NFL Draft Magazine - With Dr. Bill Chackhes

2011 NFL Draft –A closer look at 3 small school prospects

2011-04-30T06:50:00.000-07:00

A close up of 3 Small School Prospects-By Matt Elder-Special Contributor-Football Reporters Online

Matt takes a closer look at three prospects for this draft from smaller schools.

Every year scouts from all over the country fly into places like Columbus, South Bend, and Athens. They come looking for the next big thing, the next sure fire prospect, and the guy who’s going to take their team to that next level. However every year players emerge that are not from places like Madison, Tuscaloosa, or Eugene instead these players come from places like Hampton, Charleston, and Hillsdale. Every year players come from the lower levels of college football and leave draft fans asking “Who?” on draft weekend. This article is going to over three players who are looking to be the next small school prospect to leave their mark on the NFL. We’ll look at one prospect who will get drafted, one who should get drafted, and one who deserves to get drafted.

Who Will Get His Shot...

DT Kendrick Ellis-

A dancing bear out on the field, Ellis's combination of size and athleticism is frankly frightening to opposing offenses. Coming from a very tradition rich Hampton program, Ellis has seen his stock sky rocket since his year ended in November. Ellis has a terrific first step as he explodes across the line of scrimmage and often catches the opposing offensive lineman off guard and gets the immediate advantage. He plays with very good leverage, and knows how to get low and explode out of his stance. He is incredibly strong coming out of his stance often being able to overpower players at the point of attack. I would like to see Ellis work hard on the fundamentals. He needs to stay low throughout the play, Ellis has a tendency to get high after initial contact and this can cause him to lose leverage battles. It has gone unnoticed by many due to his level of competition, because of how strong Ellis is he has been able to blow through most of the interior lineman he faced regardless of his technique, so he has never had a need to perfect that. There are questions about Ellis's character and work ethic after his dismissal from South Carolina. Ellis was initially suspended for part of 2008 for an undisclosed violation of team rules over the summer, and right before SEC media day Ellis was dismissed from the team for yet another violation. What caused the violation has never been disclosed but one has to assume that this has to be more than simply missing a curfew or being late to a team meeting. That being said seeing how far Ellis has risen on most boards is a sign that he must be answering questions surrounding his dismissal the right way and convincing people that he is worth the risk that comes along with taking players with character concerns.

Combine Results:

6'4, 346 lbs., 35” Arms, 10.5” Hands, 5.28 40, 26 Bench Press Reps (225 lbs.)

Stats:

2010-94 Tackles, 15 TFL's, 2 Sacks, 2 FF, and 5 QB Hurries

2009-51 Tackles, 15 TFL's, 1.5 Sacks, 1 FF, and 2 QB Hurries

Who Should Get His Shot...

CB Cortez Allen

The Citadel is known as a military college with a renowned Corps of Cadets program. Not much is made of or even thought of about their football team...until this year. This year everybody is buzzing about the tall and athletic CB in Cortez Allen. He is the type of prospect that scouts drool over and that can drive a coach to pull their hair out. The issue with Allen has always been his inconsistent technique and playmaking ability. He seems to lack the instincts you want in a lock down CB despite his measurables. His 5 career INT's over 41 games played give people plenty to wonder about. However keep in mind that Allen was unquestionably the top player at Citadel and was purposely avoided by some teams in an effort to minimize his impact on the game. However when he was thrown at he didn’t always show the skills needed to go after the ball and make a play on it. This is concerning because when watching him on tape you fall in love with everything he does prior to the pass getting there. He has the speed to stay with almost all of the WR's he will be matched up against, he showed the hip fluidity to transition from his backpedal to his sprint with little loss of momentum, and he did a great job of understanding his zone coverage responsibilities. The questions surrounding Allen are all about can you get him to take that next step in his development and go from good cover corner to a true lock down man to man cover corner? If he can do that, somebody is going to have a late round steal on their hands in a relatively weak DB class.

Combine Results:

6'1, 197 lbs, 32” Arms, 8.5” Hands, 4.51 40, 4.01 Shuttle, 6.76 3 Cone, 35” Vertical, 10'09” Broad

Stats:

2010-22 Tackles, 1 TFL, 2 INT's, 5 PBU's, 1 TD

2009-57 Tackles, 3 INT's, 5 PBU's, 1 TD

Who Deserves His Shot...

WR Andre Holmes-Hillsdale

Never heard of him? Doesn’t worry neither have many other people who are just now reading his name for the first time. Let me tell you why you'll want to know his name as we draw closer to the 2011 NFL Draft. Holmes hails from DII Hillsdale College which plays in the powerful GLIAC conference which is one of the stronger football conferences in DII. He has put up back to back 1,000 yard receiving seasons and really became a more consistent big play receiver in 2010. The 6'4 WR has made a habit of towering over most CB's and that was also the case at this year's NFLPA Texas v. The Nation game where he showed off good body control, and a willingness to fight through tackles and pick up extra YAC yards. The athleticism that Holmes showed off during the NFLPA game is reinforced by the fact that he was the 2010 Triple Jump Champion from the GLIAC conference. Holmes had questions remaining about his overall speed and ability to possibly separate at the next level as he headed to Indianapolis for this year’s combine. At the combine he proceeded to answer those questions laying down an impressive 4.53 40 yard dash to go along with an even more impressive 6.69 3 cone drill which shows off his quickness and ability to change directions. Moving up a level Holmes needs to show more explosiveness off the line. He's going to face more consistent and effective jams in the NFL in an effort to neutralize his down the field size advantage. He needs to show more urgency in trying to get into his routes and must learn to fire off the line to try and beat the jam. Should be an effective red zone weapon early on in his career but I think he has Marques Colston type potential as a big WR who if he learns to be just a little more physical could become dominant in time.

Combine Results:

6'4, 210lbs., 34” Arms, 8.5” Hands, 4.53 40, 4.31 Shuttle, 6.69 3 Cone 35” Vertical, 10'10” Broad

Stats:

2010-104 Receptions, 1,368 Yards, 11 TD's

2009-77 Receptions, 1,076 Yards, 6 TD's

*this piece is even more timely now thta Mr. Ellis is a member of the NY Jets-The Eds*

2011 NFL Draft –Inside Linbacker Prospects

2011-04-27T22:58:00.000-07:00

Top Inside Linebackers 2011 NFL Draft By Rafael Garcia Sr. Contributing Writer-Southeast Region
Football Reporters Online

1. Martez Wilson ILB Illinois 6'4" 250 lbs. 40 Time: 4.49 Bench@225: 23x Jr. Wilson is a sound all around ILB and finished up as one of the leading tacklers in the country. He has the ability and speed to slice through the defense and make the tackle in the backfield. Shows good moves when forced to the outside to make the tackle. Has the speed to get to the quarterback or to the sideline. Uses his long arms to keep opponent at bay and then uses those arms to get around his man for the tackle. Is able to follow play once he reads it and will hustle all the time. In pass defense he can keep up with receivers and uses his hands to knock them off their routes. Will affect the passing game with his length and effective in zone coverage. Has to work on reading the play faster to more of an impact. Will need to add bulk to his frame for the NFL. Has the habit of over pursuing the play because he is so aggressive trying to get to the quarterback. Finds himself lost in coverage due to lack of anticipation and gets cut blocked too often. His lack of flexibility will make it hard for him to fit into a 3-4 or 4-3. Showed poor footwork during Pro Day. Projected Round: 2

2. Quan Sturdivant ILB North Carolina 6'1" 241 lbs. 40 Time: 4.65 Bench@225: 21x Sr. Sturdivant is an excellent gap tackler and a big hit linebacker. He is very consistent, instinctive and aggressive. Has excellent straight-line speed and gets a lot of tackles. Has very good work ethic and loves to work hard. Good lateral movement and pursuit. Good athleticism and awareness that keeps him around the ball a lot. Very quick off the line of scrimmage to beat opponent to spot of the ball. Needs to back off some on his aggressiveness as it leads him to find himself out of the play. Will make tackle but he lacks execution and technique. Needs to work upper body strength and the use of his hands on his man. Struggles a bit with change of direction that results in blown pass coverage. He depends on his speed too much when it comes to making the play. Must get better at breaking free from initial block. Does not have the best agility and base so he will have to work on that too. Projected Round: 2

3. Kelvin Sheppard ILB LSU 6'2" 232 lbs. 40 Time: 4.70 Bench@225: 22x Sr. Sheppard is very good at ball location and athleticism. Possess the agility and speed to get to the ball carrier. Very good at reading the blitz and coming off the edge. Has excellent pursuit and lateral movement that allows him to get downfield. Consistently gets past his blocker to make the tackle. Has very good hand and footwork to go with his awareness. He will make the open field tackle more often than not. Weak on play action and reaction to the play. Does not have the pop to beat more physical opponents. Must stop getting cut blocked as much as he does. Must add upper body bulk to disengage from his block quicker. His aggressive play tends to allow ball carrier or receiver to use cut back on him and get away. Projected Round: 3

4. Greg Jones ILB Michigan St. 6'0" 242 lbs.40 Time: 4.69 Bench@225: 21x Sr. Jones plays with good instincts and awareness. Good reaction as play develops with good acceleration. Strong enough to command more than just an initial hit from opponent. Has the ability to become a playmaker at the next level. Good against the run as he reads when reading the play. Very quick off the snap and gets penetration. Has good leverage for a player his size. Avoids cut blocks by keeping low to the ground and uses his hands well. Can play sideline to sideline and gives maximum effort. Good enough to read the blitz and make the play because of his anticipation. Great work ethic on and off the field. Smaller than most teams would want at his position. Can get overpowered by bigger man and lost in traffic due to over pursuit. Tends to overrun routes in pass coverage. Bigger and taller tight ends will give him problems too. Can be beaten in the run game by faster back. Must get to thee hole faster to avoid being stood up by bigger lineman. Projected Round: 3

5. Colin McCarthy ILB Miami 6'1" 238 lbs. 40 Time: 4.64 Bench@225: 23x Sr. McCarthy is a player that you will find all over the field though he isn't the fastest player. Did great in the drills at combine workout. Fantastic against the run the way he attacks the line of scrimmage. This allows him to beast his blocker which resulted in a lot of tackles. Has good pop and knows how to shed a block as well. Has great pursuit and shows a love for the game. Can be to over active against the run at times allowing the ball carrier to get away from him. Needs to work on his footwork while in pass coverage to keep up with receiver. Needs to work on blitz rush technique. Another player that must do better to avoid cut block. Could be more athletic for better coverage too. Will help on special teams right away. Projected Round: 4

6. Casey Matthews ILB Oregon 6'1" 232 lbs. 40 Time: 4.79 Bench@225: 13x Sr. Matthews is the brother of Green Bay Packer Clay and we know his family roots in the NFL. Had a weak combine but that did not matter much since he is a game day player. He is a great competitor and works on his game at all times. Has above-average instincts and plays with great passion. Will make the tackle most of the time and gets into great position. Can anchor, shed and make plays off the block as well. Has knack of getting into the backfield to make a tackle for a loss. Has good football smarts and will be a durable dependable player for years to come. He does not have that top speed and was used a lot in the blitz packages. Will need to work on change of direction and man coverage. Needs to work on his field vision as well and will not overwhelm you with speed. Jack of all trades but master of none. Projected Round: 5

7.Jeremy Beal ILB Oklahoma 6'2" 267 lbs. 40 Time: 5.16 Bench@225: 22x Sr. Beal is one of those dominating players that should be just as good in the NFL. He has a motor that will not stop and is good at getting to the quarterback. Has been consistent throughout his college career. Knows his assignment and will stick to him. Reads the play well enough and with patience. Uses his hands to tip or bat the pass away. Good lateral movement and knows how to cover in space. A player that will give it his all and likes to knock the ball out of the runners hands or strip receiver. Likes to watch film and study his craft. Will find himself with matchup problems with quicker runner or receiver. Needs to come up with other ways to get penetration. Needs to improve decision making to make up for lack of speed. Projected Round: 5

8. Nate Irving ILB North Carolina St. 6'1" 240 lbs. 40 Time: 4.76 Bench@225: 27x Sr. Irving is a very productive football player when healthy and on the field. Very versatile player that will help on special teams and later at linebacker. Can be a tackling machine and works hard at getting better. Finds himself in the right place at the right time to pick off pass. Had great Pro Day workouts that will help his stock. Overcame life-threatening injury that shows he can can be depended on and is tough. Can get to the quarterback often and makes the play. Needs to improve footwork and is lack of speed will hold him back a bit. Must improve on field vision and pass coverage downfield. Has a lot of work to do to succeed at the NFL level, but has the heart and desire to get it done. Projected Round: 5

9. Mario Harvey ILB Marshall 6'0" 257 lbs. 40 Time: 4.43 Bench@225: 27x Sr. Harvey has been making a name for himself lately. He is very good and getting better in the run game. He gets a hold of the ball carrier a brings him down more times than not. Has the ability to shed his blocker to make the play. He has that nose for getting to the quarterback, producing a sack or two, as well as hurries. He can be a tackling machine as his sats will show. The team leader in tackles most of his career. Impact player that can make a game changing play. Strong enough to play at the next level. He lacks the speed to move up in the draft and he needs to work on his pass rushing skills more. Needs to get better at reading the play and not get lost in the pack so much. Must remain healthy since his opposition will be much bigger than what he has faced. Can make an impact on special team until he gets a spot. Projected Round: 6

10. Chris White ILB Mississippi St. 6'3" 237 lbs. 40 Time: 4.72 Bench@225: 17x Sr. White is a very durable and dependable player. He has the size technique needed to play at the next level. Good at getting his feet under him to make the tackle. When making the tackle he uses his hands to wrap up carrier and drop him. Plays smart between the tackles and always plays hard till the end of the play. Can become a very productive player so long as he puts in the work at all times. His lack of speed and agility are a negative. Does not have that knee bend needed so he tends to play too high. Needs work on mobility and lateral movement. Will not make an impact off the edge. Weak in pass rushing that will be exploited in the pros. Projected Round: 7

11. Josh Bynes ILB Auburn 6'2" 240 lbs. 40 Time: 4.81 Bench@225: 21x Sr. Bynes is very active and likes to play physical. Has good versatility and very reliable. Ran a slower 40 than he needed at Pro Day. Needs to work on breaking initial contact and getting to the corner faster. Projected Round: 7

12. Mike Mohamed ILB California 6'3" 239 lbs. 40 Time: 4.73 Bench@225: 21x Sr. Mohamed has a good football IQ and is a productive type player. He is very durable and has lots of experience at his position. Good in pass coverage. Plays too high at times and does not play with the consistent aggressiveness he will need. Projected Round: 7

13. Greg Lloyd ILB Connecticut 6'1" 246 lbs. 40 Time: 4.82 Bench@ 225: 22x Sr. Lloyd had great reaction and recognition to a play. Strong player that can get into the backfield. Needs to have better leverage and balance. Does not cover well in angles. Projected Round: FA

14. Orie Lemon ILB Oklahoma St. 6'1" 243 lbs. 40 Time: 4.87 Bench@225: 27x Sr. Lemon is a huge, solidly built linebacker. Has the power to hold his own at the line. Good leverage and hand work on his man. Could be taller needs to learn how to read a ply effectively. Play action seems to fool him too much. Projected Round: FA.

15. Akeem Dent ILB Georgia 6'1" 242 lbs. 40 Time: 4.87 Bench@225: 24x Sr. Dent is athletic with an ability to get to the corner and make play. He is not too bad in pass coverage. Too small for the his position and lacks the speed in coverage to be a difference maker. Projected Round: FA

16. Nick Bellore ILB Central Michigan 6'1" 245 lbs. 40 Time: 4.84 Bench@225: 23x Sr. Bellore plays at a high level and gives all out effort. Excels at reading and breaking down the play. Has good leverage and balance. Is not too good at wrapping up the ball carrier. He will get beat in coverage and cannot make up ground resulting in bug pass plays. Projected Round: FA

17. Brian Duncan ILB Texas Tech 6'0" 235 lbs. 40 Time: 4.89 Bench@225: 17x Duncan is a tackling machine that will fit good in a 3-4 defense. Overall he will need lots of work to make a roster and stick in the league.

18. Alex Wujciak, ILB, Maryland 6'3" 255 lbs. 40 Time: 4.84.
Bench@225: 21x Sr. A good tackler with playmaking ability. Needs to work on pass coverage especially sideline to sideline. Projected Round: FA.

19. Elijah Joseph ILB Temple 6'1" 243 lbs. 40 Time: 4.80 Bench@225: 31x Sr. Joseph is a good tackler that likes to hit. Good power and has the knack of knocking football loose from ball carrier. Lacks the football instincts and vision needed at the next level. Projected Round: FA

20. Obi Ezeh ILB Michigan 6'2" 250 lbs. 40 Time: 4.78 Bench@225: N/A Ezeh is good in pursuit and strong versus the run. Works good between the tackles but needs to work on pass coverage. Must get more physical to sustain every day rigors of the pros. Projected Round: FA

21. Derrell Smith ILB 6'0" 244 lbs 40 Time: 4.76. Bench@225: 17x Sr.

22. Kendall Smith ILB Florida State 6'1" 224 lbs. 40 Time: 4.83 Bench@225: 22x Sr.

23. Cobrani Mixon ILB Kent St. 6'1" 241 lbs. 40 Time: 4.69 Bench@225: 33x Sr.

24. Stephen Franklin ILB Southern Illinois 5'11" 244 lbs. 40 Time: 4.64 Bench@225: 17x Sr.

25. Brian Smith ILB Notre Dame 6'3" 240 lbs. 40 Time: 4.72 Bench@225: N/A Sr.

26. JoJo Dickson ILB Idaho 6'2" 247 lbs. 40 Time: 4.78 Bench@225: 36x Sr.

27. Brad Jefferson ILB Georgia Tech 6'2" 240 lbs. 40 Time: 4.75 Bench@225: 28x Sr.

28. Michael Lockley ILB Florida Atlantic 6'1" 237 lbs. 40 Time; 4.67 Bench@225: 22x Sr

29. Tressor Baptiste ILB Texas A&M-Kingsville 6'0" 235 lbs. 40 Time: 4.82 Bench@225: N/A Sr.

30. Chris Colasanti ILB Penn St. 6'2" 241 lbs. 40 Time: 4.67 Bench@225: N/A Sr.

2011 NFL Draft Position Ratings- Outside Linebackers

2011-04-27T22:24:00.000-07:00

2011 NFL Draft – Outside Linebacker Prospects
by Jon Wagner-Sr. Contributing Writer-Football Reporters Online

1. Von Miller – OLB – 6-3 / 246 / Texas A&M (4.42, 21 BR)
Miller is not only the top outside linebacker prospect in the 2011 NFL draft, he’s very close to being the overall top pick. Getting drafted is the easy part for a talent like Miller. Actually playing, at least initially, might be another, as it could be for every player and draftee for which Miller is helping to represent, as the only prospect in this year’s draft who is involved in the players’ lawsuit against NFL owners in the current offseason NFL labor dispute. As for playing, Miller’s ability was evident early. He was named to The Sporting News’ Freshman All-Big 12 team before posting 44 tackles the following year. Miller was first-team All-America selection after leading the nation with 17 sacks. Adding another Big-12-leading 10.5 sacks, he was a consensus All-American and Butkus Award winner last year. If a team needs an accomplished pass rusher in this year’s draft, Miller would be at the top of the list with extreme quickness around the edge and great closing speed to the quarterback. Miller is also solid against the run though, with a strong upper body and tackling ability that make him tough for opposing backs to elude. If there’s one area of weakness, it’s that Miller is still a little raw with dropping back in coverage, but he gets by in that area because of his athleticism and quickness.

2. Akeem Ayers – OLB – 6-3 / 254 / UCLA (4.81, 18 BR)
After redshirting in 2007, Ayers earned Pac-10 All-Freshman awards before receiving a host of All-Pac-10 and All-America honors over his next two seasons. He was also a Butkus award finalist as a junior last season, when he had 68 tackles, 4 sacks, and two tackles. Ayers is a good pass rusher good explosiveness and flexibility, and although he’s a playmaker, he relies on reading a quarterback’s eyes too much in coverage. Against the run, Ayers is a physical linebacker who possesses the size, strength, and good hands needed to shed blocks and corral ballcarriers.

3. Bruce Carter – OLB – 6-2 / 241 / North Carolina (4.57, 25 BR)
Carter was having a great career at North Carolina until a couple of major roadblocks derailed him. First, there was the agent scandal that left the Butkus Award finalist without some of his fellow talented defensive teammates, and then something that could raise a much bigger red flag with Carter during his senior season – a season-ending knee injury that required reconstructive knee surgery in December. If there’s faith that he’ll be healthy enough to be what he was before the injury, Carter will remain a top prospect. Highly touted out of high school, Carter had 18 of his 25 tackles as a freshman in the final five games of his first year in college. He then exploded for 68 tackles, five sacks, and a pick the following year. As a junior, Carter had 65 tackles, two sack, and an interception return for a touchdown. Before the injury, Carter had 57 tackles as a senior. He’s also a star on special teams, having blocked six punts and a field goal in his college career. Carter is a supreme athlete, having been clocked as fast as 4.39 in the 40-yard dash (though he’s often been around 4.57), with a 40.5-inch vertical leap, and a max bench press of 440 pounds. He’s an aggressive run defender, an explosive hitter, and shows good route recognition in coverage. Carter is an effective pass rusher but he could use more of a variety of pass rush moves.

4. Justin Houston – OLB – 6-3 / 270 / Georgia (4.62, 30 BR)
A former defensive end, became a pass-rushing linebacker in Georgia’s new 3-4 scheme last season. Houston redshirted in 2007 before totaling 19 tackles and 2.5 sacks as freshman. He raised those totals to 39 tackles and 7.5 sacks as a sophomore, and earned multiple All-America awards as well as being named as a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski and Butkus Awards after having a stellar senior season in which Houston posted 67 tackles and ten sacks. Houston’s greatest asset is an explosive upfield burst, with a quick closing burst to whoever has the ball, but he needs to learn how to use his hands better to beat blockers. A 2009 suspension for reportedly violating Georgia’s substance abuse policy could scare teams away and drop Houston’s stock.

5. Mason Foster – OLB – 6-1 / 245 / Washington (4.75, 22 BR)
While quarterback Jake Locker received most of the attention, the key to Washington’s last-season run to a Holiday Bowl win over Nebraska last year was the Huskies’ defensive turnaround which was spearheaded by Foster. As a sophomore, Foster led the Pac-10 in tackles per game (in 12 games), averaging 8.75 per contest. A year later, he had 85 tackles, three interceptions, and had six forced fumbles, which set a school record and led the Pac-10 for the season. Foster was a first-team All-American. Foster reads and reacts quickly with good instincts. He’s at his best in pass coverage when playing zone and reading the quarterback’s eyes. Foster had a ridiculous 163 tackles (the most by a Pac-10 player since 1989) as a senior and 378 career tackles, but many of those came downfield without many other playmakers to compliment Foster on the Washington defense. Foster became a pass rushing threat as a senior, when he has 6.5 of his 10.5 career sacks.

6. Brooks Reed – OLB – 6-3 / 263 / Arizona (4.65, 30 BR)
Reed was an active part of one of the nation’s top pass rushers over the past two years but he could be a tweener being slightly undersized to be a 4-3 end while struggling a bit with coverage and open-field tackling in a 3-4 scheme. But, one thing Reed will always provide is great effort and hustle, with quickness off the snap. Reed redshirted in 2006 and lettered as a reserve and special teams player the next year before receiving an honorable mention as a sophomore. He had an injury-plagued junior season, but recorded a career-high 47 tackles and 6.5 sacks as a senior.

7. Dontay Moch – OLB – 6-1 / 248 / Nevada (4.40, 21 BR)
Moch is small for his position and doesn’t hail from a big-time school, but as a former track star, he’s super fast, durable, and enjoyed an ultra-productive career at Nevada, holding many school pass-rushing records. Moch was an all-WAC selection in his final three years, including his selection as Nevada’s first-ever WAC Defensive Player of the Year as a junior, and being named to the coaches’ All-WAC first team as a senior, after he had 64 tackles (43 solo and 22 for loss) and 8.5 sacks. Moch is quick off the snap and good at shedding blocks with his hands. He’s a defensive team leader who can drop effectively into zone pass coverage. Moch is not stout against the run and could have difficulty in man coverage, but overall. he projects well to the outside linebacker position.

8. Chris Carter – OLB – 6-1 / 248 / Fresno State (4.58, 27 BR)
The same size, and hailing from the same conference as Moch, Carter is slightly slower but also a little stronger than his former WAC counterpart. Consistently improving over his college career, Carter earned second-team All-WAC honors as a sophomore, made the All-WAC first team the next year, and was the WAC Defensive Player of the Year last season. Carter is explosive with long arms and a strong, muscular frame. Against the run, he shows good burst and acceleration to chase down ball carriers from behind and he uses a nice spin move to get to the quarterback, but the book no Carter is that he mainly possesses the instincts of defensive end while having the physical makeup of a linebacker.

9. Lawrence Wilson – OLB – 6-1 / 229 / Connecticut (4.71, 24 BR)
After redshirting in 2006, Wilson made an immediate impact UConn, where he was named a second-team Freshman All-American starting in place of UConn’s injured starting linebacker, ranking second on the team with 113 tackles (the most by a UConn freshman in a the FBS era). He again finished second on the team with 78 tackles the following year and was a first-team All-Big East selection as a junior with 140 tackles and five sacks. As a senior, Wilson led the Big East with 123 tackles to again be named to the All-Big East first team while concluding his college career with the second-most tackles in UConn history. Wilson is small for a linebacker but he uses his speed and tackling ability to catch ballcarriers before they break off big gains. He has good awareness in zone coverage and he’s capable of beating tackles off the edge as a blitzer.

10. K.J. Wright – OLB – 6-3 / 246 / Mississippi State (4.75, 20 BR)
Wright finished second in team tackles over each of his last three years at Mississippi State, racking up 72 tackles as a sophomore, 82 as a junior, and 98 last year. He’s an athletic playmaker whether making tackles, forcing fumbles, breaking up passes, or as he did during his freshman year, as a key special teams contributor. Wright is adept at helping stop the run and plays well in coverage, reading and recognizing routes well. Wright had a food pro day on 3/15/11, which included assistant coaches from the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals.

11. Ross Homan – OLB – 6-1 / 240 / Ohio State (4.66, 32 BR)
After a productive freshman season, Homan took a medical redshirt with turf toe in 2007, before bouncing back to be a first-year starter at linebacker with 67 tackles. A year later, he helped lead the Buckeyes to a Rose Bowl win with 108 tackles while earning second-team All-Big Ten honors. He became a first-team All-Big Ten selection last year after being voted the team captain. Homan is an instinctual run defender with a nose for the ball, a very active pass defender, and a sold tackler.

12. Mark Herzlich – OLB – 6-4 / 244 / Boston College (4.91, 29 BR)
Herzlich was once the top-rated senior prospect at his position until he was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer in 2009. He wasn’t supposed to play football again, but he overcame the odds to win the Rudy Award and the ACC Brian Piccolo Award with 65 tackles (50 solo), two forced fumbles, and four interceptions last year. Herzlich, who received All-America awards in 2006 and 2008, when healthy, is an experienced pass rusher with good closing speed and a constant hustler, using a strong upper body to wrap up tacklers.

13. Brian Rolle – OLB – 5-10 / 229 / Ohio State (4.53, 28 BR)
The cousin of New York Giants’ safety Antrel Rolle, the former Ohio State star Brian Rolle projects as a good NFL outside linebacker with an ability to contribute well on special teams. He played an integral role (no pun intended with Rolle playing a significant role) on a talented Ohio State defense. Rolle was a team captain and first-team All-Big Ten selection last year. Though undersized, Rolle is very athletic, with good speed, and an ability to make big hits. In the right NFL system (most likely a Tampa Two), he can be successful.

