The Sports Xchange

Only 256 of the thousands of prospects eligible for the 2015 NFL Draft heard their names called, but hundreds more will sign as rookie free agents. A look at this year’s top undrafted players:

1. La’el Collins, OT, LSU (6-5, 305, 5.12)

A wrecking ball in the run game, Collins isn’t always the most controlled, but he sells out to eliminate bodies in his path that are wearing the other color jersey. He needs to show better bend and consistency in pass protection, too often falling off balance with limited range in his kick-slide, but there is no question about his 100 percent effort and mean streak. Collins is a first-round talent, but because of his unresolved connection with an off-field incident, he is now a free agent and cannot enter the 2016 NFL Draft.

2. B.J. Finney, OC, Kansas State (6-4, 318, 5.25)

Finney almost gave up football when his father (and football coach) passed away from a heart attack in 2004, but he decided to dedicate his play to his dad, which might explain the strong-willed, non-stop effort on every snap. As a former walk-on, he has the toughness, competitive appetite and strong intangibles both on and off the field that NFL coaches covet. Finney has quick feet and gets every ounce of power out of his body, rarely making mistakes, but he also doesn’t have a lot of physical traits to get excited about. Nonetheless, he has surpassed expectations at every level he has played and that likely won’t stop once he gets to the NFL.

3. Dres Anderson, WR, Utah (6-1, 187)

A prospect who ranks in the top five in Utes history in receiving yards (2,077), Anderson is looking to follow in the steps of Flipper Anderson, his father who played 10 years (1988-97) in the NFL. He grew up in a football environment and has a strong understanding of the dedication and work ethic needed to thrive at the next level, but his knee injury kept him from working out prior to the draft and needs medical clearance. Anderson has excellent timed and play speed to stretch the field, showing little hesitation with his acceleration, making him dangerous to defend after the catch, although his unpolished routes and focus could limit his role at the next level.

4. Mike Hull, OT, Penn State (6-0, 237, 4.64)

The next product of “Linebacker U,” Hull emerged as the MVP of the Penn State defense the past two seasons, playing inside and outside. He has excellent diagnose skills to break down the action and attack in the blink of an eye – the type of player that the ballcarrier seems to find every snap. Hull doesn’t play with the ideal size/speed/strength traits that NFL teams seek, but he has the football smarts and instinctive talent to stick and start in the league, fitting best as a weak-side or middle linebacker and special teams ace.

5. Cody Prewitt, FS, Mississippi (6-2, 208, 4.46)

Prewitt put his name on the national radar after a standout junior campaign, becoming the first All-American safety at Ole Miss since 1973 (Harry Harrison). He arrived in Oxford with little experience at the safety position, but made the quick transition and took advantage of the centerfield role, using his vantage point to break down the action, dissect route concepts and anticipate where the ball is going to get a jump. Prewitt has a strong SEC resume with an all-around skillset to play single-high, but his inconsistent backfield vision and shed technique could keep him from lining up near the line of scrimmage.

6. Alani Fua, OLB, BYU (6-5, 238, 4.58)

A prospect of Tongan descent, Fua lined up mostly at strong-side linebacker the past two seasons for BYU and did everything on defense from rushing the passer to lining up and covering slot targets. He sucks up tight ends with the size, speed and agility that cannot be coached, using his range to be an excellent pursuit player. Athleticism and talent aren’t problems for Fua, but he does need to add technique and discipline to his play style. He needs to get stronger and add bulk, but there are questions about how much muscle mass he can add to his frame. Fua’s best fit at the next level will depend on scheme, but he has the versatility to stand out on special teams while he develops into a specific role on defense.

7. Reese Dismukes, OC, Auburn (6-3, 296, 5.31)

The most decorated offensive lineman in Auburn history, Dismukes earned multiple All-SEC and All-American honors as a four-year starter and was awarded the Rimington Trophy in 2014 as the top center in college football. He isn’t physically imposing, but uses snap quickness to win with positioning and a pit bull mentality and also stands out above the neck – rarely fooled with his smarts and sharp-minded play. Dismukes loves football and would probably play for minimum wage, displaying terrific toughness, both physically and mentally, to battle through injuries. His lack of physical tools, including size and strength, might keep him from starting long-term in the NFL, but his football character and hustle will earn him the chance.

8. Kevin White, CB, TCU (5-9, 183, 4.63)

Although often overlooked playing opposite Jason Verrett in TCU’s secondary, White put together a strong senior season on tape, including a consistent performance against West Virginia’s Kevin White. He is pint-sized for the position and his lack of length shows up quite a bit in coverage, but he has the athletic process to plant, gather and go. Although his size limitations also hinder his ability as a run defender, White’s cup is overfilling with confidence and toughness to hold his own as a nickel corner. He will guess wrong at times, but his short-area quickness and sticky cover skills transition well to the NFL level.

9. Kurtis Drummond, FS, Michigan State (6-1, 208, 4.65)

A well-rounded player, Drummond possesses the anticipation and pursuit downhill to close in the ground game while also showing the coordinated body control and ballskills in coverage to make plays in pass defense. But he needs to keep the play in front of him, struggling to consistently turn his back to the ball and maintain his effectiveness. Drummond has traits that project him as a starting quality free safety at the next level, but his instinctive and recovery limitations likely make him a player better suited as a backup and first safety off the bench.

10. Durell Eskridge, FS, Syracuse (6-3, 208, 4.63)

Best friends with Atlanta Falcons 2014 fourth round running back Devonta Freeman, Eskridge had a tough upbringing and left school early to help his family. He emerged as a promising young player as a sophomore, leading the team in tackles and interceptions, but his junior season was underwhelming with little improvement on the field. Eskridge shows hot/cold breakdown skills in space against the run and although he flashes anticipation vs. the pass, it’s not there consistently. There isn’t much about his game to get excited about, but he might be able to carve out an NFL career on special teams while his instincts continue to develop.

Others to watch: Josue Matias, OG, Florida State; Titus Davis, WR, Central Michigan; Lynden Trail, DE, Norfolk State; Taiwan Jones, ILB, Michigan State; Jacoby Glenn, CB, UCF

–Dane Brugler is a Senior Analyst for www.NFLDraftScout.com, a property of The Sports Xchange distributed in partnership with CBSSports.com.