We are continuing our weekly series, Scouting 49ers' Scouts, where each week we will highlight some of the draft-eligible players from the games 49ers' scouts were credentialed. The Internet, and Twitter in particular, provide some insight into where NFL teams are sending scouts for college football games. We will likely never know the full list of games, but it does give us some insight.
Thanks to a few Twitter folks, we have a look at some of the Week 13 action where 49ers' scouts were credentialed to attend.
Week 13
Ohio State vs. Michigan
The 49ers were 1 of 6 teams in attendance for the Ohio State vs. Michigan match-up. As imagined, Jim Harbaugh has done a lot this year in turning around the Michigan program, but the team, the team, the team, was dealt a juggernaut match-up against an Ohio State team exploding with exceptional talent. Ohio State is insanely loaded with draft-eligible talent; therefore, the odds the 49ers drafting an Ohio State player are relatively high.
Although the sampling size of games from QB Cardale "12 Gauge" Jones, No. 12, are relatively small, what we have seen thus far has ranged from absolutely impressive, to lethargically mediocre. It also does not help Jones' draft stock when your coach, Urban Meyer, benches you in favor of J.T. Barrett. Nevertheless, the junior showcases an ideal physical mountain of a frame, strong arm easily capable of making every throw, fascinating mobility with power and quickness, and decent fundamentals to make good accurate throws over-the-top, but lacks the necessary touch when throwing underneath. It appears his physical traits are limitless with a very high upside, but he is still a very raw prospect with a lot of development ahead of him, specifically in the mental aspect of the game. Jones' stats eleven games in: 110/176, 62.5% completion percentage, 1,460 yards, a 8/5 touchdown to interception ratio, 64 rushes, 193 yards, averaging 3 yards per carry, and 2 rushing touchdowns.
RB Ezekiel Elliott, No. 15. Elliott is an explosive and powerful runner showcasing great speed, vision, and impressive balance always leaning forward gaining positive yards. The junior is arguably the best running back prospect in this years' draft class, and displays a dynamic combination of size (6'0"), speed, and athleticism. If Elliott does not power through defenders, he is hurdling over them. Elliot's stats twelve games in: 262 rushes, 1,672 yards, averaging 6.4 yards per carry, 19 rushing touchdowns, 26 receptions, 176 yards, and averaging 6.8 yards per reception.
WR Michael Thomas, No. 3, a junior, showcases a great combination of size (6'3" - 210 lbs.), speed, and athleticism. Thomas is the nephew of Keyshawn "Just Give Me the Damn Ball" Johnson, and although he may not have the speed of last years' deep threat, Devin Smith, he is a polished all around wide receiver that is dependable in the middle of the field displaying good route running, tremendous ball skills, a solid pass catcher with strong hands, and attacks the football at its highest point. The savvy wide receiver will likely see his numbers increase now that J.T. Barrett is behind center. Thomas' stats twelve games in: 49 receptions, 709 yards, averaging 14.5 yards per reception, and 8 touchdowns.
WR Braxton Miller, No. 5, the former Ohio State quarterback turned wide receiver impressed right out of the gate, displaying the same explosive and elusiveness he was known for as a quarterback, and added the soft hands and ball skills to the new position. He has a nice combination of size (6'1"), speed, and athleticism with the potential to be a consistent deep threat with more polishing to his game. Miller has continued to improve throughout the season and has shown the look of being a natural receiver. Miller's stats twelve games in: 23 receptions, 328 yards, averaging 14.3 yards per reception, 3 receiving touchdowns, 41 rushes, 235 yards, averaging 5.7 yards per carry, and 1 rushing touchdown.
TE Nick Vannett, No. 81, is a former high school basketball player who showcases the ideal combination of size (6'6"), strength, and sneaky speed to be a coveted all around tight end prospect. Vannett is a stout and physical player in the run game and shows great blocking skills (specifically exterior blocking) with a few de-cleaters to his resume. With his solid hands and route running, and natural ability as a reliable pass catcher, Vannett is a prime option in the middle of the field and as a red zone target. He also has solid durability with 40 games played over the past three seasons. Vannett struggled at the start of the season, but has steadily improved as of late, especially now that he has been utilized more as a blocker than receiver. Vannett's stats nines games in: 18 receptions, 148 yards, and averaging 8.2 yards per catch.
OT Taylor Decker, No. 68, another former high school basketball player, showcases an amazing combination of size (6'7" - 315 lbs.), length, strength, sneaky athleticism, agility, and physicality. With his solid fundamentals, strong hands, and a fierce punch, Decker impresses with superb toughness in the run game driving defenders away, and an impressive kick-slide maintaining balance and anchoring nicely in pass protection. Shows versatility to play both tackle positions, and durability playing in all 41 of Ohio State's games the past three seasons.
