Draft Notes: Winston, Mariota, Gurley, White, Williams, Hundley, & Collins

Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has a collection of notes regarding a number of prospects in this year’s draft.

McGinn always includes a bunch of quotes from NFL scouts, so it’s an interesting read and worth you’re time if you’re interested in the draft.

Here’s some notes regarding some of the more notable players.

FSU QB Jameis Winston

Winston drew praise for his ability to sense pressure and overall understanding of the quarterback position, but one scout was very critical of him due to off-the-field concerns.

“Someone will take him in the first round, but how could you even let that guy in the building?” another scout said. “The second law of thermodynamics basically is the more ways something can happen, the more likely it is to happen. That’s true of players. The more ways they can (expletive) up, the more chances they (expletive) up. This guy’s got a lot of stuff that would lean him more likely to be a bust than a good player.”

Oregon QB Marcus Mariota

McGinn’s source compared Mariota to a better version of 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick.

“Kid’s a good athlete,” one scout said. “I kind of like him. But he’s not a passer right now. He’s a thrower. He’s like a better Colin Kaepernick. Not that there’s anything wrong with it, but this kid is kind of quiet. He’s going to be a project the first year. But, other than Andrew Luck, all those guys are.“

West Virginia WR Kevin White

White drew a comparison to Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald and had his speed questioned, which is interesting given that he posted a 40-yard dash time of 4.35.

“He’s more of a Larry Fitzgerald-type receiver in that he doesn’t have great speed,” said one scout. “I never see him beat people deep. But if he is even with them he’s going to get the ball. Very good player.”

Georgia RB Todd Gurley

Gurley was praised by both of the scouts who spoke with McGinn, even with the ACL tear.

“That guy is good,” said one scout. “He’s a man among boys. If you’re a deep team why wouldn’t you take a bona fide Pro Bowl back and just shelve him?“

USC DT Leonard Williams

One scout referred to Williams as the best defensive player in the draft and compared him to former Patriots DL Richard Seymour.

“Probably the most talented player on the defensive side of the ball,” said one scout. “He’s an end and a three-technique. He’s quick, strong and plays athletic.”

UCLA QB Brett Hundley

According to one scout, Hundley could come off the board in the second round and go to a team that’s going to give him the time to develop.

“The physical tools are there,” one scout said. “He’s going to need time. He’s going to have to go to a team that will need to have patience with him and just continue teaching him the game. A team at the top of the second (round) that needs a quarterback might throw him to the fire too early, and he’s not ready for that.”

Alabama S Landon Collins

Interesting enough, Collins was compared to his former teammate, Packers S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.

“Where did the Packers get Clinton-Dix (21)?” one scout asked. “He’s the same guy. Same grade. He’s OK. I’m not going to say sure-fire great. I think he’s smart and physical. He’s the best safety.”