Orange Bowl Prospect Preview:

Here’s a quick look at some of the 2012 NFL Draft Prospects in tonight’s Orange Bowl:

West Virginia:

DE/OLB Bruce Irvin (number 11)- Irvin came into the year with first round aspirations as a pass rushing specialist. His sacks are down this year as teams are giving him more attention, and he hasn’t been that good in defending the run. He does offer a great motor and good first step, so some NFL team will bite on him early, but he should probably be used only in a situational role in his first couple of years. Look for him to be a 2nd or 3rd rounder.

CB Keith Tandy (number 8)- Tandy is a solid cornerback, who displays good ball skills (9 INT’s the last two seasons combined) and pretty solid tackling skills. He isn’t an instant starter, but could help early on as a nickle corner. I think he’s a 4th to 5th round pick at this point.

OT Don Barclay (number 64)- Barclay has been a very good college lineman for the Mountaineers. He’s been a 3 year starter for WVU, with the last two years at LT. While physically he isn’t the most imposing lineman, his production, and work ethic should earn him at least a utility role in the NFL. He’s probably in the 6th round range right now, but could be a nice diamond in the rough.

DL Julian Miller (number 97)- Miller started out his career as a DE, but moved inside his senior year. He profiles best as a DE in a 4 man front (despite a lot of work in WVU’s 3 man front), but don’t be surprised if he is this year’s Pernnel McPhee, an undersized guy who can succeed as a 3-4 DE. He probably needs to bulk up some, but he is a very good pass rusher and should help out as a backup early on. I think he’s a 5th to 6th rounder right now, but could easily jump up the draft boards.

Clemson:

DT Brandon Thompson (number 98)- Thompson is one of the best defensive tackle prospects in this draft. He could play in either a 4-3 or 3-4 system as a run stuffing D-lineman. He is capable of forcing and fighting off double teams, and gets solid penetration overall. He still needs to get off the line a bit quicker, but has the upside to be a top level DT in the NFL. He projects as a 1st or 2nd rounder and should hear his name called in the first 50 selections.

TE Dwayne Allen (number 83)- Allen is arguably the best TE prospect in the draft (if he declares) and profiles as a top level pass catching TE. Allen’s blocking is pretty good for a guy known for his receiving ability, and with some development could project to be NFL quality. He excels at blocking smaller defensive backs and linebackers, but has struggled when asked to take on a defensive lineman. As he adds strength and improves his technique, he should be the all-around TE that NFL teams dream about. He looks to be a 2nd round prospect right now.

DE/OLB Andre Branch (number 40)- Branch is one of the better pass rushers in college football. He has 10.5 sacks on the year, and has a knack at getting after the QB. He might not be the fastest pass rusher in the world, but he’s smart. He doesn’t take false steps, and has good angles of pursuit to the QB or ball carrier. He’s in the 2nd to 3rd round range right now, but given the lack of quality pass rushers in this draft, he should be a 2nd rounder.

FB Chad Diehl (number 30)- Diehl isn’t really an offensive threat at all, but he is a tenacious lead blocker and one of the best in college football. He also has shined on special teams, which should help earn him a spot on an NFL roster. He looks to be a 7th round prospect at this point.

DL Rennie Moore (number 94)- Moore hasn’t gotten a starting role until this year, given the Tigers impressive defensive line talent, but he has made the most of his time on the team. Even in a backup role Moore always found himself around the ball, and this year as a starter he’s got 4 sacks and 41 tackles. He’s a bit undersized right now for the NFL, but should get a late round look, esp. if he bulks up some. Solid developmental 7th rounder right now, who’s stock is trending up.

OL Antonie McClain (number 74)- McClain is a 3 year starter at guard for the Tigers and has some NFL potential. He’s a power blocking guard, who really shines in run blocking. He has some struggles against quick inside moves, but overall looks to be at least NFL backup caliber. He should be in the 7th round mix, but could move up with good workouts.

Those are the top players to scout tonight in the Orange Bowl for this year’s draft class, but both teams have plenty of future talent as well to keep an eye on!.