Saturday NFL Draft watch notes

We're officially into the homestretch of the college football season with most teams having only four games left to play. As such, many juniors are running out of time to impress before they decide whether or not they'll enter the 2012 NFL Draft. In today's notes some of those players are pointed out, among other things. We'll have individual posts previewing LSU/Alabama later today to go along with the Iowa/Michigan and South Carolina/Arkansas ones that are already up. Also make sure to check out 3k's watch list index. Print this out and have it with you during games.

The book is out on Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones and it's practically a best seller. The junior struggles greatly in the face of pressure. If Jones wants to disprove his critics, his best chance the rest of this season comes today against Texas A&M. The Aggies can get a great rush from Sean Porter, who has 12 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks this season, and up the middle from tackle Tony Jerod-Eddie. That could cause Jones to throw the ball in bad spots. If A&M star cornerback Coryell Judie plays (he's questionable), Jones could be in for a long day. Jones needs to show he can be composed, step up around the pressure and deliver the ball.

Also worth noting in this game is the A&M running back duo of junior Christine Michael and senior Cyrus Gray. Michael is having the better season, but Gray at times shows better potential. I like Gray's ability to get into another gear and break away from the defense. He seems like the kind of player who will be better in the pros than he is in college. Michael is a stronger back who has three consecutive games of 100 yards or more rushing.

Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon could have his hands full today if he matches up against Kansas State's Nigel Malone, with help over the top from safety Tysyn Hartman. Kansas State could be physical with Blackmon, who is coming off a phenomenal game against Baylor.

Wisconsin's Kevin Zeitler is one of the best pure guard prospects in the nation. He's a powerful player who is strong at the point. He could best tested considerably today if he lines up against Purdue's Kawann Short, a good gap shooting tackle. Short will test Zeitler's footwork all day, so this could be a fun one-on-one showdown to observe.


Following two straight losses, and a poor first half performance against Oklahoma State, the draft buzz surrounding Baylor's Robert Griffin is beginning to sputter. How does Griffin bounce back today against Missouri? The Tigers can bring some pressure from their ends, so Griffin's poise will be tested.

There is some buzz growing about South Florida senior cornerback Quenton Washington. He could become a draftable player if he does well today against Rutgers wide receiver Mohamed Sanu.

Flawed Arizona State linebacker Vontaze Burfict could answer a lot of questions today against UCLA. Bruins running back Jonathan Franklin is a quick runner who will test Burfict's change of direction ability. Burfict could also be asked to drop back in coverage to play against UCLA's enormous junior tight end Joseph Fauria.