Nebraska Football: Huskers who could be selected in 2018 NFL Draft

LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMBER 02: Offensive tackle Tanner Farmer #63 and offensive tackle Cole Conrad #62 and offensive lineman Nick Gates #68 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers enter the field during the game against the Arkansas State Red Wolvesat Memorial Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

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Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) is blocked by Nebraska Cornhuskers offensive lineman Nick Gates (68) (Photo by Bryan Lynn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

HUSKERS WHO COULD BE DRAFTED – NICK GATES (GUARD)

Nick Gates opted to forego his final year of eligibility and enter the 2018 NFL Draft. It’s a little surprising, as Gates probably will be a very late round pick in the draft.

Gates is a big guy at 6’5″ and nearly 300 pounds, but NFL.com notes that he has trouble facing similar sized players. NFL.com also noted that Gates probably doesn’t have the chops to make it as a tackle (where he spent most of 2016), so guard would be where his NFL career would be spent.

The good news for Gates is that teams gamble on offensive linemen late in the draft all the time, so he’ll have that going for him. He’s a three-year starter at Nebraska and was an honorable mention All-Big Ten in two seasons.

Even if Gates does get drafted, he probably won’t be anything more than a depth piece as an NFL pro.

Prediction: 7th Round

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