Interview with Non-FBS Prospects Expert: Josh Buchanan

We’ve been doing a lot of interviews with people who cover teams, but this time I thought I’d do a little something different and cover someone who focuses solely on Non-FBS prospects.

Here’s my interview with Josh Buchanan of JBscouting

Tell us a little bit about the site (and why people should visit

I cover the non FBS prospects only where I do a draft guide each year and post news, rankings, etc. year round. I would hope they visit to learn about those possible sleepers that could impact their team.

who are some of the major prospects you think are overratted?
Two players come to mind in DeAndre McDaniel and Ahmad Black. Folk around the league tell me both are in for a rude awakening on draft day. I’m hearing no higher than the 5th round on both. It only takes one team to take them high but several teams have them in the 5th-6th round. Black is too light for SS and too slow for FS while McDaniel is also too slow for FS but likely a box safety because of his speed.

We just interviewed Will Rackley what’s your thoughts on his game?
Ideal body for guard and he is a guy who could be a quality starter at guard but because he is moving from tackle to guard I think he will need a year or two before he is ready to really contribute. I would try to get him in the 5th round but I’m hearing he could go in the 3rd or 4th round.

Who are a couple of the small school prospects from last year’s draft that you think might make a big impact this year now that the adjustment period’s over?
I would have projected Marc Mariani is one of them but he had a good rookie year. I think Deji Karim could have a big year. Vlad Ducasse and Andre Roberts are two others I expect to see better years from, too.

What are your thoughts on Pat Delvin?
Devlin is a smart kid who puts great touch on the ball and is a leader. The big knock on him is his lack of the big arm and that he can’t make all of the NFL throws. He struggled at the Shrine Game and was not as good as he can be at his pro day. I think he is likely going to be selected in the 5th or 6th round.

One prospect I like is TE Julius Thomas what are your thoughts on Thomas?
I love his athletic ability. He is explosive and it showed at the Combine. He has a high ceiling too. Better blocker than you would expect as well. I would take him in the 4th round.

Who’s the best small school prospect out there?
Based on pure talent its Kenrick Ellis by far but his off field issues are cause for concern at the next level. I think Ben Ijalana will have a very good career because he can start at left tackle despite being just 6’4. He has great feet and is strong but the fact he has yet to have a full workout due to injury I’ll throw Edmond Gates’ name out there because I think he will be a very good one also.

Who’s a small school prospects that might go undrafted that some team that could eventually make a big impact after spending a year or two on a practice squad?
There are a few out there. Anthony Bratton, Ron Parker, and Tommy Irvin all could go undrafted but I think will make a roster. Mike Higgins is another one who likely goes undrafted, although after his recent pro day that might change, but he should surprise folks.

What’s one small school prospect that does get some publicity that you think is overrated?
Buster Skrine and Cortez Allen tie for this. Allen got benched this year and gave up 3 TDs in one game and gave up several throughout the year. Skrine is great in workouts but gave up several TDs against Auburn and Elon and had some pass interference calls. I don’t think either are starters but nickel guys or mostly backups who just play special teams.

Do you have a favorite N.F.L. team?

Sadly the Washington Redskins lol.

Thoughts on Cedric Thonrnton?

I like Thornton. He flashes so I think he needs to be more consistent but he is a violent hitter. He will need time to develop though as he has not been well coached up and showed at the Senior Bowl that he is not an elite prospect like some thought but more of a developmental guy. I do think he could be a good one but he is answer off field questions which might keep him out of the draft.

13). Anything else to add….?

That’s about it. Thanks for the interest!

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