NFL Prospect Weekend Notes

Every weekend in College Football is very crucial for those hopeful to have an NFL career.  The writers at NFL Mocks monitor the games every weekend and below are just a few of the notes that were jotted down.  These are just first glance thoughts but are things I am sure NFL scouts have also noticed.

• This week I was able to get a good look at Nevada’s Colin Kaepernick, who is one of the most exciting players in College Football.  I am sure we are going to hear a lot of discussion about where Kaepernick fits in the NFL and I got a view good observations from Fridays game. First let’s start with what Kaepernick will not be in the NFL and that’s a running back.  While he is an excellent runner he runs very upright and doesnt have the power needed to be an effective runner in the NFL.  He does have good speed and has shown that he can take the hits but overall he just doesnt fit as a running back.  Second, I feel it will be a real tough transition for Kaepernick to make the move to wide receiver.  The offense run at Nevada really limits his knowledge of pro style offenses meaning he wont be familiar with routes.  He also doesnt appear to have very fluid hips which would be necessary run crisp routes.  So that really leaves only one option and that’s quarterback.  The positives are that he has NFL arm strength and average accuracy.  However, concerns come in with his throwing motion which is not crisp.  Kaepernick has a long throwing motion and it takes awhile for the ball to get out of his hand. I think he has the skills to develop but it will take some considerable time.  I will continue to watch his progression closely.
• Nevada had a few other players that drew my eye and they are RB Via Taua and Donta Moch.  Moch is an outside speed rusher that plays with both his hand on the ground and as an outside linebacker.  Moch is way to small to play defensive end in a 4-3 so his only option will be as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense.  The one advantage he has is that he gets plenty of opportunities to drop back into coverage limiting the necessary transition in the NFL.  Taua is a big powerful runner that is always running downhill.  He is tough to bring down but doesnt show enough of a 2nd gear to be anything more than a short yardage back in the NFL.
• From the same game we had Shane Vereen and I absolutely love him.  He showed break away speed and a very powerful running style.  He is a versatile back that can catch the ball out of the backfield and I believe he has potential to be an every down back in the NFL.  He needs to continue to produce this season while showing durability. 
• Moving over to what was an extremely exciting game where Auburn pulled out a tight win against Clemson.  I went in the game looking to keep a close eye on Clemson defensive end Da’Quan Bowers and he didnt disappoint.  Bowers faced several double teams and was often chipped by a running back but he was still able to create pressure.  However, the thing that most impressed me was his ability to stand up against the run.  He quickly diagnosed plays and got off blocks to make plays.  He was able to follow plays down the line of scrimmage and still hold his ground.  Bowers definitely opened u some eyes.
• My biggest disappointment from the weekend was the play by Iowa defensive end Adrian Clayborn.  I thought that he was too easily controled by chipping backs and tight ends.  He is considerd to be one of if not the best defensive end in this years draft but if he wants to stay there he is going to have to overcome double teams.  All the top NFL pass rushers face double teams week in and week out but find away to make plays.  I am sure NFL scouts are going to keep an eye on this.