Top 10 Players in the Big Ten
10. Nate Gerry, S, Nebraska Huskers
Star Power: Gerry is a true stand-out on the Huskers defense. After the suspension of Leroy Alexander in the 2014 season, he was thrust into the starting lineup. It’s safe to say he made the most of it, racking up 88 tackles and a team-leading 5 interceptions that season. He was also named Second Team All-Big Ten by the conference media and Honorable Mention All-Big Ten by the coaches. If you put on his tape, you will see Gerry’s great football instincts manifest themselves readily in his playmaking ability.
Can he bring another performance, if not better one, for this season? Things certainly look bright on that front. He was named team captain in mid-June by his peers and is projected to be right up there with the Big Ten’s best by some analysts. Gerry is a do-it-all safety who brings a lot to the table. If all this does not say star then what does?
NFL Future: I see Gerry going in the 3rd round and having a solid career. I don’t see him having a spectacular start due to transition problems but he may have some bright moments where he gets everyone’s attention. I could see a Devin McCourty, even Erik Weddle type of career for him.
Best Fit: Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans
9. Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State
Star Power: The first words that come to mind are tough and potential. Hackenberg is a QB with a huge amount of potential though it didn’t show last year. He suffered greatly from a lack of an offensive line and struggled with an in-experienced group of wide receivers. Despite all of this, he is still projected to be a top five pick. He has all of the tools that you would want in a quarterback and his ceiling is very high.
Most importantly, in my opinion, he has stupendous mental toughness. When Penn State was punished with heavy sanctions from the Jerry Sandusky scandal, Hackenberg had already committed to the school and chose to stick it out with them. He did this knowing that they would not see any bowl games or championships for quite some time. This is a reflection of not only someone with great character, but someone who is not shaken by adversity. Depending on which team he goes to in the NFL draft, this is a quality that will come in handy.
NFL Future: I see Hackenberg having a solid to very good career. I think it will depend on the team and the talent that’s at his disposal. I can definitely see him following in the footsteps of Ryan Tannehill when it comes to his development. Tannehill’s career isn’t even half over but his development in the league has been nothing to gloss over. With the right elements, I believe Hackenberg can do the same but his potential is so high the future remains somewhat foggy.
Best Fit: Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans
8. Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
Star Power: The anchor of the Ohio State offensive line. Decker started in all 15 games, including the national championship against Oregon and made his presence known in every one. His contribution paved the way for Ezekiel Elliot flourishing the way he has and, ultimately, for the Buckeyes being able to take home that coveted trophy. Decker has been a star from the start, coming out of high school as a four-star recruit.
He was rated #9 in Ohio and #19 overall in the nation. Seeing Decker in action, one thing becomes clear: his immense talent (no pun intended). He’s great at the pass AND the run, rarely gets beat, and is actually quite athletic. He’s truly a force to be reckoned with as him and the rest of the ohio state o-line have made the way for 28 individual 100 yard rushing games with six different Buckeyes in the last three years. Impressive no?
NFL Future: Decker will probably have a really good career in the pros. This guy is ready to go and should be picked ASAP in the first round. In terms of career comparisons, I see Nate Solder, even Joe Staley. He’s that good and anyone who gets him will be lucky to have him.
Best Fit: Green Bay Packers
7. JT Barrett, QB, Ohio State
Star Power: When things looked bleak for the Buckeyes with Braxton Miller’s injury, J.T. Barrett stepped in and did what no one expected him to do: win and win big. It wasn’t a smooth transition, Barrett struggled at first at the beginning but he bounced back huge. He went on to do major things like break the single season Big Ten touchdown record, previously held by a quarterback that you might know: Drew Brees.
Were it not for the broken ankle he suffered in the final game of the season who knows what else Barrett could have accomplished? Yes Cardale Jones took over and did the improbable in the playoffs, but, Barrett was the one who made it all possible. With the 2015-2016 season approaching, it’s safe to say he has a great shot at the starter job after coming off the best statistical season for a QB in Ohio state history. I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t have the job.
NFL Future: Barrett’s career can be good to maybe great. The rate of success for athletic quarterbacks like Barrett is very finicky. In Barrett’s case, I think he needs to be with a team who won’t force him to be something he’s not. That way he’ll have his best chance. For a career comparison, I would say Colin Kaepernick minus the hiccups that Kaepernick is currently having.
