5 Gamecocks most likely to be picked in next year’s NFL Draft
1. PHAROH COOPER
WR, 5-11, 208, Junior
He would have to skip his senior season to be eligible, but Cooper has that kind of talent and would have little else to prove if he put up back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
2. BRANDON SHELL
OT, 6-6, 327, Senior
Former teammate Corey Robinson had to wait until the seventh round to be picked this year, but Shell’s bloodline (nephew of Hall of Fame offensive lineman Art Shell) will help.
3. JERELL ADAMS
TE, 6-6, 231, Senior
The production hasn’t been there yet (career: 38 catches, 556 yards), but his size combined with the speed might be too intriguing for pro teams to pass on.
4. BRANDON WILDS
RB, 6-2, 224, Senior
If he can reach his goal of a 1,000-yard season, a pro team might make him a late-round pick. He has shown flashes and could be a value because he doesn’t have a bunch of career carries.
5. GERALD DIXON JR.
DT, 6-3, 325, Senior
He’ll have to bounce back from a disappointing season, but he will get the benefit of the doubt in the evaluation process because he’s an SEC defensive tackle.
Josh Kendall