ASU Football: Taking an an early look at the Sun Devils' NFL Draft stock

The recent mediocrity of Arizona State football has not only been evident on the field, but also at the next level.

Over the last two drafts, just three ASU players have heard their name called at the podium. However, that could very well change next April, when several soon-to-be former Sun Devils have a solid-to-strong chance to be selected.

Between now and late-April, there remains a relentless series of post-season bowls, workouts, interviews, speculations, and of course, February's Scouting Combine to radically shake things up, but for now, let's take a very early look at where the Sun Devils could end up.

Departing Seniors

CB Deveron Carr

The NFL loves big corners, and Carr fits the bill. He has a good frame at 6-foot and 190 pounds, and combines that with some good speed and coverage skills. However, he has struggled with consistency, and was beaten on a number of big plays throughout the year. Carr's measurables do him more favors than what scouts will see on film, and he'll need a strong offseason to work his way into the later round mix. Early Projection: 6th-undrafted

S Keelan Johnson

For years, fans waited for Johnson to play to his potential. In 2012, he finally did, leading the team with five interceptions. He has a good size (6-foot-1, 207), speed and athleticism, and emerged this year as a ballhawking playmaker. With the continued emphasis on passing the in the NFL, Johnson's size and athleticism have will have him in the mix. Early Projection: 5th-undrafted

LB Brandon Magee

This will be Magee's fourth draft, being a three-time MLB selection. Magee brings a good nose for the ball, top notch work ethic and some intriguing physical tools to the next level. The one knock on Magee will be his size, as he is listed at 6-foot, but likely a bit shorter. Despite that, he fits the classic mold as a blue collar linebacker whose on-field production outweighs his talent. Early Projection: 5th-7th

RB Cameron Marshall

His senior year did not go to according to plan, as nagging injuries, fumbles, and the emergence of D.J. Foster and Marion Grice resulted in a pedestrian year for Marshall. Nevertheless, Marshall has proven to have a versatile blend of power (215 pounds) and speed, as well as being a dependable receiver. Marshall's stock is aided by what should be a weak draft for running backs. Early Projection: 4th-7th

WR/RS Jamal Miles

If Marshall's senior year was disappointing, Miles' was a failure. The explosive playmaker from 2011 never showed up as he struggled on offense and, most disappointingly, as a return man. As he showed this year, Miles doesn't fit in as a true wide receiver, and without elite speed to go with his 5-foot-10, 184 pound frame, his likely ceiling would project as a 4th receiver and returner. With many similar types across the nation, he may need to pursue that role via the undrafted route. Early Projection: 6th-undrafted

WR/RS Rashad Ross

His speed is well known, but that likely isn't enough to get Ross' name called in April (especially now that Al Davis is no longer running the Raiders). Ross showed too many faults as a wide receiver to warrant consideration, and his best best may be to bulk up (currently 167 pounds) while keeping his speed and hope someone is looking for a return man in a league that hates kickoffs. Early Projection: 7th-undrafted

OT Brice Schwab

With his newly refocused self, Schwab was a solid, if unspectacular, piece of the Sun Devils' offensive line in 2012. However, his size (6-foot-7, 302 pounds) and conditioning will definitely catch the eyes of many a scout, and if he doesn't get a late round selection, he'll find a way into camp as an intriguing project. Early Projection: 6th-undrafted

Underclassmen

DT/DE Will Sutton

Now we're talking. Will he stay or will he go (pro)? Sutton cast aside the potential tag he carried the prior four years in favor of becoming a consensus All-American. His dynamic skill set helps to offset his size (6-foot-1, 267) that may cause some hesitation as a tackle at the NFL level. Sutton's skills, athleticism and tenacity should allow him to fit both 3-4 and 4-3 teams. The popular comparison making the rounds is Geno Atkins, as Sutton could be next in the new breed of quick tackles that can be an effective pass rusher. Early Projection: 2nd-4th