16. South Carolina Gamecocks
Players to watch: RB Mike Davis, OL A.J. Cann, OT Corey Robinson, QB Dylan Thompson, WR Shaq Roland
The outlook: The Gamecocks' rise to prominence has been directly tied to stellar recruiting and player development under Steve Spurrier. Since taking over in 2005, the wisecracking coach has produced 28 NFL draft picks, including the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 draft, Jadeveon Clowney. The pipeline remains full with Davis, Cann and Robinson poised to make their mark down the road. With a couple of former four-star recruits biding their time in Columbia, NFL scouts are certainly keeping an eye on the Gamecocks' program.
Newcomer in the spotlight: WR Shaquille Davidson. The Gamecocks have quietly produced quality NFL receivers under Spurrier, which is why Davidson is a youngster to keep an eye on in the fall. The four-star recruit is expected to vie for playing time early as a complementary weapon on the perimeter.
17. Texas A&M Aggies
Players to watch: OT Cedric Ogbuehi, WR Ricky Seals-Jones, WR Speedy Noil
The outlook: After supplying the NFL with six first-round picks since 2011, the Aggies are firmly entrenched as one of the marquee programs in the minds of scouts. The tradition could continue with Ogbuehi viewed as one of the top offensive tackles in the country. Seals-Jones is a big-bodied pass catcher in the mold of Mike Evans. Noil could make an immediate impact for the Aggies as a dynamic athlete with home-run potential.
Newcomer in the spotlight: QB Kyle Allen. The top-ranked quarterback recruit in the country is in line to replace Johnny Manziel as the Aggies' starting quarterback. While he lacks the pizzazz of his predecessor, he is a natural pocket passer with big-time potential.
18. Auburn Tigers
Players to watch: QB Nick Marshall, WR Sammie Coates, DE Carl Lawson, C Reese Dismukes
The outlook: The quick resurgence of the Tigers under coach Gus Malzhan shouldn't come as a surprise due to the presence of several NFL-caliber talents on the roster. Auburn has always ranked as a top destination for scouts looking for difference makers on both sides of the ball, and that should continue for the foreseeable future with guys like Coates, Dismukes and Lawson occupying key roles on the team. Marshall's unconventional game might result in a position switch at the next level, but his athleticism and playmaking potential could help him carve out a career as a pro.
Newcomer in the spotlight: WR D'haquille Williams. The JUCO transfer turned heads in spring practices with his speed and athleticism. He could pay immediate dividends as a complementary playmaker opposite Coates in the Tigers' spread offense.
19. Oklahoma Sooners
Players to watch: OLB Eric Striker, G Adam Shead, OT Daryl Williams
The outlook: Since taking over as head coach in 1999, Bob Stoops' program has produced 73 NFL draft picks, including 13 first-round picks. The steady stream of talent has made Norman a destination visit for NFL scouts looking for hardworking players with blue-chip ability. Striker certainly will intrigue scouts looking for a dynamic pass rusher with disruptive potential. QB Trevor Knight opened up some eyes with a spectacular Sugar Bowl performance. Scouts will closely monitor his development to see if he can be a franchise quarterback at the next level.
Newcomer in the spotlight: RB Joe Mixon. The Sooners' prized recruit was expected to energize an offense that has lacked a dominant playmaker in the backfield since Adrian Peterson departed, but an off-the-field issue threatens to end his Oklahoma tenure before it gets started.
20. Miami Hurricanes
Players to watch: RB Duke Johnson, LB Denzel Perryman, TE Clive Walford, DE Anthony Chickillo, CB Ladarius Gunther
The outlook: The "U" remains a must-visit for NFL scouts despite the program's struggles over the past few seasons. The Hurricanes have cleaned up in recruiting since coach Al Golden's arrival, which is why the team routinely features some of the best skill-position players in the country. Johnson is the headliner of the program as arguably the top runner in college football. Perryman is a terrific sideline-to-sideline defender with outstanding instincts and intangibles. He has a chance to be a first-round selection in the 2015 draft.
Newcomer in the spotlight: OT Kc McDermott. When the Hurricanes have been at their best, they have been anchored by a strong offensive line with blue-chip talent on the edges. McDermott is a standout left tackle prospect who could push for playing time early in his career as a blind-side protector.
Follow Bucky Brooks on Twitter *@BuckyBrooks.*
