Oklahoma State Cowboys Top NFL Draft Prospects for 2013 and Beyond

Oct 27, 2012; Stillwater OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys running back Joseph Randle (1) runs during the third quarter against the TCU Horned Frogs at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Rowe-US PRESSWIRE

1 Joseph Randle, Running Back, Junior  6’0″ 200 pounds

Balance, vision, speed, breakaway ability–Joseph Randle has it all. The Junior tailback from Wichita, Kansas is about as complete a running back as you will find in the country. It’s interesting, because he’s been able to be so productive in an offense that is primarily pass-oriented and doesn’t feature the running back a whole heck of a lot. As a sophomore, he carried the ball a mere 208 times and finished with over 1,200 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 5.85 yards per carry. He also was able to catch the ball 45 times out of the backfield, and add another two touchdowns in the receiving department. Randle has excellent burst and cutback ability, and he knows how to be patient and wait for holes to develop. Tough runner with a lot of length, not as much bulk for the position as we’re used to, but he consistently falls forward and fights for extra yardage. Very valuable three-down tailback who will make an impact at the NFL level. I could see him leaving early after his junior season and being a top 64 pick.

4 Justin Gilbert, Cornerback, Junior  6’0″ 205 pounds

Big, fast cornerback prospect who offers a lot of versatility in terms of his ability to play defense as well as on special teams. Gilbert is a fantastic return specialist who had two touchdowns on kick returns a year ago, but has struggled a bit in his junior campaign. He also had two touchdown returns on kicks as a freshman, where he was a highly touted recruit. Really broke out as a sophomore with five interceptions, but that production has dipped to zero through seven games in 2012. Showing improvement as a tackler and all-around corner, but where he really excels is in his ability to make plays on the ball. I think he should come back as a senior to fortify his draft stock and be one of the first 5-10 corners off the board.

19 Brodrick Brown, Cornerback, Senior  5’8″ 185 pounds

One of the returning leaders of the Oklahoma State defense, Brown is a guy who will probably wind up as a nickel back or special teams player at the NFL level. He plays with passion and intensity, and often plays bigger than his listed size, but on the outside, that size can be really exposed. That’s where I think he can excel as a nickel corner at the NFL level, using his quickness and ball skills to make plays. Had five interceptions as a junior, but his production has taken a dip in his senior season. Not the ideal cornerback prospect, but certainly a guy who will find a way to make plays and make his way onto an NFL roster.

68 Lane Taylor, Offensive Guard, Senior  6’3″ 328 pounds

Taylor is a durable offensive lineman who had 36 straight starts going into the 2012 season. He is a leader on the offensive line and an All-Big 12 performer who will not go highly noticed by NFL Draft junkies but will be a valuable commodity come draft day. His ability to play on the interior offensive line, as well as his experience in a high-powered passing attack will be attractive to NFL teams. Not a very mobile guy, but plays with good power and technique, and is probably one of the better interior linemen available in this draft. I think eventually, he could be a solid starting guard in the NFL.