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Nebraska Football: How Can Husker Seniors Improve Their NFL Draft Stock?

By Kraig Lundberg

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The Nebraska football program has had at least two players selected in every NFL draft dating all the way back to 1963. No other program can lay claim to such a distinction. However, that streak could be in danger in the upcoming draft. 

Next: Why Jordan Westerkamp Should Be Bill Belichick’s Boy

Seniors Nathan Gerry and Cethan Carter are the only two Cornhuskers to be invited to the NFL Combine, and most draft predictions are not favorable for Nebraska’s prospective draftees.

Still, there are several Husker athletes not on the combine invitation list whom scouts will be taking a close look at.

Wideouts Jordan Westerkamp, Tommy Armstrong, Brandon Reilly, Alonzo Moore, linebacker Josh Banderas and defensive tackle Kevin Maurice could all represent Nebraska football on draft day if they can improve their stock.

What do they have to do to be considered worthy of a draft pick?

The Receivers

For the wideouts, working with position coach Keith Williams may help improve their draft stock more than anything else. Armstrong, Reilly and Moore, in particular, may benefit tremendously from the continued tutelage of Mr. Savage Professionalism.

Reilly and Moore were primarily deep threats in Nebraska’s offense. They’ll have good 40-yard dash times at Nebraska’s pro day. However, if they can display a strong route-running ability to go with their well-known speed, they might be intriguing options for teams looking for a value receiver pick.

Westerkamp is already a route-running technician in the mold of Julian Edelman. One can always improve, but a good 40-yard dash time might push Westy up draft boards in a hurry.

Armstrong, on the other hand, may stand to benefit the most from working with Williams. His size and physicality should be beneficial as a blocker and runner, but whether he can actually be an NFL receiver remains to be seen. Who better to teach the 6-1, 200 pounder his new position than a guy who has a sparkling track record for sending wideouts to the NFL?

If Armstrong shows he can reliably catch the ball, that will be a good start. Quick progression in the smaller details of the position will also be important – and easier under Williams’ watch.

The Defenders

Banderas and Maurice were both solid players for Nebraska last season. Banderas’ 93 tackles led the team while Maurice notched four sacks at a position not known for eye-popping statistics. Improving their draft stock may come down to testing well at Nebraska’s pro day.

The 40-yard dash and the bench press do little to predict whether someone will be a good football player. Still, many people seem particularly enamored by the numbers players produce in those two events. 

Let’s say Banderas runs a 4.59-second 40-yard dash at 240 pounds and bench presses 225 pounds 28 times. Despite being the same guy he was before testing, scouts would suddenly take notice, wouldn’t they? 

Maurice could make a similar splash by running a sub-5.0 second 40-yard dash and topping 30 reps on the bench press. Those numbers may have no bearing on reality, but if they do, either of the former Blackshirts could be snagged in the later rounds.

Special Teams Versatility

One of the best ways for any player to improve his NFL draft stock is by proving he can play on special teams. NFL teams have to pare down their rosters to a measly 53 men, so versatile players are always going to be highly coveted.

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For the Huskers who have finished their careers, this one is already set in stone. If they played and impressed on special teams during college, that will help them on draft day. If they didn’t, there may not be much they can do to prove their ability until after the draft.

One way or another, look for a few of the aforementioned guys to move up draft boards during NFL Combine and Nebraska’s pro day session. One or two might help the Big Red keep its streak alive during the NFL draft.

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