14. Adrian Moten – OLB – 6-2 / 228 / Maryland (4.53, 18 BR)
Another Tampa-Two prospect, Moten overcame a 2008 wrist injury to finish a strong career at Maryland. Athletic and versatile, Moten makes plays all over the field. He can beat blocks wit ha quick first step.

15. Doug Hogue – OLB – 6-3 / 235 / Syracuse (4.62, 18 BR)
A former running back who was second at Syracuse with 251 rushing yards (on 77 carries) as a freshman, Hogue moved to outside linebacker two years later, receiving second-team All-Big East honors before making the All-Big East first-team as a senior. Hogue has great speed an athleticism with good recovery speed and coverage skills.

16. Scott Lutrus – OLB – 6-2 / 241 / Connecticut (4.68)
Lutrus was Freshman All-American and All-Big East second-team selection and two-time team captain, but he was hampered by neck stingers over the final two years of his career. Lutrus shows a good ability to disengage blocks with strong hands, and he’s a good blitzer who spots his lanes well, while always playing hard to the whistle.

17. Jonas Mouton – OLB – 6-1 / 239 / Michigan (4.84)
Nicknamed “The Assassin,” Mouton is dependable, productive, and was one of the Big Ten’s best defenders last season. He’s a sure tackler with a strong upper body who plays with a lot of intensity. Mouton was a highly recruited safety before redshirting and switching to linebacker at Michigan.

18. Thomas Keiser – OLB – 6-5 / 244 / Stanford (4.84)
Keiser is a formidable pass rushing threat with 15 sacks in 25 career games, but the junior prospect could have used the extra year to hone his skills before making the jump to the next level. Still, Keiser is talented enough to make help an NFL team in a 3-4 scheme.

19. J.T. Thomas – OLB – 6-1 / 241 / West Virginia (4.65)
Thomas, who redshirted in 2006 due to an ankle injury, suffered a neck injury prior to his senior season. He came back however, to be productive last year, as he was after his redshirt freshman season. Thomas flies around the field with a lot of energy, moving with good straight-line speed to close with sure tackles. He also has a lot of experience, having played in 48 games (mostly starts) despite the injuries.

20. Jabara Williams – OLB – 6-2 / 223 / Stephen F. Austin (4.64)
Don’t let the small school name and the light weight fool you. The 2010 Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Year has long arms and is a good hitter, who plays best on the edge, while being a solid special teams contributor as well.

21. Quentin Davie – OLB – 6-3 / 232 / Northwestern (4.72)

22. Bruce Miller – OLB – 6-1 / 254 / Central Florida (4.81)

23. Jeremiha Hunter – OLB – 6-1 / 239 / Iowa (4.77, 20 BR)

24. D.J. Smith – OLB – 5-11 / 239 / Appalachian State (4.75, 20 BR)

25. Eric Gordon – OLB – 6-0 / 224 / Michigan State 6-0 (4.55)

26. Ricky Brewer – OLB – 6-1 / 222 / Colorado State (4.70)

27. Craig Stevens – OLB – 6-2 / 230 / Auburn (4.67)

28. Victor Aiyewa – OLB 29 – 6-1 / 219 / Washington (4.67)

29. Wayne Daniels – OLB 30 – 6-0 / 260 / TCU (5.03)

30. Kenny Rowe – OLB 31 – 6-2 / 244 / Oregon (4.90)

31. Michael Morgan – OLB – 6-3 / 220 / USC (4.64)

32. Chris Walker – OLB – 6-2 / 236 / Tennessee (4.72)

33. Anthony Leon – OLB –6-4 / 226 / Arkansas (4.68)

34. Jamari Lattimore – OLB –6-2 / 218 / Middle Tennessee (4.74)

35. Spencer Paysinger – OLB – 6-3 / 234 / Oregon (4.75)

36. Nate Bussey – OLB 37 – 6-1 / 219 / Illinois (4.64)

37. Malcolm Smith – OLB – 6-1 / 225 / USC (4.68)

38. Winston Venable – OLB – 5-11 / 219 / Boise State (4.68)

39. Jacquain Williams – OLB – 6-3 / 231 / South Florida (4.63)

40. A.J. Jones – OLB – 6-1 / 226 / Florida (4.66)

41. Keith Browner – OLB 42 – 6-5 / 266 / California (4.98)

42. Josh McNary – OLB 43 – 6-0 / 230 / Army (4.75)

43. Anthony Egbuniwe – OLB – 6-4 / 256 / Georgia Tech (4.98)

44. Jeffrey Williams – OLB – 6-0 / 229 / Gardner-Webb (4.64)

45. Eric McBride – OLB – 6-1 / 232 / Richmond (4.76)

46. Brian Smith – OLB – 6-3 / 235 / Notre Dame (4.72)

47. Antonio Johnson – OLB – 6-0 / 218 / Baylor (4.80)

48. Matt Berning – OLB – 6-0 / 242 / Central Michigan (4.80)

49. Bani Gbadyu – OLB – 6-1 / 247 / Penn State (4.67)

50. Darryl Gamble – OLB – 6-1 / 250 / Georgia (4.73)

2011 NFL Draft Position Ratings- Safeties

2011-04-27T21:57:00.000-07:00

2011 NFL Draft Position Ratings- Safeties
By William Carroll-Special Contributing Writer-Football Reporters Online

1. Rahim Moore UCLA, 5’11 ¾” 201 4.62 Moore Missed no time during his 3 years at UCLA, with 14 career interceptions at it’s clear he has a nose for the ball. He is very sudden in his change of direction and shows a real understanding of the game. However he is no thumper and not impressive in run support. He is at his best when playing center field, [Cover-1 or single high safety] He is also experience in Cover-2 he was a respected, accountable leader on the Bruin’s defense. Moore is able to be so effective at least in part because he is a student of the game and instinctive however though Moore is willing enough as a defender of the run his ‘grab on and hope you trip over me’ tackling style is not the stuff that makes up instructional videos. Moore diagnoses quickly and consistently, he is rarely fooled or out of position. Moore does struggle to disengage from blocks, he is not terribly strong in the upper-body, comparisons to Ed Reed are inaccurate and unfair, Reed was much more explosive and violent in hitting, closing on the ball, running with the ball, leaping for the ball in every possible way he was a better and more complete safety. Moore will need to get stronger and gain experience playing in man coverage to be better than a solid starter. Career- 2010: 77 tackles, 3.0 TFL, 4 PBU, 1 INT
2009: 48 tackles, 4.0 TFL, 1.0 sack, 7 PBU, 10 INTs
2008 : 60 tackles, 4 PBU, 3 INTs
Rahim Moore 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Rahim Moore FS UCLA JR 5116 202 30 ¼ " 9.1 4.62 11 35.0 6.98 9'7"

Summary
There is a fairly strong probability that Moore could be over drafted due to the perception that he’s the best at his position but perhaps the only day 1 starter at FS in the whole draft. To some extent his amazing sophomore year is being overvalued. Moore will be a valuable addition to most teams, but anyone expecting a dominant or elite player is likely to be disappointed. Earl Thomas was more complete, if he progresses you might have a less powerful but more ball centered version of Madieu Williams or a more instinctive and reliable version of Gus Scott. Moore did pick the right year to declare as he’s go almost a round later most years, this year he could be in the top 5-10 picks in the 2nd and is a near lock to go in the top 50 selections, the Cowboys, Chargers and Bengals have shown strong interest, overall grade 8.6
2. Deunta Williams North Carolina 6'1¾" 205 4.56 [estimated] Williams is a 2007 graduate of White Oak High School in Jacksonville, N.C. where he was named a Super Prep All-America, and the No. 4 skill athlete in the country by Super Prep. He was also tabbed the defensive MVP for the North Carolina team in the Shrine Bowl. He was ranked the #8 player in North Carolina by The Charlotte Observer. As a senior, Deunta caught 29 passes for 299 yards on offense and averaged eight tackles per game and intercepted seven passes on defense. As a junior, he had 400 yards receiving, 250 yards rushing and 200 yards passing, Caught 16 passes for 11 TDs. As a true freshman at UNC in 2007, he switched from WR to SS, and started all 12 games and ranked fifth on the team with 59 tackles. He also led the team with three interceptions for 84 yards and broke up two passes.

In 2008, he started all 13 games and ranked fifth on the team with 65 tackles, including 55 solo stops. He also had three interceptions, three pass breakups and one forced fumble.

In 2009, he earned first-team All-ACC honors after finishing the season with 47 tackles, 1.5 tackles for losses, six interceptions for 114 yards, and eight pass breakups. He also had a 6-yard fumble recovery and ranked second in the ACC and 11th in the country with six interceptions. He ranked fourth in the ACC with 14 passes defended (6 INTs, 8 PBUs.)

In 2010, he played in only 9 games but still managed 49 tackles, 4 TFLs, 3 PBUs, and a FF. There are two primary concerns regarding Williams. Williams was suspended for only four games (lightest of the penalized) in the now infamous UNC agent-related scandal of 2010. Williams reported received $1426 in improper benefits from an agent and was ordered to make restitution.
Deunta Williams 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Deunta Williams FS/SS UCLA JR 6016 205 33 1/4" 10 DNP DNP DNP DNP DNP

Summary
This is a strong safety that hits well, and is fairly fluid and agile. Can cover the requisite amount of ground to be a 4-down player, and has been very productive at a high level for one of America's best collegiate defenses. Williams has the ability to make receivers hear footsteps, and will have a shot at being one of the coveted true secondary enforcers in this draft. As an NFL comparison former Giants’ safety Greg Jackson comes to mind as well as Morgan Burnett, Williams is versatile, tough and athletic, he could play in either safety spot but he’ll need to show he’s recovering from having had his right fibula surgically repaired after he was injured making a tackle in the first quarter of the Music City Bowl. The injury will push him down if he had not had missed time due to the leg and suspension he’d be contending with Rahim Moore for the top spot in the position group, now he may fall to the 3rd/4th range, overall grade 8.5.
3. DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson, 6’0 1/8” 217 4.63
The No. 1 defensive back coming out of high school, according to some recruiting services, McDaniel had offers from Florida, Florida State, Alabama, Auburn and Louisville. He chose to leave the state of Florida and became a highly productive and durable three-year starter for the Tigers, where he matured into captain material after a difficult childhood. He originally signed with Clemson in 2006 but played in the fall instead for Hargrave (VA) Military Academy for Head Coach Robert Prunty where he compiled 48 tackles, four interceptions, and four sacks. As a senior in H.S. he had 53 tackles and eight interceptions, returning three for scores. As a junior he tallied 27 catches for 656 yards and six scores when he started on both sides of the ball and had three interceptions as a senior. He was a member of Prep Star’s Dream Team Top 100 as a senior. Despite 14 career interceptions, McDaniel enters the NFL with doubts about his coverage skills. He has the biggest hands among safeties in this class at 10”.

2010- Came into next season as one of, if not, the best safeties in the country, he finished with 73 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 4 picks, 6 PBUs and a couple QBHs.

2009- Received 1st team All-ACC honors. Had a breakout year; accumulated 98 tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble, and eight interceptions. His eight interceptions tied for second in the nation in interceptions (tied with 1st round pick Earl Thomas).

2008- Started all year long and had 77 tackles and one interception. Was one of the key players on the Clemson defense, he also had 10 special teams tackles (included in tackle total), which was the most on the team.

2007- Received first team All-ACC freshman team recognition. Played 438 snaps and racked up 33 tackles.
DeAndre McDaniel 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
DeAndre McDaniel
SS Clemson SR 6011 217 321/2" 101/8" 4.63 DNP 35” 7.07 9'8"

Summary
The 2 largest concerns for teams are his lack of an aggravated assault charge in 2008, wherein he was alleged to have covered her head with a comforter and choking her, hitting her and later throwing her down a flight of stairs. However, witnesses refuted the victim’s story, saying she looked normal and smiling as though nothing had happened upon leaving the apartment complex where the argument occurred, following this he became an honor roll student, he spent lots of time in the film room, learning from coaches and was a model teammate. The other issue is his lack of timed speed, he is most comfortable playing in the box but at times he will load up for the ‘kill-shot’ and occasionally he misses. His film study pays off as he reads the eyes of QBs as well as any safety in this draft. He’ll need to continue to show he’s overcome his difficult upbringing, prove he’s not a selective tackler, and use his instincts to overcome his average speed to make plays like the play he made against Nebraska, where he tipped a pitch in the backfield and took it in for a TD overall score 8.3.
4. Quinton Carter, Oklahoma, 6'0 5/8" 208
A good high school quarterback, Carter was a two-year starter; Thorpe award candidate, in 2009 he was the team’s second leading tackler, he is a natural free safety and one of the best players at his position in the nation. Smooth athlete with range and anticipation. Jumps patterns and has the hands for the interception. Carter primarily plays deep, but reads screens and can come up to force the run and lay the big hit; he has displayed solid tackling fundamentals and doesn't give up the deep ball.
Quinton Carter 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Quinton Carter SS Oklahoma SR 6005 208 311/2" 9 ¼ " 4. 57 23 34 ½ ” 7.05 9'8"

Summary
Carter will occasionally will duck his head and miss tackles, and sometimes will hit a player late on the sidelines; he has not used much in man coverage. He is a very athletic safety with range, with valuable versatility, enough so that he can be used at either safety position and perhaps he can even to slide inside and cover slot receivers in big nickel packages. Carter is likely a second or third-round choice and a future starter at the FS position. In a passing league such as the NFL, Carter has a chance to shine, and his best play could be in front of him. Carter is similar to former fine HS QB turned NFL safety Sean Jones overall score 8.25.
5. Jaiquawn Jarrett 2010- 1st Team All-MAC - led team with 74 tackles and 2 INTs
2009 - 1st Team All-MAC - 76 tackles, 3 INTs, 3 pass break-ups, and 2 fumble recoveries.
2008 - Led team with 88 tackles and an INT with 4 pass break-ups and 3 recovered fumbles.
2007 - Started in every game as a freshman and was the Special Teams Player of the Year for Owls. Jarrett is an excellent student who demonstrated a strong work ethic on and off the field. He was a respected team leader who won Captain's Award as a senior and Team Spirit Award as junior. He was a recipient of the 2010 National Football Foundation College Football Hall of Fame Academic Achievement Award. Recipient of the Temple athletic department's 2010 Enterprise Spirit and Sportsmanship Award, named to the 2010 Athletic Director's Honor Roll and a Senior Bowl invitee.

Jarrett is quick enough to cover slot receivers and just big enough to help in run support, blitz, and cover tight ends. On film, Jarrett shows the eagerness to attack ball-carriers. Although he’s at times inconsistent in the angles he takes, Jarrett is a consistent tackler once he gets in position. He wraps up well, keeps his feet moving and finishes with his many looking up at the sky.

Jaiquawn Jarrett 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Jaiquawn Jarrett FS Temple SR 5117 198 311/2" 9 ¼ " 4. 57 23 34 ½ ” 7.05 9'8"

Summary

Jarrett is very intelligent and durable he started for 4 years collegiate game (49 games) he’ tough and fills well against the run. Jarrett’s a big hitter who’s excellent breaking down, wrapping up and finishing as a tackler. Though he’s polished in coverage Jarrett sits in his backpedal too long at times, giving up too much ground in an attempt to avoid getting beaten deep. There are times, even when no receivers are threatening him deep, Jarrett gives far too much space in the deep middle Opponents have a hard time getting a block on him. He plays bigger than size, with good flexibility, he’s aggressive and able to find his way to the ball carrier, but his frame is less than ideal for an NFL safety and he lacks elite top-end speed but usually able to recover, he works hard to get in position to make a play but may not finish; he occasionally mistimes his jump for the ball and does not appear to have exceptional hands or ball skills and he’s not a workout wonder. Former Green Bay FS Marques Anderson is similar to Jarrett in style of play and build overall grade 8.2.
6. Ahmad Black, Florida, 5’9 ½” 187 4.74 So many of the things that could be said of Burney at the CB position also apply here in fact Some Cover-2 teams even were projecting the ball-hawking playmaker as a zone cornerback. Black is too small, too slow, yet somehow in the SEC the ‘Mini-NFL’ Black was a Consensus First-Team All-SEC pick and this past season was often the best player on the Gator’s defense. He has exceptional instincts; does a nice job reading the quarterback and getting into position to make plays. He displays ball skills (11 career interceptions). Team captain in 2010. He is dependable against screen plays and the run; he can handle the slot against receivers who aren't burners. He had 13 career interceptions to go with 244 tackles and 14 tackles for loss. Returned three interceptions for touchdowns. He didn’t miss a game during his three years as a starter for the Gators. However, his size will suggest future concern injury to many evaluating him for the next level.

Ahmad Black 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Ahmad Black SS Florida SR 5117 198 31" 9 7/8 " 4.74 18 35 ½ ” 6.85 9'11"

Summary
Unlike the Darrell Green’s and Bob Sanders of previous years there is not special physical talent to give evaluators cover if they wish to advocate for Black. All he has is 3 seasons of mostly, very good tape. There is no disputing that big WRs and TEs wills imply box him out of a certain number of plays. Black will have to cheat and use grit and guile to defend the slot and big backs may take a toll on him as well. Black is likely to come off the board on the second day of the draft. A slide into the fifth round is very doubtful, but it wouldn't be a shock if he lasted until the early-mid fourth round. Giving him a chance is his previous success against the highest level of competition, the fact that he can play SS/FS and Nickel and that the recommendation of Urban Meyer means something in the NFL. Though he is a bit smaller and slower he reminds of former Chargers and Raiders CB/S/Nickel Terrance Shaw, overall grade 8.1.

7. Robert Sands, WVU, 6’4 3/8” 217 Sands in 2010 was a first-team all-Big East selection had 53 tackles in 2010, including 1.5 sacks. He also had a forced fumble and made an interception. Sands closed his Mountaineers career with 151 tackles, including 88 unassisted, 1½ sacks and 10 tackles for loss. It’s impossible to ignore Sands’ large frame, long arms and big hands despite that he’s athletic enough to have some time spent at CB. To put is context Sands is being evaluated as everything from a Cover-2 corner to Nickel LB and all the positions in between. Sands is very aggressive he was named “Hardest Hitter” in the Big East by The Sporting News, he excels in run support; acts like an extra linebacker at times. He has adequate ball skills (six career interceptions) Sands has special teams experience and shows the kick coverage ace mentality.
Robert Sands 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Robert Sands FS WVU JR 6’4 3/8” 217 33 3/8" 9 3/4 " 4.57 12 35 ½ ” 7.03 9'11"

Summary
Sands is huge for the position, he ran a solid 4.57 in the 40 and he’s a hitter, so why isn’t he higher? In many mocks shortly after the season Sands was projected to go in the 1st half of the 2nd round, but as teams got a more in-depth look at his short area change of direction and though he’s a hard tackler he can miss more than teams like from the final line of their defense. He has drawn comparisons to Tank Williams of Stanford who played for the Titans, Vikings and Patriots, he’ll need to get a bit stronger, could he put on 10-15 pounds and play ‘Will’ LB, Sands raw talent means he won’t make it out of the 4th round, overall grade 8.0.

8. Tyler Sash Iowa In a safety class that seems to break down into athletes and football players Sash is one of a few that has a good amount of each characteristic. He started 37 games in three seasons and made enough big plays in the passing game: 13 interceptions, a total of 392 return yards, so that he came to be known as Sash-and-Dash. His best performances came in Iowa's biggest games, he had two interceptions, including a 48-yard return in the 2009 Outback Bowl win against South Carolina; three picks in 2009 against Iowa State, he's a natural leader with excellent strength for the position. The Hawkeyes' scheme, heavily based in two-deep coverage, often put him in good position. It also required him to read and react quickly, cover quality tight ends and running backs and make plays downfield. As a strong safety, his short arms, 30 inches, shorter than all other safeties at the combine this does cause him to run around blocks near the line, which can place him out of position in terms of run fits. In the Norm Parker scheme at Iowa there’s no attempt to trick the offense, the emphasis is placed on sound technique and pattern matching. In the Hawkeyes' pro-style defense, Sash recorded 79 tackles (three and a half for loss) and two interceptions during his final (Junior) year at Iowa. He was voted first-team All-Big-Ten by coaches and media, and he was also one of 10 semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, given annually to the nation's top defensive back.

Tyler Sash 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Tyler Sash SS Iowa JR 6’0” 211 30” 9 3/8 " 4.62 11 33” 6.90 10'7”

Summary
Sash likely declared because this season he could go as early as the late 2nd and is almost assured of being selected by the mid-3rd in this thin safety class. Sash will best fit a Cover-2 team and is very like the Bears’ Craig Steltz in style of play and athletic profile. Sash will never be mistaken for fellow, former Hawkeye SS Bob Sanders, but he can help on special teams and his is a natural sense for where the ball is going, overall grade 7.9.

9. Chris Conte spent most of his first three seasons as a reserve corner. Conte found his comfort zone as a senior, putting his instincts and aggression good use. He closed his career with 157 tackles (four of them for losses), two interceptions, 11 pass breakups, one fumble recovery, one forced fumble and a blocked kick for a touchdown. Twelve of his 17 career starts came at safety, he finished the season as a 1st team All-Pac-10 selection. In 2010 he was third on the team with 72 tackles with an average of 6.0 stops per game. He had team's only blocked kick of the season on an Arizona State punt attempt, which he returned six yards for his first career touchdown. Conte played in 50 of 51 possible games at Cal but spent most of his first three seasons as a reserve cornerback. He finished his Cal career with 157 tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, two interceptions, 11 pass breakups, one fumble recovery, one forced fumble and the blocked kick for a touchdown. Conte’s athletic ability shows up quickly and consistently – he can trail receivers very well for a safety, and he closes in on downhill plays with authority. He’s aggressive when getting to the ball carrier, and he takes good angles to facilitate the stop. He is raw and his long, lean rangy build is a detriment when it’s time to rapidly change direction and he struggles at times with compact, powerful players when he fails to get his hips low enough.

Chris Conte 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Chris Conte FS Cal SR 6’2 3/8” 197 30 ½” 9 7/8 " 4.53 18 35 ½ ” 7.01 10'7”

Summary
Conte’s size, speed, ability to play over the slot receiver as a nickel back at the next level will push him up the board, he may well go an entire round prior to Black, however though he’s bigger and a better athlete he’s not the better safety. His Long arms, balance, agility and speed are ideal and he might be slightly over-drafted as a result. He is more of a project than any of the top prospects at the position. To become a starter Conte will need to really apply himself in film study, play-action draws and double-moves were the bane of his existence at Cal. There are several lanky, athletic CB/S tweeners that come to mind Antuan Edwards, Gerald Alexander and Jason Sehorn are physically similar but all were far more developed in their skills than Conte, overall grade 7.6

10. Jeron Johnson, Boise State, 5'10 1/4" 212 4.52
Johnson is a very well-schooled run defender, with quickness, balance and agility . Johnson led the Broncos in tackles in each of his final three seasons, earning him all-conference honors three consecutive years. Johnson was named first team All-WAC in 2010, and second team All-WAC in 2008 and 2009. He finished his career ranked 12th all-time in career tackles (318) at Boise State
2010: 82 tackles, 1.0 TFL, 6 PBU, 1 INT
2009: 91 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 6 PBU, 4 INT’s
2008: 101 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 7 PBU, 3 INT’s
2007 – 54 tackles, 5.0 TFL, 1.5 sacks, 6 PBU

Johnson is smart, tough and an above average athlete, he’s in the top 3-5 in this class in delivering big hits. He has fluid hips and changes direction very well. Johnson is a very versatile player who can step up and lay out the big hit or drop back effectively in coverage. He plays bigger than he measures and anticipates plays well.

Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Jeron Johnson SS Boise St. SR 5'10 1/4" 212 30 ½” 9" 4.52 23 31 ” 6.95 9’5”

Summary
Johnson is one of the players that is just solid in all areas and better than most evaluators think, he will be a starter in a few years instincts and knows how to play the game, while he’s not an elite level playmaker: Polamalu, Reed, Sanders, those are rare players, he will be better than many reserves the day he’s drafted and would soon represent an upgrade for teams like Dallas, most teams have him targeted in the 4th, NFL comparison: Brock Marion was the 196th player chosen in the 7th round in 1993 and played 12 season, made 3 Pro Bowls and was an All-Pro in 200. Johnson may go in the mid-4th or fall to the 7th but he is a player overall grade 7.55.

11. Da'Norris Searcy, UNC, 5'10 5/8" 223 4.56 Searcy is a prototype strong safety; he is strong and physically imposing. 2010: Searcy returned to the team after sitting out the first three games due to the NCAA investigation. Searcy made an immediate impact with a 46-yard interception return for a touchdown in his first game vs. East Carolina on Oct. 2. He had a team-best four interceptions this season, including three in his first four games back on the field. He also posted 37 tackles and broke up four passes. Searcy served as the team's top punt and kickoff return man over the last two seasons. He scored on a 77-yard punt return vs. The Citadel in 2009 and had a 46-yard interception return for a touchdown this season vs. ECU. He has some experience at linebacker; he could be viewed as a weak-side linebacker by some 4-3 teams, he will be evaluated at both safety spots as well. He is in the top 5 in this class in all the ‘in the box’ characteristics; he is a tackler, a solid open field defender with a high understanding of run fits. Searcy at times over pursues and can be too nosy, at times he’ll get caught peaking in the backfield and double-moves of play action will catch him flat-footed. Searcy at the least should be a valuable player as a reserve or on special teams, he as a good chance to become a starting SS if he maxes out he could become a Donovin Darius type player, overall grade 7.4.

12. Jerrard Tarrant, GA Tech, 6’0 3/8” 204, 4.57 Tarrant led the Yellow Jackets with three interceptions for 93 yards, including a 33-yard touchdown return, with three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in his junior season. He also recorded 58 tackles, with 2.5 for a loss. Tarrant also served as a specialist in the Yellow Jackets’ kick return game, running back a pair of punts for touchdowns in 2009. He also scored on an interception return and fumble recovery in 2009. Tarrant has an above average football IQ, hands and skills to make plays on the ball in the air. Tarrant is a former CB and it shows in his tackling as well, he is not ever going to intimidate receivers. He identifies routes very well but is not as fluid or quick-footed as teams would like. Bhawoh Jue is a player who is similar to Tarrant a CB turned FS with many of the same strengths and weaknesses overall grade 7.3.

13. Shiloh Keo, Idaho, 5’11 3/8” 216, 4.7 Keo's passionate play and versatility leaves an indelible impression on scouts, he is the kind of prospect that an area scout will ‘bang the table’ to make his case as to why Keo should join their team. It’s quite possible that Keo will never be a starter, he has athletic limitations, NFL slots would likely be able to abuse him in coverage, and even the athletic tight ends would likely be able get away from him. He did a little bit of everything with the Vandals, as Keo's ability to impact the game as a big-hitter and ball-hawk on defense as well as a special team’s defender and returner made him a WAC standout from the beginning. Keo is the kind of player that like Hank Bauer can have a successful career as a special teams' captain. He is very much like former Cowboy Bill Bates, overall grade 7.2.

14. Jermale Hines, Ohio St. 6’1 1/8” 219 4.61 Hines was selected All-Big Ten Second Team in 2010 he had 61 Tackles, 2 TFL, 0.5 Sacks, INT, Fumble Recovered, 4 PBU. He is a very hard hitter and also a reliable tackler, who excels in the box, however like so many of the safeties in this class he is quite limited in what he can do when not blitzing or playing the run. Hines an example of a player who worked hard to move himself up the depth chart from special teams’ player as a freshman to an all-conference performer by his senior year. Hines could get his overall solid athletic ability from a strong pedigree. His uncle, Joseph Hines, was a member of Penn State's 1983 national championship team. Though Jermale Hines is strong, he still needs to work on his technique when it comes to shedding bigger blockers and wrapping up a ball carrier instead of simply lowering his shoulder into the runner. Hines lack of downfield coverage abilities has meant that some teams wonder if he could be a Nickel LB, overall grade 7.1.

