NBA Mock Draft 2015: Edition 1

Karl Anthony-Towns

1. Minnesota Timberwolves Karl Anthony-Towns, F/C
Despite having the worst record in the league this season, there is general optimism surrounding the Timberwolves, following the superb rookie seasons of Andrew Wiggins and Zach LaVine. The team's core could become even more exciting if they select Towns here. Gifted with great size, Towns showed the potential to be a stretch four, knocking down from mid range and free throws at an impressive rate. He also is a better defender than Jahlil Okafor, something Minnesota will certainly need to add.
2. Los Angeles Lakers Jahlil Okafor, C
The Lakers really hit on their draft last season, picking up guard Jordan Clarkson, who was phenomenal this season, and although we saw just minutes of him before he broke his leg, Julius Randle looked wonderful in preseason. Los Angeles could continue building a future by selecting a truly dominant big man. Okafor will almost certainly improve from the free throw line, and you cannot teach his size and polish around the hoop.
3. Philadelphia Sixers D'Angelo Russell, G
After their stunning trade deadline deals of Michael Carter-Williams (Milwaukee) and K.J. McDaniels (Houston), the Sixers will almost certainly be looking for long term solutions in their backcourt. Russell is perhaps the best pure scorer in the draft, but also possesses great court vision and could grow into a formidable defender. I have questions about his ability to play the point guard position, but he would immediately add scoring punch to a team that needs it.
4. New York Knicks Emmanuel Mudiay, G
In a season filled with embarrassing performances and dealing away the only real pieces they had left, beyond Carmelo Anthony, the Knicks dropping to the 4 spot was a massive disappointment. Still, the team has a chance to snatch up a franchise point guard in Mudiay. A tremendous athlete with great size, Mudiay will have to improve his shooting and decision-making, but will be able to grow under Derek Fisher, a former point guard himself.
5. Orlando Magic Kristaps Porzingis, F
While the first four picks of this Draft certainly aren't set in stone, there is common knowledge about who the top four players in this Draft are. Things get a little more interesting after that, and Orlando has plenty of options. To me, Porzingis offers considerable upside at a need position and will create a wonderful pair with Nikola Vuvecic. The Latvian big man is a great athlete and rebounder but could also grow into a stretch four, which is all the rage in the NBA these days.
6. Sacramento Kings Willie Cauley-Stein, C
Beyond Demarcus Cousins, the Kings' frontcourt is extremely limited and needs to be addressed as Sacramento moves into the George Karl era. Cauley-Stein is still growing as an offensive player but the raw athleticism is there offensively. His strength clearly lies defensively, he is a shot block machine and he moves well enough and has enough recognition that it is reasonable to presume that shot blocking can transfer over to the league.
7. Denver Nuggets Mario Hezonja, G/F
The Nuggets aren't a terrible team, and possibly adding an NBA ready piece could push them back into relative contenders in the brutal Western Conference. Hezonja, a Croatian guard, is certainly ready for the NBA. A gifted shooter with a pure stroke, Hezonja is smooth of the pick-and-roll and a terrific slasher. He didn't see a ton of playing time in the Euroleague, but when given the minutes, he always produces.
8. Detroit Pistons Justise Winslow, G/F
Winslow's stock soared after a wonderful NCAA Tournament, but I still have questions about him, and there is some chance he could drop, though he won't fall past Detroit, who needs a wing. Winslow is a wonderful athlete but is a relatively one-dimensional offensive player, as he lacks consistent shooting. His defense is solid, but he is obviously young and he will need time to grow. Even with his inconsistent shot, he is still a major improvement over the joke Josh Smith was at small forward in Detroit.
9. Charlotte Hornets Stanley Johnson, G
After bringing in Lance Stephenson from Indiana, Charlotte hoped they had solved their shooting guard problems. That was not clearly not the case, as by midseason, the Hornets were looking to trade Stephenson and search for solutions at shooting guard. They can fix them by picking up Stanley Johnson. The Arizona product isn't a consistent shooter, but has natural athleticism and can grow into an elite defender.
