With it being so early in the process, there are some many 2014 NFL draft prospects who aren’t receiving enough attention. This article looks at several offensive players who should shoot up draft boards as the season progresses.
Derek Carr, Quarterback, Fresno State
The quarterback position always gets a ton of attention throughout the draft process. Fresno State’s Derek Carr will be one of the more watch prospects in this year’s class. This is because he features a ton of raw talent, but has yet to put it all together.
After watching several of his games, it’s easy to see that Carr isn’t surrounded by a lot of talent. This is especially true along the offensive line. I see a lot of what happened to Jay Culter in Chicago happing to Carr.
If he’s able to tighten up his foot work and make better decisions Carr could find himself in the early-round discussion. He has the talent and natural feel for the position to develop into an above-average NFL quarterback.
Carr currently ranks as my No. 7 overall quarterback prospect in this year’s draft.
Jerome Smith, Running Back, Syracuse
Syracuse’s Jerome Smith is a well rounded running back who features a good combination of power and quickness. His good size and commitment to keep his pads down help him finish off runs by moving the pile. This makes him a very effective running between the tackles.
Smith also shows the explosiveness to break off long runs, outpace defensive angles and attack the edge. This is a hard runner who could potentially work his way into the first-round discussion.
I currently have Smith ranked as my No. 7 overall running back prospect in this year’s draft.
Phillip Dorsett, Wide Receiver, Miami
The NFL is always on the lookout for players who possess game-breaking speed. Miami’s Phillip Dorsett might be the most explosive player in this draft. His quick-twitch ability allows him to outpace defensive backs after only several steps off the line.
He also shows a second gear that helps him run under the deep pass. Dorsett isn’t just a straight-line speed guy, as he also is very shifty and capable of creating in space. This combination of speed and balance means that Dorsett doesn’t have to slow down when breaking off a route.The more teams watch Dorsett play they’ll notice that he’s someone who creates a ton of separation on shorter routes and features the speed to take the top off a defense.
Dorsett currently ranks as my No. 5 overall wide receiver prospect in this year’s draft.
Noel Grigsby, Wide Receiver, San Jose State
Playing at San Jose State doesn’t help Noel Grigsby get the attention he deserves. This is one of the more complete receiver prospects in the draft. He runs clean routes, has a knack for finding openings and shows top-notch hands. Grigsby is just one of those players who looks like he was born to play his specific position.
He’ll get noticed mainly because of his feel for the position, but he also shows enough quickness to make plays down the field. Don’t be surprised if Grigsby starts to get some first-round love as the season progresses.
Grigsby currently ranks as my No. 4 overall wide receiver prospect in this year’s draft.
Jace Amaro, Tight End, Texas Tech
New head coach Kliff Kingsbury possesses the offensive mind to help turn Jace Amaro into a real difference maker. Amaro features a rare combination of size and quickness. He’s someone that will make it difficult for defensive backs to matchup against because of his height, and outpace linebackers with his speed.
Texas Tech is going to have a wide-open offensive attack which should help Amaro put up some eye-popping numbers. It’s important to note that these won’t be hollow numbers because Amaro is a top-notch talent.
Colt Lyerla, Tight End, Oregon
Oregon’s Colt Lyerla is the type of athlete who’ll turn heads throughout the draft process. He has the potential to even work his way into the top-10 discussion. Lyerla features an explosive first step and second gear which allows him to create mismatches.
He’s capable of attacking the seam, sitting down in the open zone and create separation with crisp routes. Lyerla routinely catches the ball away from his frame and provides his quarterback with a real reliable target.
It’s important to note that this is a very versatile player who Oregon uses at tight end, H-back and running back.
Ja’Wuan James, Offensive Tackle, Tennessee
Antonio Richardson is getting most of the attention out of Tennessee’s offensive tackle prospects, but Ja’Wuan James looks to be the better pro prospect. He combines his excellent size with fluid movements and an explosive first step.
James is committed to keeping his pads down and plays with a ton of balance. He has as much upside as any offensive tackle in this draft. Don’t be surprised if he’s the third tackle taken after Michigan’s Taylor Lewan and Texas A&M’s Jake Matthews.
I currently have James ranks as my No. 3 overall offensive tackle prospect in this year’s draft.
Sean Hickey, Offensive Tackle, Syracuse
In this past year’s draft we saw a raw but athletic offensive tackle in Lane Johnson soar up draft boards. Syracuse’s Sean Hickey could find himself in a similar situation this year. Hickey is a long and athletic offensive tackle. He plays with a low pad level, balance and fluidity that makes him a top-notch pass protector.
Hickey needs to focus on improving his overall strength, but this is someone who will turn some heads this year at Syracuse.
I currently have Hickey ranked as my No. 6 overall offensive tackle prospect in this year’s draft.
Tre Jackson, Guard, Florida State
Florida State’s Tre Jackson should be the next interior offensive line prospect who works his way in the middle part of the first round. This is an explosive and powerful player who plays with proper technique. Jackson’s long arms give him the ability to engage the defender and control his movements in all aspects of the game.
Gabe Ikard, Center, Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s Gabe Ikard is a tremendous athlete who relies on his quickness to get the job done. It’s amazing to see how he snaps and steps all in one motion. This allows him to routinely get across the face of the defender and seal him from the play.
Ikard is also committed to using his hands to control the movement of the defender. I currently have him rated as my top center and a potential third-round pick.