15. Mark LeGree, Appalachian State, 4.56., LeGree ended his college career at Appalachian State defensive back Mark LeGree finished as the active leader in NCAA D1 football with 22 interceptions, four more than any other FCS or FBS player active in 2010. The 22 interceptions are good for second in Southern Conference history and third in ASU’s all-time annals. Despite opposing offenses steering away from the ball-hawking safety for much of the year, LeGree picked off five passes a senior, good for a tie for 20th nationally. He also broke up eight passes and made 49 tackles in his final collegiate campaign. He has innate ball skills, and learned from Corey Lynch about route recognition and toughness. He plays center field very well, he is nearly the equal of Moore in that area, consistency in his tackling and his pedestrian size/speed numbers are what’s keeping him on the board until well into the 6th/7th round range, LeGree has similar strengths and weaknesses to Elbert Shelley, formerly of the Falcons, overall grade 7.0.

16. M.D. Jennings 5’11 ¾-“ 187, 4.58 In 2010 Jennings was All-Sun Belt First Team he posted 84 tackles and 3 Interceptions, he’s has a nose for the big play and causes turnovers, in 2009he recovered a team-high three fumbles and had 6 PBUs and 1 pick and had 3 in 2008. He is instinctive and a willing tackler but he lacks bulk and strength, [10 bench reps @225] like most of the safeties in this class he’ll make any early impact on special teams and as he gets stronger he has a chance to be a 3rd safety or Nickel. NFL comparison, a much, much more slender Dexter Reid, overall grade 6.9.

17. Antwine Perez Maryland [USC], 6’1 1/8” 219 4.79 is a 2006 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School in Westville Grove, N.J. where he was a 2006 Parade All-Americana and was also tabbed first-team All-USA Today. He was also named an EA Sports first-team All-American and a member of Super Prep Elite 50. he earned a spot on the Prep Star Dream Team and the ESPN 150 and was a Super Prep All-American, Prep Star All-American, Super Prep All-Northeast Defensive MVP, Prep Star All-Eastern and Gatorade New Jersey Player of the Year. He earned first-team all-state honors and was selected The Philadelphia Inquirer South Jersey Defensive MVP. In 2005 he had 82 tackles, 10 PBUs, seven interceptions, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. He also threw for 1,700 yards with 14 TDs and ran for 195 yards with two TDs. As a junior in 2004, he recorded 58 tackles, seven interceptions, and four forced fumbles, and also passed for 1,763 yards with 15 scores and ran for another 10 TDs.

Antwine spent the 2006 season with the USC Trojans and played in seven games while serving as a backup free safety. He recorded three tackles on the season.

2007: Sat out due to the transfer rule.

2008: He played in all 13 games at free safety as a backup. Perez also played on special teams and outside linebacker due to injuries at that position.

In 2009, he played in all 12 games as a reserve safety and on special teams and recorder 45 tackles, a PBU and a FF.

In 2010 (pre-bowl) He really put it altogether and tallied 66 tackles, 5 TFLs, a sack, 3 INTs., 5 PBUs, 3 FRs and 2 FFs. Perez is an under the radar athlete who is better than many know. Though somewhat athletically limited, Perez is strong tackler with a nose for the ball, but won’t stand out in any way in workouts, but has size and knowledge/knack of the game could lead to him making it, he will hit and cover with equal efficiency. Better in short-area, short-field coverage situations, and is not CB-good in terms of COD, turn-and-go, or pure coverage ability, but is better in that area than a lot of NFL safeties. Solid tackler, who’s not a liability in the run game, a big play guy, strong (20 reps.) Perez is not a true enforcer as a hitter in the deep half and has been susceptible to the double move and to elite speed in coverage and hasn’t been able to get it done on a consistent basis in college, so is a bit of an untested commodity still. He can disappear for stretches and is not a great blitzer to this point in his career. Perez would almost certainly be under-drafted; he’s a late 4th round talent who could go as late as the 7th-PUDFA due to bouncing around some and not really getting a full-time chance with Maryland until this past season Perez is like a less athletic Jarrad Page overall grade 6.8.

18. Josh Thomas, Buffalo, 5’10 5/8“192 4.46 Thomas has played CB he has an aggressive nature and he could be a third or fourth, but with the way more teams are taking tough, tackling CBs to FS, I actually think he’ll be asked to move to FS by a team like Dallas or the Bills that has lacked coverage skills at the position and despite his size he’s a willing run defender and in the late 6th on he has value, if Thomas gets a bit thicker and moves to FS he could be like former Bear and Seahawk Mike Green, overall grade 6.75.

19. Will Hill, Florida, 6’0 ¾” 202, 4.64 Former Florida safety Will Hill denied posting some vulgar tweets that have been gaining attention online after being posted on a college football blog. Every Day Should Be Saturday published the tweets from Hill's twitter account, @Trill_SG, last week. Most of the offensive posts were made before his junior season. True or not there have been concerns about Hill’s desire to be great and focus as he has given up too many big plays. After a fantastic high school career as a dynamic playmaker at Saint Peter's Prep, he was the 2007 Star-Ledger Offensive Player of the Year and arguably one of the best New Jersey high school football prospects of the past two decades as Hill played several positions including QB he is in condition he has less than four percent body fat, but even without the Twitter affair there is the fathering of three children by age 20, his suspension at the University of Florida, if he were 100% clean he might have been a late 3rd round selection, as is he may go undrafted and is unlikely to be taken prior to the 7th, as an NFL comparison if he maxes out he could be as good or better than Denver’s Darcel McBath, overall grade 6.7.

20. Joe Lefeged, Rutgers, 5’11 5/8” 210, 4.43 The Rutgers safety was named All-BIG EAST Second Team for 2010 by a vote of the league’s football coaches. One of 10 semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, given annually to the nation’s top defensive back, Lefeged finished his career with 238 career tackles. Lefeged was a three-year starting strong safety and a two-year starting kick returner. The senior played the most games of any Scarlet Knight on the roster with 50 appearances, and had the most consecutive appearance of any RU player with 49 straight games. A special team’s standout as well, he broke the school record with 948 yards on 38 kickoff returns for a 24.9 yards per return average in 2010. He’ll need to improve his tackling but he is quick-twitch, he can cover especially well on underneath routes he will be a real contributor on special teams Lefeged has returned both kicks and punts, and blocked two punts in one game in 2010, he is comparable to Damien Russell formerly of the 49ers, overall grade 6.6.

21. I am going to cheat a bit there are a few more players that I feel are worthy of noting but missed the top 20, I will summarize them briefly: A. Eric Hagg of Nebraska is a well-built 6’1 3/8” 209 FS that some teams see as a SS, his 4.62 speed is average he can cover and tackle but lacks any one great quality.

22. B. Dom DeCicco of Pitt might be shifted to Nickel LB he’s 6’2 ¾” 231, ran 4.63 at his pro day and could make any team that want a hard-nosed ‘old-school’ SS the same could be said of Kent State’s Brian Lainhart 6 ¼” 211 4.64 had 17 interceptions and 344 tackles as a four-year starter they 2 of them are in many ways ‘poor men’s John Lynches.

23. C/D. David Sims and Jay Valai are nearly the same player, both have been compared to Bob Sanders, [neither is the explosive quick-twitch athlete that Sanders was] Sims is 5’9 ¼ 200 and ran a 4.51, he’s tough, quick and a tackling machine which also describes Valai, 5’8 ¼” 200, 4.73 his ball skills are lacking but he packs a wallop. E/F/G/H There are 4 workout warriors that bear mentioning:

24. Frantz Placide of Wagner olds the NCAA (all levels) career record for blocked kicks in a career (12), in 2010, had an excellent season on defense and special teams, starting in 8 of the 11 games he played. He added 2 more blocked kicks and ended his career with 12. Had one punt return on the year, a 46-yard TD, and finished his career with 3 PR TDs on 5 tries, and also had 2 KR TDs on 64 tries (23 yard avg.). He also had another 40-tackle season, including 5 for loss. He defended 4 passes and forced a couple fumbles. Was named to the FCS Senior Scout Bowl Team.

25. Ron Parker of Newberry At his pro day he weighed in at 6'0" 200 pounds and he ran the 40 yard dash 4.36s, 4.40s and 4.41s. He is the fastest safety in this draft, but he also has tremendous change of direction abilities running a 6.71s 3 cone and 4.18s short shuttle. He's a fantastic athlete that has picked off 11 passes in the last two seasons.

26. The last 2 freak athletes are Wyoming’s Chris Prosinski, insert Raider joke again, he had an outstanding pro day workout: 4.39 forty and 39.5 inch vertical put him back into late 7th round conversations. Prosinski finished his career at Wyoming with an impressive 373 tackles.

27. Finally and perhaps the most intriguing prospect of all Keanemana Silva of Hawaii by way of OR State, was ranked second nationally in interceptions with eight and set a new UH record with 14 during his career and he lit up his pro day, Silva (6’0 ¾” 206) averaged a 40 time of 4.44 on two runs, had a 40” vertical leap, 10’3” broad jump, 4.16 short shuttle, 7.01 three-cone drill, and 23 bench reps, he at the least will be a PUDFA and now has an outside chance of being drafted.

The Top 30 Cornerbacks in the 2011 NFL Draft

2011-04-26T21:55:00.000-07:00

The Top 30 Cornerbacks in the 2011 NFL Draft

1. Patrick Peterson, LSU At 6’0 ¼” 219 with 4.34 speed the sheer, pure, intoxicating nature of Peterson’s athletic potential would generate great interest even if he were a raw prospect from a NAIA school, however when it’s considered that he appeared in all 39 games LSU played during his three seasons at Baton Rouge, in addition he was productive with 135 tackles, 22 passes broken up and 7 career picks. While he is the most comprehensively impressive prospect in the draft class based on his combination of talent, production and level of competition. It’s true that he returned four of his 2010 interceptions for 134 yards, he had six pass breakups, a blocked kick, and 1.5 sacks, averaged 29.1 yards on 32 kick returns and averaged 16.1 yards on 26 punt returns, two of which he returned for scores. He won the Jim Thorpe Award, the Chuck Bednarik Award, and was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year and SEC Special Teams Player of the Year by the conference's coaches. Despite the litany of honors and Peterson’s outsized body and athletic abilities, he is not quite a combination of Champ Bailey, Rod Woodson and ‘Night Train’ Lane yet.

Peterson is excellent in press and squat man coverage, even a receiver as long and powerful as Julio Jones he was able to nearly neutralize him while in press, but when in zone or off man he was not nearly as effective. He has the strength, length and size to redirect receivers at the line and disrupt routes. He is quick, violent and accurate in his hand usage which allows him to close the natural window on a receiver's outside shoulder. It is when he is playing off or in zone against smaller, quicker receivers and double moves that the small but exploitable flaws in his technique are revealed. His aggressive, man CB persona carries over even in zone and he’ll break a bit too early on the ball, seeking the big play. As mentioned before he is susceptible to stutter-go, slant and go or wheel routes, he may have a slight tightness in his hips. He can be overzealous, will at times, move out of proper position or initiate too much contact downfield and may incur more penalties at the next level. His zone and off-man technique is still a work in progress; clearly he knows how talented he is and didn’t always work to win leverage, he was roughly 70/30 in terms of (man/zone coverage ratio) and will have to become a bit more polished and diverse.

Patrick Peterson 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Patrick Peterson CB LSU JR 6002 219 32.0 9.3 4.34 15 38.0 6.58 10'6"

Summary
9.2 out of 10, Peterson is so talented and has such a high ceiling and high floor that it seems likely that he’ll be a top 5 pick, top 10 at the very latest. He could start day one for some teams, however teams that use a variety of coverages, or do a great deal of stemming and disguising will need to give him more time and coaching but for any team he could bolster their return game and he is a natural play-maker. He is like a faster version of Raiders hall of fame CB Willie Brown but he will need good coaching to reach that stature.

2. Prince Amukamara, Nebraska 6’0 5/8” 206 4.43
Of royal lineage Amukamara has very fluid hips and has great change of direction speed, he has exceptional body control and tremendous agility, he comes aggressively in run support; is very ‘nosy’ for a corner. As a former running back, Amukamara also has really impressive run-after-catch skills; he is tough and makes solid run support tackles for a corner. He's strong in zone coverage, but doesn't have elite anticipation, and at times results in giving up a big play. He shows good awareness and football IQ. He is consistently able to recognize receiver’s routes; he is a dedicated film student. His attitude, work ethic and character are all at a blue-chip level.

It’s when he’s stacked against Peterson and each is examined against the best WR competition each faced that Peterson edges the Prince. When OK State faced Nebraska Justin Blackmon was clearly the better player, he abused Amukamara in that game, revealing what could be Amukamara’s largest weakness: not coming up with an effective plan B. In this particular game, once he was unable to effectively press Blackmon and even got burned on a couple occasions, allowing a touchdown and getting flagged for pass interference. He was a bit timid the rest of the day, while Peterson went toe-to-toe with Jones all day and in 2009 he faired reasonably well against A.J Green holding him to 4 catches, none of them game changers. In terms of technique like Peterson he was a really did get a few interference calls, and he has some trouble with placement of his lead hand coming through to break some passes up, which at times leads to him missing some tackles on wide receivers that catch the ball. He has good cover ability, but he needs to work on being able to stay in the contingent spot to the possibility of missing the break up but still can make the tackle. He has loose hips, he can change direction very well, and he keeps his hips low to the ground when breaking he makes strong, steady breaks on the ball.
As was stated run-support and tackling are strengths of his game as he’s competitive and does not shy away from contact in run support. An outstanding running back at Glendale Apollo High, Amukamara was dominant. He rushed for 2,106 yards and 24 touchdowns as a senior and was The Republic's Player of the Year. He was on three state-championship basketball teams and won state titles in the 100- and 200-meter dashes.
At Nebraska, he wasn't a reluctant cornerback for long. He started every game his last two seasons, finishing his junior year with five interceptions. Amukamara didn't have an interception as a senior, partly because opponents tried to avoid throwing his way.
Amukamara graduated from Nebraska in December with a degree in sociology. He is bright and engaging, he is somewhat similar to Peterson but Peterson’s elite change of direction, and straight-line speed and big play ability give him the edge in the minds of most evaluators. While Amukamara is a notch below Revis and Peterson in suddenness and ball-skills, he is a top10-15 talent and could be compared to a larger, smarter version of Johnathan Joseph.

Prince Amukamara 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Prince Amukamara CB NEB SR 6005 206 30.4 8.399 4.34 15 38.0 6.97 10'8"

Summary
9.0 Amukamara was a 3 year team captain whose instincts and anticipation as much as his athletic ability will make him a success at the next level. It’s possible that 2-3 CB prospects may have a higher ‘ceiling’ than the Prince, none have a higher floor.

3. Jimmy Smith, Colorado 6’2 ¼" 211 He was highly respected so; few opposing quarterbacks threw his way. Even with no picks, he made the all-Big 12 Conference first team, however there are some examples of bad tape, the Georgia game for example and he has two minor-in-possession charges, one when he first arrived on CU's campus as a freshman [As a true freshman, Smith got caught with alcohol during training camp.
"I walked outside with a red cup that had nothing in it and you can't have a red cup in Boulder," Smith said. "So, I got caught for that. It was a lack of judgment.'']and one as a junior when cops raided a campus bar and asked for ID. A self-proclaimed shutdown corner, Smith said he likes comparisons to Raiders All-Pro cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, except for one thing: "I think I have better ball skills than he does." Well the comparison holds up with regards to size, he and allowed just 11 completions in man-to-man coverage over the past two years. He is elite in his route recognition, breaks on the ball while it’s in the air and he is Peterson’s equal in ball skills. Smith’s off-man technique might be the best in the draft; he is in the top 3 in press-man, top 5 in zone. However his: at times shoddy tackling, sticking to blocks, failed drug test, seeming not to always give 100% in chasing plays that go away from him, cockiness and recent dismissal of his original agent Peter Schafer in favor of the higher-profile Drew Rosenhaus, have combined to resemble a semaphore display of red flags.
He finished his Colorado career with 183 career tackles, which ranked him 77th all-time at Colorado, with his 16 pass deflections the 21st most. He allowed just 11 completions in man coverage over his junior and senior seasons (just one of those for a first down) and was invited to play in the Senior Bowl. While both he and Jalil Brown are impressive prospects. Some have asked: If Jimmy Smith is so great, why wasn't he matched up all game on A.J Green when Georgia came to town? The simple answer is the defensive scheme that Colorado ran. Jimmy smith was the "right corner back" in Colorado's defense and Brown was the "left corner back." During the game, Georgia lined AJ Green up on the left side of the field 80% of the passing plays during the game in order to avoid Jimmy Smith on the right side. Of the two pass attempts to A.J Green when he was matched up on Jimmy Smith-
1. Aaron Murray pass incomplete to A.J. Green, broken up by Jimmy Smith.
2. The pass completion for 1 yard - Jimmy Smith in coverage.

Smith showed athletic skills of his own in closing on the deep pass to the end zone to leap and knocking it away. He also made other plays that showed that he can spend some time on the island and perform. He also showed a willingness to handle his responsibilities in the run game (even on the one where he missed the RB in the backfield he was there and trying,) and he contributed on specials and clearly more than held his own against elite WR.
However of greater importance than the good talent is the possible bad character. In fairness there have been no arrests since 2007; He does show some physical toughness making tackles (I haven't seen him shy away), but he could be a much better tackler, like Vladimir Guerrero his strike zone seems to have no middle he seems to only go at shoulders and ankles, also he shows very unimpressive technique and urgency in disengaging from blocks. Some coach will believe he can coach him up on and off-field, minimize his flaws, and then if he takes Smith in the 1st 40 picks he’d better be right. The Aquib Talib comparison does cut both ways.
Jimmy Smith 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Jimmy Smith CB CU SR 6022 211 32.2 9 3/4 4.42 24 36 6.93 10'3"

Summary
8.8 Like the other top CBs he’s not as comfortable in zone as in press-man; is footwork, ability to turn and run makes him an attractive prospect. Impressive with how tight he can play to the receiver and give them no room. An important combine number to look at for defensive backs that tells about their quickness is the 20-yard shuttle. Of the three top corners, Smith is slightly ahead of Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara in that area (4.06 to 4.07 and 4.08); all three of those numbers are impressive. Smith Plays well with his hands and when he gets his hands on you, he redirects most receivers easily. In off-man coverage, he pedals with ease. He is hard to run by, he turns very quickly for a player with such long legs; with no false steps, wasted movement or motion. He flips his hips and explodes on the ball, he keeps hip-pocket position in the route and does not labor at all. Scouts are impressed with his ability to cover A.J. Green of Georgia. When the Bulldogs tried to send Green on a vertical route, inside down the middle of the field, Smith was lined up in outside technique, read the break and drove to the middle of the field with Green initially in the clear. The ball was well thrown but Smith knocked the pass away. Later in the game, Green lined up wide in the red zone setting up the fade. Green tries to beat Smith inside but Smith cuts the route off with his feet, jams Green with his hands. When Green tried to separate, Smith allowed no space for the ball, as the game wore on, the Georgia coaches moved Green to the opposite side of the field away from Smith and he was able to make play after play. He is wildly inconsistent as a tackler, but he does his body around as a tackler. In the Oklahoma game, he was able to make two solid open-field tackles, one against DeMarco Murray on a swing pass. There are some questions about failed drug tests in his history. That will surely hurt his stock with teams even taking him off some draft boards, but there is no doubting his ability on tape. Smith is likely one of the 1st 10 players selected in round two with an outside chance at late round one with a team with a strong locker-room and infrastructure.
4.Ras-I Dowling, Virginia 6’1 3/8” 198 Dowling has size, speed and is among the more technically sound cornerbacks in this draft. He doesn’t make many mistakes in coverage in either man-to-man or zone. He understands how to read (on the run) a receiver in coverage and in zone. He also has solid football intelligence and understands situational football. Durability and injuries are a concern, he’s battled different injuries his entire senior season, and even pulled up when running at the combine, but with his mind, size, speed, feet and balance should he fall past pick #40 and stays healthy he could be a real bargain. He ran 4.4 at the combine and was timed from 4.37-4.42 at his make-up pro day.
Ras-I-Dowling 2011 Combine Results
Ras-I Dowling Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
CB UVA SR 6013 198 32 ½ 9.5 4.40 DNP DNP DNP DNP

Dowling is best in press man but has the instincts and intellect to play most any coverage adequately. He is just behind Smith, Amukamara and Peterson in hip fluidity with good coaching he could play at a very high level soon. Dowling played in just 5 games his senior season, missing time with knee and hamstring injuries, as well as a fractured ankle; still his recent pro day in addition to his fast 40 featured, 38” in the vertical and a 10’8” broad jump.
Career college statistics:
YEAR TOT SOLO AST SACK STF STFY FF BK INT YDS AVG LNG TD PD
2007 43 29 14 0 0 0 1 0 2 17 8.5 17 0 0
2008 43 33 10 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0.0 0 0 0
2009 58 40 18 1 0 0 2 0 3 70 23.3 49 0 0
2010 15 12 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
Dowling’s leadership qualities, solid jamming at the line, strong tackling and football intellect will allow him to overcome his slightly less than elite recovery and redirect on double moves and coverage of smaller quicker WRs. He will also want to sink his hips a bit on his backpedal and be mindful of maintaining proper technique even when in high stress situations.
Summary
8.7 There is a real possibility that Dowling is as pro ready as any CB in this draft. Health is the only major stumbling block, but if he is in a system that fits his skills he could be a starter on opening day. As an NFL comparison, most mention, his former UVA teammate Chris Cook, I see some Will Allen and Aaron Ross. Dowling could go in the 1st 5-10 picks of round to or fall into the early 3rd, but I don’t think he’ll get past Dallas in round 2 if they don’t take a corner in the 1st or Detroit if they don’t take a corner in the 1st .
5. Aaron Williams, Texas 5’11 7/8” 204 Williams is fairly dependable man-to-man defender, but he does not play bump-and-run as often as many other top corners, will need to improve his press technique to be highly effective at the next level.
2010: He played in 11 games on defense and special teams with nine starts, including time at both nickel back and cornerback and was named to Nagurski Trophy and Thorpe Award watch lists, as well as second-team All-Big 12 by the league's coaches, the Associated Press and the San Antonio Express-News. Williams led the team with 13 PBU, to go along with 46 tackles (30 solo), one sack, five TFL, three forced fumbles and one blocked punt, his three forced fumbles were also second on the team and tied for third in the Big 12, he returned 11 punts for 86 yards (7.8 ypr) on special teams.
While some project Williams to FS he is nearly a made to order Cover 2 corner. Even as a freshman in 2008, Williams managed to crack the starting lineup. He made some big plays that year, including blocking an incredible four punts and returning an interception for an 81-yard score. Williams started 13 games in 2009 and tallied 44 tackles, three interceptions and started to show his big hitting ability by forcing two fumbles.

Year School Tackles Solo Ast TFL SK FF INT BLK TD
2007 94 63 31 10½ 3 6 4 3 1
2008 Texas 15 9 6 1 0 1 1 2 1
2009 Texas 34 24 10 4½ 2 2 3 0 0
2010 Texas 45 30 15 5 1 3 0 1 0

Williams like all the Texas defenders played and practiced against Big 12 talent, the conference has had a high level of QB and WR play for the last several years. When compared to other Texas CBs he is more like Jammer than Vasher, however he does not have burner-type speed, and he can be beaten when facing sprinting wide receivers. What he lacks in speed, he makes up for with awareness and anticipation. The downside of anticipation is that when he’s wrong and since he lacks elite recovery speed he can give up some big plays.

Aaron Williams 2011 Combine Results
Aaron Williams Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
CB TX SR 5117 204 32 ¼ 9.5 4.55 18 35.5 6.72 10'7"
Summary
8.6 Williams might be best served as a 3rd corner initially, his best scheme fit is either cover 2 or a very aggressive form of ‘Quarters’ man where he’ll have help over the top. As stated he is like Jammer and also a bit like Charles "Peanut" Tillman, Tillman went #35 in 2003, Williams could go that early, he’s likely to go from 40-55. As some teams have noted, should he struggle at CB, he could like Malcolm Jenkins move inside to free safety.
6. Brandon Harris, Miami (FL) 5’9 ½” 191 4.53 Harris was coached by his father in high school and has a passion for the game, which is something NFL teams look for. Harris is a 2008 graduate of Booker T. Washington High School in Miami, Florida where he led his team to the No. 6 national ranking by USA Today. As a senior in 2007, he caught 26 passes for 501 yards and eight touchdowns, and racked up 1,069 all-purpose yards. On defense, he tallied 49 tackles, five sacks and four interceptions (two returned for scores). He was also asked to play quarterback in some key situations and completed eight of 17 passes for 230 yards with a touchdown. As a junior in 2006, he completed 10 of 10 passes for 250 yards and three touchdowns and caught 38 passes for 576 yards and 10 TDs. That year, on defense, he collected 41 tackles, four sacks and five interceptions (two returned for touchdowns). Harris also played in the inaugural Under Armor All-Star game. He was tabbed the Florida Class 6A-4A "Male Athlete of the Year," Dade County's 6A-4A "Defensive Player of the Year" and Florida's "Gatorade Player of the Year" coming out of high school. He was listed as the 6th-best football player in Florida and 38th best in the nation by Rivals.com. He was also selected to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Super Southern 100 team.
His effort in run support will be valued; he has a solid football IQ and high football character. If he can make his tackling technique more consistent, improve his jam at the LOS, he will be a very good nickel/slot CB. As a freshman at Miami, Brandon Harris was thrown into the fire. He was often beat for big plays, but Harris showed his attitude and stuck with it game after game. While that would crush the confidence of many players, for Harris it was a learning experience. He has gotten better and it did not take long. Just a year later he led the ACC in passes defended per contest and tied for second nationally with 15 pass break-ups, He was named All-ACC First Team by the Atlantic Coast Sports Media Association, ESPN.com, Rivals.com and Phil Steele, and named one of 12 national semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award. On the season he broke up a total of 17 passes, and tallied 52 total tackles, 6 TFLs, and a sack and a forced fumble.

As a junior in 2010, Harris tallied 44 total tackles, 1 TFL, 1 interception, 10 PBUs and a FF.
Brandon Harris 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Brandon Harris CB LSU JR 5094 191 31 9 4.53 14 35.5 6.77 9'5"
Summary
8.4 Harris should be selected from the 40th-50th pick in the draft, the early 3rd round would seem to be the latest he’s likely to be selected. He is somewhat like Darius Butler of UConn and New England with slightly better tackling and instincts but not nearly as sudden of fast. There is some concern that in a good secondary he’ll never be more than a 3rd corner, however the increasingly value of the 3rd corner should relieve some of those concerns. With his mind and quick hips he has upside, but despite his average size he’s able and willing in pursuit, but this is one area where his lack of elite speed does hurt, he will not catch elite speed receivers or backs from behind. Harris is also being seen as a FS projection by some, in any case he can be a useful reserve at one or two spots sooner rather than later.

