The scouting process for the draft runs mainly from September to mid-April. The athletic testing portion of the judging process takes center stage beginning in February. What matters most, though, is how NFL draft prospects perform in actual football games. Here’s a closer look at some of the notable prospects in the Alabama-Michigan contest and their impact on the outcome:
LT Taylor Lewan, Michigan, Junior: It was a long day for the Wolverines trying to run the ball (69 rushing yards on 29 attempts (2.4 per) against the Crimson Tide. Lewan didn’t have much movement, along with the rest of his linemates against Alabama. The talented junior was most impressive when blocking passes. He showed good balance, long arms and awareness when the pressure got to his side. Denard Robinson had time to connect with a few early passes, but just couldn’t do it. Lewan was also penalized with a couple of penalties.
QB Denard Robinson, Michigan, senior: Alabama’s defense presented a tough test for Robinson because of their speed and how well trained they are. Unfortunately, the Michigan quarterback played poorly (11 completions of 26 attempts (42%) for 200 yards (7.7 yards per attempt), 2 interceptions, 1 TD, 10 carries for 27 yards (2.7 per), 1 TD) and many of its shortcomings were on display. Robinson lacks the size and structure that NFL teams look for at quarterback and also the accuracy. Michigan needed their quarterback to be strong and Robinson missed the receivers by throwing the ball high, low, and behind the receivers.
His look down on a receiver going up the middle on a pass from his end zone resulted in a pick-six single by an Alabama linebacker (CJ Mosley). Robinson did not run as much as many expected. He seemed almost determined from the start to show that he could beat Alabama from the pocket (he couldn’t). The Michigan star is an excellent college player, but he’s similar to former West Virginia quarterback Pat White. Miami selected White in the second round of the 2009 NFL draft and it turned out to be a bust. Robinson is a dangerous running back in the open field, but he’ll have to prove in the Senior Bowl that he’s willing to catch to play in the NFL.
The transition from college quarterback to NFL receiver isn’t easy. Pat White had no interest in making the transition and therefore had a cup (more like a sip) of coffee in the league. Antwaan Randle El successfully made the transition from quarterback to receiver in the NFL, but the Panthers are still waiting for Armanti Edwards to make it. It will be interesting to see what Robinson’s attitude and commitment to a position change will be.
CB Dee Milliner, Alabama, Junior: Has anyone noticed that Dre Kirkpatrick entered the 2012 NFL draft? Milliner was the most impressive player on Alabama’s loaded defense (5 tackles, 4 pass breakups, and 1 interception). His physical coverage of Roy Roundtree took him completely out of his way (and off his feet in one play) and led to his interception. The most impressive part of Milliner’s display was his ability to place the ball in the air and bring it down. He was able to do this on various routes, including inclines. His anticipation of the incline routes was outstanding. Milliner is an effective tackler and likes to come up quickly to help run. The Alabama cornerback gave up a late touchdown when his feet tangled with the receiver, but that and an early missed tackle were his only flaws.
C Barrett Jones, Alabama, senior: Alabama’s offensive line dominated Michigan’s defensive line. The versatile Jones was right in the middle of this domination. Jones is in his first year at center after previously playing left tackle and guard for Alabama. Jones adapted very well to the new position. He helped open up holes in the ground game with a combination of size, strength and solid technique. The shotgun blasts from him were accurate. Jones also made good decisions in pass protection and knew who to block. He should only get better as the season goes on and NFL teams will love his versatility.
S Robert Lester, Alabama, senior: Lester was credited with only one tackle, but he provided tight coverage early on a pair of Michigan incompletions. Crimson Tide security quickly appeared on download passes to limit winnings. Lester had a solid game despite what the stat sheet indicates.
OT DJ Fluker, Alabama, Junior: The Crimson Tide’s huge right tackle showed some flaws in his game. Fluker is a powerful run blocker and can overwhelm a defensive lineman when he gets hooked. However, Fluker reaches far and his feet didn’t seem nimble at times. He can be defeated quickly and lacks the ultimate recovery ability.
TE Michael Williams, Alabama, senior: Williams caught just one pass for a 2-yard touchdown run for Bama’s first score. He used a fast pitch to get wide open on the play. The big tight end blocked well from a variety of positions. Williams is a legitimate NFL tight end in terms of size and blocking prowess. He’s also a solid athlete who could be more productive in the pass-catching department in the pros. NFL teams will be watching Williams closely despite likely walk receiving numbers on Alabama’s offense.
ILB CJ Mosley, Alabama, Junior: The athletic Mosley led Alabama with 7 tackles and also intercepted a pass for a touchdown. One of the reasons Michigan was unable to run outside was Mosley’s speed. He scrambled to track down the Michigan running backs and delivered a powerful punch to drop them. Mosley read Denard Robinson’s eyes on his interception and easily intercepted the pass to get in front of the intended target. It was a bad play by Robinson, but give Mosley credit for making a great play. Lots of players get in position to make a play, but miss the execution and drop the pass. Mosley was adept at sliding blocks and became a nuisance throughout the game.
G Chance Warmack, Alabama, senior: The huge guard helped open up holes in the running game. Warmack showed decent hustle and mobility as he ran downfield on a screen pass. His solid foundation and powerful punching from him helped him deny the defensive lineman in front of him. Warmack is light for such a big man. The two biggest questions NFL teams will want to see from him are his ability to handle great speed and can he keep his weight in check?
ILB Nico Johnson, Alabama, senior: Johnson’s speed, strength and ability to diagnose plays quickly helped improve Michigan’s running game. All five of his tackles were efficient and Johnson is just a very solid linebacker. Johnson fills a hole hard and is a fine-form tackler. Michigan’s running backs were short on yards after contact and Johnson was one of the reasons.
RB Eddie Lacy, Alabama, Junior: Lacy left the game early with an ankle injury (not serious) and finished with 9 carries for 35 yards (3.9 per minute) and 1 TD. He also caught a pass for 10 yards. Lacy did a poor job of pass protection early in the game and was unable to help protect his quarterback when a Michigan defensive lineman broke free. Lacy is a powerful runner who lacks dexterous feet and top speed. Lacy will break up tackles with his arm and it’s important to wrap it up when tackling. He played second fiddle to Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson for the past two seasons. Unfortunately, his ankle injury allowed top freshman running back TJ Yeldon to show off his talents. Yeldon looked quicker and more explosive than Lacy and a shared carry situation is likely to ensue.