Bob Gaughan watches more college football than anyone you know. We asked him for his quick thoughts on the top prospects in this year’s NFL Draft. (If you start following him on Twitter, maybe he’ll even start tweeting.)
Outside linebacker
Jarvis Jones
Jarvis Jones, Georgia – Huge game vs Missouri. Pass rush specialist. Can run at him like Alabama did. Makes big plays in every game I saw. Led country with 14.5 sacks, tackles for loss 24.5 and forced fumbles seven. Not bad. Has spinal stenosis. How long of a career can he have?
Khaseem Greene, Rutgers – Love the way he diagnoses a play. Watch the Cincinnati game and he seems faster than everyone else on the field. 11 tackles and 2 sacks in the game. Combination of actual speed and instincts he brings to the table. Forced three fumbles in Syracuse game.
Dion Jordan, Oregon (DE/OLB) – Tall 6’7. Started his career has TE and made the switch to defense. Against Arizona State he lined up as DE, OLB and actually covered a WR in the slot. Rarely asked to play with his hand on the ground. Durability is a concern, often injured.
Sean Porter, Texas A&M – Versatile. Two years ago took over for Von Miller as hybrid pass specialist at A&M. Then under Sumlin played more of traditional OLB role. Probably a weak side LB in a 4-3 would be best.
Arthur Brown, Kansas State – Transfer from Miami that didn’t fit in there. Great move to go to K-State. Obvious concern is his size. Played ILB. Is he the next London Fletcher? Very productive- had 100 tackles in each of the last two years.
Barkevious Mingo, LSU (DE/ LB) Disappears at times for long stretches. For example, nowhere to be found in Arkansas game late in the year. Boom or bust guy for me. Lined up offsides four times(!) in A&M game trying to get jump on Joeckel and Matthews.
Chase Thomas, Stanford – Another guy scouts are all over the board on. Will give you great effort. Looks great on one play but then looks too slow on another. Had a great game vs Notre Dame and Oregon. Not much upside here.
Corey Lemonier, Auburn – Great game in near upset of LSU. Only 5.5 sacks for a pass rush specialist is not enough for me.
Jelani Jenkins, Florida – Missed four games because of injuries. Thumb, hamstring and foot injuries this year. Undersized with injury problems isn’t a good combination.
Inside linebacker
Alec Ogletree
Alec Ogletree, Georgia – DUI to go along with drug history. Better in pursuit. Did like the way he took on blockers right at him in games like Kentucky or Alabama. How will he handle money and fame?
Kevin Minter, LSU – Took over for Kelvin Sheppard. Makes big plays like interception in A&M game. Love his instincts. Reads screens well watch tape of Mississippi State game. Compares to Texans’ Demarco Ryans because of his good instincts and reliable tackler but not a huge old school Dick Butkus MLB. Most dependable Tigers defender on a star studded defense.
Kiko Alonso, Oregon – Always played big in big games. MVP of Rose Bowl two years ago. 10 tackles fumble recovery and interception this year vs USC. Character concern arrested for DUI and burglary while at Oregon. Starter for only a year.
Manti Te’o, Notre Dame – Slipping down. The tape of Alabama game doesn’t help. So can you talk to a guy on the phone for eight months and think it’s a girl? Eight months! Something tells me Rex Ryan could fool this guy on third and two.
Nico Johnson, Alabama – Run stuffer ILB. Can’t cover a pass. Started just 18 of 51 games at ‘Bama. Not an every down LB but if you need to stop the run you want him on the field. Big physical man.
Kevin Reddick, North Carolina – Didn’t have a great ’12 season. Scouts don’t think he leaves it on the field. Not a non-stop motor guy. A four year starter. Part of the impressive recruits that Butch Davis brought in.
Jonathan Bostic, Florida – Similar to Nico Johnson– great run stuffer but question his coverage skills. Very consistent player and effort. Can hit hard as Teddy Bridgewater the Louisville QB can attest too. Watch the YouTube video.
