NFL Draft: National University Holiday Bowl
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USC
DT Leonard Williams, JR #94 (6’5, 300, 4.88)
Scouting report – Could be the first non-QB drafted this year. Williams is a beast with ridiculous athleticism for a man his size. He is versatile enough to play at pretty much any D-line position in any scheme. Williams has the power to bull rush, but also the quickness and agility to win battles with speed. At times Williams was unblockable, but sometimes appears to take plays off. He’s as close to a can’t miss prospect as I’ve seen in a long time and should make an instant impact in the NFL.
NFL comparison: Gerald McCoy
Projection: Top 5 pick
WR Nelson Agholor, JR #15 (6’1, 190, 4.49)
Scouting report – Isn’t a burner, but is very quick with elite acceleration. Agholor runs crisp routes, using his acceleration out of cuts to create separation and catches everything thrown his way. He excels after the catch and looks like a RB with the ball in his hands. Despite his thin frame, Agholor is surprisingly tough to bring down in the open field. There isn’t much not to like from Agholor and he should be a lock for a day 2 selection.
Projection: 2nd round
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RB Javorius “Buck” Allen, JR #37 (6’1, 215, 4.54)
Scouting report – Very productive back who had 1,762 yards from scrimmage and 10 TDs this season. It’s not a sure thing that Allen declares for the draft, but he is said to be considering it. He’s a strong runner between the tackles with enough speed to bounce it outside and the moves to make people miss in the open field. Allen is also a reliable receiver out of the backfield who had 39 receptions this year. He doesn’t have any one trait that stands out, but he is pretty good at all aspects of the game and in that regard reminds me a little of Matt Forte. I think Allen has the potential to be a #1 RB in the NFL and could be a steal on day 2.
NFL ceiling – Matt Forte
Projection: 2nd-3rd round
G Aundrey Walker, SR #70 (6’6, 315, 5.18)
Scouting report – Struggled early in his college career as a tackle, but has excelled since being moved inside to guard. Walker had ankle surgery in the offseason and started slowly this year as a result, but has played very well in the 2nd half of the season. He moves well for his size, has NFL athleticism and is already a punishing run blocker. His pass pro technique needs work, but it has improved this year and he has the natural athleticism and long arms to become a good pass blocker with coaching. Walker is a high upside prospect who could eventually develop into a pro-bowl caliber starter.
Projection: 3rd-4th round
CB/S Josh Shaw, SR #6 (6’1, 200, 4.47)
Scouting report – Gained notoriety in the off-season when he lied about his ankle injury. In case you somehow missed the story, Shaw claiming that he hurt his ankle jumping off a balcony to save his nephew from drowning. In reality he jumped off the balcony fleeing from police when they were called during a domestic dispute with his girlfriend. Shaw was suspended for most of the season due to the incident, but is back on the field now. If not for the off-field issues, Shaw would probably be a day 2 lock. He has great size for a corner, has shown superb instincts in pass coverage, is physical against the run, was a team captain last year, and has the versatility to play either corner or safety. Shaw is an intriguing NFL prospect, but who knows how his off-field issues will impact his draft status. I think he’s a 3rd-4th round talent and has already paid his dues for his mistake when he was suspended for most of his senior season.
Projection: 4th round – UFA
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ILB Hayes Pullard, SR #10 (6’1, 235, 4.71)
Scouting report – Tough, between the hashes ILB who is a defensive captain for USC. Pullard is a physical presence inside, closes quickly on ball carriers, and is a big hitter. He is a little stiff in coverage and a step slow to diagnose plays. Pullard’s best fit in the NFL is in a 3-4 scheme where he can focus on plugging run lanes inside.
Projection: 5th-6th round
TE Randall Telfer, SR #82 (6’4, 260, 4.77)
Scouting report – Somewhat of a rarity at the tight end position in that he is a good blocker and has above average receiving skills. The issue with Telfer will be his medical report. After a breakout season as a sophomore when he scored 5 TDs, he has been on and off the field with a litany of inuries. Telfer has the potential to be a 3-down TE in the NFL, but it’s hard to protect him staying healthy enough to reach his ceiling as a player. Some team will roll the dice on Telfer on day 3 hoping his medical issues are behind him.
Projection: 6th-7th round