2016 NFL Draft: Miami Beach Bowl
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Western Kentucky
#12 QB Brandon Doughty (6’3 | 216 | 4.87)
Despite some historically awesome stats for two seasons in a row, most scouting sites have Doughty as a day 3 pick. I think they are way off on Doughty’s NFL potential and as we get closer to draft day I expect his stock to rise quite a bit. Doughty is a back-to-back conference USA MVP who has thrown for over 4,000 yards in each of the last two seasons and led the FBS this year with 45 TD passes and completion percentage at 71.8%. He also finished second in passing yardage with 4,594 and only threw 7 picks.
Despite two years of ridiculous stats, Doughty’s NFL profile is downgraded somewhat by the fact that he plays in Conference USA and that he runs a spread offense that doesn’t translate well to the NFL. On the positive side, Doughty has NFL size, an extremely quick release, the ability to progress through reads quickly, a soft touch, an accurate deep ball, and the ability to make all the NFL throws.
Doughty isn’t a runner or much of an athlete, but his 4.87 40-time is at least average for NFL QBs. Doughty is a 2-time conference MVP who has led a high-octane offense for two seasons in a row and doesn’t get the credit he deserves for the success he’s had over the last two years. He has the size, arm strength, accuracy, moxie and all the tools it takes to succeed at the next level. If Doughty somehow falls to day 3 some team is going to get a steal.
Projection: 3rd-4th Round
* RB Leon Allen was projected as a 4th-5th round pick before his season ending injury
#21 WR Jared Dangerfield (6’3 | 205 |4.53)
Has good size and uses it well to shield defenders while running crisp routes. Dangerfield isn’t an explosive athlete but has enough speed to get separation at the NFL level and uses good body control and route-running ability to get open both outside and over the middle. He has reliable hands, the ability to get open, and enough speed to keep DBs honest. I could see him eventually becoming a solid #2 / #3 NFL. His above average size, route running ability, and decent speed should get him drafted early on day 3.
Projection: 4th-5th Round
#82 TE Tyler Higbee (6’5 | 233 | 4.77)
Well balanced tight end who can run block, stay in to pass block when needed, and also has enough speed to get open down the seam and catch the ball when it’s thrown his way. Despite how prolific the WKU offense has been the last few seasons, they didn’t utilize the TE often, but Higbee still put up solid numbers as a red zone weapon with 8 TDs in 2015. Higbee has the size, speed, route running ability and hands to be a very productive NFL TE and could be a steal on day 3.
Projection: 6th-7th
Next: South Florida