7. Davon House, New Mexico State 6’0 ½" 200
House finished his career with the Aggies with 11 interceptions, 319 pick return yards, and three touchdowns. He also contributed 202 tackles (122 solo), 37 passes defenses, a forced fumble, and four kick returns for 94 yards. The size and natural athletic ability would seem to make House comparable to Amukamara; however there are some clear areas of demarcation between the two. House stepped right into a starting role as a true freshman in 2007 and has not looked back since. He started his career out with a bang by recording four interceptions as a freshman and breaking a school record with 171 return yards on those interceptions. House led his team with two interceptions last season, recording 57 tackles and 10 pass deflections. For his career, he intercepted 11 passes for 319 return yards with three returned for touchdowns and his career totals are: 198 career tackles, 46 pass deflections and three fumble recoveries.
It could even be argued that at the ½ way points of their careers that House was ahead of Amukamara. He has elite hand-eye coordination and ball skills. He maintains legal contact with receivers and uses his quickness to stay with receivers in man coverage. Similar to most of the other corners in the draft, he will need to continue to improve his zone technique to be starting corner in the NFL. House has few holes in his game but on film in the box against two tight end formations he seems tentative, it seems he is a bit uncomfortable around big bodies and too often he is not a big factor against screens and sweeps. Still House is a clean prospect he has no character, work ethic or injury issues. He did fight a nagging ankle last year, but never missed a single game at the collegiate level and even started 12 games as a true freshman.
Davon House 2011 Combine Results
Davon House Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
CB NMSU SR 6004 200 31 ¾ 9.25 4.43 18 33.5 6.65 9'1"

Summary
8.2 Davon House is the type of pick that can make a GM look nearly brilliant or as if the team was being too clever. House is a hitter, he has size and speed. In four years with the Aggies he totaled 202 tackles, 10 interceptions, forced fumble, and he was often the bright spot on some pretty porous defenses. Despite his at questionable consistency in both zone and off-man and tendency to miss tackles by going for the knockout shot House has the attention of NFL talent evaluators. To keep that attention he’ll need to really apply himself in the film room to improve his instincts and awareness, coaching may shore up his habit of dropping his head when tackling, improper angles and technique when transitioning. Without those improvements he’ll likely be a reserve to fringe starter in a Cover 2 shell. Great coaching in Tampa or a similar system and the tutelage of a veteran like Ronde Barber he could become a starter or standout and even in man he has tantalizing potential, NFL comparison Chad Scott.
8. Brandon Burton, Utah 5’11 5/8” 190 Burton elected to forego his final season of eligibility to enter the 2011 NFL Draft. In 2010 He was an all-conference cornerback was a two-year starter and his 18 career pass breakups is tied for the ninth-best mark at Utah. Burton can be trusted as a tackler in the run and pass game. He is not as explosive as Brice McCain not as long and fluid as Sean Smith, however he has a strong competitive streak, and he’s a bit slender but is nearly ideal in terms of hips and feet.
Stats Overview Tackles Misc. Interceptions
YEAR TOT SOLO AST SACK STF STFY FF BLK INT YDS AVG LNG TD PD
2008 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0
2009 43 31 12 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0.0 0 0 0
2010 51 34 17 0 0 0 1 0 2 69 34.5 57 0 0
In his best games you can see that he has a great deal in common with Terrence Newman, he’s able to get into proper position and he tracks the ball well, in terms of technique his transitions could be smoother and quicker but otherwise he’s an above average technician. In high school, Burton returned 10 of his 11 career interceptions for touchdowns and also lettered in track. He qualified for the junior Olympics in the 200-meters.
He struggles against some strong, aggressive receivers; he is very ‘nosy’ and has given up some big plays on stutter-pump-and go plays. He is very close to elite in several areas; however his instincts are not one of those areas.
Brandon Burton 2011 Combine Results
Brandon Burton Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
CB UT JR 5115 190 31 ½ 9.25 4.51 18 32 6.93 9'10"

Summary
8.1 A fairly close NFL comparison is Jerome Murphy; Burton defended 20 passes in his two seasons as a starter and also excelled on special teams. He blocked a field goal on the game’s final play to preserve a one-point win over BYU on Nov. 29, 2010. Burton has the physical tools necessary to be a starter at the next level, but despite his leaping ability, above average ball awareness, ball location skills, smooth backpedal and fluid hips he simply fails to make a play when he should and at other times tries too hard to make a play that simply is not there. If scouts had only seen 1 tape and if it was of Burton vs. Baldwin when Utah faced Pitt doing what he does best, Bump-and-Run and play the ball aggressively in the air, then they’d go away thinking they’d seen a 1st round CB. This why 1 tape, even against a very good WR can highlight strengths and mask weakness. Baldwin is big and athletic, but not deceptive or very abrupt in his cuts. There were receivers that had these qualities but lacked Baldwin’s pedigree who gave Burton more trouble.
9. Curtis Brown, Texas Brown looks like a cover corner, physically he’s a bit reminiscent of Dale Carter; he missed time with a neck injury in 2010. By the end of his sophomore campaign, Brown was a regular starter in the secondary. That year the Longhorns ranked second in the nation in pass efficiency defense and Brown played a big part in that. In 2009 Brown started all 14 games and he’s been productive on special teams’ coverage units, often leading the team in tackles, and returned 14 punts for a 13.9 average. Brown is said to be of solid character and good in the locker-room.
Not a very powerful player; as many saw on the very highly publicized last-second Michael Crabtree game-winning TD vs. Texas back in 2008. Additionally he is, at times, hesitant in run support. His ability in run support is not impressive, due in large part to a lack of aggression. So far he’s better in man than zone coverage; due mostly to lack of experience in zone. Brown is average to below average as an open field tackler.

Curtis Brown 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Curtis Brown CB TX SR 5115 185 31 9 4.51 10 39.5 6.77 10'8"

Summary
8.0 Brown certainly has faced a large number of very fine receivers in games as well as in practices; for the most part he has acquitted himself well. Like any CB he has had his good days and his bad days but with his nearly elite balance, quickness and agility it’s likely that at the very least he should thrive as a 3rd or ‘Nickel’ corner. NFL Comparison Kevin Barnes, Brown will also likely add value on kickoff and punt coverage and has return ability, when that’s married with his potential to play Nickel immediately with the possibility of starting on the outside eventually it’s clear he’s unlikely to last past the #19-31 range in round 2 or the Bengals’ selection in the 3rd round.
10. Shareece Wright, USC 5’10 7/8” Wright has an opportunity to be one of this draft’s real bargains at his position he’s not huge by any means and he has struggled with nagging nicks and the books at time at Southern Cal, however he has received top-flight coaching, he has practiced and played against very good competition and has showed a real nose for the ball and solid football IQ. Wright started all 13 games for the Trojans in 2010 at cornerback. He finished the year with 73 tackles, including seven for a loss and a team-high 10 pass deflections and two fumble recoveries. For his career, Wright totaled 127 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 15 pass deflections and four fumble recoveries. He made 17 career starts.
Some are concerned that he was charged with resisting arrest in 2009 when he refused to leave the house where he was partying when the police broke up the festivities because he had been drinking and wanted to stay the night before going home. Also he didn’t show up for two traffic violation court dates, even more teams are looking hard at his durability. Wright was out for his entire junior season due to academic problems and was sidelined as a sophomore because of a hairline neck fracture. Still he was a favorite of his coaches at USC and at the Senior Bowl. He was a gifted two-way player at Colton (CA) High School Shareece Wright could have played running back or cornerback in college, but preferred the defensive side of the ball. As a junior he had 1,221 yards on the ground on 139 carries and 14 TDs (offensive MVP) while also garnering 97 tackles and a pair of sacks, four batted down passes and two fumble recoveries.
Wright is an above-average athlete, at his Pro Day workout, Wright had a 35 ½ “vertical leap and a 10’00” broad jump as well as a 7.00 three-cone drill and a 4.32 in the short shuttle. He is very aggressive in breaking on the ball and has a smooth transition and sudden acceleration out his breaks. Wright is very good in route recognition; double moves and press man are the things that reveal his primary weaknesses: he is not terribly violent or accurate with his hands and his aggressiveness to the ball makes him vulnerable to play-action passes and double moves.
Shareece Wright 2011 Combine Results
Name Pos. College CL Ht. Wt. Arm Hand 40 Time Reps V-J 3-Cone Broad
Shareece Wright CB USC SR 5107 185 30.75 8.75 4.41 16 34.5 7.09 9'5"

Summary
7.9 Wright is entering the NFL at the proper time, the Nickel corner is virtually a starter and Wright can become a solid option there. It’s not impossible that if he can improve his jam, though he’ll often lose out on jump balls against taller targets, also if he refines his technique since he’ll need to do a better job of reading the receiver instead of the quarterback and too often bites on a quarterback’s fake, so that’s many ifs; but if he can do all those things and carry a bit more muscle he has a chance of becoming a dependable starter at CB. Most likely he’ll be a very good 3rd CB, NFL comparison Asher Allen. Wright could go late in the second but more likely he’ll be selected in the early to mid-3rd.
11. Kendric Burney, North Carolina 5’9 3/8 “ 186 4.71 This is where many a team will have the film vs. measurable physical debate after five pick-off campaign a as a junior earning Burney, based on tape went into this season with All-ACC honors and widely considered a top 5-10 corner. With 44 career starts he’s experienced with a very high football IQ. Despite his lack of size and speed, which will hurt him at times, he has been a top CB in high school and college, after a 6 game suspension Burney made 30 tackles and picked off two passes in six games in 2010. Teams that value triangle numbers, will consider him undraftable, however he was one of the most impressive players during Senior Bowl practices. He is in the top 5 in this class in terms of instincts and tackling, he plays with a low, smooth backpedal and fluid hips. For a heavy Cover 2 team like Chicago Burney would be at least considered for the Nickel or Dime corner. His size and speed mean he is unlikely to be selected prior to the late 5th-early 7th round range, but in the right defense he could become a starter and while he’s unlikely to have 47 career INTs like Ray Buchanan or make 4 Pro Bowls like Frank Minnifield he much like both who were top-flight CBs despite similar limitations. 7.825
12. Johnny Patrick, Louisville 5’10 5/8” 191 4.59/4.48 As a former WR Patrick plays bigger than his frame suggests, his ball skills carried over and he is, not surprisingly a work-in-progress as a tackler. 2010 stats: 49 tackles, 12 pass breakups, 5 interceptions One of Patrick’s strengths is his help in run support, it seems like he actually enjoys coming up and helping in the running game. Patrick is a reliable tackler who possesses solid technique. At Louisville, Patrick started for four seasons where he improved each year. Last season Patrick posted a career high with five interceptions, two of which came in the final regular season game against Rutgers. Patrick was a first-team All-Big East selection as a senior, when teams generally avoided throwing to his side of the field. Patrick has a burst to closing sustains his speed trailing downfield and displays excellent ball skills. As might be expected with just a few years of defensive experience, he's a not an elite tackling corner, his technique is a bit raw and off the field Patrick does carry some baggage. This past summer he was arrested and charged with a misdemeanor following an argument with his girlfriend, where he allegedly threw her on the ground after she attempted to take his phone to see his text messages. Again a Nickel type best suited to Cover-2, he’s similar to Mike Mickens. 7.8
12. Curtis Marsh, Utah State 6’0 ½ “ 197 4.42 Physically he’s very like Amukamara Marsh has the same long arms and sturdy frame he too is a former running back, however he does not quite have the same body of work. The best tape of Marsh is likely the Boise game, he took on at times Young and other times Pettis he had 3 PBUs and handled Young’s quickness and Pettis’ length about equally well. Marsh can play man and has a chance to fit in with a team like the Panthers or Packers as a Nickel with starter potential, NFL comparison Sherrod Martin 7.75

13. Marcus Gilchrist, Clemson 5’10” 195 4.45 Gilchrist could be a FS or even a SS but he’s likely to be tried at Nickel CB 1st and he might stick there. He is a bit like R.W McQaurters, Gilchrist was ranked in the top three in the ACC in kickoff returns and punt returns while his man coverage technique is not ideal because he reacts ½ a step too slowly to quick receivers, he has the physical ability to cover well enough in man and zone fits him best. Unless he learns to improve his hip/foot quickness he’ll struggle to cover top slot receivers in the NFL. As a safety he is an aggressive, but not forceful tackler, though he’s fast, versatile, smart and he was a team captain at Clemson He not be considered an intimating hitter by any means Gilchrist can’t shock and drive a ball-carrier backwards. He is a solid tackler, though, who doesn’t whiff on ball-carriers. He uses excellent form and position to bring the guy to the ground. Your free safety is generally your last line of defense, and Gilchrist is about as efficient as an open-field tackler as one might hope. His angles to the football are superb, which is crucial when in the back of the secondary. He reminds some of Will Allen 7.7

14. Chris Culliver, South Carolina 6’0 3/8” 199 4.36 Culliver has a strong chance of being over-drafted due to his elite size/speed ratio and versatility, he was originally a WR, and he was moved to FS and then shifted to CB. A torn pectoral muscle and seeming difficulties with picking up the CB position depressed his production in 2010, but those who really prize fast rangy safeties, [normally you’d insert Al Davis joke her after the Antonio Gibson/Michael Huff selections] may still take Culliver in the top 40-50 selections. Culliver has physical skills that would seem to scream man corner with his loose hips and long speed, however he has not shown the necessary situational awareness, route recognition when combined with his choppy high backpedal means he would be a project at CB. At FS he is more comfortable and consistent however his tackling is not what most teams will want at the position. He also adds value as a return man with impressive agility. There were also concerns that an agent may have been paying the premiums on his insurance policy, his play is worth a mid-3rd selection, if he goes much earlier it can be considered an upside based reach. 7.6

15. Rashad Carmichael, Virginia Tech 5’10” 192 4.53/4.43 Carmichael is hard worker, a film room junkie, a student of the game he was a 2 year starter he has a real knack for blitzing, he tracks the ball well, however he seems too often come up a bit short in getting his hands on the ball. However too often and for too long he’ll get his hands on receivers and unlike most VPI corners he is a not an exceptional tackler as exacerbated by the fact that he struggled to disengage from blacks and was below average against the running game. His raw ability and tendency to jump routes at times turns out to be a double-edged sword as that has resulted in him biting on a lot of double moves or stutter or slant and go patterns. Still as a Nickel he can offer some immediate value. He is physically similar to former Denver CB Alphonso Smith 7.5.

16. Josh Gatlin, NDSU 6’0 ½ “ 196 4.39 Some may only notice Gatlin due to his gaudy triangle numbers, but he played at a high level of FCS competition and led the Bison in interceptions this past season with five. A Jacksonville, FL. native Josh Gatlin has burst onto the scene in the last few months. What makes hos five picks more surprising is that he only started in one game. He was invited to play in the NFL Players Association Texas vs. the Nation game on Feb. 9. In that game, Gatlin recorded three tackles and an interception. Gatlin played in all 13 games in 2010, but started in only one. That did not stop him from leading the team in interceptions, the year before, he actually started more games with two, but only played in five. At TX vs. Nation practices he was noticed for strong play and an INT in practice and playing speed. Gatlin is a cousin of sprinter Justin Gatlin and it shows.
Gatlin is a developmental project but he could be one that develops quickly. Teams that don't need an immediate need in the secondary, and have a knack for finding value late in the draft are going to be targeting Gatlin. I see Gatlin being a late round pick, from the late fifth through the seventh round. Teams like Tampa Bay, the Vikings and the Bears, these teams play the Tampa 2 defense, which is what NDSU plays, so the learning curve could be drastically cut. Gatlin is physically like Willie Middlebrooks formerly of Denver 7.4.
17. Cortez Allen, The Citadel Cortez Allen is classified as a DB by the team because he plays in multiple secondary positions. They tended to move him around because teams tried to avoid him, but his natural position is CB. Allen acquitted himself well during East-West Shrine practices, which were well-attended by NFL scouts. He's a long, lean corner who is aggressive, Allen is able to make hard-hitting tackles on receivers and break up plays. Allen displays a nice understanding and feel for the game but should spend refining his route recognition and eliminating false steps. For three years, Citadel corner Cortez Allen spent much of his practice time trying to cover Andre Roberts; while Allen probably won’t be selected as early as his former teammate Andre Roberts, who was a third round pick of the Arizona Cardinals in the 2010 NFL Draft, the odds are some team will call his name at some point in the middle rounds, perhaps as early as the mid-late 4th. 2010: Allen started all 11 games with 22 tackles 5 PBUs 2 INTs. Allen is similar to Lee Bodden Overall grade of 7.3.

18. Jalil Brown, Colorado 6’0 5/8” 204 4.52 Brown is good in run support he displays above average ball skills, he can locate the ball and make plays on it effectively (5 INT’s, 17 pass break-ups the past two years). He can match up and run downfield in man coverage and make the tough interception, but he rarely takes chances at making the big play, more often than not he make the safe play. Brown uses his quick feet and loose hips to get in position to break up the pass; he can plant, turn, and drive on the receiver or to make a play on the ball. He can be a bit too nosey and loses contact at times with his man while locating the ball or eyeing up the QB. Brown is not the quickest defensive back in this class, but he is amongst the strongest. In some ways Brown is a ‘poor man’s Malcolm Jenkins who might end up at FS, 7.2.

19. Buster Skrine, Chattanooga 5’9 ½" 186 4.37 [4.48] (pronounced "screen") I won’t delve too deeply into the controversy surrounding Skrine’s 40 time, suffice to say he was an All-SoCon selection as a member of the UTC 4x100 meter relay team, he is blazing fast on film and 3 scouts, with whom I have spoken had him between 4.39 and 4.35. Despite his size and speed Skrine is not 100% finesse he is solid when supporting against the run. Senior season stats: 10 games (8 starts); 39 total tackles (29 solo), 8 pass break-ups, 1 interception. Career stats: 42 games (30 starts); 155 total tackles (113 solo), 21 pass break-ups, and 5 interceptions. It’s likely he’ll begin his career over the slot and certainly has value as a kick returner (he averaged 20.6 yards per return as a junior but had only three returns last fall, all in the season opener, and suffered a dislocated elbow during one of them) and special-teams contributor. Skrine's Combine numbers were consistently among the best for corners, and he posted the best time in the three-cone drill. The pro CB he might be the most like if he maxes out is Aaron Glenn, 7.1.
20. Ryan Jones, NW Missouri State 5’11” 197 4.47 Jones is a work in progress but the MIAA is an elite level DII conference and Jones was among the class of defensive prospects in that conference this season. The areas that will require the greatest improvement are his jam in press-man and tackling. He has started 56 of 58 games in the past four years for his team, and finishing off his career at NWMSU with six interceptions as a senior. It’s clear he has the ability to turn and run and displays good balance and footwork when asked to redirect out of his breaks on throws in front of him and on sharply breaking routes he stays in proper position in relation to the ball and his man. Jones has played in both man and zone, his range, ball skills, size and quick feet, strong build and loose hips give him a chance to be drafted a stick in the league. Jones could go as early as the late 4th and should not last past the middle of the 6th round. 7.0.
21. Justin Rogers 5’10 3/8” 183 4.43 Rodgers is an excellent returner and CB with good closing speed and he makes plays on the ball and has been highly productive in the ‘SEC of the FCS’ the CAA. Rogers is the second player in CAA history to be named All-CAA 1st Team for four consecutive years. Last season he had 48 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles as the league's premier shutdown corner. A versatile threat, Rogers became the CAA Football career leader in kickoff return yards during the 2010 season and also saw action on offense as he rushed five times, caught three passes and was two-for-two passing. He is a natural playmaker in coverage, run support and the return game. He is a fluid athlete who moves well and has shown the ability to play especially well in zone coverage. He is a quick defender who is reliable when supporting the run well with 162 tackles over his career. At the East-West week, he showed the short area quickness to break on the ball and match up in coverage that earned him CAA honors. The concerns are that he’s small and light and he could be overpowered by big receivers and as a defender, he might not be more than a nickel/slot defender. Will tackle too high and miss tackles, he might be targeted in red zone and jump ball situations. Rodgers is a player that reminds some of Jason McCourty, 6.95.
22. Richard Sherman, Stanford 6’2 3/8” 194 4.53 A former WR, Sherman was a 2-year track letter winner at Stanford in Track, he jumped a personal best of 50’0” in the triple jump in 2007, good for ninth place on the all-time Stanford career list and jumped a season-best 21-3 ½ in the long jump at the 2008 Stanford Invitational. Despite his athletic ability, hands and ball skills there are many that wonder of Sherman’s lack of aggression and instincts at his new position. As a Stanford wide receiver Sherman was their top receiver as a freshman and sophomore. He combined for 73 catches for 1232 yards (16.9 YPC.) and 7 touchdowns during those years. He missed most of the following year after suffering a partial tear in his patellar tendon. He caught 8 passes in 4 games before he went down with an injury. He came back the following year and moved to cornerback. The past two seasons he has started there and combined for 112 tackles, 6 picks and 17 breakups. He also average 9.3 yards on 23 career punt returns with 2 scores. 2 players that Sherman is somewhat like are Idrees Bashir and Gary Baxter 6.9.
23. Chimdi Chekwa, Ohio State 5’11 ¾" 191 4.38 Chekwa is still recovering from surgery that followed his severely dislocated right wrist suffered in the first quarter of the Sugar Bowl. The screws were removed from his wrist on March 15th; he will be 100% long before the season however. Career stats: 39 career starts, 145 tackles, 28 PBU, 6 interceptions he has exceptional speed (he also ran track for Ohio State) Chekwa is one of the top 3-5 pure athletes in this position group. Beyond the medical concerns, there were already questions about his toughness, tackling, instincts, and susceptibility to double moves and pump fakes. Chekwa will likely go earlier than his actual play as a CB demands, but he is something of a project, Ashton Youboty went #70 in 2006, Chekwa could go that early, but like Youboty he’s currently a better athlete than he is a CB, 6.8.

24. Prathon Wilkerson 5’9 ½ “ 185 4.55 Legitimate DII cornerback who made a name for himself when he did a very fine job staying with world-class sprinter WR Ricardo Lockette head-to-head in the 2010 ASU v. FVSU game, and also at the HBCU Senior Bowl. He really put it all together as a senior this past season (2010) at Albany State, compiling 38 tackles, 3 TFLs, 16 total PBUs, and a pick 6 among his 7 interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. He intercepted one pass as a junior with seven pass deflections and was named Special Teams Player of the Year by Albany. He has impressive anticipation. He can lay off the receiver and jumps the route. Has ability to play all coverages, he has consistent technique, tackling, understands the game also he has shown the necessary hands, ball skills for the interception and is a solid wrap tackler. He can jam well but has average recovery speed and he is pretty similar to D.J Moore and could be a Cover-2 Nickel 6.75.
25. Demarcus Van Dyke 6’0 ¾” 176, Miami 4.27 The angular CB from the ‘U’ has all the tools, but is downright wispy and lacks exceptional instincts, but Van Dyke’s combine 40 times of 4.25 and 4.28 have elevated him in the eyes of many, however he was not a full-time starter and at times Ryan Hill outplayed him. He only had 5 repetitions at 225; he will have to get much stronger to ever be more than a reserve. On screens he has trouble shedding blocks and gets overpowered by receivers and running backs. Demarcus Van Dyke has never been a full-time starter at Miami, but during his four years there he did manage to total 21starts and though many of the ‘sprinter playing football’ caveats apply to the track/football letter winner he showed a knack for timely big plays but lacked consistency. If his raw speed entices a team into taking him prior to the mid-6th that will likely be a bit of a reach. A player to whom he has drawn some comparisons is a much thinner version of Tremain Mack or Fabian Washington, he not even as polished as former Hurricane WR turned CB Sam Shields 6.6.
26. Dionte Dinkins 6’0 7/8" 195, 4.54 Ft. Valley State Dinkins is fairly athletic he ran the 40 yard dash at 4.52 and 4.57 seconds at his Pro Day workout, with a 33” vertical leap and a 9’10” broad jump, he’s durable, a very solid tackler who forced a fumble this year and he’ll contribute on special teams he has blocked a punt and 2 place kicks a P.A.T and a FG. Of his 5 picks this year 3 were easy but 2 showed body control and above average ball skills. Dinkins has never faced a sophisticated passing offense and his teammate Ricardo Lockette is one of very few NFL level talents he’s covered. Dinkins like most of the CBs in this draft class is best suited to Cover-2, he will take a while to adjust to the NFL talent and complexity but he can contribute on special teams until he’s ready to be a reserve and perhaps eventually a starter, 6.5 he is rather like Antoine Cason, but more raw he may go in the late 6th or later.
27. Chykie Brown 5’11 ¼" 191, 4.49 Texas Has NFL speed, athleticism and frame for a CB, but his inconsistency is the most consistent thing about his play. He can press, flip his hips and run. He has quick feet and can plant and close, Brown is athletic and plays the ball well. He misses too many tackles. Brown has had difficulty staying healthy as he missed time in 2008 with a sprained ankle and a broken right forearm sidelined him for the last 3 games of his senior season. In 2010, he had 9 starts in his senior season Brown totaled 19 tackles and seven pass breakups. He’ll need to improve his off-man and zone coverage skills as well as his ball skills to be more than a reserve. He tests as an elite level athlete but plays like a slightly above average one. Brown should be drafted late in the 6th or the 7th as the Texas CB mystique may help him he is like a less polished and consistent version of Leodis McKelvin, 6.45.
28. Brandon Hogan 5’10 ¼ 192 [4.44 estimated], West Virginia Hogan is willing hitter who plays with toughness; he has a little Courtland Finnegan in his game. Hogan has to show he’s recovering from his torn ACL, his 19 repetitions at 225 are they only official testing numbers he has In 46 career games, Hogan has recorded 171 total tackles, 24 pass breakups, seven interceptions and four fumble recoveries. Hogan showed talent in his ability to get his hands on the ball, accelerating from trail position to get a PBU or interception, his ball skills have remained from his days as a WR those and his fluid movement skills were evident, he ran track at Osbourn HS, in addition to quarterbacking a VA state championship team, Hogan was recruited as a slot receiver to play in then-head coach Rich Rodriguez’s spread offense. However Hogan’s knee is not all that needs mending Hogan was arrested and charged with DUI in September and served a one-game suspension, when the Mountaineers hosted Maryland. That DUI charge came less than six months after Hogan was cited by police for disorderly conduct and public urination; his third arrest (driving on license suspended or revoked for DUI) will remind scouts of ‘Pac-Man’ Jones, but not in the good way. Hogan was a high as the late 3rd on some boards going into this year, now he’ll be lucky to be drafted.
29. Vance Cuff 5’10” 178, 4.53 Georgia He has missed time due to injuries and a 1game suspension following an arrest on misdemeanor charges, including driving with a suspended license. Cuff was riding a scooter on a closed road after his license had been suspended; he has had knee and shoulder injuries the past few seasons. In 2010 he appeared in 13 games, made five starts, recorded 22 tackles, a team-leading five pass break ups and an interception. Cuff plays fast and in spring testing he was hand-timed at 4.24 a UGA record. Still Cuff was only able to earn 6 starts in 2 years, partially due to injuries and disciplinary actions and partially due being out-performed by Brandon Boykin. Cuff’s raw talent might still get him drafted, his quickness, change of direction and ball skills may make him an ideal Nickel, he is like a smaller, less finished Travis Fisher, 6.35.
30. Anthony Gaitor 5’9 7/8” 177, 4.48 Florida International He has good coverage instincts and is quick; he has played CB, nickel and FS which shows football IQ. He was a four-year starter he compiled 197 tackles, 19 for loss, 4 sacks, 11 INTs, 25 PBUs, and 3 defensive TDs during his career. He shows reliable instincts in zone, is willing in run support and does a nice job breaking down and wrapping up the ball carrier or receiver. He is smallish, uncomfortable playing in man to man coverage and needs to stay lower and be smoother in his transition and backpedal. His frame and playing style is reminiscent of Brent Grimes, Gaitor is likely an early to mid-7th round selection he is a bit like Dre Bly, 6.3.

