Sporting News

Draft Dish: Top prospects in BCS National Championship Game

Cam Newton, QB, junior, Auburn: Projected 1st rounder

Newton has the physical tools to be an elite NFL quarterback, but similar to Tim Tebow and Vince Young, he will need to work on his mechanics to become the passer that he has the talent to be. If Newton chooses to come out early for the 2011 NFL Draft -- I don’t believe he should -- he will most likely be viewed as a third-round prospect by most teams, just as Tebow was, but could get chosen much higher as he has rare physical talent. History tells us NFL teams often fall in love with a QB’s rocket arm and physical tools and end up overlooking their deficiencies as a passer. Newton needs a ton of work before he can become a consistent passing QB in the NFL. Newton has the physical ability to be a first-round pick and if he shines passing the ball vs. Oregon, he could really help his draft stock. However, Newton’s off-field baggage could also cause him to slide drastically in the draft.

Oregon's Brandon Bair (88), Jennings Stewart (64) and Nick Musgrove (62) run on to the field after Oregon defeated New Mexico. (AP photo)

Nick Fairley, DT, junior, Auburn: Projected top 5 pick

Fairley is a very powerful and tremendously athletic defensive tackle with the physical talent to be an impact player in the NFL. He has excellent initial quickness, which enables him to either shoot through the gap to blow up a play in the backfield or to get on top of offensive linemen before they can get set. Fairley can then jolt and control linemen. He is a highly productive player vs. the run in all areas: Shooting into the backfield, taking linemen at the point of attack, and chasing down running plays. He has excellent pass rush ability for a DT. He is uncommon in his ability to pressure the QB by bull rushing, shooting gaps and just flat out beating one-on-one pass blocks with a variety of pass rush moves.

Josh Bynes, MLB, senior, Auburn: Projected 5th rounder

Bynes is an athletic middle linebacker who makes plays all over the field, but his inconsistent ability to read and react quickly hinders him. He is a tough and highly competitive defender who is willing to take on blockers strong at the point of attack, and chases hard until the whistle. In recent history, defensive players who have questionable instincts rarely are able to become productive starting players in the NFL. However, Bynes could be considered the fifth or sixth round because he has the athleticism to be a starting MLB in a 4-3 scheme. Bynes will end up being a good backup linebacker and will have to make his mark on special teams if he is going to have a long NFL career.

Brandon Bair, DE, senior, Oregon: Projected 3rd rounder

Bair is a very tall, long-armed and athletic defensive lineman with excellent intangibles. He has quick feet and gets out of his stance fast, which enables him to quickly get his hands on linemen. When he bull rushes aggressively, he has consistently shown the ability to jolt and drive OL backward into the quarterback’s lap. Even though he struggles to get the sack, he is able to force the QB to throw early and he tips passes consistently. He can anchor versus run blocks with good base/leverage and uses his hands well to take on OL. He holds ground, controls blockers, and gets free to make the tackle on runs at him. He also has the playing speed to chase down ball carriers in backside pursuit with ease.

Casey Matthews, MLB, senior, Oregon: Projected 4th rounder

Matthews is a smart and instinctive defender who reads and reacts quickly and does not get fooled by play-action or misdirection plays. He does a good job of using his hands to keep blockers from getting a hold of him, moves through traffic surprisingly well and is consistently around the ball. Matthews is especially productive in short-yardage situations. When he lines up on the outside he comes down the line of scrimmage quickly on running plays away and has the speed and burst to close and make tackle. He is smooth and fluid in “zone” drops, reads the pass well and closes quickly to make the hard hit right after the catch. He can pick up receivers and tight ends on deep, middle of the field routes.