2009 NFP scouting series: Arizona State

For the rest of the summer, the National Football Post will break down every team in the Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly known as Division I-A) to identify players who might warrant interest from NFL teams in the 2010 draft.

The Arizona State Sun Devils struggled to a 5-7 record last season, but they return a talented group of prospects on the defensive side of the ball and are led by one of the nation’s most productive pass rushers.

Offense

Dimitri Nance: No. 31, RB, 5-10, 218

Running back Dimitri Nance

A thickly built back with a low center of gravity and good lateral quickness out of his breaks. Has an impressive jump-cut in the open field, but lacks the burst to get back up to speed and separate from defenders. Displays the body control and strength to step through would-be tacklers and does a nice job picking his way through traffic. However, he has a tendency to get indecisive at the line of scrimmage and needs to do a better job squaring his shoulders and taking what the defense gives him. Exhibits natural hands in the pass game, but isn’t much of a threat in the open field. Plays at one speed and isn’t going to outrun anyone in the secondary.

Impression: Possesses a very average skill set and doesn’t do anything that stands out.

Kyle Williams: No. 6, WR, 5-10, 185

A quick, undersized wideout with a natural burst in the open field who gets up to full speed quickly. Has some wiggle after the catch and knows how to make an opponent miss. Does a nice job tracking the football down the field and possesses the speed to get behind defenses. Lacks body control in all areas of his game and isn’t real sharp or decisive out of his breaks. Struggles breaking down and gathering his feet under him both as a route runner and with the ball in his hands. At times looks to be moving too fast for his own good.

Impression: A good athlete with the ability to create a big play, but needs to refine himself as a route runner.

Chris McGaha: No. 13, WR, 6-1, 198

Wide receiver Chris McGaha

A savvy receiver who does a nice job selling his routes, dropping his shoulder and cleanly getting out of his breaks. Plucks the ball away from his body and possesses a natural set of hands. Displays great hand-eye coordination and body control near the sideline. Does a nice job driving off his back foot on curl routes and creating separation toward the QB. Is a better athlete than given credit for and has some shiftiness in the open field. Isn’t real flashy or explosive and lacks the physicality or quickness to beat press coverage off the line.

Impression: Isn’t a playmaking type of receiver by any stretch, but he’s a dependable route runner who catches the ball cleanly and could warrant a low-end roster spot.

Shawn Lauvao: No. 67, OG, 6-3, 305

Possesses a flexible, wide stance and does a nice job firing off the ball low and getting his pad level under defenders. Has the ability to drive defensive linemen off the ball and extends his arms well on contact. Displays a heavy set of hands and is tough to disengage from once he gets hold of you. Lacks the footwork and athleticism to get around on reach blocks and gets a bit heavy-footed in pass protection. However, he has the length and upper body strength to stall defenders once they gain a step on him and makes it difficult for them to make their way into the backfield.

Exhibits a powerful base and can hold the point of attack vs. the bull rush. Looks comfortable sliding laterally when he is engaged and does a nice job maintaining leverage. Is a coordinated lineman who possesses the power and body control to chip at the line and hit a moving target downfield.

Impression: A guy I really like on tape and think he has the makings of a possible starting guard in the NFL.

Defense

Dexter Davis: No. 58, DE, 6-2, 255

A quick, coordinated defensive lineman who does a nice job mixing up his pass rush and keeps offensive linemen guessing. Displays an average first step off the edge, but doesn’t have the burst to simply run by offensive tackles and reach the corner. However, he’s very sudden and explosive in space. Consistently displays the lateral mobility and strength to slip blocks and get after the QB. Exhibits excellent balance off the edge and showcases a number of effective counter moves on his initial rush. Understands how to play with natural leverage and has the ability to simply bull rush offensive linemen into the backfield and push the pocket.

Doesn’t display the same type of physicality against the run. Can be jacked at the point of attack and sealed out of plays. But he uses his hands well to defeat blocks on the outside and does a nice job keeping himself clean from cut blocks.

Impression: Has a decent first step, but it’s his body control and suddenness as a pass rusher that consistently allows him to get after the QB. Has a skill set that will translate nicely to the NFL.

Mike Nixon: No. 25, ILB, 6-3, 228

Linebacker Mike Nixon

An athletic middle linebacker who possesses an impressive first step and closes quickly on the football. Showcases good athleticism in coverage and does a nice job flipping his hips and running down the field. Exhibits fluid footwork inside the box and redirects quickly toward the ball. Lacks power at the point of attack and can be bullied by bigger linemen. However, he does do a nice job making himself a small target and slipping blocks inside. Is very patient reading and reacting to the play at the line of scrimmage and consistently takes proper angles toward the ball.

Impression: A gifted athlete for the middle linebacker position, but his skill set might be better suited for the outside.

Travis Goethel: No. 44, OLB, 6-3, 237

Isn’t a real instinctive linebacker and has a tendency to bite on play fakes and take himself out of plays. Showcases the physicality to attack downhill and possesses good power when filling run lanes inside. However, he isn’t a real secure wrap-up tackler and has a tendency to slip off the ball carriers in space. Is stiff in coverage and struggles changing directions and tracking the ball. Lacks overall range in space and doesn’t possess the fluidity to be real effective in man coverage.

Impression: A big, physical linebacker who lacks range and will struggle in space at the next level.

Omar Bolden: No. 3, CB, 5-10, 195

Exhibits good straight-line speed and possesses a real explosive element to his game. Is at his best when asked to flip his hips and turn and run with receivers down the field. Displays the coordination and body control to go up and break on the football at its highest point.

However, he gets too narrow and high in his back-pedal, which doesn’t allow him to cleanly get out of his breaks. Is consistently forced to bail on receivers in the intermediate passing game and turn his back to the play in order to regain his balance. Needs to do a better job breaking down on contact; has a tendency to get too high when making a tackle and will bounce off receivers.

Impression: A gifted athlete who is raw in his back-pedal and still learning to play the cornerback position

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