South Carolina Has High Hopes for 2012 NFL Draft
It was another banner year for Steve Spurrier and the South Carolina Gamecocks. The ‘Cocks followed up their first SEC East divisional title in program history in 2010 with their first ever AP Top 10 finish in 2011.
South Carolina won 11 games including a 30-13 drubbing of Nebraska in the Capital One Bowl, and NFL scouts are hoping that success translates well to the next level. The Gamecocks have six prospects who hope to hear their name called in late-April at the NFL Draft.
Here is an early look at draft projections and scouting reports for draft-eligible South Carolina Gamecocks.
(Rankings courtesy of CBS Sports)
Melvin Ingram- #16 Overall, #1 OLB
Melvin Ingram is a man who is well-versed in the art of harassing and assaulting opposing quarterbacks, and he’s going to provide an NFL team with an immediate presence off the edge. He’s got incredible closing speed and a powerful upper-body that is nightmarish for anyone assigned to block him one on one. He could be either a 4-3 end or 3-4 OLB, but if he does wind up in a 3-4, as is assumed, he’ll have to prove he can move laterally to cover the flats.
Grade: Mid-First Round
Stephon Gilmore- #42 Overall, #5 CB
Gilmore is a play-making corner who is probably best suited to play in a Cover Two system where his role is defined by creating turnovers and helping in run support, which are undoubtedly his strengths. He’s got that lanky frame that makes him a serious threat with the ball in the air, but he’s not strong enough to consistently play press man against NFL wideouts.
Grade: Early-Second Round
Alshon Jeffery- #47, Overall, #5 WR
Jeffery is a jumbo wide-receiver with absolutely incredible hands. He has the ability to go up and dominate in the redzone and he is an absolute monster for anyone in the secondary to bring down in the open field after the catch. However, there are a few areas of concern. Jeffery doesn’t have great speed and he doesn’t run very crisp routes. His size may also be a deterrent, as teams wonder if he’ll be able to keep his weight down.
Grade: Early-Second Round
Antonio Allen- #73 Overall, #2 SS
Allen is a safety who showcases above-average athleticism for the position. He plays with reckless abandon and generates a ton of pop at the point of contact. However, he doesn’t react naturally and is often slow in his diagnosis of an offense, which leads to him playing out of position and taking poor angles in pursuit.
Grade: Third-Fourth Round
Travian Robertson- #267 Overall, #21 DT
Robertson is a fairly athletic defensive tackle prospect who projects as a three-technique in a 4-3 system. He grew into a defensive tackle in South Carolina after coming into the program as an end, and he needs to add strength to his long frame.
Grade: Sixth Round-UFA
Kevious Watkins- #286 Overall, #20 OG
Watkins was utilized as a tackle in college but he’ll be a guard at the next level because he doesn’t have the necessary athleticism to handle the athletic freaks that patrol the edges in today’s NFL. However, the fact that he has played outside gives him a versatility on the front that will be appealing to franchises.
Grade: Seventh Round-UFA