Best Fit: Philadelphia Eagles
6. Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
Star Power: From a walk-on to a major contributor, Conklin has made some major strides in his 2 year collegiate career. He didn’t even have a star as a recruit but has managed to wow basically everyone. As one of the top tackle prospects in the nation, Conklin has put his impressive physical tools to good use by racking up a team-leading 104.5 knockdowns in 2014 and in 27 career starts, only allowing 2.5 sacks.
Naturally, great things are expected of him for this 2015-2016 season. He’s been named to many pre-season watch lists and has even been named as a pre-season first-team All-Big Ten selection. It goes without saying that he is the crown jewel of the Michigan State offensive line. The question is will he come out early for the 2016 NFL Draft and who will snatch him up?
NFL Future: Conklin is another one who is ready to go and could have a career like Trent Williams. There’s no doubt in my mind that he will follow up his collegiate career with a successful pro career. Like his Buckeye contemporary (Taylor Decker), the team that gets him on draft day should be very happy.
Best Fit: Seattle Seahawks, St Louis Rams
5. Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
Star Power: I should rename him Mr Accuracy because that’s the main thing analysts talk about with Connor Cook. Take a look at his game tape and you can see why. However, Cook has other attributes worth mentioning. He’s tough, very smart, poised, a great leader, and has experience in a pro style offense with Michigan State. Cook is what I would call a passing quarterback who can run. He definitely has accomplishments worth writing home about: 2014 Rose Bowl MVP and second team All-Big Ten Honors for two consecutive years.
There are high hopes, along with a lot of eyes on Cook. He’s said to be one of the most intriguing prospects in college football and, if he does well enough, has been projected to be the #1 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Can he live up to that hype? We shall see.
NFL Future: Cook can have a pretty good career in the pros if he goes to the right team; namely one with a good offensive line. I have seen him be called a poor man’s Matt Ryan and I’m inclined to agree. That fits him just right player-wise and career wise. Cook can potentially do a lot of damage in the NFL if he can reach Matt Ryan level but can he do it? It’s possible let’s leave it there.
Best Fit: St Louis Rams, Houston Texans
4. Anthony Zettel, DT, Penn State
Star Power: Athletic freak of nature. The short video on social media of him tackling a tree speaks for itself. It’s hard to watch him in action and not get excited at his physical prowess. Zettel’s potential has always been present as he was a four star recruit coming out of high school. At Penn State, in 2014 he recorded 42 tackles (17 came for a loss), 8 sacks, and 3 interceptions; all of which were team highs and earned him first team All-Big Ten honors by the media and coaches.
He has established himself as one of the premier defensive linemen in the country, considered by some to be second only to Ohio State’s Joey Bosa. If Zettel has another season like he did in 2014 he’s a shoe-in for being a first round pick. Going into this 2015-2016 season, he is said to most likely be the focal point of the Nittany Lions’s defense.
NFL Future: Zettel has a wealth of potential and could probably be a top defensive tackle in the league. If I had to pick someone who, career-wise, he may mirror I would say Geno Atkins. I would even go further and say he will be in the running for defensive rookie of the year.
Best Fit: Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots
3. Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State
Star Power: Arguably the best player on the Michigan State defense. Calhoun’s star shines so bright. He could have entered the 2015 NFL Draft and probably picked up in the first round but chose to stay at Michigan. A first team All-Big Ten selection and second team All-American, he has quickly established himself as one of the Big Ten’s top players at his position and has even been ranked as 3rd overall in the nation amongst front seven players.
Calhoun just seems to be a complete package: skill, speed, strength, and versatility. With the loss of Marcus Rush and Taiwan Jones, the Spartans will be looking to Calhoun to repeat and/or top his 2014 performance. If he can do just that don’t be surprised if he becomes a top 10 pick on draft boards.
NFL Future: Calhoun definitely has the talent to make it big in the NFL. He won’t have a problem fitting into most defenses as he has the ability to play in a 3-4 or 4-3. I could see him becoming a breakout star like Robert Quinn (4-3) or be on the steady rise like Cameron Hayward (3-4). The sky’s the limit for him.
