Mark Humphrey/AP
Texas A&M offensive lineman Germain Ifedi plays against Louisville in the second half of the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn. Louisville won 27-21.
The NFL draft begins in just over 24 hours. Can Germain Ifedi extend the Aggies’ first round streak? Will Drew Kaser join Shane Lechler as punters from Texas A&M to be playing in the NFL? Here are your final predictions for this weekend’s NFL draft.
Germain Ifedi – first round: Every year since 2011, the Aggies have had at least one player selected in the first round of the draft. That streak should continue with Ifedi this year. The offensive lineman is talented and versatile, and should go toward the end of the first round. This means he will likely go to a playoff team with decent depth that could afford sitting him out at the beginning of the season while he learns the ropes and improves as an athlete. You can view his draft profile by clicking here.
Brandon Williams – sixth round: Williams moved from running back to corner for his senior season, and it could end up being the difference between hearing his name called at the draft and hoping that he’s picked up in free agency. An athlete with a knack for quick learning, he was able to vastly improve his stock in just one college season. Teams took notice to that, and surely can see the potential in investing a few more years into the former Oklahoma Sooner. Projections have him going as high as the third round, all but assuring that he will be drafted at some point before the 2016 installment wraps up. Brandon Williams draft profile.
Drew Kaser – seventh round: Likely the most talented punting prospect in this year’s draft, Kaser leaves A&M after setting multiple school records and now looks to the next level of competition. Punters don’t typically hear their name called during the festivities, but teams may be willing to spend one of their final picks on Kaser to avoid fighting with other teams when free agency begins. Drew Kaser draft profile.
Mike Matthews, Tra Carson, Joseph Cheek, Taylor Bertolet, Devonta Burns and De’vante Harris – undrafted: Of those players listed, Matthews has the best chance to prove this author wrong. He was highly touted heading into 2016, and a rough year can’t be placed entirely on him. He’s part of a strong NFL bloodline and between that and A&M’s offensive line coach being fired after one season, teams may take the gamble and spend a pick on his services.
Taylor Bertolet had an up-and-down career in College Station, but all it takes is one team to fall in love. Like Kaser, it’s not often you see a ton of special teams talent hearing their name called. Bertolet will need to hope there’s two teams that want him, and one is willing to spend the pick to claim him without fighting for his services in free agency.
Devonta Burns and De’vante Harris could be quick pick ups in free agency and spend some time on the special teams unit.
