This page was last updated April 24, 2013. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
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Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 185.
40 Time: 4.61.
Projected Round (2013): 1-2.
4/24/13: Most projections have Banks going in the second round, and he could be an excellent value pick. Banks had a disappointing Combine that featured a slow 40 time. However with the demand for big corners like the Seahawks have used effectively, Banks benefits by comparison. He ran better at his pro day with a reported 40 time of 4.51 seconds.
Banks had initially committed to play in the Senior Bowl, but he pulled out for injury-related reasons. Banks amassed 63 tackles, four interceptions and seven passes broken up in 2012. He averaged 9.8 yards per punt return, too. Banks had an excellent game against Auburn with two interceptions. The picks came in the second quarter and helped the Bulldogs pull away from the Tigers.
Banks had some great games in the following weeks. He had huge performances against Tennessee and Middle Tennessee State, but injured his knee in the latter contest.
That injury lingered, yet Banks continued to play. The knee seemed to be slowing him down against Alabama and Texas A&M as he wasn’t his normal play-making self. Banks was part of two coverage breakdowns for scores gainst the Crimson Tide. On the first breakdown, he was beaten on a go route by Kenny Bell for a 57-yard touchdown. On the second, Banks was in zone and thought he had linebacker help to the inside, but nobody was there and the tight end came wide open for an easy touchdown toss.
The senior didn’t record an interception and had only two passes broken up in the final six games after the knee injury.
9/1/12: Banks has been a three-year contributor for the Bulldogs. Playing in the SEC, he is already experienced and battle-tested entering his senior year. Banks had 33 tackles and four interceptions as a freshman, including two pick-sixs against Tim Tebow in a near upset of a No. 1-ranked Florida team.
Banks totaled 54 tackles with three interceptions as a sophomore. He had 71 tackles with five interceptions, three sacks, three forced fumbles and nine passes broken last season.
It wouldn’t be surprising if Banks’ numbers decline as a senior since teams will probably avoid throwing at him. He has a nice combination of size, speed and athleticism. Banks may fit best in a zone-based system in the NFL. -
Darius Slay, CB, Mississippi State
Height: 6-0. Weight: 192.
40 Time: 4.36.
Projected Round (2013): 2-3.
4/24/13: Slay stood on his Combine numbers at his pro day. While Johnthan Banks has received the majority of the attention, Slay had a strong senior season and is a good prospect in his own right. He recorded five interceptions, 40 tackles and six passes broken up this year. Slay held up well when teams stayed away from Banks and Slay showed some man-coverage ability. He had 24 tackles, an interception and four passes defensed in 2011.
Slay was excellent at the Combine. He blazed a fast 40 time and looked good in the field drills. Slay’s stock has been rising and some feel he could go ahead of Banks. -
Josh Boyd, DT, Mississippi State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 310. Arm: 32.18.
40 Time: 5.14.
Projected Round (2012): 4-6.
4/24/13: Boyd was a solid player for Mississippi State in 2012, but it was somewhat of a disappointing season. He totaled 33 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2.5 tackles for a loss and a blocked kick.
There were high expectations for Boyd after a 2011 season in which he totaled 4.5 sacks, 51 tackles and eight tackles for a loss. Teammate Fletcher Cox turned out to be the big reason for that production.
Boyd did fine at the East-West Shrine, but wasn’t impressive. He was a late injury-addition to the Senior Bowl and held his own there. Boyd didn’t stand out at the Combine. -
Corey Broomfield, CB, Mississippi State
Height: 5-10. Weight: 180.
Projected 40 Time: 4.54.
Projected Round (2013): 6-FA.
4/24/13: Broomfield had 40 tackles, four tackles for a loss, one interception and three passes broken up as the nickel corner this season.
9/1/12: Broomfield had a huge freshman season in 2009 as a rotational player, snagging six interceptions. He recorded 52 tackles with 4.5 tackles for a loss and three interceptions in 2010. The junior totaled 59 tackles and five passes broken up last season, but he did not record an interception.
Playing opposite Johnthan Banks should provide Broomfield plenty of opportunities as a senior. -
Chad Bumphis, WR, Mississippi State
Height: 5-10. Weight: 200.
40 Time: 4.52.
Projected Round (2013): 6-FA.
4/24/13: Bumphis caught 58 passes for 922 yards and 12 touchdowns this year. He could be nice Day-3 value pick, and he had a good week of practice at the East-West Shrine. Bumphis didn’t participate in the Combine.
8/17/12: Bumphis was Mississippi State’s leading receiver and punt returner in 2010. He caught 44 passes for 634 yards and five scores. Bumphis also led the Bulldogs as a freshman with 32 receptions and 131 yards.
The junior only had 25 catches for 339 yards and three touchdowns last season. Bumphis was significantly limited by poor quarterback play.
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Cameron Lawrence, OLB, Mississippi State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 230.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Projected Round (2013): 6-FA.
4/24/13: Lawrence had 120 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, four passes broken up, two interceptions and four sacks in 2012. He had double-digit tackle totals against Auburn, Troy and Tennessee. Lawrence is a good player and sleeper prospect who could surprise people at the next level. He has good instincts.
8/29/12: Lawrence was second in the SEC in tackles in 2011 with 123 total stops. He also had six tackles for a loss, two sacks and two interceptions. Lawrence is high-effort player who could be a solid depth linebacker and special teams performer in the NFL. -
DeWayne Cherrington, DT, Mississippi State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 335.
Projected 40 Time: 5.50.
Projected Round (2012): 7-FA.
4/24/13: Cherrington is a heavy defensive tackle who has some athletic ability. The senior totaled 24 tackles with a tackle for a loss. He was impressive against Alabama. Cherrington totaled 12 tackles in 2011 as a backup to Fletcher Cox.
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