Georgia Tech draft hopefuls posted some positive results at their all-star games and practices last week.
At the East-West Shrine Game in St. Petersburg, Fla., defensive end Izaan Cross drew the notice of two separate observers during practices. Tony Pauline of draftinsider.net and a Sports Illustrated contributor said that Cross "looked terrific" during a Tuesday practice and was "impossible to stop at times." His observations from Wednesday were not as glowing, saying he "had a tough go of it."
Optimum Scouting's evaluation of Cross' Tuesday practice:
“Cross didn’t really impress in pass rushing drills early on, coming off fairly slow and struggling to sink and drive underneath blockers. However, he showed great leg drive and burst in the run game, getting in the backfield and shutting down plays on multiple occasions.”
Cornerback Rod Sweeting, Pauline wrote, had a “solid drill session” Tuesday but did not distinguish himself in the scrimmage.
Guard Omoregie Uzzi was invited to play in the game but pulled out a couple days due to an injury, according to a Shrine Bowl official. It was a tough break for Uzzi, as scouts likely wanted to get a more extended look at his pass-blocking ability in a live setting.
Former Tech safety Cooper Taylor, who transferred to Richmond, was among players who helped himself the most, according to Optimum Scouting. The report:
“Another small schooler on the East roster, Taylor drew praise all week from coaches. The 6’4, 230+ pound long and well-built safety showed the range, explosive cuts, and read/react ability to intrigue as a strong safety who can pick-up RBs/TEs well at the next level. That’s a skill set in high demand, and if Taylor’s medicals check out, he could move into the mid to high round discussion.”
At the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl in Carson, Calif., former A-back Orwin Smith ran eight times for 39 yards for a 4.9 yards-per-carry average. He was the game’s leading rusher and the only running back on either team to average more than 3.5 yards per carry. Smith also returned two kicks for 48 yards. His American team, however, lost 34-0 to the National team.
At the Raycom College All-Star Classic in Montgomery, Ala., nose tackle T.J. Barnes had two tackles, including one sack.
In his rankings, Pauline gave Sweeting the highest grade, projecting him to be selected in the sixth or seventh round. He put Uzzi in the seventh round. He rated Cross and Smith as undrafted free agents. He did not include Barnes.
Last week, ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. rated Sweeting as Tech’s highest draft candidate, projecting him as a third- or fourth-round pick. Kiper liked his size (6-foot-0, 187 pounds) and saw him as a physical player who should benefit from teams’ need to stock up on cornerbacks to answer offenses frequently using three- and four-wide receiver formations.
Kiper said he saw Uzzi going in the third to fifth round and said Cross, Smith and Barnes could also be drafted in later rounds.
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