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Detroit Lions 2017 NFL Draft Watchlist: Stanford at Notre Dame

By Erik Schlitt

November 28, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) runs the ball against Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Joe Schmidt (38) during the second half at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
November 28, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) runs the ball against Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Joe Schmidt (38) during the second half at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Stanford Cardinal guard Johnny Caspers (57). Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Stanford Cardinal guard Johnny Caspers (57). Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Day Three Seniors

Johnny Caspers (#57, Guard, 6’3″, 296) is in his third year as Stanford’s starting right guard. He went into the season with high hopes, even getting some first round hype. That hype has slowed down quite a bit after Stanford’s offensive line has been dominated the last two weeks. He is the best player on this page, and could slip into day two, but he’s needs to stop the bleeding quickly.

Caspers biggest asset to NFL teams will be his experience and position flexibility. He had been a fixture at right guard but has left guard movement. He has also filled in at center, which some analysts see as his best position in the NFL. Caspers is quick off the snap and uses his aggressiveness to attack defensive tackles, but needs to play under control.

Wide receiver Francis Owusu (#6, 6’2″, 223) took a nasty helmet-to-helmet hit in week four and suffered a concussion. Lingering effects have kept him off the field the last two weeks. This is a shame because he’s trying to work his way onto a senior all-star game

Safeties, Zach Hoffpauir (#10, 6’0″, 197) and Dallas Lloyd (#29, 6’2″, 213) are interesting names to watch. Neither have a draftable grade right now but Hoffpauir’s name was on NFL watch lists in 2014. After stepping away from football in 2015 to pursue a baseball career, Hoffpauir has returned to the gridiron and is hoping to get noticed again.

Day Three Redshirt Juniors

Peter Kalambayi (#34, 6’2″, 245) is listed as an outside linebacker but is more of an “Edge defender” in Stanford’s hybrid scheme. He has lined up both as a linebacker and defensive end throughout his career. Kalambayi has a high motor and uses it to offset his limited pass rushing technique. He has NFL skills, but right now he’s better moving forwards rather than backwards.

Michael Rector (#3, 6’0″, 185) almost declared for the NFL last season but decide to return for his redshirt junior year. Rector’s game is as a vertical threat and he defiantly has NFL skills, but an undisclosed suspension in 2015 will draw some attention from the NFL.

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