2011 NFL Draft - Defensive Line Prospects

2011-04-26T21:13:00.000-07:00

2011 NFL Draft - Defensive Line Prospects
by Jon Wagner-Sr. Contributing Writer-Football Reporters Online

1. Da’Quan Bowers – DE – 6-3 / 280 / Clemson (4.64, 22 BR)

A former ESPN.com No. 1 high school prospect (Clemson’s first ever), Bowers is a legitimate NFL strong-side run stopper who regularly takes on and sheds multiple blockers. Bowers is also a dangerous pass rusher, possessing a strong upper body and good explosion out of the stance. He stepped in as a true freshman and led all Clemson defensive linemen with 47 tackles, averaging a tackle once every 10.21 snaps. Bowers proved he can be a big-game player when he had 11 tackles as a sophomore against Georgia Tech in the ACC Championship game. As a junior, last season, Bowers was second on Clemson with 63, while leading the Tigers in tackles for loss (24 – for 150 total yards), sacks (15.5), and quarterback pressures (17). Bowers comes with the red flag of a previous knee injury which might still affect him. If so, he could fall to the middle of the first round. But, if Bowers quells those doubts with strong workouts, he should be selected as Top 10 overall pick.

2. Robert Quinn – DE – 6-4 / 265 / North Carolina (4.62, 22 BR)
Following Bowers, we stay in the ACC with Robert Quinn, who was suspended for the entire 2010 season after an infamous agent scandal that sent shockwaves through the North Carolina program. Quinn also draws concerns from scouts because of a tumor located in the base of his brain. Fortunately, Quinn’s (in general, first and foremost, and secondly, as a football player) health appears okay, as he’s had no issues since he had surgery on the tumor after he left high school. As far as Quinn’s agent-related suspension for accepting benefits, the consensus is that Quinn was simply naïve and made bad decisions, but the fact that he was involved should still have scouts taking some initial precautions before selecting Quinn, who has been compared to New York Giants’ 2010 first-round pick, former South Florida star Jason Pierre-Paul. Another reason for being cautious with the 20-year-old Quinn is his inexperience after the admitted Dallas Cowboy fan played just two seasons as a Tar Heel, thanks to last year’s suspension. Still, as a freshman, Quinn finished third in the voting for the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors (starting 12 games while posting 34 tackles, including 6.5 for losses, and two sacks). The next year, he finished with 52 tackles and was a first-team All-ACC selection while finishing second in the ACC Defensive Player of the Year voting. Quinn can explode off of the snap with a good burst off the edge and an ability to force fumbles. He also has good agility, balance, closing speed, and good strength to drag down ball carriers. If the suspension and lack of experience are overlooked, Quinn could be a very selection.

3. Cameron Jordan – DE – 6-4 / 287 / California (4.74, 25 BR)
Jordan has the experience (he played in 50 of 51 games in four years at California) and genes (his father, Steve Jordan, played at Brown University before spending 13 years, including six pro-bowl seasons, with the Minnesota Vikings) to have a good NFL career. After playing 13 games as a true freshman reserve, Jordan was a starter and All-Pac-10 honorable mention as both a sophomore and junior. He earned first-team All-Pac-10 and All-American honorable mention honors as a senior. Jordan is a strong, stout run stopper with long arms and good pursuit. He locates the ball well and very rarely takes a snap off, with a good bull rush, helped by a powerful upper and lower body, to force his opponent backwards and into the pocket.

4. J.J. Watt – DE – 6-5 / 290 / Wisconsin (4.81, 34 BR)
Watt is a good athlete who in high school, lettered twice each in basketball and baseball, and once more, in track and field. In 2007, Watt played 14 games as a tight end at Central Michigan (which he chose over Cincinnati, Minnesota, Colorado, and Northern Illinois), catching eight passes for 77 yards. He redshirted the following year before switching to defensive end in his native Wisconsin, starting 13 games for the Badgers. By 2010, Watt learned his new position quickly, blossoming into a consensus first-team All-Big Ten end and team MVP, along with being named to Academic All-Big Ten team. Watt comes with great character and an outstanding work ethic, and although he lacks ideal speed for the position, he’s a versatile, experienced end whose size and hustle could have him picked earlier.

5. Adrian Clayborn – DE – 6-3 / 281 / Iowa (4.78, 17 BR)
Clayborn knows all about overcoming the long odds it takes to become a first-round NFL prospect. In fact, he had to get by a condition since birth just so he could play contact sports. Clayborn suffered nerve damage in his neck and right arm during birth which had doctors advising against Clayborn playing a contact sport in high school. So, what did he do? He ended up being the 2005 Missouri Player of the Year as a senior tight end/linebacker in St. Louis. From there, Clayborn redshirted in 2006 at Iowa before having a standout career for four years as a Hawkeye. After limited action as a freshman, Clayborn posted 50 tackles and ranked second on his team with eight tackles for loss. Clayborn started 13 games at defensive end the following year, recording 70 tackles (20 for loss) and 11.5 sacks, while forcing four fumbles. He was also the MVP in Iowa’s Orange Bowl win over Georgia Tech. As a senior, Clayborn was a consensus All-American, again starting 13 games, notching 52 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Clayborn doesn’t have a typical explosive first step, but he’s a strong pass rusher with a good rip move and good closing speed to the quarterback. He’s also a stout run defender with good leverage and an ability to change direction well.

6. Ryan Kerrigan – DE – 6-4 / 267 / Purdue (4.67, 31 BR)
Kerrigan’s nickname is “Superman” because of his great strength and constant, all-out hustle. After appearing in 12 games as a freshman with 18 sacks, Kerrigan was an All-Big Ten honorable mention as a sophomore. A year later, he posted 66 tackles, including 18.5 for loss. As a senior, Kerrigan was a team co-captain and he received his team’s defensive MVP award, along with becoming Purdue’s first unanimous All-American since 1980. Kerrigan’s height and length make it tough to see over him, and if opposing quarterbacks hang on to the ball for too long, there’s a good chance that Kerrigan will chase them down. Against the run, Kerrigan is a smart defender who keeps to his assignments, yet he’ll get down the line to get to a ball carrier on plays that are run away from him. What Kerrigan might lack in ideal speed for an end, he makes up for in sheer hustle and a willingness to take on the role as the leader of a defense.

7. Aldon Smith – DE – 6-4 / 263 / Missouri (4.74, 20 BR)
Smith lacks experience having played just two years in college, but that was enough to be named to the Big 12 coaches’ all-conference first team. After redshirting in 2008, Smith immediately impressed a year later, winning the Big 12 Newcomer and Freshman of the Year awards, as well as being named as a first-team Freshman All-American thanks to 64-tackle season that included 19 stops for loss. Smith missed three games early last season due to a leg injury, but he still posted 48 tackles, 10 for loss, and 5.5 sacks. Smith has terrific length and great quickness to the quarterback. Some believe he can eventually become a top-notch NFL pass rusher. He’s also a proven tackler and a versatile, strong edge run defender in either a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme. Despite the relative inexperience, Smith seems to have natural raw ability and a good upside.

8. Cameron Heyward – DE – 6-5 / 294 / Ohio State (4.92)
One of the bigger ends in the draft, Heyward is also one of the slower ones. But, the son of the late NFL running back Craig “Ironhead” Heyward had a breakout junior season two years ago (when he was named a second-team All-Big Ten player in helping lead the Buckeyes to a Rose Bowl win) and he hasn’t looked back since. Last season, Heyward had a strong performance in Ohio State’s Sugar Bowl and earned a first-team All-Big Ten award. He was also voted a team captain before finishing his career with 157 tackles, 34 for loss, and 14.5 sacks as a four-year starter with 45 starts. Heyward isn’t a true outside pass rushing threat, but he finds ways to pressure opposing quarterbacks regardless of where he lines up, with excellent quickness of the snap, especially for his size. Heyward is a solid tackler who will often follow plays downfield. Overall, Heyward brings a great attitude, an even better work ethic, and a lot of talent in a slower but bigger package. He could be a first-round steal if he slips too far, but don’t expect him to stay on the board for too long.

9. Jabaal Sheard – DE – 6-3 / 264 / Pittsburgh (4.68)
Sheard was a top high school prospect out of Florida and he produced right away for Pittsburgh, lettering as a true freshman as a reserve end in 2007. As a sophomore, he started all 13 games, posting 45 tackles, 10.5 for loss, and 5.5 sacks. He just about duplicated that the following year, with 42 tackles, 10.5 for loss (again), and five sacks. As a senior, Sheard posted 52 tackles, 14.5 for loss, and nine sacks. Sheard attacks the line with a forceful bull rush, although he lacks ideal explosiveness. Against the run, Shears hold the line of scrimmage well, with good leverage, and he stays active until he makes the play. All 32 teams were in attendance for Sheard pro day on 3/25/11, including Steelers’ head coach Mike Tomlin.

10. Christian Ballard – DE – 6-4 / 283 / Iowa (4.75)
After not doing much as a freshman, Ballard broke through in his sophomore season with 40 tackles before posting 54 tackles and 5.5 sacks while starting all 13 games as a junior. Last year, the big defensive end was a Big Ten honorable mention. Ballard possesses good speed for his big size, while using an effective swim move and an ability to fight through double-team blocks. He’s also a solid run defender capable of penetrating the backfield while using good length and strong hands to disengage blockers and wrap up ball carriers.

11. Allen Bailey – DE – 6-3 / 285 / Miami (4.71, 27 BR)
Out of “The U,” Bailey will continue Miami’s tradition of bringing talented big guys to the NFL, after being a highly-touted national prospect. Bailey played mostly on special teams as a true freshman and made just four starts at defensive end while playing in 12 games as a sophomore. But, as a junior he led Miami with seven sacks while leading all Hurricane linemen with 34 tackles, playing both end and tackle. Bailey had 45 sacks and once again, a team-leading seven sacks as a senior, starting all 13 of Miami’s games, mostly at end, but moving inside on occasional third-down situations. That versatility is an obvious strength, but so is Bailey’s good upper and lower body strength, which Bailey uses to disengage from blocks. He has decent, but not overwhelming, quickness off the snap, relying on a bull rush to get to the quarterback.

12. Pernell McPhee – DE – 6-3 / 278 / Mississippi State (4.91, 20 BR)
McPhee didn’t take a usual route to FBS college football or to the NFL draft. He only played one year of high school football. After that, he initially signed with Southern Mississippi but was forced to go to junior college because of academic issues. When he finally arrived at Mississippi State in 2009, McPhee totaled 56 tackles and five sacks while starting all 12 games for the Bulldogs. Last year, he was a first-team All-SEC selection even though he didn’t produce quite as much as the year before. McPhee is best against the run, holding his ground well with lots of strength. As a pass rusher, McPhee has a good swim move along with an effective rip and spin move, but he’s best as a bull rusher.

13. Pierre Allen – DE – 6-4 / 273 / Nebraska (4.78)
Allen played on the same line as Ndamukong Suh, but first, he redshirted in 2006 and added 40 pounds of muscle before playing for Nebraska the following year. As a sophomore, he had 52 tackles and five sacks before posting a nearly identical season (51 tackles and five sacks) as a junior. Allen was named as a first-team All-Big 12 end as a senior, after posting 65 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Allen is a capable run stopper with a nice blend of quickness and strength. He hustles to chase down ball carriers, but he he’s not the most effective pass rusher, failing to disengage from blocks enough, with some inconsistency in anticipating the snap.

14. Ricky Elmore – DE – 6-5 / 255 / Arizona (4.88, 26 BR)
After redshirting in 2006, Elmore became the leader of Arizona’s defense, but he’d have to fit into a 4-3 scheme, since although he’s tall, he’s a little light to play in a 3-4 scheme. Elmore didn’t break out until his junior season, when he had 44 tackles and led the Pac-10 with 10.5 sacks, receiving an All-Pac-10 honorable mention. He again led the Pac-10 with 11 sacks as a senior while earning second-team All-Pac-10 honors. Elmore plays with a high motor and a relentless pursuit of the quarterback. He has a fast rush off the edge, good inside moves. Elmore recognizes plays well and is a good tackler. There is a question on what Elmore will be at the next level however, as he wasn’t nearly as productive against top competition as he was against mediocre and bad teams.

15. Greg Romeus – DE – 6-5 / 264 / Pittsburgh (4.79)
A former high school basketball star in Florida, Romeus will have a very good NFL career if he continues on the path he was on in college. He was named a Freshman All-American after redshirting in 2006. He then became a second-team All-Big East selection the following year, recording 51 tackles and 7.5 sacks. And, he stepped up to being Big East Co-Defensive Player of the year as junior and senior. Romeus has great size for an NFL pass-rushing end, with good closing speed and an effective bull rush, possessing a long reach and big hands. Romeus uses his strong upper body strength to rip the ball from running backs and receivers. He does however, need to learn how to hustle more, through the entire play, especially after his teammates make initial contact.

16. Ugo Chinasa – DE – 6-5 / 264 / Oklahoma State (4.63, 22 BR)
Chinasa became a leader on the Oklahoma State defense after redshirting in 2006 and contributing on a limited basis the following two years. In 2009, he set a new career high with 30 tackles to go along with 6.5 sacks. Chinasa finished his senior season with 32 tackles, including 25 solo stops, to lead the Cowboys’ down linemen in each of those categories. With a strong upper body and a good reach, Chinasa sheds blocks well, closes to the quarterback quickly, and shows great awareness in man coverage, especially running stride for stride with tight ends. Against the run, Chinasa is a strong, wrap-up tackler. However, he is inconsistent with the energy he brings and e can get stood up at the line.

17. Cliff Mathews – DE – 6-4 / 257 / South Carolina (4.81, 17 BR)
A two-way starter (tight end and defensive end) in high school, Matthews stepped in as an outside linebacker as a freshman and was named to the coaches’ All-SEC team. He moved to defensive end the following season where he posted 32 tackles and 3 sacks. As a junior, the fairly under-sized end was known for his all-out hustle on nearly every play, as he was named as one of four team captains. He recorded 47 tackles (35 solo) and seven sacks that year. Matthews was again a team captain and named to the coaches’ All-SEC second team as a senior. He started all 13 games that year, posting 38 tackles and 4.5 sacks. Overall, Matthews is considered an extremely hard-working, high-effort player, with a great quickness and athleticism, and considerable raw talent for his size. He could be a nice steal later on in the draft.

18. Brandon Blair – DE – 6-6 / 276 / Oregon (4.92, 26 BR)
The 2010 Oregon Ducks were known for their prolific offense, but Blair didn’t let himself get too overshadowed by his teammates on the other side of the ball. After redshirting in 2006, the space-eating Blair became a proficient run stopper as a freshman reserve. By his junior year, Blair was the top tackler (with 45) among Oregon’s defensive linemen, and as a senior, he had 47 tackles, including 16 for loss, to earn All-Pac-10 second team honors. Even with his big size, Blair has good quickness off the snap to compliment long arms, a strong upper body, and good leg drive to bull rush blockers back into the pocket. Blair lacks agility to keep up with quicker players is space however, and he’s already 26 years of age after spending two years on a church mission between high school and playing football at Oregon.

19. Markus White – DE – 6-4 / 266 / Florida State (4.86, 14 BR)
After beginning his college career at junior college, White played three years at Florida State, initially learning as the understudy to former All-American Seminole Everette Brown in 2008. He learned well, starting 12 games and making 38 tackles the following year before having a big senior season, starting all 13 games while recording 58 tackles and 8.5 sacks. White accomplished that mostly by virtue of a high motor and an explosive pass rush but he had a low output for his bench press which raises questions about his strength, and needs to be a better run stopper as well.

20. Ryan Winterswyk – DE – 6-4 / 268 / Texas (4.96, 18 BR)
With a surname that begins with “Winter,” couldn’t you just see Winterswyk ultimately playing in a place like Chicago or Green Bay? Well, if he gets to the NFL at all, it certainly won’t be for a lack of drive or effort, and even talent. Winterswyk went from a walk-on redshirt in 2006 to an honorable freshman All-American the following year, and a first-team All-WAC end in each of his final three seasons at Boise State. Due to injuries, he was also used as a tight end as a senior. He finished his career at Boise State with 168 career tackles while ranking fourth in school history with 21.5 career sacks. Not bad for a former walk-on at a school known for offense.

21. Eddie Jones – DE – 6-2 / 258 / Texas (4.79)
Easily the smallest end listed thus far, Jones ironically starred in college in the biggest state in the nation, and he came up big with a final-minute tackle at the 1-yard line to secure Team Texas’ 13-7 victory over Team Nation in the NFLPA All-Star game in February. Another fifth-year end who redshirted in 2006, Jones was integral as a sophomore in helping Texas (the University, not Team Texas, that is) lead the Big 12 in scoring defense. Jones didn’t do any one thing great, but he did a little of everything, including some solid special teams play as a junior.

22. Lazarius Levingston – DE – 6-4 / 292 / LSU (4.93, 20 BR)
Levingston was a four-year letter winner, recording 70 tackles in 48 games at LSU, playing three years at defensive end before moving to tackle as a senior.

23. Karl Klug – DE – 6-3 / 275 / Iowa (4.81, 22 BR)
Klung was a first-team All-Big Ten selection in his final two years at Iowa. He a hustling hard worker who had 65 tackles as a junior (his first year as a starter). Klung has good quickness off the snap but he can be moved off blocks, especially against double teams.

24. Cheta Ozougwu – DE – 6-2 / 247 / Rice (4.84, 26 BR)
A former high school basketball star, Ozougwu was a defensive leader for Rice, where he started in 43 games. He broke in as a true freshman with 43 tackles and was an All-Conference USA first-team selection as a senior. He’s a good bull rusher despite being undersized and a wrap-up tackler. Ozougwu also has good awareness in coverage but because of his size, he might be seen as a tweener without a true position at the next level.

25. D’Aundre Reed – DE – 6-4 / 261 / Arizona (4.81, 30 BR)
Reed has a quick first step and long arms to help disengage from blocks, but he’s not a great run stopper and lacks a deep repertoire of pass rush moves.

26. Steven Friday – DE – 6-3 / 228 / Virginia Tech (4.66)
Possibly the best player with day of the week for a surname to ultimately play in the NFL since Jeff Saturday, Friday was a playmaker for Virginia Tech whether sacking the quarterback, making tackles for loss, or forcing fumbles.

27. Clay Nurse – DE – 6-3 / 259 / Illinois (4.87)
Speaking of surnames (after mentioning Steven Friday), this defensive end from Illinois could fittingly make opposing quarterbacks have the need for a nurse, as when DE Nurse had four sacks in a win over Minnesota in his senior season, during which Nurse earned honorable mention All-Big ten honors.

28. Kentrell Lockett – DE – 6-5 / 241 / Mississippi (4.78)
Lockett was named to the ALL-SEC third team with 39 tackles and five sacks as a junior and was a team captain as a senior, but he played in just three games that year after he suffered an ACL injury.

29. Demarcus Dobbs – DE – 6-2 / 281 / Georgia (4.87)
Dobbs lacks height for an end but a powerful lower body gives him good leverage at the point of attack. He projects as a possible reserve strong-side reserve in a 4-3 scheme. Like the Baltimore Ravens’ Michael Oher on the other side of the ball, Dobbs is an inspirational player who spent much of his youth in and out of foster homes before earning a scholarship to Georgia.

30. Jonathan Freeny – DE – 6-3 / 242 / Team (4.78)
Freeny was a second team All-Big East selection as a junior and was a major contributor on Rutgers’ defensive line.

31. Justin Trattou – DE – 6-4 / 255 / Florida (4.70)

32. Markell Carter – DE – 6-4 / 252 / Central Arkansas (4.76)

33. Gabe Miller – DE – 6-3 / 250 / Oregon State (4.63)

34. Zane Parr – DE – 6-6 / 275 / Virginia (4.95)

35. Craig Marshall – DE – 6-5 / 276 / South Florida (4.76)

36. Junior Tui’one – DE – 6-4 / 265 / Utah (4.74)

37. Roberto Davis – DE – 6-2 / 247 / Northwest Missouri State

38. Damario Ambrose – DE – 6-3 / 260 / Arkansas (4.80)

39. Jake Laptad – DE – 6-4 / 260 / Kansas (4.89)

40. Robert Eddins – DE – 6-2 / 242 / Ball State (4.79)

41. DeQuinn Evans – DE – 6-2 / 257 / Kentucky (5.06)

42. David Bedford – DE – 6-4 / 248 / South Florida (4.73)

43. Kiante Tripp – DE – 6-5 / 293 / Georgia (4.89)

44. Michael Lemon – DE – 6-3 / 274 / North Carolina State (4.85)

45. Alex Albright – DE – 6-5 / 250 / Boston College (4.82)

46. Ronnell Brown – DE – 6-2/ 270 / James Madison (4.84)

47. Rodney Gnat – DE – 6-2 / 249 / Louisville (4.80)

48. Lucas Patterson – DE – 6-4 / 293 / Texas A&M (5.12)

49. Duke Lemmens – DE – 6-3 / 250 / Florida (4.76)

50. Antoine Carter – DE – 6-3 / 259 / Auburn (4.76)

Big Talent From the Small Schools

2011-04-25T14:39:00.000-07:00

(the 11th Installment of the "Pro Draft Report" presented by Football Reporters)

Big Talent from the Small Schools

By Jay Horn-Special Contributor-Football Reporters Online

The 2011 Draft is jam-packed with talented players from non-FBS schools. 56 players from ‘small schools’ (Divisions 1-AA, 2, 3, and NAIA) where invited to this year’s NFL Combine. The conventional wisdom is shifting from the day when scouts only looked at a couple standouts from these lower-tier divisions. Recently, a number of impact players have come from “less” than the Division-1 farm system.

In 2008, Brandon Carr from perennial D-II power Grand Valley State broke in as a starting cornerback for the KC Chiefs after being taken in the 5th round, in 2009 RB Bernard Scott was a 6th round pick from Abilene Christian who dazzled the NFL in his rookie season with big kick-off returns and steady production in the backfield for the Cincinnati Bengals. Also that year, WR Johnny Knox, Scott’s teammate at ACU, has been extremely productive since entering the League as a 5th round pick with the Bears. Another ACU product, OT J’Marcus Webb, was taken in the 7th round and has earned a starting role with the Bears as well.

Last year, some of the NFL’s most exciting rookies came from ‘small schools.’ D-2 Tiffin Dragons RB Chris Ivory (who played only four games as a senior after suffering a broken leg) became a starter for the defending World Champion New Orleans Saints. GLIAC standout offensive tackle Jered Veldheer from Hillsdale, was taken in the 3rd round by the Raiders and was a fixture on the o-line starting at both center and tackle. Perhaps one of the best ‘feel good stories’ of this year was the success of former Chadron State and Harlon Hill winner RB Danny Woodhead. Originally drafted by the Jets and signed in 2008, Woodhead was cut, re-signed to the practice squad, then cut again and signed by the Patriots in 2010. He became one of the Patriots most productive offensive players, finishing the season with a career high 547 rushing yards on just 97 carries (5.64 per carry) and a TD. He also had 379 yards receiving on 34 catches with 5 TDs. His yards per rush was a Patriots team record and fourth in the NFL.

Who be this year’s Ivory, Veldheer or Woodhead? Here is a sampling of a few of the possibilities in the 2011 Draft:

OFFENSIVE PLAYERS:

OT Ben Ijalana – Villanova 6’ 3.6” 319 – 5.30 – 2nd-3rd round

WR Edmund Gates – ACU 5’ 11.5” 189 – 4.37 – 3rd - 5th round

RB Taiwan Jones – Eastern Washington - 5’ 11.4” – 4.40 – 3rd – 5th round

OG – Will Rackley – Lehigh - 6’ 3.3” 307 – 5.20 – 3rd - 5th round

C – Brandon Fusco – Slippery Rock – 6’ 4.1” 302 – 5.25 – 4th – 6th round

TE – Schuyler Oordt – Northern Iowa – 6’ 6.0” 261 – 5th – 7th Round

OT – David Mims – Virginia Union – 6’ 8.2 335 – 5.58 – 5th – 7th round

QB – Pat Devlin – Delaware – 6’ 3.3” 226 – 4.82 – 6th – 7th round

DEFENSIVE PLAYERS:

DT Kendrick Ellis – Hampton 6’ 5.0” 336 – 5.05 – 4th – 6th round

CB Korey Lindsey-Woods – Southern Illinois – 5’ 10.1 181 – 4.45 – 5th – 7th round

CB Buster Skrine – Chattanooga – 5’ 9.5 186 – 4.37 – 5th – 7th round

CB Ryan Jones – Northwest Missouri State – 5’ 11.0 197 – 4.42 – 4th – 6th round

DT Cedric Thornton – Southern Arkansas 6’ 3.5” 299 – 5.91 – 7th round - UDFA

2011 NFL Draft: Top 30 Centers Ranked

2011-04-25T07:24:00.000-07:00

(This is the 10th Installment of the "Pro Draft Report" presented by Football Reporters
Top 30 Centers Ranked for the 2011 NFL Draft
By Rafael Garcia Sr. Contributing Writer-Southeast Region-Football Reporters Online

1. Stefen Wisniewski C Penn State 6'3" 313 lbs. 40 Time: 5.26 Bench @225- 30x Sr. Wisniewski is very smart on and off the field. He excels in the classroom as well and teaches 10th grade English. He is the first Nittany Lion to start as a true freshman since 1999. He played guard his first two seasons and switched to center in his junior year. He is very sound fundamentally and knows how to use his body. He has NFL blood in him as his father and uncle both played on Sunday's before him. A very good interior lineman with good footwork. He will need to bulk up if he wants to play guard at the next level. He does not have that quickness or first step off the ball and he has to learn to use his hands better. He is also not the most athletic player on the field. He loves to do the work and could do very well in a zone blocking scheme. Loves to drive a player back with his leg strength to open holes for his backs. Very good at pulling in front of his backs too. He will become a great leader and expect him to play for many years in the NFL. Projected Round: 2

2. Rodney Hudson C Florida St. 6'2" 299 lbs. 40 Time: 5.27 Bench @225- 27x Sr. Hudson has been an All-American an won the Jacob's Blocking Trophy as the best offensive lineman in the ACC. He allowed only 1.5 sacks this year to go with just one penalty. Those are staggering numbers matched by no one in the conference. In the running game his blocking will need work because of his size. He is very quick off the snap and uses his size and leverage to make some big hits at times. Uses his hands to wrap and tackle blocker very effectively. Has very good technique when it comes to sealing off defender. Very good at the trap block using the defenders push to get to him and knock him to the ground. Is very quick to get to the point of contact and and get downfield to the second level.Has a tendency to bend too much and lose some balance in the process. He is undersized and could become a hidden gem at center in the future. His tendency to lunge cause him to miss badly on some tackles. He will have to bulk up to be able to sustain the punishment of the NFL. Projected Round: 2

3. Kristofer O'Dowd C USC 6'5" 300 lbs. 40 Time: 5.20 Bench @225- 31x Sr. O'Dowd is a very polished and experienced player. He is a very good run blocker that keeps his ground. He has above average leverage and is very good in pass protection. He is athletic and agile enough to get down the line of scrimmage. Has good size and is technically sound at his position. Gets off the ball quick and can get to the second level. He has battled knee and shoulder injuries during his collegiate career. Needs to improve his hand placement and learn to drive defenders off the line. He needs to improve his field vision as he has trouble locating quick pass rushers. Overall, he is very intelligent with great instincts and awareness. He has great work ethic and has played plenty of games against the best opposition in the land. He needs to become more physical and bulk up for the next level. His durability will be questioned. Projected Round: 4

4. Alex Linnenkohl C Oregon St. 6'2" 303 lbs. 40 Time: 5.36 Bench @225- 24x Sr. Linnenkohl may lack the height for his position, but that allows him to play with great leverage at the line. He is very good at getting around his blocks and getting to the next level. Shows agility in the pass game and possess decent athleticism. He is very quick off the line and uses his hands very well. Above average foot work, range and flexibility. Does not have the needed upper body strength. He shows that he has a good football mind and loves to hit defenders. He has a tendency to be overpowered by more physical defenders. His lack of power will make it hard to stick with his block for the whole play. He excels on the pull and pivot when trying to get his block. Looks to make an NFL roster in the future, probably in a zone-blocking scheme. Since he probably won't get any taller he will have to add a lot of bulk to sustain an NFL career. Projected Round: 5

