Boise State Broncos 2014 NFL Draft Prospect Preview

Oct.13, 2012; Boise,ID, USA; Fresno State Bulldogs quarterback Derek Carr (4) fumbles the ball after being tackled Boise State Broncos defensive lineman Demarcus Lawrence (8) during second half action at Bronco Stadium. Boise State defeated Fresno State 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports

65 C Matt Paradis (6’2″ 295 pounds, SENIOR)

Matt Paradis is a very solid center prospect who isn’t going to blow anyone away athletically and his ceiling is probably going to be the middle rounds of the draft, but he’s been a starter at center since his sophomore year at Boise State, and he’s a really smart kid. Earned All-Conference honors for academics as well as his performance on the field, and has anchored an offensive line that doesn’t give up a lot of sacks at all. The Boise State line is also no slouch in the running game either, and I think at the very least, Paradis has the ability to be a quality reserve interior lineman in the NFL at a specialty position. He will enter the league with a lot of experience, and if he can handle the physicality of the NFL, there’s no doubt in my mind he has the capability to be a starting center going forward.

78 OT Charles Leno Jr. (6’4″ 295 pounds, SENIOR)

Leno Jr. has a streak of 26 consecutive games started for the Broncos heading into his RS Senior season, and he has a reputation as one of the top offensive tackles in the conference. In 2012, he was named the team’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman, and earned 2nd team All-Mountain West Conference honors as a junior. Definitely flying under the radar at this point, Leno Jr. is a tackle that doesn’t have ideal bulk but has the size to play in a zone blocking scheme at the NFL level, and might be looked at as a developmental prospect at either right or left tackle. He has started at both positions in his collegiate career, but is settling in at left tackle his junior and senior seasons. Being able to play multiple positions is key, so having that experience at RT is big for him.

8 DE Demarcus Lawrence (6’3″ 245 pounds, JUNIOR)

Lawrence has all the makings of a star pass rusher. As a sophomore at Boise State, he racked up 48 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, an interception, a fumble recovered for a touchdown, and four forced fumbles. He has a knack for getting to the quarterback, and near as I can tell, he is Boise State’s top overall NFL prospect, at least heading into the 2013 season he is. He doesn’t have the ideal build for a 4-3 defensive end, at least in the NFL, but he has room to grow up to about 250-255 pounds without losing his explosiveness, and I think he could also make the transition to the OLB position in the NFL in a three-man front. There’s no question about it–this guy is explosive off the edge. He is routinely double teamed, and it’s clear that opposing teams gameplan against him with designed rollouts and extra chipping from tight ends and double teams.

Does a good job in pursuit and uses his hands well for a young player. Boise State lines him up on both sides of the field, as well as standing up or playing down as a lineman. Despite the fact that he’s not overly big, Lawrence has a really good bull rush and gets great leverage on offensive linemen. Player that has to be accounted for on every single play. Very disruptive. Not overly stout against the run, but that can be masked depending on how you utilize him. Able to pretty easily penetrate in the backfield. Really, really like this prospect.

2 WR Matt Miller (6’3″ 222 pounds, RS JUNIOR)

Matt Miller really came on as a freshman receiver, catching 62 passes for 679 yards and nine touchdowns in Kellen Moore’s last season with the Broncos. His numbers didn’t drastically decline as a sophomore, but his TDs went down quite a bit. He caught 66 passes for 769 yards and five touchdowns. Really long receiver prospect who has room to grow into his frame a bit and add some more physicality to his game. Definitely has very strong hands, and is capable of making plays deep downfield or in traffic. Not the quickest or fastest receiver, but knows how to find ways to get himself open and makes plays.