NFL Draft: Belk Bowl

Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

Louisville

WR Devante Parker, JR #9 (6’3 | 209 | 4.48)

Scouting report – Lanky receiver with great body control, reliable hands, and natural ability to track the ball in the air. He’s not a burner, but with his height and 80″ wingspan, Parker doesn’t need to create much separation to be open. He’s also quick after the catch and fights for extra yards. Worst case Parker will be a dangerous red zone weapon, but I think he has potential to be a legit #1 WR in the league.

Projection: 1st round

FS Gerod Holliman, JR #8 (6’2 | 213 | 462)

Scouting report – Calvin Pryor’s former backup had a breakout season in 2014, with 14 interceptions. Holliman has excellent coverage instincts, plays the ball well, displays good coverage technique and takes proper angles. He has ideal size for a safety, but doesn’t use it much against the run. Holliman has been tentative in run support this year which could be due to a shoulder injury in 2012 or not wanting to get hurt and jeopardize his draft stock. Either way it is a definite red flag. Probably not enough of one to drop Holliman out of the first round though as more teams trend towards pass-first offenses.

Projection: 1st-2nd round

OLB Lorenzo Mauldin, SR #94 (6’4 | 244 | 4.84)

Scouting report – Former DE who had 9.5 sacks as a junior, but switched to a 3-4 OLB this year and showed potential with a 6.5 sack, 13 TFL season. Mauldin is too thin to play DE in the pros, so his success at OLB will boost his draft stock this year. He possesses a potent combination of quickness, strength, hand play, pass rush moves, and the ability to change direction on a dime. Mauldin should be able to have an impact early in his NFL career as a pass rush specialist at least. Mauldin still needs a lot of work in coverage and needs to improve his run awareness as well. He’s a bit one dimensional player right now, but pass rushers are always in high demand and Mauldin has the potential to be a good one.

Projection: 2nd round

OG John Miller, SR #70 (6’2 | 321 |5.30)

Scouting report – Technically sound guard prospect who is both an aggressive run blocker and reliable in pass protection. Miller isn’t an elite athlete and doesn’t have a ton of upside, but understands how to block and should be a starting caliber guard in the NFL.

Projection: 3rd-4th round

OT Jamon Brown, SR #79 (6’5 | 350 | 5.44)

Scouting report – Large man who flashes dominant run blocking potential but lacks the agility to handle NFL speed rushers. Brown’s best bet is a move inside to guard where he’s protected on both sides and can focus on using his strength to maul opponents. Good potential for a day 3 pick.

Projection: 5th-6th round

C Jake Smith, SR #53 (6’3 | 315 | 5.32)

Scouting report – Smart, versatile interior lineman with excellent fundamentals and a sound understanding of leverage. Smith isn’t an NFL athlete, but can make up for it with technique and intangibles. He could end up being a starting center in the league, but worst case he’ll provide quality depth.

Projection: 5th-6th round