With the 2016 NFL Draft over, we look ahead to next year and project which five UCLA Football players will be taken in 2017.
Since UCLA Football Head Coach Jim Mora has taken over the program, he has done nothing but make the Bruins better, and that includes improving on getting players to the NFL.
This past weekend, UCLA has eight players selected in the draft with four more picking up contracts. In four years, UCLA has had a total of 20 players picked in the NFL Draft. HEY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYERS, DID YOU HEAR THAT? Mora sends players to the NFL!
That is a trend that Bruin fans should expect to continue every year as Mora and his crew constantly work to make this team better, resulting in the out pour of several highly talented and NFL-ready players.
So with that in mind, why not look at possible draftees for 2017? Here are five of the best players that we could see get selected in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Next: An Edge Rusher
Takkarist McKinley DE, Sr, 6’2″, 250 lbs.
BOOM! Let us just start things off with a player that is been a welcome addition to the defense ever since he transferred in 1/3 of the way through the 2014 season.
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- UCLA Football: Highlights from Chip Kelly’s appearance on the Jim Rome Show
McKinley is a smart, versatile player that has developed nicely through his first two season with the Bruins. During Spring Practice, McKinley looked more focused coming off the edge and looks like he has a bit more power taking off which has helped him in the pass rush.
He has the potential to break out and it seems like this could be the year he shows the nation what kind of athlete he is. With the Bruins moving to a 4-3 defense he has help on the line occupying bodies which will free him up on certain plays.
With the defensive line looking a bit more stable in Spring, especially against the run, the Bruins should be able to work a little better as a unit, which will help the individual players focus on their assignments.
For McKinley, a lot of those assignments will be trying to get at the opposition in the backfield. With that in mind, remember, I coined the name “Sackarist McKinley”.
Way-Too-Early 2017 Draft Prediction: Early 4th Round
Next: The Converted
Ishmael Adams WR, R-Sr, 5’8″, 180 lbs.
So…
We have a converted defensive back now playing wide receiver the year after he was suspended for the first third of the 2015 season, which in my opinion, did not allow him to play to his potential. Sp next year, opposing defenses need to stay out of Adams’ way this year.
UCLA Bruins
Adams is a fiery character and that is what makes him dangerous. Though he seemed to disappear in a few games in 2015, it can not be denied how good of an athlete he is when he is “on”. I predict that in 2016, Adams will be “on” all the time.
In his career on the defensive side of the ball, he has eight interception, so it is safe to say he has decent hands (also remember he returned punts and kicks). That is what makes his transition to the offense so intriguing.
As a receiver he could put his good hands to use and with his speed can be a very dangerous weapon, especially if he can learn to separate from his defender. During Spring Practice, Adams was often with the first and second teams.
He was impressive and gave the Bruin coaches good reason to entrust him with the ball. The early word on Adams is that he could be a solid contributor in the passing game, but knowing his athleticism, he will be a lot more productive than will be expected.
And another thing, Mora and his coaching staff have an eye for know what positions their players can master. Remember when they made the brilliant move of taking Anthony Barr off of running back duties and made him a linebacker. That seemed to work well.
Way-Too-Early 2017 Draft Prediction: Mid 4th Round
Next: Line Strength
Conor McDermott LT, R-Sr, 6’9″, 310 lbs.
McDermott has improved every year he has been with the Bruins. He filled in on the line midway through the 2014 season and proved to be a good, consistent player since.
Last season he helped the Bruins finish in the top 15 in the FBS in sacks allowed per game, much improved from previous years. A lot of that had to do with UCLA (finally) having an experienced line.
Most of the players that started in Mora’s first season are gone, but the Bruins still have the experience of McDermott who is using his final year of eligibility to play and improve for the the draft in Westwood.
With Josh Rosen going into his second year with UCLA, the Bruins will benefit from having McDermotts experience. This is also key when trying to keep the offensive line as structured as possible with the Bruins moving to a power-based offense.
It’s also not that big of a stretch to say McDermott might just be the best offensive lineman the Bruins have had in the Mora era. You heard it here first.
Way-Too-Early 2017 Draft Prediction: Mid 2nd Round
Next: The Middle Gets Bigger
Jayon Brown LB, Sr, 6’0″, 220 lbs.
When more players than expected go down in your defensive unit, then you have to make due with what you have. When those players perform better than expected, then that is a godsend.
Brown came out of no where like a knight in shining armor. He couldn’t exactly save the defense, it’s as too many soldiers had fallen to injury. But he did help improve it.
With UCLA getting both healthy and much needed reinforcements, the linebackers should be a lot stronger in 2016. That will allow Brown to not do as much and just focus on his part of the field. Doing that, I feel he could blossom into a very dependable linebacker.
Way-Too-Early 2017 Draft Prediction: Late 3rd to Early 4th Round
Next: Return of the Eddie
Eddie Vanderdoes DT, R-Jr, 6’9″, 310 lbs.
What could have been with Vanderdoes and Kenneth Clark in 2015. Vanderdoes went down in the first game of the season after an (ahem) uplifting touchdown catch by Clark.
But now Vanderdoes is back and looking to help solidify the defensive line. Vanderdoes and Clark were basically clones of each other which will be good for consistency on the line. Hey are big, fast, vicious, overpowering and could push players around.
And then when they pursued a player, all I have to say is that it is the scariest thing I have ever seen. I just whisper to myself, “Don’t get caught. The worst thing to do is to get caught. You don’t want to get caught by EV (or Clark).”
So heading into the 2016 season, I am predicting a massive campaign from Vanderdoes. All-Pac-12, All-American, Pac-12 Championship Game MVP, and that’s just to start. Either way, he is going to be successful and will no doubt be going to the pros. He is too talented not to.
Way-Too-Early 2017 Draft Prediction: Mid 1st Round
More from Go Joe Bruin
- UCLA Football: It’s time for the nation to meet Dante Moore
- UCLA Football: Where are they ranked heading into week 4
- UCLA Football: Position battle breakdown for Utah showdown
- UCLA vs. Utah: Location, time, prediction, and more
- UCLA Football: Highlights from Chip Kelly’s appearance on the Jim Rome Show
Next: UCLA Football in the NFL Draft in the Jim Mora Era
Go Bruins!