Every week we will be giving you the scoop on some top college football prospects to keep an eye every week as they could be great additions to the Oakland Raiders next season. These players would be great fits with the Raiders and have some interesting matchups this week.
Here’s the guys to watch this week, and who they will be squaring off against:
Timmy Jernigan, DT, Florida State (vs. Miami(FL))
Great defenses tend to excel in the middle and that starts with great defensive tackles. Guys like Haloti Ngata, Vince Wilfork, Geno Atkins, and Ndamukong Suh consistently wreak havoc on opposing defenses up the middle and their teammates shine because of it. Florida State’s Timmy Jernigan has the capabilities to be an exceptional defensive tackle at the next level.
He is very quick for a lineman and is shows the kind of relentlessness and pursuit that you love to see. His matchup against Miami (FL) is the marquee matchup this weekend and with the Hurricanes offense revolving around RB Duke Johnson, Jernigan’s play will be key to how well the Seminoles do. Keep an eye on him against a physical Hurricanes offense. He would be an excellent first round pick if available.
Gabe Jackson, G, Mississippi State (@South Carolina)
While the offensive tackle position is relatively set for the future with Jared Veldheer and Menelik Watson, the interior of the offensive line could still use some work. Someone like Gabe Jackson could immediately step in and fill a need for the Raiders.
Playing in the SEC, Jackson has experience against the biggest, strongest players in all of college football. He excels in run blocking which would be welcome for Darren McFadden as the Raiders could use a guard with the ability to pull on outside runs. Playing against South Carolina and their explosive defensive line will be an excellent test for Jackson. If he is able to keep his QB clean against them, he is definitely worth a pick in the late first or early second round.
Max Bullough, LB, Michigan State (vs. Michigan)
He has excellent instincts and impressive range but does struggle sometimes taking on blocks. Even with some shortcomings, he has a chance to really improve his draft stock as his Spartans take on the hated Michigan Wolverines. Michigan has some explosive playmakers on offense so Bullough’s ability to keep up with them will say a lot about his ability to cover the speedier backs in the NFL. In the second round, he could be a great addition for the Raiders.
