Arik Armstead
Many players fantasize about one day making it professionally in the NFL. Arik Armstead now stands at the door for his opportunity to make that dream into a reality.
In order to make it in the NFL, you have to be prepared for just about anything.
Therefore, I believe that Armstead has first round potential, and will be the first overall pick.
Armstead is a powerful athlete, coming in at 6’7” and 292 pounds. His arm length is 33 inches, with his hands at 10 and a half inches. His size is unavoidably a great advantage for him being put to good use.
With his good arm extension and strength, he is able to control offensive linemen. Armstead is also able to break off from blocks quickly and has an above-average tackle radius.
Armstead had his fair share of strengths with minimal weaknesses while playing for Oregon.
While in Eugene, he continued to improve his leaps and bounds each year. His frame will suit him well if he were to add more bulk, which he can do after getting drafted into the NFL. Armstead has a strong hip snap, which allows him to gain immediate leverage against the run, which allows him to explode up field and shed blockers.
It’s not surprising that Armstead is being considered for the first overall selection in the NFL Draft.
Being so young, Armstead might need patience and coaching in order to prosper more as an athlete. However, there is nothing but greatness to come from him.
— Nathaly Trujillo
Jameis Winston
This one is a no-brainer. Which, ironically, is what critics have to say about Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston.
The media has done an excellent job of painting a controversial picture of Winston. It’s a shame, because we just witnessed one of the best two-year careers of any player in NCAA football history, and we barely noticed it because we were too busy turning Winston into a Twitter meme.
Make no mistake, Winston is a coach’s dream quarterback. The Heisman recipient has the size of Ben Roethlisberger (6’4”, 230 pounds), the arm strength of a young Joe Flacco, the accuracy of a young Aaron Rodgers and in the words of quarterback guru Jon Gruden, “the football IQ of a young Peyton Manning.”
But none of those qualities were the first things I noticed when I first watched Winston. It’s his fire that jumps off the screen. His passion for the game. His intensity. His charisma. He has the unique ability to rally his troops and get the best out of everyone. If you say you wouldn’t give anything to be in Winston’s huddle, you’re lying to me and to yourself.
After years of irrelevancy, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers need someone to light a fire under the entire organization. Winston is the guy. And after head coach Lovie Smith’s stint with the Chicago Bears, Winston will be the perfect change of pace from Jay “Stone-Faced-and-Arms-Crossed” Cutler.
— Brandon Wallace