The junior OG Pat Elflein, No. 65, is one of the top offensive draft-eligible guards in this years' class, provided he declares. The former high school wrestler and track and field athlete is a physical and tough right guard who plays with a tenacious aggressiveness. Elflein showcases great power at the point of attack and quick feet that helps him do a great job in pass protection and excellent when pulling showing great athleticism finishing his blocks with aggression. His size is not ideal at 6'3", but he does have versatility to be a utility interior lineman at the next level.
On the defensive side of the ball we start things out with one of the best players in all of college football, junior DE Joey Bosa, No. 97. Bosa could very well be the first pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. He is a tremendously gifted athletic talent showcasing a terrific combination of size (6'6" - 275 lbs.), strength, athleticism, natural ability, power, and quickness. A relentless motor, Bosa dominates in the run game with great fundamentals and pure power. Stack and sheds nicely and has tremendous awareness. Not necessarily a speed rusher off the edge, Bosa does utilize fantastic speed to power conversion to get in the backfield, along with quickness and flexibility to side-step opponents on his way to the quarterback. He also has a very impressive swim move. A man amongst boys, Bosa is an all around complete player with excellent technique, adept in all facets of the game whether rushing the passer, wreaking havoc in the backfield, or a stout run stopper. Extremely strong, Bosa has been reported to have benched 440 pounds and squat 500 pounds while in high school. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ In the 49ers' 3-4 scheme, I envision Bosa as a five-technique, but he his scheme diverse, so the options with Bosa are numerous. Bosa's stats eleven games in: 47 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 1 interception, 4 pass deflections, and 1 forced fumble.
DT Adolphus Washington, No. 92, is an explosive disrupter with great combination of size (6'4" - 290 lbs.), strength, and athleticism. He displays nice quickness off the snap, excellent use of violent hands at the point of attack, solid lateral quickness maintaining balance navigating his way through the trash, the agility to make himself skinny to penetrate through gaps, shows discipline, and could potentially be seen as an ideal prospect as a 3-4 defensive end the 49ers' employ. Washington's stats eleven games in: 49 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 1 interception, 1 pass deflection, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 forced fumble.
A redshirt sophomore to keep an eye on is the amazing and explosive athlete OLB Darron Lee, No. 43. The former high school quarterback, wide receiver, safety, and kick returner has tremendous speed running sideline-to-sideline chasing down ball carriers, wreaks havoc in the backfield as a punishing blitzer, terrific instincts, and is solid in coverage with excellent range. Lee is an absolute playmaker that I believe is a better prospect than Ryan Shazier. I also believe he could do well as an inside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, but is also extremely versatile and can be utilized in many ways as a feared linebacker and defensive threat. Lee's stats twelve games in: 59 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 1 interception, 2 pass deflections, and 1 forced fumble.
OLB Joshua Perry, No. 37, is another explosive athlete with tremendous sideline-to-sideline range displaying a high motor, physicality, and great length. Perry has an excellent combination of size (6'4" - 254 lbs.), strength and athleticism showcasing impressive pass rush skills off the edge utilizing great burst, solid and strong hand technique, and excellent closing speed. Perry is also very good at setting the edge, using his length and hand strength to stack and shed, and his quickness, burst, and athleticism to run down ball carries as a reliable tackler. He has great lateral movement and is solid in coverage. Shows tremendous leadership skills, and is known as a "consummate teammate". He accepted his Senior Bowl invite. Perry would fit in as an outside linebacker in the 49ers 3-4 scheme. Perry's stats eleven games in: 98 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and 3 pass deflections.
SS Vonn Bell, No. 11, is a physically tough tenacious football player that plays with an aggressive mentality. A versatile ball hawk on the backend with impressive range, Bell shows excellent vision and awareness, superb ball skills, good burst, takes great angles, and is a sound tackler. His size (5'11") is less than desirable at the next level, and he will definitely need to improve his strength. Bell's stats twelve games in: 63 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 2 interceptions, 9 pass deflections, and 1 fumble recovery.
Two additional redshirt sophomores to keep an eye on, since there is a possibility one, or both, forego their remaining college eligibility and declare for the draft are: WR Jalin Marshall, No. 17, and CB Eli Apple, No. 13.
WR Jalin Marshall is a fluid playmaker with excellent speed and quickness, strong reliable hands, solid ball skills, and explosive after the catch. A freakish athlete with impressive strength and toughness, the former high school quarterback displays terrific vision and awareness, versatility, and brings value on special teams as an excellent punt returner. I believe Marshall should stay an extra year in school to improve his route running (he already shows great fluidity to excel in route running). Marshall's receiving stats eleven games in: 31 receptions, 448 yards, averaging 14.5 yards per reception, and 5 touchdowns. Marshall's punt return stats nine games in: 24 returns, 306 yards, and averaging 12.8 yards per return.
