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2015 NFL Draft: Rang's Diamonds in the Rough
Rob Rang / The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com
April 13, 2015 08:41 AM
As early as the first round or sifting through the undrafted free agent pool, the ability to find "Diamonds in the Rough" separates good NFL scouting departments from the great ones.
Below is a list of players who haven't yet received the attention their physical abilities warrant. Some starred at a lower level of competition. Others played at relative FBS powerhouses but injuries, suspension or talent ahead of them on the depth chart kept them relatively overshadowed to the average fan but not to savvy scouts.
Among some of my favorite "hits" in the past few years include Pro Bowl tight ends Jimmy Graham (who famously only played one year of college football at Miami) and fellow former basketball player Julius Thomas, who took a similar unlikely path to NFL stardom from tiny Portland State.
Lions running back Joique Bell (Wayne State, 2010), Colts speedy wideout T.Y. Hilton (Florida International, 2012), Cardinals left tackle Jared Veldheer (Hillsdale, 2010), Ravens stout defensive tackle Brandon Williams (Missouri Southern State, 2013) and Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson (Montana, 2012) are other success stories.
*Not invited to combine
Brandon Bridge looks to be the first Canadian-born QB drafted into the NFL since 2001. (USATSI)
Brandon Bridge looks to be the first Canadian-born QB drafted into the NFL since 2001. (USATSI)
QUARTERBACKS
Brandon Bridge, South Alabama, 6-4, 229, 4.72: A native Canadian, Bridge struggled to get attention from American recruiters out of high school despite guiding his team (St. Marcellinus in Mississauga, Ontario) to back-to-back league championships. One of the few programs to offer Bridge a scholarship as a quarterback was D-II Alcorn State, where Bridge played for two years before making the jump to South Alabama. He appeared in 11 games last year with the Jaguars, completing 160 of 307 passes (52.1 percent) for 1,927 yards with 15 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He also ran 297 yards and four TDs. Like many of the others prospects on this list, Bridge's path to the NFL isn't traditional but he's big, athletic and may just have the strongest arm of any quarterback in this class. Bridge is attempting to be the first Canadian-born quarterback to be drafted since the New York Giants made former Florida standout (and current ESPN analyst) Jesse Palmer a fourth-round pick in 2001.
Five other quarterbacks to consider:
1. Chris Bonner, Colorado State-Pueblo, 6-6, 237, 5.12*
2. Connor Halliday, Washington State, 6-3, 196, 4.87
3. Taylor Heinicke, Old Dominion, 6-1, 211, 4.76*
4. Jerry Lovelocke, Prairie View A&M, 6-4, 248, 4.99
5. Trevor Siemian, Northwestern, 6-3, 220, 4.94*
RUNNING BACKS
David Johnson, Northern Iowa, 6-1, 224, 4.50: South Alabama's Bridge played his collegiate ball just outside of Mobile, Ala. -- where Johnson truly caught the attention of NFL scouts, showing the combination of power, burst, balance, vision and hands out of the backfield at the Senior Bowl to prove that his string of three consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons at UNI were no fluke. Johnson's receiving skills are perhaps his most intriguing asset, as he shows terrific hand-eye coordination, focus and flexibility to easily catch passes away from his body and quickly turn upfield. In a terrific class of running backs, Johnson remains relatively anonymous among fans but his ability to play on all three downs should earn him a mid-round selection and early playing time.
