All NFL teams want to find the next coming star of the smaller school such as Marques Colston (Hofstra), Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado) or Tony Romo (Eastern Illinois). While finding headliners in the Draft is difficult enough, that some of these come from a smaller school is much more complicated. This, because as much talent as they have, the level of college competition will be always questioned and exposure to NFL scouts is usually reduced in these situations. As last year’s examples of players who not only contributed to their respective teams, but were excellent starters: Ali Marpet (Buccaneers), Quinten Rollins (Packers) and David Johnson (Cardinals). Now the players that are the most likely to follow the same potential previously mentioned here are the candidates:
Noah Spence, DE / OLB, Eastern Kentucky
Height: 6´1“
Weight: 249 lbs.
40 yd dash: 4.8 sec
Spence was originally a 5 stars prospect right out of high school, playing his first year at Ohio State, getting eight sacks. Spence seemed to be the next star of the show until he had some drug problems, so he was expelled from the university and ended up in Eastern Kentucky. That’s where he resurrected his career and was placed back as one of the top prospects for the 2016 Draft. Although not as tall in height, Spence shows a great ability to gain power and speed to opposite OTs, using a variety of movements with his hands are usually quite effective, which was confirmed at the Senior Bowl, where he was virtually unstoppable. In the NFL his ideal position would be something as a OLB in a 3-4 defense.
Comparison: Olivier Vernon, DE, Miami Dolphins
Draft projection: Top 20 pick
Best ‘fit’: Baltimore Ravens, San Diego Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets
Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State
Height: 6´3”
Weight: 235 lbs.
40 yd dash: 4.77 sec
For many Draft analysts, Wentz is the number one QB in the class. In my opinion, Wentz will need to be a substitute for a while but there is no doubt that he is a QB with great potential. Wentz is a FCS champion for the season and although he injured his wrist for a while, Wentz showed his ability to lead a team on his return. His great arm and intelligence operating a complicated offense Wentz makes a quite athletic QB who is able to make all the necessary completions to play in the NFL.
Comparison: Joe Flacco, QB, Baltimore Ravens
Draft projection: Top 7 Pick
Best ‘fit’: Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers
Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech
Height: 6´3”
Weight: 321 lbs.
40 yd dash: 5.3 sec
Butler is one of my favorite prospects for this upcoming draft, since he is a phenomenon that physically moves extremely well for a guy his size. Butler can play multiple positions and master them each. Butler is not only potential and promise, because parts of his game has already materialized in the field. Usually he is recognized by his great power and strength, but also has a lot of explosion, which can cause much damage to the opposing offensive lines. LA Tech opponents constantly tried to stop him with two or even three players and he still was quite productive.
Comparison: Marcell Dareus, DT, Buffalo Bills
Draft projection: Picks 20-40
Best ‘Fit’: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New York Jets, New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions
Kenneth Dixon, RB, Louisiana Tech
Height: 5´8”
Weight: 213 lbs.
40 yd dash: 4.58 sec
Stemming from the same school as Butler, Dixon is probably the third best RB in this class after the most renowned Ezekiel Elliott and Derrick Henry. Dixon was extremely productive for LA Tech, where he showed his ability to make cuts and punishing defenders with his power, but his best attribute without a doubt are his hands: Dixon is an excellent receiver to be a RB. Dixon will probably not begin as a starter this next season but in the right situation could end up in that very situation as did David Johnson. From day one, will contribute to an offensive extensively either as a runner or as a receiver out of the backfield.
Comparison: Thomas Rawls, RB, Seattle Seahawks
Draft projection: Picks 33-65
Best ‘fit’: Tennessee Titans, Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans
Miles Killebrew, S, Southern Utah
Height: 6´1”
Weight: 216 lbs
40 yd dash: 4.65 sec
Miles Killebrew had a very good combine, showing that not only he has the size to play in the NFL but also has the athletic abilities, which we did not expect. Coming from a very small school in Southern Utah, Killebrew is projected to be inside the style of LB Deone Bucannon with the Cardinals, because for some he lacks the speed required for the position.
Comparison: Jaquiski Tartt, S, San Francisco 49ers
Draft projection: Between 3 and 4 round
Best ‘fit’: Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, Washington Redskins and Oakland Raiders
