Michigan State Football: Early ranking of top 2019 NFL Draft prospects

EAST LANSING, MI - SEPTEMBER 30: Wide receiver Felton Davis III #18 of the Michigan State Spartans catches his second touchdown pass of the first half against defensive back Michael Ojemudia #11 of the Iowa Hawkeyes and defensive back Amani Hooker #27 of the Iowa Hawkeyes on September 30, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – SEPTEMBER 09: Running back LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans breaks down field while being pursued by defensive backs Davontae Ginwright #9 and Stefan Claiborne #21 of the Western Michigan Broncos during the second half at Spartan Stadium on September 9, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Western Michigan 24-14. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

Three years ago, I would have been quick to say that LJ Scott would be Mark Dantonio’s first running back selected in round one, but he has battled inconsistency throughout his career, and for the past couple of seasons, it’s been his fumble issues.

It started in 2016 when he fumbled against Wisconsin in the second half to completely blow Michigan State’s momentum and it carried over into 2017 with key fumbles against Notre Dame and Bowling Green — two inside the 1-yard line — which caused the coaching staff to make him carry a football to class.

As long as he can secure the football, he could be a force in the national spotlight in 2018. He has elite running abilities, but he coughs the ball up too much and sometimes settles for falling into a pile of defenders instead of creating something out of nothing.

However, he can do that, too. He can turn a likely 1-yard gain into a 10-15 yard rush. He’s shifty and his vision is there, but he just needs to keep those feet moving.

Scott has 2,591 yards and 25 touchdowns throughout his career, but needs a big senior year to early a top-three round grade.

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