10. Miami Heat Kelly Oubre, G/F
Despite having a strong roster last season, the Heat's injuries mounted contributing to a disappointing year without a Playoff berth, even after a late season Goran Dragic deal. Armed with the 10th pick, they can afford to take it on a high-potential, high risk player because he could grow behind their strong starting lineup. Oubre fits that criteria; the former Kansas Jayhawk is a wonderful athlete but is still average in nearly every other part of his game.
11. Indiana Pacers Frank Kaminsky, F/C
A Midwestern kid born and raised and playing college ball at Wisconsin, Kaminsky would be a great fit in the small market Indiana Pacers. The Pacers would also certainly love him, Roy Hibbert's career has seriously gone downhill and his future in Indiana is uncertain and David West continues to age at power forward.
12. Utah Jazz Myles Turner, F/C
The No. 2 prospect in the Class of 2014, Turner had an up-and-down lone season in the Lone Star State with Texas. At times he looked like a legit NBA forward but other times he looked lost and frankly, really bad. Even so, he would be a pretty good fit in Utah. The Jazz top big men, Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors operate solely on the block, and Turner's floor-stretching abilities will provide them with more space.
13. Phoenix Suns Devin Booker, G
Once more, the Suns were good enough to be in the Playoff hunt in the tough Western Conference but still lacked much offensive punch. Adding another dynamic shooter to a backcourt that has weak-shooting guard Eric Bledsoe as it's top player is a great idea. Booker slumped towards the end of his collegiate season, but is a great shooter and has good size for a shooting guard.
14. Oklahoma City Thunder Cameron Payne, G
After dealing away disgruntled Reggie Jackson this season, the Thunder will be searching for a new backup point guard in this draft. Payne, a high volume scorer from Murray State, would be a wonderful pickup. Payne is a great shooter but also has great handles and solid athleticism. He will only grow under the leadership of Russell Westbrook and new coach Billy Donovan.
15. Atlanta Hawks Trey Lyles, F
With Paul Millsap, the Hawks have been gifted with a low cost forward with excellent versatility and a gritty worker. Though, Millsap is aging and his replacement must be drafted soon. Lyles is also a versatile forward with great shooting touch and he will only grow as a scorer on the block, certainly a weakness this past season.
16. Boston Celtics Bobby Portis, F
Despite being a very heralded prospect coming into Arkansas two years ago, Portis struggled in his first season with the Razorbacks for the most part. That completely changed last year, when Portis used a larger frame and more complete jumper to help guide the 'Hogs to their first tournament appearance in a long time. Boston would see him as the top available prospect here, and a long term option at the power forward slot.
17. Milwaukee Bucks Sam Dekker, F
Born and raised in Wisconsin, Dekker stays in the state, as the Bucks take a chance on the forward with this pick. A wonderful NCAA Tournament showcased Dekker's versatility; a 6'9" forward, he can also play multiple positions and shoot the ball effectively. Already with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jabari Parker, the Bucks could continue to add studs to their frontcourt here.
18. Houston Rockets Tyus Jones, PG
No player meant more to his team than Tyus Jones meant to Duke throughout the 2014-2015 season. The true freshman constantly hit big shots late in games, orchestrated a wonderful offense, and was the star in their NCAA Championship victory. Houston needs a backup point guard and Jones certainly would be a steal here, although he has to get stronger and more consistent from deep at the next level.
19. Washington Wizards Kevon Looney, F
With their backcourt clearly set, with John Wall and Brad Beal, Washington continues to work on their frontcourt, one that is devoid of any real prospect to get excited about. Looney was solid this past season at UCLA, but his stock is based mostly on his potential. He is an okay rebounder and decent shooter, but has natural athleticism and will make some crazy plays in the NBA. Unlikely to play big minutes early, Looney will learn and grow in Washington.
20. Toronto Raptors Montrezl Harrell, F
