Texas and Alabama have pro prospects

Both Alabama and Texas have several NFL prospects on their rosters. Three pro evaluators -- Mike Mayock of the NFL Network, Rob Rang of NFLDraftScout.com, and an NFL team scout who spoke on condition of anonymity -- gave their opinions on some players to watch and where they might be selected in April’s draft:

Texas quarterback Colt McCoy: Mayock said he was impressed by McCoy’s tape, particularly against Texas A&M, which uses defensive schemes that are scaled-down versions of NFL defenses. “I thought he did a great job staying in the pocket, understanding pressure defenses, delivering the ball to the right guy at the right time.” Projected draft position: Late first round/early second.

Alabama defensive tackle Terrence Cody: The scout called the 6-foot-5, 354-pound Cody a “perfect fit for nose tackle in a 3-4 defense” but warned he could be “an inconsistent player whose effort can go up and down.” Projected draft position: Late first/early second.

Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain: The junior has yet to declare an intention to turn pro this year, but it would surprise no one if he did. Said Rang: “If he does come out early, I’d have him as the No. 2 inside linebacker of this class behind Florida’s Brandon Spikes.” Projected draft position: First round.

Texas outside linebacker Sergio Kindle: Kindle was a Butkus Award finalist and his team’s most valuable player on defense. The scout said the Longhorns senior is a potential top-20 pick who could play right defensive end in a 4-3, or outside linebacker in a 3-4, but that Kindle’s run-ins with the law could scare some teams. Projected draft position: First round.

Texas receiver Jordan Shipley: Mayock really likes Shipley, a senior who was granted a sixth year of eligibility for medical reasons. “He catches the ball in traffic, and he’s a very sophisticated route runner for a college player,” Mayock said. Projected draft position: Third round.

Texas safety Earl Thomas: Thomas, a redshirt sophomore who has yet to declare whether he plans to turn pro, was a finalist for the Thorpe Award, given to the nation’s top defensive back. Rang thinks if Thomas elects to come out early he would be the highest pick on either roster. “He’s got good range, he’s a big hitter and he’s instinctive,” Rang said. “Plus, Texas has had such success with defensive backs.” Projected draft position: First round.

Alabama defensive end Brandon Deaderick: Teammates Cody and perhaps cornerback Javier Arenas could be selected before him, but Deaderick has real promise as an NFL player. Mayock calls him a “riser” who should garner more attention as the draft nears. “He’s not an All-Pro,” Mayock said. “But he’s a very solid technician.” Projected draft position: Third/fourth round.

Texas defensive tackle Lamarr Houston: Mayock also deems Houston as a riser, someone who could surprise people at the scouting combine. “When I put the defensive tape on, I figured I was really going to be blown away by Kindle and maybe [Roddrick] Muckelroy, the other linebacker,” Mayock said. “The guy my eye kept going to is Lamarr Houston.” Projected draft position: Third round.

sam.farmer@latimes.com