Our analysts are constantly talking to their NFL and college sources about players in the college game. In this space each week, Daniel Jeremiah, Bucky Brooks, Charles Davis and Lance Zierlein share some of what NFL folks are discussing in their circles.
The scoop: "My big problem with Ty Montgomery is that he looks better on paper than he does on grass." -- AFC West scout
The skinny: Listed at 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, Montgomery, who has already been ruled out for Saturday's game vs. UCLA (shoulder), has good top-end speed and a shredded physique. He looks the part of a big-time college wide receiver and NFL prospect, but his numbers haven't matched that perception this year; he has yet to exceed 100 yards in a game and has just three TD catches. The scout believes Montgomery is "too musclebound for his frame" and wonders if he has true wide receiver athleticism over combine athleticism. When the season began, there were some who had placed Montgomery in the first round. That might no longer be the case.
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The scoop: "Rashad Greene is a nice player, but I worry about his lack of strength. He's probably going to play in the slot and I don't know if he'll physically hold up in there." -- AFC executive
The skinny: Greene has been an ultra-productive wide receiver at Florida State, breaking the school record for receptions and yards. But his slight frame (verified 5-11 1/2 and 175 pounds) will give some scouts pause and ultimately could keep him out of the top tier of receivers in the 2015 draft class. He contemplated coming out last year but returned to work on his game. His route-running is among the best in college football.
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The scoop: "I still believe in Ogbeuhi. He's just thinking too much about his technique instead of relying on his natural ability. He could be a draft-day steal." -- AFC scout on Texas A&M OL Cedric Ogbeuhi
The skinny: The assumption by this scout is that Ogbeuhi will drop in the draft after a season in which he has moved from left tackle to right tackle -- the opposite progression for his highly rated predecessors at A&M. While his coach insists the move wasn't made because of struggles, there are some who have assigned Ogbuehi a mid-round grade less than a year after he said he received a first-round grade from the NFL Draft Advisory Board.
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The scoop: "More than looks the part. Massive man who can rush the passer, play the run and is violent on the field. But still raw and needs consistency. Another year in school would be good for him." -- AFC scout on Baylor DE Shawn Oakman
The skinny: There's no doubt Oakman could use another year in school, but if he chooses to come out, he'll be tough to pass up; legitimate pass rushers always are, and Oakman has tons of potential. He's coming off a monster game, recording six tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble against Oklahoma State.
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The scoop: "Body type screams Anquan Boldin. This kid is much faster, but unfair to say he competes for the ball the way Boldin does. That's a rare trait ... but I like Goodley a lot. Will create a bunch of issues with his physicality." -- NFC South scout on Baylor WR Antwan Goodley
The skinny: Goodley is solidly built. At a verified 5-10 and 221 pounds, he looks more like a running back than a receiver. It's been reported he ran the 40 in 4.39 seconds, but most expect him to be in the mid-4.4s in pre-draft workouts. His ability to run after the catch separates him from most of his competitors in the senior wide receiver class.
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The scoop: "I keep going back to this kid. Doesn't wow you, but he produces each week. I think he will rise in the ranks the more people study him. Runs with vision, power, and some agility. Wants the ball." -- NFC scouting director on Minnesota RB David Cobb
The skinny: Cobb isn't on the same level as Todd Gurley or Melvin Gordon, but the buzz around him continues to grow. He's on the verge of setting the all-time rushing yardage mark at Minnesota, although an injury might force him to sit out the Gophers' crucial game this week against Wisconsin. He's a jack-of-all-trades running back who will find a spot in the NFL.
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The scoop: "It's too bad Texas wasn't able to hire Charlie Strong a year earlier. It's like night and day watching Texas defensive players from 2013 to now." -- AFC North scout
The skinny: Over the last few years, Texas has developed a reputation for recruiting five-star talent and then failing to develop those players. On the defensive side, the Longhorns were considered soft and undisciplined, but Strong came in this season and immediately worked to instill discipline and toughness to his team. Scouts say the tape shows that Strong is succeeding with senior LB Jordan Hicks and senior CB Quandre Diggs looking "way more consistent" on tape. Junior DT Malcom Brown has become one of the most disruptive defensive linemen in the Big 12 under Strong and senior DE Cedric Reed is "playing his best football since coming to Texas," according to one scout.
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The scoop: "He's one of the most frustrating prospects to watch on tape, but he could be a dynamic pass rusher as a pro." -- NFC scout on Utah DE Nate Orchard
The skinny: The evaluator's frustration stems from Orchard being misused during the early part of the season when the Utes attempted to move him around to take advantage of his skills as a playmaker. Although he has emerged as the top sack producer in college football, the 6-4, 255-pound senior is at his best when positioned in a "wide-nine" alignment and allowed to chase the passer off the edge. Orchard's ability to turn speed into power is rare. The scout pegged him as a likely Day 2 prospect (Rounds 2-3) in the draft.
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