Washington Huskies
Offensively, no Husky may get his named called in April. Chris
Juergens is a nice sized wide out that makes the difficult catch but must be
more involved in the action. Paul Arnold, highly recruited as a running
back, displayed flashes at receiver last season after showing no durability
whatsoever as a ball carrier. His speed and athleticism are quite evident when
the ball is in his hands but like Juergens, Arnold must prove he is more than a
part time offensive skill player. Rich Alexis is a future pick at running
back if he can stay healthy and slowly but surely junior Cody Pickett is
turning into a complete quarterback. The athletic thrower makes plays with his
legs and arm, displaying a live arm and quick feet. Pickett must improve his
fundamentals and reads in the pocket, but is making progress.
One prospect that could make a big move up charts on the
other side of the ball is Kai Ellis. UW is known for its’
"undersized rush linebackers" in the past and Ellis could have more
upside potential than many of his predecessors. Ellis is athletic, deceptively
strong and makes plays up the field or out to the flanks. Displaying the skills
to defend the run or rush the passer, we were impressed the way Ellis holds his
own against one-on-one blocking. Ellis may have the ability to play up over
tackle in a three-four scheme, but he may also be able to hold more weight on
his frame, which makes lining up in a three-point stance at the next level a
very real possibility. A big senior campaign will push Ellis into the
early-to-middle rounds. Linebacker Ben Mahdavi, nicely built for the
three-four scheme UW plays, is just a smart football player constantly around
the action. Mahdavi is not big, fast and lacks size potential. Limited in the
number of schemes in which he will be effective, Mahdavi will be pushed into the
later rounds.