Five other running backs to consider:
1. Malcolm Agnew, Southern Illinois, 5-9, 205, 4.53*
2. John Crockett, North Dakota State, 6-0, 217, 4.56
3. Tyler Varga, Yale, 5-11, 222, 4.64*
4. Mark Venric, West Texas A&M, 5-7, 175, 4.38*
5. Zach Zenner, South Dakota State, 5-11, 223, 4.50
TIGHT ENDS
Blake Bell, Oklahoma, 6-6, 252, 4.80: Oklahoma is hardly "the rough" but Bell is one of two former quarterbacks on this year's "Diamonds" squad whose skill set at a new position is intriguing enough to warrant listing. Bell, of course, is a former five-star recruit who captured the attention of college football with his Tim Tebow-like rushing ability as a quarterback, simply bowling over hapless defenders to score 24 rushing touchdowns over his first two seasons in Norman. Realizing that he simply isn't accurate enough to remain at quarterback in the NFL, Bell made the switch to tight end as a senior and though his production was hardly eye-popping (16 catches for 214 yards and four touchdowns), he showed the toughness, work ethic and soft hands necessary to earn middle- or late-round consideration as a developmental prospect at the position. The well-proportioned Bell has workable overall athleticism and excellent bloodlines. Both his father (Mark) and uncle (Mike Bell), played on the defensive line in the NFL for the Seahawks, Colts and Chiefs.
Five other tight ends to consider:
1. Nick Boyle, Delaware, 6-4, 268, 5.04
2. Brian Parker, Albany, 6-4, 265, 4.72*
3. MyCole Pruitt, Southern Illinois, 6-2, 251, 4.58
4. Wes Saxton, South Alabama, 6-3, 248, 4.65
5. Jean Sifrin, Massachusetts, 6-5, 245, 4.84
WIDE RECEIVERS
Tre McBride, William & Mary, 6-0, 210, 4.41: It isn't often that a "small school" receiver ranks as one of the more polished pass-catchers in his class but McBride's pro-ready build, body control and hand-eye coordination project very well to the next level. McBride didn't receive a great deal of attention from FBS schools out of high school after playing running back but dominated the lower level of competition throughout his time at William & Mary and was the best player this year at the East-West Shrine Game. Considering the switch from running back, McBride shows surprising vision and body control as a receiver, consistently winning contested passes because of his ability to track and high-point the ball. McBride isn't as explosive as his 40-yard time would suggest but he's a legitimate top-100 candidate who could surprise with a relatively smooth transition to the NFL.
Five other wide receivers to consider:
1. Mario Alford, West Virginia, 5-8, 180, 4.43
2. Geremy Davis, Connecticut, 6-3, 216, 4.48
3. Dezmin Lewis, Central Arkansas, 6-4, 214, 4.58
4. J.J. Nelson, Alabama-Birmingham, 5-10, 156, 4.28
5. Jordan Taylor, Rice, 6-5, 209, 4.52*
OFFENSIVE LINE
Ali Marpet, Hobart, 6-4, 307, 4.98: Since an impressive performance at the Senior Bowl and combine, Marpet has emerged as a bit of a media darling. He was a four-year starter at left tackle at Hobart, a D-III school in upstate New York, and showed impressive confidence, strength and tenacity when asked to switch to guard in Mobile. After, Marpet wowed scouts by breaking the five-second barrier in the 40-yard dash in Indianapolis, as well as showing terrific agility (pacing all tested offensive linemen with a 4.47-second short shuttle) and impressive strength (30 repetitions of 225 pounds) in the bench press. Because of his size, agility and strength, Marpet is viewed by some as a possible center convert. That positional versatility could make Marpet the first of this year's Diamonds to get drafted, perhaps as early as the second round.
Five other offensive linemen to consider:
1. Antoine Everett, McNeese State, 6-3, 328, 4.65*
2. Doniel Grambrell, Notre Dame College (Ohio), 6-5, 306, 5.27*
3. Robert Myers, Tennessee State, 6-5, 326, 5.44
4. Jake Rodgers, Eastern Washington, 6-5, 313, 5.29*
5. Valerian Ume-Ezeoke, New Mexico State, 6-2, 305, 5.45*
DE prospect Lynden Trail has shown versatility that should catch the eye of NFL scouts. (Getty Images)
DE prospect Lynden Trail has shown versatility that should catch the eye of NFL scouts. (Getty Images)
DEFENSIVE ENDS
Lynden Trail, Norfolk State, 6-7, 269, 4.91: I'll admit that including Trail -- a Florida transfer -- is cheating just a bit. Trail's FBS background isn't half as intriguing as the upside he showed at the Senior Bowl, however. Trail saw time with the defensive ends, outside linebackers and tight ends during practice at the all-star game, showing impressive fluidity when changing directions, awareness and even good hands. The good hands isn't surprising given that Trail played wide receiver in high school, though that was over 60 pounds ago. Frustrated with a lack of playing time as he bulked up, Trail transferred from Florida and that lack of competitive spirit and physical aggression remain some of the knocks on him. His length (including 34 7/8-inch arms), overall athleticism and positional versatility, however, are sure to earn Trail a Day Three selection.
