The draft process hasn’t officially kicked off yet, and we’re still roughly a few weeks away from learning which underclassmen will forego their college eligibility and declare for the 2014 NFL Draft. However, I’ve decided to release an early look at my top-100 prospects in a four-part series.
It’s likely that these rankings will change some once the official declarations are made by underclassmen next month, and a lot over the next five months leading up to the draft. But, this will give you a good look at the potential draft landscape and the prospects that could be available for your favorite NFL team in May.
Here are Parts 1 (100-76), 2 (75-51) and 3 (50-26).
In Part 4, we look at Nos. 25-1.
↑ Stock Up
↓ Stock Down
+ Injured
*Denotes juniors
**Denotes redshirt sophomores
25. *Cameron Erving ↑ (6-6, 320), OT, Florida State
It wasn’t too long ago when Erving lined up on the defensive side of the ball as a promising, run-stuffing tackle for Florida State. But, in need of offensive line depth, the coaching staff felt Erving had the length and athleticism to make the transition to left tackle, and now he’s developed into one of the best linemen in the draft, and his stock is ascending at a rapid rate.
NFL
Prospect reflection: Eugene Monroe (Virginia), 2009: First round (eighth overall) by Jacksonville Jaguars
24. **Brett Hundley ↓ (6-3, 222), QB, UCLA
For a young signal caller, Hundley has all of the tools evaluators are looking for to build their franchise around. But, as promising as Hundley is, he had an up-and-down sophomore campaign and is still developing his overall game. Even though he could be a first-round pick, another year at UCLA would benefit his future.
Prospect reflection: Donovan McNabb (Syracuse), 1999: First round (second overall) by Philadelphia Eagles
23. *Jace Amaro ↑ (6-5, 260), TE, Texas Tech
There isn’t a tight end in the country that has made a bigger impact in a passing game than Amaro. Whether he’s in the slot or on the outside, Amaro, who hauled in 98 passes for 1,240 yards and seven touchdowns, has the ability to exploit a defense with his natural receiving skills and vision.
Prospect reflection: Gavin Escobar (San Diego State), 2013: Second round (47th overall) by Dallas Cowboys
22. Trent Murphy ↑ (6-6, 261), DE/OLB, Stanford
A consistent force from the outside linebacker position, Murphy is a hard-working, physical defender who has tremendous pass-rushing skills. Murphy is a perfect fit for a 3-4 defense at the next level.
Prospect reflection: Ryan Kerrigan (Purdue), 2011: First round (16th overall) by Washington Redskins
21. Tajh Boyd ↓ (6-1, 225), QB, Clemson
Boyd has the ability to be a quality starting quarterback in the NFL, but scouts are concerned with his inability to shine when the lights are brightest. There’s still time for Boyd to rebound and prove his worth during the draft process, but many questions will come from every angle.
Prospect reflection: Russell Wilson (Wisconsin), 2012: Third round (75th overall) by Seattle Seahawks
20. *Ryan Shazier ↓ (6-2, 222), OLB, Ohio State
Shazier is extremely instinctive and makes plays all over the field; he’s one of the most productive defenders in the country. While he generates eye-popping statistics, Shazier needs to add bulk to his frame and display more consistency getting off blocks.
Prospect reflection: Lawrence Timmons (Florida State), 2007: First round (15th overall) by Pittsburgh Steelers
19. *Ka’Deem Carey ↑ (5-10, 196), RB, Arizona
An exciting yet deceptively physical runner with big-play ability, Carey displayed workhorse-like ability this season and has proven he is an every-down runner. As special as he is on the field, Carey has some off-the-field issues in his past that NFL personnel will have to look into, which could keep him out of the opening frame.
Prospect reflection: Reggie Bush (Southern Cal), 2004: First round (second overall) by New Orleans Saints
18. *Ifo Ekpre-Olomu ↑ (5-10, 185), CB, Oregon
Ekpre-Olomu doesn’t have the ideal size scouts look for in a outside corner, but he understands his assignments, demonstrates tremendous awareness and instincts, and is not afraid of mixing it up against a bigger, more physical opponent.
Prospect reflection: Sheldon Brown (South Carolina), 2002: Second round (59th overall) by Philadelphia Eagles
17. *Bradley Roby (5-11, 192), CB, Ohio State
Roby brings the perfect blend of athleticism, durability, physicality and speed to the field. From a talent standpoint, he is the top cornerback eligible for the draft with his lockdown ability and ball skills.
Prospect reflection: Shawn Springs (Ohio State), 1997: First round (third overall) by Seattle Seahawks
16. *Stephon Tuitt ↓ (6-6, 305), DE, Notre Dame
Tuitt is a scheme-diverse defensive lineman who flashes a solid burst and natural pass-rush skills. While he can play inside, Tuitt translates best to being a five-technique in a 3-4 defense at the next level.
Prospect reflection: Tyson Jackson (LSU), 2009: First round (third overall) by Kansas City Chiefs
15. *Ha Ha Clinton-Dix ↑ (6-1, 208), FS, Alabama
A tremendously athletic and fluid safety, Clinton-Dix possesses outstanding awareness, instincts and ball skills. While gifted athletically, Clinton-Dix doesn't possess the strength or consistent physical play that some teams desire, but he anticipates the action extremely well and displays a willingness to be physical in coverage and at the line of scrimmage.
