Ryan Mallett, Terrelle PyrorOhio State’s suspended players are not highly rated in my opinion, but two or three may leave school early because of the 5 game suspension coming up in 2011.
Quarterback Terrelle Pryor will probably come out but really could use another year of college football. I think he is a 4th to 6th round talent at this time. He is not very poised in the pocket, likes to take off and run too quickly and needs a lot of technique work. Pryor is a quality athlete with skills but is a work in progress.
Offensive tackle Mike Adams (6-7 ½ 300) is gaining experience but has had injury problems in his college career; he could use another year of college football but may come out early and end up as a low round selection. Adams is a decent pass blocker and has quick feet and is athletic but needs to get stronger in the lower body and is not a good run blocker at this time.
Running back Dan Harron (5-10 205) is versatile and strong for his size. Nicknamed 'Boom', he rushed for over 1000 yards in 2010 and over 2000 in his college career. Harron can run between the tackles but lacks good size and has only average speed. He would be a mid to low round pick if he comes out early.
Ohio State’s best junior prospect is center Mike Brewster (6-5 295), a 3 year starter who understands the game and blocking angles. An aggressive drive blocker with a mean streak and a non-stop motor. Brewster blocks well on the move but needs some technique work. He is quick for a big man and looks to go around the 4th round if he comes out early.
The senior prospects to watch in the Sugar Bowl for the Buckeyes are:
Defensive end Cameron Hayward 6-5 285. He is the son of former Saint running back “Ironhead†Heyward. Cameron is athletic and versatile, having lined up at both end and tackle in his career. Very good size for the defensive end position, he is instinctive and goes to the football, strong at the point of attack. Heyward needs more pass rush moves but is a 1st or 2nd round prospect.
Right guard Bryant Browning (6-3 ½ 315) is a smart prospect who was valedictorian of his class in high school. He is also versatile enough to get a look at other offensive line positions. Browning gets good movement when run blocking and can anchor when pass protecting. He has good upside potential and could be a 4th. or 5th round selection.
Safety Jermale Hines (6-1 215) is an experience safety who has been a starter since 2009. He is big and instinctive, likes to hit and is a solid run defender. Hines needs some pass coverage improvement but plays the ball well in the air. A 4th round possibility.
Linebacker Ross Homan (6-0 230) plays on the outside and is always in on a lot of tackles. He led his team in tackles in 2009 with 108. Homan should make a fine special teams player in the pro gamebut lacks ideal size. He excels at dropping into pass coverage. He has had injury problems so durability may be a concern. A mid round prospect.
Justin Boren (6-3 320), Ohio State’s other guard, is a low round prospect. A transfer from Michigan, Boren gets good movement off the ball and is an aggressive blocker but needs to sustain his blocks better.
Cornerback Chimdl Chekwa (6-0 192) has a chance to get drafted in round 4, he has 4.45 speed with good size, quick feet, and is good in man pass coverage. A willing hitter, but not a hard hitter or tackler. Should excel on special teams.
Inside linebacker Brian Rolle (5-10 220) is undersized but athletic and very active. He throws his body around, is instinctive and plays like a true competitor. Versatile enough to play outside, Rolle should excel on special teams in the pro game. Durability is a concern, but he has a non-stop motor. Projects to round 4 or 5.
Running back Brandon Saine (6-1 220) splits time with Dan Harron. He has good speed and is well built, but is not real elusive. Saine lacks good running instincts and needs work as a blocker and receiver but works hard. A low round or free agent type prospect.
Wide receiver LaVon Brazill (5-11 190) has 4.45 speed and gets off the line quickly. He has good hands but is only an average blocker. Brazill needs to get stronger for the pro game. He can also contribute as a punt returner. 5th round projection.
Devon Torrence is a cornerback 6-0 195 has good size and only average speed. He has some man pass coverage skills, has good ball skills, can come up with the interception, has good hands, a former receiver. Only average in run support, needs to get stronger. Needs improvement but has good physical tools. 4th or 5th round.
Dexter Larimore (6-2 310) is a defensive tackle who has some size but looks to be a low round or free agent prospect.
Not a look at the Razorbacks...
Arkansas has the outstanding junior quarterback in Ryan Mallett (6-7 238). He has an NFL arm and can make all the throws needed to excel at the next level. He needs to become a better decision maker and a better leader on the field. Plus Mallett must develop a stronger work ethic. High 1st round projection.
DeMarcus Love is a highly rated offensive tackle who has been nagged by injuries but is a team captain who is tough and consistent, plays with fine technique and is football smart. He will finish his blocks and is versatile, may also project to the offensive guard position. Projected to go in round 2 or 3.
D. J. Williams (6-2 249) as a tight end is a good route runner who plays with good technique and balance. He runs well after the catch and also the speed to stretch a defense. Williams has been durable. He should make a solid special teams player as well. A mid round prospect who needs to get bigger and stronger.
Ray Dominguez is an offensive guard (6-4 328) who may also play offensive tackle. He has the physical tools and size to make it. Versatility will help, a mid round projection.
The Hogs have two defensive backs with a chance at the next level. Cornerback Ramon Broadway (5-9 190) has outstanding speed but needs work playing the run better and improving pass coverage technique. Broadway is a low round projection as is safety corner Rudell Crim (6-0 190).
Two other Arkansas juniors may decide to come out. Defensive end Jake Bequette (6-5 270) comes hard off the edge and is a good pass rusher with 4.78 speed but could use another year of college experience. His projection would depend on how well he works out in the postseason for the NFL scouts.
Tremain Thomas (6-0, 195), a junior safety, was the MVP in the Liberty Bowl victory against East Carolina last season. He is a playmaker who has good hands and will come up with the interception (has 4 this season). His projection also depends on his post season workouts, but he would do well to stay another year.
Next up...Cotton Bowl (LSU vs. Texas A&M)
Al’s Preview draft issue that rates over 300 pro prospects is out; it's only $10.00 mailed first class at once at no extra charge. Send check to Al Dupuy, 3516 Harvard Ave. Metairie La 70006. To receive a flyer on my two draft publications, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it| < Prev | Next > |
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