5. Brandon Fusco C Slippery Rock 6'5" 305 lbs. 40 Time: 5.18 Bench @225- 26x Sr. Fusco is a very big and physical football player. His long arms allow him to dominate opposing players. He has great leverage and uses it exceptionally well in the run game. He has excellent footwork that allows him to make the block and get down field. He loves to put in the work and will undoubtably be a leader in the future. He does not have a lot of experience at his position and needs to improve on his pull. Does not possess the speed and agility, so he will need to work on that. Though he comes from a Division 2 school he is one of the highest ranked offensive lineman in the country. Once he gets to the second level and finds his block, defenders will not stand a chance. Durability should not be a question since he never missed a game during his career. As long as he continues to improve there is little doubt he will be a starter. Projected Round: 5

6. Tim Barnes C Missouri 6'4" 300 lbs. 40 Time: 5.18 Bench @ 225- N/A Sr. Barnes is very athletic and has the quickness needed to be a center. He is solid in pass protection and plays very aggressive football. He has good football smarts and could work in a zone blocking offense. Has a quick snap from center and his first step allows him to get to his defender. He shows good lower body work and agility. Very good at picking up stunts and moving in space. He will need to work on many things first. Film has shown that he stands straight up too much when blocking in the pass or run game. He must learn to use his leg drive much more. Does not work well against 3-4 defense. Needs to work on his anchor strength to hold off oncoming rusher. He has the potential to be a guard if he wants to. Projected Round: 6

7. Ryan Bartholomew C Syracuse 6'2" 300 lbs. 40 Time: 4.93 Bench @225- 34x Sr. He is a very solid overall player that excels in the passing game. His long arms allow him to keep his defender at a distance. He has very good lateral movement and has the power needed for his position. Has good footwork that allows him to be effective once he reaches the linebackers. He uses his legs to get the advantage against bigger defenders. Very good at getting into the proper position for the block. Has good field vision and recognition of the play. Has the tendency to not finish a play and needs to keep his head up more. He is very inconsistent in screen blocking. Needs to work more on his drive off the ball. His lack of height and weight may be an issue, but his strength and mobility are not. His combine numbers were very impressive, but he will need a whole lot more than that to make it. Projected Round: FA

8. Kevin Kowalski C Toledo 6'4" 299 lbs. 40 Time: 5.05 Bench @225- N/A Sr. Kowalski is a very smart player that possess the strength and power to stay at the next level. His recognition of blitzes and stunts are solid. He has very good footwork as well as getting the angles. He has the ability and experience to play guard. He has great work ethic on and off the field. He is very good at his reads and line calls. He is very solid at getting into position for the block. He is not very athletic and plays too high at times. He struggles with quicker defenders and needs to hold his block longer. He tends to lean into defenders too much and is a step to slow. Needs to improve his hand placement to offset his lack of size. Does not possess enough lower body strength. Projected Round: 6

9. Zach Williams C Washington St. 6'3" 309 lbs. 40 Time: 5.18 Bench @225- 28x Sr.
Williams is a hard worker who fights to get into position to make blocks. Effective puller who can blocks in space. Explosive blocks on the second level on screen passes. Picks up stunts and blitzes well. Very good awareness and field vision. Can get past defender and get to the second level. A waist bender with adequate at best strength. Inconsistent use of leverage. Lacks the foot quickness to slide over in pass pro against quicker rushers. Needs a better anchor in pass protection. Needs to work getting bulked up to be able to dominate at the next level. Projected Round: FA

10. Zane Taylor C Utah 6'2" 309 lbs. 40 Time: 5.61 Bench @225- 33x Sr. Taylor is one of the most underrated prospects in this draft. A very smart player with a good football IQ. He has excellent lateral movement and knows how to stay square. He knows how to use his hands and arms an possess enough upper body strength. Very good against the run and can drive his defender back. Good at the pull and getting to the second level. His footwork and effort make him a good open field blocker. Loves to play aggressive and as tough as nails. He works very hard at finishing off his block. His short arms won't help him and he gets beat by quicker defensive linemen. Needs to improve his field vision and reading the defense. He needs work against stunts, blitzes and stop lunging so much. He needs to learn his craft much more to stay on a team. Still, his versatility and upside should intrigue a few teams. Projected Round: FA

11. Jason Kelce C Cincinnati 6'4" 280 lbs. 40 Time: 4.93 Kelce plays hard nose, aggressive, don't stop till the whistle football. He loves to attack his opponent with his smack you in the mouth attitude. He is outstanding using his hands in pass protection and run blocking. Has the lateral quickness and good knee bend for a adequate base. Has a great anchor though his size may not show that. Has the strength to put his man down and get to the second level. Gets the good angle on stretch plays and can come off a double team as well. Very good snapper in the shotgun. In order to be more effective at the next level he will have to improve his base. Needs work on drive blocking and awareness. He needs to improve on help defense and his footwork. He is not very effective picking up stunts and blitzes. Projected Round: FA

12. Colin Baxter C Arizona 6'3" 311 lbs. 40 Time: 5.42 Bench @225- 22x Sr. Baxter is smart football player. Gives 100 % effort and is average in pass and run blocking. Needs to work on bulking up and his footwork. Injuries to his knee will worry some teams. Projected Round: FA

13. Ryan McMahon C Florida St. 6'2" 285 lbs. 40 Time: 5.16 Sr. McMahon is a very durable player starting 53 straight games during his career. He has a high football IQ with a lot of determination. His size will be an issue and he will have to work his tail off to play every Sunday for years to come. Projected Round: FA

14. Chase Beeler C Stanford 6'3" 285 lbs. 40 Time: 5.26 Sr. Beeler may be small for his position, but he is quick of the ball and to the block. Very good in pass protection with good vision and field awareness. Make good line calls and reads stunts and defenses pretty good. His size will be an issue as will his power. He will need more work as a run blocker. Projected Round: FA

15. J.C. Brignone C Mississippi St. 6'1" 304 lbs. 40 Time: 5.16 Sr. Brignone is a very intelligent player with excellent awareness. He is quick of his stance and is effective in pass protection. Does not posses the best athleticism or speed. Needs to work on field vision more. Gets bullied too much at times. Projected Round: FA

16. Alan Pelc C North Carolina 6'5" 302 lbs. 40 Time: 5.38 Sr. Pelc is very good on the angle block. Gets out of stance quick and prepared for the block in the pass and run game. Very limited player that needs to work on footwork, sealing off defender and his leg drive to name a few. Projected Round: FA

17. Howard Barbieri C Rutgers 6'5" 305 lbs. 40 Time: 5.34 Sr. Barbieri has very good size for a center in the NFL. Very strong with good hand work. Knows his assignments and gets to next level pretty quickly. He is another limited player that will need work on blocking, footwork and consistency. Projected Round: FA

18. Donovan Edwards C California 6'5" 295 lbs. 40 Time: 5.27 Sr. Edwards has good athleticism and technique for a big man. Reads and plays stunts very good. Gets to second level. Needs to be better at his footwork and using his hands in pass protection. Projected Round: FA

19. Ryan Pugh C Auburn 6'2" 300 lbs. 40 Time: 5.18 Sr. Pugh is another intelligent player that makes the right protection calls. Good at seeing the field and run block. He will need work on run blocking and his agility. Projected Round: FA

20. Julian Vandervelde C Iowa 6'2" 294 lbs. 40 Time: 4.90 Sr. Vandervelde is a good athlete with some quickness. Has good balance and can move laterally. Picks up stunts. His small frame will hinder him at the next level. Power is limited. Projected Round: FA

21. Colin Miller C Central Michigan 6'3" 299 lbs. 40 Time: 5.30 Sr.

22. Beau Warren C Virginia Tech 6'3" 292 lbs. 40 Time: 5.12 Sr.

23. Taylor Boggs C Humboldt St. 6'2" 294 lbs. 40 Time: 5.38 Sr.

24. Matt Allen C Texas A&M 6'3" 281 lbs. 40 Time: 5.23 Sr.

25. Brad Thorson C Kansas 6'4" 301 lbs. 40 Time: 5.29 Sr.

26. Brad Serini C Florida International 6'2" 296 lbs. 40 Time: 5.44 Sr.

27. Jordan Holmes C Oregon 6'4" 305 lbs. 40 Time: 5.58 Sr.

28. Chris Guarnero C California 6'3" 289 lbs. 40 Time: 5.34 Sr.

29. John Gianninoto C UNLV 6'3" 292 lbs. 40 Time: 5.25 Sr.

30. Ailao Eliapo C San Jose St. 6'1" 295 lbs. 40 Time: 5.25 Sr.

Football Reporters' NFL Mock Draft-A Palooza 2011

2011-04-24T14:28:00.000-07:00

By the Staff of Football Reporters Online with Special Guests
Edited By Dr. Bill Chachkes

This past Thursday evening was very special for us at The FRO! Not only was it our annual Mock Draft-A-Palooza Show it was also the 3rd Anniversary of our First Broadcast on Blog Talk radio! To date we have had over 1.7 Million live listeners and total downloads. We want to thank our listeners for their support, and to all of our Mock Draft GM's, Our regular staff that took part, Bill Carroll, Don Stokes, and Ralph Garcia, Anthony Carrillo, Our new writing intern Mark Kern of Kansas State, as well as several Guest GM's for the evening, Matt Elder, Eric Dolan, Joel Barker from First Round Exchange, and our "Celebrity" Draft Prospect who joined us, Mike Montoya, a RB from Laurier College in Canada. Here then we present our 2011 Mock Draft-a-Palooza!

1.

Carolina Panthers- Nick Fairley

2.

Denver Broncos- Marcel Darius

3.

Buffalo Bills- Cam Newton

4.

Cincinnati Bengals- A.J Green

5.

Arizona Cardinals- Von Miller

6.

Cleveland Browns- Robert Quinn

7.

San Francisco 49ers- Patrick Petersen

8.

Tennessee Titans-Julio Jones

9.

Dallas Cowboys- Prince Akamura

10.

Washington Redskins- Jake Locker

11.

Houston Texans- Cameron Jordan

12.

Minnesota Vikings- Blaine Gabbert

13.

Detroit Lions- Tyrone Smith

14.

St. Louis Rams- Anthony Castonzo

15.

Miami Dolphins- Mike Pouncey

16.

Jacksonville Jaguars- Da Quan Bowers

17.

New England (from Oakland)- JJ Watts

18.

San Diego Chargers-Corey Liuget

19.

New York Giants- Ben Ijalana

20.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Mohammad Wilkerson

21.

Kansas City Chiefs- Aldon Smith

22.

Indianapolis Colts- Derrek Sherrod

23.

Philadelphia Eagles- Mark Ingram Jr.

24.

New Orleans Saints- Ryan Kerrigan

25.

Seattle Seahawks- Jimmy Smith

26.

Baltimore Ravens-Torrey Smith

27.

Atlanta Falcons- Gabe Carimi

28.

New England Patriots-Nate Solder

29.

Chicago Bears- Ras-I-Dowling

30.

New York Jets-Phil Taylor

31.

Pittsburgh Steelers-Kyle Rudolph

32.

Green Bay Packers- Cameron Heyward

2011 NFL DRAFT: An overview of the top Offensive Linemen

2011-04-21T22:46:00.000-07:00

This is the 9th Installment of the "Pro Draft Report" presented by Football Reporters Online)

By Mark Kern-Writing Intern-Football Reporters Online

1. Mike Pouncey OL. 6’5’’ 303lbs 5.28 40 yd.

Pouncey is the brother of Pittsburgh Steelers lineman Maurkice Pouncey. Blessed with the same talent as his brother, Mike has a chance to be a very good lineman. He has all the physical tools and knows how to play. One thing Pouncey needs to do is to get a little stronger. Defensive lineman that are very strong are able to go through them every once in a while. Look for Mike to join his brother in being a first round pick somewhere around 13-18.

2. Tyron Smith OT 6’5’’ 307lbs 5.10 40yd.

Smith is an extremely raw tackle. He is not as polished as some of the other lineman in the draft, but is believed to have the most potential. He is a very athletic big man who can get out in lead the running back down the field. Will probably start out on the right side of the line, but has the capability to eventually play the left tackle for many years. He should be off the board right around the same time Pouncey does.

3. Anthony Costanzo OT 6’7’’ 295 5.2 40yd.

Constanzo is very intelligent football player that is going to play hard every play. Constanzo really excels in pass blocking; which he shown in a match-up with another potential first round pick DaQuan Bowers of Clemson. A slight on him is that he is tends to not keep the same intensity for lesser opponents. That will need to be fix as there are no plays off in the NFL. Overall, another outstanding lineman in this class and should be off the board from 18-21 in the first round.

4. Gabe Camiri OT 6’7’’ 325 lbs. 5.03 40 yd.

Camiri was a standout lineman that featured one of the best ground games in the country. He showed how good he was going against standout defensive linemen Adrian Clayborn and Cameron Heyward. He also showed a very good ability to get his block early and then get to the linebackers. He needs to get stronger in the legs and work on his footwork. Camiri will not make it past the Eagles at 23 and the Chiefs at 21 could take him as well.

5. Nate Solder OT 6’8’’ 319 lbs 4.96 40 yd.

Solder is a freak athlete. He weighs 320 pounds and is able to run a sub 5.0 40 yd. dash. This impressive athleticism including his incredible makes it very tough for the defensive end to get around him. A negative is that he only benched 225 21 times, so a lot of people say that he is weak and will struggle with big d-lineman. However, if you could get him to get stronger while keeping his athleticism, then you have a potential star at tackle. He will go in the later first round possibly to the Jets or Steelers.

6. Derrick Sherrod OT 6’5’’ 308 pounds 5.18 40 yd.

He is very athletic for a man his size. Once he gets his hands on you, he does not seem to let you go. When he gets someone smaller than him, he sometimes gets lazy and just tries to lean on them causing himself to lose his balance. Overall, he is a solid lineman who will be a bargain in the middle of the second round.

7. Danny Watkins T 6’4’’ 310 lbs. 5.46 40 yd.

He is the opposite of Solder. Watkins is kind of the old school a lot nastier physical lineman. Takes it upon himself to make sure the quarterback does not get hit. He was a huge reason why the Baylor Bears offense was so improved and helped lead them to a bowl. Watkins is still raw on his blocking and the fact that he will be 27 to start his rookie season will make some people pass on him. Smith will probably be an early 2nd round pick with a chance of sneaking in at the end of the first round if teams start drafting lineman.

8. Rodney Hudson C 6’2’’ 288 lbs 5.08 40 yd .

Hudson is a very athletic lineman that gets out and leads on the sweeps. He has a great understanding for the game and is able to help the quarterback out by making sure his lineman know who has who on different blitzes. Not extremely big guy that does have a tendency to struggle with the big defensive tackles. If drafted into a system that likes the quicker linemen, could develop into a very solid pro for many years.

9. Stefen Wisniewski, G 6’3’’ 295 lbs 5.11 40 yd.

Started the sixth game of the sixth game his freshman year and was the starter after that. He is thought to be a center and the NFL and with his athleticism has a real chance to be an elite center. A negative is that he struggles with his balance against a quick smaller rusher. He is the nephew of former pro-bowl and current Oakland Raiders offensive line coordinator Steve Wesniewski. There is a possibility that he could be reunited with his uncle early in the second round, but look for him to go more towards the later part of the second.

10. Ben Ijalana-OT/OG 6"3-1/4" 320 5.36 40 Yd.

Started 53 games for FCS powerhouse Villanova of the CAA. A quality lineman with very good feet and hands and good frame. Very bright young man who should have little trouble learning the NFL game if he has a year to "ease in." Better then average balance and flexibility. Not always as explosive off the snap as you might like, but can improve that with the right finishing. Might not be a OLT for most teams but could play anywhere else on the line.

11. Marcus Gilbert G/T 6’6’’ 315 lbs 5.53 40 yd.

Gilbert is extremely tough to get around as a defensive lineman. He is a very fluid athlete that shows the ability to get to the second level and block. Has a real tendency to just not put out the effort that is needed. He also does not finish blocks like he should. Talent-wise, he has the potential to be a high round draft pick, and if he can get his lazy streaky fixed, could be a huge steal in the third round.

12. James Carpenter OT 6’5 300lbs 5.02 40 yd.

Carpenter is another very athletic offensive lineman in this class. He went to Coffeyville Community College in Kansas to develop before going to Alabama and performing very well. He is very good at getting out and blocking downfield for his running back. He tends to block to finesse and does not just deliver the devastating block he is capable of. He is going to need some good coaching, but in the right system could be a very effective right tackle. He will probably be drafted in the second to third round

Sleeper: Marcus Cannon OT 6’6’’ 355 lbs 5.36 40 yd.

Cannon is as big as lineman as you will find. What has the scouts loving him is that for his size, he is extremely athletic and agile. He is very strong in the upper body bench-pressing 225 33 times. His main weakness is that he does not have a high football I.Q. He does not read a blitz very well, causing him to whiff on some blocks. However, the size and athleticism is too good to knock take a chance, he could go as high as 2nd round, but will probably go late third.

2011 NFL Draft Fullback Rankings

2011-04-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

By Rafael Garcia

Sr. Contributing Writer-Southeast Region-Football Reporters Online

1. Stanley Havili FB USC 6'0" 227 lbs. 40 Time: 4.64 Sr.

Havili is not your hard runner but can be very effective. He shows some patience and follows his blockers. He is quick and can make the cuts necessary. Has balance and power to get between the tackles. When he gets to the edge he can get you yards. He has good field vision and has the knack of making the tackler miss. Good in the open field with the ability to make the sharp cut to avoid a tackler. He can also do some blocking in the passing game. He picks up the blitzing player and plays strong. He will not blow you away with his power overall but will hold on to the ball. Has good hands out of the backfield and will run good routes. Needs to work on his open field blocking and decision making. Gets hurt now and then but often plays through the pain. Can improve on his straight burst to through the line after the snap. Takes to lunging too much at times which is a reason he does not hold his block as long as he should. Projected Round: 2

2. Charles Clay FB Tulsa 6'3" 245 lbs. 40 Time: 4.69 Sr.

Clay is strong and the type of back that will drag his tackler and still get the yards needed. He is versatile and has played the H-back spot. He works well using his head fakes and some jukes. Can block one man at a time not more than that. Uses his arms well too. Has a good base and will protect his quarterback. Will work in an offense where the quarterback likes to use his FB often. Has played special teams which will be a requirement on the next level. Has tendency to run too high and give defenders too much to hit. Needs to have better field vision and awareness. Needs to become a better route runner and not take so long to get open. Does not put ball on outside hand like he should when carrying the ball. He must work on sustaining his block longer when getting to the second level. Has a tendency to get injured and be inconsistent. Projected Round: 3

3. Owen Marecic FB Stanford 6'0" 246 lbs. 40 Time: 4.80

Marecic is a big strong guy. Loves to hit and be hit hard. Has very good technique and a fair football IQ. He is effective in pass rush blocking and has good knee bend. Can catch the ball out of the backfield with his good hands. Get the yards after the catch and can pop a would be tackler good. Will work out good in short yardage situations. Very competitive player that will earn the respect of his peers in the future. Does not possess the speed and quickness needed to sustain himself game in and game out. needs to work on run blocking skills and he won't blow you away carrying the ball. He needs to work on his field vision, awareness and reading the defense. He will be a project at best and may get a better look if he were to try his hand at linebacker. Projected Round: 4

4. Shaun Chapas FB Georgia 6'2" 247 lbs 40 Time: 4.87 Sr.

Chapas is like a throwback who is tough and stays with his man till the end. Good lead blocker when he uses his feet properly. He will hit you hard and is good on pass protection. Has good awareness and and can catch the ball out of the backfield. Gets to the second level and hits the linebacker hard. He will need to work on his technique and blocking. He will not overwhelm his opponent so he will need to bulk up and get stronger. Has a problem recognizing where his assignment is. He needs to get into better position to catch the ball. Misses his block due to lack of mobility. He will never be a factor in the running game so he will have a lot of special teams work. Projected Round: 5

5. Henry Hynoski FB Pittsburgh 6'0" 257 lbs. 40 Time: 5.06 Jr.

Hynoski is a very aggressive player with the knack to block one man and hit another too. He has the power to drive his defender back. He has shown that he has that ability to reach away from him to make the catch. Very good football IQ. Long arms will help sustain his block. Has the athleticism and will block in the run game. Looks to benefit as a lead blocker with his frame. He will help in pass protection too. Does not have the speed and quickness needed for the position. This limits his ability to be a difference maker in the run game. Will not get you yards after the catch in the passing game. Needs work on field vision and recognition of the play around him. Can play too high and does not have good knee bend. Footwork is really suspect at best. He needs to finish the play and not quit when defender gets the best of him. Projected Round: 5

6. Anthony Sherman FB Connecticut 5'11" 239 lbs. 40 Time: 4.70 Sr.

Sherman has a good build for his position. He gets good leverage in run and pass blocking. Good at making the block and then creating space for his running mate. Has a good base and works the point of attack. He is not the most versatile back and needs a a lot of work. His footwork is below average and he needs to learn to use his hands. He will not make any kind of impact on any offense as a ball carrier. Struggles in the passing game once he catches the ball. Does not have the ability to make tacklers miss in the open field. Does not have the field vision to change a play or see the oncoming hit. The fact that he not very versatile will make it hard to stay with an NFL team. He may fit in at special teams, but even that is a reach. Projected Round: 6

7. Robert Hughes FB Notre Dame 5'11" 245 lbs 40 Time: 4.72 Sr.

Hughes is very strong and has good size for fullback. He will put in the work and it shows on the field. There is no questioning his heart and effort. He has soft hands as a receiver and is good at blocking on special teams. He will study his craft hard and will earn the respect of players. He does not have the speed or agility to make it on a team.. The fact is he lacks the pop to be a lead blocker. He is not very athletic and needs to greatly improve his footwork. He is not very effective in the passing and running game at blocking. Will not wow anyone at the next level and may have to settle for being on the practice squad. His lack of overall talent will hurt his chances. Projected Round: 7

8. Ryan Taylor FB North Carolina 6'3" 250 lbs. 40 Time: 4.76 Sr.

Taylor has the speed to get off the snap of the ball quickly. Has good hand work on the defender and possess good lateral movement. Able to sustain his block and hold back his defender. Very good at sealing off man and loves to attack the play. He can pull a bit and has good football awareness. Though he can sustain a block, he will have trouble keeping a stronger man down. He appears to need work on his field vision and reading the defense. Does not have the anchor necessary to make in the long haul. Needs work on his balance and staying off the ground so much. Does not have a lot of experience in the passing game. His leverage was good in college but there will be questions at the next level. Projected Round: 7

9. Brett Morse FB Iowa 6'2" 235 lbs. 40 Time: 4.89 Sr.

Morse s a big kid that plays physical. He has the right size for his position and and has good football smarts. Very competitive player that will play every week if he makes a team and sticks. He can provided a punishing lead block. Plays until the whistle and gives maximum effort. Always stays with his block in the passing and running game. Plays too stiff and straight up giving defenders more of a target. Does not have the best speed and needs work catching the football. Will not get you many yards after the catch and his field vision is average at best. Is weak at pass protection and cannot pick up the blitz too good. It is going to be hard for him to make a team as a fullback and it may be just as hard to make special teams. This kid is a prospect at best, but he will give it his all. Projected Round: FA

10. Kenny Younger FB Virginia Tech 5'11" 228 lbs. 40 Time: 4.80 Sr.

Younger is very flexible and agile. He has the ability to get that lead block and contain his man. Will provide that block at the second level and is a decent cut-blocker. Can get to the edge and seal off his man. He has average hands in the receiving game and can greatly improve on that. His size will not help keep a job in the NFL. He has not produced much in the run game during his collegiate career. On top of that he had only four receptions to further hinder his chances. He missed a season due to a knee injury and that will be looked at too. Has played some at defensive end and tight end but that won't help him. Overall, Younger will have to go above and beyond and commit like never before to have a chance to even make a practice squad. Projected Round: FA

11. Patrick DiMarco FB North Carolina 6'1" 240 lbs. 40 Time: 4.75 Sr.

DiMarco is one tough cookie like one of the old school players. He is considered one of the best isolation blockers on college football. He has great technique and a good football IQ. He is not big enough or fast enough to make a difference. It will be hard for him to stick on a team. Projected Round: FA

12. Jon Hoese FB Minnesota 6'2" 236 lbs. 40 Time: 4.90 Sr.

Hoese is a tough nose player that has good size for a fullback. He gives maximum effort and finishes his blocks. Is not the most athletic or flexible player. Will try to make it as a special team player where he did a lot of work in college. Projected Round: FA

13. Ben Guidulgi FB Cincinnati 6'1" 232 lbs. 40 Time: 4.77 Sr.

Guidulgi has the size and good hands for a fullback. May give a team good production in the passing game. Does not posses the necessary speed and versatility. Needs a lot of work on blocking skills and special teams to make it.

14. Lucas Cox FB Georgia Tech 5'11" 243 lbs. 40 Time: 4.80 Sr.

Cox is a big strong player that plays physical. Good lead blocker as well. Will need to work on the fundamentals like footwork, hand placement and awareness. Projected Round: FA

15. Kevin Cooper FB Tennessee 6'0" 242 lbs. 40 Time: 4.76 Sr.

Cooper has good football vision. Excels at lead blocking and hard work. Needs to learn how to be more of a factor in the offense. Work on pass catching. Projected Round: FA

16. Brian Maddox FB South Carolina 5'10" 230 lbs. 40 Time: 4.56 Sr.

Maddox is a versatile back that can be effective in the running and passing game. He has a knack for getting the ball into the end zone. Must bulk up to sustain day-to-day grind of the NFL. Projected Round: FA

17. Marcus Sims FB North Alabama 6'0" 235 lbs. 40 Time: 4.50 Sr.

Sims is a very good blocker and is effective in the running game. Will need to work very hard at everything to keep a job on Sunday's. Projected Round: FA

18. Matt Dunham FB Florida State 6'1" 258 lbs. 40 Time: 4.74 Sr.

Dunham is a big guy that can provide a pop off the ball. Does not have a lot of experience at his position, so he has lots of studying to do. Projected Round: FA

19. Dan Dierking FB Purdue 5'9" 195 lbs. 40 Time: 4.54 Sr.

Dierking has been pretty good in the passing and running game. His size will hurt him so he will need to add weight and muscle. Projected Round:FA

20. Bryant Ward FB Oklahoma St. 5'11" 241 lbs. 40 Time: 4.95 Sr.

Ward is a good solid lead blocker with size. Has athleticism and loves to play the power game. Needs to work on filed vision and awareness. Projected Round: FA

21. Dean Rogers FB UC Davis 6'1" 242 lbs. 40 Time: 4.97 Sr.

22. Ryan Mahaffey FB Northern Iowa 6'2" 256 lbs. 40 Time: 4.87 Sr.

23. Mark Moundros FB Michigan 6'1" 234 lbs. 40 Time: 4.87 Sr.

24. Moncell Allen FB Kentucky 5'6" 237 lbs. 40 Time: 4.98 Sr.

25. Patrick Hanrahan FB Mississippi St. 5'11" 235 lbs. 40 Time: 4.92 Sr.

26. Johdrick Morris FB Southern Mississippi 6'3" 218 lbs. 40 Time: 4.81 Sr.

27. James McCluskey Boston College FB 6'2" 252 lbs. 40 Time: 4.78 Sr.

28. Jake Hutton FB Idaho St. 6'0" 228 lbs. 40 Time: 4.76 Sr.

29. Corday Clark FB McNeese St. 6'1" 234 lbs. 40 Time: 4.72 Sr.

30. Vai Tafuna FB Weber St. 6'1" 240 lbs. 40 Time: 4.87 Sr.

2011 NFL Draft Tight End Rankings

2011-04-19T01:54:00.000-07:00

(This is the 7th Installment of the "Pro Draft Report" present by Football Reporters Online)

By Dan Benton-CEO Giants 101.com

1. Kyle Rudolph-TE-6’6-259 lbs.-Notre Dame-Cincinnati, OH-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 1st Round

Rudolph gets off the line exceptionally well for his size and has shown great hands. He’s known to be a great teammate, and has all of the intangibles. He will need to work on his route running as he tends to round out patterns. He also doesn’t break as many tackles as he should for his size, and runs a little too upright. He’s likely to be a mid-to-late first round selection, and could potentially become one of the better all-around tight end’s in the NFL in a short amount of time.

