/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57280729/599237086.0.jpg)
Offense
Josh Adams, RB
School: Notre Dame | Conference: Independents
College Experience: Junior | Age: 21?
Height / Weight: 6-2 / 225 lbs
I don’t know about you but from where I’m sitting this year’s RB draft class has the potential to be the best we’ve seen in some time from a talent perspective. I think that's saying a lot considering the amount of talent that has come into the NFL at the position just in the last two years but if just half of these junior declare RB needy teams around the league should be handsomely rewarded up and down the draft. One back adding to the talent is Josh Adams. Adams is doing so well that some are calling for him to receive Heisman consideration. They have an argument. Adams is currently averaging 9.2 yards per carry. He has 967 rushing yards in just 7 games and 8 touchdowns on the year. He’s not used much in the passing game but he has some skills there as well. With suspect QB play its no surprise the Irish have relied heavily on their effective run game. Adams destroyed USC’s defense with 191 rushing yards and 3 rushing touchdowns. Keep an eye on him, he’s a bit stiff but he’s fast and powerful.
Why does ESPN refuse to talk about Josh Adams as a Heisman candidate? Believe me, no one has ever run the ball like him before!
— Notre Dame Trump (@realNotreTrump) October 22, 2017
STOP THE FIGHT! Josh Adams takes the carry 89 yards right up the middle for the TD! #USCvsND #GoIrish pic.twitter.com/mFEUUtFibc
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) October 22, 2017
#NotreDame RB Josh Adams belongs in the Heisman discussion.
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) October 22, 2017
17 carries for 174 yards (10.2 avg) and 2 TDs through 3 quarters tonight.
Josh Adams in a 52-17 win vs. Miami (Ohio) : 8 carries, 159 yards & 2 TD's pic.twitter.com/aiMErgsyDg
— Lee Harvey (@MusikFan4Life) October 1, 2017
There goes Josh Adams! The RB goes 73 yards to put #NotreDame up 14-0 over UNC! #NDvsUNC pic.twitter.com/RNzOLidHZn
— Chat Sports (@ChatSports) October 7, 2017
Royce Freeman, RB
School: Oregon | Conference: PAC 12
College Experience: Senior | Age: 21
Height / Weight: 6-0 / 238 lbs
Some team might get a steal when they select Royce Freeman in the upcoming draft. Freeman if healthy is one of the best running backs in the country. He combines speed, power, and elusiveness in his game and is so tough to bring down. The catch with Royce is that he hasn’t been 100% healthy in nearly two seasons. With little (and some not so little) nagging injuries here and there it’s been a while since he’s shown evaluators a complete game at his best. Nevertheless, he still flashes his talent running the ball and is Oregon’s best hope on offense. Freeman currently has 957 rushing yards in 8 games with 10 touchdowns. He’s also not too shabby catching the ball and displays great vision in space. This past week he ran for 160 yards against UCLA.
Royce Freeman has topped 100 rushing yards for the 27th time in his career, breaking a tie with LaMichael James for most in Oregon history. pic.twitter.com/ZdUes4AyDC
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 21, 2017
Oregon RB Royce Freeman did what he could in the Ducks loss against UCLA - gaining 81 of his 160 yards after contact against the Bruins. pic.twitter.com/gwtwE5KtQc
— PFF College Football (@PFF_College) October 22, 2017
HISTORY. MADE.
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) October 22, 2017
Royce Freeman scores the ultimate Milestone Moment by becoming @OregonFootball's all-time leader in rushing yards! pic.twitter.com/uSkaF3Npws
Royce Freeman's final 2 carries vs Cal. Blows up LB on 1st. Vision and lateral burst on 2nd before hurting shoulder & sitting rest of game. pic.twitter.com/QHwK4BqByA
— Rob Rang (@RobRang) October 5, 2017
Don't give Royce Freeman space. You wouldn't like Royce Freeman in space.
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) September 17, 2017
(We like it.) #UOvsWYO
@CBSSportsNet pic.twitter.com/9fHdx1Cjbd
Derrius Guice, RB
School: LSU | Conference: SEC
College Experience: Junior | Age: 20
Height / Weight: 5-11 / 218 lbs
Guice has gotten off to a slow start this season especially against SEC opponents but did wonders for his stat line this past weekend when he absolutely gashed Ole Miss to the tune of 276 rushing yards and a touchdown. Guice now has 711 rushing yards through 7 games with 6 touchdowns. He’s been a little banged up and the LSU offensive isn't made up of All-American but you still expect a bit more out of Guice who is slated to be a feature back in the NFL. This game was a good indicator of his health going forward and it showed you just how huge of a playmaker he can be. Let's see if he can establish a more consistent pace throughout the rest of the season.
