With the college football season set to kick off and the NFL regular season just around the corner, it's time to identify the top draft-eligible prospects that NFL scouts will have their eyes on as they prepare for the long journey toward the 2014 NFL draft.
Between now and Friday, we will examine my top 25 draft prospects, five per day.
Like every NFL draft, the infusion of underclassmen is always important to the overall strength of a class, and that notion is evident on my preseason big board, as 16 of the 25 prospects listed are either juniors or redshirt sophomores.
To help fans further acquaint themselves with the prospects listed on my board, I've added their prospect reflection. Many analysts like to compare draft prospects to players currently playing in the NFL as a way to project their future, but I prefer to compare draft prospects to prospects of the past.
For example, UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley is rated No. 25 overall on my board, and I've compared him to former Syracuse star (and Eagle) Donovan McNabb when McNabb left the Orange.
There are many factors that go into comparing players, including similarities in athleticism, body type and production.
How Hundley and other prospects ultimately pan out at the next level is anyone's guess, but I believe a prospect’s success is determined by the situation he’s placed in; meaning the coaching he receives, the system a team implements, how soon he is expected to perform, the talent that surrounds him, and much more.
After looking at prospects 25-21 on my preseason big board in Part I, here’s a look at Part II, prospects 20-16:
*Denotes juniors
**Denotes redshirt sophomores
20. *Brandon Coleman, WR, Rutgers
At 6-foot-6, 220 pounds, Coleman has the size and athleticism NFL teams value in a playmaking wide receiver. He has a physical advantage against any defensive back he faces and is a major threat in the redzone. As a starter in nine of Rutgers' 13 games in 2012, Coleman showed off his difference-making potential when he hauled in 43 receptions for 718 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Coleman does a lot of things well and has the talent to be a No. 1 receiver at the next level, but as great as he can look, he has to show more concentration and attention to detail.
Prospect Reflection: Plaxico Burress (Michigan State), 2000: First round (eighth overall) by Pittsburgh Steelers.
19. Kyle Van Noy, OLB, Brigham Young
The 6-foot-3, 245-pound Van Noy is one of the most underrated defenders in the nation. A contributor on defense since he arrived at BYU, Van Noy has been a force the past two seasons starting in 21 of 26 games and totaling 121 tackles, 37 for a loss, 20 sacks and five interceptions.
A tremendously instinctive player, who excels as a pass rusher and is solid in coverage, Van Noy is scheme diverse and plays the game with maximum effort. With another big year, Van Noy will be very attractive to many teams, especially those who run a 3-4 defense, where his skills as a pass rusher will be best suited.
Prospect Reflection: Nick Barnett (Oregon State), 2003: First Round (29th overall) by Green Bay Packers.
18. Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State
The brother of 2002 No. 1 overall pick David Carr, Derek, who stands at 6-foot-3, 218 pounds, lived up to his brother’s legend at Fresno State with a breakout 2012 season, where he completed 67.3 percent of his passes for 4,104 yards, 37 touchdowns and just seven interceptions.
Carr not only posted incredible numbers last season but also showed incredible toughness by playing with a torn abdominal muscle and sports hernia the entire year. There are many similarities between the Carr brothers as NFL prospects and how they operate on the field, but it's unrealistic to think Derek could ascend to being the top pick in next year's draft. However, with another impressive statistical season, the younger Carr should hear his name called in the 15-25 range of the opening frame.
Prospect Reflection: David Carr (Fresno State), 2002: First round (first overall) by Houston Texans.
17. *De’Anthony Thomas, RB/WR, Oregon
Pound for pound, the 5-foot-9, 175-pound Thomas is the most dangerous player in the nation. Known for his blazing speed, joystick-like maneuvers and versatility, the kid who was nicknamed "Black Mamba" by Snoop Dogg when he was just 12 years old flashed his quick-strike ability once again in 2012 as he rushed for 701 yards on just 92 carries and scored 11 touchdowns. He also caught 45 passes for 445 yards and four touchdowns. Not only is he lethal on offense, but he also impacts a game on special teams where over the past two years he's accounted for four touchdowns.
The best thing that could have happened to Thomas was the drafting of former West Virginia star Tavon Austin with the eighth pick overall in April. Like Austin, Thomas is best defined as a game changer. He can impact a game on so many levels that even though his size is concerning, he's more of a concern to the opposition when the ball is in his hands.
Prospect Reflection: DeSean Jackson (California), 2008: Second round (49th overall) by Philadelphia Eagles.
16. *Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson
The 2012 season was one the 6-foot-1, 205-pound Watkins would likely want to go back and change. Although he finished the year with 57 receptions for 708 yards and three touchdowns, the year didn't start off well for Watkins, who was suspended for the first two games of the season after being arrested on drug charges. And when he was on the field, he dealt with nagging injuries and struggled to duplicate the success he had during his freshman campaign.
Blessed with tremendous playmaking ability and a threat to score every time the ball is in his hands, Watkins has to prove he can be a No. 1 wide receiver: for Clemson -- to help replace DeAndre Hopkins (drafted by the Houston Texans) -- and for himself -- to prove last year is behind him and show he's worthy of being a top-20 pick.
Prospect Reflection: Darrius Heyward-Bey (Maryland), 2009: First round (seventh overall) by Oakland Raiders.
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