Five other defensive ends to consider:
1. Ray Drew, Georgia, 6-4, 265, 4.83*
2. Obum Gwachum, Oregon State, 6-5, 246, 4.72
3. Andrew Hudson, Washington, 6-2, 250, 4.86*
4. Brian Mihalik, Boston College, 6-9, 302, 4.89*
5. Zack Wagenmann, Montana, 6-3, 247, 4.81
DEFENSIVE TACKLES
Christian Covington, Rice, 6-2, 289, 5.09: The second native Canadian on this list, Covington inexplicably didn't receive much attention from recruiters despite an impressive high school career that saw him register 83 tackles, including 15 sacks, as a senior and being the son of CFL Hall of Fame defensive end Grover Covington. He looked like a burgeoning superstar when Covington was the first sophomore defensive tackle at Rice since 1965 to earn first-team all-conference recognition, recording 59 tackles, including 14 tackles for loss and four sacks, in 2013. Unfortunately, a dislocated kneecap midway through the 2014 season limited Covington to just 20 tackles (including four tackles for loss, three sacks) and kept him out of the combine and out of the spotlight. Covington has a quick burst off the ball and is functionally strong enough to compete for early playing time despite his lack of ideal size. The question with Covington isn't talent or effort, only health. If his knee is OK'd by doctors, Covington could prove quite a Day Three steal.
Five other defensive tackles to consider:
1. Quayshawne Buckley, Idaho, 6-3, 291. 5.08*
2. Xavier Williams, Northern Iowa, 6-2. 320, 5.31
3. Tory Slater, West Georgia, 6-5, 290, 4.95*
4. Deon Simon, Northwestern State, 6-4, 321, 5.08
5. Leterrius Walton, Central Michigan, 6-5, 319, 5.25
LINEBACKER
Davis Tull, Chattanooga, 6-2, 246, 4.59: Perhaps no player better personifies Diamonds in the Rough than Tull, a three-time Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Year. The four-year starter recorded an eye-popping 196 tackles, including 60 for loss and 37 sacks. Tull's production got him invited to the combine and he turned heads once there, wowing scouts with a 42½-inch vertical and 11-foot broad jump -- which ranked first and tied for second among all front-seven defenders tested this year in Indianapolis. Tull, however, is likely to slip much lower on draft day than his tape, production or workouts warrant because his availability for camps and even the start of next season are in question after he underwent surgery to repair a torn right labrum on March 3 -- one day after clocking a 4.57 in the 40-yard dash. Overcoming injury is unfortunately nothing new for Tull, who saw his collegiate opportunities shrivel after he broke his leg early in his senior season at Bearden High School in Knoxville, Tenn. Given the injury, Tull's stock seems likely to dip deep into Day Three, where he could prove a steal.
Five other linebackers to consider:
1. Alani Fua, BYU, 6-5, 238, 4.73
2. Zack Hodges, Harvard, 6-2, 250, 4.68
3. Junior Sylvestre, Toledo, 6-0, 233, 4.57*
4. John Timu, Washington, 6-0, 241, 4.83*
5. Zach Vigil, Utah State, 6-2, 236, 4.68*
CORNERBACK
Nick Marshall, Auburn, 6-1, 207, 4.51: As the star quarterback of an SEC powerhouse like Auburn, Marshall is clearly lacks the relative anonymity of his "teammates" on this list. He has only played one game -- the 2015 Senior Bowl -- at cornerback since 2011, however, and demonstrated such an intriguing blend of size, fluidity and confidence when asked to make this position change in Mobile that he deserves special mention. As you may recall, before guiding Auburn to the 2013 BCS national title game as a junior, Marshall played cornerback at Georgia. His experience at the position was clear during Senior Bowl practices where he was thrown into the fire against dynamic athletes like Miami speedster Phillip Dorsett and shockingly held his own. Marshall has very light feet and a fluid turning motion. He locates the ball quickly and is highly competitive. He'll need to prove that he's physically tough enough to handle run support but Marshall boasts the kind of traits that could warrant middle-round consideration and ultimately help him emerge as a starting cornerback in the NFL.