CB Eli Apple is a boundary shut down cornerback with an excellent combination of size (6'1" - 200 lbs.), range, and athleticism. Apple bestows great length (very long arms) for the position, good use of length to jam at the point of attack, willing and aggressive tackler, and impressive burst and closing speed. He does not have hip fluidity (a bit stiff); however, he trails nice showing good pace with wide receivers, excellent ball skills, sound instincts, and hounds receivers with his length and athleticism. Like Jalin Marshall, I believe Eli Apple should stay another year and improve upon his all round game. Apple's stats twelve games in: 28 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 6 pass deflections, and 1 fumble recovery.
* = indicates junior status
** = indicates redshirt sophomore status
+ = indicates injury status
Ohio State
QB *Cardale Jones, No. 12, 6'5 - 250 lbs., 4.76 40 - (2nd-3rd)
RB *Ezekiel Elliott, No. 15, 6'0 - 225 lbs., 4.42 40 - (1st)
WR *Michael Thomas, No. 3, 6'3 - 210 lbs., 4.54 40 - (1st)
WR Braxton Miller, No. 5, 6'1 - 215 lbs., 4.42 40 - (3rd-4th) Position change QB to WR during the Spring of 2015.
WR **Jalin Marshall, No. 17, 5'11 - 205 lbs., 4.40 40 - (2017?) Suspended season opener for violation of athletic department policy stemming from either marijuana or academics.
WR Corey Smith, No. 84, 6'0 - 195 lbs., 4.52 40 - (7th-UFA) Out for the year with a broken leg injured on 10/3/15.
TE Nick Vannett, No. 81, 6'6 - 260 lbs., 4.76 40 - (3rd)
OT Taylor Decker, No. 68, 6'7 - 315 lbs., 5.21 40 - (1st)
OT Chase Farris, No. 57, 6'5 - 310 lbs., 5.04 40 - (UFA)
OG *Pat Elflein, No. 65, 6'3 - 300 lbs., 5.28 40 - (2nd)
C Jacoby Boren, No. 50, 6'1 - 285 lbs., 5.06 40 - (UFA) Coming off 2014 leg injury.
DT Adolphus Washington, No. 92, 6'4 - 290 lbs., 4.96 40 - (2nd)
DT Tommy Schutt, No. 90, 6'2 - 290 lbs., 5.09 40 - (UFA)
DE *Joey Bosa, No. 97, 6'6 - 275 lbs., 4.82 40 - (1st) Suspended season opener for violation of athletic department policy stemming from either marijuana or academics.
OLB **Darron Lee, No. 43, 6'1 - 235 lbs., 4.64 40 - (1st) Former high school QB, WR, S, and KR.
OLB Joshua Perry, No. 37, 6'4 - 254 lbs., 4.67 40 - (2nd) Accepted Senior Bowl invite.
CB **Eli Apple, No. 13, 6'1 - 200 lbs., 4.50 40 - (2017?)
SS *Vonn Bell, No. 11, 5'11 - 205 lbs., 4.52 40 - (2nd)
Michigan boasts some under the radar draft-eligible talent, but one elite prospect in particular is gaining plenty of notice beyond the unique last name, TE Jake Butt, No. 88.
TE Jake Butt, a junior, has been steadily rising throughout the college season. He displays an athletic frame with a terrific combination of size (6'6"), speed, and strength. Butt has deceptive sneaky speed, is fluid in his route running, showcases excellent ball skills, very strong reliable hands, and is a solid blocker. Butt is a complete tight end and is arguably the top prospect at the position coming out of this years' draft class (provided he declares). Butt stats' twelve games in: 48 receptions, 620 yards, averaging 12.9 yards per reception, and 3 touchdowns.
C Graham Glasgow, No. 61, brings an excellent combination of size (6'7"), strength, and athleticism to the position. A force for Michigan's offensive line, the mauler Glasgow has improved his game becoming a physical force in the middle with his blue-collar mentality utilizing his great power, strength, awareness, and a high-motor. The mental aspect of his game has also improved (works very hard in film study), and Glasgow displays sneaky quickness and nimble feet, easily capable of pulling keeping his head on a swivel and finishing blocks. The former walk-on's future at Michigan was in dire straits during the spring of 2015, where off-field issues (suspended March 2015 for violating alcohol-related probation) became a concern. Glasgow met frequently with Jim Harbaugh and met Harbaugh's condition in order to get reinstated to the program (Glasgow moved into a small apartment in downtown Ann Arbor with his 81-year old grandmother). Harbaugh's "punishment" was outside of the box, but ultimately was the right decision in helping Glasgow turn things around for the better.