He's been hurt so we haven't talked about it enough, but Derrius Guice's character/work ethic/leadership are excellent. Folks love him
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) October 21, 2017
Derrius Guice is the first player in SEC history with three 250-yard rushing games in his career. pic.twitter.com/GcUoNAdSJP
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 22, 2017
Derrius Guice 58-yard run. pic.twitter.com/Toq3BeHFq8
— Fusue Vue (@lifesyourcup) October 22, 2017
Derrius Guice 48-yard run that opened the half. pic.twitter.com/6eiKJixOlK
— Fusue Vue (@lifesyourcup) October 22, 2017
Michael Gallup, WR
School: Colorado State | Conference: PAC 12
College Experience: Senior | Age: 22?
Height / Weight: 6-1 / 200 lbs
Michael Gallup is currently leading the nation in receiving yards. When you think of Colorado State football you don’t think top anything (no offense to any fans) but Gallup is certainly one of the top receivers in the nation. He was already coming off an impressive 2016 season where he put up 1,200+ yards and 14 touchdowns. This year through 8 games he already has 1,011 yards and 5 touchdowns. Gallup caught my attention a few weeks ago when Colorado State went up against Alabama. They lost, predictably, but Gallup still put up decent numbers against one of the top defenses/secondaries in the country. Gallup was a junior college product before arriving at Colorado State but has a refined skill set catching the ball. If Gallup can keep up this pace expect to hear his name more and more as the season goes on.
Michael Gallup making it look so easy #JUCOPRODUCT pic.twitter.com/UFLBeuWMkM
— JUCO Football Frenzy (@JUCOFFrenzy) October 15, 2017
Your new, national receiving leader: Michael Gallup. @scohenPI
— Jared Stanger (@JaredStanger) October 22, 2017
Michael Gallup will play on Sundays. And Mondays. And Thursdays.
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) October 15, 2017
CSU receiver Michael Gallup’s rising NFL stock draws pro comparison to Anquan Boldin: https://t.co/UxXmPpPWp5
— Denver Post Sports (@DPostSports) October 14, 2017
In one of the more impressive receiving performances of 2017 to date, Colorado State WR Michael Gallup was unstoppable against Nevada. pic.twitter.com/JBuTmQRVVN
— PFF College Football (@PFF_College) October 15, 2017
That's a CATCH! IDC! Former (Butler CC) JUCO Star WR Michael Gallup #JUCOPRODUCT pic.twitter.com/cuWjCrgqTw
— JUCO Football Frenzy (@JUCOFFrenzy) September 17, 2017
Michael Gallup. Legit. pic.twitter.com/gLc3ZxR6XO
— Adam Amin (@adamamin) October 19, 2017
Defense
Poona Ford, DL
School: Texas | Conference: BIG 12
College Experience: Senior | Age: 22?
Height / Weight: 6-0 / 305 lbs
The Longhorns have a disruptive defensive tackle who always seems to be collapsing the middle of the pocket and makes his way into the backfield. Poona Ford is getting comparisons to current Steeler Javon Hargrave because of his stature and disruptive ability. This past week Poona Ford was nothing short of an annoyance for the Oklahoma State offensive line. Ford recorded 2.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble. Ford is a core player in Texas’ defensive line and through his play and efforts disrupts the flow of the intended play which allows his teammates to finish things off. I’m looking for Ford to put up more production than what he has thus far but he’s trending in the right direction.
Massive turnover by Texas' defense. Poona Ford with the strip. DeShon Elliott jumps on it. pic.twitter.com/Ef4ZewxAf8
— Ezra Siegel (@SiegelEzra) October 21, 2017
Bingo RE: Poona Ford. Natural leverage w/ his power, quickness and violent hands = a daunting combination for blockers. https://t.co/HkHgVmC7Bv
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) October 21, 2017
I loved DT Javon Hargrave as a NFL prospect. I think Poona Ford is similar in a lot of ways. Size might scare some but I'm trusting the tape https://t.co/R7RFSzIEKn
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) October 21, 2017
Texas NT #95 Poona Ford is a menace. Quick off snap, has some snap in his hands, locates ball quickly, and finishes!
— Todd McShay (@McShay13) September 27, 2017
#Texas DL Poona Ford had himself a strong first half. Goes unblocked and shows the foot quickness in pursuit at 5'11''/303. pic.twitter.com/fvHc6ByGxR
— Jonathan Valencia (@JonValencia_WiB) September 19, 2017
Marcus Davenport, EDGE
School: UTSA | Conference: C-USA
College Experience: Senior | Age: 22?
Height / Weight: 6-7 / 255 lbs
Davenport is going to be one of the biggest risers in the draft due to his great play over his career at UTSA. Davenport set to have a career year statistically as he already has 12 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks through six games. He is a terror off the edge and has a bit of dog in him and is exceptional at finishing plays. Davenport is primarily used as a defensive end at UTSA but is asked to drop back into coverage on occasion and is not too shabby at it. Davenport is and will continue to crush the competition in the CUSA I really want to see him against P5 competition and (hopefully) can’t wait to see him at the Senior Bowl.
