While players focus in on getting their teams closer to the College Football Playoffs, scouts from the NFL are watching their every move – on and off the field. With an eye towards the 2015 NFL Draft, here are the five best NFL prospects in college right now.
1. Jameis Winston, Florida State Seminoles
You are going to get a lot of disagreement here. Winston is that kind of controversial player whom a lot of organizations might pass on for fear of immaturity and poor decision making off the field. NFL teams have been known to shy away from this kind of player, keeping in mind the example of Ryan Leaf in the 1998 draft, when compared to the straitlaced Peyton Manning. There was a huge debate about Manning or Leaf that year, and the Indianapolis Colts took Manning with the top pick while the San Diego Chargers were left with Leaf with the second pick. The rest was history.
A similar argument for first quarterback taken will be made this year between Winston and Oregon QB Marcus Mariota. However, Winston is still the best player in college football over Mariota. He was brilliant against Notre Dame, and he was exceptional against tough competition last season. If the New York Jets or Tampa Bay Bucs are sitting there with the first pick, are they really going to pass on Winston? They need a quarterback and it’s hard not to fall in love with Winston’s superb ability in the clutch.
2. Leonard Williams, USC Trojans
This is the top defensive tackle in the draft. Williams is not just good, he’s also tough and durable. Williams has gone through a lot of snaps and a lot of grinding, physical games in the Pac-12 as the depleted USC roster can’t afford to give him many spells. The 6-foot-5, 290-pound junior could be the top pick if either Oakland or Jacksonville finish with the worst record in the league, as both franchises need an immediate impact on the defensive line. Williams is a versatile guy who can anchor a team’s line, from either end or tackle, for years to come.
3. Andrus Peat, Stanford Cardinal
There’s always a smothering, overwhelmingly good offensive tackle in the top five of the draft. There is simply too much importance in this position for there to not be an offensive tackle at the top of the draft board. Peat is massive but agile – the prototype for what NFL teams want in a protector of their franchise quarterback. Peat is going to continue to linger at the top of the list, barring any injury.
4. Amari Cooper, Alabama Crimson Tide
Though Alabama is known for it’s run-heavy attack, the Tide produces great wide receivers every now and then. Julio Jones was the last really great receiver to come from the school during the reign of head coach Nick Saban. Now, Amari Cooper is poised to become the next Jones. The speed is there, as well is the ability to win balls in the air. His potency as a deep threat is legitimate, and it’s not something that’s going to cease to exist when Cooper gets to the pros. His skills translate to the professional level. A team in desperate need of a receiver is going to want to take him off the board sooner rather than later.
5. Todd Gurley, Georgia Bulldogs
The best running back in college football is clearly Gurley, a speedy home-run threat who is also able to absorb contact and bounce off defenders for extra yards. Gurley is not soft, but he’s very smooth and graceful in the open field as well. He brings the perfect blend of characteristics for a running back. He can go between the tackles yet also catch swing passes in space. He’ll be a great addition to a bad offensive team.
