Potential Day 1 Prospects
None
Potential Day 2 Prospects
Damian Prince, OG, Sr.
Prince plays right tackle for the Terps, but he is too short to stay there in the NFL. He is an extremely good pass blocker and he should safely land on Day 2 this upcoming April. He is the safest bet to be the highest drafted Maryland player from this class.
Byron Cowart, Edge, Jr.
Based on what Cowart has done so far in his collegiate career, Cowart is a Day 3 choice. He was a gigantic recruit at Auburn and has now transferred to Maryland because his development hasn’t gone according to plan. The NFL draft is all about potential. Cowart is 6’4 270 lbs and has it in him to be a well-rounded starter on the edge. At some point, he’s going to have to show that on the field. If he continues on his current path, someone will still take a chance on him late on Day 3 in hopes that he can be coached up at the next level. If the move to Maryland proves to be the change of scenery Cowart needs to become the player he was projected to be out of high school, then he will easily and on the draft’s second day.
Potential Day 3 Prospects
Jesse Aniebonam, Edge, Sr.
Aniebonam tallied 14 tackles for loss and 9 sacks as a junior in 2016. He broke his leg and missed last season, but he should not be forgotten about. He is big enough to play 4-3 defensive end or serve as an outside backer in the 3-4. If he returns to form, this 4th round projection might be too low. Keep an eye on Maryland’s two edge defenders this season if you are an NFL draft fan because they both have potential to skyrocket up boards this autumn.
Derwin Gray, OG-OT, Sr.
Gray has impressive side to help fuel the run game. He isn’t quick enough to stay at left tackle in the NFL and he also doesn’t have the body for it. He could become a starting right guard or strongside tackle and would make for a very strong 4th or 5th round selection.
Darnell Savage, DB, Sr.
Savage is going to start at strong safety for Maryland. He may a lot of plays in pass defense last year and could interest someone as a sub package DB on Day 3. I don’t think he’ll be any more than mediocre at the combine and that will prohibit him from playing as a boundary cornerback in the NFL. He reminds me of former Iowa corner, Desmond King. King was still a bigger prospect, but Savage should hear his name called if he has the same impact in pass defense that he enjoyed in 2017.
Antoine Brooks, SS-LB, Jr.
Brooks is a box safety who could be viewed as a linebacker because of his physicality in run defense. He will need to prove he can contribute on special teams. Brooks might be in consideration by some teams late on Day 3.
Ty Johnson, RB-KR, Sr.
I’m convinced there’s a place for Johnson in the NFL. He has registered eye-popping numbers through the ground game and has also been a solid kick returner. I think he has earned a place somewhere on Day 3. Even if he doesn’t get drafted, I really think he does enough to make a 53-man roster next year.
Future Prospects
Austin Fontaine, DT, Fr.
Fontaine is the team’s biggest recruit and he has a chance to earn significant playing time at nose tackle right away.