The three young Olinemen could definitely grow into NFL players. Jackson is an NFL talent, but i don't think it will be at QB. I think he will end up at DB or WR like the Auburn QB did. I think its a bit early to predict anything from Robinson given he has never taken a college snap. Alexander looks like a player though. Very shifty as a return man. Maybe Hearns or Thomas will grow into NFL players....could be the next Dubose or Smith's that came from off the radar to the NFL.
TPE, what do you think of Quick's chances in the pro's? I don't really know what to think of his game and how it translates to the NFL. Is he a slot or split out wide at that level? Doesn't seem to be physical enough to be split out wide.
Man, you're sure on the draft list kick. The 4 guys you named, all of whom are returning, would seem to be shoo-ins as draft picks. Isn't that enough? Are you mining for "absurd UofL expectations"?
OK, then - let me help: I think Wiggins will definitely get a look. Hikutini is our only Juco TE as far as I know. Crum, who is a prototype NFL TE was a redshirt freshman last season so he won't be eligible until next year and Towbridge will definitely see a camp although he may not be drafted.
Quick will see a camp. I actually expect he will also be drafted, as certainly Staples will be.
2017 should be fairly rich. Peete and Jaylen Smith show every sign you would ever want to see as offensive weapons who play football the way it is supposed to be played. Peete was a star on special teams all season, not too bad for a 6' 6" WR prospect who made key catches all season in his true freshman year.
The special benefits Louisville will carry forward would include Jackson being overlooked as a run-only QB which would warrant playing his senior year with something to prove. Trevon Samuel and our punt returner who happens to play some excellent cornerback are both considered very small by NFL standards, which could mean they return for their senior seasons as well. I have a super hard time seeing the downside of this for Louisville.
None of this relates to the mysteries of the O line and the prospects there, nor does it deal with Treveon Young, the leading sack artist this past season currently working with a hip issue. The linebacker who replaces Burgess had a monstrous game against A & M.
So next season, maybe 6-9 guys get drafted. The followng season is a bit harder to judge - but I would imagine 6 more, lol.
