In a draft that doesn't include Matt Barkley or Landry Jones, there has been speculation that Arkansas junior quarterback Tyler Wilson would consider going pro. A good game in the Cotton Bowl tonight against Kansas State could help sway his decision.
Arkansas vs. Kansas State; Cotton Bowl NFL Draft watch notes
Wilson comes into the game completing 63 percent of his passes for 3,422 yards and 22 touchdowns. It’s easy to like Wilson because he’s so tough, but he rarely throws bad passes and has a strong enough arm for the NFL. He need another year to learn better blitz pickup, but Wilson looks like a future first-round pick. The question is, will that be this year?
Arkansas has one of the best cadres of wide receivers in the nation, led by Jarius Wright. The senior doesn't have great size at 5-foot-10, 180 pounds but has a penchant for sensation catches and big plays. Remember this dandy?
These Arkansas receivers have a penchant for the dramatic. How about Joe Adams' "Holy Houdini" punt return? The Razorbacks speed merchant may have to make his name on special teams. First, though, he'll have to pass the battery of tests the NFL will put him through after suffering a mild stroke two years ago.
Junior Cobi Hamilton was another of the many Arkansas players who submitted draft paperwork. Of the Arkansas receivers, he’s the most impressive physically at 6-foot-3, 209 pounds. Another year with Wilson could turn Hamilton into a top 100 pick in the future.
The talent for Arkansas isn't solely on the offensive side of the ball, either. Since returning from injury, senior defensive end Jake Bequette's power moves have looked good on blitzes. In nine games, he had eight sacks and is one of the more underrated prospects in the nation. Free safety Tramain Thomas also enters the draft process as an underrated player. He's solid in coverage, especially in zone. Jerry Franklin looks the part of a linebacker who can excel on special teams and get in games as a backup.
This preview has been light on Kansas State players because the only senior who will probably get drafted is safety Tysyn Hartman. A second-team All-Big 12 choice, Hartman has 62 tackles and three interceptions. He's not a standout in any area and may have to be versatile to make it in the NFL.
2013 NFL Draft watch: Wildcats middle linebacker Arthur Brown made a smart decision by announcing he'd return for his senior year. The Miami transfer nees to get stronger as long as it doesn't negatively affect his athleticism. That's Brown's biggest strength. He used it against Baylor to help neutralize Robert Griffin III.
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