NFL Draft: Valero Alamo Bowl

Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

UCLA

QB Brett Hundley, JR #17 (6’3 |227 | 4.64)

Scouting report – Might have the best natural arm strength in the draft. It reminds me a little of Jay Cutler how easily he can drive the ball down the field. Hundley can really run as well with 4.6 speed in the open field. He has shown an innate ability to sense pressure in the pocket, but Hundley needs to be able to reset after sensing pressure and continue to progress through his reads. Instead Hundley has a tendency to get flustered and take too many sacks. If he can side-step the pressure when he senses it, step up in the pocket and progress through his reads (ala Aaron Rodgers) Hundley could be special. I’ve seen some plays that make me think Hundley is the best QB in the draft and others that make me think he’s going to be a bust. Hundley has also had some issues with under performing in big games (Stanford). He could probably use one more year in college to work on his read progression, decision-making and footwork, but a year on the bench being taught by a solid NFL QB coach would work as well.

Projection: 1st-2nd round

ILB Eric Hendricks, SR #6 (6’0 | 230 | 4.68)

Scouting report – Plays in the middle for the Bruins and is their defensive captain and leading tackler for three years in a row. Kendricks was ridiculously productive during his 4 years at UCLA with 440 tackles. He’s undersized which will probably require a move to the weak side in the NFL, but some scouts think he could stick inside in the right scheme. He is a sideline-to-sideline run stuffer who has great instincts, is always around the ball and diagnoses plays quickly. Kendricks is also a sure tackler who rarely misses after initial contact. He is a big hitter as well with enough speed and instincts to cover WRs but struggles at times with his back to the ball.  His lack of size is the main knock on Kendricks, but he’s really a good football player who I think is a 3-down NFL LB.

Projection: 2nd round

DT Ellis McCarthy, JR #90 (6’3 | 330 | 5.08)

Scouting report – Heralded recruit out of high school who hasn’t quite lived up to expectations. McCarthy shows flashes of dominance, but they are inconsistent and he seems to tire quickly. Despite a lack of production, McCarthy moves very well for a man his size and has a surprisingly quick first step. He would be better off staying in school, but has the potential to be a very good 3-4 NT which will get him drafted earlier than his college performance deserves.

Projection: 2nd-4th round

DE Owamagbe Odighizuwa, SR #94 (6’3 | 270 | 4.79)

Scouting report – After missing most of 2013 with a hip injury, Odighizuwa came back with a vengeance in 2014. He only had 5 sacks on the season, but UCLA’s scheme had him mostly focused on run support as a 3-4 DE. When he was given a chance to rush the passer, Odighizuwa was a force to be reckoned with. He has very long arms, excellent speed for his size, and flashed raw but impressive pass rush moves. He was consistently disruptive against both the run and pass even if the stats don’t back it up. I think he has the physical tools to become an above average 4-3 DE and could be a steal on day 2.

Projection: 3rd round