04-22-2018, 06:52 PM
The MAC is, oftentimes, a forgotten conferences in the FBS. MAC teams don't normally don't get the highly rated recruits nor the national attention that Power 5 schools get. However, the MAC has produced some quality NFL players in the 2000's and shouldn't be overlooked... especially in finding a late-round gems (Antonio Brown, Michael Turner, Julian Edelman).
Here is a list of the top MAC offensive prospects for this year's draft:
Quarterbacks
1. Logan Woodside, Toledo
The top MAC quarterback available this year will be Logan Woodside. He was a 3-year starter at Toledo and put up over 10,000 career passing yards. Additionally, he is ranked 12th all time in FBS passer efficiency (162.9). Woodside has quite a few similarities to Andy Dalton... both were known to be very accurate college quarterbacks with questions regarding arm-strength, size, and level of competition. As a bonus, he is a Bengal fan born and raised in Kentucky.
Projection: Rounds 5-6
Highlights
2. Brogan Roback, Eastern Michigan
Roback was a 3-year starter at Eastern Michigan and one of the main factors in the team's football turnaround. He led the Eagles to their first bowl appearance in 20 years. As a prospect, Roback has a very strong arm and can make all the throws. However, consistency is an issue and he failed to put up eye-popping numbers.
Projection: PFA
Highlights
Running Backs
1a. Terry Swanson, Toledo
Swanson is coming out of the same system as Kareem Hunt did last season. In fact, Swanson was a quality contributor even while Hunt was the starter. In 2017, as the full-time starter, he rushed for over 1,300 yards and 14 touchdowns (5.6 avg). He was used sparingly as a receiver and had 55 receptions over 4 years. Swanson showed decent athleticism at his pro day.
Projection: Rounds 6-7
Highlights
1b. Jarvion Franklin, Western Michigan
Jarvion Franklin set the bar high with his freshman performance: 1,550 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns. Unfortunately, he was never able to reduplicate those crazy numbers. Nevertheless, he was a solid running back and 4-year starter at Western Michigan. Franklin isn't the most athletic prospect but has good size to potentially be a short-yardage/ goal line back. He needs to use that power in that role rather than trying to do too much dancing as a big back.
Projection: Rounds 6-7
Highlights
3. Donnie Ernsberger, Western Michigan (FB)
As a fullback, Donnie Ernsberger won't garner much draft attention, but he was a major reason behind Western Michigan's success in the running game (look for #85 in Jarvion Franklin's highlights). He is an old-school fullback who likes to smack linebackers or defensive backs that get in his way. He also helped contribute in the receiving game last season with 34 receptions and nearly 400 yards.
Projection: PFA
Highlights
Tight Ends
1. Tyler Conklin, Central Michigan
Tyler Conklin was on fire in 2016 and had over 550 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns. He injured his ankle and although his production didn't suffer much during his senior season, he wasn't the same player. Conklin is a well-rounded tight end who adds to the passing attack and isn't afraid to block. He doesn't excel in any particular area and isn't the best athlete, but he is a good all-around football player.
Projection: Rounds 5-6
Highlights
2. Shane Wimann, Northern Illinois
Much like Conklin, Wimann is a versatile tight end who does what he's asked to do. He was underutilized as a receiver in NIU's run-first offense, but did score 7 touchdowns in 2017. Wimann is an underwhelming athlete but a try-hard player who could perhaps find his way onto an NFL roster.
Projection: PFA
Highlights
Wide Receivers
1. Teo Redding, Bowling Green
Teo Redding had a decent senior season collecting 45 passes for over 600 yards and 8 touchdowns. However, what makes him most intriguing is his athleticism. Redding had a great pro day running a 4.46 forty, a 38.5" vertical, and 11' broad jump. The Bengals did send scouts to attent the Bowling Green pro day... he could be a developmental prospect.
Projection: Round 7 / PFA
Highlights
2. Corey Willis, Central Michigan
Contrary to Redding, Corey Willis only possesses marginal speed/athleticism. He is relatively short for the position measuring in at just under 5'10". He had a good junior year with 72 receptions, over 1,000 receiving yards, and 9 touchdowns. However, he regressed in his senior campaign largely due to the departure of QB Cooper Rush.
Projection: PFA
Highlights
Offensive Lineman
1. Chukwuma Okorafor, Western Michigan (OT)
Okorafor is the highest rated MAC player in this draft. He is a mountain of a man measuring 6'6, 325 lbs. His family originally came to the USA from Botswana so he got a late start in football, but he has gotten plenty of playing time at Western Michigan and has started at both left and right tackle during his career. Okorafor has good strength and length but is a bit of a project still. He could go as early as round 2 and could be a interesting draft pick for the Bengals to add competition at right tackle.
Projection: Rounds 3-4
Highlights
2. Elijah Nkansah, Toledo (OT)
Much like Okorafor, Nkansah has been a 3-year starter at both left and right tackle for the Rockets. He helped protect QB Logan Woodside and was a part of a powerful offense. Nkansah performed well at his pro day and has the size and potential to make an NFL squad.
Projection: Round 7 / PFA
3. Jake Preuhs, Ohio (OC)
Jake Preuhs started on the Ohio offensive line during his entire 4-year career. He has lined up at both guard and center and showed nice strength in the running game. He is not an elite prospect by any means but should get a shot with some NFL team this offseason.
