2015 NFL Draft: Winston, Peters among those in red flag rundown
By Rob Rang | The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com
February 13, 2015 9:42 am ET
Every year scouts have to play the role of private investigators to determine which prospects made a mistake or two and have since matured and which are likely to continue to make poor decisions off the field. This year's class has its share of talented but troubled prospects. Here are a few of the prospects invited to the 2015 NFL combine that scouts will want to investigate. Players are listed alphabetically
Frank Clark, DE, Michigan
The Concern: Was arrested in November on a misdemeanor domestic violence and assault charges and was dismissed from the team. This comes approximately two years after Clark was arrested and initially charged with felony theft for stealing a laptop.
The Bottom Line: The 6-foot-2, 270-pounder racked up 120 tackles, 35 tackles for loss and 11 sacks in 48 games for Michigan. Clark is physical and intense and could make a 4-3 team as a rotational defensive end.
Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma
The Concern: Was twice charged with marijuana-related crimes while at Missouri and was dismissed from the program after an investigation for burglary and assault. Signed on with Oklahoma in 2014 under the presumption that he'd play for the Sooners after sitting out the mandatory one year per NCAA rules but elected to enter the NFL draft.
The Bottom Line: Rated by some as the elite prep talent in the country when he signed with Missouri, DGB possesses a top 10 talent, evoking comparisons to Cincinnati Bengals star A.J. Green for his grace, speed and catch radius. Some team will gamble on him earlier than his rap sheet suggests is prudent, perhaps as early as the first round.
A.J. Johnson, ILB, Tennessee:
The Concern: Johnson was indicted on two counts of rape by a grand jury on Thursday. He was dismissed from the team in November when he and former teammate Michael Williams were first accused of the crimes. Previously Johnson was arrested for purchasing alcohol for a minor and resisting arrest.
The Bottom Line: Johnson has been an ultra-productive player for Tennessee (425 career tackles) but he lacks top speed to the perimeter and struggles to disengage from blocks. He'd be a fringe draft pick without the off-field concerns.
Tevin McDonald, DB, Eastern Washington:
The Concern: Dismissed from UCLA after multiple violations of team rules. This reportedly included his failing at least three drug tests while with the Bruins.
The Bottom Line: McDonald, the son of former San Francisco 49ers' standout Tim McDonald and younger brother of St. Louis Rams' safety T.J. McDonald, is an intriguing talent with the length, fluidity and ball-skills to warrant Day Three consideration, especially in a relatively weak year for safeties. He has reportedly matured following his transfer to EWU, making the interviews at the combine critical for his draft stock.
Marcus Peters, CB, Washington:
The Concern: Suspended three times at Washington, ultimately being dismissed by the team in November 2014. Frequently argued with coaches, including in practice and during games this past season against Eastern Washington and Colorado.
The Bottom Line: Peters' multiple run-ins with coaches is troubling, though his issues haven't been with other authority figures; he hasn't ever been arrested. Peters is the most talented corner in the 2015 draft, boasting size, physicality and cover skills. He's likely to earn a first round selection if he can convince teams that he's learned from his dismissal.
Karlos Williams, RB, Florida State:
The Concern: Investigated (but not charged) for a domestic violence assault on his girlfriend (and mother of their two children) in October, 2014. Also was investigated for playing a role in July 2014 robbery of a Florida State student.
The Bottom Line: A former safety-turned running back, Williams looks the part of an NFL standout with a chiseled frame and impressive speed but he lacks agility and balance and therefore scouts question where he'll fit best in the NFL. Williams is talented enough to get drafted but may have to work his way onto a roster based on special teams and could be one slip away from getting cut if he is given an opportunity.
Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State:
The Concern: Comes with a multitude of off-field accusations, the most serious of which was a felony sexual assault charge that Florida prosecutors elected not to pursue after a year-long investigation. Among Winston's other brushes with the law were relatively minor immature acts like yelling an obscenity in a crowded building on the Florida State campus, shooting at others with a BB gun and stealing crab legs from a local grocery store.
The Bottom Line: Winston is the most mercurial prospect we've seen in five years with franchise quarterback ability but a series of missteps off the field that remind of past busts at his position. In a sink-or-swim situation, does a team trust his mental and emotional toughness to persevere when times are tough?
