It seems like every week the spotlight is on whatever offensive tackle lines up against Ohio State's Cameron Heyward. This week, it's Wisconsin's Gabe Carimi. He can match Heyward's strength and could have his showcase game of the year.
The other offensive tackle to watch this week is Boston College's Anthony Castonzo. The Florida State pass rush is one of the best in the nation. But it also plays to Castonzo's strength of quickness and mobility to the edge. Castonzo has an opportunity to the first offensive tackle picked, and to go in the top 20 overall. His quickness is evident, but he has to show some nastiness and a better power base.
Washington outside linebacker Mason Foster is a player to remember. A scout recently told Wes Bunting of National Football Post that he's the best senior prospect for the Huskies. That's right, better than Jake Locker. Today Foster gets the assignment of tracking down Oregon State's Jacquizz Rodgers. Time to see if that praise is legit.
Saturday NFL Draft watch notes
One of Ryan Mallett's biggest drawbacks are his intangibles. Some question his attitude, including ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit. "I want to see him go into a hostile environment, not talk trash, not complain, be a man," Herbstreit said this week. Mallett goes to undefeated Auburn this week and will get to show just as much.
All things are pointing up for California's Cameron Jordan. Tony Pauline of Sports Illustrated and TFY Draft said that Jordan should be a top 12 pick. Bunting calls him better than Tyson Alualu. Chris Steuber of NFL Draft Scout reports that the Eagles, Jets and Panthers will be watching Jordan against USC today. Wowzers! Can Jordan keep that momentum going against a pro-style quarterback and a sound offensive line?
You may want to flip on ESPNU at noon today for the Arkansas State/Indiana game. Arkansas State's Derek Newton is a good developmental offensive tackle with size at 6-foot-6. Also keep an eye out for Indiana's Tandon Doss. The junior wide receiver is a threat to score every time he touches the ball.
North Carolina may be short some stars, but that won't stop eight NFL teams – the Bears, Cardinals, Falcons, Jets, Seahawks and Titans – from being in attendance when the Heels play Virginia. Without stars Marvin Austin and Robert Quinn up front, Bruce Carter will get to show all those scouts he's a premier pass rusher.
On Friday we mentioned that Louisville's Bilal Powell was a player to watch against Cincinnati. Powell finished the game with 209 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries. We stand by Powell being a solid late-round option.
