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Shon Coleman has top-10 potential

#1 Joey Bosa (DE, Ohio State)
#2 Robert Nkemdiche (DE, Ole Miss)
#3 Laremy Tunsil (T, Ole Miss)
#4 Tre’Davious White (CB, LSU)
#5 Jaylon Smith (LB, Notre Dame)
#6 Shon Coleman (T, Auburn)
#7 Laquon Treadwell (WR, Ole Miss)
#8 Paxton Lynch (QB, Memphis)
#9 Cameron Sutton (CB, Tennessee)
#10 Jack Conklin (T, Michigan State)
#11 Eli Apple (CB, Ohio State)
#12 Taylor Decker (T, Ohio State)
#13 Michael Thomas (WR, Ohio State)
#14 Reggie Ragland (LB, Alabama)
#15 Tyler Boyd (WR, Pittsburgh)
#16 Kendall Fuller (CB, Virginia Tech)
#17 Adolphus Washington (DT, Ohio State)
#18 Germain Ifedi (T, Texas A&M)
#19 Jalen Ramsey (CB/S, Florida State)
#20 DeForest Buckner (DE, Oregon)
#21 Darron Lee (LB, Ohio State)
#22 Braxton Miller (WR, Ohio State)
#23 Corey Coleman (WR, Baylor)
#24 Ronnie Stanley (T, Notre Dame)
#25 Will Redmond (CB, Mississippi State)
#26 Jared Goff (QB, California)
#27 Su’a Cravens (S, USC)
#28 Eric Striker (LB, Oklahoma)
#29 A’Shawn Robinson (DT, Alabama)
#30 Ezekiel Elliott (RB, Ohio State)
#31 Myles Jack (LB, UCLA)
#32 De’Runnya Wilson (WR, Mississippi State)

1. It was tempting to put Shon Coleman in the top five as the best offensive lineman in college football. For the last weeks he has been the best. Laremy Tunsil will return from suspension for Ole Miss against Texas A&M. I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt for now that he can finish the season strongly. Coleman is legit though and could overtake him. It’s astonishing that nobody talks about him. For weeks he’s been excellent — and he saved his best showing for Kentucky last week. Whether he plays guard or tackle, Coleman is a fantastic prospect and he’s massively underrated. Ronnie Stanley also had a good performance against USC and warranted some attention this week.

2. It’s still early days but there’s potential for a flurry of offensive lineman to leave the board early. The real strength of the draft could be O-line, cornerback and receiver. All three are likely need positions for the Seahawks. Do they have to replace Russell Okung? Even if he’s re-signed they could use an upgrade at left guard, center and right tackle (Coleman, Conklin & Decker arguably suit a switch to the right). Jermaine Kearse is a free agent, Doug Baldwin is a free agent in 2016 and none of the rest of the group have really stepped up. Is there enough talent at corner to persuade the Seahawks to consider an early investment instead of the usual fifth round flier? Tre’Davious White, Cameron Sutton and Eli Apple lead a terrific crop of corners.

3. We’ve talked a lot about Paxton Lynch but he continues to make giant strides towards being the top QB in this class. Technically he’s showing week-to-week improvement. Against a first-rate Ole Miss team he made several outstanding plays. One example was a four-read progression before an accurate dart to the outside for a third down conversion. His third score was a beautiful (yet safe) deep-ball to the back-shoulder. His interception (first of the season) came on a tipped pass that should’ve been caught. He didn’t come close to another turnover. Teams will look at his flaws and feel they’re much more fixable than the other players eligible for this class. He also has a signature win in the bank too. If Memphis keeps winning — Lynch’s stock will sky rocket.

4. Whatever the Seahawks do early, keep an eye on Eric Striker throughout this process. He has a natural feel for the game with excellent athleticism. He set an Oklahoma record for career sacks by a linebacker and he’s won games for the Sooners. He roams around the field and just seems to be constantly around the ball making plays. Bruce Irvin is going to be a tough keep for the Seahawks and Kevin Pierre-Louis didn’t exactly excel against Carolina. Striker is a passionate, outspoken and highly motivated individual. After watching him for the last three seasons he really gives off a ‘Hawks vibe. Can he go in day one? Maybe, depending on his combine. If he’s there in rounds 2-3 he could be a genuine option for Seattle.

5. It’s another group of outstanding receivers. Laquon Treadwell has soft hands, excellent body control, the ability to make difficult catches look easy and he’s enough of a size/speed athlete to warrant early first round attention. Michael Thomas is big and fast and made a huge statement with his stop-and-go domination of Kendall Fuller. Tyler Boyd is Percy Harvin-lite (without the headaches) while Braxton Miller is possibly the best player ‘in space’ in this class. Baylor’s Corey Coleman has made endless plays all year and he’s a stunning athlete — but he needs to stop mailing in snaps when he knows he isn’t getting the ball. De’Runnya Wilson is a basketball player with great size. He has a few mental drops but he’s in the Kelvin Benjamin class in terms of potential.

