NFL Draft: NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Recap
Stock Up (con’t)
QB Brandon Bridge, South Alabama (6’5 | 226 | 4.58 ) – According to rookie announcer and former Bama QB Greg McElroy, Bridge is a”Canadian import from Canada”. Nick work Greg. Despite being a raw prospect, Bridge has some exciting tools. He showed off his cannon arm on Saturday with a couple of accurate lasers. Bridge also flashed surprising speed as well during a 10 yard scramble. Bridge has the size, speed, and rocket arm of a first round pick, but his technique needs a lot of work, he throws from a somewhat unusual arm angle, and Saturday was the first time he took a snap under center. Bridge has all the physical tools to be a star, but is a couple years away from contributing at the NFL level.
RB Terell Watson, Azusa Pacific (6’2 | 240 | 4.59) – Big back with good burst and power. Watson had a nice week of practice, showing surprising speed for his size with the ability to turn the corner. He had 2000+ rushing yards this season and also starred on special teams. Watson is from the same school as Christian Okoye and has a similar skill-set.
DE Marcus Rush, Michigan St (6’2 | 243 | 4.76) – Not much of an athlete, but was a key contributor (7.5 sacks, 11.5 TFLs) on one of the best defenses in college football. Rush had a good game with a sack and two nice stops on running plays. He displayed a good punch, rip move, and non-stop motor. His athleticism doesn’t stand out, but he has great instincts, work ethic, technique, and is just a good football player who gets the most out of his ability. Rush will probably end up as a UFA, but could end up having a productive NFL career.
CB De’Ante Saunders, Tenn St (5’10 | 185 | 4.45) – Athletic corner who has made three nice plays in coverage. Saunders looked tentative at first, but improved as the game went on and he seemed to realize that he was one of the better players on the field. He showed excellent read/react skills on short routes, was step for step with speedy WR Kaelin Clay (Utah) on a deep route and displayed nice ball skills on two breakups. He’s not big, but has NFL speed and quickness and is an intriguing small school prospect.
CB Cody Riggs, Notre Dame (5’9 | 186 | 4.56) – Former high profile Florida recruit who ultimately ended up at Notre Dame. Riggs had a solid season for the Irish, a good week in practice, and broke up passes both times he was tested in the game. Riggs lack of size will keep him from being drafted early, but I think he will be a solid slot corner in the NFL and could contribute early in his career.
TE Devin Mahina, BYU (6’6 | 256 | 4.83) – A great prospect on paper who didn’t start producing until the 2nd half of his senior year. Mahina has soft hands, decent mobility, and the size to be both a dominant blocker and a red zone threat. He was having a strong game Saturday (3 catches) until a holding penalty wiped out a 51-yard TD. He has the potential to be a starting TE at the next level and his recent performance should get him drafted in the mid-to-late rounds.