NFL Draft: Medal of Honor Bowl Recap
Chris Bonner, Colorado St-Pueblo (6’7 | 236 | 5.12) – Led his team to the DII title this year and threw for over 6,700 yards with 63 TD passes in two years as a starter. Bonner has great size and a big arm, but looked a bit heavy footed. Not sure Bonner will be agile enough to avoid NFL pass rushers, but he puts good zip on the ball, was very accurate, anticipated routes well, and showed nice touch when needed. Could be a Derek Anderson type back-up.
CB Terry Johnson, Florida A&M (6’0 | 183 | 4.51) – I can’t find Johnson on any prospect lists, which is surprising because he was the best corner on the field last Saturday. Johnson showed a fluid backpedal and good react & react skill, jumping two slant routes and breaking them both up. He also returns punts and was a solid special teams contributor for A&M, though he wasn’t given a chance to do either in this game. Johnson has good length for an NFL corner, but needs to get stronger to help out in run support. He looked natural in coverage and I wouldn’t be surprised if he earned an invite to one of next week’s all-star games.
CB Will Brown, Missouri S&T (6’1 | 190 | 4.58) – Lined up across from Johnson and helped shut down the National squad’s passing game in the first half. Brown has ideal size for an NFL corner, flipped his hips fluidly, showed good short area quickness and had a fierce hit in the open field on a much bigger TE. Like Johnson, the lack of competition in his conference will be a red flag, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see either player end up on an NFL roster next year. There is a shortage of competent defensive backs in the NFL right now which gives them both a chance.
CB Merrill Noel, Wake Forest (5’10 | 180 | 4.53) – Doesn’t get as much attention as fellow Wake corner Kevin Johnson, but was one of the highest rated players coming into the MOH bowl. Noel looked like it on the field, easily staying with whatever WR he was matched up against, breaking up two passes and finishing with four tackles. He doesn’t have great size, but is very quick, fluid in coverage and has decent ball skills. Every NFL team is looking for CBs and I would be surprised if Noel doesn’t hear his named called on day 3 of the draft.
Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
OLB Norkeithus Otis, North Carolina (6’1 | 240 | 4.73) – Athletic pass rusher with an explosive first step, shifty pass rush moves, and the closing burst to chase down QBs. Otis struggles in coverage, so is probably limited to a 3-4 scheme as a pass rush specialist. Teams are always looking for players who can get to the QB and Otis’ three QB hurries in the MOH game should help his draft stock. He got in the backfield quicker than any other defenders on the field and made a couple nice stops against the run as well. Otis projects as a potential starter as a 3-4 OLB or LEO backer.
KR/WR J.J. Nelson, UAB (5’11 | 160 | 4.37) – Supposedly runs under 4.3 regularly which will get the attention of NFL scouts if true. Nelson’s stats back it up; he averaged a ridiculous 38.3 yards per kick return with 4 TDs this season. He added 35 catches for 655 yards and 4 more TDs. Nelson’s miniature frame could keep him off draft boards, but last year Jalen Saunders from Oklahoma, who has a similar skill-set but is even smaller (5’9 | 157), was taken in the 4th round. A team with a lackluster special teams unit (Bears) may be willing to take a mid-round chance on a dynamic player like Nelson. He didn’t get many chances to shine in the game, but had 3 catches for 34 yards and looked explosive with the ball in his hands.
C Jake Smith, Louisville (6’3 | 212 | 5.32) – The rest of the American’s squad line was a mess, but Smith was solid all game. He held his ground in pass pro and got a decent push in the run game. Smith is a 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.