Five other cornerbacks to consider:
1. Lorenzo Doss, Tulane, 5-11, 183, 4.47
2. Craig Mager, Texas State, 5-11, 201, 4.44
3. Quinten Rollins, Miami (Ohio), 5-11, 195, 4.57
4. D'Joun Smith, Florida Atlantic, 5-11, 195, 4.57
5. Tray Walker, Texas Southern, 6-2, 187, 4.53*
SAFETY
Jaquiski Tartt, Samford, 6-1, 221, 4.53: Because he spent most of his high school career playing basketball rather than football, Tartt didn't generate much attention from recruiters. He will from scouts, however. In fact, Tartt ranks as one of the more celebrated prospects on this list after the two-time Buck Buchanan Award finalist stood out at the Senior Bowl and combine. Boasting a rock-solid frame and the aggressive, downhill mentality to match, Tartt isn't sweet, just like his surname suggests. While not as fluid or instinctive as his 20 career pass breakups and six interceptions might indicate, Tartt is an imposing defender whose size, aggression and heavy hitting make him one of the more intimidating run-defending safeties of the 2015 draft. He very well could wind up one of the first five safeties selected this year, perhaps sneaking into the top 100 overall.
Five other safeties to consider:
1. Ibraheim Campbell, Northwestern, 5-11, 208, 4.59
2. Durrell Eskridge, Syracuse, 6-3, 208, 4.63
3. Chris Hackett, TCU, 6-0, 187, 4.66
4. Tevin McDonald, Eastern Washington, 5-11, 195, 4.63
5. Brian Suite, Utah State, 6-3, 203, 4.47*
Rob Rang / The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com
April 13, 2015 08:41 AM
As early as the first round or sifting through the undrafted free agent pool, the ability to find "Diamonds in the Rough" separates good NFL scouting departments from the great ones.
Below is a list of players who haven't yet received the attention their physical abilities warrant. Some starred at a lower level of competition. Others played at relative FBS powerhouses but injuries, suspension or talent ahead of them on the depth chart kept them relatively overshadowed to the average fan but not to savvy scouts.
Among some of my favorite "hits" in the past few years include Pro Bowl tight ends Jimmy Graham (who famously only played one year of college football at Miami) and fellow former basketball player Julius Thomas, who took a similar unlikely path to NFL stardom from tiny Portland State.
Lions running back Joique Bell (Wayne State, 2010), Colts speedy wideout T.Y. Hilton (Florida International, 2012), Cardinals left tackle Jared Veldheer (Hillsdale, 2010), Ravens stout defensive tackle Brandon Williams (Missouri Southern State, 2013) and Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson (Montana, 2012) are other success stories.
*Not invited to combine
Brandon Bridge looks to be the first Canadian-born QB drafted into the NFL since 2001. (USATSI)
Brandon Bridge looks to be the first Canadian-born QB drafted into the NFL since 2001. (USATSI)
QUARTERBACKS
Brandon Bridge, South Alabama, 6-4, 229, 4.72: A native Canadian, Bridge struggled to get attention from American recruiters out of high school despite guiding his team (St. Marcellinus in Mississauga, Ontario) to back-to-back league championships. One of the few programs to offer Bridge a scholarship as a quarterback was D-II Alcorn State, where Bridge played for two years before making the jump to South Alabama. He appeared in 11 games last year with the Jaguars, completing 160 of 307 passes (52.1 percent) for 1,927 yards with 15 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He also ran 297 yards and four TDs. Like many of the others prospects on this list, Bridge's path to the NFL isn't traditional but he's big, athletic and may just have the strongest arm of any quarterback in this class. Bridge is attempting to be the first Canadian-born quarterback to be drafted since the New York Giants made former Florida standout (and current ESPN analyst) Jesse Palmer a fourth-round pick in 2001.
