This week is the official opening week of the Raiders Draft 2018. Oakland and many other teams are headed for the largest NCAA all-star game which is the Senior Bowl held in Mobile, Alabama on Saturday.
Nonetheless, two major all-star games already occurred this past Saturday. The East-West Shrine game and NFLPA Collegiate Bowl already showcased dozens of draft prospects. In Pasadena Calif., the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl resulted in a 23-0 win for the National team.
These games are platforms for prospects to get another evaluation and second look from NFL executives and scouts. Who should the Oakland Raiders consider from the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl?
Frank Herron, DT, LSU
https://twitter.com/LSUTigerWire/status/955056813585547266
Anytime a big-man scores it is one of the highlights of the game. LSU defensive tackle Frank Herron recorded a scoop and score from 22 yards out in the fourth quarter of the 2018 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. Herron finished the game with 3 solo tackles for the National team too.
Herron was a five-star recruit to LSU but he never really lived up to these expectations. In 25 career games, Herron had 67 total tackles (6 for a loss), 2 sacks, 1 FR and 3 FF. He was a stout player who played a five-technique for his first few seasons. Herron missed the first six games of his senior year but played in five games primarily as a defensive end.
At six-foot-four and 312 pounds, Herron is a defensive tackle at the next level. He might be best as a two-gapping five technique and run stuffer but he might be worth developing as a three-technique. His get off is solid and he might be able to get into backfields with some hand improvement. DraftTek has Herron ranked as the No. 17 run stuffing defensive end.
Ultimately, Herron’s big-plays and stout play at LSU and in a shutout win for the National team should earn him some late round and undrafted consideration from the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders need help on the interior of their defensive line and Herron might be a steal.
Adonis Jennings, WR, Temple
Temple receiver Adonis Jennings only made a couple of catches in the NFLPA game but both of them were highlights. He caught one beautiful pass between two defenders, got hit, maintained possession and kept his feet it inbounds. It was the play of the game for the losing team. Jennings finished with a game-high two catches for 61 yards. Both of his catches were for over 25 yards which is the big-play ability he showed in College.
On Location | @NFLPABowl Progress Report — Adonis Jennings, WR, Temple: Struggled with some catches early on in practice yesterday but recovered nicely during one-on-ones, showing the ability to gain separation, while doing a nice job using his hands to combat bump/run coverage.
— NFL Draft Bible (@NFLDraftBible) January 18, 2018
At Temple, Jennings showcased abilities to beat corners off the line, separate on deep routes, an ability to high point balls and maintain possession and he has the ability after the catch. He finished his last year at Temple with 42 catches, 742 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns. Those numbers should be higher for a player with such natural abilities. Jennings started his career at Pittsburgh before transferring to Temple which is closer to home.
He’s listed at six-foot-three and 205 pounds which is an ideal size for an outside receiver. The Oakland Raiders need a big-play receiver. They also need a big-body target for Gruden’s west coast offense. Jennings will need to showcase consistency to earn his way into the draft. Through the rest of pre draft workouts he needs to drop any passes. A great 40-yard-dash time and vertical jump should also help him get some shine. Either way, he’s definitely worth a look if he goes undrafted.
Anthony Philyaw, RB, Howard
Howard running back Anthony Philyaw showcased skills as a runner and passer at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. He had a stretch where he registered back-to–back catches. He caught a ball both on the outside and inside. Philyaw also showcased some speed on an outside zone for a touchdown that was basically the dagger for the National team. Philyaw finished the day with 48 yards from scrimmage. The Raiders could give him some late round consideration for special teams and receiving back duties.
"NO POINTS FOR YOU." – National squad rn pic.twitter.com/ykirSTUuUv
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) January 21, 2018
At six-foot-0ne and 205 pounds, Philyaw brings ideal size for a third down back.The Los Angeles native registered 1230 rushing yards and 5.5 yards a carry for 2016. Last season he had 76 769 rushing yards with a 5.7 yards per carryaverage. He had 139 receiving yards and 10 total todays for Howard.
In an interview with 365sportsnetwork.com, Philyaw said he has the aggressive running style of David Johnson and the cutting ability of Le’Veon Bell. He will need to run a good 40-yard-dash time to get himself up draft boards.
The Oakland Raiders are known for historically selecting players out of HBCs. Philyaw could be another deep sleeper worth a late round selection or undrafted signing. NFL Draft Scout currently has him listed as the 51st running back in this class.
Oakland has done a great job finding talent via the late rounds and undrafted free agents over the past few seasons. The 2018 Raiders draft should not be any different if they take an extra look at these players from the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.
