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College football is right around the corner, so what better time to take an early sneek peak at who to watch this up-coming season. As usual, we have some pretty big holes to fill on this team, so I will take a look at the top three positions of need and some college studs who could help fill those positions. As always, feel free to add names to this list in the comments section.
Offensive Tackle:
Luke Joeckel*(Texas A&M 6'6" 310) - We probably have no shot at the projected number one offensive tackle on most scouts boards, but we may have a shot at his teammate(who I will preview below). Joeckel will be the measuring stick for this class.
Chris Faulk*(LSU 6'5" 323) - I see a bit of former Tiger Joseph Barksdale when I watch Faulk play. He is too good to last into the second round, but I list him here as well, as he will be another measuring stick for offensive tackles.
D.J. Fluker*(Alabama 6'6" 335) - Here is my favorite offensive tackle in this class. Although only a junior like the previous two, this kid has stud written all over him. Again, probably a pipe dream to last into the second round, but crazier things have happened.
Jake Matthews*(Texas A&M 6'6" 305) - Here is the kid I covet most at offensive tackle, who could possibly last into the second round. He and Joeckel are both going to make excellent pros.
Taylor Lewan*(Michigan 6'7" 310) - I have mixed feelings about Lewan. He reminds me of Nate Potter, with the excellent feet he has for such a big man, but I question his desire and tenacity. He should have a good year blocking for Robinson in Brady Hoke's open attack.
Cornerback:
Xavier Rhodes*(Florida State 6'1" 217) - This my friends is a big physical corner with speed. I didn't list the top two corners on here, as I believe they will both be first round picks, but Rhodes is no slouch himself. He could easily go in the first round, but if he fell, I'd be happy to see him in Burgundy and Gold.
Tyrann Mathieu*(LSU 5'9" 178) - Ah yes, the Honey Badger. Tyrann got himself into a little trouble and that could cost him a big pay day, but if he slips in the second, he's a talent too good to pass up.
Dee Milliner*(Alabama 6'1" 198) - Yet another big corner with excellent speed. Many are comparing Milliner to Kirkpatrick, who was a first round pick in 2012. I don't see him going as high as his former teammate, but he has the talent to be just as good.
Carrrington Byndom*(Texas 6'0" 180) - This kid has elite speed, and although he's not as physical as some of the previously mentioned corners, he has great instincts and awareness.
Terry Hawthorne(Illinois 6'0" 190) - Hawthorne is a typical cover 2 corner who will come up and smack you right in the mouth. His measurables are not off the charts like some of the others on this list, but he is smart, savvy and has great ability and work ethic to make him even better.
Safety:
Robert Lester(Alabama 6'2" 212) - Lester can play either free or strong safety, and this versatility will make him an attractive option to many NFL teams.
Tony Jefferson(Oklahoma 5'10" 200) - I really like the upside of Jefferson. He is good in coverage, but will also come up and lay the wood when necessary.
Kenny Vaccaro(Texas 6'1" 215) - Vaccaro is a strong safety candidate who is a tad stiff in the hips, but shows good range and straight-line speed. Excellent option in the second or third round.
Bacarri Rambo(Georgia 6'0" 210) - Rambo is one of my favorite second round prospects in the 2013 draft class. Not only can he play both safety spots, but he can also returns kicks. Big upside with this kid.
Matt Elam*(Florida 5'10" 202) - Elam is a former corner back who converted to safety. He is a kid, like some I have previously mentioned, who could project to both strong and free safety. I have him as a later second, early third round prospect right now, but with his ability, that could easily change.
I wanted to add one more category to my list of needs and that would be running back. I know people complain about taking a running back high in the draft, but there are a few special ones, who could be worth a look in the second or third rounds.
Running Back:
Ed Lacy*(Alabama 5'10" 220) - man do I like Lacy. He has a great combination of size, speed vision and power, and could be a great fit for a zone running team. Did I mention he can pass block!
Knile Davis(Arkansas 6'0" 226) - What a prospect this Junior is. Ever heard about "southern speed"? Well look no further than Davis for the definition of this. This kid is the complete package built in the mold of Darren McFadden.
Andre Ellington(Clemson 5'9" 192) - This guy is electric. He is a bit on the smaller side, but boy is he elusive, with that extra gear you look for in a good running back. I would target him in the third round.
*Denotes undersclassmen