Five other quarterbacks to consider:
1. Chris Bonner, Colorado State-Pueblo, 6-6, 237, 5.12*
2. Connor Halliday, Washington State, 6-3, 196, 4.87
3. Taylor Heinicke, Old Dominion, 6-1, 211, 4.76*
4. Jerry Lovelocke, Prairie View A&M, 6-4, 248, 4.99
5. Trevor Siemian, Northwestern, 6-3, 220, 4.94*
RUNNING BACKS
David Johnson, Northern Iowa, 6-1, 224, 4.50: South Alabama's Bridge played his collegiate ball just outside of Mobile, Ala. -- where Johnson truly caught the attention of NFL scouts, showing the combination of power, burst, balance, vision and hands out of the backfield at the Senior Bowl to prove that his string of three consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons at UNI were no fluke. Johnson's receiving skills are perhaps his most intriguing asset, as he shows terrific hand-eye coordination, focus and flexibility to easily catch passes away from his body and quickly turn upfield. In a terrific class of running backs, Johnson remains relatively anonymous among fans but his ability to play on all three downs should earn him a mid-round selection and early playing time.
Five other running backs to consider:
1. Malcolm Agnew, Southern Illinois, 5-9, 205, 4.53*
2. John Crockett, North Dakota State, 6-0, 217, 4.56
3. Tyler Varga, Yale, 5-11, 222, 4.64*
4. Mark Venric, West Texas A&M, 5-7, 175, 4.38*
5. Zach Zenner, South Dakota State, 5-11, 223, 4.50
TIGHT ENDS
Blake Bell, Oklahoma, 6-6, 252, 4.80: Oklahoma is hardly "the rough" but Bell is one of two former quarterbacks on this year's "Diamonds" squad whose skill set at a new position is intriguing enough to warrant listing. Bell, of course, is a former five-star recruit who captured the attention of college football with his Tim Tebow-like rushing ability as a quarterback, simply bowling over hapless defenders to score 24 rushing touchdowns over his first two seasons in Norman. Realizing that he simply isn't accurate enough to remain at quarterback in the NFL, Bell made the switch to tight end as a senior and though his production was hardly eye-popping (16 catches for 214 yards and four touchdowns), he showed the toughness, work ethic and soft hands necessary to earn middle- or late-round consideration as a developmental prospect at the position. The well-proportioned Bell has workable overall athleticism and excellent bloodlines. Both his father (Mark) and uncle (Mike Bell), played on the defensive line in the NFL for the Seahawks, Colts and Chiefs.
Five other tight ends to consider:
1. Nick Boyle, Delaware, 6-4, 268, 5.04
2. Brian Parker, Albany, 6-4, 265, 4.72*
3. MyCole Pruitt, Southern Illinois, 6-2, 251, 4.58
4. Wes Saxton, South Alabama, 6-3, 248, 4.65
5. Jean Sifrin, Massachusetts, 6-5, 245, 4.84
WIDE RECEIVERS
Tre McBride, William & Mary, 6-0, 210, 4.41: It isn't often that a "small school" receiver ranks as one of the more polished pass-catchers in his class but McBride's pro-ready build, body control and hand-eye coordination project very well to the next level. McBride didn't receive a great deal of attention from FBS schools out of high school after playing running back but dominated the lower level of competition throughout his time at William & Mary and was the best player this year at the East-West Shrine Game. Considering the switch from running back, McBride shows surprising vision and body control as a receiver, consistently winning contested passes because of his ability to track and high-point the ball. McBride isn't as explosive as his 40-yard time would suggest but he's a legitimate top-100 candidate who could surprise with a relatively smooth transition to the NFL.