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Tevin McDonald has NFL bloodlines but was dismissed from UCLA. (USATSI)
Topics: NFLDRAFT
By Rob Rang | The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com
February 13, 2015 9:42 am ET
Every year scouts have to play the role of private investigators to determine which prospects made a mistake or two and have since matured and which are likely to continue to make poor decisions off the field. This year's class has its share of talented but troubled prospects. Here are a few of the prospects invited to the 2015 NFL combine that scouts will want to investigate. Players are listed alphabetically
Frank Clark, DE, Michigan
The Concern: Was arrested in November on a misdemeanor domestic violence and assault charges and was dismissed from the team. This comes approximately two years after Clark was arrested and initially charged with felony theft for stealing a laptop.
The Bottom Line: The 6-foot-2, 270-pounder racked up 120 tackles, 35 tackles for loss and 11 sacks in 48 games for Michigan. Clark is physical and intense and could make a 4-3 team as a rotational defensive end.
Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Oklahoma
The Concern: Was twice charged with marijuana-related crimes while at Missouri and was dismissed from the program after an investigation for burglary and assault. Signed on with Oklahoma in 2014 under the presumption that he'd play for the Sooners after sitting out the mandatory one year per NCAA rules but elected to enter the NFL draft.
The Bottom Line: Rated by some as the elite prep talent in the country when he signed with Missouri, DGB possesses a top 10 talent, evoking comparisons to Cincinnati Bengals star A.J. Green for his grace, speed and catch radius. Some team will gamble on him earlier than his rap sheet suggests is prudent, perhaps as early as the first round.
A.J. Johnson, ILB, Tennessee:
The Concern: Johnson was indicted on two counts of rape by a grand jury on Thursday. He was dismissed from the team in November when he and former teammate Michael Williams were first accused of the crimes. Previously Johnson was arrested for purchasing alcohol for a minor and resisting arrest.
The Bottom Line: Johnson has been an ultra-productive player for Tennessee (425 career tackles) but he lacks top speed to the perimeter and struggles to disengage from blocks. He'd be a fringe draft pick without the off-field concerns.
Tevin McDonald, DB, Eastern Washington:
The Concern: Dismissed from UCLA after multiple violations of team rules. This reportedly included his failing at least three drug tests while with the Bruins.
The Bottom Line: McDonald, the son of former San Francisco 49ers' standout Tim McDonald and younger brother of St. Louis Rams' safety T.J. McDonald, is an intriguing talent with the length, fluidity and ball-skills to warrant Day Three consideration, especially in a relatively weak year for safeties. He has reportedly matured following his transfer to EWU, making the interviews at the combine critical for his draft stock.
Marcus Peters, CB, Washington:
The Concern: Suspended three times at Washington, ultimately being dismissed by the team in November 2014. Frequently argued with coaches, including in practice and during games this past season against Eastern Washington and Colorado.
The Bottom Line: Peters' multiple run-ins with coaches is troubling, though his issues haven't been with other authority figures; he hasn't ever been arrested. Peters is the most talented corner in the 2015 draft, boasting size, physicality and cover skills. He's likely to earn a first round selection if he can convince teams that he's learned from his dismissal.
Karlos Williams, RB, Florida State:
The Concern: Investigated (but not charged) for a domestic violence assault on his girlfriend (and mother of their two children) in October, 2014. Also was investigated for playing a role in July 2014 robbery of a Florida State student.
The Bottom Line: A former safety-turned running back, Williams looks the part of an NFL standout with a chiseled frame and impressive speed but he lacks agility and balance and therefore scouts question where he'll fit best in the NFL. Williams is talented enough to get drafted but may have to work his way onto a roster based on special teams and could be one slip away from getting cut if he is given an opportunity.
Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State:
The Concern: Comes with a multitude of off-field accusations, the most serious of which was a felony sexual assault charge that Florida prosecutors elected not to pursue after a year-long investigation. Among Winston's other brushes with the law were relatively minor immature acts like yelling an obscenity in a crowded building on the Florida State campus, shooting at others with a BB gun and stealing crab legs from a local grocery store.
The Bottom Line: Winston is the most mercurial prospect we've seen in five years with franchise quarterback ability but a series of missteps off the field that remind of past busts at his position. In a sink-or-swim situation, does a team trust his mental and emotional toughness to persevere when times are tough?
>> Want more Big Board
Topics: NFLDRAFT
