Monday, Pro Player Insiders looked at the five prospects to watch from the North Team during this week’s Senior Bowl. Today, it is time to look at the five South prospects to keep an eye on during Saturday’s game.
Matt Dayes, running back, NC State
Despite being 5-8, 207 pounds, Matt Dayes is a versatile back that teams may covet on day two of this year’s draft. Last season for the Wolfpack, Dayes rushed for 1,166 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also caught 32 passes for 267 yards in 2016.
Dayes is a north-south runner that is more than capable of moving the chains. He has a quick change of direction as he can find the hole and go through it quickly. Dayes can also gain yards after first contact, something NFL scouts love.
While Dayes may not be a first or second round pick, don’t be surprised if he is a player that goes early in the third round.
Montravius Adams, defensive tackle, Auburn
As a senior for the Auburn Tigers in 2016, Adams finished with 43 tackles, four sacks and eight tackles for loss. For his contributions, Adams was named to the Second-Team All-American team and All-SEC First Team.
At 6-3, 308 pounds, Adams moves well for his weight as he knows how to attacks gaps through the opposing team’s offensive line quickly. He has the versatility to line up at every defensive line position, but will likely be an excellent fit in an NFL 3-4 defense.
Corn Elder, cornerback, Miami
No matter Miami’s record in 2016, the one consistent player for the Hurricanes was Corn Elder. Last season, Elder started all 13 games as he recorded 76 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and one interception.
In today’s NFL landscape, Elder is undersized at 5-10, 179 pounds, which is the reason he is considered a fourth round pick in most mock draft. What Elder lacks in size, he makes up for in determination.
Elder is a very smart and instinctive player that seems to always seems to know where the play is going on every down. He is also an excellent tackler considering his size. Elder has the tools to be a 10-year veteran in the NFL, most likely as a slot corner.
Evan Engram, tight end, Ole Miss
At 6-3, 236 pounds, Engram doesn’t exactly look like an NFL tight end, but he could be used as a multifaceted pass catcher at the next level. Last season for the Rebels, Engram caught 65 receptions for 826 yards and eight touchdowns.
Engram can be lined up out wide, in the slot and even in the backfield as an H-Back. He has the quickness to gain separation at the line of scrimmage, with his quickness. While Engram doesn’t have the physical makeup of a traditional tight end, a creative offensive coordinator could find ways to make him a different maker.
Antonio Garcia, offensive linemen, Troy
During his senior season at Troy, tackle Antonio Garcia did not allow a sack in over 900 offensive snaps in 2016. He was also part of an offensive line that allowed the nation’s fewest sacks (nine) and helped paved the way for running back Jordan Chunn, who finished with 1288 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns.
Garcia is an NFL-ready tackle as he has the size and length (6-7, 302 pounds) to be a starter as a rookie. He also has the footwork and technique that scouts look for in a tackle.
Twitter: @antwanstaley