OLB James Ross III, No. 15, is a hard-nosed very strong athletically explosive big hitter with solid downhill speed and good instincts and awareness. He may lack the ideal height for the position (6'1"), but he plays with an aggressive physicality utilizing his stout strength to stack and shed opponents, solid explosion and burst with an intense high-motor from his hockey background, displaying nice closing speed finishing as a solid tackler. Ross is a potential candidate to move to inside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. Ross' stats eleven games in: 34 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and 1 sack.
ILB Desmond Morgan, No. 3, also a bit undersized for the position (6'1"), displays sound instincts and awareness and always has a knack for being around the action. A very smart and well-rounded football player, Morgan showcases great speed, athleticism, and is a sound tackler. The former two-way high school quarterback and middle inside linebacker also bestows strong leadership skills and a tremendous blue-collar mentality work ethic. Morgan also brings value on special teams. Morgan's stats twelve games in: 67 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 interception, 3 pass deflections, and 1 forced fumble.
ILB Joe Bolden, No. 35, displays a great combination of size (6'3"), strength, speed, quickness, athleticism, and instincts. Another strong and reliable tackler (especially one-on-one in space) with great awareness, Bolden bestows tremendous leadership skills and passion for the game that resonates with his teammates, a player fellow players look up to. Bolden is very strong at the point of attack and plays with great balance, agility, and flexibility. Another prospect that will also bring value on special teams at the next level. Holden's stats eleven games in: 76 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, and 1 fumble recovery.
Michigan
QB Jake Rudock, No. 15, 6'3 - 210 lbs, 4.86 40 - (UFA) Transfer from Iowa.
WR Amara Darboh, No. 82, 6'2 - 216 lbs., 4.56 40 - (7th-UFA)
WR Jehu Chesson, No. 86, 6'3 - 207 lbs., 4.54 40 - (UFA) ST value in the return game.
TE *Jake Butt, No. 88, 6'6 - 248 lbs., 4.83 40 - (2nd)
C Graham Glasgow, No. 61, 6'7 - 305 lbs, 5.27 40 - (5th) Suspended March 2015 for violating alcohol-related probation.
+DE Mario Ojemudia, No. 53, 6'3 - 252 lbs, 4.78 40 - (7th-UFA) Out for the year with Achilles tendon injury. Possibility of a medical redshirt for his fifth year.
OLB James Ross III, No. 15, 6'1 - 232 lbs, 4.67 40 - (6th)
ILB Desmond Morgan, No. 3, 6'1 - 236 lbs, 4.76 40 - (7th)
ILB Joe Bolden, No. 35, 6'3 - 232 lbs, 4.82 40 - (6th)
CB Wayne Lyons, No. 2, 6'1 - 196 lbs, 4.56 40 - (UFA) Grad transfer from Stanford.
FS Jarrod Wilson, No. 22, 6'2 - 210 lbs, 4.62 40 - (UFA)
Maryland vs. Rutgers
The 49ers were 1 of 5 teams in attendance for the Maryland vs. Rutgers match-up. Maryland has four draft-eligible candidates 49ers' scouts are likely keeping an eye on in DE/OLB Yannick Ngakoue, No. 7; CB William Likely, No. 4; CB Sean Davis, No. 21; and K Brad Craddock, No. 15. Another interesting bit of information to note, earlier during the season, 49ers Senior Personnel Executive, Tom Gamble, saw both teams in action (Maryland in Week 5 and Rutgers in Week 8).
DE/OLB Yannick Ngakoue, a junior, is an exceptional explosive athlete with excellent quickness, burst, speed, change of direction skills, and agility. He will need to improve upon his strength at the next level in order to rip from opponents, but his amazing quickness and fast hands are impressive and can easily overwhelm opponents off the edge who are susceptible to speed and quick lateral movement. Ngakoue displays sound awareness and is a relentless pursuer of the ball carrier wreaking havoc in the backfield as a top notch penetrating disruptive force. Ngakoue is amongst the nation's top sack leaders with an impressive 13.5 sacks (2nd in the nation) and was also recently named to the All-Big Ten First Team, and is likely a prime candidate as a 3-4 outside linebacker edge rusher (stood up as a 3-4 OLB earlier in his career at Maryland). Ngakoue's stats twelve games in: 37 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks, 1 pass deflection, and 1 forced fumble.