Five other wide receivers to consider:
1. Mario Alford, West Virginia, 5-8, 180, 4.43
2. Geremy Davis, Connecticut, 6-3, 216, 4.48
3. Dezmin Lewis, Central Arkansas, 6-4, 214, 4.58
4. J.J. Nelson, Alabama-Birmingham, 5-10, 156, 4.28
5. Jordan Taylor, Rice, 6-5, 209, 4.52*
OFFENSIVE LINE
Ali Marpet, Hobart, 6-4, 307, 4.98: Since an impressive performance at the Senior Bowl and combine, Marpet has emerged as a bit of a media darling. He was a four-year starter at left tackle at Hobart, a D-III school in upstate New York, and showed impressive confidence, strength and tenacity when asked to switch to guard in Mobile. After, Marpet wowed scouts by breaking the five-second barrier in the 40-yard dash in Indianapolis, as well as showing terrific agility (pacing all tested offensive linemen with a 4.47-second short shuttle) and impressive strength (30 repetitions of 225 pounds) in the bench press. Because of his size, agility and strength, Marpet is viewed by some as a possible center convert. That positional versatility could make Marpet the first of this year's Diamonds to get drafted, perhaps as early as the second round.
Five other offensive linemen to consider:
1. Antoine Everett, McNeese State, 6-3, 328, 4.65*
2. Doniel Grambrell, Notre Dame College (Ohio), 6-5, 306, 5.27*
3. Robert Myers, Tennessee State, 6-5, 326, 5.44
4. Jake Rodgers, Eastern Washington, 6-5, 313, 5.29*
5. Valerian Ume-Ezeoke, New Mexico State, 6-2, 305, 5.45*
DE prospect Lynden Trail has shown versatility that should catch the eye of NFL scouts. (Getty Images)
DE prospect Lynden Trail has shown versatility that should catch the eye of NFL scouts. (Getty Images)
DEFENSIVE ENDS
Lynden Trail, Norfolk State, 6-7, 269, 4.91: I'll admit that including Trail -- a Florida transfer -- is cheating just a bit. Trail's FBS background isn't half as intriguing as the upside he showed at the Senior Bowl, however. Trail saw time with the defensive ends, outside linebackers and tight ends during practice at the all-star game, showing impressive fluidity when changing directions, awareness and even good hands. The good hands isn't surprising given that Trail played wide receiver in high school, though that was over 60 pounds ago. Frustrated with a lack of playing time as he bulked up, Trail transferred from Florida and that lack of competitive spirit and physical aggression remain some of the knocks on him. His length (including 34 7/8-inch arms), overall athleticism and positional versatility, however, are sure to earn Trail a Day Three selection.
Five other defensive ends to consider:
1. Ray Drew, Georgia, 6-4, 265, 4.83*
2. Obum Gwachum, Oregon State, 6-5, 246, 4.72
3. Andrew Hudson, Washington, 6-2, 250, 4.86*
4. Brian Mihalik, Boston College, 6-9, 302, 4.89*
5. Zack Wagenmann, Montana, 6-3, 247, 4.81
DEFENSIVE TACKLES
Christian Covington, Rice, 6-2, 289, 5.09: The second native Canadian on this list, Covington inexplicably didn't receive much attention from recruiters despite an impressive high school career that saw him register 83 tackles, including 15 sacks, as a senior and being the son of CFL Hall of Fame defensive end Grover Covington. He looked like a burgeoning superstar when Covington was the first sophomore defensive tackle at Rice since 1965 to earn first-team all-conference recognition, recording 59 tackles, including 14 tackles for loss and four sacks, in 2013. Unfortunately, a dislocated kneecap midway through the 2014 season limited Covington to just 20 tackles (including four tackles for loss, three sacks) and kept him out of the combine and out of the spotlight. Covington has a quick burst off the ball and is functionally strong enough to compete for early playing time despite his lack of ideal size. The question with Covington isn't talent or effort, only health. If his knee is OK'd by doctors, Covington could prove quite a Day Three steal.