A possible lottery pick if he had entered last year, Harrell made a questionable decision returning to Louisville. He put together a strong year, but there are certainly major questions about his next level strengths. He is a low post player but at 6'7" he won't be big enough to do much in the NBA, and he remains a tweener. Even so, Toronto has depth concerns on the wing, and that may be where Harrell ends up seeing a lot of time in the pros.
21. Dallas Mavericks Jerian Grant, G
The Rajon Rondo experiment in Dallas was a major failure and things got so bad, Dallas essentially told him they were better of without him towards the end of their series against Houston. The Mavs would love to add a guard in free agency, but if they go after a bigger dog (DeAndre Jordan, Lamarcus Aldridge) they won't have the cap. The solution would be picking up Grant here, a seasoned vet who has impressive shooting range.
22. Chicago Bulls Justin Anderson, G/F
Even with a career year from Jimmy Butler and a relatively healthy Derrick Rose, the Bulls still lacked much offensive punch, a major reason they were ousted early in the Playoffs. Justin Anderson would be a great pickup, providing plenty of offensive punch. The Virginia Cavalier product is a gifted shooter and has the mix of size and speed to get to the rim.
23. Portland Trail Blazers Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, G/F
Even with the midseason addition of guard Arron Afflalo, Portland's bench was still a major liability once again, a key reason the team was dominated by Memphis in the Playoffs. Picking up Hollis-Jefferson here would be a major helper. Still growing, Hollis-Jefferson doesn't have much of a shot but has wonderful athleticism and great size for a shooting guard, if that's where he ends up.
24. Cleveland Cavaliers R.J. Hunter, G
Despite flirting with the idea the whole year, Ray Allen never ended up signing in Cleveland, keep LeBron away from help in the form of perhaps the greatest shooter in the history of the sport. I'm not saying R.J. Hunter is Ray Allen, but he certainly is a great shooter, who proved it with his miraculous game winner against Baylor. Hunter put up great numbers at Georgia State, and would provide major floor spacing help to a team that has a lot of penetrators.
25. Memphis Grizzlies Robert Upshaw, C
It's something Memphis may legitimately have to deal with: Marc Gasol leaving to a bigger market this summer, perhaps Los Angeles or New York, when he hits free agency. While Robert Upshaw isn't even close to being the passer or scorer Gasol is, he is a wonderful defender who greatly increased his stock before being kicked out of Washington. If Gasol does leave, Upshaw would be an okay consolation prize.
26. San Antonio Spurs Delon Wright, G
Tony Parker continues to age and Manu Ginobli's career may finally have come to a close. While San Antonio may look at their typical overseas options, Wright would be a steal here. The former Utah guard is a legit scorer with good size and the versatility to play either guard spot, which would obviously be a huge help to the Spurs.
27. Los Angeles Lakers Rashad Vaughn, G
Already drafting Okafor earlier, Los Angeles gets to work on their backcourt by picking up high volume scorer Rashad Vaughn, out of UNLV. Vaughn proved to be a one hit wonder with the Rebels, scoring in a variety of ways. His shot is still inconsistent and maturity concerns are why he is so low, but the talent to be a star is certainly there.
28. Boston Celtics Christian Wood, F
A pick later, Boston should also be looking at a UNLV product in Christian Wood. Although they pick up Portis earlier, they could use even more frontcourt help, and Wood has wonderful upside. He nearly averaged a double-double a game in Las Vegas and has the potential to be a lockdown defender at the next level.
29. Brooklyn Nets Cliff Alexander, F/C
A five-star prospect out of high school, Alexander played very little in one season with Kansas before declaring. Like many others in the first round, this selection is all about potential, though. Alexander is still 6'10" and has NBA strength and power. But, until he develops a shot at the free throw line or anywhere else, he is limited enough to fall into the late first round or second.
30. Golden State Warriors Terry Rozier, G
It isn't like Golden State is going to be searching for much help in their backcourt in the prime of Klay Thompson and Steph Curry's careers, but they could use some depth. After point guard Chris Jones was dismissed at Louisville, Rozier was wonderful taking over as the top guard. He is a quick scorer who will be lethal in space, though lacks a shot and leadership to be a starter from Day One.

