Three Razorbacks Likely Land in the NFL Tonight
By Chase Foster
Three Razorbacks are likely headed to an NFL team in tonight’s NFL Draft. As many as 16 former Razorbacks participated in Arkansas’ Pro Day in front of 30 NFL teams.
Trey Flowers – Defensive end Trey Flowers is the highest projected pick tonight, according to multiple analysts. He will likely land in the 3rd round, but could jump as high as late in the 2nd round depending on where other defensive lineman end up. Flowers has been tremendous since graduating from Arkansas, impressing many scouts with his versatility at all defensive line positions. The majority of projections predict him to land with the Cleveland Browns in the middle of the 3rd round.
ANALYSIS: (according to Lance Zierlein, NFL.com)
Selected second-team All-SEC in 2014 and 2013. Started every game in 2014 and led team in tackles for loss (15.5) and sacks (6). Missed one game in 2013 with a knee injury. Recorded five sacks that season. Started every game in 2012 and played in every game as a freshman in 2011. Selected to SEC All-Freshman Team. Two-time All-State selection in football and also played basketball in high school.
40-yard dash: 4.83 and 4.87 seconds
Vertical jump: 36 1/2 inches
STRENGTHS
High-motor power end. Uses stab move effectively and is continuing to grow as a pass rusher. Consistent with hand placement and is technically sound. Stacks and sheds in run game. Had a strong game against Texas A&M tackle Cedric Ogbuehi. Good student. Doesn’t look like much athletically, but finds his way to the ball against the run.
WEAKNESSES
Not a quick-twitch athlete. Below-average burst off the snap and and won’t win around the corner very much in pass rush. Not yet advanced enough as a pass rusher to be able to consistently pressure the passer. Nothing special about ability to close on the ball. Limited scheme fit.
MY PROJECTION: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3rd round – 1st selection – 65th overall)
Darius Philon – Defensive tackle Darius Philon was surprise entry into this year’s NFL Draft. He was just a redshirt-sophomore when he left Arkansas, but has proven he’s draft worthy to many teams. He’s projected to go early in the 5th round and I can see that projection being very accurate.
ANALYSIS: (according to Lance Zierlein, NFL.com)
STRENGTHS
Outstanding burst and quickness off the snap. Penetrator with ability to make plays on the other side of the line if he wins early. Able to blow up zone plays with quickness. Plays with desired bend. Uses rip to establish advantage on edge and then plays with leverage to maintain his position through the play. High school defensive end who brings more advanced hand usage and pass-rush moves to the interior spot. Has athleticism to mirror and help contain quarterbacks thinking of bolting from pocket. Plus speed to the sideline in pursuit.
WEAKNESSES
Still growing into his body and needs more time to add bulk. Needs to hit the weights hard in order to handle down blocks and pure power when he gets squared up. Struggles to unhinge himself and get back into the play once he’s snatched by guards with size. At times, gets caught on tape just riding out the snap when initial pass rush stalls. Lacks formidable bull rush. Lacks size and functional power to play in anything but 4-3.
MY PROJECTION: Denver Broncos (5th round – 7th selection – 143rd overall)
Martrell Spaight – Linebacker Martrell Spaight is likely to go late in the 5th round, according to many of the mock drafts. I can certainly see a local team like the Chiefs or Cowboys taking him here. Spaight led the SEC in tackles in 2014, but could still slip to a 6th or or even 7th round selection.
Jan 24, 2015; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad outside linebacker Martrell Spaight of Arkansas (47) enters the field during player introductions before the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The North won, 34-13. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
ANALYSIS: (according to Lance Zierlein, NFL.com)
2014: First-team All-SEC. Started all 13 games at WLB. Led team with 128 tackles. 8 tackles. 2013: Played in nine games with two starts. 2012 (Coffeyville CC): First-team NJCAA All-American. 2011 (Coffeyville CC): NJCAA All-American.
STRENGTHS
Was a two-time JUCO All-American. Plays downhill and will attack his gap. Physical at line of scrimmage and had several tackles for losses. Sees past blockers and displays good ball awareness. Uses his hands to disengage from blockers and is a leverage linebacker. Aggressive in man coverage toward the boundaries.
WEAKNESSES
Will get engulfed by big offensive linemen at times. Does not possess good speed from sideline to sideline. His playmaking radius is very average. NFL scouts worry about his tight hips and ability to cover in open space.
MY PROJECTION: Kansas City Chiefs (5th round – 36th selection – 172nd overall)
A few other Razorbacks are hoping to be selected in this year’s NFL Draft. Among these players are tight end A.J. Derby, defensive back Tevin Mitchel and Arkansas basketball player Alandise Harris, who has worked out for a few teams at tight end.