2014 NFL Draft Prospects: Virginia Tech

These are the school’s prospects for the 2014 NFL Draft by status. * – denotes 2015 prospect. ** – denotes 2016 prospect.

This page was last updated May 25, 2013. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech
Height: 6-6. Weight: 262.
Projected 40 Time: 4.69.
Projected Round (2014): 2-3.
5/1/13: Thomas was one of the biggest disappointments of the 2012 college football season. He had an ugly year that illustrated terrible passing accuracy. Thomas completed 51 percent of his passes for 2,976 yards with 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. He ran for 726 yards (524 net) and nine touchdowns, too.

Thomas needs to do a ton of work to develop as a passer. He has to significantly improve his accuracy along with developing pocket presence. Thomas has to get more patience and vastly improve his ability to read defenses. He generally looks to run if he doesn’t see a receiver breaking open early.

Thomas is a big, athletic signal-caller with a strong arm. He has a similar skill set to Cam Newton or Tim Tebow. Thomas set the school record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in 2011, running for 627 yards and 11 scores. The first-year starter completed 60 percent of his passes for 3,013 yards with 19 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

Thomas has the size, arm and mobility to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. He is capable of having a massive 2013 season to be a potential first-round pick.

Personal: Graduated in December with a degree in human development. Son of Eddie and Kim Tarazona.

Antone Exum, CB/S, Virginia Tech
Height: 6-1. Weight: 224.
Projected 40 Time: 4.58.
Projected Round (2013): 3-4.
5/25/13: Exum has split time at corner and safety during his collegiate career. He had a strong 2012 season playing cornerback and was a Second-Team All-ACC selection. Exum led Virginia Tech with five interceptions while also recording 16 passes broken up, two forced fumbles and 48 tackles. He played safety for the Hokies the year before and recorded 89 tackles with 10 passes batted, one interception and two forced fumbles.

Exum is a versatile player who could be used as hybrid safety/corner in the NFL.

Personal: Has already graduated with a degree in finance. Son of Barbara and Antone Exum, Sr.

Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech
Height: 6-0. Weight: 193.
Projected 40 Time: 4.52.
Projected Round (2013): 3-4.
5/25/13: Fuller played well last year with 46 tackles, two interceptions, a forced fumble and three passes broken up. However, there were expectations for a big season and he was never really dominant.

Fuller made six starts with 32 tackles and six passes broken up as a freshman in 2010. He improved his play in 2011 and started every game. The sophomore totaled 65 tackles with two interceptions, one forced fumble, and seven passes broken up. He was a Second-Team All-ACC selection.

Fuller has some quickness to go along with his size, and could easily push his stock higher in the next year. Virginia Tech has been a factory for defensive backs, and he should enter the NFL with plus preparation. If Fuller can improve his interception totals and splash plays, his stock will rise.

Personal: Finance major. Son of Vincent and Nina Dorsey-Fuller. Older brothers include former Tennessee Titan’s Vincent Fuller and current Lions wide receiver Corey Fuller. Younger brother Kendall was a top recruit for Virginia Tech.

James Gayle*, DE/OLB, Virginia Tech
Height: 6-4. Weight: 253.
Projected 40 Time: 4.70.
Projected Round (2013): 4-6.
5/25/13: Gayle had 43 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss and five sacks last year. He had 38 tackles, 12.5 tackles for a loss and seven sacks in 2011. Gayle has been a Second-Team All-ACC selection for the past two seasons. He was a backup in 2010, but still recorded four sacks.

Gayle has some athletic ability and natural pass-rush skills. He could easily improve his draft stock with a big senior year. Gayle needs to add weight and strength.

Personal: Majoring in sociology. Son of James and Michelle Gayle. Uncle, Shaun Gayle, had a solid career for the Chicago Bears.

Andrew Miller, C, Virginia Tech
Height: 6-4. Weight: 293.
Projected 40 Time: 5.18.
Projected Round (2014): 6-FA.
5/11/13: Miller’s 2012 season was cut short after seven games when he went down with a season-ending ankle injury. Virginia Tech missed him while he was out. He had an excellent debut at center in 2011. The first-year starter did a superb job in run blocking for running back David Wilson and quarterback Logan Thomas. The Hokies had a lot of success running up the middle, and Miller was a big part of that.

The redshirt senior is a leader of the program and needs a big season to get get drafted. Miller also needs to add more weight to his frame.

Personal: Agribusiness major. Son of Johnny Miller and the late Linda Miller.