NBA Conference Finals Predictions

Kyrie Irving

1 Atlanta Hawks vs. 3 Cleveland Cavaliers
It is crazy to think but just a season ago, both these teams were under .500, though Atlanta did make a playoff appearance before being ousted by last year's top seed in the Eastern Conference, Indiana. Things have changed quite a bit in a year; Cleveland has the NBA's top player, a point guard who continues to make big plays and a much deeper bench than in 2013-2014. Meanwhile, the Hawks have used superb passing, career years from Jeff Teague, Paul Millsap and more to improve to the Conference's best team. But, the Hawks looked relatively average against the eighth-seeded Brooklyn Nets (who had zero business being in the playoffs) and if not for an injury to John Wall, would most likely have been overmatched by the Wizards in the second round. Now, they will have to stop a determined LeBron and a Cavaliers team that absolutely dominated Chicago down the stretch in their series. The real advantage for Atlanta will most likely by their size advantage; even before Kevin Love was lost for the rest of the postseason following a shoulder dislocation, size certainly was not a strength of Cleveland. Since being acquired midseason, Timofey Mozgov has been terrific, using his 7'1" frame to block shots and showing an improved and more aggressive offensive game. But, beyond him who are the Cavs' big men? Kendrick Perkins and Tristian Thompson? Atlanta has two of the best all-around offensive weapons in the NBA in Al Horford and Paul Millsap. Sure, neither is bound to put up 30 every night but both have solid mid range games and open up the floor by stretching defenders deep, which certainly helps Jeff Teague and the other penetrators the Hawks possess. Horford was terrific down the stretch against Washington, and Atlanta will certainly need him to be just as assertive in this series. Another key X-factor for Atlanta will clearly be defending LeBron James, the most important thing on everybody's mind heading into a series against him. But, that also poses a huge question. Demarre Carroll is the most obvious choice for defending LeBron; he has a wide, athletic frame who can bang down low but also moves well in open space. But, beyond that, Atlanta doesn't have very much reinforcements, they are a really a poor defensive team. Both of these teams feast of transition opportunities and which ever team creates more opportunities will have the upper hand. Cleveland has been prone to turnovers throughout the season but as the team has played together more, they have cut down on them. I still worry about Kyrie Irving going up against Teague. Irving isn't exactly a turnover machine but he has been prone to them at times, just trying to make too much happen, and Teague is a quick defender with quick hands. Though, certainly Cleveland is the more athletic team, something they certainly will take advantage of. A popular belief is that the winner of Chicago/Cleveland will role to the NBA Finals, and Cleveland was great throughout that series. I don't think this series will be a sweep or not even close, I think the Hawks can seriously give Cleveland a challenge. They have the shooting if Kyle Korver comes ready to play and a lot of solid weapons, there is a reason they were the top seed in the Conference. But, they still lack the scoring punch and "killer's mentality" I think the Cavs have, something you need this deep in the Playoffs. This could be interesting, but Cleveland is my favorite to win the title right now, and the Hawks just don't have enough.
Cleveland in six

1 Golden State Warriors vs. 2 Houston Rockets
Things have changed quickly in the Western Conference Playoffs as well. Following a route of Houston that increased their series lead to 3-1, the Clippers appeared like the team to beat. But, in typical Los Angeles Clippers' fashion they choked miserably, becoming part of a rare elite in the NBA to lose the final three games of their series. While that derives us from a classic, California battle between the Warriors and Clippers, this current Western Conference Final could be just as interesting. It features the final two candidates in the MVP race, Stephen Curry and James Harden. While Curry ended up winning the award, Harden could get his own form of vengeance with a victory here. Harden might be the best scorer in the league today; he uses his large frame, good ball-handling and smarts to get to the line better than most. Whoever has to guard him will face a tough task and could be pushed into foul trouble early. But, Harden is definitely not the only weapon Houston possesses. Despite a year riddled with injuries, Dwight Howard has still had a wonderful Playoffs and he will be matched up against Andrew Bogut. Clearly a defensive-minded big man, Bogut has the size to certainly counter Howard and it will make for an intriguing matchup. The Rockets also possess a number of wing players that will contribute in Trevor Ariza, Corey Brewer and even Jason Terry. While Terry is a shell of his former self, he is still a great shooter and provides plenty of experience in big games. On the other side, the Warriors' offense is led by the "Splash Bros", Klay Thompson and Curry. When the two are hitting their shots, there is not a more dynamic offense in the NBA. Both have great handles, quick releases and can extend over the top of defenders. But, like anyone they are prone to struggles and in the earlier part of the Memphis series both struggled to hit shots. Andre Igoudala and Draymond Green provide much needed scoring on the wings, though Green's main role this series will be defensively. A snub for Defensive Player of the Year, Green is a strong, gritty defender who might possibly see minutes against Harden. Green is also a strong rebounder, important because the Warriors are certainly not the biggest team in the NBA and they will already have to contend with Howard and hard-working Terrence Jones underneath. While the Rockets don't have their own "Splash Bros" this was still a team that had an injured Howard and no Chandler Parsons and still improved to earn a 2 seed. While the Warriors certainly could be flaming hot this series, they are too inconsistent for my taste and still inexperienced. They don't have a clear cut defender that could shut down Harden and/or Howard and at some-point I think an offense predicated around three-pointers with a rookie head coach is going to catch up with them. Even so, this series is sure to be evenly matched, and still could come down to the wire, the Warriors do have an MVP after all.
Houston in seven

