Arizona State Sun Devils
ASU offered several top-flight offensive line prospects
recently, most notably Levi Jones last April and Marvel Smith in ’00. The next
to carry that mantle could well be junior guard Regis Crawford, an
athletic and fundamentally sound blocker effective in pass protection but also
showing dominance opening holes for the running game. Crawford’s ability to
cover a lot of ground, block on the second level and upside potential makes us
like this kid a lot. Another best when blocking is tight end Mike Pinkard.
An effective run blocker, Pinkard’s forte is pass protection and he does a
great job either next to the right tackle or manning his quarterback’s blind
side. Pinkard displays a good degree of athleticism, which should translate over
to his receiving skills but that is not the case. Rarely involved in the passing
game, when the ball is eventually tossed in Pinkard’s direction it is not
always caught, as it should be. Wide out Shaun McDonald is a legitimate
deep threat with terrific natural pass catching skills. What stands out about
McDonald’s game is the ability to consistently get separation down the field
and into the end zone. McDonald has a slight build and a lot of difficulty
battling to make the tough catch against opponents. He’s been used slightly as
a return specialist in the past but should McDonald be given the opportunity to
prove his skills in that area as a senior and succeeds, a lot of NFL teams will
look to him in the fourth round as a slot receiver/return specialist.
On the defensive side of the ball the number one prospect is
third-year junior Terrell Suggs. A terrific pass rusher that makes plays
in every single area of the field, Suggs has the versatility to stop the ball
carrier in the backfield, out to the flanks or even off the line of scrimmage
when dropped into pass coverage. Suggs can also line up in a three-point stance
or stand up over tackle effectively. He is not big, bulky and rather easily
handled at the point of attack. At 6-2/235 pounds it is not at all inconceivable
Suggs will be moved to outside linebacker in the mold of a Chris Slade, and will
be a top 45 choice over the next year or two. Solomon Bates is an
explosive hitter that can be used at either inside or outside linebacker and
displays great pursuit skills with decent speed. Bates must become more
cognizant in pass defense and make plays when the ball is in the air rather than
"reacting after the fact" which slows his arrival to the play. Height
and size may also be an issue with Bates and push him deeper into the draft then
his grades would warrant. Safety Alfred Williams has decent size and
athleticism but must start to pull it together as a senior and become more of a
force.
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