Having called my fair share of Sunbelt Conference games the last three seasons for ESPN, here are my favorite Sunbelt players to follow during the NFL draft. Many are likely late round/undrafted but in my opinion have a chance at making NFL rosters and becoming productive players.
Antonio Garcia, OT, Troy, 6’6”, 293
Most likely the Sunbelt conference’s highest potential draftee has played since his Redshirt Freshman year and one of the most athletic linemen I have ever personally seen in the Sunbelt. He is a great pass protector who just looks like an NFL offensive tackle. While fluid as a pass protector, he lacks ability to drive people off the ball. With most NFL offenses going to more and more spread concepts he can play in this league. However in this respect he is a lot like Cedric Ogbuehi where physicality and lack of ability to push people around could be come a fatal flaw. He has the frame and athleticism to be a prototype OT. However on the other hand his body type is very slender and rumors of him playing around 280 lbs worry NFL scouts that his simply can’t keep weight on. Helped his stock after strong Senior Bowl.
Draft position: 2nd to 4th
Gerald Everett, TE, South Alabama, 6’4”, 240 lbs.
He came to South Alabama as a transfer from UAB when that program imploded. All conference in both his seasons at South Alabama, he had 49 catches for 717yds adn 4 TD last season. When you see him on tape he looks like a big WR who is very fluid. I also like the fact that he was a former star basketball player. He is on the smaller side for an NFL TE but has the body type and skill set that NFL teams look for: athletic, “move”-type guy who can spread out wide for mismatch on smaller CB or unathletic LB.
Draft position: early 3rd to late 6th
Elijah McGuire, RB, UL-Lafayette, 5’11”, 214 lbs.
One of the best offensive weapons in the Sunbelt the last three seasons. I’ve seen McGuire since he was a true Fr in 2013 when he won Sunbelt Freshman of the Year. Tons of production with three straight 1000+ yd seasons. He is also used to carrying the load notching 261 total touches as a Sr last year, and 243 total the year before. He has great cutback ability (patience) and is equally good catching out of the backfield. Speed at 4.53 in 40 not eye popping but very solid. Dealt with a foot injury last year that hurt some of his production but played through the pain. I like this kid, he loves football, and is a tough player.
Draft position: 5th to undrafted
Matt Brieda, RB, Georgia Southern, 5’10” 185
This dude can fly. I loved watching him the last three seasons, his “0-60” explosiveness was eye-popping in person, he got into 6th gear quick. He combined for over 3,000 rush yds his Sophomore and Junior seasons with a knack for the big run. Total production over three seasons was 3700+ yds and 37 TDs. Last year as a Senior his numbers dropped as the Eagles struggled adopting a new spread offense identity and the simple fact that defenses entire gameplans focused on taking him away. However he helped his NFL future by having an amazing pro day: 4.37 40yd dash, 42” vertical, 11.2’ broad jump, 23 reps 225 on bench.
Draft position: late 6th to undrafted
Robert Davis, WR, Georgia State, 6’3”, 220
Georgia State’s all time leading WR in it’s short history, Davis is a project but tremendous athletic ability. Has the speed combine with the height to get the deep ball over top of smaller cornerbacks. His amazing combine numbers will help him: 4.44 40yd dash, 41” vert, 11.4’ broad jump.
Draft position late 6th to undrafted
Other potential Sunbelt NFL draftee/signees:
Jemar Clark, OT, Arkansas State
Austin Rehkow, P, Idaho
Ukeme Eligwe , LB, Georgia Southern
John Law, LB, Appalachian State
Anthony McMeans, OC/OG, New Mexico St.