Review of several Cal prospects available in the middle to late rounds.
Background:
I really only follow Cal in the NCAA and by extension some of the Pac-12. My ~20 years of experience says that the Pac-12 is generally underrated from a draft perspective. The games are on late for the east coasters. The Pac-12 is considered soft compared to the SEC. Except the very best players from the conference, most go under the radar by scouts and fans.
Which east coast team tends to feast on Pac-12 players? None other than the evil empire of Green Bay. They have always been smart drafters and get good players (including AR) below where they should be.
Holmes follows the P12 closely for this reason, and he took 4 of his 7 picks from P12. I would expect at least a few in the next draft.
DL/OLB prospects:
Cameron Goode. A very good all around edge defender. As noted by @CuriousHusker. He’s not the sack artist that Thibs is, nor the dominant pocket pusher that Hutch is. He’s a ~4th rounder that has an all around run/pass rush game and should be a solid contributor/starter for whatever team drafts him. Good value pick but not likely the game changer that the Lions need.
Kuony Deng. a very tall, lanky, athletic LB. He is basically Kyle Pitts Body as a defender. Came to fame as a Netflix - Last Chance U Player. He’s been playing out of position as a MLB. His body and frame would suit him as an OLB in a 3/4 hybrid assuming he can add some weight and muscle. He may never be able to. His best attribute is his ability to cover with + size length and athletic ability. He doesn’t come with near the assurance of reliable performance that Goode will but his upside is far higher. Deng will likely be a middle round ~4th pick based on this upside.
QB Prospect:
Chase Garbers will likely be a ~5th rounder. He’s mobile and well built. Arm is kind of weak. Careful with the football and more of a game manager. Playing style similiar Blough from what I’ve seen of both. The only real upside I can see is that I don’t trust the offensive NFL coaches he’s had in Tuiasosopo and Bill Musgrave. Two names with more NFL experience than most college QBs could dream of, but are these guys good coaches?
I doubt the Lions would take Garbers as he has career backup as his likely ceiling.