What would such a large event be without awards? The history of the draft suggests that the impossible could happen, so I’m going to discuss my “award winners” for the upcoming draft.
The Ryan Leaf trophy(biggest bust):
Winner: Carson Wentz, QB North Dakota State.
I just don’t see it with Wentz. This is a prospect who didn’t play that much at the FCS level due to injuries, struggled badly against Man coverage and vs the Blitz but because he looked great at the senior bowl practices he’s a top 5 pick?
His path to success is going somewhere where he can sit and learn behind a good vet quarterback and with a good quarterback coach. If he’s rushed out onto the field too early, then it will be a disaster.
Runner ups: Darron Lee, LB Ohio State and Jared Goff, Qb California
I like Lee, but all he has is pursuit skills and very good speed. That’s not enough to be a top 16 pick in my opinion. Goff is the best of the quarterbacks in this draft, but he just doesn’t look like a passer that will be the cornerstone of your franchise.
The Tom Brady trophy(biggest steal):
Winner: Keith Marshall, RB UGA
Marshall was a very talented runner for Georgia who tore an ACL and then was stuck behind Todd Gurley and Nick Chubb. Scouts were concerned that his knee injury cost him his speed and quickness but then he posted an amazing 40 time at the combine and generally passed the pro day checks and drills. If he goes to the right team, (much like Brady) he could be this draft’s Alfred Morris.
He might need another year to get back to 100%, but he has starting level talent and physical ability.
Runner ups: Daniel Braverman, WR Central Michigan and Rees Odhiambo, OL Boise State
Braverman might be the next Brandon Stokley and that would be great for a day 3 pick. I’m a big fan of Odhiambo, he’s been limited due to constant injuries but when on the field he’s a very effective two-way blocker.
The Peyton Manning trophy (highest pick who’ll live up to his hype)
Winner: Jalen Ramsey, DB FSU
No matter where he ends up playing, FS or CB, Ramsey is just one of those players who will thrive. He probably fits better in one system(single high safety) than another(CB in a man press system/inverted Cover-2) but he makes plays and has the physical tools to be a long time starter in the NFL.
Runner ups: Ezekiel Elliott, RB OSU and DeForest Buckner, DL Oregon
Elliott might not be Fournette, but he should be a 3 down Running back who gives a team a 300-350 touches a season player. Teams aren’t dumb enough to play Buckner as a 4-3 End or as a Nose tackle. They’ll play him as a 3-4 End or a 4-3 tackle and be very happy.
The Marcus Martin Trophy (Longest wait in the Green Room):
Winner: Eli Apple, DB Ohio State.
I’m not quite sure how Apple got an invite to the Green Room. There’s little buzz about him from the teams and it’s hard to find many film guys or draftniks who think that his Round 1 “grade” is justified. He has an NFL body but not NFL level play so if he goes in the 1st round it’s a sheer potential pick.
Runner ups: Vernon Butler, DL Louisiana Tech and A’Shawn Robinson, DL Alabama
Butler and Robinson have the same problem: they’re risky picks at defensive tackle in a draft thick with defensive tackles so teams could easily pass on them for day 2 and 3 prospects without missing out on much.
The La’El Collins Trophy (biggest drop)
Winner: Connor Cook, Qb Michigan State
Some mocks have him going in the late 1st round. And he’s one of those prospects where he clearly has the tools but just can’t seem to put it all together. Some coaches tend to fall in love with guys like that.
Teams might be desperate for quarterback talent, but they’re not this desperate. Even in the late 2nd, he’s still bad value. I think his drop will be hard and long. And probably into early day 3.
Runner ups: Artie Burns, DB Miami and C.J. Prosise, RB Notre Dame
Burns has ball skills, but has so many other red flags. In a draft full of other project corners, he could have a hard drop as other prospects go before him. I’m still not sure what NFL level skill Prosise has. He’s a smooth runner at times, but fumbles a lot, struggles as a pass catcher, horrible as a pass blocker and is extremely raw and inexperienced. Like Burns, he’s a project at a position in this draft with a lot of higher potential projects.
The Vontaze Burfict Trophy (Most Risk)
Winner: Jaylon Smith, LB Notre Dame
Smith’s tape is undeniably amazing. If he were healthy, he’s a top 5 pick. And some team will just be too tempted to “rescue him” and earn his loyalty by giving him a chance. But the nerve damage in his injured leg has given him drop foot and it’s 50/50 whether he’ll ever play again. Even if he does, 2018 is probably a more realistic target.
Runner ups: Shawn Oakman, DL Baylor and Christian Hackenberg, QB Penn State
Oakman was a risky pick even before he was arrested. Now it hard to see him getting drafted while these charges are pending. Hackenberg: what was his problem? Was it Franklin, the offensive line or just Hackenberg’s flaws? He has an amazing arm, but his head is a big question mark.
The Matt Leinart Trophy (Best college player who does the least in the NFL)
Winner: Tyler Matakevich, LB Temple
Great, award winning player for Temple and was a rock for a powerful defense. But he’s just never going to be anything more than special teamer in the NFL. He’s just too small, slow and weak.
Runner ups: Carl Nassib, DL Penn State and Scooby Wright III, LB Arizona
I like Nassib, but the 2015 sack leader in FBS is probably a day 3 pick right now for strictly a wide-9 defense. Scooby Wright has won a number of major awards himself and some scouts compare him to Zach Thomas. I just don’t see it. He’s not the tackler that Thomas was in college.