*Cameron Erving OT, Florida State, No. 75
It wasnt too long ago when the 6-foot-5, 320-pound Erving lined up on the defensive side of the ball as a promising, run-stuffing tackle for the Seminoles. But, in need of offensive line depth, the coaching staff felt Erving had the length and athleticism to make the transition to left tackle, and now hes developed into one of the best linemen in the draft.
Blessed with natural gifts, tremendous size, athleticism and footwork, Erving -- who won the ACC Jacobs Blocking Trophy, awarded annually to the most outstanding blocker in the ACC -- has just scratched the surface of his true potential. Protecting the blindside of the Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston, who wont be eligible for the draft until 2015, has boosted his stock at a rapid rate.
Prospect reflection: Eugene Monroe (Virginia), 2009: First round (eighth overall) by Jacksonville Jaguars
*Timmy Jernigan - DT, Florida State, No. 8
A forceful interior defender, the 6-foot-2, 292-pound Jernigan possesses a quick first step, violent hands and gains leverage against the opposition with his outstanding balance and strength. Entering the contest against Auburn, Jernigan has been a disruptive force and generated 54 tackles, 10.5 for a loss, and 4.5 sacks in 13 games. With a strong performance in the National Championship and a standout performance during the draft process, its possible that Jernigan will climb into the top-20.
Prospect reflection: Mike Patterson (Southern Cal), 2005: First round (31st overall) by Philadelphia Eagles
Lamarcus Joyner - CB, Florida State, No. 20
Joyner is a tremendously athletic corner who, despite only being listed at 5-foot-8, 190 pounds, has the ability to line up on the perimeter or in the slot and shut down the opposition. He can be used in a variety of packages and excel, and he did just that this season by amassing 64 tackles, 6.5 for a loss, five sacks and two interceptions. However physical traits are always scrutinized during the draft process, and Joyner will likely feel the effects and fall further than he should on draft day.
Prospect reflection: Alphonso Smith (Wake Forest), 2009: Second round (37th overall) by Denver Broncos
**Kelvin Benjamin - WR, Florida State, No. 1
A monstrous receiver with unlimited potential, Benjamin, who stands at an imposing 6-foot-5 and 234 pounds, uses his unique size, speed and undeniable physical tools to dominate the competition. The big-play target of Winston, Benjamin, whose skill set is still developing, had a breakout season and hauled in 50 receptions for 957 yards and 14 touchdowns. Like most redshirt sophomores, Benjamin has a big decision to make about his football future after the National Championship, but unlike most young players with two years of eligibility remaining, Benjamin turns 23 years old next month and will likely want to pursue the NFL.
Prospect reflection: Brandon Marshall (Central Florida), 2006: Fourth round (119th overall) by Denver Broncos
Christian Jones - ILB, Florida State, No. 7
An athletic, explosive and versatile defender, the 6-foot-4, 235-pound Jones is a good pass rusher and solid against the run, but hes a bit undersized and has to work on his cover skills. One of the leaders on the Seminoles defense, Jones recorded 49 tackles, 7.5 for a loss, two sacks and an interception in 11 starts. Hes the type of athlete who will emerge during the draft process, show he can be an impact player, and rise on teams draft boards.
Prospect reflection: Daryl Washington (TCU), 2010: Second round (47th overall) by Arizona Cardinals
Terrence Brooks - FS, Florida State, No. 31
A heady, rangy, physical defensive back, the 5-foot-11, 200-pound Brooks -- who posted 50 tackles, seven for a loss, a sack and two interceptions in 12 starts -- has developed into a dependable defender and solid special teams performer. Brooks versatility and aggressive style will attract interest from many teams on draft day, and he should come off the board at some point in the third round.
Prospect reflection: Josh Bullocks (Nebraska), 2005: Second round (40th overall) by New Orleans Saints
*Tre Mason - RB, Auburn, No. 21
The numbers that Mason produced this season are eye-popping, carrying the ball 283 times for 1,621 yards and 22 touchdowns. But NFL decision makers will have to determine if he is a product of the system or if hes a true game-changing runner. Regardless, Mason, who is not the biggest runner but has a solid frame at 5-foot-10, 205 pounds, possesses the vision, instincts and quickness needed to be an effective runner at the next level.
Prospect reflection: DeAngelo Williams (Memphis), 2006: First round (27th overall) by Carolina Panthers
**Greg Robinson - OT, Auburn, No. 73
The 6-foot-5, 320-pound Robinson has been skyrocketing up my board with his rare skill set and genetic gifts. If I were to release a new top 100 today, Robinson would be ranked in the 30 40 range. Theres a lot of buzz about Robinson amongst the scouting community, and some believe he could ultimately be a top-15 pick if he declares. But with two years of eligibility remaining, Robinson has a huge decision to make: be a first-round pick in the 15 32 range or have a chance to be a top three selection in 2015. Well find out soon enough.
Prospect reflection: Michael Oher (Mississippi), 2009: First round (23rd overall) by Baltimore Ravens
Others to watch
Florida State: RB *Devonta Freeman (5-8, 203), RB *Karlos Williams (6-1, 223), RB *James Wilder Jr. (6-1, 229), WR Kenny Shaw (5-11, 170), WR *Rashad Greene (6-0, 180), TE *Nick OLeary (6-3, 248), OG *Tre Jackson (6-4, 330), OG *Josue Matias (6-5, 322), OG *Bobby Hart (6-4, 315), C Bryan Stork (6-4, 300), OLB Telvin Smith (6-2, 218), OLB **Terrance Smith (6-3, 215), SS **Keelin Smith (6-2, 185).
Auburn: FB Jay Prosch (6-0, 258), WR **Sammie Coates (6-1, 201), C *Reese Dismukes (6-2, 298), K Cody Parkey (6-0, 190), OLB Dee Ford (6-2, 240), CB Chris Davis (5-10, 200), FS Ryan Smith (6-1, 194), FS *Jermaine Whitehead (5-11. 201), SS *Robenson Therezie (5-9, 204), P Steven Clark (6-4, 230).