Best Fit: Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Star Power: One of the front-runners for the Heisman Trophy. Elliot is a major part of the Ohio State offense and was a crucial component during their championship run (MVP of the sugar bowl and the championship game). He was a five star recruit coming out of high school, who before this past season had not fulfilled his potential but has more than made up for it. When it comes to his game tape one word comes to mind: explosive.
In actuality he’s not the fastest in the world but he is highly efficient at how he uses his speed. Add to that his old school running back feel, fantastic agility and vision and we have a pretty big talent on our hands. His post-season stats say it all: 696 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. Pretty easy to see why he shines.
NFL Future: I see Elliot being a pretty good asset to the NFL team who will pick him up in the draft. I can definitely see him being like Eddie Lacy, making a big splash and quickly becoming a mainstay on the offense like he has in college. That’s not hard to imagine at all.
Best Fit: Denver Broncos, Houston Texans
Star Power: What hasn’t been said about this guy? Bosa is considered by many people to be the best player in college football period and has only played two seasons. He is literally everything you want in a defensive end: strong, relentless, high motor, athletic, and all around nightmare. A unanimous first team All-American selection, Bosa is also considered to be another player who could go #1 overall in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Football seems to run in his family as his father, John Bosa, was a first round draft pick and his uncle Eric Kumerow, a former Buckeye. He is said to be a contender for all of the major awards this year; something that’s hard to argue against. Fun fact: he even managed to get noticed by President Barack Obama who did Bosa’s signature shrug during the Buckeyes’s visit to the white house. Doesn’t get much better than that.
NFL Future: I’m not much worried at all about Bosa’s future in the NFL. It’s pretty much assumed that he’s going to be amazing. I will fight the temptation to compare him to the phenomenal J.J. Watt. He’s not there yet sorry guys. However, if I can see Anthony Zettel in the running for defensive rookie of the year, I can see Bosa winning it. Will he meet the high expectations set for him? It all looks good from here.
Best Fit: Anywhere, he’s that nice
Honorable Mentions:
(1) Cardale Jones, QB, Ohio State
(2) Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State
(3) Maliek Collins, DT, Nebraska
Follow Shani on twitter @shasfana
Star Power: Gerry is a true stand-out on the Huskers defense. After the suspension of Leroy Alexander in the 2014 season, he was thrust into the starting lineup. It’s safe to say he made the most of it, racking up 88 tackles and a team-leading 5 interceptions that season. He was also named Second Team All-Big Ten by the conference media and Honorable Mention All-Big Ten by the coaches. If you put on his tape, you will see Gerry’s great football instincts manifest themselves readily in his playmaking ability.
Can he bring another performance, if not better one, for this season? Things certainly look bright on that front. He was named team captain in mid-June by his peers and is projected to be right up there with the Big Ten’s best by some analysts. Gerry is a do-it-all safety who brings a lot to the table. If all this does not say star then what does?
NFL Future: I see Gerry going in the 3rd round and having a solid career. I don’t see him having a spectacular start due to transition problems but he may have some bright moments where he gets everyone’s attention. I could see a Devin McCourty, even Erik Weddle type of career for him.
Best Fit: Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans
9. Christian Hackenberg, QB, Penn State
Star Power: The first words that come to mind are tough and potential. Hackenberg is a QB with a huge amount of potential though it didn’t show last year. He suffered greatly from a lack of an offensive line and struggled with an in-experienced group of wide receivers. Despite all of this, he is still projected to be a top five pick. He has all of the tools that you would want in a quarterback and his ceiling is very high.
Most importantly, in my opinion, he has stupendous mental toughness. When Penn State was punished with heavy sanctions from the Jerry Sandusky scandal, Hackenberg had already committed to the school and chose to stick it out with them. He did this knowing that they would not see any bowl games or championships for quite some time. This is a reflection of not only someone with great character, but someone who is not shaken by adversity. Depending on which team he goes to in the NFL draft, this is a quality that will come in handy.
NFL Future: I see Hackenberg having a solid to very good career. I think it will depend on the team and the talent that’s at his disposal. I can definitely see him following in the footsteps of Ryan Tannehill when it comes to his development. Tannehill’s career isn’t even half over but his development in the league has been nothing to gloss over. With the right elements, I believe Hackenberg can do the same but his potential is so high the future remains somewhat foggy.