Although only 5'7", the junior CB William Likely is an explosive fantastic athlete with video game-like agility, burst, and quickness. Likely displays amazing fluidity, light feet, impressive change of direction skills, great instincts, and solid ball skills. His size will limit him on the defensive side of the ball at the next level (slot corner); however, Likely will bring tremendous value on special teams in the return game, where he is one of the top return specialists in college football. Likely's stats eleven games in: 44 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 11 pass deflections, 3 forced fumbles, 35 kick returns, 789 yards, averaging 22.5 yards per kick return, 1 touchdown, 23 punt returns, 419 yards, averaging 18.2 yards per punt return, and 2 touchdowns.
CB Sean Davis is a versatile corner (can also play safety) with a great combination of size (6'1"), speed, physicality, and athleticism. Likely considered a boundary corner at the next level, Davis also brings value as a very solid special teams player in coverage units. He accepted his Senior Bowl invite. Davis' stats twelve stats in: 88 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 3 interceptions, 3 pass deflections, 1 fumble recovery, 5 forced fumbles.
With 49ers' Phil Dawson playing on the last year of his contract, and the Niners surprising 5th round 2015 draft selection of a punter in Bradley Pinion, it should not be surprising if the Niners go back-to-back years in drafting a special teams player. Maryland showcases one of the best kickers in college football in the Australian born K Brad Craddock, the 2014 Lou Groza Award Winner for the best kicker in the nation, came to Maryland as a punter, but quickly transitioned over to kicker with the continuous aid and coaching of former the Baltimore Raven's Pro Bowl kicker, Matt Stover. The former soccer, tennis, track, and Australian Rules football player has also shown versatility as a punter recently (initially what he was recruited as), where he has been utilized as a situational punter with his impressive pin-point accuracy on directional punts. No doubt, the 49ers crave the versatility the Aussie bestows. Craddock's stats nine games in: 22/23 (95.7%) extra points made, 8/10 (80%) field goals, and 9 punts for 328 yards averaging 36.4 yards.
Maryland
RB Brandon Ross, No. 45, 5'10 - 205 lbs., 4.58 40 - (UFA)
OG Andrew Zeller, No. 66, 6'5 - 315 lbs., 5.31 40 - (UFA)
DE/OLB *Yannick Ngakoue, No. 7, 6'2 - 250 lbs., - (3rd)
CB *William Likely, No. 4, 5'7 - 176 4.47 40 - (4th-5th)
CB Sean Davis, No. 21, 6'1 - 200 lbs., 4.53 40 - (6th-7th) Accepted Senior Bowl invite.
FS Anthony Nixon, No. 20, 6'0 - 205 lbs., 4.58 40 - (UFA)
SS A.J. Hendy, No. 19, 6'1 - 207 lbs., 4.62 40 - (UFA)
K Brad Craddock, No. 15, 6'0 - 192 4.88 40 - (7th)
Rutgers has three draft-eligible prospects 49ers' scouts are likely targeting in RB Paul James, No. 34; WR Leonte Carroo, No. 4; and OT Keith Lumpkin, No. 74.
RB Paul James is a physical runner with nice size (6'0" - 205 lbs.), speed, and athleticism. James is a downhill runner running behind his pads always leaning forward displaying nice quickness, excellent vision, great balance, and solid strength. James is a one-cut type running back finding the hole quickly and explodes with a decent burst. Area of concern with James is durability, where he missed a portion of the 2013 season with a broken fibula and the entire 2014 season with a torn ACL. James' stats ten games in: 99 rushes, 544 yards, averaging 5.5 yards per carry, and 5 touchdown.
WR Leonte Carroo is an explosive playmaking wide receiver with a great combination of size (6'1"), impressive speed (4.3's 40), and athleticism. A threat all over the field, Carroo is a physical receiver with solid route running, tremendous speed, tenacious physicality, top notch ball skills attacking the football with strong reliable hands, and a deep threat taking the top off coverages. A willing blocker, Carroo also displays great effort in blocking. There are a couple of red-flag concerns 49ers' scouts will need to address with Carroo. Earlier in the season, Carroo was dismissed from the team due to an arrest and domestic violence simple assault charge stemming from an alleged altercation of slamming a female (ex-girlfriend) onto the concrete. The charge was recently dismissed (10/6/15) and Carroo was reinstated to the team on 10/7/15. Carroo was also suspended the first half of the season opener for a curfew violation. Carroo stats eight games in: 39 receptions, 809 yards, averaging 20.7 yards per reception, and 10 touchdowns.
