South Roster Preview – Terrance Williams and John Jenkins Headline the South Roster

I’ve already previewed the North Roster for the Senior Bowl. Now here are the players to watch on the South Roster during Senior Bowl week:

QB EJ Manuel, Florida State University:

Manuel is a 2-year starter with the Seminoles, and has developed into a quality starting quarterback. He’s got good size, a big arm and great speed, but has been inconsistent against some big opponents. Overall, he displays good accuracy, but it remains to be seen if he can throw into the tighter windows at the next level. With the success of the read option in the NFL this past year, Manuel could be a hot commodity given his speed. He still needs a little development time, but given his upside, expect him to go in the late 2nd or early 3rd round.

QB Landry Jones, Oklahoma:

Jones took over for former 1st overall pick Sam Bradford at Oklahoma and was expected to have a similar career path. Through the start of his sophomore season, Jones looked to be a potential high 1st round pick. He’s regressed these past two years, and questions have sprung up about his downfield accuracy, decision making and mobility. He played in a spread system in Oklahoma, and has struggled when asked to make reads and progressions. Jones needs to have a strong week in Mobile if he wants to overcome these concerns with his game. He remains a big, strong-armed quarterback that could go anywhere in the 3rd – 4th round range.

WR Terrance Williams, Baylor:

Williams is a big play receiver with great long speed. He led the NCAA in yards per catch this past season, and was still able to produce without Robert Griffin III and Kendall Wright on offense. Right now he’s still more of a deep threat, and needs to show he can run more of the entire route tree. He has high upside and should go off the board in the early 2nd round.

WR Ryan Swope, Texas A&M:

Swope had a starting role for the Aggies these past 2 years and has been an integral part of their passing attack. He profiles as a slot receiver, and shows good quickness in the short area. He doesn’t have great long speed, but should still be attractive to teams given the greater use of the slot receiver. He should go off the board in a late 3rd to early 4th round.

TE Michael Williams, Alabama:

Williams was essentially a 6th offensive lineman for the Crimson Tide. He’s a big, strong, physical tight end who is a devastating blocker and can be a match-up problem for smaller defensive backs and linebackers. He lacks great speed, which will keep him from being drafted high, but a smart team who emphasizes the running game will get excellent value in the 5th round or later from Williams.

OT DJ Fluker, Alabama:

Fluker is a rare, highly-touted offensive lineman, in that he profiles almost exclusively as a right tackle. Fluker though was among the best right tackles in college and easily make the transition to the next level. He’s a devastating run blocker, who still holds up well against the pass rush. He has a good anchor, and is the type of lineman when he gets his hands on you, he finishes the play. He should go off the board in the high 2nd round.

OT Lane Johnson, Oklahoma:

Johnson was Landry Jones blindside protector this past season and quickly made a name for himself in the Big 12. He shows good footwork and is quick enough to get to the edge. He helped keep Jones to be one of the least sacked quarterbacks in college football, despite the fact that Oklahoma is pass-first team and Jones has questionable mobility. He’s trending upward, and could go in the top 20 picks of the 1st round.

DT John Jenkins, Georgia:

Jenkins was the star of the Georgia Bulldogs defensive line this year, playing primarily the nose tackle position. He forced constant double-teams that allowed the rest of the Georgia defense to make plays. Despite all the attention he was getting from offensive lineman, Jenkins still got a high level of penetration and made plays in the backfield. Jenkins fits in either a 4-3 or 3-4, but would have his highest value as a nose tackle on a 3-man line. Jenkins should be drafted in the top 25 picks.

S Bacarri Rambo, Georgia:

Rambo was the playmaker of the Georgia secondary and double digit interceptions over the last two years combined. He’s a rangey free safety with good size and excellent speed. The biggest question mark that he faces is his ability against the run. Rambo does excel in coverage, which should keep him as one of the top safeties drafted this year. Expect him to go in the late 2nd or high 3rd round.

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