College Football Preview 2015-2016: 25. Miami Hurricanes

Brad Kaaya

25. Miami (Florida) Hurricanes

2014-2015 Record: 6-7 (3-5 ACC)
Coach: Al Golden, 5th year (28-22 overall)
Schedule
Roster
Recruiting Rundown
Key Losses: LB Denzel Perryman, RB Duke Johnson
Heisman Hopeful: Brad Kaaya
Breakout Player: DL Chad Thomas

The first year of the post-Stephen Morris era in Coral Gables was a very rocky campaign. Although true freshman quarterback Brad Kaaya did a wonderful job filling the massive shoes of Morris, the immense talent on the Hurricanes' roster just didn't put it all together. The 'Canes would finish 6-7, with an Independence Bowl loss to South Carolina, culminating it all. They did give Florida State quite the challenge and did have some good moments, but overall it only further warmed Al Golden's hot seat. The Hurricanes will once more have a number of NFL defections (including stud linebacker Denzel Perryman, tackle Ereck Flowers and back Duke Johnson), but the talent is still certainly there to make a run in the weak ACC Coastal. With Kaaya a dark horse Heisman threat, a superstar developing at receiver, and last year's great recruiting class ready to jump into starting roles, the 'Canes could be a major surprise in the ACC this season.

Backfield: Miami seemed destined for disaster after the graduation of Morris at quarterback. His likely replacement, Ryan Williams tore his ACL in the spring and that left true freshman Brad Kaaya as the lone option. But, Kaaya was absolutely wonderful in his first season in Coral Gables. Kaaya started all 13 of the Hurricanes' games and threw for 3,198 yards and 26 touchdowns. Even though he threw 12 interceptions and completed a relatively low 58.5 percent of his passes, considering it was his first season against pretty stiff ACC, it was a great start to his career. Kaaya doesn't have the biggest arm in the world and he will continue to work on his deep balls but his feel for the game and composure inside the pocket are truly amazing. Kaaya also is a pretty good runner and will give teams real troubles with his dual threat ability. Although there are still going to be growing pains for the sophomore in 2015, he certainly has the talent to have an even bigger encore. The loss of Randy "Duke" Johnson certainly stings, when healthy the former major recruit was dominant. His loss may put some pressure on Kaaya and the passing game, but one of last year's big time recruits, Joseph Yearby is ready to step up in a big way. The sophomore, straight out of Miami Central High, was solid as a backup, rushing for 509 yards, while averaging nearly six yards per carry. While there is certainly a question whether he has the durability (5'9", 195 pounds), Yearby certainly has the raw talent to fill the major void left by Johnson. Expect true freshman Mark Walton also to get plenty of opportunities as while. Walton isn't very powerful either but he has good burst is also a good receiver out of the backfield. Junior Gus Edwards will also be expected to step up and will most likely be the ball-carrier to get the ball in short yardage situations.

Stacy Coley

Receiver: Gone is stud receiver Phillip Dorsett is off to the NFL along with wonderful tight end Clive Walford, but the Hurricanes still have a number of weapons for Kaaya to throw to. Junior Stacy Coley has already established himself as one of the nation's best returners, but he is still looking to grow as a receiver. Coley is an absolute speedster and there are few defensive backs in the nation and in the ACC that can cover his explosiveness. But, he isn't a great route runner and he doesn't have developed receiving hands yet, but that could still come. Coley doesn't have to be a wonderful receiver but if he could grow into a more natural No. 1 receiver, that would certainly add some bite to the offense. Also back is senior receiver Herb Waters, who was solid throughout the 2014-2015 campaign, despite recording lower numbers than he did in '13. Waters isn't the fastest player on the field, but he has better hands than Coley and is also a better route runner. When he catches the ball, he is somewhat elusive and strong. Waters likely won't put up crazy numbers, but he is a veteran with reliability and Kaaya should certainly lean on him. The Hurricanes will also be banking on sophomore Braxton Berrios to step up. Berrios was very good as a true freshman a year ago, bringing in 21 receptions for 232 yards and three touchdowns. Although he is very small, Berrios is quick and shifty and could play a Wes Welker-like role this year in 2015, just simply moving the chains, a role that Walford played a year ago. The tight end position is certainly a question mark, following the graduation of Walford. Despite the fact Miami has had many great tight ends in their system over the years (Jimmy Graham, Jeremy Shockey, Kellen Winslow), Walford was statistically the most productive 'Canes tight end ever. Al Golden and offensive coordinator James Coley will rely heavily on the incoming services of junior college transfer Jerome Washington. The 6'5" massive target is the top-ranked JUCO tight end in the 2015 class, and is an established pass-catcher, though blocking needs work. He will be very dependable in the red zone, and will certainly get a lot of snaps moving forward.

