clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

2012 NFL Draft - Scouting for Future Chargers: Bowl Games Part 8

By Wonko

Team Needs
Starter Starter Competition Depth Projects
Current starter is FA next year and has no surefire understudy Current starter is FA next year and has understudy or current starter is inexperienced One or more backups are FAs next year May need a new starter or backup after 2012 season
S, FB, C, DT S, ILB, WR, C, DT, OLB, OG
 S, ILB, WR, RB, TE, CB, OT
 QB, K, OLB, DT, DE, TE

In case you missed it, I justified the most recent updates to the team needs list a few weeks ago when I scouted the last week of the college football regular season. There's a lot of unknowns until we know the extent of some injuries and any changes in management are made, so I'm not going to say much more about that. Instead let's go to the games.

BYU
 		(9-3) vs Tulsa
 (8-4) Friday 12/30 9:00 AM PT (ESPN)
Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl (Fort Worth, TX): This game is on way too early for a week day, but kudos to you if you're going to turn it on that early or record it and watch it later. It probably means you're a BYU or Tulsa fan and don't need this preview. There's really on one prospect to watch and that's OT Matt Reynolds.

Rutgers
 (8-4) vs Iowa St.
 (6-6) Friday 12/30 12:20 PM PT (ESPN)
New Era Pinstripe Bowl (New York, NY): The lunchtime game is another one light on prospects. The main guy to watch in this game, Mohamed Sanu has said he's not going to be in this year's draft. However, he'll have to go up against a mid round prospect in Cyclone CB Leonard Johnson so there's a matchup to watch that has potential NFL impact.

Mississippi St.
 		(6-6) vs Wake Forest
 (6-6) Friday 12/30 3:40 PM PT (ESPN)
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl (Nashville, TN): Wake Forest would seem to be interesting to a team running the 3-4 since they run one, but they don't run it like an NFL team would. They have quick guys on the line that don't anchor like the NFL 3-4 DLs do. That gives them a DE in Kyle Wilber that is a pass rusher and would move to 3-4 OLB in the NFL. On offense Wake Forest likes to run with their two diminutive RBs and behind their 2nd round prospect OG Joe Looney. The top prospect in this game with take that head on as it's Bulldog DT Fletcher Cox who projects as a late first rounder and potentially play NT in the 3-4.

Iowa
 		(7-5) vs Oklahoma (8-4) Friday 12/30 7:00 PM PT (ESPN)
Insight Bowl (Tempe, AZ): These are two very talented football teams with pedigrees of producing plenty of NFL talent, but put up too many losses to get a in a more prestigious bowl game. The Hawkeyes will look to get their big plays from the passing game and standout WR Marvin McNutt despite normally being a big running team (starting RB Marcus Coker is suspended). The Sooners are also missing a top player in WR Ryan Broyles who is out with a knee injury as well as some other targets for 1st round QB prospect Landry Jones. This could be problematic for Oklahoma since they don't have talent in the running game that they once had. A key matchup in this one is 1st round OT prospect Riley Reiff and mid round DE prospect Frank Alexander.

I'll go over the individual players after the jump.

