Last year, in the 2015 NFL Draft, the NC State Wolfpack had zero players selected, marking the first time since 1996 that the Wolfpack was not represented on draft day. However, this year there is a good chance that it will be a different story for the Wolfpack.
With the top six NC State players entering the draft this year being QB Jacoby Brissett, CB Juston Burris, TE David Grinnage, DE Mike Rose, OG Joe Thuney and RB Shadrach Thornton, odds are a former State player’s name gets called in Chicago come draft day.
According to nfl.com, Brissett and Burris have favorable odds at making a roster and eventually becoming a starter. Rose, Grinnage, Thuney and Thornton still have good chances of turning pro but are predicted to have a tougher path for various reasons.
Unfortunately for Thornton, his off-the-field behavior during his college years may overshadow his athletic talent. He posted times for the three-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle that were among the top for running backs in this year’s combine. During his time at State, Thornton led the Wolfpack in rushing for three straight seasons and earned honorable mention All-ACC accolades in 2014. He definitely has the talent to play at the next level, and hopefully he won’t be judged too harshly for his past mistakes.
Rose started at defensive end in his two final seasons at NC State and led the team in tackles for loss with 15 in each season. Last season he also recorded 10.5 sacks, forced two fumbles and received well-deserved second team All-ACC honors. However for most scouts he has been under the radar. At 6-foot-2 and 281 pounds, Rose has the size, strength and hustle necessary to play at the next level, but there are concerns about his quickness and athleticism. Some have suggested that he try to add more weight in order to play an interior spot on the defensive line.
At 6-foot-5 and 265 pounds, Grinnage has the size necessary to play tight end at the next level, but some are concerned with his lack of speed and athleticism on tape. In his three years at NC State, Grinnage recorded 67 receptions for 798 yards while hauling in nine touchdowns. Scouts were disappointed with his lack of production during the 2015 season after leading the team in receiving touchdowns with five in 2014. In order for Grinnage to be successful at the next level he will likely have to work on his route running and become a better blocker.
Thuney posted one of the best 40-yard dash times for offensive lineman at the NFL combine and has the versatility and potential that many teams look for in a mid-round draft pick. During his career at NC State, Thuney played every position on the offensive line, lining up at center as a redshirt freshman and switching between guard and tackle during the 2013 and 2014 season. He finally claimed the blindside tackle spot his senior season. As a three-year starter and All-ACC selection in 2015, Thuney has a lot of upside. However, some experts predict that his arm length will likely mean that his only viable options in the NFL will be at the center position.
Burris and Brissett are the players with the highest ratings after the combine. Burris was a top performer at his position for bench press with 19 reps and has impressed people with his consistency at the cornerback position. He played the nickel spot his redshirt freshman season and intercepted three passes, and then earned the starting spot at corner, playing in every game in the 2014 and 2015 seasons. Although he isn’t the fastest, scouts like the experience that he brings and the instincts that he plays with.
Brissett, who stands 6 feet 3 inches tall with a 235-pound frame, has the prototypical look of an NFL quarterback. During his time at State, Brissett has completed nearly 60 percent of his passes for 5,268 yards and 43 TDs, while also gaining 899 yards and nine touchdowns with his legs. Despite the fact that he does not possess blazing speed, plenty of people have picked up on his Houdini-like ability to escape pressure and make plays when necessary. Scouts are also impressed with his arm strength and ability to throw on the run. There are small issues with his mechanics in the pocket as well as his pre-snap recognitions that will need to be addressed. But Brissett possesses all the abilities needed to excel at the next level.
All of NC State’s draft eligible players will have another chance to showcase their abilities before the draft during State’s Pro Day March 21.
