ACC: NFL Draft prospect watch -- Week 14
Here's the latest on the ACC's top players who are projected to go from playing on Saturdays to starring on Sundays.
1. DE Bjoern Werner, 6-4, 255, Florida State
Why he has the top spot: Werner had just one tackle in the ACC title game, but he was going up against Georgia Tech's spread option attack. He finished the regular season tied for the national lead with 13 sacks, and Werner also finished second in the ACC with 18 tackles for loss.
Season stats (13 games): 40 tackles, 13 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, forced fumble, fumble recovery, 7 pass breakups.
Player ranking: Werner is ranked No. 7 overall and is the top defensive end in CBSSports.com's latest player rankings.
Up next: Florida State will face Northern Illinois in the Orange Bowl. Northern Illinois is No. 15 nationally in total offense, averaging 485.8 yards per game.
2. DE Cornellius Carradine, 6-5, 265, Florida State
Why he has the second spot: Carradine saw his season come to an end on Nov. 24 against Florida, when he tore his ACL. It looked like Carradine was on his way to being a potential first-round pick, but that could have changed due to the injury. Still, he had a fantastic year, finishing second on the team with 80 tackles, 11 sacks and 13 tackles for loss.
Season stats (12 games): 80 tackles, 11 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, forced fumble, fumble recovery.
Player ranking: Carradine is ranked No. 110 overall and is the No. 14 defensive end in CBSSports.com's latest player rankings.
Up next: Carradine's season is over due to a torn ACL.
3. CB David Amerson, 6-3, 194, NC State
Why he has the third spot: There were reports this week that Amerson has decided to enter the NFL Draft but that has yet to be confirmed by either Amerson or NC State. He had a disappointing year based on preseason expectations. A few months ago, it looked like Amerson was a potential top-10 pick in the upcoming draft. While that isn't likely to happen, he shouldn't fall very far come draft day.
Season stats (12 games): 54 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss, 5 interceptions, 16 passes defended.
Player ranking: Amerson is No. 40 overall and is the No. 4 cornerback in CBSSports.com's latest player rankings.
Up next: NC State faces Vanderbilt in the Music City Bowl. The Commodores have thrown just five interceptions all season.
Keep an eye on: RB Giovani Bernard, 5-10, 205, North Carolina
Why you should watch him: North Carolina's season is over. So, why is Bernard the player to keep an eye on? Bernard is draft-eligible this year as a redshirt sophomore, and he faces a decision whether or not to come back to school. It's tough to find a running back that did as much for his team as Bernard did for the Tar Heels this season. If he comes back, that would be great news for coach Larry Fedora as he enters his second year in Chapel Hill.
Season stats (10 games): 1,228 rushing yards, 12 rushing touchdowns, 6.7 yards per carry; 47 receptions, 490 receiving yards, 5 receiving touchdowns; 16.4 yards per punt returns, 2 punt return touchdowns.
Player ranking: Bernard is ranked No. 45 overall and the top running back in CBSSports.com's latest player rankings.
Up next: North Carolina is ineligible for a bowl game this season.
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from ACC bloggers Shawn Krest and Sean Bielawski, follow @CBSSportsACC.
