Let's face it... barring a magical season like 2013 or JJ being the second coming of Cam we will need to have 10-15 guys in this category to be able to accomplish what we all want to this year. So...who are they? Only requirement is that you think they will see the field this year. Eligibility is not an issue. The question is who will be picked up by an NFL team when they declare.
We're not taking the wait and see approach, either. Let's hear some predictions.
Offense
Definitely - Duke Williams, Jeremy Johnson, Shon Coleman, Avery Young, Jovon Robinson, Kerryon Johnson, Chandler Cox.
Most of these were easy picks. Shon Coleman will get drafted on his size and length alone. Kerryon Johnson's size and versatility are what make him a sure pick for me. Chandler Cox is on his way to stardom and being a late round pick at worst. He came in early at 220 and will have had over eight months to gain more before the season starts.
Maybe - Alex Kozan, Austin Golson, Braden Smith, Ricardo Louis, Roc Thomas.
If Kozan comes back strong from his injury then he moves up to the definitely ranking. Golson and Smith both have the size and athletic ability but need to prove their worth...especially Smith. Ricardo and Thomas both seem like the type that could be great college players...but they need to round out their game to get to the NFL.
Defense
Definitely - Carl Lawson, Tray Matthews, Kris Frost, Tre Williams, Dontavius Russell, Montravius Adams, Byron Cowart, Carlton Davis.
Lawson, Adams, and Matthews are locks. Frost has all the ability in the world and will finally have a coordinator to show him off. Williams is the "new age" linebacker and will be a starter soon. Russell is a former top prospect that the coaches have been raving about. Cowart is the former #1 prospect in the country...he's going to the NFL. Carlton Davis has the size and speed to be a great CB...and this staff won't ruin his chances by switching him around his entire career.
Maybe - Devonte Lambert, Jonathan Jones, Tim Irvin.
Lambert would be a sure thing if not for the injury. Jones is coming off an injury and his size hurts him. Tim Irvin will be loved by all Auburn fans before he leaves. Big hitter with the speed and cover skills to not make him a liability.
Assessment -
That's 15 guys in the definitely category with a bunch more in the maybe. We're loaded on the offensive side of the ball. Offensive line is stacked and could be great. Smith and Coleman need to take the next step for that to happen. Receivers need to live up to their billing and catch the ball consistently.
Defense should definitely surprise people. Our improved talent on the defensive line should be enough for major improvement. With the influx of talent added to the back end this will be a fun defense to watch.
tl:dr - We have enough talent to go toe to toe with anyone in the country.
We're not taking the wait and see approach, either. Let's hear some predictions.
Offense
Definitely - Duke Williams, Jeremy Johnson, Shon Coleman, Avery Young, Jovon Robinson, Kerryon Johnson, Chandler Cox.
Most of these were easy picks. Shon Coleman will get drafted on his size and length alone. Kerryon Johnson's size and versatility are what make him a sure pick for me. Chandler Cox is on his way to stardom and being a late round pick at worst. He came in early at 220 and will have had over eight months to gain more before the season starts.
Maybe - Alex Kozan, Austin Golson, Braden Smith, Ricardo Louis, Roc Thomas.
If Kozan comes back strong from his injury then he moves up to the definitely ranking. Golson and Smith both have the size and athletic ability but need to prove their worth...especially Smith. Ricardo and Thomas both seem like the type that could be great college players...but they need to round out their game to get to the NFL.
Defense
Definitely - Carl Lawson, Tray Matthews, Kris Frost, Tre Williams, Dontavius Russell, Montravius Adams, Byron Cowart, Carlton Davis.
Lawson, Adams, and Matthews are locks. Frost has all the ability in the world and will finally have a coordinator to show him off. Williams is the "new age" linebacker and will be a starter soon. Russell is a former top prospect that the coaches have been raving about. Cowart is the former #1 prospect in the country...he's going to the NFL. Carlton Davis has the size and speed to be a great CB...and this staff won't ruin his chances by switching him around his entire career.
Maybe - Devonte Lambert, Jonathan Jones, Tim Irvin.
Lambert would be a sure thing if not for the injury. Jones is coming off an injury and his size hurts him. Tim Irvin will be loved by all Auburn fans before he leaves. Big hitter with the speed and cover skills to not make him a liability.
Assessment -
That's 15 guys in the definitely category with a bunch more in the maybe. We're loaded on the offensive side of the ball. Offensive line is stacked and could be great. Smith and Coleman need to take the next step for that to happen. Receivers need to live up to their billing and catch the ball consistently.
Defense should definitely surprise people. Our improved talent on the defensive line should be enough for major improvement. With the influx of talent added to the back end this will be a fun defense to watch.
tl:dr - We have enough talent to go toe to toe with anyone in the country.
