Notre Dame should lead Indiana college players in NFL Draft
By PAUL SIEGFRIED
ISL Correspondent
Several players from Indiana colleges may hear their names called over the three days of the National Football League draft that begins with Thursday’s first round in New York.
The draft continues with the second and third rounds on Friday and the final four rounds of the seven-round draft on Saturday.
Notre Dame leads the way with the possibility of having three players chosen in the first round with defensive linemen Stephon Tuitt and Louis Nix, along with offensive lineman Zach Martin. Another half-dozen former Fighting Irish players should be chosen.
Indiana, Purdue and Ball State each have players that could get picked.
Here’s a look at the top prospects from Indiana colleges with scouting breakdowns, and where they can expect to be chosen:
Quarterback
Keith Wenning, Ball State
Has the size pro scouts like and was very productive. Competition level and arm strength are the biggest questions. Played in shotgun and spread offense almost exclusively and will have to adapt to taking snaps under center.
Could get a look late in the draft but most likely will be a top free agent signee. Certainly will be in training camp with someone but will need to find the right fit to stick as a developmental prospect.
Tommy Rees, Notre Dame
Plenty of experience at the highest levels, but was too inconsistent over his career. Good understanding of the game. Showed he can handle pressure. Limited athletically and does not have strongest arm.
Probably goes undrafted. Might get a look in free agency.
Running Back
George Atkinson, Notre Dame
Good size-speed ratio, but never lived up to expectations with the Irish. Couldn’t separate himself in the crowded backfield and eventually lost carries to other backs. Not a power runner despite being 6-1, 220. Runs too upright and does not have good instincts. Might have a future as a kick returner. Measurables could get him drafted late.
Wide Receiver
TJ Jones, Notre Dame
Had a very productive career at Notre Dame. Good technical receiver and route runner, but doesn’t have the top-end speed to separate or the size to go up and over defensive backs. Future as a pro will come as a slot receiver. Good leadership qualities.
Could go as high as third round or may drop to fifth.
Cody Latimer, Indiana
Has good size and frame and is very strong for a receiver. Good in and out of routes but lacks a quick first step or extra burst. Can go and get the ball. Should develop into a solid NFL receiver.
Rising on the draft boards. Originally slotted in the fourth or fifth round, could go as high as the second round.
Willie Snead, Ball State
Productive with the Cardinals, but is undersized and did not run well at the Combine or at his pro day, which hurt his draft stock. A smart playmaker with good receiver skills.
Could get drafted late, but most likely will get to camp as a free agent. Will really have to impress to stick on a final NFL roster, though.
Tight End
Troy Niklas, Notre Dame
The latest in a line of solid TEs coming out of South Bend and making the leap to the NFL. Only two years experience at the position after starting ND career as a linebacker. Has a huge frame (6-7, 270) to be an excellent in-line blocker. Has good hands and is a big target over the middle or in the red zone. Still learning the position and needs to refine his route-running. Big upside.
Should be a second-round choice. Won’t last past early third round.
Ted Bolser, Indiana
Good size at 6-6 and was a big end zone target for the Hoosiers, grabbing 6 TDs. Not a great blocker and has short arms and small hands.
Most likely will get into a camp as a free agent, and could stick as a third tight end.
Offensive Line
Zack Martin, Notre Dame
Two-time captain for the Irish, started all 52 games of his career including last 39 at left tackle. Good technician and is light on his feet. Team leader. Can play anywhere on the line. Is a bit short-armed, which may keep him from being a top NFL tackle, but should be a solid lineman in the league for a decade.
This year’s draft is deep in top lineman. Martin is a certain first-round choice, expected to go in the second half of the opening round.
Chris Watt, Notre Dame
Solid guard prospect who isn’t overly athletic, but has a tough streak. Doesn’t make many mistakes. Doesn’t have very long arms and can be pushed into the backfield. Not very instinctive and has a bit of an injury history. Should be a decent pro.
Could go as early as the third round but may fall into the fourth round.
Kevin Pamphile, Purdue
Good size and length at tackle. Has decent quickness with solid footwork and balance. Still is very raw and learning the position. Needs to develop more of a mean streak. Not instinctive.
Could be a late-round choice. Will need some time to develop.
Defensive Line
Stephon Tuitt, Notre Dame
Versatile defensive lineman who can line up at 3-technique or can move out over the tackle at DE. Long arms and moves well for 6-6, 305. Productive pass rusher. Very strong at point of attack and pursues well down the line with the ability to stack and shed. Not quick with first step and does not use hands and arms to move blockers. Needs to play with more intensity.
Solid first-round grade.
Louis Nix, Notre Dame
Prototype nose guard in a 3-4 defense. Huge, space-eating two-gapper. Good strength to collapse the pocket. Solid tackler. Decent in pursuit but sometimes gets legs cut out. Stamina and weight are a concern. Coming off surgery for a torn left meniscus.
Was top-rated DT on the board early, but has slipped as of late. Still should be a first-rounder, but may drop into early second.
Bruce Gaston, Purdue
Good size and athletic ability. Has strength to anchor against the run and push the pocket against the pass. Can be dominant at times. Four-year starter. Inconsistent effort. Did not play up to expectations in his senior year.
Projected fifth- or sixth-round pick.
Linebacker
Prince Shembo, Notre Dame
Has big hands and is strong, plays well at the point of attack. Has good side-to-side movement and uses balance well to get to ballcarrier. A bit undersized and speed is only average. Not overly instinctive. Struggles a bit in pass coverage. High motor. Would fit best in 3-4 defense as outside linebacker.
Should go in fourth or fifth round.
Jonathan Newsome, Ball State
Ohio State transfer who played two years for the Cardinals. Has very good speed off the edge and can pursue laterally. Has the ability to drop in coverage and is a solid tackler. Needs to add some bulk and strength. Can get pushed back against the run. Has had some character issues early in career but maturity has improved since arriving in Muncie. Best fit is as a rush linebacker.
Projected for rounds five or six.
Cornerback
Bennett Jackson, Notre Dame
Good size and athletic ability. Former wide receiver with with good hands and speed. Needs to get stronger and develop better instincts and technique. Not a great tackler. Still learning the position.
Size and speed will get him drafted in rounds four or five.
Ricardo Allen, Purdue
Productive ballhawk who took four of his 13 career INTs for scores. Tenacious, four-year starter with good mental makeup for the position. Athletic and fluid with good closing skills. Is undersized and needs to be stronger and is inconsistent against the run. Only average speed and is susceptible to double moves.
Projected sixth or seventh-round choice
Punter
Cody Webster, Purdue
Has strong leg with ability to flip the field. Was a finalist for Ray Guy award. Could double as kickoff specialist. Struggled with directional punting and was too inconsistent.
Could be a late draft pick, but most likely will go undrafted. Will be in an NFL camp and will have a good chance to stick with a team.
