The NFL Scouting Combine is this week in Indianapolis. Here is a look at five players who might be overvalued heading through the pre-draft process.
MORE: Ten players who could have a big week in Indy | Ten who need a big week | Five who could surprise at combine | Top 5 QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | OL | DEs | DTs | LBs | DBs
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KRISTIAN FULTON
Recruiting: On National Signing Day, Fulton picked LSU over Arkansas and Florida. He had taken a late visit to Gainesville, but LSU hung on to land his commitment.
Notes: Over just 24 games in a three-year career in Baton Rouge, Fulton totaled 56 tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble. He added 20 pass deflections, including 14 this past season. There were some off-the-field questions that landed Fulton a suspension for tampering with a drug test for performance-enhancing drugs. After multiple appeals, Fulton was then reinstated.
Farrell’s take: Fulton was a Rivals100 prospect for good reason as he was a very athletic defensive back with good length and a frame to fill out. He wasn’t the strongest corner but he played with a physical edge and he was always good in run support. He’s battling to be a first-rounder, but he was picked on a bit this season as teams avoided superstar freshman Derek Stingley Jr. That raised some eyebrows.
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JORDAN LOVE
Recruiting: Love committed to Utah State in the summer before his senior season over Eastern Washington, Northern Arizona, Sacramento State and Northern Colorado, his only other offers.
Notes: In his sophomore season, Love threw for 3,567 yards with 32 touchdowns and six interceptions. He was one of the hottest quarterbacks heading into the 2019 season but then things fell apart as Love lost receivers and his offensive line protection. This past year, he threw for 3,402 yards, but had 20 TDs and 17 picks.
Farrell’s take: Love was a two-star prospect out of California who was lightly recruited and very skinny. However, he could extend the play and was a very good athlete and had a frame that he has filled out very well. He’s on the NFL radar now for good reason and is one of those guys who many think will be a huge surprise in the league. Love is a high-risk, high-reward prospect, however, and anyone taking a flier on him in the first round has to be wary of those turnovers.
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LAVISKA SHENAULT
Recruiting: Shenault admitted he didn’t know much about Colorado before an unofficial visit shortly before his commitment, but he loved the environment and decided to pick the Buffaloes. LSU, Alabama, Oklahoma State, Baylor and others were involved.
Notes: Shenault had a monster sophomore season with 86 receptions for 1,011 yards and six touchdowns. He followed that up with 56 grabs for 764 yards and four TDs this past season, which is a slight concern because maybe defenses figured him out more. A history of injuries might also be an issue over the long term.
Farrell’s take: Shenault was a mid-range three-star with good size, but we questioned his top-end speed and football quickness. Clearly that was incorrect, as he’s emerged as one of the best playmakers in the country. He has the size we liked, has added shiftiness and explosion and is a threat to score from anywhere on the field. The big question is regarding injuries and if he’s a one-season wonder. He’s a big boom-or-bust guy.
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TUA TAGOVAILOA
Recruiting: Tagovailoa took visits all over the country and early on it felt like Oregon was the leader in his recruitment, especially after Marcus Mariota shined for the Ducks. USC became a major contender as well, along with Alabama, LSU, Ole Miss, Texas A&M and others. He picked Alabama in the spring before his senior season, about two months after Jake Fromm flipped from the Crimson Tide to Georgia.
Notes: Arguably the best quarterback in college football, Tagovailoa completed more than 69 percent of his passes for 7,442 yards with 87 touchdowns and 11 interceptions during his time at Alabama, which included a national title. But Tagovailoa has had a significant hip injury and surgery on both ankles in the last few years.
Farrell’s take: Tagovailoa was highly ranked, but fell short of five-star status by about 20 spots or so. Oops. We liked his arm strength and accuracy, but he didn’t have great size and struggled a few times in evaluations. However, he had one of the best seasons in recent memory and has become a superstar. This year, he was the leader for the Heisman (as he was last year) before his injury and there are still plenty of questions to answer about his hip as well as those ankle injuries.He’s going to be a top five pick, but he’s a risky one.
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ANDREW THOMAS
Recruiting: Thomas trimmed his list to Georgia, Clemson and Notre Dame prior to committing to the Bulldogs at The Opening.
Notes: There is a good chance Thomas could be a top 10 pick and one of the top three offensive linemen drafted in April and that could make sense since he anchored a strong offensive line that opened up holes for a potent Georgia running attack. Playing both tackle spots for the Bulldogs should help, but there are some questions about his mobility and pass protection.
Farrell’s take: As a Rivals100 prospect and top-10 offensive tackle nationally, we liked Thomas quite a bit and he got stronger as the cycle progressed. He became more physical with each evaluation and was especially impressive at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl week. He had a good frame, excellent reach and good feet and he had a great career at Georgia. However, he’s not the most refined pass protector despite playing in a pro-style offense and he could be overvalued as a top 10 pick.
