Early NFL Draft Entry List Growing
Ten more college stars are giving up their final year of eligibility to enter the NFL draft. Among the latest, four members of the LSU Tigers from the powerful Southeastern Conference.
David Amerson CB NC State- Led the nation in interceptions as a sophomore, but lost a bit of luster this season. May not have the speed and hips to play corner and poor tackling was an issue. May be a better fit at safety and would be welcome in Washington. Prototype size at 6'2" and 195 pounds.
Travis Frederick C Wisconsin- The Badgers lose a starting center early for the second year running. Great size at 6'4" and 340 pounds and can excel at both guard and tackle. While Frederick has the kind of versatility the Redskins love, he would require a second round selection and the need is more on the edge at tackle.
Jordan Reed TE Florida- The second tight end to declare early, Reed has enough athleticism to have served as the Gators wildcat quarterback in 2011. A first team All-SEC selection, Reed is projected in the middle of the April draft. Should the Redskins decide not to pursue free agent Fred Davis, Reed would be a nice option.
Justin Pugh OT Syracuse- Actually a senior, Pugh had been seeking an extra year of eligibility (medical redshirt). A left tackle at Syracuse, Pugh may project on the right side at the next level. Injury concerns (shoulder) may push his value down and may be worthy of a gamble by the Redskins.
Bjoern Werner DE Florida State- The former German exchange student is projected for an early first round selection with some mock drafts slotting him as high as first overall. The 6'4" 255 pound Werner was a key to the Seminoles defense this season with 13 sacks. While any team would welcome him, the Redskins don't have the pick or the luxury to do so.
Jarvis Jones LB Georgia- My projection for the top overall pick in April is Georgia outside linebacker Jarvis Jones. Jones began his career at Southern Cal, but transferred back home to Georgia after a neck injury. An impact player, Jones set a Bulldogs school record with 14.5 sacks and also led the nation in forced fumbles with seven.
Spencer Ware RB LSU- A true power back at 5'11" and 225 pounds, Ware saw his work load cut in half this season. With the emergence of freshman Jeremy Hill and a large stable of elite backs, Ware saw the need to move to the next level before getting buried in his own team's depth chart. Expect a mid-day selection of Ware.
Tharold Simon CB LSU- Nobody cranks out NFL corners like LSU, witness Patrick Peterson and Morris Claiborne in the past two drafts. At 6'2" and 195 pounds and possessing a tremendous upside, NFL teams will need to step up with an early mid round pick to land Simon. A bit of a project, he might be just what the 'Skins are looking for.
Kevin Minter LB LSU- Les Miles and staff did everything in their power to keep Minter for another year, but the potential of the NFL was too great for Minter to pass up. A Butkus award finalist, Minter has the size (6'2" 245) and production (130 tackles in 2012) to warrant a selection in the opening rounds.
Eric Reid S LSU- A tough off-season for LSU with so many elite players passing up their senior seasons. A sure first first round pick, Reid is 6'2" 210 and is a definite play maker. Reid has known to miss a tackle or blow coverage, but will proper development has the talent to be a long time Pro Bowl performer.