Opposing QBs beware, Marcus Davenport returns to doing Marcus Davenport things next Saturday. #BirdsUp pic.twitter.com/y0jHyKNJdl
— UTSA Football (@UTSAFTBL) September 30, 2017
Southern Miss was just introduced to Marcus Davenport. ☠️ pic.twitter.com/rWQe1EY1zZ
— UTSA Football (@UTSAFTBL) October 7, 2017
Marcus. Davenport. Covers on third down, sack on fourth. Plays the tuba when the offense has the ball.
— SWC Round-Up (@swcroundup) October 22, 2017
#UTSA DE Marcus Davenport #93 was dominant vs. UNT: 4 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 1 FF...6-6, 255 athlete w/ hoops background. NFL excited about him. pic.twitter.com/EJVzXiSqZQ
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) October 16, 2017
Marcus Davenport is the real deal. Dude is #NFL ready... #UTSA ..y'all see the way he exploded to the back field and stopped that play? God!
— Jabari Young (@JabariJYoung) October 7, 2017
Marcus Davenport had 3 of the 7 QB pressures — all in the 1st quarter — moving him atop the program's career chart with 18.#BirdsUp pic.twitter.com/HXaH61yA3k
— UTSA Football (@UTSAFTBL) September 18, 2017
Marcus Davenport pic.twitter.com/NUVS9DhegD
— Christian (@ChristianR_Vill) October 21, 2017
Garrett Davis, S
College: Houston | Conference: AAC
College Experience: Junior | Age: 21?
Height / Weight: 6-1 / 205 lbs
Houston has produced some talented defensive backs over the past couple of years with William Jackson in 2016 and Howard Wilson in 2017 Garrett Davis may be the next to hear his name called in 2018. Davis already has 4 interceptions on the season and has great range and instinct from the safety position. What’s most impressive to me is his vision and discipline spying the QB’s eyes while in zone coverage. His instincts allow him to get great jumps to break up passes or take them the other way. Davis is also a decent tackler and can stop guys in their tracks when he lines his body up and gets low. This past week Houston played Memphis and Davis recorded a pair of tackles and an interception returned for 58 yards. I’m excited to see what he can do in the second half of the season.
Ed Oliver is the star, but the #Houston Def features two really gifted junior DBs.
— Eric Galko (@OptimumScouting) October 19, 2017
CB#14 Isaiah Johnson and SAF#1 Garrett Davis (below) pic.twitter.com/FfPRxTzaTM
Garrett Davis with the pick to set Coogs up in the red zone. @UHCougarFB #HTownTakeover pic.twitter.com/stI7YEpnyO
— SWC Round-Up (@swcroundup) October 20, 2017
A throwback to a play featuring a current Redskin
Wow Garrett Davis for Houston just leveled Samaje Perine. That's impressive. pic.twitter.com/pdL0zfzCMO
— Andy Liner (@Atrainliner) September 3, 2016
Garrett Davis for Houston is an NFL player. Always flashing. Tracks and smacks.
— EricInsideTexas (@EricNahlin) September 10, 2017
Tremaine Edmunds, LB
School: Virginia Tech | Conference: ACC
College Experience: Junior | Age: 21?
Height / Weight: 6-5 / 250 lbs
It’s rumored that Edmunds could be in the 1st round conversation if he decides to declare this year. Edmunds is one of the most athletically gifted linebackers in the country and is a hard hitter to boot. He’s coming off an impressive sophomore season where he recorded 16.5 TFLs. He’s not likely to hit that number again with 5.5 heading into week 9 but he is still flashing the athletic and physical skills that make him so alluring to scouts. He’s a bit raw to me so I would like him to tighten up his technique especially getting off blocks but I can see why some are very excited about him especially at the inside linebacker position. I’ll be looking for him to finish more consistently when rushing the passer and hope to see him add a couple more forced fumbles on the year too.
Va Tech LB Tremaine Edmunds has been consistently all over the field for the Hokies. pic.twitter.com/m3pa31oJFb
— PFF College Football (@PFF_College) October 23, 2017
Tremaine Edmunds is a football player, man. Shuts Kelly Bryant down right away on a key third down. pic.twitter.com/dVU8NJpvlq
— Riley Auman (@junioraumanac) October 1, 2017
Does your team look like they need a LB after September? Perhaps VT's Tremaine Edmunds is for you. https://t.co/Bjfop3mXwx
— Kyle Crabbs (@NDTScouting) October 4, 2017
#VaTech LB Tremaine Edmunds showing the ability to close space and make the tackle #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/Uios2lnNnZ
— d money 313 (@airdeemoney30) October 4, 2017