OT Keith Lumpkin is a massive (6'8") tackle prospect with tremendous length, strength, and fair foot speed the NFL desires at the next level. A work in progress, Lumpkin needs to improve his technique, balance (bending issues), and lateral movement. He shows great use of length and arm extension to impede defenders, but has issues with defenders displaying speed and quickness (stiff in space). A developmental prospect that potentially is best suited to start off on the inside at the next level (a punisher in a phone booth).
Rutgers
RB Paul James, No. 34, 6'0 - 205 lbs., 4.57 40 - (5th-6th) Torn ACL in right knee on Sept 2014.
WR Leonte Carroo, No. 4, 6'1 - 205 lbs., 4.3s 40 - (2nd) Suspended first half of season opener for curfew violation. Dismissed from team after domestic violence arrest 9/13/15. Simple Assault charges dismissed on 10/6/15. Reinstated to team on 10/7/15.
OT Keith Lumpkin, No. 74, 6'7 - 310 lbs., 5.27 40 - (7th)
+DE Darius Hamilton, No. 91, 6'3 - 255 lbs., 4.87 40 - (7th-UFA) Out for the year with a knee injury and likely redshirt candidate.
OLB Quentin Gause, No. 50, 6'1 - 226 lbs., 4.72 40 - (UFA)
Notre Dame vs. Stanford
The 49ers were 1 of 5 teams in attendance for the Notre Dame vs. Stanford match-up, and the 49ers representative at the game was the head honcho himself, Trent Baalke. Draft-eligible talent for Notre Dame is in abundance, and no doubt 49ers' scouts have their hands full in keeping track of all the quality talent the Fighting Irish possesses.
One player I am absolutely excited about and believe is a potentially high target for the 49ers is junior OLB Jaylon Smith, No. 9. I see a lot of similarities to Jaylon Smith's game with Patrick Willis, which I know is a tall order, but Smith's speed, athleticism, and amazing sideline-to-sideline capabilities are truly impressive. Smith showcases great size, agility, explosion, and strength and would be a great fit next to NaVorro Bowman as an inside linebacker in the 49ers' 3-4 defensive scheme. Smith's stats twelve games in: 114 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 5 pass deflections, 2 fumble recoveries, and 1 forced fumble.
ILB Joe Schmidt, No. 38, is an undersized (6'0"), yet intelligent inside linebacker prospect with sound awareness, instincts, and a solid tackler. The former walk-on also displays a tremendous work ethic and inspiring leadership skills. Schmidt's stats twelve games in: 65 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and 3 pass deflections.
DT Sheldon Day, No. 91, is a quick and powerful explosive defensive tackle showcasing great balance and a quick first step with a non-stop motor. Although Day's lack of size and length will limit him to a 3-technique, his impressive penetration and quickness at the point of attack makes him a disruptive force in the backfield. Day's stats twelve games in: 41 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 2 pass deflections, and 1 forced fumble.
DE Romeo Okwara, No. 45, is a great length and speed prospect coming off the edge. Okwara needs to show more consistency, but with another solid year under his belt, he should be a good rotational edge rusher at the next level. Okwara's stats twelve games in: 44 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 forced fumble.
Junior CB KeiVarae Russell, No. 6, is a solid press corner utilizing his great length and aggressiveness to shut down opponents. Along with his impressive ball skills, Russell displays a great combination of size (5'11"), speed, quickness, strength, and freaky athleticism. Russell brings a physicality at the corner position (great run defender) along with a football savvy allowing him to utilize all facets of his amazing athleticism. Unfortunately, Russell is out for the next six to eight weeks with a broken tibia in his right leg in Notre Dame's win over Boston College in Week 12. Russell's stats eleven games in: 60 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 2 interception, 4 pass deflections, and 2 forced fumbles.
SS Elijah Shumate, No. 22, is an in-the-box type of safety, where he displays excellent athleticism, explosion, great strength, good closing speed (former high school track athlete), and is a force against the run as a strong willing tackler. Although Shumate played some nickel back as a freshman, he only possess adequate coverage skills and is best utilized with the action staying in front of him. He will bring value on special teams at the next level. Shumate's stats twelve games in: 57 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 1 interception, and 2 pass deflections.
One offensive player to keep an eye on is arguably the top offensive tackle prospect in this years' draft class in junior OT Ronnie Stanley, No. 78. Stanley, a technician, showcases tremendous combination of size, athleticism, length, quickness, speed, and strength. Using his long arms, lateral quickness, balance, solid technique, and a quick first step, Stanley easily mirrors defenders in pass pro, and shows physicality in the run game. He also shows durability starting every game the past two seasons.
