Bowl Game Observations: Part Six

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careyIt’s that time of year when I turn my focus to the college bowl games to gain insight. I will do my best to find some draft eligible players who could improve your dynasty teams. This article intends to start conversations and encourage continued thought throughout the entire draft process. These are my observations based on the bowl games, unless otherwise indicated. There will be much more in-depth, thought-provoking discussions later in the off-season. I am listing these players alphabetically.

Jace Amaro, TE TX TECH
This all-star lines up in the slot as well as a traditional tight end, but he doesn’t do much blocking.  When he runs a pass pattern, Amaro looks like an oversized wide receiver because he adjusts well to the ball in the air, makes the catch in stride and creates separation with his quickness.  Despite seeing the best coverage, the tight end slipped behind the defense for eight receptions for 112 yards in his bowl game.  Even when Amaro has a defender on his hip, he came down with contested catches and always fought for extra yardage.  He boxes out people with his big frame and strength like no one else in his class.  If you are in a premium tight end league, keep an eye on where Amaro goes as he could be worth a first round rookie selection.

Ka’Deem Carey, RB ARI
This was the first time I was able to see this explosive back and he was very impressive as it appeared he could break one to the house on every touch.  Carey exploded through the hole on his first play for a 12 yard gain, but put the ball on the carpet.  He calmed down enough to run the ball 27 times for 169 yards with two touchdowns in his bowl game.  He gets low in the hole, keeps his feet driving and slashes thru the line of scrimmage.  Carey has great vision, finds his cut back lane and runs to daylight with his quick feet.  Also included in his arsenal are spin moves, a good center of gravity and never giving the defense much to hit.  This back steps up to attack pass rushers and delivers hits onto his would-be tacklers.  Carey might be a sleeper to many dynasty owners, do not let that happen to you.

Mike Davis, WR TEX
This wide receiver came into the game less than 100% healthy and the Texas strategy to run the ball did not help his cause.  Davis blocked well down the field for the run and pass games alike.  His first catch of the day was a spectacular grab with great extension, but uneventful as it went for two yards as the defense swarmed all around him. He gets great releases of the line, and adjusts well to the ball in the air.  He had two huge opportunities to make big plays down the field: one was a terrible overthrow that went for naught and the other one was a pass that Davis let slip through his fingertips.  If he would have been able to get to either target, Davis would have scored a 40-yard plus touchdown.  The wide receiver made one long pass play, but it was shortened as he double caught the ball which caused him to break stride.

Jaelen Strong, WR ASU
Every play I watched him, I became more impressed with his gritty play.  The wide receiver fully extends for the ball, catches it at its highest point, and has the ups to hover him above everyone else.  He slips press coverage, catches in stride, and is willing to make difficult catches in the middle of the field.  Despite all that Strong only finished with four receptions for 28 yards for the game. He made an impressive downfield catch that got overruled due to the refs thinking he pushed off (replays showed that he didn’t).  On another play that the wide receiver got a step, he got yanked down by the arm, but somehow that didn’t get called.  I am not sure if he will declare for the NFL in 2014, but he is certainly worth keeping an eye on.

 Will Sutton, DT ASU
This big mammer jammer has a good first step and very powerful legs.  He looks and plays like a fire hydrant, built low to the ground with a lot of undercarriage. Sutton has a good motor and kept it running throughout the game against double teams for much of the time.  He penetrated the line of scrimmage many times, eventually wearing down the offensive line to a little nub.  Sutton had three of his four stops in the fourth quarter which included two tackles for loss.  The big man even came within inches of blocking a punt.  If you are in a DT required league, remember the name.

Logan Thomas, QB VA TECH
The senior signal caller did not go out how he wanted in his last college game. He made some quick decisions, stepped up in the pocket, and when that collapsed, Thomas ran to daylight.  Yes, his injury shortened performance (he didn’t make it to halftime) got overshadowed by Brent Hundley’s awesome day, but the Hokies quarterback showed grit, split double coverage on a long toss, and got gang tackled after a long run.  In this year’s class, that might be enough to get him a few years to develop in the NFL.  If you play in a deeper league (16 teams or more), keep an eye on him.

Eric Ward, WR TX TECH
The wide receiver is a big, muscular player who is quite the physical runner.  Once he has the ball in his hands, I’m not sure if he wants to run past the defender or over him. Hit him low or not at all.  Despite his physical nature, he is not a good blocker.  Ward looks good in space, has quick feet, and uses the sidelines to his advantage.  His balance is not his greatest quality as he had difficulty adjusting to the ball in the air.

Andre Williams, RB BC
He is a strong, powerfully built back at 6′ 227 lbs. with legs as big as Hall of Famer Earl Campbell’s in his heyday.  I almost thought he was a fullback when I first saw him on the field.  Williams finished the game with less than three yards a carry (76 yards total), but ended up with a short yardage touchdown.  He has a good forward lean, craves contact and possesses phone booth quicks.  He needs to pick up his feet and run with more balance as he ran too upright.  Williams could be destined to be a short yardage back/fullback in the NFL as he caught a pass with his stomach and fell down shortly after.

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