Best Fit: Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans
8. Taylor Decker, OT, Ohio State
Star Power: The anchor of the Ohio State offensive line. Decker started in all 15 games, including the national championship against Oregon and made his presence known in every one. His contribution paved the way for Ezekiel Elliot flourishing the way he has and, ultimately, for the Buckeyes being able to take home that coveted trophy. Decker has been a star from the start, coming out of high school as a four-star recruit.
He was rated #9 in Ohio and #19 overall in the nation. Seeing Decker in action, one thing becomes clear: his immense talent (no pun intended). He’s great at the pass AND the run, rarely gets beat, and is actually quite athletic. He’s truly a force to be reckoned with as him and the rest of the ohio state o-line have made the way for 28 individual 100 yard rushing games with six different Buckeyes in the last three years. Impressive no?
NFL Future: Decker will probably have a really good career in the pros. This guy is ready to go and should be picked ASAP in the first round. In terms of career comparisons, I see Nate Solder, even Joe Staley. He’s that good and anyone who gets him will be lucky to have him.
Best Fit: Green Bay Packers
7. JT Barrett, QB, Ohio State
Star Power: When things looked bleak for the Buckeyes with Braxton Miller’s injury, J.T. Barrett stepped in and did what no one expected him to do: win and win big. It wasn’t a smooth transition, Barrett struggled at first at the beginning but he bounced back huge. He went on to do major things like break the single season Big Ten touchdown record, previously held by a quarterback that you might know: Drew Brees.
Were it not for the broken ankle he suffered in the final game of the season who knows what else Barrett could have accomplished? Yes Cardale Jones took over and did the improbable in the playoffs, but, Barrett was the one who made it all possible. With the 2015-2016 season approaching, it’s safe to say he has a great shot at the starter job after coming off the best statistical season for a QB in Ohio state history. I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t have the job.
NFL Future: Barrett’s career can be good to maybe great. The rate of success for athletic quarterbacks like Barrett is very finicky. In Barrett’s case, I think he needs to be with a team who won’t force him to be something he’s not. That way he’ll have his best chance. For a career comparison, I would say Colin Kaepernick minus the hiccups that Kaepernick is currently having.
Best Fit: Philadelphia Eagles
6. Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
Star Power: From a walk-on to a major contributor, Conklin has made some major strides in his 2 year collegiate career. He didn’t even have a star as a recruit but has managed to wow basically everyone. As one of the top tackle prospects in the nation, Conklin has put his impressive physical tools to good use by racking up a team-leading 104.5 knockdowns in 2014 and in 27 career starts, only allowing 2.5 sacks.
Naturally, great things are expected of him for this 2015-2016 season. He’s been named to many pre-season watch lists and has even been named as a pre-season first-team All-Big Ten selection. It goes without saying that he is the crown jewel of the Michigan State offensive line. The question is will he come out early for the 2016 NFL Draft and who will snatch him up?
NFL Future: Conklin is another one who is ready to go and could have a career like Trent Williams. There’s no doubt in my mind that he will follow up his collegiate career with a successful pro career. Like his Buckeye contemporary (Taylor Decker), the team that gets him on draft day should be very happy.
Best Fit: Seattle Seahawks, St Louis Rams
5. Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
Star Power: I should rename him Mr Accuracy because that’s the main thing analysts talk about with Connor Cook. Take a look at his game tape and you can see why. However, Cook has other attributes worth mentioning. He’s tough, very smart, poised, a great leader, and has experience in a pro style offense with Michigan State. Cook is what I would call a passing quarterback who can run. He definitely has accomplishments worth writing home about: 2014 Rose Bowl MVP and second team All-Big Ten Honors for two consecutive years.
There are high hopes, along with a lot of eyes on Cook. He’s said to be one of the most intriguing prospects in college football and, if he does well enough, has been projected to be the #1 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Can he live up to that hype? We shall see.
NFL Future: Cook can have a pretty good career in the pros if he goes to the right team; namely one with a good offensive line. I have seen him be called a poor man’s Matt Ryan and I’m inclined to agree. That fits him just right player-wise and career wise. Cook can potentially do a lot of damage in the NFL if he can reach Matt Ryan level but can he do it? It’s possible let’s leave it there.