2016 NFL Draft Big Board

Christian Hackenberg

The 2015 Draft process has been one full of storylines, crazy drops and quickly rising prospects, and some intriguing prospects who were involved with the risk of off-the-field concerns. But, it is reaching it's inevitable end. And, while the 2015 college football is still months away, it is never too early to think about which prospects could be picked up near the top of the 2016 Draft. Here are ten that are certain to top many team's draft boards when it is all said and done:

1. Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State -- Bosa was absolutely dominant in his sophomore season for Ohio State in 2014, and he will most likely enter 2015 as the top prospect on many team's boards. The defensive end has great quickness to the ball, the power and size to be a truly dominant pass rusher and can be a major help in run support.
2. Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss -- One of the big names of the important class for Ole Miss in the 2013 recruiting cycle, Tunsil is now eligible, and he will be the top offensive linemen prospect entering 2015-2016. Although durability questions have arose, following an injury in the Peach Bowl loss to TCU, Tunsil has NFL size, great footwork and a superb work ethic.
3. Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State -- If Hackenberg would have entered the 2015 NFL Draft, there is a good chance he would have been a first-rounder. Fortunately for Penn State, the junior was not eligible for this past draft. Hackenberg slumped heavily towards the end of his sophomore campaign, but he has the size, arm strength and system to be a great NFL quarterback.
4. Robert Nkemdiche, DL, Ole Miss -- The No. 1 prospect in the 2013 recruiting trail, where he joined Tunsil in Oxford, Nkemdiche has been solid in his first two years with the Rebels. Nkemdiche is a superb athlete with the excellent versatility to play a number of different roles in the front seven. He will certainly give a team a fantastic pass rusher with a higher ceiling than Bosa or many other in the 2016 Draft process.
5. Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida -- The defensive back class in 2015 was the weakest it has been in a long time, but the 2016 class is stocked with talent, starting with Florida product Hargreaves. The cornerback has a great NFL frame and is an absolute ball hawk.
6. Cardale Jones, QB, Ohio State --After a wonderful three game stretch that helped lead Ohio State to a National Title, Jones greatly considered going pro. But, he was still very raw and decided to stay at least one more year in Columbus. Jones has an absolute rocket of an arm and can make great plays with his legs, and he appears to the leader in Ohio State's stacked quarterback competition.
7. Jalen Ramsey, DB, Florida State -- Ramsey was a Day One starter at Florida State at cornerback (the first since Deion Sanders), and he was spectacular throughout 2014. The versatile defensive back has the coverage abilities of a corner, but the aggressiveness and amazing range of a safety. Wherever he lines up, Ramsey will find a way to impact the game.
8. Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss -- Yet another member of Ole Miss' 2013 recruiting class, Treadwell has been one of the SEC's top receivers in his two seasons inside the conference. The junior has NFL size, soft hands and absolute crazy explosiveness. His scary leg injury in last year's loss to Auburn was worrying, but he should be ready to go for a big chunk of 2015 and should put together a big year.
9. A'Shawn Robinson, DL, Alabama -- Despite his over 330 pound body, Robinson has shown amazing versatility and solid athleticism in his short time in Tuscaloosca. The junior can play inside at tackle or on the perimeter, being a factor as a defensive end. He should be absolutely dominant in what will likely be his final season with the Tide, who obviously churn out NFL studs every single year.
10. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State -- Even with how stacked this next year's Ohio State team should be, "Zeke" Elliott may be the top player on the Buckeyes, and will begin the year near the top on many Heisman lists. Elliott has great burst and speed, but has also shown pretty good power and the ability to make plays as a receiver out of the backfield.

Other Players to Watch
Leonard Floyd, DE/LB, Georgia
Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
Shilique Calhoun, DE/LB, Michigan State
Spencer Drango, OT, Baylor
Tyler Boyd, WR, Pittsburgh
Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
Shawn Oakman, DE, Baylor
Scooby Wright, LB, Arizona
Vadal Alexander, OL, LSU