Top 10 Draft Prospects that are NFL Combine Snubs
Eric Galko, Special to Scout.com
Scout: We asked Eric to rank the top prospects who should be in Indy
for the Combine. We were looking for small school players (Optimum's
specialty), but left it open to include all schools.
Here are his Top 10:
1. Brandon Brooks, OG, Miami (OH)
A physically impressive guard prospect, his shear ability to bend and
play with leverage despite his 330+ pound size is rare and alone makes
him a worthwhile draft prospect. He was beat at times on film from
quick -handed interior rushers (especially blitzing linebackers) that
he faced at times in the MAC. However, his impressive play,
flexibility, and balance for his size at the Shrine Game impressed all
scouts in attendance, and is in the mix for a Top 5 guard prospect in
this draft.
2. Thomas Mayo, WR, California PA
Another Shrine invite impresser who didn't get the coveted Combine
invite, Mayo has been one of the most productive and intriguing small
school receiver prospects in the country. After transferring from
Concord to California PA for his senior season, he capped off his
career by developing his route diversity, showing the ability to
attempt in a new offense, and faced some improved competition, albeit
at the Division II level. He uses his length well, positions his body
inline very well, and has great ball skills when he isn't asked to
adjust his route down the field. He's a Top 30 wide receiver in this
draft class fairly easily in my mind, and should be a Top 5 rounder
come draft day.
3. Adrian Hamilton, DE, Prairie View A&M
The most productive defensive linemen in college football this season
(even though it was at the FCS level), Hamilton has gotten little to no
attention this year from national media, but he's more than just a
small school productive, undersized rusher. He outstandingly quick off
the snap, has decisive rush moves both inside and out, and has the
coordination and change of direction to likely stand up at the next
level. He'll likely be a 3-4 edge rusher at the next level, but he can
likely fit in a 4-3 as well as a situational linebacker as well as an
undersized rusher.
4. Aston Whiteside, DE, Abilene Christian
An explosive rusher who's a more natural fit for the 3-4 outside
linebacker spot then Hamilton, Aston Whiteside is more complete because
of his developed in-space rush moves and smoothness as a rusher. He has
some experience in coverage and Optimum Scouting's Alex Brown reported
live from the Players All-Star Classic that he looked
"confident and comfortable in coverage", a big plus for potential edge
rusher in a 3-4 scheme. For being a respected pre-season prospect by
NFL scouts, he's a surprising non-invite for sure, and is a near-lock
to be drafted.
5. Donnie Fletcher, CB, Boston College
A primarily zone cornerback with solid length for a cornerback who
plays with solid physicality at the line of scrimmage and down the
field. While he doesn't have outstanding fluidity, turn and run
ability, nor anticipation skills to be a man corner consistently
against quicker inside route runners, he still has starting zone
cornerback ability and is certainly a solid draft pick in that scheme.
The Next Five That Should Have Gotten In: (not all
small schools)
6. Kevin Koger, TE, Michigan
7. Dale Moss, WR, South Dakota State
8. Alex Tanney, QB, Monmouth (IL)
9. Ronnie Cameron, DT, Old Dominion
10. Keith Tandy, CB, West Virginia
Eric Galko is a contributing NFL scout for Patriots Insider at
Scout.com.
Eric Galko is the Owner, Director
of Scouting of Optimum
Scouting and lead editor for OptimumScouting.com. He
has been scouting college football for eight
years, and for pro teams and other sports professionals for the last
four years. Eric is also a member of the
FWAA.
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