Best Fit: St Louis Rams, Houston Texans
4. Anthony Zettel, DT, Penn State
Star Power: Athletic freak of nature. The short video on social media of him tackling a tree speaks for itself. It’s hard to watch him in action and not get excited at his physical prowess. Zettel’s potential has always been present as he was a four star recruit coming out of high school. At Penn State, in 2014 he recorded 42 tackles (17 came for a loss), 8 sacks, and 3 interceptions; all of which were team highs and earned him first team All-Big Ten honors by the media and coaches.
He has established himself as one of the premier defensive linemen in the country, considered by some to be second only to Ohio State’s Joey Bosa. If Zettel has another season like he did in 2014 he’s a shoe-in for being a first round pick. Going into this 2015-2016 season, he is said to most likely be the focal point of the Nittany Lions’s defense.
NFL Future: Zettel has a wealth of potential and could probably be a top defensive tackle in the league. If I had to pick someone who, career-wise, he may mirror I would say Geno Atkins. I would even go further and say he will be in the running for defensive rookie of the year.
Best Fit: Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots
3. Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State
Star Power: Arguably the best player on the Michigan State defense. Calhoun’s star shines so bright. He could have entered the 2015 NFL Draft and probably picked up in the first round but chose to stay at Michigan. A first team All-Big Ten selection and second team All-American, he has quickly established himself as one of the Big Ten’s top players at his position and has even been ranked as 3rd overall in the nation amongst front seven players.
Calhoun just seems to be a complete package: skill, speed, strength, and versatility. With the loss of Marcus Rush and Taiwan Jones, the Spartans will be looking to Calhoun to repeat and/or top his 2014 performance. If he can do just that don’t be surprised if he becomes a top 10 pick on draft boards.
NFL Future: Calhoun definitely has the talent to make it big in the NFL. He won’t have a problem fitting into most defenses as he has the ability to play in a 3-4 or 4-3. I could see him becoming a breakout star like Robert Quinn (4-3) or be on the steady rise like Cameron Hayward (3-4). The sky’s the limit for him.
Best Fit: Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Star Power: One of the front-runners for the Heisman Trophy. Elliot is a major part of the Ohio State offense and was a crucial component during their championship run (MVP of the sugar bowl and the championship game). He was a five star recruit coming out of high school, who before this past season had not fulfilled his potential but has more than made up for it. When it comes to his game tape one word comes to mind: explosive.
In actuality he’s not the fastest in the world but he is highly efficient at how he uses his speed. Add to that his old school running back feel, fantastic agility and vision and we have a pretty big talent on our hands. His post-season stats say it all: 696 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. Pretty easy to see why he shines.
NFL Future: I see Elliot being a pretty good asset to the NFL team who will pick him up in the draft. I can definitely see him being like Eddie Lacy, making a big splash and quickly becoming a mainstay on the offense like he has in college. That’s not hard to imagine at all.
Best Fit: Denver Broncos, Houston Texans
Star Power: What hasn’t been said about this guy? Bosa is considered by many people to be the best player in college football period and has only played two seasons. He is literally everything you want in a defensive end: strong, relentless, high motor, athletic, and all around nightmare. A unanimous first team All-American selection, Bosa is also considered to be another player who could go #1 overall in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Football seems to run in his family as his father, John Bosa, was a first round draft pick and his uncle Eric Kumerow, a former Buckeye. He is said to be a contender for all of the major awards this year; something that’s hard to argue against. Fun fact: he even managed to get noticed by President Barack Obama who did Bosa’s signature shrug during the Buckeyes’s visit to the white house. Doesn’t get much better than that.
NFL Future: I’m not much worried at all about Bosa’s future in the NFL. It’s pretty much assumed that he’s going to be amazing. I will fight the temptation to compare him to the phenomenal J.J. Watt. He’s not there yet sorry guys. However, if I can see Anthony Zettel in the running for defensive rookie of the year, I can see Bosa winning it. Will he meet the high expectations set for him? It all looks good from here.
Best Fit: Anywhere, he’s that nice
Honorable Mentions:
(1) Cardale Jones, QB, Ohio State
(2) Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State
(3) Maliek Collins, DT, Nebraska
Follow Shani on twitter @shasfana
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