Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. UCLA Bruins NFL Draft Preview
Aug 31, 2013; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Brett Hundley (17) throws a pass against the Nevada Wolf Pack during the game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
UCLA vs. Nebraska is one of just a couple of games between two ranked teams this week, and if you’re an NFL Draft fan it’s a good game to catch Bruins QB Brett Hundley on an early big stage.
Hundley is gaining steam as potentially the second best quarterback prospect in the country behind Teddy Bridgewater, and some early mock drafts have him going in the top 10. Hundley is just looking to be the first UCLA QB drafted since 1999 (Cade McNown, Bears), but we’re not sure at this point if that will be 2014, 2015, or even maybe 2016.
Right now, Hundley’s stock is high and he’s going up against a Nebraska defense that looks more like Swiss cheese than the Blackshirts of old.
This game features quite a bit of NFL intrigue, starting with Hundley and the Bruins’ star pass rusher Anthony Barr, who had two tackles for loss in the team’s first game of the 2013 season.
Here are the top prospect pages for both teams, lists that will be added to as the season progresses and names begin to emerge.
Check out a couple of prospect profiles, a snippet of what you’ll see in our player pages and full team prospect lists.
17 QB Brett Hundley (6’3″ 223 pounds, RS SOPHOMORE)
There has not been a UCLA quarterback drafted since 1999, but freshman sensation Brett Hundley figures to change that someday. Hundley has the ideal frame for an NFL quarterback, and he has the athleticism and ability to create with his legs that teams covet in today’s NFL. It might be two or even three years before we see Hundley in the NFL, but after this season, he is draft eligible and you can bet that scouts are excited to see him after a sensational freshman campaign with the Bruins.
Hundley took a redshirt in his first year on campus at UCLA, Hundley completed 66.5 percent of his passes for 3,740 yards, 29 touchdowns, and just 11 interceptions. He also rushed for 355 yards (figuring in lost yardage via sacks) and nine more touchdowns.
Hundley’s playmaking ability is certain to attract the eye of scouts, but it’s his poise and how quickly he adapted to the speed of the college game that is really drawing attention his way. With great coaching and a scheme that suits his talents very well, Hundley should be one of the most NFL-ready QBs when he decides to leave school.
80 WR Kenny Bell (6’1″ 185 pounds, JUNIOR)
Kenny Bell has quietly put together two excellent seasons for Nebraska, and has developed into one of the more well-rounded players at the WR position in the Big Ten. He plays bigger than his size, especially in the blocking department, and is pretty good at making things happen after the catch. Bell might be best known for his epic afro hair-do and his block in the 2012 Big Ten championship game against Wisconsin, but he has also put together a nice resume’ over the first two years of his collegiate career. As a sophomore, he set personal bests with 50 catches for 863 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging about 17.3 yards per reception. Despite his wiry sort of frame, Bell is a really tough receiver who runs good routes and plays with a physicality that is almost unmatched for some receivers you’ll see. His ability to block and willingness to block probably play a big part in his toughness after the catch, and his willingness to take big hits and go over the middle. He’s found a way to be as productive as he is in an offense that is completely run oriented, so Bell knows how to make the most of his opportunities and drive defenses crazy with his all-around game. I think he’s a solid underclassmen prospect right now who has potential to be a special teams ace and backup receiver in the NFL.