2. Luke Stocker-TE-6’5-258 lbs.-Tennessee-Berea, KY-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.68; Cone – 7.03) Draft Projection: 2nd Round

Stocker has tremendous hands, and can adjust well to poorly thrown balls thanks in large part to good body control. He runs north-south when he has the ball, and lowers his shoulder upon impact. His size makes him difficult to bring down. He does tend to stop and turn to catch passes, as opposed to hauling them in on the move. Stops momentum. Could be a solid run blocker if he were to hit the gym, but will enter the NFL as a bit of a project in that area. His route running could also use some improvement.

3. Lance Kendricks-TE-6’3-243 lbs.-Wisconsin-Milwaukee, WI-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.65; Cone – 6.94) Draft Projection: 3rd Round

Kendricks is a unique blend of speed and size. He’s very athletic, has solid hands and makes good adjustments to the ball in the air. His route running is quite crisp, although he could become a bit more consistent. He is a good blocker, but lacks the frame to be dominant at the next level. He struggles to make defenders miss in the open field. He’s a bit of a work in progress, but could potentially be a starting NFL tight end in a couple of years.

4. D.J. Williams-TE-6’2-245 lbs.-Arkansas-Little Rock, AR-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.59; Cone – 7.29) Draft Projection: 3rd Round

Williams does a good job at getting separation and is quick off the line when he’s not being pressed. He has very good north-south speed, and makes very good cuts. He runs route well, and is agile enough to fake out defenders. He’s a hard worker and team leader. He lacks size and gets out-matched when blocking. His balance is also frequently caused into question. One-dimensional.

5. Rob Housler-TE-6’5-248 lbs.-Florida Atlantic- Converse, TX-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.46; Cone – 6.90) Draft Projection: 3rd – 4th Round

Housler is the prototypical size for an NFL tight end, and has the soft hands to match it. He has good balance, runs good routes and may be the fastest tight end in the draft. He’s a mature, hardworking team player. He lacks the strength to be an every-down NFL player and gets beaten by more powerful and physical defenders while blocking. He tends to get jammed at the line or caught up in traffic.

6. Virgil Green-TE-6’3-249 lbs.-Nevada-Tulare, CA-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.54; Cone – 6.90) Draft Projection: Draft Projection: 4th Round

Green has catapulted up draft boards with a good Combine, and has shown flashes of brilliant natural athleticism. He has very good hands, good speed and decent size for a tight end. He’s still extremely raw, very inconsistent with his route running and a very poor blocker. He lacks aggressiveness and may be looked at as an “H-Back” at the next level. The building blocks are there, and if put together properly, Green could be very solid.

7. Jordan Cameron-TE-6’5-254 lbs.-Southern California-Newbury Park, CA-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.53; Cone – 6.82) Draft Projection: 4th Round

Cameron has good straight-line speed, a nice burst off the line and an ability to shed defenders. He’s got long arm and soft hands. He’s got a no-fear soft of attitude, and is extremely aggressive on the field. A position switch from wide receiver and little playing time prior to that has really limited Cameron’s development. Has done very little work on his blocking skill, and would need to bulk up in order to compete with larger players in the NFL. His route running remains suspect.

8. Andre Smith-TE-6’5-269 lbs.-Virginia Tech-Savannah, GA-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 4th – 5th Round

Smith has very good size, a lot of experience and may be one of the best blocking tight ends in the draft. He has a good base, good footwork and does a great job sealing the edge. He can run block and pass block, which will be unique combination for teams are evaluating tight ends. He’s rarely used as a receiver, lacks speed and will not be used as an offensive threat at the next level. On occasion, he will result to a poor blocking technique, but that should be easily corrected by coaches in the NFL.

9. Julius Thomas-TE-6’5-246 lbs.-Portland State-Stockton, CA-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.64; Cone – 6.96) Draft Projection: 5th Round

Thomas looked very natural during the NFL combine and got the attention of many scouts. He showed soft hands, the ability to catch the ball away from his body and displayed good speed for a man of his size. He’s extremely athletic and a natural on the field. He does lack experience and has a lot of learning to do. He’s a poor route runner, lack awareness and has to develop many football instincts before he reaches his ceiling. He’s a basketball player turned football player and that has set him back a few years.

10. Mike McNeill-TE-6’4-232 lbs.-Nebraska-Kirkwood, MO-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 5th – 6th Round

McNeill is a reliable receiver with good hands and deceptive speed. He does a good job catching and securing the ball before turning upfield, and has turned into a solid redzone threat. He’s been known to pick apart zone coverage’s, but is able to haul in a pass in traffic as well. He lack elusiveness in the open field and gets jammed by larger linebackers. He’s a below-average blocker who would need to bulk up to survive in the NFL. He also has a history of injury (toe, shoulder and ribs) which may raise some red flags.

11. Lee Smith-TE-6’6-269 lbs.-Marshall-Powell, TN-Combine Numbers (40T – 5.01; Cone – 7.13) Draft Projection: 7th Round

Smith was the tallest tight end to attend the NFL Combine. Obviously, he’s got great size for a tight end, is a very solid target in the redzone and has good hands. He’s also a good blocker with power. He does lack good speed and struggles to gain separation. He lacks experience and has had some minor off the field issues in the past.

12. Charlie Grantt-TE-6’4-255 lbs.-Michigan State-Farmington Hills, MI-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.89; Cone – 7.15) Draft Projection: 7th Round

Grantt is a very intelligent football player. He catches the ball at its highest point and has become moderately reliable in the passing game. He’s a very good blocker and does an excellent job sealing the edges. He can be a little sluggish, lacks constant concentration and needs to make several adjustments as a receiver.

13. Zack Pianalto-TE-6’3-256 lbs.-North Carolina-Springdale, AR-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.87; Cone – 6.85) Draft Projection: FA

Pianalto is a very good route runner who plays specifically well against zone coverages. He’s capable of making difficult catches in traffic and was North Carolina’s leading receiver in 2010 prior to an injury shutting him down for the final seven games. He isn’t the fasted, has some problems when blocking and has a long history of injuries.

14. Weslye Saunders-TE-6’5-270 lbs.-South Carolina-Curham, NC-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA

Saunders is quite athletic, has deceptive speed and good size. He high points the ball and gives defenders a lot of trouble when trying to bring him down. Very good balance and lower body strength. He’s somewhat inconsistent, lacks discipline and has some serious character concerns. May not be taking this career seriously.

14. Schuylar Oordt-TE-6’6-261 lbs.-Northern Iowa-Waterloo, IA-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.67; Cone - 6.83) Draft Projection: FA

Oordt has good size and good speed. He gets off the line quickly and shown a good ability to find holes in coverage. He’s tough and doesn’t fear hauling in a pass over the middle. He needs to learn to catch the balls with his hands as opposed to his body, and really need to improve as a blocker. He also needs to increase his lower body strength.

15. Cameron Graham-TE-6’3-244 lbs.-Louisville-Inglewood, CA-Combine Numbers (40T – 5.11; Cone – 7.19) Draft Projection: FA

Graham is a very good receiver with soft hands. He adjusts well to the ball and is a powerful runner. He has an incredible stiff-arm and plays with an attitude. He’s very slow and lacks elusiveness. He’s not going to outrun anyone and lacks athleticism to become a true weapon in the NFL.

16. Kyle Adams-TE-6’5-257 lbs.-Purdue-Austin, TX-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.83; Cone – N/A) Draft Projection: FA

Adams is very quick and reaches stop speed in the blink of an eye. He possesses good balance, flexibility and the athleticism to adjust. He’s a good character guy who gets the best out of those around him. Lacks the strength to be a force while blocking, and has displayed very poor technique. Missed the entire 2008 season due to a knee injury.

17. Allen Reisner-TE-6’2-248 lbs.-Iowa-Marion, IA-Combine Numbers (40T – 4.97; Cone - 7.31) Draft Projection: FA

Reisner is a very good receiver who broke out in 2010. He has big hands, catches the ball away from his body and has tremendous awareness. He’s a well-rounded player, but may be looked at as an H-back in the NFL. He lacks the strength to compete with powerful NFL defenders and his ceiling may be near.

18. Konrad Reuland-TE-6’5-258 lbs.-Standofrd-Mission Viejo, CA-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone - DNP) Draft Projection: FA

Reuland is a tall, built receiver who used his body to put distant between the ball and defenders. He’s a solid blocker who’s been known to create big lanes for his running backs. He will struggle to gain separation in the NFL, and lacks the overall athleticism to go up and grab an overthrown pass. His blocking ability will most certainly land him a roster spot eventually.

19. Stephen Skelton-TE-6’5-247 lbs.-Fordham-El Paso, TX-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA

Skelton has a very high football IQ and athleticism runs in his family. He’s a dependable receiver who runs good routes and has reliable hands. For his height, he could use to put on some weight in muscle. He’s an average blocker at best. The tools to make him a useful tight end are certainly there, but it will take some work.

20. Daniel Hardy-TE-6’4-249 lbs.-Idaho-Anchorage, AK-Combine Numbers (40T – N/A; Cone – N/A) Draft Projection: FA

Hardy has tremendous hands, runs good routes and makes the difficult catch. He could use to gain some bulk, lacks elite speed and needs to improve as a blocker.

21. Richard Gordon-TE-6’4-265 lbs.-Miami-Miami, FL-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA

Gordon is athletic with deceptive speed. Has excellent body control and balance, and is a very good in-line blocker. Needs to improve his routes and has little experience as a receiver.

22. Preston Dial-TE-6’2-238 lbs.-Alabama-Mobile, AL-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA

Dial has a good first step, possesses good balance and is well coordinated. He lacks size, runs upright and gets beat at the point of attack. Must add bulk.

23. Jeffrey Anderson-TE-6’3-264 lbs.-UAB-Selma, AL-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA

Anderson has improved as a receiver every year in college. He has good hands, run hard and has good lower body strength. Will struggle going up and wrestling a ball away from defenders.

24. Joe Torchia-TE-6’6-260 lbs.-Virginia-Cold Spring, NY-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA

Torchia has good body control, engages in blocks quickly and gets good leverage. He isn’t a receiving threat and will likely only be a reserve tight end in the NFL.

25. Brad Taylor-TE-6’3-241 lbs.-Baylor-Madisonville, TX-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA

Taylor has decent speed and a lot of heart. Shined as a receiver in 2007, but has yet to recapture that glory. He lacks both strength and size.

26. Andrew Kennedy-TE-6’3-243lbs.- Columbia-Westport, CT. No Combine-Draft Projection-FA

After establishing himself as the premier TE in the Ivy in 2009 he continued to impress. In ’10 he was the first Lions player to be named to the Walter Camp FCS team in 6 years (50-616-9TD’s) and completed his career with 102 catches for 1,187 yards and 15 TD’s. Kennedy is more then deserving of a shot somewhere at the next level. Could be converted to FB.

27. Brett Brackett-TE-6’6-248 lbs.-Penn State-Lawrenceville, NJ-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA

Brackett could be a sleeper. He is very tall, has long arms and does a great job boxing out defenders. He’s also very raw and may need to convert to wide receiver in the NFL.

28. Mike Higgins-TE-6’5-242 lbs.-Nebraska at Omaha-Pickrell, NE-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA

Higgins is large and very athletic. He has long arms and plucks the ball out of the arm. He isn’t exceptionally fast and lacks the lower body strength he’d need to compete as a blocker in the NFL.

29. Eric Peitz-TE-6’4-258 lbs.-Colorado State-Yankton, SD- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA

Peitz has good size and good strength. He has good lateral quickness and is a solid run blocker. He struggles as a receiver and will likely catch on as a goal-line tight end in the NFL.

30. Greg Smith-TE-6’4-245 lbs.-Texas-Montgomery, TX-Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA

Smith is athletic with soft and reliable hands. He doesn’t have top-notch speed and will struggle to separate from defenders in the NFL.

31. Ben Thayer-TE-6’4-240 lbs.-Eastern Michigan-Kalamazoo, MI- Combine Numbers** (40T – 4.85; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 7th Rd.

32. Ben Cleveland-TE-6’3-246 lbs.-Arkansas-Springdale, AR- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA

33. Will Yeatman-TE-6’6-273 lbs.-Maryland-San Diego, CA- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA

34. Mike Ragone-TE-6’4-245 lbs.-Notre Dame-Cherry Hill, NJ- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA

35. Alston Umuolo-TE-6’4-250 lbs.-San Diego State-Phoenix, AZ- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA

36. Collin Franklin-TE-6’5-252 lbs.-Iowa State-Simi Valley, CA- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA

37. Martell Webb-TE-6’4-256 lbs.-Michigan-Pontiac, MI- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA

38. Evan Frosch-TE-6’3-264 lbs.-TCU-Midland, TX- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA

39. Ed Barham-TE-6’3-260 lbs.-North Carolina-Dendron, VA- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA

40. Larry Donnell-TE-6’6-257 lbs.-Grambling-Ozark, AL- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA

41. Jeff Lindsay-TE-6’3-235 lbs.-Purdue-Macomb, MI- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA

42. London Landry-TE-6’3-235 lbs.-South Dakota-Lancaster, CA- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA

43. A.J. Simmons-TE-6’4-262 lbs.-Arizona-Oakland, CA- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA

44. Kyle Nelson-TE-6’3-240 lbs.-New Mexico State-Waco, TX- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA

45. Vaughn Charlton-TE-6’4-254 lbs.-Temple-Landenberg, PA- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA

46. Jonny Moore-TE-6’4-240 lbs.-Texas at El Paso-San Antonio, TX- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA

47. Ifeanyi Momah-TE-6’6-240 lbs.-Boston College-Elwood, NY- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA

48. Chris Blohm-TE-6’4-262 lbs.-Yale-San Francisco, CA- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA

49. Tommy Gallarda-TE-6’5-250 lbs.-Boise State-Brea, CA- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA

50. Colin Cochart-TE-6’4-255 lbs.-South Dakota State-Kewaunee, WI- Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: FA

** From the BSN Combine ,Akron,OH 4/10/11

Training for"NFL" Football

2011-04-18T22:15:00.000-07:00

(This article is the 6th Installment of the "Pro Draft Report" By Football Reporters Online)

Training for "NFL" football?

By Eric Dolan-Beyond Sports Network Partner & Parisi Speed School Owner/Trainer

Before getting into the “training for football” thing, it is important to look at why we care so much about football. We have coaches, trainers, scouts and journalists along with former coaches, trainers, scouts and journalists being dubbed as “experts” in football. Everybody has an opinion and everybody justifies their opinion using film, stats, athletic feats, and so on. At the end of the day, we are all fans and we all claim to evaluate without bias and to base our opinion on how some particular player looks on the field of play. This claim is basically a lie. Let’s face it, how the guy plays is only part of the equation. There is the difficult task of trying to figure out “how his game translates to the NFL.” While I am a believer in actually watching the man play being the most important step, it is true that schemes are different and different players fit different schemes.

There are guys better suited to play in the CFL, for example, than in the NFL. I don’t believe every CFL player is inferior, but I do believe the required skill sets are certainly different. You have different rules, a different field, and different schemes. So, trying to figure out who fits what scheme and who may be able to play in a system they never played in before, and who may have trouble with the “mental side” of the game, and who may be too fragile emotionally to play in a big market, etc, are all things that basic film study may not easily translate.

Image by Getty Images via @daylife
Then there are the numbers. The stats. Yes, the stats that so many people claim they don’t look at. Anybody can play with numbers and make them work to their own advantage. Lies, damned lies, and statistics. We hate stats. Stats are for baseball, not football, right? Wrong. Stats are what we train for. I’m talking numbers across the board. Tackles, sacks, interceptions, receptions, yards and touchdowns are some of the numbers we look at, but there are more than these. There are numbers like how many feet of water some random unknown safety can jump out of and still land on his feet. How many back flips did Jason Pierre-Paul do again? Then there is the ultimate set of numbers known as the Combine. What gets lost in these numbers is that the Combine actually consists of several variables including football drills, interviews, written tests and so on. What we are interested in, though, are the numbers. We want to know height, weight, forty time and vertical jump more than anything else. If we can get shuttle, broad jump, and three cone times; well, that’s just icing on the cake. How big are his hands? So, we train for this – not making our hands bigger, but the other stuff. We train to put on Vernon Davis and Mike Mamula displays of athleticism. This training and these numbers move millions of dollars in and out of the hands of future professional athletes before they ever sign a contract. A dominant, SEC, 3-year starter, and widely respected inside linebacker is a first rounder on everybody’s board. Oops. He ran a 4.97 forty. Umm, second rounder because of his production and despite his struggles with long linear speed.

The truth is, we have to train to become a better athlete in order to perform on the field, and we have to train to test well when the time comes. Some believe that testing and playing do not correspond. I do not completely agree with this. Testing may not always directly correspond, but there will be aspects that do and good, hard training is good for an athlete no matter how you slice it. Let’s take a look at Mark Ingram this year. Most feel he is the best running back in the draft. Some weren’t thrilled with his forty time because it was basically average. He caught a little slack for this. What few pointed out was that he had an exceptional “ten yard” dash to start the run. He obviously trained and trained hard on that run, but focused on the initial ten yards. Now we should ask ourselves whether we want a RB with a blazing forty or one who goes from zero to top speed in the shortest time and distance – a blazing 10 yarder. How many RB’s have to go fast in under 10 yards, stop and do it again versus how many run straight for 40 yards on any single play. Keep in mind there are different ways to time these players as well. Hand timing with a stopwatch will give the fastest times. Electronic timing will give the slowest, but most accurate. The NFL Combine uses a hand start, electronic finish which lands somewhere in the middle.

The other big tests are the 20-yard (5-10-5) shuttle and the three cone (L-drill) which are measures of agility and change of direction. The 5-10-5 also shows short lateral speed; and the vertical jump and the broad jump, which show different levels of explosiveness. The 60-yard shuttle is another popular drill that also indicates levels of stamina. I hear varying opinions on the importance of this drill. There is no doubt that we will never run an exact 20-yard shuttle, counting our steps, on the football field. We will also never do a standing broad jump on the football field. I’m fairly certain a 60-yard shuttle has never been attempted during a game either. Of course, if I told you that I could train you in these areas and I would promise you to get faster, more explosion, have more agility, quickness and stamina; would that make you a better ball player? It certainly can’t hurt.

A football player must first become an athlete. Training should start with this premise. We should absolutely move into sport-specific and testing-specific training within an appropriate time prior to taking the field or participating in a combine, but we need the basic fundamentals of athleticism before we can reach full potential in the more specific areas. We must eventually master football though. There is a great story about an NFL personnel guy and a coach arguing over a player and the coach finally admits he took the guy because of his great athleticism. The personnel guy responds with “You want great athletes, go to the Olympics, but the problem is half of them are women. I’ll get you great football players if that’s what you’re looking for.”

I love that story and it is absolutely true that a great athlete does not make a great football player. Of course, most great football players are indeed great athletes and have trained as such. When we get into sport specific training mode, strength, flexibility and injury prevention tend to get lost at times and these are the most important aspects of our training. Players should always perform an active and dynamic warm-up before training. I’m not talking about static stretching and a quick jog around the backstop. Stretch a cold rubber band out and let me know what happens. I’m talking about a good warm-up that actively assists in flexibility and strength. A good warm-up will not only loosen you up, but you will break a little sweat. A good warm-up increases your core temperature, activates your central nervous system and gets your muscles in competition mode.

Focus on technique. This is where combine-specific training really comes into play. You want more speed, power, and explosion – you need to generate more force production. Strong legs will do that. Technique will make the difference. The challenge with technique is that it’s a re-learning experience. This is why combine training takes such a long time to master. We all taught ourselves how to run when we were two years old. We also taught ourselves how to jump. Nobody learns how to efficiently run and jump with the least amount of wasted movement and best techniques to maximize force production until they are much older than two. This is a complete change in mental and neural makeup. One must completely change how their body acts and responds until it actually becomes the way their body acts and responds. This change in make-up goes for test training as well. You will actually hear players counting their steps, for example, when practicing their shuttles. Everything has to be on point and perfect. There is no quick fix to training for a combine or pro-day. Players pay monetarily, physically, emotionally and huge in time commitments to train for strength, flexibility, injury prevention, technique and, of course, statistics because they stand to gain and lose a lot more based on a tenth of a second.

Eric is a recent addition to the contributors List at the FRO. He is the Director of Scouting & training at our co-operators BEYOND SPORTS NETWORK (www.beyondsportsnetwork.com) and a Parisi School Owner/Operator In Maryland.

2011 NFL Draft: Wide Receiver Rankings

2011-04-18T07:33:00.000-07:00

(this is the 5th installment of the Pro Draft Report Presented by Football Reporters Online)

The Wide Receivers-By Zachary Powell

1. A.J. Green – WR - 6’3” – 211 lbs. – Georgia
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.48; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 1st Round

Since Green declared for the 2011 Draft, he’s been the consensus number one receiver on the board. While not possessing top-flight speed, Green has been an extremely productive player (166 receptions, 1982 receiving yards, 24 TD’s); despite missing several games to suspension and injury during his three-year career as a Bulldog. His productivity is due to a blend of his excellent height and his crafty route running which allow him to get off the line quickly and his long strides allow him to get separation. Has long-arms and great hands. Exceptional body-control that makes him very tough to defend on the deep ball. Is considered a adequate run-blocker but will have to do a better job at finishing blocks at this level. A.J. does have the tendency to get outmuscled by bigger and more physical DB’s on occasion. He has the frame to add more weight without sacrificing speed. There isn’t much to dislike about Green and he should be the first of this deep receiver class to hear his name called.

2. Julio Jones – WR – 6’4” – 220 lbs. – Alabama
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.39; Cone – 6.66) Draft Projection: 1st Round

In terms of potential, there is none greater than Alabama’s own Julio Jones. Has excellent upside but is considered raw in a number of areas. His size and speed draw comparisons to current All-Pro WR Andre Johnson (Houston Texans). He has shown the ability to go over the middle, take the big hit and hold on to the ball. His biggest assets are his hands, which he uses efficiently in creating separation; he will rarely be jammed at the line of scrimmage. The biggest knock on Jones is his inconsistency. He struggles to locate the ball on deep routes; and has the tendency to get lazy and allow the ball into his frame, which results in a number of easy passes to hit the ground. There are few receivers with his combination of size, talent and effort. Was the 2011 winner of the Sylvester Croom Commitment to Excellent Award. If Jones can put everything together, he has the potential to be an All-Pro type player.

3. Torrey Smith – WR – 6’0” – 202 lbs. – Maryland
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.43; Cone – 6.72) Draft Projection: 2nd Round

Torrey is a late bloomer, who spent the 2007 season as a redshirt. The most impressive quality from Torrey is his big-play ability; he set the ACC single-season kickoff return record with 1,089 yards, including a 99-yard return in the 09’ Humanitarian Bowl. He finished the ’10 season with 67 receptions for 1,055 yards and 12 TD’s, good enough to be placed on the All-ACC team. Smith is a dangerous runner after the catch and is a threat to take any catch to the end zone. He can struggle at getting off the line in press coverage and needs to work on fighting off DB’s. He compares favorably to former teammate Darrius Heyward-Bay, who went 7th overall in the 2009 NFL Draft. Ended his career with 2,129 all-purpose yards which ranks him 2nd all time in the Atlantic Coast Conference. His value peaks here because of his ability to return kicks and his top-end speed.

4. Jonathan Baldwin – WR – 6’5” – 228 lbs. – Pittsburgh
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.45; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 2nd Round

Baldwin, an impressive physical specimen, is a bit of an enigma heading in to the 2010 NFL Draft. Blessed with an incredible combination of size and speed, he has been ranked everywhere from the #2 wideout in his class to the middle-teens. Absolutely elite in ball skills – a natural at catching the ball away from his body; and creates nightmares for smaller DB’s in jump ball situations. Averaged 18.3/per catch in his career at Pitt, speed is not a concern. Rarely is jammed at the line and has the quick burst needed to make quick adjustments in his routes. He does get lazy from time to time in route running. The major concern from scouts on Baldwin is his “diva” reputation. Baldwin publically threw his QB under the bus after a bowl loss and was arrested and charged with assault, harassment and disorderly conduct. The charges were later dropped but only add to his reputation as a bit of a problem child.

5. Randall Cobb – WR – 5’11” – 192 lbs. – Kentucky – 4.46
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.46; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 2nd Round

Elected an All-American as an all-purpose player by the Associated Press, Cobb can do a little bit of everything. Had a very productive 2010 season at Kentucky, finishing with 955 yards receiving, 401 yards on the ground and 12 total touchdowns; including 3 passing TD’s and a returned punt. Cobb has a knack for finding seems and holes in the zone – he’s quick out of his breaks and uses his body well to create separation from opposing DB’s. He lacks elite size and top-end speed but can get behind coverage from time to time. A very tough receiver who will fight for extra yards and described as relentless as a run blocker. Is susceptible to mental errors on the field and will drop an occasional easy pass. The phrase “jack of all trades but master of none” fits here. He’ll likely settle in to a slot position at the next level, similar to Wes Welker in stature and skills.

6. Leonard Hankerson – WR – 6’1” – 205 lbs. – Miami – 4.43
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.43; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 2nd-3rd Round

Leonard Hankerson is a bit of a question mark heading in to this draft. He has the size and speed scouts are looking for at the next level but his slow development at Miami was a bit puzzling. Had only 17 catches for 203 yards in his first two years for the Hurricanes. Finished the ’10 season with 1,156 yards and 13 TD’s. Has a long stride but is slow to build speed; but has enough speed to create some matchup problems in the vertical passing game. Is fearless over the middle and can take a short-to-medium route and find a seem. He is described as “attacking” the ball with his hands and isn’t afraid to mix it up in one-on-one situations; but has poor ability to adjust to underthrown balls. Has frustrated Miami coaches with his tendency to drop easy passes. Runs more upright than you would like and is sometimes lazy in his route running. His ranking this high is strictly based upon his potential; the improvement he’s shown over his time at Miami shows his ability to be coached. He will likely need a year or two to continue his development before his contributions will be felt.

7. Titus Young – WR – 5’11” – 174 lbs. – Boise State – 4.43
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.43; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 2nd-3rd Round

Much like Jonathan Baldwin, there are many questions about intangibles that surround Young. Often described as immature, Young was suspended 10 games during the 2008 stemming from off-the-field issues. Scouts thought he would challenge for the title of fastest receiver at the combine but ran a disappointing 4.43 (was recently clocked at his Boise State Pro-Day at 4.35). With his underwhelming size, he has to show that he can get past the secondary. Has lightning quick route running skills and is dangerous in the open-field. Young wears his emotions on his sleeve which is a double-edged sword; will get unnecessary flags thrown his way but also works hard over the middle of the field and isn’t afraid of the big hit. Struggles when jammed at the line of scrimmage and can get rerouted out of his breaks. NFL teams know what they are getting with Titus; a fiery receiver, whose production at Boise cannot be denied. He compares favorably with Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson. If he can display the same type of electricity with the ball as Jackson, someone will be getting a steal in the later parts of the second round/early third round.

