.
WR: Jared Abbrederis, Wisconsin
The primary receiver for the Badgers, Abbrederis has the ability to work both the inside and the outside. A very average athlete, Abbrederis makes up for his deficiencies with grit and savvy, especially as a route-runner and a blocker.
TE: C.J. Fiedorowicz, Iowa
Taller and heavier than even Heath Miller and Brandon Pettigrew, Fiedorowicz is a dominating blocker who excels in the horizontal passing game. If he didn’t have the hands and receiving skills he possesses, teams would be well advised to convert him to tackle. Given the de-emphasis of blocking at the TE position, Fiedorowicz likely won’t be drafted in the first round, but can be a steal on Day Two.
OL: Taylor Lewan, Michigan
A four year starter and 2012 All-American and 2013 preseason All-American, Lewan is one of the most decorated offensive lineman in the country. A good, not great athlete, Lewan is a dominating run blocker and is very good in pass pro. Lewan has a nasty demeanor on the field, which can work both to his advantage and disadvantage as it can lead him to costly penalties. All things considered, Lewan should be a top 10 pick in the upcoming draft.
OL: Jack Mewhort, Ohio State
A converted high school TE, Mewhort exhibits the athleticism of his former position, as well as a more finesse mindset that might detract from his draft standing. Mewhort is a very smart and sound player who needs to add strength, but can easily develop into a strong-side tackle.
OL: Brandon Scherff,* Iowa
A prospect on the rise this season, Scherff looks to follow in the footsteps of former Hawkeye tackles Riley Reiff and Bryan Bulaga who were drafted in the first round. While Scherff likely won’t grade out as highly as his predecessors, he is an excellent run blocker who technically sound, as expected.
OL: Michael Schofield, Michigan
The other Wolverine bookend, Schofield has the athleticism to play the blindside in college, but won’t hold up there in the NFL without a significant strength gain. While possesses a very good frame, Schofield doesn’t have the nastiness or the prowess as a run blocker to play on the right side.
OL: Spencer Long, Nebraska
Big, strong, and nasty, Long has all the qualities you expect of a prospect coming out of the Big Ten. The issue with Long is that he does not possess the athleticism to play in a zone-blocking scheme, which limits him in the number of teams he can conceivably play for. Given his ability in the run game, he does project as a late round selection.
Missed the cut:
QB: Braxton Miller,* Ohio State
RB: James White, Wisconsin
OW: Kain Colter, Northwestern
TE: Jacob Pederson, Wisconsin
OL: Ryan Groy, Wisconsin
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