BFTB Scouting Targets:
Player School Pos. Class Height Weight
Riley Reiff
 Iowa
 OT Jr. 6'6 300 lbs
Very strong against bull rushes and will keep the QB protected against those types of power moves. He isn't going to be routinely beat on speed moves, but is more susceptible to those. A force in the run game where he move any size lineman and has the quickness, discipline, agility and awareness to get to the second level and keep LBs out of the play. Finishes blocks extremely well including driving players yards down the field or on their back. (1st round)
Fletcher Cox Miss. St. DT Jr. 6'3 296 lbs
Very productive defensive line prospect with multiple honors and has started every game. His closing burst is very good and will get sacks and tackles for loss from the DT position. (1st round)
Ronnell Lewis Oklahoma OLB
 Jr. 6'2 245 lbs
If you want to add some sure tackling and big hits to your team, then this is your guy. His biggest strength is in this area and it's an elite level. He's also got some speed and covers good ground while having decent recognition skills to get headed in the right direction. Very good pass rushers with a very good first step and an array of moves. He's also got a great motor and won't quit on a play, especially in the backfield. He also looks to have some good skills for succeeding in coverage. (2nd round)
Mohamed Sanu Rutgers WR Jr. 6'2 218 lbs
Has said that he's returning for next year, so he's a scouting target for the 2013 draft. Versatile player that could run some wildcat formations and make some throws in the NFL if needed. More of a slot guy than a deep threat. That's not a knock against him per se as he can get open on short routes and make yards after the catch and after contact. It would definitely make him a bigger threat if he learned to track the deep ball well or if he had more speed to get separation down the field. (2nd round)
Joe Looney
 Wake Forest
 OG Sr. 6'3 315 lbs
Strong upper body guy who gets good push and can wall off defenders. Could use some work on technique. He's a high character guy and a leader on and off the field. (2nd Round)
Kelechi Osemele Iowa State
 OG Sr. 6'5 337 lbs
A mammoth individual who is still very raw at this point and he hasn't shown a lot of desire to tap into that potential. Also needs to learn to get than mean streak and finish his blocks. His draft stock could hinge on how coachable people think he is. He'll get a shot because of his potential, but some might not want to risk him never wanting to work at it. (3rd round)
Matt Reynolds BYU OT Sr. 6'4 307 lbs
Last year at bowl time I talked about Reynolds not being able to handle LT if he came out then. Nothing much has changed. He's still not able to handle the speed rush well, but does a decent job anchoring against the power rushes. Doesn't really have the speed or athleticism to react to defenders in space. Might even be best suited for a guard position, but would be a liability if he had to pull. High character guy, two year team captain, son of a coach. (3rd round)
Mike Daniels
 Iowa
 DT Sr. 6'0 279 lbs
Short and stocky, but has speed to get after the QB. A lack of length can be in an issue in the NFL when doing the routine hand fighting that happens in the NFL. He has to show he can win with just his quickness to be useful at the next level. That makes him a bad 3-4 DL prospect since that's more about anchoring and moving OL than getting penetration. High motor, relentless in the pass rush and chasing ball carriers. (3rd round)
Marvin McNutt
 Iowa WR
 Sr. 6'2 213 lbs
Good size and speed. Nothing extraordinary, but quite good. Has a suffered a variety of injuries, but most of them small and hasn't missed a lot of time. Extremely high character guy and a team leader. Ex-quarterback. Raw in his route running. Coachable and is learning to block. Shows good body control and skills at catching the ball. Questions about how he'll do against man coverage and his ability to separate. Very productive senior season. (3rd round)
Travis Lewis
 Oklahoma
 OLB
 Sr. 6'1 232 lbs
It was only a year and a half ago I was effusive in my praise of Lewis and thought he'd be a great fit as a 3-4 ILB. He's still a very reliable tackler. He's still been a very durable and consistent starter. He's still got good diagnostic skills. He's just not convincing anyone he can stay in on 3rd down or excel that much in run defense especially when it comes to fighting through blockers. That doesn't leave a lot of wiggle room for a role in the NFL. He is a good leader though and competes hard. (4th round)
Kyle Wilber
 Wake Forest
 DE Sr. 6'3 240 lbs
Definitely on the thin side for a defensive end but his frame looks like one that can put on weight. His strong suit is rushing thew passer and can get around the corner or use his hands and moves to get by blockers. Not as strong in the run game where he can get washed up or lose a runner when changing directions. Pass rush specialist? (4th round)
Adam Gettis
 Iowa OG
 Sr. 6'4 288 lbs
