The 2015 college football regular season and post-season have come and gone, which means the NFL draft season is upon us; therefore, let the uncontrolled giddiness commence! In the next two weeks, three college football all-star games will help NFL talent evaluators, draft analysts, and couch GM's decipher the best of the best senior prospects in this years' class. For those selected few seniors, it's their last chance to play collegiate football competitively against quality talent, where iron sharpens iron in hopes of increasing a players' draft stock or create a memorable and lasting blip on an NFL teams' radar.
The second college football all-star game on the slate is the East-West Shrine Game (played on January 23rd). Players from both rosters will be coached under the tutelage of NFL guidance with Charlie Weiss coaching the East roster and June Jones coaching the West roster. Today, we take a look at a couple of standout players on the offensive side of the ball from each squad. Greg Valerio will be back later today with a look at the defensive side of the ball. Enjoy!
Vernon Adams, QB, Oregon
No. 3, 6'0, 200 lbs.Could 49ers new head coach Chip Kelly be targeting Oregon's quarterback, Vernon Adams? The team met with Adams after one of the Shrine Game practices earlier this week. He is the exact fit in Kelly's style of offense, and could potentially create huge QB controversy if drafted. Adams, a transfer from Eastern Washington, was by far one of the most underrated players in FBS this year. In the nation, he finished 20th in completion percentage, while finishing first in passer rating and yards per attempt. One thing that stands out to you when you first glance at the film of Vernon Adams is his ability to throw the deep ball. He can extend plays with his legs and throw with great accuracy on the run. However, he doesn't rely on his feet (Russell Wilson trait) like many of the mobile college quarterbacks. His throws over the middle of the field scare me at times, as well as his decision making when having to react quickly. There's only one question left to ask, Keapernick or Adams?
Projection: 5th-6th
Hunter Sharp, WR, Utah State
No. 4, 6'0, 200 lbsTo say the least, Sharp is a well-rounded wide receiver. The Junior College transfer has a ton to show for while at Utah State. In his career with the Aggies, (two years) he garnered 137 receptions for 1,774 yards and 16 scores. My assessment on Sharp is that he is more quick than fast, resulting in him being a lighting bolt in and out of his breaks. He also retains outstanding body control and is very instinctive when the ball is in his hands after the catch. While transitioning to the NFL, Sharp must expand his route tree and add bulk to become even more dangerous than he already is. At the next level, he looks to be a nice complementary slot receiver.
Projection: 7th
Nate Sudfeld, QB, Indiana
No. 12, 6'6, 240 lbsThe senior ranks second all-time with a 60.6 completion percentage at Indiana. One thing that all scouts will tell you is that Sudfeld (6'6", 240 lbs) hands down passes the eye test, with flying colors. Sudfeld's arm strength is probably the best facet of his game. Man does he have a cannon, much like the one of Ravens franchise quarterback, Joe Flacco (pro comparison). His presence and poise in the pocket are out of this world, which is hard to find nowadays considering the talent that comes off the edge and up the middle on the defensive line. Nate's biggest negative is his inconsistency whenever he takes the field, and that's not something you can just blow over, especially when you play in the National Football League. One play Sudfeld will throw a dime that seems nearly impossible, then the very next play will be a ball in the dirt to a wide-open receiver. Overall, I would take the risk on Sudfeld, but late in the draft.
Projection: 7th-UDFA