Wait, “Battlefrog” Fiesta Bowl? What on Earth is Battlefrog? Is that like the “Duck Commander Independence Bowl?” What happened to “this is for all the Tostitos?”
Also, that was really bold of Brent Musburger by the way, doing sponsored content while calling a Field Goal Attempt. That call, and Fiesta Bowl game was actually long before most of us knew what the words “sponsored content” and “native advertising” actually meant.
Moving on…
Notre Dame Coach Brian Kelly had this to say about his opponent upon arriving in Phoenix today for the Fiesta Bowl:
“I think that this is a football team that is really peaking at the wrong time for us. This is a really good football team and again, I think we are playing the best football team in the country.”
With all the talent on both of these rosters, you could conceivably be watching seven or eight potential first-rounders in this game on New Year’s Day. BY FAR this match up has the most 2016 NFL Draft representation of any single bowl game.
Ohio State DL Joey Bosa agrees:
“You look everywhere on both teams, there’s probably no two teams with more talent and NFL prospects,” he said.
We even did a listicle earlier of 10 Ohio State football players who might be first round picks, in either 2016 or 2017, if they play their cards right. (read that here)
For now, we give you six Notre Dame or Ohio State players that we have projected to go in the first round in our latest NFL mock draft. Here are the six potential first-rounders on display in the Fiesta Bowl.
Beyond the Fiesta Bowl, here is our entire first round mock draft.
1. Cleveland, Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
Ah, the Cleveland Browns. No team’s fanbase is more engaged in the NFL Draft, year round, year in, year out, then this team. The Brownies fan club love themselves a good NFL mock draft; even in August. Of course, don’t mock another OT to the Browns because they’ll let you have in the comments section and/or on Twitter.
Bosa is as blue-chip a prospect as you’ll ever find. The Big Ten didn’t have anyone taken in the top ten 2008-2014. (Although they did provide the 11th overall selection both last year and in 2009). The streak ended end this April when Iowa’s Brandon Scherrf went to Washington with the fifth overall selection.
For more on Joey Bosa go here
3. Tennessee, Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame
According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, there are huge changes in store with the Tennessee Titans this offseason. Read more on that here.
Notre Dame Coach Brian Kelly talked about Stanley’s leadership following the Irish upset of LSU in the Music City Bowl:
“The will started with Ronnie Stanley, Ronnie today was extremely vocal, and it kind of lit a fire under everybody, and carried over. Ronnie’s not a big talker, but he kind of got charged up and it seemed to elevate everybody. “
Stanley has been an anchor at right tackle for ND since he was a sophomore. He led an offensive line that allowed just eight sacks and ranked second in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in fewest sacks allowed.
Go here for more on Ronnie Stanley
13. NY Giants, Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
The Giants are atrocious on offense, they need to go best off player available in this draft. Decker is a dynamite player, great talker and a stand-up guy off the field we’re told. He also gave the most realistic and truthful soundbite you’ll ever hear from a college football player in response to a NFL mock draft.
“I think a big thing they look for is do you improve as a player year to year,” said Decker at Big Ten Media Day.
“I had a decent projection coming out of this year, but I want to improve upon it. If they sense complacency, it won’t improve my stock at all.”
Go here for more on Taylor Decker.
23. NY Jets, Jaylon Smith, OLB, Notre Dame
On the eve of Notre Dame’s (or as LSU/SEC folk call them “Notra Dame”) big upset victory over #22 LSU, Fighting Irish Coach Brian Kelly extolled the virtues of OLB Jaylon Smith:
“Certainly, physically, one of the better players that I have coached in my career. His best football is in front of him. We took him this year and moved him inside. Which is a big step for a guy that’s played outside, it’s a big difference so this year’s been a learning experience for him.”
Very high praise for Smith, who heads into the 2015 season as the most talented, and perhaps best overall player on the Fighting Irish. There were only three defensive players (DL Isaac Rochell, LB Jaylon Smith and CB Cole Luke) who started all 13 games for the Irish this year.
For more on Jaylon Smith go here
24. Indianapolis, Ezekiell Elliott, RB, Ohio State
Stock blew up like nitro in the post-season. His stock is continuing to rise this season. It’s just too bad the NFL doesn’t value running backs anymore like they used to.
Go here for more on Elliott.
30. Cincinnati, Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State
Michael Thomas has size, speed, separation, ability to win contested situations, ball skills, great at 50/50 balls, scouting buzzword XYZ, Todd McShay catch-phrase ABC, Draftnik cliche 123, insert Mel Kiper Jr phrase here.
Go here for more on Thomas.
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and sometimes writes The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. The website is also featured on News Now.
Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes to the Chicago Tribune RedEye. He also appears regularly on numerous television and radio talk shows all across the country. Catch him Tuesdays on KOZN 1620 The Zone.
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