League sources have told NFLDraftScout.com that two additional names have been named eligible for the Aug. 17 supplemental draft.
The NFL notified teams Wednesday that former Western Carolina cornerback Torez Jones and former Lindenwood University/Allen Wranglers (IFL) defensive lineman Keenan Mace are eligible, bringing the total number of potential draftees to four after Georgia running back Caleb King and Northern Illinois safety Tracy Wilson were approved earlier this week.
There is no word yet on the eligibility of former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor or North Carolina defensive lineman Michael McAdoo. Both left their programs following NCAA scandals.
Jones (6-feet, 175 pounds) had a breakout junior season in 2010, garnering first-team All-SoCon honors after picking off seven passes—four coming in one game against Gardner-Webb (to go along with 12 solo tackles). A bit slighter than teams prefer at the position (175 pounds), larger receivers will have an advantage over him in the run game and on downfield throws. He is not contact-shy, however, as he does not mind involving himself in run support, inserting himself into piles and is a fair open-field tackler.
Jones flashes an ability to close on passes quickly, though his average speed will make it more difficult to stay with NFL receivers. His ability to reach throws will be severely tested by the velocity of passes at the next level. Defenses relying on zone schemes could see him as a potential reserve/special teams contributor if he proves adept on coverage units.
The 6-foot-4, 313-pound Mace started seven of the team's 11 games at defensive tackle in 2010, making 24 tackles, five for loss and a sack to earn third-team all-conference honors. He also recovered three fumbles on the year. He did not play in 2008 or 2009, however, after a solid freshman performance (24 tackles, four for loss, 0.5 sack) because he had family responsibilities.
Mace played for the Allen (TX) Wranglers in the Indoor Football League this spring, where he had 43 tackles, including 6.0 sacks. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys for a few days at the start of camp before being released Aug. 2. It is unclear if the league forced Dallas to release Mace so he could be part of the supplemental draft, or if he's simply trying to get more exposure.
At Lindenwood, Mace flashed nice athleticism and nimble feet, chasing more plays East-West than expected at his size (Dallas' thought that he would fit as a 3-4 five-technique makes sense). His strength and quickness allowed him to push back and get around NAIA-caliber guards and centers into the backfield. Obviously he lacks experience, both in general terms and against a high level of competition, so he'll need to amp up his hand usage and prove his change of direction ability to make the transition in the NFL.
Overall, it seems unlikely a team would pick Jones or Mace in next week's supplemental draft—especially considering the lack of time either would have to make an impression in their shortened training camps.
But both have enough potential to get abbreviated looks in camp after the draft and wind up on practice squads if performing up to snuff.
Chad Reuter is a Senior Analyst for NFLDraftScout.com, distributed by The Sports Xchange. Follow him on Twitter at @ChadReuter.
