It would seem as though only two Florida State players still have decisions to make as to whether to return for a senior season or to make the jump to the NFL.
Following the 33-32 Orange Bowl victory over Michigan on Dec. 30, defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi and linebacker Matthew Thomas each announced a return for a senior season in 2017. The following day, running back Dalvin Cook turned what most expected into a reality as the school’s all-time leading rusher elected to forego his senior year and enter the NFL Draft.
The only two players left with a decision to make look to be tackle Roderick Johnson and wide receiver Travis Rudolph. Underclassmen have until Jan. 16 to declare for the draft.
Prior to the year, Roderick Johnson was expected to be a first round pick, but that’s no longer the case. Johnson is still expected to go in the upper half of the draft and as early as the second round. Internally, FSU thinks Johnson is leaning toward declaring for the NFL Draft, but that has not been determined.
Johnson is a 3-year starter and a 2-time winner of the Jacobs Blocking Trophy which annually goes to the ACC’s best offensive lineman. He’s the only player along the FSU offensive line that would have a starting position solidified in 2017.
If Johnson makes the jump, Abdul Bello, Josh Ball and Jauan Williams would all be potential candidates to replace him at left tackle. Another possibility might be moving guard Landon Dickerson back to his natural tackle position. Dickerson is coming off an ACL injury and is targeting between May and July for a return.
As for Rudolph, he told reporters following the Orange Bowl that he was leaning toward returning to school and sources inside the program think that is still the case. Rudolph has led the Seminoles in receiving in each of the last two seasons. As a junior in 2016 however, Rudolph took a step back in production and with younger players like Auden Tate, Nyqwan Murray and Keith Gavin making strides, it could cut into the number of passes that go Rudolph’s way in 2017.
Rudolph is projected to go as high as the third round, which could be enough to sway his decision over the next week. Though he struggled with drops a bit more this season, Rudolph is a good route-runner and a good downfield blocker. It’s unclear how much his draft stock would rise if he returned, but for now, that appears to be the way he’s leaning.
Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson
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