Quick thought on the Seahawks

They just have to execute. It sounds simple. Yet if they execute in the previous two weeks like we know they’re capable, this is a 4-2 team. They should’ve won in St. Louis too — and could’ve won in Green Bay. This is a loaded roster rich in talent.

Last year they went to San Francisco and snatched away any chance the 49ers had of the post-season. Time for history to repeat itself.

Forget the negativity. Move forward. One win ignites the season.

Shon Coleman is having a fantastic 2015 season

You hear a lot about Ronnie Stanley, Taylor Decker, Jack Conklin and a few others.

Not enough people are talking about Auburn offensive tackle Shon Coleman.

That’s a surprise given his amazing backstory (Coleman beat cancer before winning a starting job with Auburn). He’s certainly making up for lost time in 2015. For me there’s no doubt Coleman warrants a high first round grade and he might even be the best offensive tackle in college football.

He has everything you want in a NFL starting OT. He’s too powerful for college defensive linemen — when he locks on it’s over. He doesn’t get beat with the bull rush. He drives people off the ball in short yardage situations. He has that nasty element to his game you want to see — and he LOVES to get to the second level. He can kick-slide with fluidity, takes good angles and he isn’t troubled by speed off the edge. He has a very natural shuffle and mirror and he maintains balance at all times.

I’ve watched several Auburn games this season and I’m struggling to find many flaws.

He’s a monster.

Last night against Kentucky it was more of the same and another masterclass. He played both left and right tackle (and showed no trouble transitioning between the two). For the first two drives he began protecting the blindside and moved to the right side in the red zone. On both occasions Auburn ran to the right and scored touchdowns. On one red zone block he drove a defender deep into the end zone and stuck him on his backside (and let him know about it too).

With 8:39 remaining in the first quarter Kentucky’s #91 shapes to stunt inside from the edge but goes on the outside. Coleman’s kick slide at left tackle is excellent, judging the angle perfectly. If #91 went inside Coleman was just going to stand up and shut him down. He goes on the outside and Coleman doesn’t break sweat with the counter. He engages at pad level and it’s over. He stones #91 dead and finishes the block. He’s just too powerful — #91 can’t get away. He can’t even get his hands up to offer a counter. It’s an absolute pasting as a 1v1 match-up. Auburn’s freshman quarterback has all the time in the world to stand in the pocket and throw downfield for a 41-yard gain.

With 3:21 left in the second half Coleman is lined up at right tackle. From the snap he darts to the second level and connects with the middle linebacker, creating a canyon sized hole for the running back to convert a 2nd and 4 into a first down. On the same drive with 3:05 left in the half, Coleman again explodes to the second level and hammers the middle linebacker, driving him backwards ten yards. The rest of the O-line gets minimal push and it’s a short 2-3 yard gain for the running back. It was funny to see one white Auburn jersey so far downfield, having destroying the linebacker.

His overall technique has improved every single week. He’s delivering a powerful jolt to the chest on most blocks, keeping the defender in front. The footwork is masterful — he’s the prototypical dancing bear. There’s plenty of attitude to his play — he chirps at defenders after successful plays. Coleman frequently puts a guy on the deck, finishing the block.

I’m convinced he can play anywhere on the line. He might start at right tackle and move to the left. He’d be a superb guard. Shon Coleman could be the best 2016 eligible player nobody talks about. He could be the best O-liner in next years class. Coleman is the real deal — and has to be on the radar for any Seahawks fan interested in the draft. They’ll be lucky if they have a chance to select this guy.

Tomorrow’s game to watch

The game of the day for me is Ole Miss at Memphis. This is a major opportunity for Tigers quarterback Paxton Lynch to show he’s the best in the 2016 eligible class — superior to Jared Goff and co.

Lynch has really impressed so far this season. He’s yet to throw a touchdown (he’s had a couple of close calls) and he’s been generally very accurate. He has the kind of arm you’d expect for a 6-5, 235lbs quarterback but he also throws with nice touch and varies his throwing speed. Most impressive is his mobility — he runs the read option with relative ease and is a threat in the running game.

Teams will look at the quarterback class overall and pick holes with every prospect on the board. There’s no Marcus Mariota here, or even a Jameis Winston (sound tape but with character flaws). Every prospect is a project or just average.

Lynch has a skill-set, however, that a team can work with. He can be the big pocket passer but he’s not a statue. He can be elusive, he can run the read-option. It’s not unfair to suggest he could be a poor man’s Cam Newton.