Projection: PFA
*Sorry this post got super lengthy but I just wanted to highlight some of these lesser known players. I attended a MAC school and continue to follow the conference every year. #GoHuskies
Here is a list of the top MAC offensive prospects for this year's draft:
Quarterbacks
1. Logan Woodside, Toledo
The top MAC quarterback available this year will be Logan Woodside. He was a 3-year starter at Toledo and put up over 10,000 career passing yards. Additionally, he is ranked 12th all time in FBS passer efficiency (162.9). Woodside has quite a few similarities to Andy Dalton... both were known to be very accurate college quarterbacks with questions regarding arm-strength, size, and level of competition. As a bonus, he is a Bengal fan born and raised in Kentucky.
Projection: Rounds 5-6
Highlights
2. Brogan Roback, Eastern Michigan
Roback was a 3-year starter at Eastern Michigan and one of the main factors in the team's football turnaround. He led the Eagles to their first bowl appearance in 20 years. As a prospect, Roback has a very strong arm and can make all the throws. However, consistency is an issue and he failed to put up eye-popping numbers.
Projection: PFA
Highlights
Running Backs
1a. Terry Swanson, Toledo
Swanson is coming out of the same system as Kareem Hunt did last season. In fact, Swanson was a quality contributor even while Hunt was the starter. In 2017, as the full-time starter, he rushed for over 1,300 yards and 14 touchdowns (5.6 avg). He was used sparingly as a receiver and had 55 receptions over 4 years. Swanson showed decent athleticism at his pro day.
Projection: Rounds 6-7
Highlights
1b. Jarvion Franklin, Western Michigan
Jarvion Franklin set the bar high with his freshman performance: 1,550 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns. Unfortunately, he was never able to reduplicate those crazy numbers. Nevertheless, he was a solid running back and 4-year starter at Western Michigan. Franklin isn't the most athletic prospect but has good size to potentially be a short-yardage/ goal line back. He needs to use that power in that role rather than trying to do too much dancing as a big back.
Projection: Rounds 6-7
Highlights
3. Donnie Ernsberger, Western Michigan (FB)
As a fullback, Donnie Ernsberger won't garner much draft attention, but he was a major reason behind Western Michigan's success in the running game (look for #85 in Jarvion Franklin's highlights). He is an old-school fullback who likes to smack linebackers or defensive backs that get in his way. He also helped contribute in the receiving game last season with 34 receptions and nearly 400 yards.
Projection: PFA
Highlights
Tight Ends
1. Tyler Conklin, Central Michigan
Tyler Conklin was on fire in 2016 and had over 550 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns. He injured his ankle and although his production didn't suffer much during his senior season, he wasn't the same player. Conklin is a well-rounded tight end who adds to the passing attack and isn't afraid to block. He doesn't excel in any particular area and isn't the best athlete, but he is a good all-around football player.
Projection: Rounds 5-6
Highlights
2. Shane Wimann, Northern Illinois
Much like Conklin, Wimann is a versatile tight end who does what he's asked to do. He was underutilized as a receiver in NIU's run-first offense, but did score 7 touchdowns in 2017. Wimann is an underwhelming athlete but a try-hard player who could perhaps find his way onto an NFL roster.
Projection: PFA
Highlights
Wide Receivers
1. Teo Redding, Bowling Green
Teo Redding had a decent senior season collecting 45 passes for over 600 yards and 8 touchdowns. However, what makes him most intriguing is his athleticism. Redding had a great pro day running a 4.46 forty, a 38.5" vertical, and 11' broad jump. The Bengals did send scouts to attent the Bowling Green pro day... he could be a developmental prospect.
Projection: Round 7 / PFA
Highlights
2. Corey Willis, Central Michigan
Contrary to Redding, Corey Willis only possesses marginal speed/athleticism. He is relatively short for the position measuring in at just under 5'10". He had a good junior year with 72 receptions, over 1,000 receiving yards, and 9 touchdowns. However, he regressed in his senior campaign largely due to the departure of QB Cooper Rush.
Projection: PFA
Highlights
Offensive Lineman
1. Chukwuma Okorafor, Western Michigan (OT)
Okorafor is the highest rated MAC player in this draft. He is a mountain of a man measuring 6'6, 325 lbs. His family originally came to the USA from Botswana so he got a late start in football, but he has gotten plenty of playing time at Western Michigan and has started at both left and right tackle during his career. Okorafor has good strength and length but is a bit of a project still. He could go as early as round 2 and could be a interesting draft pick for the Bengals to add competition at right tackle.
Projection: Rounds 3-4
Highlights
2. Elijah Nkansah, Toledo (OT)
Much like Okorafor, Nkansah has been a 3-year starter at both left and right tackle for the Rockets. He helped protect QB Logan Woodside and was a part of a powerful offense. Nkansah performed well at his pro day and has the size and potential to make an NFL squad.
Projection: Round 7 / PFA
3. Jake Preuhs, Ohio (OC)
Jake Preuhs started on the Ohio offensive line during his entire 4-year career. He has lined up at both guard and center and showed nice strength in the running game. He is not an elite prospect by any means but should get a shot with some NFL team this offseason.
Projection: PFA
*Sorry this post got super lengthy but I just wanted to highlight some of these lesser known players. I attended a MAC school and continue to follow the conference every year. #GoHuskies
