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FSU Football: ESPN says FSU one of biggest losers to NFL Draft

By Kelvin Hunt

TALLAHASSEE, FL - OCTOBER 7: Tight end Ryan Izzo #81 of the Florida State Seminoles celebrates with teammates after a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA football game against the Miami Hurricanes at Doak S. Campbell Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images)
TALLAHASSEE, FL - OCTOBER 7: Tight end Ryan Izzo #81 of the Florida State Seminoles celebrates with teammates after a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA football game against the Miami Hurricanes at Doak S. Campbell Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images) /
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FSU football is used to sending players to the NFL after their junior seasons, but is this year different?

The FSU football season saw lofty expectations crushed early, and after early losses the fans wanted the season to reboot in more ways than one.

The injury to Deondre Francois, multiple losses during the season and the debacle with the former FSU coach all played a part in the nightmare.

However, FSU was able to finish the season strong, beating the rival Gators for the fifth year in a row.

There were some expected departures for the NFL Draft even before the season began. Players like Derwin James, Tarvarus McFadden and Josh Sweat were expected to be gone after this season.

There were possibilities DeMarcus Christmas and Jacques Patrick would be moving on too. However, I’m not sure many saw players like Ryan Izzo, Auden Tate and Jalen Wilkerson declaring for the draft.

Ironically, players like Christmas and Patrick decided to come back their senior season.

But that’s what happened, and now ESPN thinks the ‘Noles will be one of the biggest losers due to early entries into the NFL Draft:

"Like LSU, Florida State is a program where early exits are expected in bunches. But it stings more that after a 7-6 season with few impressive moments, the Seminoles are losing six players. While safety Derwin James and cornerback Tarvarus McFadden had little choice, the new coaching staff could have benefited from players such as defensive end Josh Sweat, tight end Ryan Izzo and wide receiver Auden Tate staying for the 2018 season."

Thoughts

While James and McFadden are ultra talented players, the ‘Noles have stockpiled talented defensive backs and should be fine there.

They also have done well at defensive end although the loss of Wilkerson was unexpected and hurts depth.

The biggest losses are Izzo and Tate who were big red zone targets and responsible for 13 TD’s in 2017.

There’s little experience at the tight end position. The wide receivers are led by Noonie Murray can play when fully engaged or decide to disappear when he’s not.

Next: Early Predictions Not High On FSU in 2018

Keith Gavin, George Campbell and Tamorrion Terry could be huge for the ‘Noles as they are all big receivers similar to Auden Tate. Also, there’s DJ Matthews who finally saw time late in the season and could be a factor next season.

FSU has great talent to replace the departing players, but most of it is still in prove it mode.

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