Monday NFL Draft watch notes
A look at pro prospects to follow in the Music City, Alamo and Holiday bowls.
Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
Ole Miss vs. Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech linebacker/defensive end Jeremiah Attaochu could be in for a big game today. Ole Miss freshman All-American offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil won't play, and that could allow Attaochu to get into the backfield. For teams looking to add a Leo-type of player, Attaochu will be near the top of boards.
Yellow Jackets cornerback Jemea Thomas is a solid late-round prospect because he's a sure tackler. He should latch on as a depth corner and special teams contributor.
Ole Miss, loaded with superstar freshmen like Tunsil, is a team to keep in an eye on in the future. For now, they’re light on NFL prospects.
Alamo Bowl, 6:45 p.m., ESPN
Oregon vs. Texas
No one changed the face of the 2014 NFL Draft than Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota. A presumptive top-five pick, Mariota admirably decided to return for another season at Oregon. The result was Louisville's Teddy Bridgewater being locked into the No. 1 quarterback spot and others being elevated. The Colin Kaepernick comparisons for Mariota make sense. He's a stellar athlete, capable of uncorking deep throws with a flick of the wrist.
Mariota's top target is senior Josh Huff, a Senior Bowl attendee and late-round prospect. While he didn't have the season many expected, De'Anthony Thomas remains a multi-purpose weapon. He needs a good game to salvage his draft placement after missing four games this season. Most expect Thomas to go pro.
Oregon's top prospect on defense is cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu. There was a report the junior was headed back to school, but shortly after he said he hasn't made a decision on what he'll do. Defensive lineman Taylor Hart, another Senior Bowl invite, is a consistent, versatile player up front.
After a slow start to his season, Texas defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat really came on to finish the season. He's at his best when Texas moves him around, particularly when he can stand up and blitz the A-gap.
Texas junior cornerback Quandre Diggs is going to have a difficult decision to make after the season. Diggs played in the nickel at a high level this season and has 10 pass breakups coming into this game. Here's the current word on Diggs:
What Quandre Diggs told me today on his NFL decision: "...for right now I'm sure I'm coming back." #HookEm #Longhorns #UT
— Jeff Howe (@JeffHowe247) December 29, 2013 It would be easy to see Diggs change his tune with a good game against a vaunted offense like Oregon's. Don't forget, Diggs played well against Texas Tech star tight end Jace Amaro (more on him later). Fellow corner Carrington Byndom, a senior, is a solid Day 3 prospect. Wide receiver Mike Davis should come off the board on the third day of the draft as well.
Holiday Bowl, 10:15 p.m., ESPN
Arizona State vs. Texas Tech
This game is headlined by Texas Tech tight end Jace Amaro, a junior who has gone back and forth on his draft decision. As a pass catcher, Amaro is pro ready. He has 98 receptions for 1,240 yards this season and is often used split off from the line of scrimmage. Because of that, there are some questions about his blocking. That shouldn’t be held against him, though. One thing to watch with Amaro is his foot quickness, especially with the ball in his hands. He might not be able to create separation like North Carolina’s Eric Ebron can.
The Red Raiders' Kerry Hyder is one of many defensive tackles in next year's draft who may be under 300 pounds, but still effective. He has 11.5 tackles for loss this season and 60 tackles.
Arizona State’s Will Sutton made his name last season as a sub-300 guy, but notably bulked up for this season. Some have been down on his play, but he remains a likely top 64 player. Sutton wins and loses with his handwork. When he’s off, he can be put on the ground. But when Sutton fires off the line and dips between blockers, he can be disruptive.
Sun Devils linebacker Carl Bradford hasn't addressed whether or not he'll go pro, but he was impressive this season with 18 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks. Wide receiver Jaelen Strong hasn't indicated if he's leaning go pro either. Tight end Chris Coyle is a draftable player and quarterback Taylor Kelly is a player to keep in mind for 2015.
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