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2017 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch: Dec. 30-31 Bowls

By Shawn Spencer

Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Gareon Conley (8) gets the crowd into the game during the second quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Gareon Conley (8) gets the crowd into the game during the second quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /
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2017 NFL Draft Taco Charlton
Sep 3, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive end Taco Charlton (33) rushes on Hawaii Warriors offensive lineman RJ Hollis (74) at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Orange Bowl: Roderick Johnson (OT – Florida State) vs. Taco Charlton (DE – Michigan)

At the end of last season, Roderick Johnson was rated as high as the number two offensive line prospect in college football behind Cam Robinson of Alabama. This season, he’s seen his 2017 NFL Draft stock slide as inconsistent play has thrown up a red flag.

Johnson continues to be a mauler in the run game and still has moments in pass protection that resemble a first-round pick, however he also has moments where he completely falls apart from a technique standpoint. This is most common against defensive ends who can bend around the edge. As seen in the play below, Taco Charlton is more than capable of doing just that.

Charlton has increased his production every year in Ann Arbor and may not be anywhere near his peak. A solid showing against Johnson as well as in offseason workouts could elevate him to round one of the 2017 NFL Draft. His scheme versatility will help his stock as well, as Charlton has the size and skill set to play DE in a 3-4 or 4-3 front.

Charlton will play both the left and right side of the defensive line, however scouts will have him under the microscope when he’s at RDE against Johnson. These are two prospects who will be off the board by the end of round two of the 2017 NFL Draft.

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