NFL Draft Preview: Noles Who Hope to Hear Their Name

The beginning of the NFL Draft is upon us and it looks to be a bit of a quiet one for Florida State. Culminating in last year’s draft, the Seminoles capped a modern era record with 29 players selected over a 3-year span. 10 Noles hope to hear their names called this year, but the consensus is that there could be as few as three that end up being selected.

The draft will begin with the first round on Thursday night. The second and third rounds will be held on Friday and the draft will conclude with the final four rounds on Saturday. Here’s a look at the FSU players who hope to hear their names called:

Likely First Day

Jalen Ramsey, S
Measurables: 6-1, 209 pounds
What he Brings: As far as defensive backs are concerned, Jalen Ramsey is the total package. Ramsey is good in coverage, physical, athletic and an excellent tackler. Ramsey is a 2-time first team All-ACC performer and was named a Consensus All-American last season.
Projection: It’s hard to fathom Ramsey falling outside of the top 10. Experts have the FSU standout going as high as third to the San Diego Chargers or as low as sixth to the Baltimore Ravens.

Likely Second Day

Roberto Aguayo, K
Measurables: 6-0, 207 pounds
What he Brings: Arguably one of the best kickers ever to play college football, Roberto Aguayo has a big leg and was ridiculously accurate throughout his FSU career. Aguayo made nearly 89 percent of his career field goals and won the Lou Groza Award as a redshirt freshman in 2013. The following year, he was named a Consensus All-American.
Projection: There’s little doubt that Aguayo will be the first kicker taken in this year’s draft, but where is the question. Aguayo could go as high as the second round, but it’s possible he could fall into the early parts of the third day.

Likely Third Day

Nile Lawrence-Stample, DT
Measurables: 6-1, 320 pounds
What he Brings: Nile Lawrence-Stample overcame injury issues as a junior in 2014 to have a solid senior campaign for the Seminoles. Lawrence-Stample isn’t a great athlete, but is the quintessential run-stuffer and could be an asset in either a 3-4 or a 4-3 defense.
Projection: Getting taken in the fifth round is probably the ceiling for Lawrence-Stample, but it’s possible he may not go until the sixth or seventh.

Terrance Smith, LB
Measurables: 6-3, 235 pounds
What he Brings: Injuries were also a concern for Terrance Smith throughout his Florida State career, but when healthy, he always seemed to make plays. Smith is usually around the football and though he isn’t elite in pass coverage, he did make his fair share of plays in coverage during his FSU career.
Projection: It’s possible that Smith could fall out of the draft, but the odds are that’ll go in the sixth or seventh round. Smith has NFL size and could be a steal for someone looking for help right away.

Likely Undrafted

Cason Beatty, P
Measurables: 6-3, 214 pounds
What he Brings: After being maligned for three years, Cason Beatty put together a really solid senior season for FSU, averaging better than 45 yards per punt.
Projection: Beatty is likely to go undrafted, but could make a living on a practice squad or as a journeyman.

Lamarcus Brutus, S
Measurables: 6-0, 206 pounds
What he Brings: Lamarcus Brutus is a heady player with good football instincts. He came on over his final season and a half as a Seminole after being mostly a special teams player for his first three and a half years on campus.
Projection: It’s possible that Brutus could sneak into the seventh round, but odds are he’ll have to try to find a team as a free agent.

Everett Golson, QB
Measurables: 5-11, 200 pounds
What he Brings: Quarterback Everett Golson is a winner. He was a contributor on good Notre Dame and Florida State teams and is a good athlete. Golson however, lacks the size and consistency to be a starting quarterback in the NFL.
Projection: Based on his recognized name and college accomplishments, Golson will likely get a look from an NFL team. He isn’t expected to be drafted, but might be a good enough athlete to play in the league at a position other than quarterback.

Tyler Hunter, S
Measurables: 5-11, 200 pounds
What he Brings: Tyler Hunter is an experienced player who has been on good teams. He’s played both cornerback and safety, but was never the same after suffering a neck injury early in the 2013 season.
Projection: With his injury history, Hunter’s draft stock is very low. His only chance at playing in the NFL is likely as an undrafted free agent.

Giorgio Newberry, DE
Measurables: 6-5, 285 pounds
What he Brings: Once a highly-recruited defensive end, Giorgio Newberry is certainly team-first. During his five years at FSU, Newberry played defensive end, defensive tackle and even, tight end. As part of the defensive line rotation in 2015, Newberry was one of the feel-good stories for the Seminoles.
Projection: Like Beatty, Hunter and Golson, Newberry’s draft stock is slim. His versatility could get him a look however. Newberry is probably most suited to be a defensive end in a 3-4 scheme.

Reggie Northrup, LB
Measurables: 6-1, 237 pounds
What he Brings: Before a knee injury in the Rose Bowl, Reggie Northrup in 2014 became the first Seminole in eight years to record 100 tackles in a season. Northrup has been a max-effort player, but a history of injury and limited athleticism are concerns.
Projection: Northrup has a chance of sneaking into the seventh round, but odds are that he’ll have to find a team as an undrafted free agent.