Like Shon Coleman he’s not generating much publicity — but a big performance against a team filled with future NFL players will change that. The only chance Memphis has in this game is if Lynch keeps them in it. Memphis are unbeaten but their defense has conceded a lot of points. Their quarterback has simply scored more.

Ole Miss are a threat to put +40 on the board with Laquon Treadwell back to full speed and a supporting cast good enough to make up for an average quarterback. Lynch will have to be at his best to put pressure on the Rebels and keep this from getting out of hand. He’s good enough to do it, even while facing the likes of Robert Nkemdiche.

He doesn’t have to win the game to make a statement. He just needs to play well. Continue to make big plays, continue to throw accurate passes and try to avoid turnovers. If he makes this a game it’ll go a long way to cementing his place as the top QB for 2016. Don’t be surprised if he’s the toast of social media on Saturday afternoon.

Why not also watch LSU vs Florida? Compare cornerback Tre’Davious White to Vernon Hargreaves. One will be a top-15 pick (White). One will not go in the first round (Hargreaves). My prediction.

Why 31? There are 31 first round picks in the 2016 NFL draft.

#1 Joey Bosa (DE, Ohio State)
His production is down on previous seasons but he’s still the best overall prospect available for this draft class. Endless motor and converts speed to power with ease. Similar to Chris Long who went #2 overall.

#2 Robert Nkemdiche (DE, Ole Miss)
A freak of nature who earlier this year scored a touchdown on a catch and run down the right sideline — moving like a tight end. Nkemdiche also scored a rushing TD. Ignore the production. He will destroy the combine.

#3 Laremy Tunsil (T, Ole Miss)
He’ll be allowed to begin his 2015 season on October 24th vs Texas A&M after the NCAA sanctioned a seven-game ban for accepting benefits. A very rounded blindside blocker if a little sloppy in the midriff.

#4 Tre’Davious White (CB, LSU)
The complete package. Excellent athlete, adept technique and wonderful character. Was awarded the coveted #18 jersey by the Tigers for this season. Has scored a TD on a punt return. Highly underrated and teams will love, love, love Tre’Davious White.

#5 Jaylon Smith (LB, Notre Dame)
Rangy athlete and the modern day NFL linebacker. Can play multiple positions, fly to the ball and go sideline-to-sideline. Very few limitations and will prove to be a safe pick at the next level in a draft without major star power.

#6 Paxton Lynch (QB, Memphis)
Teams will assess this quarterback class and ultimately could decide Lynch is the best bet. He’s 6-5 and around 230lbs but runs the read-option effectively. He’s accurate. He doesn’t turn the ball over. He throws with touch. If he continues his 2015 form he will be the guy.

#7 Laquon Treadwell (WR, Ole Miss)
Ignore the naysayers — Treadwell is the real deal. Crisp routes, competitive in the air, capable of the spectacular and a reliable #1 target in the making. He’s bounced back effectively from last years serious leg injury and looks every bit a future top target.

#8 Cameron Sutton (CB, Tennessee)
While the Vols have had an agonising season for the most part, Sutton has been their shining light. Teams daren’t take him on. On the few occasions he’s been tested, Sutton has looked as smooth as silk in coverage. He’s a great athlete with ideal size and length.

#9 Taylor Decker (T, Ohio State)
The Ohio State O-line hasn’t dominated as much as people expected and I’m going to adjust expectations for Decker as a consequence. At the very least he’ll be an accomplished right tackle in the NFL. Can he play the left side? How athletic is he?

#10 Shon Coleman (T, Auburn)
Having fought cancer, teams will do the necessary health checks. They won’t need to check his heart, determination or love for the game. Coleman puts defensive ends on their ass. Like Decker he might not play left tackle — but he’d be tremendous inside.

#11 Eli Apple (CB, Ohio State)
He’s had a couple of rough outings but still managed to make plays. He has the entire skill set to be a very productive starting NFL cornerback. He will take chances — but he’s a playmaker. You can iron out the creases.

#12 Jack Conklin (T, Michigan State)
Another player who might move to the right side like Decker — but he’s Michigan State’s most talented player. Good enough in pass protection at the college level — Conklin has also improved in the run game. Former walk-on with basketball roots.

#13 Michael Thomas (WR, Ohio State)
Very accomplished receiver with size and speed to burn. The big playmaker for Ohio State this season. Embarrassed Kendall Fuller in the opening week with a stunning stop-and-go route. High-points the ball, gets behind a defense. Superb talent.

#14 Reggie Ragland (LB, Alabama)
Physical, pounding inside linebacker born to play in the AFC North. Hits hard and does a better than expected job at the line and working through traffic. Another big-time linebacker off the Alabama production line.

#15 Will Redmond (CB, Mississippi State)
Talented senior cornerback at 6-1 and decent size. Reads a quarterback well with good instincts to play the ball. Willing tackler but more of a coverage specialist.

