BOL Round Table

No mention of Fluker, for whatever reason...

This from Todd McShay of ESPN, who was asked about the draft prospects of several Alabama underclassmen on a recent conference call...

ON MILLINER

Well, Milliner I've done a film evaluation on, so I can speak to his potential, if you will. We've got him ranked 18th overall in class. I know he's been inconsistent at times, but he's got the tools, he's got size. Just shy of 6'1", close to 200 pounds. I think he runs in the 4.4s, mid to high 4.4s. He continues to get better and better.

The instincts and everything he's been taught, he's been durable for the vast majority of his career. I know he missed the Western Kentucky game, but other than that, he's been a durable player. His recognition skills and just reading routes, anticipating really been impressed with that. That's what translates so well to the next level is being able to play zone and man, and being able to understand what receivers are trying to do and how teams are trying to attack your secondary and just being able to make plays on the football.

That to me is so important when you're evaluating these corners. Can they get in the right position? Do they know what the opponent is trying to do? Can they protect themselves, but are they instinctive enough to get in the play? Are they willing to mix it up versus the run? You get positive answers when you evaluate him across the board. He's not an exceptional talent, but it won't surprise me, if he does decide to leave early, if he winds up being the top three, one of the top three cornerbacks in the class.

ON C.J. MOSLEY

As far as Mosley is concerned, first of all, I'm just happy to see him on the field this year. I saw him get injured in that National Championship Game a year ago. At the moment when he was taken off the field, I didn't know that he'd be back this year at all. It didn't turn out to be as bad as everyone thought. But I remember early in the season, Nick Saban saying he wants an Alpha dog to step up.

He had Rolando McClain, Dont'a Hightower, and I can't speak to what Mosley is off the field or in practice in terms of the intangibles and leadership. But on the field I see a guy that's become that Alpha dog for this team. He leads the team with 51 tackles. I think I looked at it recently, I think he has two and a half sacks. He's got one or two forced fumbles, an interception, pass is broken up. He's producing in all areas of the game.

When you watch the tape, I'm seeing more of him go after the quarterback. They're turning him loose in the blitz. Showing more instincts in the passing game overall. And the versatility that we saw from Hightower in his final year last year, you're starting to see more and more of that.

I don't know that he's McClain and Hightower in terms of talent. He's not quite as big and powerful. Maybe a little more athletic than those two guys or at least faster. But I think he's starting to come into his own. Whether it's the end of this year or next year, I think he's a player that's going to start moving up the board. I don't want to say first or second round. I'm not sure because I haven't done the full work on him. But he's a player where the arrow is heading north, and his versatility and play making ability are two things that jump out when I watch tape on him.

ON LACY

I think Eddie Lacy was dinged up early on, and it didn't seem like he was a hundred percent. I had heard reports of it and watching him. But this past week he looked like he was close to a hundred percent and running hard. Things are starting to roll in their running game.

Coming into the year I think we gave him a third‑round grade coming into the year. Yeah, 74. So he's in the third round. It's not a great running back class, so I could see him as one of the top five, six running backs off the board. It will be interesting to see if he decides to come back to school for another full season. Because if he finishes strong, it's the only position I would ever say it's probably in your favor to take off and go to the NFL. And I'm sure Nick Saban would agree. Because you only have so many hits in your body.

So if he finishes strong and has the type of season that he wanted to have overall and the team has success and the opportunity is there, it will be interest to go see if he makes the move.

ON MCCARRON

As far as McCarran is concerned, I've been really, really impressed with him. I think he might be, and I made the comment on SportsCenter and I believe it. I haven't done all the tape. But I've gotten three games in so far. I think he is probably the most underrated quarterback in college football today.

I know he doesn't have the big time arm or the elite athleticism. But he's not ‑‑ I feel like he kind of got typecast or stereotyped coming into the year because he's an Alabama quarterback. Everyone wants to assume they're great everywhere else and he's going to be a game manager.

That's not the case at all. He has a good arm. It's not elite, but it's very good. He can make all the NFL throws. He's really good in terms of his accuracy throwing on the run. This guy keeps getting a little better every time I watch him in terms of the little things you have to do to be a successful quarterback. I'd love to see him come back for his final year of eligibility and just continue to ascend.It wouldn't shock me if we're talking for the 2014 draft A.J. McCarran as a potential top 20 overall draft pick because he's got enough tools, and I just I like the way he plays the game.