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.