As NFL combine dawns, Deadrin Senat projected as USF’s top draft pick

If NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein's projections are on point, Bulls DT Deadrin Senat will be the first USF player taken in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Zierlein has published detailed analyses of all three Bulls — Senat, QB Quinton Flowers and WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling – participating in the NFL Scouting Combine, which began today in Indianapolis.

He projects Senat as a third- or fourth-round prospect, and pegs Valdes-Scantling as a seventh-round pick. He foresees Flowers as a seventh-rounder or free-agent signee, indicating his best possible chance at latching on to an NFL team is by transitioning to running back.

Here's a little on what Zierlein has to say on each:

Senat (full analysis here)
"His squatty frame will limit his scheme fit to 4-3 teams looking for a shade nose in all likelihood. Senat is strong and efficient with a big man's game in a shorter man's body. While he's compact in frame, his arm length is decent and he has the hand quickness to win the initial battle to create a leveraged position. Senat's postseason (including an impressive bowl performance) has a chance to really bolster his stock and push him up the board."

Related: USF's Deadrin Senat triumphs over multiple tragedies

Valdes-Scantling (full analysis here)
"Height, weight, speed prospect with intriguing deep-ball capabilities as a big field stretcher. Valdes-Scantling is a work in progress who hasn't learned how to create leverage within his linear routes and doesn't have the ball skills he will need to win downfield. He's probably not ready to help a team just yet, but his issues may be correctable so he's worth a Day Three selection as a stash-and-coach prospect."

Flowers (full analysis here)
"Flowers simply doesn't show the consistency or accuracy needed as a passer to play that position in the NFL. While college quarterbacks have made the transition to wide receiver in the NFL, Flowers' fortunes are likely to be at running back thanks to his sturdy build and running talent. He has the foot quickness to elude tacklers, adequate speed and good finishing power. While that adjustment may take time, it's his best shot at playing in the league."

Related: Quarterback or bust for Quinton Flowers in the NFL?

NFL Scouting Combine workout schedule
Friday: RB, OL, PK, ST
Saturday: QB, WR, TE
Sunday: DL, LB
Monday: DB