Updated 2014 NFL Draft Stock Report: BCS Title Game
By Erik Lambert
Jan 6, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan (8) reacts to a play against the Auburn Tigers during the second half of the 2014 BCS National Championship game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
The BCS title game was packed full of top 2014 NFL draft prospects. How did the biggest names fair on the biggest stage?
Timmy Jernigan – DT – Florida State – Stock: Up
For a good stretch during the game Auburn found it nearly impossible to run the ball between the tackle. Such was the impact defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan was having on the game. He finished the contest with nine tackles and did show some fatigue late in the contest but there is no question about his talent or his growth.
Lamarcus Joyner – S – Florida State – Stock: Up
Size, size, size. That’s all scouts could talk about with Lamarcus Joyner. Anybody who watched the height challenged defensive back in the championship game realized he is a baller with a very good head on his shoulders. Joyner always seemed to be in the right place at the right time, making key tackles and recovering potentially disastrous fumbles.
Rashad Greene – WR – Florida State – Stock: Up
An early drop almost ruined things for him but a gutsy fake punt call erased the problem and saved the game for the Seminoles. After that Rashad Greene became a difference maker. His clutch catches on the final drive alone set up the winning score in the final seconds. Jameis Winston called him the most reliable FSU receiver. We saw why.
Cameron Erving – OT – Florida State – Stock: Down
The Tigers made life miserable for Winston in the early going and big part of the problem was the inability of the offensive line to handle their pressure. Left tackle Cameron Erving was a big part of that. Not until the Seminoles went to a quicker passing game did things settle down but it was clear that Erving was not immune to mistakes.
Kelvin Benjamin – WR – Florida State – Stock: Down
Yes, he caught the game winning touchdown pass, which should count for something but other than that Kelvin Benjamin had a rather quiet evening. He finished with four catches for 54 yards and that touchdown. Nearly half of that production didn’t come until the 4th quarter. Not exactly the impact befitting a potential first round receiver.
Greg Robinson – OT – Auburn – Stock: Up
When rushing four or fewer, FloridaState found it very tough going in the pass rush, which is a tip of the cap to a vastly underrated Auburn offensive line led by sophomore left tackle Greg Robinson. Only when the Seminoles blitzed were they able to get Nick Marshall, but it doesn’t discount how well the tackle played for most of the game.
Tre Mason – RB – Auburn – Stock: UP
Going into the championship game, FSU boasted the third ranked rush defense in the entire nation. That didn’t seem to scare running back Tre Mason, who proceeded to gut them for 195 rushing yards and a late touchdown that almost sealed the win for the Tigers. He also had a 42-yard reception for a score. Such a performance could warrant first round consideration.
Dee Ford – OLB – Auburn – Stock: Up
Though they gave up the winning touchdown, the Auburn defense played outstanding for most of the game and they were spearheaded by the ferocious pass rush put on by linebacker Dee Ford. He finished the game with three tackles and two sacks, bringing his season total up to 10.5. Not a bad boost heading into the 2014 NFL draft.