Just a few weeks removed from this year’s NFL Draft, it’s never too early to look forward to the next installment, one should be equally as loaded with ACC talent as this year’s was. Of course draft position if very difficult to predict this far in advance and underclassmen are never guaranteed to come out. Putting that aside, I came up with a list of the top five 2015 draft-eligible prospects based on what they’ve done on the field up to this point. You can expect the names on this list to likely be future first-rounders whether they choose to enter the draft this year or sometime in the future. You’ll also notice that the list is made up of largely Florida State products, just as the Seminoles dominated ACC representation in this year’s draft.
1. Jameis Winston – RS Sophomore QB – Florida State
An obvious candidate to be at the top of this list, Winston might also find himself at the top of the draft board come next year. After one of the most sensational freshman seasons college football has ever seen, capped with a Heisman Trophy and National Title victory, it seems he should be the clear cut number 1 overall choice if he were to come out. But there are some things that cloud this outcome from the uncertainty of Winston’s choice to pursue careers in football, baseball, or perhaps both, to numerous off-field incidents that have surrounded Winston over the past year. That aside, Winston posses all the tools to be a franchise quarterback: arm strength, decision making, leadership, athleticism and football IQ, making it a tough sell for a team to not take him with that first pick.
2. Vic Beasley – Senior DE – Clemson
Jadeveon Clowney entered last season with high hopes and the expectation that he would improve on a 13-sack sophomore season. As it turned out, it was a different junior defensive end from the state of South Carolina that stole the show. Beasley was one of the best pass rushers in college football last year for an improved Clemson defense, matching Clowney’s sack total from 2012 in the process. Many were surprised when Beasley opted to return for more rather then capitalize on his break out junior season, with what would likely have been a first or second round selection. But he’s coming back for the right reasons: to earn his degree and ensure he is among the first 32 players selected.
3. PJ Williams – Junior CB – Florida State
The National Championship Game MVP is the next in line of what is turning into a defensive back factory at FSU. Opposite another future NFLer, Ronald Darby, this coming season is set up to be a breakout one for Williams where he pick up right where he left off last year. He has ideal size for the next level and displayed good ball skills with 3 interceptions last season. He has been banged up a bit this spring however, so it’s important to keep note of his progress.
4. Mario Edwards Jr. – Junior DE – Florida State
The former number one recruit and son of the former NFL cornerback, Edwards is another player in the ACC that should give quarterbacks nightmares this coming season after giving us a glimpse of what he can do last year. The talent is certainly there, making a big break out season a strong possibility for 2014. If that happens, Edwards could use it to springboard into the first half of the first round.
5. Devante Parker – Senior WR – Louisvile
With Louisville joining the ACC this coming year, it only seemed appropriate that I include a Cardinal on this list if one was worthy enough to be included. After the season he had last year, Parker definitely warrants being here. He has good height at 6’3” caught an impressive 12 touchdowns last year. He has steadily improved production each of his three years on campus and proved to have great chemistry with Teddy Bridgewater. The question will be if he can be just as good with a new and likely lesser quarterback.