2016 NFL Draft: St. Petersburg Bowl
Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
Marshall
#47 RB Devon Johnson (6’1 | 243 | 4.64)
They call him “Rockhead” for a reason, Johnson is one of the toughest short-yardage runners in this year’s draft. He’s been limited to just six games this year, but has been productive averaging over 100 yards, 6.6 ypc, and a TD per game. That’s nothing compared to the stats Johnson put up last year with 1,767 rushing yards, 8.8 yards per carry which is ridiculous for a runner who does most of his damage between the tackles, and 19 total TDs.
If the Bears allow Forte to leave in free agency, they may be looking for a power back complement to Langford, and they don’t get much more powerful than Rockhead.
Projection: 4th-5th round
#78 OT Clint Van Horn (6’5 | 310 | 5.28)
No relation to former Bears great Keith Van Horne, but he does play the same right tackle position. Van Horn has been a first team MAC player the last two seasons and has been a dominant run blocker when healthy. Unfortunately his health has been an issue this season with multiple missed games and he may not play in the St. Petersburg Bowl.
When 100% Van Horn has a wide base and can anchor well against pass rushers, but his best trait is his ability to move people and open holes in the running game. His lack of foot speed may force a move inside to guard at the next level where he has no experience, but Van Horn has the size, strength, and warrior mentality to eventually become a starter inside.
Projection: 4th-5th round
#3 WR Devonte Allen (6’2 | 200 | 4.42)
Was a one-dimensional deep threat as a junior, averaging 24.7 yards per catch. His overall stats increased as a senior with 56 catches for 696 yards and 5 TDs, but his ypc dropped to just 12.4. Part of that is due to the loss of explosive QB Rakeem Cato, but Allen doesn’t have the route-running, strength or overall skill-set to be a possession receiver. He looked like a poor man’s Devin Smith as a junior and maybe a team with a big-armed QB will take a late flyer on Smith hoping he can be a WR who can take the top off of defenses like he did as a junior.
Projection: 7th-FA
#42 G Sebastian Johansson (6’4 | 290 | 5.14)
A brawler inside with a good punch to move defenders off the line and open running lanes. Johansson plays with good fundamentals, understands angles and leverage, has good footwork, and there is no question about his toughness and willingness to battle inside. A lack of foot speed limits his ability to handle speed rushers and get outside on pulls, but Johansson could develop into a solid backup guard with the potential for more.
Projection: 7th-FA