We haven’t even gone through the 2017 NFL Draft yet but it is never too early to look at the top NFL talent on the UCLA Football roster for the 2018 draft.
The UCLA Football team will lose a chunk of talented players to either graduation or the NFL Draft this offseason. The good news? There’s plenty more where that came from.
The Bruins have begun to trend towards the big teams like Alabama, LSU and Ohio State when it comes to reloading not rebuilding. They’re not there yet but the progress has been made.
Let’s start with the most obvious name on this list…
Josh Rosen, QB, Jr
Rosen was a major get for this coaching staff when he committed to the Bruins despite the possibility that he would have to sit behind former UCLA QB Brett Hundley. Turns out Hundley would leave early for the NFL and Rosen would start as a true Freshman. Now it’s Rosen’s turn to leave early for the NFL.
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We have to address the elephant in the room here, Rosen didn’t have a great year in 2016. It would be a difficult argument to make that he even had a good year last year. Some of that fell on him trying to make plays that just aren’t there. Some of that falls on a very porous offensive line that could not protect him. And a chunk of that falls on him learning his second offensive system in as many years.
Rosen also missed the last six games of 2016 with a shoulder injury that was the result of nerve damage. It will be imperative Rosen shows he’s recovered during spring and fall camp. 2018 will also see him learning another new system and this time without his starting left tackle from last year.
Now let’s get to the good news. Rosen has the prototypical build, arm, accuracy, quick release and anticipation you want in your QB’s at the next level. He’s been battle tested with 19 starts under his belt and 34 total touchdowns. He isn’t much of a threat to run but can slide in the pocket to buy a little time. If given adequate protection he will shred defenses.
Next year’s crop of QB’s is especially talented and had Rosen been eligible to come out this year he would have been far and away the top QB prospect. A bounce back year will make him the top QB in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Jordan Lasley, WR, R-Jr
Prior to last year Lasley wouldn’t have been on anyone’s radar. He didn’t see the field much and when he did he wasn’t targeted or he dropped passes. The stats from 2015 were unimpressive to say the least, 3-17-0. Fast forward to 2016 and there is a dramatic spike especially through the last seven games where he racked up 31 catches and five scores. He had multiple catches over 30 yards including a long of 75 yards.
Measuring in over six feet and two hundred pounds, Lasley has all of the baseline measurables the NFL would like to see especially to play him on the perimeter. He developed a rapport with backup QB Mike Fafaul so he will need to make a stronger connection with Rosen if he hopes to continue his ascent up next year’s draft boards.
His route running has improved and should only get better with new wide receivers coach Jimmie Dougherty.
Jaleel Wadood, S, Sr
Wadood is a clear example of how size isn’t everything. Listed at 5’10” 175 lbs. it is rumored he plays in the 160’s and yet will light up ball carriers. He’s rangy, speedy, has ball skills and is willing to hit. The Bruins have experimented with him at corner and he’s played well there in camp.
His size will be the biggest concern moving forward. Small safeties have been drafted before and this year former UW Husky DB Budda Baker will be that small safety. While their heights are the same, Baker weighed in over 190lbs.
It is unclear if Wadood is able to add weight especially since he hasn’t gotten much bigger than his listed freshmen weight. 190lbs would be a major leap and there’s always the chance that he will not retain his speed or explosion with that much extra bulk on his frame.
Despite being a playmaker in the backend for the Bruins, Wadood will have to prove to the NFL that he can handle the rigorous demands of the next level.
Kenny Young, LB, Sr
As a sophomore two seasons ago I was worried Young wouldn’t be able to live up to the promise that carried him to Westwood. He looked stiff in space and seemed to struggle athletically, especially since UCLA fans had been spoiled by the athletic marvel that was Myles Jack.
In his first media appearance of San Bernardino in 2016, Young said he had been working with linebackers coach Scott White on improving his flexibility and did it pay off during the season.
Young looked like a completely different guy in coverage while still playing with plenty of power. He’s able to go sideline to sideline carrying his 6’1″ 240 lbs. frame with relative ease. He doesn’t seem to be thinking as much now and is able to just play which is speeding up his game and making him more effective at every aspect of the linebacker game. He’s a capable blitzer and is instinctive against the run.
Now with Jayon Brown gone, Young will officially take over the reins at the linebacker group for the Bruins.
Soso Jamabo, RB, Jr
Now this one might be a bit of a wildcard. Jamabo is another high profile athlete who hasn’t exactly found a plethora of success at UCLA. He hasn’t received a ton of help from his offensive line and his long legged strides have a hard time finding room to run when he’s cornered in the backfield.
Jamabo has also been the crime of odd personnel usage at UCLA and despite his 6’3″ 215 lbs. frame, he’s not a traditional power back. Last year the Bruins would line him up in Power-I formations inside the five yard line where it was difficult for him to get going.
Where he is at his best is getting to the edge and outrunning linebackers and defensive linemen to the perimeter.
Next: UCLA Football: Pro Day Recap
While he could return to UCLA for his senior season, if he gains any traction during the 2017 college season I could see him opting for the NFL and a chance to strike while the iron is hot.