Civil War – NFL Draft Prospect Recap
By Jeremy Baird
Nov 29, 2013; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon State Beavers defensive end Devon Kell (94) runs after Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) at Matthew Knight Arena. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
The Civil War lived up to its name. The Oregon State Beavers were not intimidated by the Oregon Ducks, and not only stayed in the game, but looked like they might win. A great drive by Marcus Mariota at the end of the game culminated with him throwing a TD pass to a leaping Josh Huff. Huff had the best game of his career, and showed that he’s definitely a draft pick worthy receiver. The best battle of the war was between Brandin Cooks and Ifo Ekpre-Olomu. It was like watch a Pacquio-Marquez fight. When one guy got the best of the other, it was because he made a great play. In the end it was a draw as each had an incredible game and raised their draft stock.
Oregon Offense
Quarterback #8 Marcus Mariota (6’4” 212lb SO) was pressured much of the night, and it showed. He finished the game 17/34-285-3TD-2INT. Mariota was up and down all night. The good news was that he finished on a high note, leading the Ducks down the field for a game winning TD with 30 seconds left. Current Projection: 2015 1st Round
Running Back #6 De’Anthony Thomas (5’9” 171lb JR) started the game well, scoring a TD on the Ducks’ opening drive. But that was the main highlight for Thomas. He had an OK game going 15-88-1TD. But Thomas was never involved in the passing game, and was on the bench on the Ducks final drive. Thomas was clearly the 2nd back behind Thomas Tyner, which if fine, but we’ve come to expect big things from Thomas. It’s beginning to looks like Thomas might just be more of a special teamer, than a special player. Thomas still has a ton of upside, and could definitely be the next Darren Sproles, but if he’s not producing consistently, what are the odds he improves his production at the next level? Current Projection DOWN: 3nd Round
Oregon State Defense
Defensive End #95 Scott Crichton (6’3” 265lb JR) was in the Oregon backfield all night. He didn’t register a sack, but that’s because he was chasing Marcus Mariota. Crichton would have had at elast two sacks on any other QB. He was a large part of why the Oregon QB had a down game. Crichton showed good ability to setup his outside speed move with some good inside moves early. By the end of the game, he was simply taking one step towards the inside, then blowing by Tyler Johnstone with speed around the edge. Against the run, he was good, not great. Held up well enough at the point of attack so the Current Projection: 3rd Round
Cornerback #16 Rashaad Reynolds (5’11” 187lb SR) had a mixed day. He had an interception and held Braylon Addison in check. But eventually he was burned by Josh Huff a couple of times. Reynolds is very physical, but doesn’t quite have the quickness to keep up every down. Current Projection STEADY: 6th Round
Oregon State Offense
Quarterback #4 Sean Mannion (6’5” 220lb JR) is a gin slinger, and was shooting against the Ducks. He had a couple of bad throws (1 INT), but for the most part stayed out of trouble. His best throws are over middle, which makes sense since he doesn’t have a huge arm. He tends to lock onto Cooks, but who wouldn’t. One of his best attributes, is that he’s able to find the open receiver when coverage breaks down. Current Projection STEADY: Late Round 2015
Wide Receiver #7 Brandin Cooks (5’10” 186” JR) had an unbelievable game against the Ducks. Not only did he have 10 catches for 110 yards, but he drew double coverage all game, opening up his teammates. Cooks is the Wes Welker of college football. Small, not super fast, but just gets open and catches the ball when thrown to. He went head to head with Ifo Ekpre-Olomu most of the night, with a safety over the top, and was still able to get open. Current Projection UP: 2nd Round
Oregon Defense
Cornerback #14 Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (5’10” 185lb JR) had the best all-around game of his career. Not only did he trade blows with Brandin Cooks all night, but he led the Ducks in tackles (12 solo). He’s not a big guy, but he can hit! He’s got the mentality that will make him a tough match up all over the field. He also, got an INT and 3 PBUs. Watching him and Cooks got at it, was like watching a great boxing match. They both had their moments and neither gave up. When he got beat, Ifo came right back at him. There’s little doubt that he will make a solid corner in the NFL. Current Projection UP: High 1st Round
Defensive End/Tackle #66 Taylor Hart (6’6” 287lb SR) is a solid college play who can look amazing at times. Unfortunately he disappears often. Disappearing is not unusual for a lineman, but it happens when the other team is gashing the Ducks D for big chunks on the ground. He gets push around too much. There are times that he looks like the next Jared Allen, but that happen too infrequently. Current Projection DOWN: UFA