Mike Mayock Likes Washington Husky Players in 2017 NFL Draft
By Bret Stuter
Mike Mayock is the NFL Network’s Draft Guru. As prestigious as Mel Kyper, he annually produces his Top-5 lists. This year, that list names three players from the University of Washington
Mike Mayock likes three players from the University of Washington. So far, that is. You see, Mayock produces an annual Top – 5 list of all major NFL positions, and he’s been at it for years. He’s the NFL network’s equivalent to ESPN’s Mel Kiper.
The reason this is significant is the fact that the University of Washington placed three players in the list of 55 total players. Mayocks lists Sidney Jones as the top cornerback, John Ross as the nation’s third best receiver, and Budda Baker as a hard-hitting fourth best safety in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Modest Beginnings, Great Showing
No Other Pac-12 team has three or more players. In fact, Washington’s 1st, 3rd, and 4th place showing comprise 37.5% of the entire PAC-12 players so listed. The two recruiting classes represented in Mayock’s list come from the 2013 and 2014 years. In those two years, the University of Washington Huskies recruiting classes were ranked :
2013 – 18th rank nationally, 3rd rank PAC-12
2014 – 37th rank nationally, 7th rank PAC-12
So it’s somewhat surprising to see how successful the University of Washington Huskies place in the nation in the 2017 NFL Draft. However, if you follow the Husky Haul, you know that much of the team’s success is the coaching staff. Of particular note is Tim Socha, strength and conditioning coach.
But the Washington Huskies could be even more favorably represented in the 2017 NFL Draft. I think DT Elijah Qualls will go in round two. I also believe that OLB Joe Mathis will shoot up the draft boards of many teams this year. After all is said and done, I project five Husky selections in the 2017 NFL Draft by the end of day 2.
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So let’s meet the players Mayock likes.
Wide receiver
1. Corey Davis, Western Michigan
2. Mike Williams, Clemson
3. John Ross, Washington
4. Cooper Kupp, Eastern Washington
5. Zay Jones, East Carolina
Cornerback
1. Sidney Jones, Washington
2. Marshon Lattimore, Ohio State
3. Marlon Humphrey, Alabama
4. Teez Tabor, Florida
5. Tre’Davious White, LSU
Safety
1. Malik Hooker, Ohio State
2. Jamal Adams, LSU
3. Jabrill Peppers, Michigan
4. Budda Baker, Washington
5. Obi Melifonwu, Connecticut
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Projecting a player’s success is not a science. In fact, when it comes to the projections of Washington Huskies, it’s not even been an art form.
The Huskies have developed far faster and further than their peers under the watch of head coach Chris Petersen. That’s why the numbers and rankings of prospects who sign letters of intent with the UW football program are less important than other schools. Petersen’s crew MAKES his players better.
Next: 4-Star WR Austin Osborne Commits to UW Husky Recruiting Class 2018
The proof is in the pudding folks. No boasting or bragging, but the middle of the pack recruiting classes churn out top NFL draft classes. As players who change their minds may want to rethink going forward, the slickest salesman may not be selling the best program. Judge the results.