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Oregon versus Michigan State: NFL Draft Prospects to Watch

By Adam Ganeles

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Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

When: 6:30 PM EST

Television: Fox

Streaming: Fox Sports Go

Eugene, Oregon is the site for a top-10 clash saturated with future NFL caliber talent. Their 2013 Rose Bowl championship aside, workmanlike Michigan State is a hefty 13-point underdog against the lethal fighting Marcus Mariota’s of Oregon. The Spartans lost a handful of defensive pieces to the pro’s, but strong individual talent remains. As for the Ducks, replenishing offensive firepower has become a given. So… who will be all over your television screen this evening? Let’s check out a pair of top NFL draft prospects from each school:

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    • Oregon

    Marcus Mariota, QB — If his knee holds up in 2014, Mariota will be selected in the top-half of day one in the NFL Draft. He posted a 63:10 TD:INT ratio during his first two collegiate campaigns, and that doesn’t take into account Mariota’s #1 asset — his legs. With that said, Mariota is not allergic to scanning through his progression windows and he rarely predetermines throws. Reading complex defenses will definitely be a concern at the next level. Right now he’s a kid in a candy store.

    Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB — An elite coverage corner who makes playing on an island look easy. Ekpre-Olomu combines football intelligence with footwork and makeup wheels (4.35). Rarely challenged in 2013, he came back for his senior season to build up his frame and shore up non-coverage weaknesses i.e. tackling technique, albeit he did secure 54 solos a year ago. IEO is the consensus #1 rated CB by NFL Draft pundits despite lack of ideal height for the position.

    Michigan State

    Shilique Calhoun, DE –After redshirting in 2011 and being more or less invisible in 2012, Calhoun erupted last season: 20 solo tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks and THREE defensive touchdowns. He’s an athletic freak with a prototype build at 6’5 256 off the edge. He’ll need to rush Mariota with regularity for MSU to stay competitive. NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks compared Calhoun to Giants Hall of Famer Michael Strahan, mostly due to his on-field savvy. There is top-10 potential here.

    Kurtis Drummond, FS — Drummond, who intercepted a pass in the season opener versus Jacksonville State, is also projected to land in round one according to some draft specialists. He labeled his area the “no fly zone” in 2013, as his length (6’1) and range (4.48) resulted in ten passes defensed. Drummond will be asked to perform double duty Saturday night against Oregon’s versatile and discipline testing attack.

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