#16 Tyler Boyd (WR, Pittsburgh)
Percy Harvin-lite. Not the same kind of athlete as Harvin but could be used in a similar way. Just get the ball in his hands. Has a chance to be special in the right offense. Keep an eye on him.

#17 Su’a Cravens (S, USC)
Every week he seems to find a way to make an impact play. Not many safety’s record his volume of TFL’s. Has the size to play strong safety but the instinct and coverage skills to be more than just a physical force.

#18 Emmanuel Ogbah (DE, Oklahoma State)
It’s difficult to ignore his production (7.5 sacks in 2015) but there are still parts of his game that need improving. A little raw like Ziggy Ansah and perhaps a little less freaky — but he has a shot at round one.

#19 Kendall Fuller (CB, Virginia Tech)
Would be higher but for the injury. Fuller has the bloodlines and looks like the more talented brother. His college debut was a sight to behold, flashing his natural talent. If he heals properly he will be a first or second round pick in 2015.

#20 Germain Ifedi (T, Texas A&M)
A mountain of a man but similar to previous A&M left tackles hasn’t always looked settled in his new position. Could easily be a big riser in the post-season.

#21 Darron Lee (LB, Ohio State)
Perhaps Ohio State’s most underrated big talent. Lee roams around the field like Ryan Shazier used to. He isn’t close to Shazier’s unreal speed and athleticism — but he has enough to go in round one.

#22 Jalen Ramsey (CB/S, Florida State)
I’m not the big fan a lot of other people are. He’s playing as a tweener, lining up at safety and corner. The tape at corner isn’t fantastic. It’s OK. I think he ends up at safety full time.

#23 DeForest Buckner (DE, Oregon)
Not the same kind of upside as Arik Armstead but possibly a more accomplished player. He had a couple of sacks against Washington State to establish some momentum. Let’s see if he can finish the year strongly.

#24 Braxton Miller (WR, Ohio State)
The best player in space? Possibly. The Buckeyes aren’t using him as much as they could — but Miller is a genuine playmaker and a threat to make major gains on every snap. Watch his juke against Maryland. Watch his spin move against Virginia Tech. Watch him catch the ball. Miller is just getting started.

#25 Jared Goff (QB, California)
Capable of beautiful, surgical passes — but also capable of ugly turnovers and decision making. He has a shot at the next level but is he going to go very early or in the Teddy Bridgewater/Derek Carr range?

#26 Eric Striker (LB, Oklahoma)
People knock Striker because he’s small for a linebacker and big for a safety. The guy makes plays. He has the record for sacks by a Sooners linebacker. He gets everywhere. He’s physical and an athlete. Teams will love him. Players will love playing with him.

#27 Adolphus Washington (DT, Ohio State)
He scored a touchdown against Western Michigan and just draws attention up front with an active motor. He has the versatility to play end or tackle. He defends the run but also has the first-step quickness to penetrate.

#28 De’Runnya Wilson (WR, Mississippi State)
He has some character flags and the production isn’t enormous — but there just aren’t many human beings that can do what De’Runnya Wilson does. He’s a basketball player at receiver who makes the tough grabs. Has some concentration drops but so did Kelvin Benjamin.

#29 A’Shawn Robinson (DT, Alabama)
Hasn’t been anything more than average so far. Defensive tackles fell last year and you have to wonder if he’s anything more than a solid starter? Robinson and UCLA’s Kenny Clark could easily be judged as second round options.

#30 Ezekiel Elliott (RB, Ohio State)
The thing that maybe hurts Elliott? The loaded class of RB’s expected in 2017. He’s averaging 6.9 yards a carry and does everything well. Whether he’s a feature runner at the next level remains to be seen. He might fall to a good team.

#31 Myles Jack (LB, UCLA)
I think he will go in the top-45 despite the injury. There’s a lot to like about Jack — who played some running back as well as linebacker at UCLA. If he heals well pre-draft he can go earlier than this projection.

The overrated four (in my view)

#1 Vernon Hargreaves (CB, Florida)
Like several previous high-profile Florida cornerbacks, there are some questions. His play can be erratic, especially his tackling, and there are just better cornerbacks available in this draft.

#2 Ronnie Stanley (T, Notre Dame)
At no point have I been truly convinced by Stanley and from what I’ve seen this year — he’s trending downwards if anything. I just don’t see a competent NFL lineman. He has time to show more.

#3 Cardale Jones (QB, Ohio State)
The last thing he should be thinking is ‘NFL’. Go back to Ohio State. Mature. Get some games. You’re not ready.

#4 Connor Cook (QB, Michigan State)
A thoroughly average passer without any special traits. Throws too many contested passes and rarely throws a guy open. Has mediocre games against sub-standard opponents. ‘Big’ win against Oregon now looking a little more routine.