USA TODAY International Edition
Wentz tops intriguing prospects for combine
The NFL’s focus on college prospects will sharpen when the scouting combine begins Feb. 24 in Indianapolis. To give an early breakdown, here are eight of the most intriguing draft prospects:
1. Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State: No player is as likely to confound and divide opinions in the manner as Wentz, who went unnoticed by many because he was at the Football Championship Subdivision level. To some, his body of work at North Dakota State indicates a physical and mental readiness to be a high- end starter after an adjustment period. But any slip- ups will draw close inspection, as he is bound to be one of the draft’s most scrutinized players.
2. Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Mississippi: Reconciling potential with production will prove difficult in Nkemdiche’s case. He also was banned from the Rebels’ bowl game after being charged with marijuana possession. The athleticism is enticing, but Nkemdiche could be in for a wait if teams can’t account for his shortcomings.
3. Noah Spence, DE, Eastern Kentucky: Spence’s career at Ohio State came to an abrupt end when he was banned from the Big Ten in 2014 after two failed drug tests. But with NFL teams mining the draft for elite traits, Spence didn’t stay out of the spotlight for long. His explosion off the edge makes him one of the draft’s most dynamic talents. But Spence will have to convince a team that he has learned from his past.
4. Myles Jack, LB, UCLA: Much like Smith, Jack will need to check out medically after he suffered a season- ending torn meniscus in September, though the former Bruin is further along in his recovery. If he recaptures his pre- injury form, Jack offers tantalizing versatility. Though he lacks ideal size at 6- 1, 245 pounds, he can alter games from almost anywhere on the field.
5. Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame: Smith has the makeup of a top- notch three- down linebacker, but he’s just a month removed from tearing the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his left knee.
6. Jared Goff, QB, California: The front- runner to be the top quarterback taken, Goff is about to go through the NFL’s ringer of pre- draft scrutiny. He throws with remarkable anticipation and displays impressive pocket awareness. But questions about how he’ll advance from Cal’s simplistic offense will linger until he gets to work with a pro team.
7. Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor: As the draft’s best big- play threat, Coleman is an instant offensive jump- start. The Biletnikoff Award winner is extremely difficult to cover downfield and wins on contested catches despite being 5- 11 and 190 pounds. Coleman’s route running and run blocking are underdeveloped after playing in Baylor’s system, and he’ll have to cut down on his drops.
8. Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis: Lynch’s inclusion here would have seemed odd at the beginning of the 2015 season, but he was plenty impressive while leading the Tigers to an 8- 0 start. A crash- landing in his bowl game against Auburn, in which he completed 16 of 37 passes for 106 yards with no touchdowns and an interception, raised concerns after a season mostly spent picking on lower competition.