C Nick Martin, No. 72, is the younger brother of outstanding Dallas Cowboy's All-Pro guard Zack Martin. Nick is explosive at the point of attack, blocks with leverage, a road grader in the run game with a great punch at the point of attack and solid leg push driving defenders. Martin anchors well in pass protection and showcases impressive athleticism, smarts, patience, explosive punch, and quick feet in space. He has the versatility to play guard, but his natural position is at center.
RB C.J. Prosise, No. 20, has a nice combination of size (6'0" - 220 lbs.), speed, and athleticism. The former backup has impressed this season filling in for the injured junior, Tarean Folston. The all-purpose back showcases natural skills for the position displays excellent movement in space, speed around the corner, and an impressive showing between the tackles with great power from his legs. Moreover, Prosise is skilled as a pass catcher (former wide receiver) displaying solid soft hands and good ball skills out of the backfield. He also brings value on special teams (Notre Dame's special team's player of the year in 2014). Prosise's stats ten games in: 157 rushes, 1029 yards, averaging 6.6 yards per carry, 11 touchdowns, 26 receptions, 308 yards, averaging 11.8 yards per reception, and 1 touchdown.
WR Chris Brown is reliable possession type receiver that is solid working underneath displaying good hands, nice balance, and solid ball skills. Brown also displays a great combination of size (6'2"), speed, quickness, fluidity, and athleticism. Moreover, Brown is stout and aggressive in run support. Brown's stats twelve games in: 44 receptions, 562 yards, averaging 12.8 yards per catch, and 3 touchdowns.
WR Amir Carlisle is a former running back turned wide receiver with excellent athleticism, fantastic speed, and solid fluidity. The former Jim Harbaugh Stanford recruit learned a lot under the tutelage of Frank Gore when Carlisle's father, Duane Carlisle, was the 49ers Head Strength and Conditioning coach (2005-2011). Amir displays great burst, good hands, impressive change of direction skills, and solid vision. Carlisle can be looked as a hybrid running back/wide receiver prospect at the next level, but his likely home is in the slot. Carlisle's stats eleven games in: 29 receptions, 337 yards, averaging 11.6 yards per reception, and 1 touchdown.
Norte Dame
RB *Tarean Folston, No. 25, 5'9 - 214 lbs., 4.56 40 - (2017?) Out for the year with a torn ACL.
RB C.J. Prosise, No. 20, 6'1 - 220 lbs., 4.65 40 - (3rd)
WR *Will Fuller, No. 7, 6'0 - 180 lbs., 4.51 40 - (2017)
WR Chris Brown, No. 2, 6'2 - 195 lbs., 4.48 40 - (5th-6th)
WR Amir Carlisle, No. 3, 5'10 - 192 lbs., 4.43 40 - (7th) Transfer from USC.
OT *Ronnie Stanley, No. 78, 6'6 - 315 lbs., 5.17 40 - (1st)
C Nick Martin, No. 72, 6'4 - 295 lbs., 5.26 40 - (2nd)
DT Sheldon Day, No. 91, 6'1 - 285 lbs., 4.94 40 - (2nd-3rd)
DE Romeo Okwara, No. 45, 6'4 - 260 lbs., 4.83 40 - (5th-6th)
DE Ishaq Williams, No. 11, 6'4 - 271 lbs., 4.76 40 - (6th-UFA) Out for the year, Academics. Williams lost eligibility appeal. He was suspended in 2014 as part of an academic fraud case. Williams was formally readmitted by Notre Dame, but Williams did not enroll in school, leading to the NCAA rejecting his eligibility appeal to play this year. Williams has returned to school and is on track to for his degree, but he isn't allowed to practice with the team this fall.
OLB *Jaylon Smith, No. 9, 6'3 - 235 lbs., 4.67 40 - (1st)
ILB Joe Schmidt, No. 38, 6'0 - 235 lbs., 4.84 40 - (6th-7th)
+CB *KeiVarae Russell, No. 6, 5'11" - 190 lbs. 4.49 40 - (2nd) Cleared by NCAA and reinstated. Missed 2014 season due to academic investigation. Out for six to eight weeks with a broken tibia in his right leg.
SS Elijah Shumate, No. 22, 6'0 - 213 lbs., 4.54 40 - (6th)
Stanford is known as a program that produces NFL ready type talent; therefore, 49ers' scouts likely have several players targeted. We start things off with Stanford QB Kevin Hogan, No. 8. Hogan displays the physical attributes of a NFL caliber quarterback (6'4" - 225 lbs.), but his funky delivery, sporadic accuracy, and inconsistency is a problem for the next level; however, he does come from a pro-style offense and has a strong arm, great instincts, toughness, and sneaky athleticism. Hogan efficiency has been steadily improving as of late, and it appears Hogan is staying on track becoming more consistent. Through twelve games, Hogan is 185/271 with a 68.3% completion percentage, 2,500 yards, and a 23/7 touchdown to interception ratio.
