Our analysts are constantly talking to NFL and college sources about players in the college game. In this space each week, they will share some of what NFL folks are discussing in their circles.
The scoop: "Lamar Jackson is the best player in the country, bar none. People can try to pick at him if they want, but let them try to stop him and then get back with me and tell me what you think. I would much rather go against guys like (Miami's Brad) Kaaya, (Clemson's Deshaun) Watson or one of those other guys over having to deal with Jackson." -- Linebackers coach for Power Five team on the Louisville QB
The skinny: Jackson's incredible touchdown parade has been astonishing to watch considering the uptick in production from last season. While he has the skills and speed of a running back in the open field, it has been his willingness and ability to win more consistently from the pocket that has helped to put him in position to win the Heisman Trophy. If Jackson continues his tour of destruction against Tom Herman and the University of Houston on Thursday night, that might be a wrap for the rest of the Heisman field. We already know that NFL scouts believe he has early round potential at the next level. -- Lance Zierlein
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The scoop: "I don't know how he flew under the radar so long because he is a dude. If you liked those guys from last year (Jarran Reed and A'Shawn Robinson), (there's) no reason you won't like him." -- AFC South scout on Alabama DT Dalvin Tomlinson
The skinny: Tomlinson was just a relatively unknown tough guy along the seemingly endless supply of Alabama defensive tackles last year. That was no slight to Tomlinson. It was an expected side effect of having Reed and Robinson in front of him. This season, Tomlinson is one of the focal points of the Tide defensive front and his tape is beginning to impress NFL scouts. Tomlinson isn't an exciting pass rusher, but he works within the scheme to occupy blockers and free teammate Jonathan Allen along the defensive front. Tomlinson's go-to attribute is his ability to stuff the run and do so with outstanding technique and power in his hands. When the process completes itself, don't be surprised to see Tomlinson, a senior, considered in about the same spot where Reed went last year (second round, 49th overall pick). -- Lance Zierlein
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The scoop: "The Utah offensive tackle is the best in the country and it's not really close. I was surprised by how much NFL talent they have on their roster. The safety is a day one starter at the next level." -- AFC personnel executive on Utah OT Garett Bolles and S Marcus Williams
The skinny: I haven't done a full work up on Utah's prospects, but I've seen enough tape on Bolles and Williams to confirm that they are very physically gifted. Bolles annihilates defenders in the run game and Williams is ultra instinctive in the back end. -- Daniel Jeremiah
Follow Daniel Jeremiah on Twitter @MoveTheSticks.
Follow Lance Zierlein on Twitter @LanceZierlein.
