One of my favorite things to look for in the NFL draft, is the small school prospects. In my home state of Delaware, we have nothing but small FCS Delaware and Delaware State, and Div 3 Wesley College. Last year, I had the pleasure of watching University of Delaware’s pro day and watching Zach Kerr of the Indianapolis Colts work out. This year, we have a quite a few smaller school guys to watch for. Small division 1, FCS, and Div 3 have at least one prospect. Let’s take a look at my top small school prospects to watch.
FBS Small School Prospects
Wes Saxton – TE – South Alabama
Brandon Bridge – QB – South Alabama
Qushaun Lee – LB – Arkansas State
Kent Kern – LB – Miami (OH)
Michael Orakpo – LB – Texas State
Ezell Ruffin – WR – San Diego State
Jahwan Edwards – RB – Ball State
Travis Greene – RB – Bowling Green
Travis Raciti – DL – San Jose State
Jean Sifrin – TE – UMASS
All of these players have showed something against bigger schools. Brandon Bridge could be a quality project QB with a big upside. Qushaun Lee along with other LBs could be good late round LBs that can have an impact on special teams. Travis Greene is an explosive RB, that teams could target in lat rounds.
FCS Small School Prospects
Tevin McDonald – S – Eastern Washington
Jaquiski Tartt -S – Samford
Lynden Trail – EDGE – Norfolk State
Nick Boyle – TE – Delaware
Michael Johnson – WR – Delaware
Derrick Lott – DL – UT-Chattanooga
Davis Tull – EDGE – UT-Chattanooga
Tre McBride – WR – William & Mary
Mike Reilly – EDGE – William & Mary
Zach Zenner – RB – South Dakota State
John Crockett – RB – North Dakota State
Ryan Delaire – EDGE – Towson
Tye Smith – CB – Towson
Division III Prospect
Ali Marpet -OG/C – Hobart
Tevin McDonald (From UCLA) is a top 5 safety by many scouts. Lynden Trail and Nick Boyle made names for themselves by making plays in the Senior Bowl, against bigger competition. Derrick Lott, Tre McBride, John Crockett, Zach Zenner, and Jaquiski Tartt showed flashes of ability in the East West Shrine game. Mike Reilly isn’t a well known name right now, but he showed toughness and ability playing against Delaware, Virginia Tech, and Virginia. Ali Marpet really flashed his ability to play against big time competition in the Senior Bowl.
This Draft is not short on small school prospects. The ones I’ve listed, are all players, that I feel can make an impact at the next level. Most of them are developmental, but guys like Tre McBride, Mike Reilly, Lynden Trail, Derrick Lott, and John Crockett could possibly be long term starters.
