2009 NFP scouting series: Kansas State

 This summer, the National Football Post is breaking 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.

Wins have been hard to come by in the Big 12 for the Kansas State Wildcats in recent years, and 2009 looks to be no different. However, they feature a pair of talented pass catchers and a defensive lineman who has the potential to develop into a starter at the next level, if he can keep his head right.

Offense

APKansas State WR Brandon Banks

Brandon Banks: No. 83, WR, 5-7, 154

An undersized receiver who displays a great first step out of his stance and an impressive second gear down the field. Gets on top of corners quickly in off-coverage and has the coordination to stop on a dime and work back toward the football. Extends his arms well from his body and does a nice job plucking balls away from his frame.

Looks effortless when changing gears over the middle of the field and possesses the burst to simply outrun defenders in coverage. Has the ability to consistently get down the field vertically and can separate while the ball is in the air. Is very dangerous after the catch, possesses the lateral quickness to make the first man miss and is a big-time home run threat in the open field.

Gets bullied off the line and isn’t a real physical route runner. Is re-routed by the slightest contact and can be knocked off balance very easily down the field. Is forced to widen his release vs. press man and struggles working his way back inside after being boxed out of the play.

Impression: He lacks the size to play on the outside and needs to add more girth to his frame. However, his burst and deep speed consistently force defenses to roll coverage his way, even from the slot. Could end up being this year’s top slot prospect and has the potential to be very dynamic at the next level.

APTE Jeron Mastrud

Jeron Mastrud: No. 85, TE, 6-5, 253

A flexible tight end who sits into his stance well and showcases good burst and body control off the ball. Does a nice job avoiding the jam and quickly getting into his routes. Displays decent short-area quickness underneath and knows how to find soft spots in zone coverage. Consistently lets the ball get into his frame, however, he does a good job securing the catch and absorbing the hit over the middle.

Showcases the footwork to shuffle and slide out on the edge and possesses the body control to mirror defensive ends in space. Is a coordinated pass blocker who does a nice job keeping his pad level low and extending his arms on contact. Works his feet through contact in the run game and can create some push off the ball.

Doesn’t threaten the seam down the field and is at his best using his big frame to box defenders away from the play. However, he has a tendency to get too high out of his breaks and isn’t real explosive when asked to change directions and separate from man coverage.

Impression: Isn’t a special talent, but does too many things well to not find his way into the NFL.

Nick Stringer: No. 64, OT, 6-6, 284

Displays good burst out of his stance and gets into blocks quickly. However, he lacks the power in his lower half to drive defenders off the ball and struggles creating any kind of movement as an in-line blocker. Consistently is stonewalled at the point of attack; works hard to stay on blocks, but eventually is rag-dolled out of the play. Isn’t real fluid on the move and struggles getting out to the second level when asked to reach a moving target.

Lacks flexibility and struggles staying low out of his stance in pass protection. Possesses decent initial quickness on his kick step, although he doesn’t possess the base to anchor at the point of attack. Is consistently manhandled on contact and walked into the lap of his quarterback. Makes an effort to drop his pad level before engaging with defenders, but simply plays too upright to put up much resistance.

Impression: Isn’t a real gifted athlete and doesn’t possess the overall strength to warrant much consideration from the NFL.

Defense

NOTE: Kansas State will get a big lift up front this year with the transfer of former Virginia DE Jeffrey Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald, who racked up 137 tackles, 24 tackles for loss and 12 sacks during his two-year career as a Cavalier, was forced to sit out the 2008 season due to transfer rules. However, if he can to improve on his 2007 form, he has the potential to start in the NFL and could end up warranting a high grade from NFL teams come April.

Courtney Herndon: No. 20, DB, 6-0, 212

A limited athlete who struggles changing directions and lacks any kind of a burst out of his breaks. Gets too high in his back-pedal and struggles flipping his hips when asked to track the football down the field. Doesn’t possess ideal ball skills and lacks the coordination to quickly get his head around and adjust to the play.

Is a physical tackler in the secondary who takes good angles toward the ball and displays some pop on contact. Does a nice job wrapping up and consistently gets his man to the ground.

Showcases good instincts in coverage and always seems to be flowing toward the ball. However, he doesn’t possess the closing speed or range to make plays on the ball in the air. Displays poor straight-line speed and struggles running sideline to sideline, even when he has an angle on the play he can still be out-paced by the ball carrier.

Impression: Breaks down well in space and is a secure tackler but lacks the athletic ability and range to play at an NFL level.

Chris Carney: No 30, DB, 6-1, 198

A decent athlete for his size who possesses the straight-line speed to put himself in position to close on the run. However, he lacks power and isn’t a real physical tackler. Seems to fall off ball carriers easily and struggles wrapping up and driving his legs through contact.

Does a nice job quickly reading the action in front of him and possess solid overall instincts, but struggles taking proper angles toward the football. Lacks ideal range in coverage and doesn’t possess the fluidity to quickly or cleanly get out of his breaks.

Impression: Isn’t much of a physical specimen and lacks the type of athleticism needed to make up for it.

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