2014 NFL draft prep: Top 25 prospects, part III

With the college football season set to kick off and the NFL regular season just around the corner, it's time to identify the top draft-eligible prospects that NFL scouts will have their eyes on as they prepare for the long journey toward the 2014 NFL draft.

Between now and Friday, we will examine my top 25 draft prospects, five per day.

Like every NFL draft, the infusion of underclassmen is always important to the overall strength of a class, and that notion is evident on my preseason big board, as 16 of the 25 prospects listed are either juniors or redshirt sophomores.

To help fans further acquaint themselves with the prospects listed on my board, I've added their prospect reflection. Many analysts like to compare draft prospects to players currently playing in the NFL as a way to project their future, but I prefer to compare draft prospects to prospects of the past.

For example, UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley is rated No. 25 overall on my board, and I've compared him to former Syracuse star (and Eagle) Donovan McNabb when McNabb left the Orange.

There are many factors that go into comparing players, including similarities in athleticism, body type and production.

How Hundley and other prospects ultimately pan out at the next level is anyone's guess, but I believe a prospect’s success is determined by the situation he’s placed in; meaning the coaching he receives, the system a team implements, how soon he is expected to perform, the talent that surrounds him, and much more.

After looking at prospects 25-21 on my preseason big board in Part I and 20-16 in Part II, here's a look at Part III, prospects 15-11:

*Denotes juniors
**Denotes redshirt sophomores

15. *Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State
As the top defensive back in the country, the 5-foot-11, 192-pound Roby, who's collected 110 tackles and five interceptions, not to mention 23 pass breakups over the past two seasons, brings the perfect blend of athleticism, durability, physicality and speed to the field.

However, it may be a little while until Roby gets back on the field after he was arrested for his involvement in a bar fight this past July. When he does return, expect him to pick up where he left off and lock down the opposition on his way to potentially being a top-10 draft pick.

Prospect Reflection: Shawn Springs (Ohio State), 1997: First round (third overall) by Seattle Seahawks.

14. *Ka'Deem Carey, RB, Arizona
After leading the nation in rushing a year ago with 1,929 yards, the 5-foot-10, 196-pound Carey could be much higher on this board. But as explosive as Carey is on the field, he seems to be a bit of a wild card off it. He was arrested in June on a domestic violence charge and got into a verbal altercation with Arizona campus police at a Wildcats basketball game, resulting in him being kicked out of the stadium.

Obviously, Carey's character will come into question during the draft process when he interviews with teams, but he has to concentrate on the task at hand, and that's to have a stellar junior season. Carey is not the biggest back, but he's a physical runner who is ultra-talented and dynamic with the ball in his hands. If he decides to declare for the draft and teams are comfortable with his makeup, he should be considered as a top-10 to 15 pick.

Prospect Reflection: Reggie Bush (Southern Cal), 2004: First round (second overall) by New Orleans Saints.

13. *Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama
The 6-foot-6, 310-pound Kouandjio showed tremendous promise as a freshman in 2011, as he started the first eight games of the season at left tackle. His season came to an abrupt end during his eighth start against Tennessee when he tore the ACL and MCL in his left knee. Kouandjio rehabbed hard and returned in time for the ensuing season, starting all 14 games for Alabama and demonstrating his strength, footwork and ability to dominate up front.

At the moment, Kouandjio is much better in the run game than he is in pass protection. He has to be more consistent with his initial punch and technique, but the skill set is there, and with another standout season, he will only increase his draft position.

Prospect Reflection: Branden Albert (Virginia), 2008: First round (15th overall) by Kansas City Chiefs.

12. *Ryan Shazier, OLB, Ohio State
Alabama linebacker C.J. Mosley is possibly the best all-around defender in the nation (more on him on Thursday), but the 6-foot-2, 222-pound Shazier is not too far behind. Shazier had a breakout sophomore campaign for the Buckeyes last season in which he led the team with 115 tackles, 17 for a loss, and he also posted five sacks and an interception.

There are many similarities between Shazier and Mosley. They're both extremely instinctive and make plays all over the field. Like Mosley, Shazier also needs to add bulk to his frame. If Shazier has another big year and decides to declare for the draft, he and Mosley will compete all offseason.

Prospect Reflection: Lawrence Timmons (Florida State), 2007: First round (15th overall) by Pittsburgh Steelers.

11. **Aaron Lynch, DE/OLB, South Florida
A former Notre Dame recruit, the 6-foot-6, 244-pound Lynch transferred to South Florida following his freshman season with the Irish. His desire to return to his home state of Florida led to his transfer to USF, but unfortunately his waiver for immediate eligibility was denied by the NCAA, and he had to sit out during the 2012 season.

Lynch, who has lost over 20 pounds since his days at Notre Dame, brings tremendous athleticism and versatility to the USF defense and should be an instant impact player with his maximum effort.

Prospect Reflection: Mathias Kiwanuka (Boston College), 2006: First round (32nd overall) by New York Giants.