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FSU Football: 5 players ‘Noles can’t afford to lose in 2017

By Kelvin Hunt

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 30: Deondre Francois #12 of the Florida State Seminoles celebrates scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarteragainst the Michigan Wolverines during the Capitol One Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on December 30, 2016 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 30: Deondre Francois #12 of the Florida State Seminoles celebrates scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarteragainst the Michigan Wolverines during the Capitol One Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on December 30, 2016 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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TALLAHASSEE, FL – OCTOBER 29: Head coach Jimbo Fisher of the Florida State Seminoles takes the field during a game against the Clemson Tigers at Doak Campbell Stadium on October 29, 2016 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL – OCTOBER 29: Head coach Jimbo Fisher of the Florida State Seminoles takes the field during a game against the Clemson Tigers at Doak Campbell Stadium on October 29, 2016 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Derrick Nnadi

The anchor of the FSU defensive line will be heavily counted on again to be disruptive in the run and passing games.

Nnadi is arguably the strongest player on the team who’s projected to be drafted in second or third round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Nnadi bettered his sophomore stats, finishing the 2016 season with 49 tackles and 9.5 tackles for loss with six sacks.

As we mentioned when talking about needed defensive improvements, Nnadi will be key in getting wins on first and second down to force teams into predictable third and long situations.

The ‘Noles are in a better position than last season to fill Nnadi’s void should he not be available, but it’s hard to replace the experience he brings to the table.

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