Five other defensive tackles to consider:
1. Quayshawne Buckley, Idaho, 6-3, 291. 5.08*
2. Xavier Williams, Northern Iowa, 6-2. 320, 5.31
3. Tory Slater, West Georgia, 6-5, 290, 4.95*
4. Deon Simon, Northwestern State, 6-4, 321, 5.08
5. Leterrius Walton, Central Michigan, 6-5, 319, 5.25
LINEBACKER
Davis Tull, Chattanooga, 6-2, 246, 4.59: Perhaps no player better personifies Diamonds in the Rough than Tull, a three-time Southern Conference Defensive Player of the Year. The four-year starter recorded an eye-popping 196 tackles, including 60 for loss and 37 sacks. Tull's production got him invited to the combine and he turned heads once there, wowing scouts with a 42½-inch vertical and 11-foot broad jump -- which ranked first and tied for second among all front-seven defenders tested this year in Indianapolis. Tull, however, is likely to slip much lower on draft day than his tape, production or workouts warrant because his availability for camps and even the start of next season are in question after he underwent surgery to repair a torn right labrum on March 3 -- one day after clocking a 4.57 in the 40-yard dash. Overcoming injury is unfortunately nothing new for Tull, who saw his collegiate opportunities shrivel after he broke his leg early in his senior season at Bearden High School in Knoxville, Tenn. Given the injury, Tull's stock seems likely to dip deep into Day Three, where he could prove a steal.
Five other linebackers to consider:
1. Alani Fua, BYU, 6-5, 238, 4.73
2. Zack Hodges, Harvard, 6-2, 250, 4.68
3. Junior Sylvestre, Toledo, 6-0, 233, 4.57*
4. John Timu, Washington, 6-0, 241, 4.83*
5. Zach Vigil, Utah State, 6-2, 236, 4.68*
CORNERBACK
Nick Marshall, Auburn, 6-1, 207, 4.51: As the star quarterback of an SEC powerhouse like Auburn, Marshall is clearly lacks the relative anonymity of his "teammates" on this list. He has only played one game -- the 2015 Senior Bowl -- at cornerback since 2011, however, and demonstrated such an intriguing blend of size, fluidity and confidence when asked to make this position change in Mobile that he deserves special mention. As you may recall, before guiding Auburn to the 2013 BCS national title game as a junior, Marshall played cornerback at Georgia. His experience at the position was clear during Senior Bowl practices where he was thrown into the fire against dynamic athletes like Miami speedster Phillip Dorsett and shockingly held his own. Marshall has very light feet and a fluid turning motion. He locates the ball quickly and is highly competitive. He'll need to prove that he's physically tough enough to handle run support but Marshall boasts the kind of traits that could warrant middle-round consideration and ultimately help him emerge as a starting cornerback in the NFL.
Five other cornerbacks to consider:
1. Lorenzo Doss, Tulane, 5-11, 183, 4.47
2. Craig Mager, Texas State, 5-11, 201, 4.44
3. Quinten Rollins, Miami (Ohio), 5-11, 195, 4.57
4. D'Joun Smith, Florida Atlantic, 5-11, 195, 4.57
5. Tray Walker, Texas Southern, 6-2, 187, 4.53*
SAFETY
Jaquiski Tartt, Samford, 6-1, 221, 4.53: Because he spent most of his high school career playing basketball rather than football, Tartt didn't generate much attention from recruiters. He will from scouts, however. In fact, Tartt ranks as one of the more celebrated prospects on this list after the two-time Buck Buchanan Award finalist stood out at the Senior Bowl and combine. Boasting a rock-solid frame and the aggressive, downhill mentality to match, Tartt isn't sweet, just like his surname suggests. While not as fluid or instinctive as his 20 career pass breakups and six interceptions might indicate, Tartt is an imposing defender whose size, aggression and heavy hitting make him one of the more intimidating run-defending safeties of the 2015 draft. He very well could wind up one of the first five safeties selected this year, perhaps sneaking into the top 100 overall.
Five other safeties to consider:
1. Ibraheim Campbell, Northwestern, 5-11, 208, 4.59
2. Durrell Eskridge, Syracuse, 6-3, 208, 4.63
3. Chris Hackett, TCU, 6-0, 187, 4.66
4. Tevin McDonald, Eastern Washington, 5-11, 195, 4.63
5. Brian Suite, Utah State, 6-3, 203, 4.47*