WR Devon Cajuste, No. 89, is another big-bodied receiver (6'4" - 229 lbs.) displaying decent speed, fair route running skills, great ball control, and strong hands. Cajuste will not blow people away with his speed, but utilizes his physicality, body control, and surprising quickness off his breaks to gain separation and win at the catch. He has inconsistent hands, but brings value as a solid blocker. Cajuste's stats ten games in: 25 receptions, 357 yards, averaging 14.3 yards per reception, and 3 touchdowns.
TE Austin Hooper, No. 18, is a junior that may take advantage of the anemic tight end draft class and declare for the 2016 NFL Draft. Hooper displays an excellent combination of size (6'4"), speed, ball skills, and strength. The former De La Salle High school defensive end has a quick release off the snap and into his excellent route running, where he uses sound awareness to find holes in the defense, impressive subtle movements (hands and head-fakes) at the top of his route to gain separation, and boxes out defenders with his large frame to win at the catch with solid strong reliable hands always extending to give the quarterback a large target. Hooper has a long stride to gain separation and the deceptive speed to win in the seam going vertical, and he is a very smart football player consistently finding a way to get open. Hooper is a quarterback's dream, easily capable of making the hard catches underneath and a mismatch nightmare over the top. Hooper's stats 29 receptions, 406 yards, averaging 14 yards per reception, and 6 touchdowns.
The Cardinal's OT Kyle Murphy, No. 78, showcases great size, (6'7" - 298 lbs.), quickness, flexibility, and length (long arms). The left tackle is solid in pass protection with quick movement, and displays power in the run game driving defenders with aggression. He also has experience playing right tackle (cue 49ers interest), which is his likely home in the NFL. He accepted his Senior Bowl invite.
OG Joshua Garnett, No. 51, is a very large mauler interior lineman with NFL size (6'5 - 325 lbs.), strength, length (long arms), and power. Garnett is a brawler in a phone booth, and although he may not have nimble feet and the ideal athleticism (has balance issues), the power he generates from his lower half is impressive driving defenders with ease. Garnett also comes from NFL bloodlines, with his father, Scott Garnett, being a former NFL nose tackle. He accepted his Senior Bowl invite.
ILB Blake Martinez, No. 4, is not overly athletic, but has tremendous instincts, good lateral quickness, awareness, good at shedding, and has a knack for always being around the ball with his high-motor. Martinez does not take false steps, shows good burst and closing speed, and is a sound and reliable tackler. He looks like a 3-4 ILB who will bring value on special teams. He accepted his Senior Bowl invite. Martinez's stats twelve games in: 118 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1 interception, and 5 pass deflections.
Another Stanford Cardinal to keep an eye on is OLB Kevin Anderson, No. 48. At 6'4" 245 pounds, Anderson brings an NFL caliber frame to go along with his impressive awareness, intelligence, and a non-stop motor. Anderson displays nice explosion, closing speed, and is a sound tackler. Unfortunately, Anderson has been sidelined as of late (going on four games now) with an ankle injury. Anderson's stats eight games in: 38 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and 1 fumble recovery.
Stanford
QB Kevin Hogan, No. 8, 6'4 - 225 lbs., 4.86 40 - (5th)
RB Remound Wright, No. 22, 5'9 - 204 lbs., 4.59 40 - (UFA)
RB Barry Sanders, No. 26, 5'10 - 198 lbs., 4.54 40 - (UFA) Son of the great Hall of Famer Barry Sanders.
WR Devon Cajuste, No. 89, 6'4 - 229 lbs., 4.60 40 - (4th-5th)
TE *Austin Hooper, No. 18, 6'4 - 248 lbs., 4.76 40 - (2nd-3rd)
OT Kyle Murphy, No. 78, 6'7 - 298 lbs., 5.19 40 - (2nd-3rd) Accepted Senior Bowl invite.
OG Joshua Garnett, No. 51, 6'5 - 325 lbs., 5.38 40 - (3rd) Accepted Senior Bowl invite.
DE Brennan Scarlett, No. 17, 6'4 - 265 lbs., 4.96 40 - (UFA) Grad transfer from California.
OLB Kevin Anderson, No. 48, 6'4 - 245 lbs., 4.84 40 - (7th)
ILB Blake Martinez, No. 4, 6'2 - 247 lbs., 4.79 40 - (4th) Accepted Senior Bowl invite.
FS Kodi Whitfield, No. 5, 6'2 - 204 lbs., 4.58 40 - (UFA)
LS Reed Miller, No. 67, 6'2 - 220 lbs., 5.14 40 - (UFA)