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NFL Draft: 5 Small School Prospects to Watch

By Ryan Phillips

Jan 21, 2015; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad running back David Johnson of Northern Iowa (7) carries the ball past South squad inside linebacker Stephone Anthony of Clemson (42) during South squad Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2015; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad running back David Johnson of Northern Iowa (7) carries the ball past South squad inside linebacker Stephone Anthony of Clemson (42) during South squad Senior Bowl practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 24, 2015; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad offensive tackle Ali Marpet of Hobart (50) enters the field during player introductions before the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The North won, 34-13. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2015; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad offensive tackle Ali Marpet of Hobart (50) enters the field during player introductions before the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The North won, 34-13. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports /

Ali Marpet, G, Hobart

Marpet is probably the most hyped small-school player in this year’s draft. The senior out of Hobart College has come out of nowhere to be a legitimate prospect.

Marpet – whose father is an Emmy-winning cinematographer – was the first Division III prospect ever invited to the Senior Bowl. While there, he jumped onto the radar of scouts everywhere by impressing all in attendance. Then at the combine he had arguably the best workout by an offensive lineman. Aside from running a 4.98 40-yard dash, and throwing up 30 bench press reps, he also ran a 7.33-second three-cone drill and a 4.47-second 20-yard shuttle.

The problem with Marpet is that he played against vastly inferior competition. Despite being a stout 6-foot-4 and 307 pounds, it’s hard to gauge how he will hold up against NFL-level competition long-term. On top of that, he gets a little stiff at times and isn’t always strong when trying to redirect pass rushers. He has to get stronger at the next level and get better at initiating contact and not getting hammered first from oncoming rushers.

All-in-all Marpet is a tough, well-built, athletic interior line prospect who has caught the eye of scouts across the NFL for a reason. I have no doubt he’ll wind up being a solid NFL player, but it might take a year or two for him to get used to the difference in strength and speed at the next level.

Marpet is likely going to be selected on the second day of the draft.

Next: Jaquiski Tartt

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