Eight College Players to Watch in 2016-17 Season

Mitch Leidner- Minnesota

The Minnesota quarterback has an NFL ready frame with a great arm to match. Leidner has a skill set that resembles quarterback Bryce Petty but could be similar to Blake Bortles if he continues to develop this season and beyond. Leidner will not garner the same attention as Deshaun Watson or Brad Kaaya but could be a steal in the draft is he has an impressive 2016 season.

Devonte Fields- Louisville

At one point Devonte Fields was seen as one of the top pass rushing specialists in college football and someone who could be a top 10 pick. Since his transition to Louisville, Fields will look to reclaim his status as a top pass rusher once again with his incredible instincts and versatility to play on the line or as a linebacker in multiple schemes. Fields has similar traits to Texans linebacker Whitney Mercilus who quietly had a breakout year in Houston this past season.

Dalvin Cook- Florida State

The running back position has made a big comeback as of late with the success of Todd Gurley and the potential of Ezekiel Elliott and this year’s running back class will look to continue that trend as well. LSU’s Leonard Fournette will obviously garner the most attention but Florida State’s Dalvin Cook should be considered a top running back prospect as well. Cook has unbelievable breakaway speed and has the ability to create big plays at any point in games. Cook brings an incredible energy to Florida State and will likely be the centerpiece of their offense this season. Fournette looks to be the first running back drafted in 2017 but with another great season, Cook could be the next back off the board in the first round.

Jabrill Peppers- Michigan

Jabrill Peppers is a unique specimen that has the potential to play on both sides of the ball similar to Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson when he was drafted out of Washington. The Michigan prospect has tremendous instincts and can be a tackling machine while being able to play either in the secondary or even linebacker in some sub packages if needed. Peppers looks to continue the new trend of safety/linebacker hybrids such as Cardinal’s Deone Bucannon and others.

Jalen Hurd- Tennessee

Another running back? Yes, and as previously stated the running back position seems to be making a comeback and Tennessee’s Jalen Hurd will surely be an impact player this season. Unlike Dalvin Cook, Hurd is a big body back with exceptional power and an incredible motor. When the ball is in his hands, it will take more than one defender to bring him down on more than one occasion. Hurd can also catch the ball out of the backfield which will only help him as a prospect and resembles current NFL backs like Cardinal’s David Johnson or Giant’s Rashad Jennings.

Carl Lawson- Auburn

Auburn’s Carl Lawson is another energetic edge rusher who will look to showcase his skills this season with his quick hands and ability to bend under lineman in order to get to the quarterback. Lawson also gets off the line with remarkable speed and has the frame to play in multiple schemes much like Louisville’s Devonte Fields. Lawson resembles Eagles defender Brandon Graham in the sense that he looks more comfortable playing as a defensive end but can play outside linebacker in sub packages and in other formations as well.

Mike Williams- Clemson

It seems like at one point there were several Mike Williams in the NFL but Clemson wide receiver Mike Williams may be the best one yet. Williams is a tall, lengthy receiver that can get behind the defender at a moment’s notices and can stretch out to make the big play. Williams did suffer an injury early last year but if he returns to his playmaking self and showcases his potential as a big play receiver, he has the ability to become a great receiver like Jaguar’s Allen Robinson.

Malik McDowell- Michigan State

Rounding out the list is Michigan State defensive lineman Malik McDowell who looks the part of a dominant interior defensive lineman with the size and strength to be an explosive player. McDowell has immense power to get around offensive lineman but also has speed to match which can help him matchup against various styles of blocking. The only question mark regarding McDowell’s game is consistency and if he can continue to develop this year and into his potential NFL career, McDowell can be one of the better defensive players to come out from Michigan State in years.