Prospect reflection: Kenny Phillips (Miami), 2008: First round (31st overall) by New York Giants
14. Khalil Mack ↑ (6-2, 248), OLB, Buffalo
Mack emerged on the scouting season following his amazing 2012 season in which he generated 94 tackles, 21 for a loss and eight sacks. He was even more dominant this season and has positioned himself to being a potential top-10 pick.
Prospect reflection: Jon Beason (Miami), 2007: First round (25th overall) by Carolina Panthers
13. *Cyrus Kouandjio (6-6, 310), OT, Alabama
Kouandjio possesses impressive athleticism, footwork, strength and has the ability to dominate upfront. At this point in his development, Kouandjio is much better in the run game than he is in pass protection.
Prospect reflection: Branden Albert (Virginia), 2008: First round (15th overall) by Kansas City Chiefs
12. **Mike Evans ↑ (6-5, 225), WR, Texas A&M
Being the favorite target of Johnny Manziel helps with attention, but Evans has been one of the most dominant playmakers in college football the past two seasons and continues to climb on draft boards. However, it’s unclear if Evans will declare for the draft with two years of eligibility remaining. His decision to leave College Station could be influenced by the direction Manziel goes in.
Prospect Reflection: Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado), 2005: Second round (61st overall) by San Diego Chargers
11. C.J. Mosley (6-2, 232), OLB, Alabama
Mosley is very close to being the complete package. He has outstanding range and instincts, breaks down well in space, uses his hands to his advantage and is a reliable tackler.
Prospect reflection: Patrick Willis (Ole Miss), 2007: First round (11th overall) by San Francisco 49ers
10. *De’Anthony Thomas (5-9, 175), RB/WR, Oregon
Known for his blazing speed, joystick like maneuvers and versatility, Thomas doesn't possess the size scouts covet or a definitive position, but his game-breaking ability puts him in a class of his own.
Prospect Reflection: Tavon Austin (West Virginia), 2013: First round (eighth overall) by St. Louis Rams
9. Taylor Lewan (6-7, 308), OT, Michigan
An imposing figure who plays the game with a nasty demeanor, Lewan has been a consistent force on the Michigan offensive line since 2010 and brings the kind of intensity and athleticism scouts covet.
Prospect Reflection: Luke Joeckel (Texas A&M), 2013: First round (second overall) by Jacksonville Jaguars
8. *Louis Nix + (6-2, 330), DT, Notre Dame
Nix is a hard worker who flashes dominance and possesses a unique blend of size and athleticism. He didn’t dominate the way that he did in 2012, but his presence was felt when he was on the field, and he will make an impact at the next level.
Prospect Reflection: Vince Wilfork (Miami), 2004: First round (21st overall) by New England Patriots
7. Derek Carr ↑ (6-3, 218), QB, Fresno State
Carr made a name for himself while being cast in his brother’s shadow at Fresno State. There are many similarities between the Carr brothers as NFL prospects and how they operate on the field, and scouts have taken notice, which is why Derek’s name has emerged as a dark horse top-five pick.
Prospect reflection: David Carr (Fresno State), 2002: First round (first overall) by Houston Texans
6. *Sammy Watkins (6-1, 205), WR, Clemson
One of the fastest rising prospects who could eventually be he first wide receiver selected in May, Watkins possesses tremendous playmaking ability and is a threat to score every time the ball is in his hands.
Prospect Reflection: Darrius Heyward-Bey (Maryland), 2009: First round (seventh overall) by Oakland Raiders
5. *Marqise Lee (5-11, 195), WR, Southern Cal
Lee is one of the most electrifying weapons in the country, and despite his struggles with injuries and transitioning to a new quarterback, scouts know he’s a special talent and will showcase his true ability during the draft process.
Prospect Reflection: Lee Evans (Wisconsin), 2004: First round (13th overall) by Buffalo Bills
4. *Teddy Bridgewater (6-3, 200), QB, Louisville
Bridgewater has what appears to be “franchise quarterback” ability and intangibles, and could ultimately be the top pick in the draft. But performing against mediocre talent in a quarterback-friendly offense makes him difficult to project ... buyer beware!
Prospect Reflection: Geno Smith (West Virginia), 2013: Second round (39th overall) by New York Jets
3. Anthony Barr ↑ (6-4, 245), DE/OLB, UCLA
A former running back and wide receiver during his first two years at UCLA, Barr has quickly developed into one of the most feared pass rushers in the nation and is a lock to be a top-three draft pick.
Prospect Reflection: Julian Peterson (Michigan State), 2000: First round (16th overall) by San Francisco 49ers
2. *Jadeveon Clowney ↓+ (6-5, 268), DE, South Carolina
Clowney has a “once in a decade” type skill set that will make evaluators and coaches salivate at the potential he possesses. However, poor production, impending offseason foot surgery and character questions have impacted Clowney’s stock.
Prospect Reflection: Julius Peppers (North Carolina), 2002: First round (second overall) by Carolina Panthers
1. Jake Matthews ↑ (6-5, 305), OT, Texas A&M
Of all the prospects eligible for the draft, Matthews is the safest and most complete player. An offensive lineman with Matthews’ skill set, versatility and pedigree is extremely hard to find.
Prospect Reflection: Joe Thomas (Wisconsin), 2007: First round (third overall) by Cleveland Browns