Scout Notebook: Week Zero Prospect Watch - Stanford LB Explodes Onto NFL Draft Radar

All Access Football Draft Scout Notebook breaks down top prospects with exclusive intel compiled by the NFL Draft Bible scouting department.

The All Access Football Scout Notebook brings you top prospects on the NFL Radar with insider scouting intel compiled by the NFL Draft Bible scouting department, brought to you by Sports Management Worldwide. The SMWW Football Career Conference held annually at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis is the biggest football industry networking event of the year! Plan for success and reserve your spot today.

SCOUT NOTEBOOK: WEEK 0 PROSPECT WATCH

The Week 0 college football docket featured a handful of teams in action, including several ‘Power 4’ programs. All Access Football has been bringing you the names you need to know since 2002. We thrive in finding diamonds in the rough, including one Stanford linebacker prospect not listed by NFL scouting services during the spring who announced his presence to pro evaluators on Saturday. In addition, you will find three quarterback reports, plus one underclassmen who is stating a case to hear his name called late in the draft. Be sure to check back every Monday for the latest All Access Football Scout Notebook. — Let’s get to it!

Matt Rose, Stanford, LB, Sr, #35, Brecksville, OH

Height: 6023 | Weight: 230 | Forty: 4.78e

Although the Stanford Cardinal left Honolulu reeling after a 23-20 last-second loss to Hawaii, the team had to feel thrilled about the play of their senior linebacker, Matt Rose. Initially left off the preseason watch list for Stanford draft eligible prospects, Rose is officially trending upwards after a standout performance. Rose set the tone early and often for the Stanford defense that did not play horribly despite the loss. He finished the game with a whopping 13 tackles, including two for negative yardage.

What separated Rose on the field was his remarkable display of sideline-to-sideline ability. Repeatedly he was chasing down ball carriers and doing so with brutality. The senior linebacker was even able to display some pass rushing prowess from his off-ball linebacker position, logging a sack against up-and-coming Quarterback Micah Alejado.

Sadly, his performance did not result in a victory for his team due to an underwhelming offensive outing but the senior’s stock will be trending upwards if he can stack more exceptional performances. (By NFL Draft Bible Scout Ryan Paglia)

Austin Romaine, Kansas State, LB, Jr, #45, Hillsboro, MO

Height: 6016 | Weight: 245 | Forty: 4.79e

A three-year starter with top-notch instincts, Kansas State linebacker Austin Romaine possesses a high football IQ, along with tremendous sideline-to-sideline prowess. A green dot helmet and coach on the field, he is relentless in pursuit of the ball-carrier. Romaine is an extremely intense competitor, borderline confrontational at times and toes the line when it comes to attracting red flags.

In terms of next level projection, Romaine is viewed as a two-down thumper due to questions about his timed speed, which could become a liability in pass coverage. The coaching staff defends his lack of speed, as he compensates with vision, instincts and awareness. In addition, he has vastly improved his hand combat in shedding defenders against the run and being utilized as an occasional pass-rusher.

The physicality, experience and toughness are clear when assessing Romaine. He is known to be a very detailed-orientated player who puts in the extra work and is praised for his consistency. The modern-day NFL has become less favorable towards old school, downhill thumpers, hence placing Romaine in the late round mix. [Report By NFL Draft Bible scout Ric Serritella]

Avery Johnson, Kansas State, QB, Jr, Wichita, KS

Height: 6021 | Weight: 200 | Forty: 4.52e