There are many NCAA schools riddled with NFL talent on their rosters. Each player has the sparkle in his eye and the hope of hearing his name called in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 27th. The reality is, not everyone can be selected during the seven-round NFL draft. Today, I break down the NFL talent from Florida State University.
The Florida State Seminoles
The Seminoles have ten prospects that have a chance to hear their name called during the 2017 NFL draft. Let’s take a more in-depth look at each player.
Dalvin Cook – RB
Height: 5’10″
Weight: 210 lbs.
Before the NFL combine, “experts” projected Dalvin Cook to be an early 1st round selection. However, after looking at his off-the-field issues and poor measurables/times at the combine, he has since dropped in nearly every draft. Luckily, he played very well last season. On just 288 attempts, Cook rushed for 1765 yards and 19 scores. He notched an additional 488 yards and one score on 33 receptions through the passing game. Here is a look at his 2016 highlight reel.
Dalvin Cook is dirty pic.twitter.com/Re1sf3kM56
— Football Players (@FootballPIayers) March 30, 2017
Scouts love his tremendous ability to make defenders miss in open space as well as how he flourished in the zone blocking scheme at Florida State. Cook has incredible vision and hesitation moves that make him an ulcer for defensive backs to take down.
Another routine @dalvincook run… pic.twitter.com/0v6xvWWahF
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) March 21, 2017
@dalvincook 1 of his 321 touches in 2016..NO weakness. And this ability to take his near leg away from oncoming tackler is like Sayers pic.twitter.com/jVZdZujaxt
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) March 19, 2017
One NFL executive told NFL.com,
“Fumbles and arrests are a bad combination. He’s got a lot of ability but he’s got on the field problems with ball security and multiple arrests off of it. You have to decide if he will be responsible with more money and more time on his hands. If you have any doubts, just wait around for another running back because there will be plenty this year.”
If every NFL executive feels this way, Cook is in trouble. Good news for him, though – they do not. Because of his off-the-field mishaps and poor combine testing, look for Cook to get drafted in the Mid/Late 1st round by the New York Giants (23rd overall). Cook can handle bulk carries as well as adding value in the passing game for the G-Men.
Player comparison: DeAngelo Williams
Roderick Johnson – OT
Height: 6’7″
Weight: 300 lbs.
Roderick Johnson is a big-bodied offensive tackle that has a disruptive jab against edge rushers. Throughout his entire career (1,167 passing snaps), he yielded just four sacks and ten quarterback hits. Scouts marvel at how he uses his length to his advantage.
OT Roderick Johnson’s footwork can get sloppy at times, but then you see a play like this & realize the potential. His length is insane too. pic.twitter.com/9vprz5HROX
— Alex Reno (@alex_reno) March 2, 2017
Check out a highlight from his pro day.
Roderick Johnson performing cone drills. #FSU #ProDay pic.twitter.com/Y4jF6i7Bx8
— Michael Hudak (@michael_andreww) March 28, 2017
One AFC Director of College Scouting told NFL.com,
“…I think he’s interesting because I still think he is growing into his body. He will probably always have some balance issues because he’s always going to be a leaner. If he can improve his body control with that length … that could be really interesting.”
The good news for Roderick Johnson – it is an extremely weak offensive tackle class. Because he plays a coveted position that is dry in this draft, a team will take him before he truly deserves to be drafted. Look for the Seattle Seahawks to select him late in the 2nd round (58th overall). Their offensive line play was horrendous last season and they are in dire need of a big body that can protect Russell Wilson.
Player comparison: Ja’Wuan James
The Other Seminoles
DeMarcus Walker (DE) – Late 3rd round (106th overall) – Seattle Seahawks.
Marquez White (CB) – Late 5th round (184th overall) – Miami Dolphins.
Travis Rudolph (WR) – Late 6th round (216th overall) – Kansas City Chiefs
Jesus Wilson (WR) – Early 7th round (224th overall) – New York Jets.
Kareem Are (OG) – Mid 7th round (239th overall) – New England Patriots
Freddie Stevenson (FB) – Undrafted.
Kermit Whitfield (WR) – Undrafted.
Sean Maguire (QB) – Undrafted.
