As the college football season nears kickoff, we bring you the top 32 prospects that are eligible for the 2015 NFL Draft, and have a realistic possibility of declaring for the draft. Since most of these prospects have already been covered in the conference preview series, each prospect will be broken down by their top strengths and weaknesses as a prospect. All rankings are fluid and relative, and serve as a watch list of players as the season develops.
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NFL Draft Fall Rankings
16: Todd Gurley,* Georgia, RB
Strengths: Impressive size-speed combination to run inside and outside of the tackle box, possesses natural balance and vision to make the most of his physical gifts, has excellent versatility as a runner, pass catcher, pass protector, and return man
Weaknesses: Is taller than ideal for a back, does not drop his pad level like he should and exposes his body to hits and injury, lacks a signature trait to be truly elite in the NFL at a devalued position.
15: Hroniss Grasu, Oregon, OC
Strengths: Plenty of experience blocking in a zone scheme, possesses excellent athleticism and range as a run blocker, has sterling intangibles to make it in the NFL.
Weaknesses: Could add more power to his game, needs to sustain blocks a little better, some technique polish and adaptation to a pro offense will be necessary.
14: Brandon Scherff, Iowa, OT
Strengths: Immense threshold for pain and has the desired demeanor to play in the trenches, is well versed in a zone-blocking scheme, has both the anchor and range to man the blindside.
Weaknesses: Needs to come off the ball with better leverage, lacks elite prototypical size for a tackle, could stand to stay on his feet with better balance.
13: Amari Cooper,* Alabama, WR
Strengths: Prime athlete who can create separation in his routes, is a dangerous vertical and sideline target, has proved he can make the difficult catch.
Weaknesses: Has let some catchable balls get through his hands, could sharpen his routes more, should continue to prove he can be the go-to guy at Alabama.
12: Leonard Williams,* USC, DL
Strengths: High level interior athlete and pass rusher, has experience in several different positions along the defensive line, possesses a hot motor.
Weaknesses: A tweener whose NFL position is uncertain at this point, technique needs refinement, particularly in terms of hand use, lacks the size and anchor strength of a defensive tackle.
11: Brett Hundley,* UCLA, QB
Strengths: Has elite arm strength, is a high character leader playing his third season under a former NFL head coach, has natural running ability.
Weaknesses: Severe lack of poise in the pocket and bails out too soon, decision-making is too erratic, touch and accuracy on the deep ball needs to develop.
10: Leonard Floyd,** Georgia, PSR
Strengths: Elite athleticism and flexibility to take the edge, has all the tools to develop into a double-digit sack artist, has tons of upside and time to further develop.
Weaknesses: Has only played one full season of college football, is an undersized and underpowered edge rusher who needs to add mass and strength.
9: Shaq Thompson,* Washington, LB
Strengths: Has elite range and athleticism for a linebacker, is an excellent man cover linebacker, plays with excellent instincts and motor.
Weaknesses: Is undersized and was a safety who outgrew the position, lacks strength to take on blocks and is not an in the box run defender.
Inside next week’s War Room: 2015 NFL Draft Fall Rankings (8-1)
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