2016 NFL Draft: San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Boise St
#4 FS Darian Thompson (6’2 | 210 | 4.46)
Free safety prospect with ideal size, good instincts against both the run and pass, the ability to lay people out, NFL closing speed, and good ball skills. The only question about Thompson has been his top-end speed but if his 4.46 40-time is accurate, than that shouldn’t be much of an issue. He’s been a dynamic play-maker for the Broncos the last three seasons and leads all active FBS players with 19 interceptions. Thompson is a player that Bear fans should definitely keep an eye on during the draft process.
Projection: Round 2
#8 OLB Kamalei Correa (6’3 | 245 | 4.78)
Only a junior so he might stick around for another year, but rumors are that Correa plans on declaring for the 2016 draft. He’s a prototype 3-4 OLB with an explosive burst off the edge, but also more power than expected from his frame, enough flexibility to cover in the flat and an aggressive demeanor against the run. Correa had a monster sophomore year with 12 sacks and 19 tackles for loss. He wasn’t nearly as dominant as a junior, but still flashed the ability to get to the QB off the edge which is a trait that will get him drafted earlier than expected.
Projected: 2nd-3rd round
#71 OT Rees Odhiambo (6’4 | 305 | 5.27)
Played both left and right tackle during his college career, but may be best suited for guard at the next level. Odhiambo is a native of Kenya and got a late start to football, but has above-average athleticism for his size and very quick feet. He’s missed games every year with injuries which will hurt his draft stock, but he moves very well for his size and as a guard should be able to pull and get to the 2nd level with ease. Odhiambo may need a year of development, but has the potential to be a starting quality guard or at least a valuable swing tackle.
Projection: 4th-5th round
Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
#5 CB/PR Donte Deayon (5’9 | 158 | 4.46)
Clearly undersized for the NFL at barely 160 pounds, but was a very productive corner for the Broncos. So much so that teams avoided throwing in his direction for much of the last two seasons. Despite his lack of bulk, Deayon plays a physical brand of football and shows no fear mixing it up against the run. With his diminutive size, that style of play may not last long at the NFL level, but Deayon reminds me a bit of Bryce Callahan who earned a job as a slot corner his rookie year in Chicago. Deayon has defended a ridiculous 27 passes in his college career, intercepted 14 of them, and had a solid 105 tackles over the last three years.
Projection: 6th-7th
Next: Northern Illinois