Seen his stock rise after an injury-plague 2010 season. Plays alongside 1st round prospect Riley Reiff so his success could be related to that, but he seems to show quickness and explosiveness from the guard position that makes him a prospect in his own right. (4th round)
Jamell Fleming
 Oklahoma
 CB Sr. 5'10 192 lbs
The last Oklahoma game we scouting I had this to say about Fleming before he played Oklahoma State: "Great matchup for him in this game against Justin Blackmon. Big chance to improve his stock." Blackmon didn't have a bad game, but it was a below average result for him. That saw Fleming's stock rise a little, but not as much as if he'd dominated. But considering he was thought of as a better run defender than a coverage guy, it was a definite step up for him. (4th round)
Frank Alexander
 Oklahoma DE Sr. 6'3 262 lbs
Had him listed as having an outside shot at play 3-4 OLB, but with the Chargers future defensive scheme up in the air it's worth checking him out as a 4-3 DE. He's got a high motor and plays hard, but he's a tweener. Not athletic enough to stand up as a 3-4 OLB and may not hold up on the line well enough to play DE and defend the run. He's a scrapper and not a big athlete. (4th round)
Leonard Johnson
 Iowa St.
 CB Sr. 5'10 193 lbs
Durable, up beat, likeable guy. Does have some speed to make up for the lack of size. Good at recognizing plays and a skill like that might make him a nice nickel back. Does well in run support. Not much of a playmaker so don't expect him to get INTs. (5th round)
Desmond Wynn
 Rutgers OG
 Sr. 6'5 291 lbs
Tall, but lean and needs to get bigger since he currently gets pushed around a little. He does have quickness and can react well to attacking defenders. Missed a lot of time over the years due to injuries. Finishes well, but sometimes not aggressive enough to start a play. Equally decent against run and pass, but doesn't excel against either. A project for sure. (Mid to late rounds)
Tyler Nielson
 Iowa OLB Sr. 6'3 234 lbs
High character guy. A leader. However, missed time with a significant injury in 2010. Good at recognizing plays and especially good at reading plays in the run game. His weakness is tackling and he's not great in coverage. (Mid to late rounds)
Broderick Binns
 Iowa DE
 Sr. 6'0 262 lbs
Short for a DE, which as I mentioned with Desmond Wynn can be an issue on the line. Might need to bulk up so he can play some 4-3 DT like his former teammate and current Titan Karl Klug. His measureables would make him a bad fit for the 3-4 prototypes. Good burst, but not a great athlete. (Mid to late rounds)
NFL Prospects:
Player School Pos. Class Height Weight
Landry Jones
 Oklahoma QB
 Jr. 6'4 230 lbs
The #3 or #4 ranked QB that could be in this draft. Accuracy is his top skill. Has played in a spread offense and would benefit from going to a team that has a variety of solid targets to throw to. (1st round)
Shaun Prater
 Iowa CB
 Sr. 5'9
 181 lbs
Small CB that doesn't have stand out speed or cover skills. He does have good ball skills and is okay against the run. He's also missed time with injuries. He gets the job done in college, but the matchups in the NFL are a totally different beast. (5th round)
Sleepers:
Player School Pos. Class Height Weight
Terence Brown
 BYU
 OC Sr. 6'3 331 lbs
(UDFA)
Matt Putnam
 BYU DE Sr. 6'6 295 lbs
(UDFA)
Jameson Frazier
 BYU OLB Sr. 6'1 223 lbs
(UDFA)
Jordan Pendleton
 BYU OLB Sr. 6'1 247 lbs
(UDFA)
Mckay Jacobson
 BYU WR Sr. 5'9 192 lbs
(UDFA)
G.J. Kinne
 Tulsa
 QB Sr. 6'1 210 lbs
(UDFA)
Tyler Holmes Tulsa OT Sr. 6'3 305 lbs
(UDFA)
Damaris Johnson
 Tulsa WR Sr. 5'6 172 lbs
(UDFA)
Arnick Curnelius
 Tulsa OLB Sr. 6'0 230 lbs
(UDFA)
Joe Martinek
 Rutgers FB Sr. 5'11 211 lbs
(UDFA)
Desmond Stapleton
 Rutgers OT Sr. 6'4 288 lbs
(UDFA)
Manny Abreu
 Rutgers DE Sr. 6'2 256 lbs
(UDFA)
Justin Francis
 Rutgers DE
 Sr. 6'2 261 lbs
(UDFA)
David Rowe
 Rutgers S Sr. 5'10 199 lbs
(UDFA)
Art Forst
 Rutgers OT Sr. 6'7 307 lbs
(UDFA)
Grant Mahoney
 Iowa St.
 K Sr. 5'11 181 lbs
(UDFA)
Ter-ran Benton
 Iowa St.
 S Sr. 5'11 203 lbs
(UDFA)
Hayworth Hicks
 Iowa St.
 OG Sr. 6'2 327 lbs
(UDFA)
Stephen Ruempolhamer Iowa St. DT Sr. 6'2 287 lbs
(UDFA)
Jacob Lattimer Iowa St. DE Sr. 6'1 239 lbs
(UDFA)
Daruis Darks Iowa St. WR Sr. 6'0 188 lbs
(UDFA)
Quentin Saulsberry Miss. St. OC Sr. 6'2 297 lbs
(UDFA)
Charles Mitchell Miss. St. S Sr. 5'10 201 lbs
(UDFA)
Chris Reif Miss. St. TE Sr. 6'3 243 lbs
(UDFA)
Brandon Maye Miss. St. OLB Sr. 6'2 232 lbs
(UDFA)
Addison Lawrence Miss. St. OT Sr. 6'3 290 lbs
(UDFA)
James Carmon Miss. St. OT Sr. 6'5 316 lbs
(UDFA)
Wade Bonner Miss. St. S Sr. 5'9 190 lbs
(UDFA)
Tristan Dorty Wake Forest OLB Sr. 6'1 240 lbs
(UDFA)
Cyhl Quarles Wake Forest S Sr. 6'1 208 lbs
(UDFA)
Michael Hoag Wake Forest OG Sr. 6'4 297 lbs
(UDFA)
Gelo Orange Wake Forest OLB Sr. 6'0 238 lbs
(UDFA)
Josh Bush Wake Forest S Sr. 5'11 203 lbs
(UDFA)
Danny Dembry Wake Forest WR
 Sr. 6'2 193 lbs
(UDFA)
Eric Guthrie Iowa P Sr. 6'5 241 lbs
(UDFA)
Brad Herman Iowa TE Sr. 6'4 252 lbs
(UDFA)
Markus Zusevics Iowa OG Sr. 6'5 287 lbs
(UDFA)
Jarvis Jones Oklahoma OT Sr. 6'6 307 lbs
(UDFA)
Donald Stephenson Oklahoma OT Sr. 6'5 302 lbs
(UDFA)
James Hanna Oklahoma TE Sr. 6'3 235 lbs
(UDFA)

More From Bolts From The Blue