Markus Golden, a former JUCO star, is ready for a big season
— Markus Golden (DE, Missouri) is one of the more underrated pro-prospects in college football. We talked about him back in May as a potential breakout candidate. His state line against South Dakota State in week one? 10 tackles, three for a loss and two sacks. Only one player troubled Ja’Wuan James (first round tackle from Tennessee) last season — Markus Golden. Keep an eye on him.
— Devin Funchess (WR, Michigan) has switched from tight end to receiver this year. He’s 6-5 and 230lbs, he’s incredibly fluid running downfield and it’ll be interesting to see how he adapts to the change. On Saturday he had seven catches for 95 yards and three touchdowns. Considering he only had six total touchdowns last season, this is an impressive start. He has the potential to be a first round pick next year.
— The West Virginia/Alabama game featured two intriguing receivers. Amari Cooper is well known and he finished with 12 catches for 130 yards. He’s going to get a ton of targets this year — new starting quarterback Blake Sims pretty much looked his way on every read. He’s adept at getting open and he runs crisp routes. You still have to question what his ceiling is at the next level given his lack of size. Is he another Marqise Lee/Robert Woods? WVU’s Kevin White has the size (6-3, 210lbs) and could be set to deliver on his massive potential. He’s a senior and recorded nine catches for 143 yards and a score.
He has a fantastic size/speed combo and he can high point the football. The way he comes back to the quarterback is reminiscent of Sidney Rice. He’s suffered with confidence issues in the past. Last year he managed just 507 yards from 35 receptions. This is a better West Virginia team and he’s another prospect who could really emerge this season.
— Nebraska’s highly rated pass rusher Randy Gregory hurt a knee against Florida Atlantic. It’s not said to be serious, but it’s something to monitor.
— Todd Gurley (RB, Georgia) had a sensational performance against Clemson. He had a 23-yard touchdown, a 100-yard kick return TD, an 18-yard score and then a 51-yarder. Georgia didn’t ask him to do too much and that’s the way it has to be. I’m not sure he’ll ever be a 25-30 carry runner who wears down a defense over time. He’s an impact playmaker. He finished with 198 rushing yards from 15 carries. It’s also worth noting Clemson’s run defense isn’t the greatest.
— Oklahoma announced yesterday that receiver Dorial Green-Beckham will be forced to sit out the season. The Sooners had requested a waiver for DGB after he was dismissed by Missouri. He’ll not play football this season — so will he declare for the 2015 draft?
Rob,
I just wanted to let you know that the embedded videos are all on auto play and may be too much for some browsers to handle.
Thanks for the note. I’ve removed some to try and make it easier.
Rob, this problem is making it almost impossible for me to be on your your site… Three videos open at the same time, my Flash crashes and then the whole thing freezes. Any chance you could set it so we have to push something to get a video to play?
I will sort it ASAP, apologies.
With Avril, Schofield, McDaniel, and Kevin Williams httting free agency next year, I guess D-line will be the top priority in next year’s draft. Probably can’t do much in free agency given the contract extension for RW.
The cap will be increasing as well. We won’t be out on a spending spree but there will be some flexibility.
McDaniel is under contract through 2015.
But yes, I would not be surprised if 2 of our first three picks next year are DL. One Interior, one edge. Even if we can keep Avril
Paid extra attention to the Washington @ Hawai’i game. Running back Joey Iosefa is a 245 lb. bruiser for Hawai’i and was impossible to bring down at first contact. Not sure how fast he is, but he has an intriguing style.
I really liked what I saw from Devin Funchess and that Michigan game. The stiff arm from the 2nd touchdown was nice to see.
I don’t think it matters whether Gurley can be a 25-30 carry a game back, since those guys don’t exist in the NFL. Marshawn has averaged 19.5 carries a game in his time in Seattle and LeSean McCoy lead the league in rush attempts last year with 19.5. Gurley has the frame to push 30 carries once or twice a year if he needs to, but it’s unlikely he’ll be asked to do that very often.
While watching Golden keep an eye on these other Mizzou players
Shane Ray DE – he is the other end but May project to Leo
Dan Hoch DT – late round type who projects as a Tony McDaniel clone
And two true sophs for future reference
Josh Augusta DT #97 – He’s a baby Huey interior kid. He’s a LOAD. Still figuring it out.
Evan Boehm – Starting C but started every game as a true freshman at RG. Almost certain to get all SEC consideration.
Rob, what do you think about Shawn Oakman?
And priorities for next draft from Seattle… DT, DE, RB high and TE CB OL in late round?
Not seen the SMU tape yet but it’s on the schedule. I think as of today the priorities are almost all on the D-line.
I saw the game live in my market and Oakman was an absolute monster. He is the next Aldon Smith. Because of him Baylor now has a semblance of defense which might see them playing for the National Championship. Not sure how his lost year of eligibility last season effects his draft status but if he qualifies to declare he will be a top 10 pick.
Who watched the cowboys and Seminoles game? JW Walsh looks young but man he’s good!