Nothing can end a year of football better than Gene Chizik’s square-jawed scowl. Stare at it long enough, and all your hopes and dreams will be realized. Or, you’ll be weirded out that a man can have such a perfectly jawline. That’s what I’ll be thinking about tonight. Gene Chizik’s bone structure. Anyway, onto the Chik-fil-A Bowl preview featuring Virginia and Auburn (7:30 p.m., ESPN).
Aubun vs. Virginia; Chik-fil-A Bowl NFL Draft watch notes
Getty Images
The production hasn't been there this season for Virginia defensive end Cam Johnson, but he has a good frame and enough athleticism to play end in the pros. He's a versatile player that can line up in 3-4 and 4-3 schemes on the edge. Defensive tackle Matt Conrath looks like he'll fit best as an end
Cornerback Chase Minnifield hasn't had quite the season many expected. He's given up quite a few big plays over the top and has trouble when receivers get past him. He has enough coachable tools, though, to warrant a pick in the first two rounds of the draft.
It’s easy to see how Auburn went from national champions to a 7-5 team. It has a lot more to do than just losing Cam Newton. It’s clear watching the Tigers this season, the team lacks upperclassmen talent. It’s so bad the team may not have a player drafted in 2012.
Tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen may have submitted draft paperwork, but it would be a shock if the junior turned pro. He's above-average as a pass catcher and a solid blocker.
The team’s best senior is offensive tackle Brandon Mosley. He gets off the line nicely and shows a decent kick slide in pass protection. Mosley isn’t a technically sound with his handwork as you’d like and will need time to learn in the NFL.
Junior running back Onterrio McCalebb submitted paperwork to the NFL Draft advisory board, but really needs to come back. If Michael Dyer transfers to Arkansas State as expected, McCalebb will be the team's top running back option next season. He has a slight frame that could carry at least 15 more pounds. Because of that, McCalebb is largely a specialty player. He's one of the better kick returners in the nation.
Download the bowl watch list, put together by 3k, here.
2013 NFL Draft watch: Virginia got a nice surprise when offensive tackle Oday Aboushi announced that he was returning for his senior season. The lanky left tackle was a second-team all-conference choice this season and has a chance next year to develop into a first-round player.
See More:
