Wednesdays Watchers- Bowl Edition

It's not too often said that a defensive back dominated a football game, but in the Outback Bowl, that's exactly what Boykin did. Boykin started the game off by blowing up an M.S.U bubble screen in the endzone, causing a Safety. Then in the 2nd quarter he flashed his athleticism and ability as a return man, taking a 92 yard punt return to the house. Then if that wasn't enough, Georgia put him in at Receiver and he caught a 16 Yard Touchdown. Truly a remarkable game for Boykin. He was fantastic in every aspect of the game, including at CB, which was most important.

Alshon Jeffery did not have the Junior season that people expected, but in the Capital One Bowl, he showed that he is still the talent we thought he was. People questioned his ability to create separation, but on a 78 yard reception where he pulled away from Alfonzo Dennard, that eased everybody's concerns. He showed very good speed and quickness throughout the game. Jeffery also caught a Hail-Mary Touchdown in the endzone at halftime, where he used his size to snatch the ball out of the air at a point so high that Calvin Johnson would have been proud. Jeffery finished with 148 Yards and 1 TD, despite going against Dennard, and getting ejected.

I view Casey Hayward as one of the most underrated players in the entire draft class. And I honestly cannot figure out why, to me, Hayward is an NFL Ready Corner, capable of starting right away. In the Liberty Bowl, Hayward did it all. He stepped up in run support effectively, tallying 8 tackles, 1 TFL. Showed very fluid hips and good technique. While also showing off his ball skills, grabbing 2 INT'S, giving him 7 for the season, and 15 for his career. Hopefully once people take a closer look at him he will move up boards.

In Cincinnati's Bowl Game against Vanderbilt, the 2 teams were about as evenly matched as possible, but the difference in the game was Pead. When the Bearcats needed to move the chains, and keep the clock running, they just handed the ball to him, and he sealed the game. Finishing the game with 150 Yards and a Touchdown, Pead really looked like an NFL Running Back. He showed great agility, with sharp cuts to evade tacklers, and as the game went on, he seemed to get stronger, breaking tackles. Many question Pead's ability to be more than just a 3rd down back, but he looked every bit the part of a guy capable of carrying the load.

Just like Jeffery, Jeff Fuller had high expectations this season, but was a bit of a disappointment. In almost the same scenario, there were a lot of doubts as to Fuller's ability to get separation, but he too answered those questions. In his 7 catches for 119 Yards and a TD, Fuller showed good quickness off the line, ran good routes, and displayed excellent body control on a couple big catches along the sideline. He's back in the mix for an early 2nd round selection.

In Michigan State's big upset win over Georgia, they recorded a whopping 17 Tackles For Loss, 2 of which Jerel Worthy. Worthy manhandled star Georgia Center Ben Jones, continually collapsing the pocket, and shutting down Georgia's run game. He also displayed very good quickness off the line, effectively using spin and rip moves to get into the backfield. Worthy is at home as a 4-3 Nose Tackle, and I think he will be a player who will produce at a much higher level then where he gets selected.

T.J Graham pretty much singlehandedly won NC State's Bowl Game over Louisville. Known mainly as a dynamic return man, Graham did that, and much more. He finished the game with 7 receptions for 116 yards and 2 Touchdowns. Graham is a fantastic athlete, who is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. I was also very impressed with his route running, hands, and ability to work the middle of the field. He reminds me a lot of Titus Young, and I think he could be a big-time steal on draft day.

Alameda Ta'Amu- DT Washington

I have been saying it all year, I just do not get the fascination with Alameda Ta'Amu, and think he is vastly overrated. But after his performance in Washington's debacle on defense, I think people are starting to get on board. Many were projecting Ta'Amu as a first round pick, and possibly the first 3-4 Nose Tackle off the board. I honestly wouldn't take him any higher than the 5th round. Terrance Ganaway, RG3, and Baylor rushed for a whopping 482 yards in the Alamo Bowl on him! Most of it just being draws and zone reads right up the middle in which Ta'Amu was exploited, and run right out of the play. He was absolutely manhandled by Baylor Center Philip Blake, playing with horrible technique. Didn't really look like a draftable prospect at all if you were to watch just that 1 game.

Vontaze Burfict's train wreck of a Junior season got even worse in Arizona State's Bowl Game against Boise. All year Burfict has been at odds with the coaching staff, and he hit a new low when the talented linebacker was on the bench for most of the game after picking up yet another personal foul. The Sun Devils totally rolled over, and were destroyed by the Broncos in one of the worst Bowl Games of the season. Coming into the season, Burfict was my #2 player as I loved his intensity, and tenacity which which he plays. But he was never able to find the balance between being aggressive, and being stupid. Burfict reportedly has been completely removed from some teams draft boards, but with his talent, and athleticism, he will still go in the 1st round. I am really rooting for Burfict, as I don't think he is a bad person, but just someone who needs to learn some self control, and walk the line better.

As we mentioned with Jerel Worthy, the Georgia Offensive Line was destroyed by the Spartans, giving up 17 Tackles in the backfield, and played a huge part in them blowing the game. While Worthy's stock skyrocketed, Ben Jones took a hit, as he did not look strong enough to handle the power Michigan State's interior line threw at them. All year Georgia has been one of the best teams in the league at running the ball, but when they needed to ice the game away, and pick up a few tough yards, they got pushed back. I still like Jones, but I now only feel he is a fit in a Zone Blocking Scheme. He is a very smart, and technically sound player, but doesn't have the size or strength to play in a Power Man Blocking Scheme.

If you look at the stat line for Zach Brown, you would think I'm crazy for putting him on this list. 14 Tackles 1 INT. And some still may disagree with me on this one, but I really thought that Zach Brown, and the entire North Carolina defense played with very little effort in their Bowl Game. Missouri rushed for 337 yards, and a staggering 7.3 yards per attempt. Brown played with very little intensity, took bad angles, and missed a ton of tackles. The reason he ended up with 14 tackles, is because Missouri essentially ran the ball every play, and Brown made quite a few tackles after 8 and 9 yard gains. I still like Brown as a prospect, but I know I'm not the only one who watched him and was disappointed. Maybe it was just because UNC was playing with a Lame Duck coach, but whatever reason, he did not look got at all.