The Colorado Buffallos have a had little to cheer about in football recently with the emergence of guys like Paul Richardson. Spruce benefited from the departure of the speedy receiver, and set school records with 106 catches and 12 touchdowns, along with 1,198 receiving yards. It was enough to earn Spruce Second Team All-Pac-12 honors in 2014. A good route runner with soft hands, Spruce reminds me mostly of former Texans receiver Kevin Walter. While his skills are undeniable, his lack of straight line speed is an issue for scouts clocking a 4.59 40, but he could quickly move in as a slot guy or a possession receiver who works special teams as a punt returner. After a poor showing at the combine, Nelson was marked with a 3rd day rating, but eventually went undrafted. I thought he held potential for a team like the Texans or Patriots, but eventually Spruce signed a free agent contract with the Los Angeles Rams.
Spruce impressed the team well enough that he made the squad, but he was buried on the depth chart. He’d be injured and spend a good portion of the season on IR, but was activated for the final game of the season versus the Cardinals.
A late 6th round choice of the Cincinnati Bengals, Cody Core played collegiality at the University of Mississippi. Originally a defensive back, Core didn’t make the transition to wide receiver until 2014. Paired alongside Laquon Treadwell, Core had 37 receptions for 644yards and 4 TDs in 2015. He is a skilled special teamer and will be expected to make his living there while he grows into his role as a receiver. He will get plenty of opportunity after the Bengals lost Mohammed Sanu and Marvin Jones during free agency.
Derek Watt is the younger brother of Houston Texans defensive end JJ Watt, and while he followed in his older brother’s footsteps to Wisconsin, Derek elected to play fullback for the Badgers. With the versatility to play fullback or H-Back, Derek makes the case as a role player in a multiple RB set. Derek seals blocks well and picks up pass protection with ease. He has also displayed decent hands out of the backfield with 30 receptions for 309 yards and a 1 over his 4 years at Madison. Watt also is a guy not afraid to cut his teeth on special teams as he had 17 total tackles for the Badgers. One of the higher rated fullbacks, Watt will get a late round flyer or be a priority free agent for a team needing a fullback in 2016.
Derek heard his name called in the 6th round by the San Diego Chargers where he is expected to rejoin backfield mate Mevin Gordon from Wisconsin as his blocking back.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
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