2016 NFL Draft: Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl

Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Alcorn St

#3 QB John Gibbs Jr (6’5 | 220 | 4.68)

The last QB to go from Alcorn St to the NFL was 3-time Pro Bowler Steve McNair. Gibbs isn’t close to the prospect that the former 1st round pick McNair was, but Gibbs does have some similar traits to the former Titans QB. Like McNair, Gibbs was recruited to a top school to play running back but insisted on playing QB so ended up at Alcorn St.

Gibbs has elite athleticism, the speed to outrun the front seven and the power to run through defensive backs. He’s not just a runner though as he’s shown excellent decision making over the last two years as well with 49 touchdown passes and just 13 interceptions through his two and a half years as a starter. Gibbs also rushed for 24 TDs over that time and ran for 1,006 rushing yards as a junior before getting hurt early in his senior year.

Gibbs was ridiculously productive, made good decisions with the ball, and has above average size and arm strength… The questions on Gibbs are his level of competition, whether he can progress through reads at the NFL level, and if he can play from the pocket. He’s most likely an undrafted free agent, but if he shows he’s over his leg injury, performs well in the post-season all-star games and pre-draft workouts, Gibbs could sneak into the late rounds as a developmental QB.

#22 RB Darryen Ragsdale (5’11 | 198 | 4.52)

Started off at Ole Miss before ending up in MEAC which gives you an idea the type of potential that Ragsdale has. As a senior Ragsdale rushed for 1140 yards on just 140 carries which averages out to 8.2 yards per. The offense is centered around QB Gibbs Jr, but when Ragsdale was given the ball he averaged more yards than any RB in the conference.

Ragsdale doesn’t have great size or speed, but has natural elusiveness, can catch, and has enough speed to break away once he gets to the 2nd level. I don’t think Ragsdale will get drafted, but you don’t average 8.2 ypc without having some skill and if Ragsdale can contribute on special teams, he could earn a spot on the back of an NFL roster next year.

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