8. Jerrel Jernigan – WR – 5’9” – 183 lbs. – Troy – 4.46
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.46; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 3rd Round

There is a lot to like about Jerrel Jernigan. Some will write off him due to him playing at Troy but Jerrel has shown up on the big stage (16 receptions for 145 yards in two games vs. Oklahoma in 2008 and 2010). His 4.46 forty-yard-dash time is not con. He has excellent straight-line speed and can get into the gap in a heartbeat. He is a pure-runner with the ball in his hands and has an array of moves to get opposing defenders off-balance. He could be an ideal fit for teams wanting to install a Wildcat package. The downsides of playing at a small school are questions regarding competition and the type of offense run at Troy; can he handle the complex routes at the NFL level? His size is a concern but Jernigan has worked tirelessly to add weight to his frame. His production at the NCAA level is solid but it remains to be seen if it will translate to the pro game.

9. Tandon Doss – WR – 6’2” – 202 lbs. – Indiana
Combine Numbers (40T - DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 3rd Round

Tandon enters our rankings a bit behind the curve. Not able to participate in the Senior Bowl as a junior and declined to participate in the combine drills. Doss led the Big Ten in all-purpose yards and finished fourth nationally. The Indiana prospect is one of the most sure-handed receivers in this class, and perhaps one of the most experienced as a three-year starter for the Hoosiers. He has deceptive top-end speed and maximizes yards after the catch. He’ll never be mistaked for a burner in the NFL, but is the prototypical possession receiver at the next level. The biggest hole in his game is his run blocking; he gives a solid effort but his technique will need to be refined against NFL receivers. There isn’t a consensus on where Doss will end up in the 2010 NFL Draft but his skill set varies from the other receivers this year and could hear his name called early.

10. Greg Little – WR – 6’3” – 210 lbs. – North Carolina
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.56; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 3rd Round

Questions surround Little’s maturity level but his skill set as a receiver remain unchallenged. His 2010 season ended before it began as he was ruled ineligible for the season for violating NCAA benefits (receiving agent benefits). However, Little’s production level never matched up to his potential; his best season came in 2009 where he had 62 receptions, 724 yards and 5 TD’s. Little’s college nickname was the “Freak” after a game against NC State where he drove CB Jarvis Byrd ten yards off the ball while blocking on an end-around before driving him in to the ground where he eventually had to be helped off the field. His physical skills are off the chart but he drops because of the mental lapses on the field. He doesn’t pay attention to the small details and will take off a play off if he’s not involved. If he can bring it all together, he could be the biggest steal of the entire draft.

11. Edmund Gates – WR – 5’11” – 189 lbs. – Abilene Christian
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.37; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 3rd-4th Round

Gates, out of Abilene Christian, while being one of the oldest prospects to come out is also the most unexperienced. Only playing one year of high school football, Gates quit to focus more on a basketball career. After being booted from a Junior College, Gates followed his cousin Bernard Scott (NFL’s Cincinatti Bengals) to ACU. A small, but quick receiver, Gates ran a 4.37 in the forty – tops about receivers at the NFL Combine. Not the sharpest at route running and has adequate ball-skills. Every time he touches the ball, he’s a threat to score. His inexperience leaves a lot to be desired and could take time learning NFL-level routes and reading coverage.

12. Vincent Brown – WR – 5’11” – 184 lbs. – San Diego State
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.71; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 3rd-4th Round

San Diego St. was a surprise in 2010, and Vincent Brown was a big reason why. Had a productive 2010 with 69 rec. for 1,352 yards. Brown is a solid route runner…does the little things extremely well that don’t show up in the stat column. Below average speed but makes up for it with his agility and his bursts out of cuts to separate from defenders. Brown is described as a “violent” run blocker; San Diego St. has pulled him to block the backside from time to time. He’s going to have to work hard to fix the mental errors and continue to grow.

13. Dwayne Harris – WR – 5’10” – 200 lbs. – East Carolina
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.56; Cone – 6.77) Draft Projection: 3rd-4th Round

2010 Conference USA player of the year; also first team all-conference selection as a punt returned. Set ECU’s single-season records with 1,123 rec. yards and 101 receptions. Projected as a slot receiver at the next level, runs solid routes and does a nice job at getting in and out of breaks. A tough receiver; does most of his damage over the middle of the field. Lacks elite-level speed to be considered a deep threat but does have good strength to fight for extra yards after contact. Stock draft after the Senior Bowl – Harris lacked explosiveness and described as having “stone hands.” His toughness will allow him to catch on but he’ll have to work on his ability to attack the ball with his hands and now allow the mental lapses which have raised questions about his long-term status in the NFL.

14. Niles Paul – WR – 6’1” – 225 lbs. – Nebraska
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.59; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 3rd-4th Round

Nebraska wideout Paul has the physical tools to become a very good NFL prospect but his checkered past has caused him to drop on many boards. Paul finished 2010 with 39 catches for 516 yards and just one touchdown (he missed two games due to injury; didn’t touch the ball in two others). Scouts love his combination of size and strength; he’s a load to bring down in the open field. He’s got a tremendous vertical leap (36-inch). The knock on Paul is the aforementioned past (arrested twice for alchohal related offenses) and his inconsistency. Drops a lot of balls he shouldn’t (focus; and has small hands for a receiver at 8-inches). With a bit of coaching, Paul has the potential to develop in to a starter at the NFL level.

15. Gregory Salas – WR – 6’1” – 206 lbs. – Hawaii – 4.57
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.57; Cone – 6.65) Draft Projection: 4th Round

Enjoyed one of the most productive careers in NCAA history (285 cat., 4,345 receiving yards and 26 TDs). His size, strength, experience and soft hands give him tremendous value as a receiver at the NFL level. He struggled with drops at the Senior Bowl but his tape at Hawaii shows this is a strength. Release needs work and can be pushed off his route, but when allowed to get top end strength, he can make you pay. He does not have the explosiveness to break away from receivers at the next level.

16. Terrence Toliver – WR – 6’4” – 211 lbs. – Louisiana State
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.52; Cone – 6.48) Draft Projection: 4th Round

Toliver has the height to make scouts drool. A fairly unproductive player at LSU; just 85 career receptions. His length allows for long strides and smooth acceleration; has deceptive straight-line speed. Has strong hands, large wingspan ad hand-eye coordination to make the tough grab. Doesn’t always see the ball in to his hands allowing for some easy drops that frustrate coaches. Has some character issues – was arrested and charged with tampering with a police officer, disturbing the peace and public intoxication.

17. Cecil Shorts – WR – 6’0” – 200 lbs. – Mount Union – 4.53
Combine Numbers (40T – 4.53; Cone – 6.50) Draft Projection: 4th Round

Shorts is attempting to follow in the footsteps of former Purple Raider receiver Pierre Garcon (now playing for the Indianapolis Colts). Cecil began his career as a QB, but showed his all-purpose ability as a redshirt freshman (rushing for 209 yards and catching 12 passes for 289 yards). A jack of all trades but showed tremendous value as a receiver. Can line up anywhere but is most effective out of the slot; and runs every route in the tree effectively. Inconsistent using his hands in front of him; ball is frequently jarred loose. A bit lazy on routes he’s not directly involved in. Will have to show his production wasn’t the result of being the superior player athletically at the DIII level.

18. Jeremy Kerley – WR – 5’10” – 188 lbs. – Texas Christian
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.56; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 4th Round

The 2010 Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Year. Just one of two players to rank in the top 20 for punt returns (12.9 yards) and kick returns (27.7 yards) in 2010. Has quick feet and ability to separate from receivers set him apart from other receivers at the Senior Bowl. He lacks the size scouts covet and will have to show he isn’t a product of the spread system at Texas Christian. His value is probably as a specialist which works in his favor as teams are using roster spots for return men and decoys in the receiving game.

19. Tyrod Taylor – WR – 6’1” – 216 lbs. – Virginia Tech – 4.51
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.51; Cone – 6.78) Draft Projection: 5th Round

Even after breaking most of Tech’s QB records, Taylor projects as a receiver at the next level. Blessed with tremendous arm strength and jaw-breaking mobility, he does project a bit on the short side as a quarterback. Has great speed and can really make defenders miss with his elusiveness and quick hips. Will work out exclusively as a quarterback in pro days and could be used as a wildcat option at the NFL level. Questions about his ability to catch the ball and run routes will have to be answered but based upon his athletic ability alone, someone will take a chance on him as a receiver somewhere in the 2010 draft.

20. Austin Pettis – WR – 6’2” – 205 lbs. – Boise State
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.56; Cone – 6.68) Draft Projection: 5th Round

Pettis leaves Boise State as the school’s all-time leader in receptions (229) and touchdown receptions (39). Steady and productive over his career; finished the year with 71 catches and 951 yards and 10 TDs for a Bronco offense that finished second in the nation in scoring offense. Good hands but not great. Comes out of his breaks with good speed; exceptional route runner. He’s a tall target at 6’2” but ran a pedestrian 4.56 and has to show that he can go vertical. Shines on the big stage and isn’t afraid of the spotlight. Could be a steal in the 5th round.

21. Darvin Adams – WR – 6’3” – 185 lbs. – Auburn
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.52; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 5th Round

22. Ronald Johnson – WR- 5’11” – 186 lbs. – Southern California
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.51; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 5th Round

23. Denarius Moore – WR – 6’0” – 191 lbs. – Tennessee
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.45; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 5th Round

24. Dane Sanzenbacher – WR – 5’11” – 182 lbs. – Ohio State
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.45; Cone – 6.46) Draft Projection: 6th Round

25. Lester Jean – 6’3” – 211 lbs. – Florida Atlantic
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.59; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 6th Round

26. Aldrick Robinson – WR – 5’10” – 182 lbs. – Southern Methodist
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.51; Cone – 6.65) Draft Projection: 6th Round

27. Orenthal Murdock – WR – 5’11” – 195 lbs. – Fort Hays State
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.55; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 6th-7th Round

28. Jockee Sanders – WR – 5’6” – 174 lbs. – West Virginia
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.51; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 7th Round

29. Mark Dell – WR – 6’0” – 193 lbs. – Michigan State
Combine Numbers (40T – DNP; Cone – DNP) Draft Projection: 7th Round

30. Terrance Turner – WR – 6’2” – 221 lbs. – Indiana
Combine Numbers (40T - 4.51; Cone – 6.77) Draft Projection: 7th Round

31. Armon Binns – WR -- 6’2” – 211 lbs. – Cincinnati
32. Kealoha Pilares – WR – 5’10” – 215 lbs. – Hawaii
33. Derrell Johnson-Koulianos – 5’11” – 204 lbs. – Iowa
34. Terrell Zachery – 5’11” – 208 lbs. – Auburn
35. James Kirkendoll – 5’11” – 182 lbs. – Texas
36. DeAndre Brown – 6’6” – 239 lbs. – Southern Mississippi
37. Tori Gurley – 6’5” – 230 lbs. – South Carolina
38. James Cleveland – 6’0” – 197 lbs. – Houston
39. Courtney Smith – 6’4” – 220 lbs. – South Alabama
40. Jeffrey Maehl – 6’1” – 181 lbs. – Oregon
41. Jamel Hamler – 6’2” – 195 lbs. – Fresno State
42. Ryan Whalen – 6’1” – 204 lbs. – Stanford
43. Keith Smith – 6’3” – 224 lbs. – Purdue
44. Graham Zug – 6’2” – 182 lbs. – Penn State
45. Markeith Summers – 6’3” – 201 lbs. – Mississippi
46. Jarvis Williams – 6’4” – 218 – North Carolina State
47. Carl Moore -- 6’2 ½” – 222 lbs. – Florida
48. Owen Spencer – 6’2” – 191 lbs. – North Carolina State
49. Marshall Williams – 6’1” – 188 lbs. – Wake Forest
50. Videl Hazelton – 6’2” – 210 – Cincinnati
51. John Chiles – 6’2” – 217 lbs. -- Texas
52. Kristopher Adams – 6’3” – 194 lbs. – UTEP
53. David Gilreath – 5’9” – 172 lbs. – Wisconsin
54. Detron Lewis – 5’11” – 211 lbs. – Texas Tech
55. Terrence McCrae – 6’2 – 195 lbs. – Ohio
56. Xavier Dye – 6’4” – 210 lbs. – Clemson
57. Armand Robinson -- 6’0” – 203 lbs. – Miami (Ohio)
58. Brandon Caleb – 6’0” – 192 lbs. – Oklahoma
59. Kyle Jefferson – 6’3” – 184 lbs. – Wisconsin
60. Trae Johnson – 5’11” – 187 lbs. – Tulsa
61. Gerald Jones – 5’10” – 196 lbs. – Tennessee
62. Jimmy Young – 6’0”—204 lbs. – Texas Christian
63. Austin Kelly – 6’2” – 205 lbs. – Duke
64. Jeremy LeFrance – 6’0” – 196 lbs. – Akron
65. Cortez Smith – 6’2” – 183 lbs. -- Purdue

Honor Roll:

Joe Horn-5’11”-180lbs.- Ashland University-As a GILAC conference (D-II) superstar, Joe has earned many plaudits during his career, and is drawing interest from several NFL teams. In his final game, Joe had 8 TD’s (yes 8), 6 Receiving and 2 Returns….

2011 NFL Draft Running Back Rankings

2011-04-16T22:51:00.001-07:00

(this is the 4th installment of the PRO DRAFT REPORT)

2011 Running Back Rankings-By Mark Kern

1. Mark Ingram- The comparisons to Emmitt Smith are definitely warranted. You know what you are going to get with Ingram. He is going to come to play every single day and give it his all. He had a very successful career at Alabama, which included a National Title and a Heisman Trophy. A knock on Ingram is that he does not have the breakaway speed that the scouts look for. He makes up for that with his ability to hit the hole and the “never go down” attitude that he plays with. Overall, Ingram may not be the most explosive running back in this draft, but he is definitely the most polished running back and will be able to contribute from day one. Look for Ingram to go anywhere from 15-25 in the first round.

2

Daniel Thomas- Thomas was an absolute beast for Kansas State the past two years. Thomas, last year, had 298 carries for 1585 yards and 19 touchdowns. The fact that he was able to have those numbers is impressive because the Wildcats had a very limited passing attack allowing the defense to load up in the box and try to stop the run. Thomas has great size for a running back at 6’2 230 pounds. He has dealt with injuries during the pre-draft workouts, which have hindered him, and he also has a tendency to run a little too straight up. Overall, Thomas has only been a running back for two seasons as he was a quarterback in junior college. He has made great strides and will give whichever team that drafts him a nice weapon in the backfield. Thomas should be off the board early in the second round. Look for teams like New England, Indianapolis, and Detroit to give him a serious look.

3. Ryan Williams- Williams broke onto the scene two seasons ago as a red-shirt freshman rushed for 1655 yards and 21 touchdowns for the Hokies of Virginia Tech. He dealt with injuries last year and it caused him to miss some games and not put up the numbers he expected. However, when healthy, Williams has the talent to be a big time running back. Williams plays with great intensity and will run through an arm tackle and he must be wrapped up. A knock on him is that he has also had problems with injuries. He also fights for those extra yards, leaving himself exposed to take big hits. If he can get back to the player he was two years ago, he could make a huge impact this year. Look for him to go sometime in the mid-second round and maybe a team like Washington or TampaBay may take a look at him.

4 Mikel Leshoure- Leshoure had a breakout year last year for the Fighting Illini, and has been compared to former Illinois running back Rashard Mendenhall. Leshoure is huge at 6’0 232 pounds. The thing that makes him a great prospect is for his size he is very nimble and can get to the second level in a hurry. The knock on him is that he does not seem to always bring it on every play. That is something that could scare teams away from him, but he is definitely a guy to take a look at because of his physical tools. Leshoure should go late second, early third round to a team that likes to run the ball on offense such as the Tennessee Titans or the New York Jets.

5. Kendall Hunter- Hunter had a very solid career at Oklahoma State. Hunter does not have the physical stature that people expect out of a running back in the NFL. However, what Hunter brings is just a knack to find a crease and make plays. He has a very similar style to former running back Priest Holmes, in the fact that he is very patient and he uses his blockers very well. He has had his fair share of durability issues, but he is confident those are in the past. He should go mid-third round to a team that has a star running back, that could use a breather every once in a while. A couple of these teams would be the Jacksonville Jaguars and the St. Louis Rams.

6. Jordan Todman- Todman had a very successful year which led him to leave college after his junior year and enter the draft. Todman has outstanding speed and he can get in the open field in a hurry. Another plus for him compared to the guys above him is that he can help out a team in the return games as well. Todman is not a very physical runner and he struggles to break tackles. When Connecticut went up against the better defenses, he only averaged 3.3 yards per carry. This can be accredited due to the fact that Connecticut did not have quite the talent that those teams had in those games.. Todman is going to get a chance because of his versatility and look for him to go off the board in the early part of the fourth round. Teams like the Patriots and the Colts could take a look at him and use him because of his versatility.

7. DeMarco Murray – Murray may not be the biggest risk/reward running back in this class; he could also be the biggest risk/reward player at every position in this draft. Murray is an explosive athlete and when he gets the ball in his hands, he has the ability to take it the distance at any time. He can run, catch the ball out of the backfield, and also play a major role in the return game. He ended his career at Oklahoma with the most touchdowns in school history. However, even with that impressive stat, his career at Oklahoma was up and down. Murray had some injury problems in college, which are scaring some scouts away. With that being said, some team is going to take a chance on him off of potential alone. In the right system, he could be a very dynamic weapon. He could go anywhere from late second to late fourth round, it just depends on which team wants to gamble on him. A team to keep an eye on is the New Orleans Saints. They may be losing Reggie Bush and DeMarco Murray could provide a lot of the big play potential that Bush does.

8. Shane Vereen- Vereen has helped to continue the trend of talented running backs to have successful seasons at California. Marshawn Lynch, Javhid Best, and Justin Forsett are all running backs who have made some plays in the NFL. Vereen should be no different. He benched 225 31 times, the best of any running back at the combine. He has also been involved in the return game, which is always a plus. A negative is that he often does help his quarterback at all on pass-blocking. He is a good running back who should be able to contribute and to help out a team. He should go late third round to a team like Arizona or Miami to help in the run game.

9. Delonte Carter- Carter was a huge part of getting Syracuse back on the right track in leading the Orange to a Pinstripe Bowl victory of Kansas State. Carter is a pinball at 5’10, 215 pounds.He is very effective running through the tackles. As a defense, you must gang tackle or he will just run right through you. He lacks the elite speed to get to the second level and beyond. He also has a tendency to try and get to the outside instead of working to his strength and continuing to attack north and south. He should be picked sometime in the late fourth to early fifth round and will be a good value pick by whatever team gets him. Cold-weather teams like Chicago, New England, and Green Bay could use him to help control the clock.

10. Alex Green- Green was a somewhat of an unknown at the beginning of the year but started to turn some eyes during the season. He is a big running back at 6’2 220 pounds, but also has the speed to make some plays. He had some ball security problems fumbling eight times on 271 touches in the past two years at Hawaii. He also played in the WAC where the defense is not real great and the offenses are spread out, helping to open up the field. Green is an interesting prospect with his size and speed and teams in the fifth round should like what they see there. A team like the Eagles could take a look here as Lesean McCoy has had injury issues in the past.

Sleeper: Noel Devine- Devine was electric in college having 36 career runs of 25 yards or more. He is tiny at 5’8 160 pounds, which is scaring teams off. He is not going to be able to carry the football 20-25 times, but the way game is changing, he will not be needed. Pound for pound this is one of the strongest players in the draft. If he can stay healthy, a team could pick him up at the end of the draft or even as a free agent. He will get a chance to prove he can do it though, and whichever teams gives him that shot, could be very thankful in the future.

Honor Roll: Harvard’s Gino Gordon could very well find his way onto an NFL roster. The swift runner is also adept at catching passes out of the backfield, and also blocks well for his smaller size. Gordon was the 2010 Co-Ivy Player of the year & was named to the All-New England FCS team, nad was the all-time yards per carry leader (5.3) and Harvard’s fourth all time leading rusher with 2,643 rushing yards and 25 Career TD’s (23 Rushing). Mike Montoya out of Canada’s Laurier College could also be another surprise selection. He does everything asked of him, is a “100% team player” and had did 41 Bench reps at his third party combine. He’s eligible for this draft because he graduated early last year. In 2009 he had 847 Rushing Yards and 6 TD’s. He is a tremendous blocker with a low center of gravity, making him hard to get off his feet.

This running back class may not have the “superstars” like an Adrian Peterson or a Chris Johnson, but there are many productive running backs in this class. There are a lot of durability issues with this class, but if they manage to remain healthy, this has the potential to be a solid class with many running backs contributing to their team’s success.

2011 NFL DRAFT QB RANKINGS

2011-04-14T01:33:00.000-07:00

(This is Part three of the "Pro Draft Report" presented by Football Reporters and reposted with Permission)

2011 NFL DRAFT QB RANKINGS
BY ANTHONY S. CARILLO-Contributing Writer/Reporter
Football Reporters Online

1. Blaine Gabbert-Missouri 6’ 4’’ 236 lbs 4.62 40 Junior
Gabbert is the most polished and NFL ready quarterback in this years draft class. He has great size as well as great speed, and can make every throw that a NFL quarterbacks needs to make. One knock on Gabbert is that in the Missouri offense there were only a few reads for him to make, and if you watch the game tape there are some points where his primary and secondary receiver are covered and he decides to run, but the third option is wide open on the weak side of the field. Coming from a shotgun spread offense does throw up some concerns, but during the combine and pro day process he has shown that he has the footwork and poise to be able to run a NFL style offense.
His numbers did drop from his sophomore season to his junior campaign, but that is no need for concern. He is in almost the exact same position as Sam Bradford was in just a year ago, and we all can agree that Sam Bradford transitioned to the NFL pretty smoothly. Gabbert should be the first quarterback taken in this draft, and where ever he goes he will be battling for the starting job. Look for Gabbert to get scooped up within the top 5 picks, either to Carolina or Buffalo, and even if neither of those teams take him, he should not drop that far because 9 of the top 12 teams can make a case for needing a quarterback.

2. Jake Locker-Washington 6’2’’ 231 lbs 4.59 40 Senior
If this was last years draft, Locker would be at the top of everyone’s draft boards, but he decided to stay for his senior year, and that didn’t help him at all. He has played in an NFL style offense for the past 2 years, and has shown that he can be a great quarterback, but he has also shown at times that he can be a less than average quarterback. He has great athleticism, speed, arm strength and vision. He can throw on the run as well as drop back and stay in the pocket, and when he decides to tuck the ball in and run, he is just like a running back and knows exactly how to run the ball. One downside to Locker is that when he did play against some good teams, like Nebraska for example, he showed some signs that most NFL teams did not like, when he only completed 4 completions out of 20 attempts and showed a lot of inconsistency during the game.
Locker will most likely get picked up by a team with a veteran quarterback, letting him come in and learn the whole offense and watch a veteran play and let him get ready so he is not rushed into the starting quarterback position. When he does finally become a starting quarterback in the NFL, he has the tools to be a very effective quarterback, if he can stay consistent.

3. Ryan Mallet-Arkansas 6’6’’ 238 lbs 5.37 40 Junior
Mallet is a big quarterback, the tallest quarterback in this draft. He has a rocket for an arm, and has no problem making any and every throw in the NFL. He is the absolute definition of a gun slinger, throwing every pass and sometimes trying to hard to fit the ball between 2 or sometimes 3 receivers. He is not a very mobile quarterback, but when he stands in the pocket he can use his size to be able to see the whole field with ease since he is taller than almost every guard and center in the NFL now. In the pocket he doesn’t just stand there and not move, he can escape the rush and still keep his eyes downfield, but being as big as Mallet is does cause concern for him being able to set his feet and make an accurate throw.
Mallet is someone who is a first round pick if a team decides to take a quarterback, but he needs to learn how to be a good leader, because during the interview process there were signs on immaturity but under the right guidance he will mature quickly.

4. Cameron Newton-Auburn 6’5’’ 244 lbs 4.6 40 Junior
Newton is the player in this draft with the biggest upside, but also he carries the biggest risk as well. He has a strong arm and great pocket presence, as well as being able to throw the ball very well on the run. He can escape the rush in the pocket and is very hard to take down just like big Ben Rothelisberger. There are a few concerns for NFL teams to look for. Newton played in a total shotgun offense, and he really did not make a lot of NFL throws and really didn’t run any plays that are the typical NFL type play. Also, he has only played one full season in college as a quarterback, so the maturity is also a big issue. He has proven he can deal with off field issues this past season, which is a plus because he knows how to deal with all of the media. The things that he will need to show teams in the days leading up to the draft is his mechanics and his footwork, because in a shotgun offense you don’t need to really drop back as effectively as being under center.
Newton will be a top ten pick, but I put him at the 4th ranked quarterback because there are big risks that come with drafting him. If he is able to prove that he can run an NFL type offense and stay consistent with his throws and stay poised, he will be a very effective player in the league, but be warned everybody, be ready to see the second coming of Jamarcus Russell as well.

5. Christian Ponder-Florida State 6’2’’ 229 lbs 4.65 40 Senior
Ponder is my sleeper in this draft class to really shine and become the best quarterback out of all of the quarterbacks. He played at Florida State under hall of fame coach Bobby Bowden, and even when Jimbo Fisher took over the head coaching job, Ponder really showed his leadership and the team really did not have one of those down years as they change coaches. He has great field vision, and even better pocket presence. He can get the ball out in a hurry, and also knows when to tuck the ball in and run with his great running ability. He arm is not as strong as Mallet or Gabbert, but he is very accurate and consistent. He played in an offense that he needed to drop back as well as be in the shotgun, and he has shown that his footwork is very good.
Ponder could sneak into the first round but most likely will be a second or third round pick, but under the right guidance and coaching staff this quarterback can really blossom into a Pro Bowl caliber quarterback.

6. Andy Dalton-TCU 6’2’’ 215 lbs 4.87 40 Senior
Andy Dalton took a “mid-major” college and really threw them into the spotlight in college football over the past few years. He has a good arm, and he can make people miss in the pocket as well as throw the ball well on the run. He is very consistent and a very accurate quarterback. The only concerns is that in the Mountain West Conference, he played against some teams that some people think are easy teams to play against compared to the SEC or Big 12 teams. If he can show that he is not a quarterback that just feasted on lower level defenses he can be a late round pick and possibly flourish as a quarterback in the NFL, but regardless he will be a very effective backup for many years in the NFL.

7. Colin Kapernick-Nevada 6’4’’ 233 lbs 4.53 40 Senior
Kapernick is a very raw quarterback, but also shows a lot of upside. He has a good arm, but his mobility will be the thing that gets him drafted. He has a very lean frame, and will need to put on some weight if he wants to survive a full season in the NFL with all the hits that come with playing quarterback. He played in the pistol offense, so there is major concern about him transitioning and running an NFL offense. If the quarterback position does not work out for Kapernick, moving positions to wide receiver is a very big possibility for this prospect. He has the size and speed to be able to be an effective WR in the NFL, but if he gets the right coaching he may be able to develop into a NFL quarterback. Look for him to get drafted in the later rounds, and be a project for whatever team drafts him.

8. Pat Devlin-Delaware 6’3’’ 225 lbs 4.86 40 Senior
Devlin comes from Delaware; the same school that Joe Flacco came out of just a few years ago. Devlin is not as NFL ready as Flacco was coming out of college, but Devlin is a very good prospect for a late round draft pick. He has a good arm and he has good size for a NFL quarterback, but his consistency is questionable and is something that he is going to need to work on. If a team is willing to take a chance in the later rounds to draft Devlin, they will most likely need to take a few years to mold him into an NFL ready quarterback, but some team will over draft this quarterback because of the success that Flacco has had in the NFL through his short career so far.

9. Nathan Enderle-Idaho 6’4’’ 240 lbs 5.15 40 Senior
Enderle is one of the smartest quarterbacks in this year’s draft class. He played at least 9 games all 4 years of his career at Idaho, and has shown that he is a great leader and very passionate about the game of football. He has a very strong arm, and has great pocket presence, and even if he does get pushed out of the pocket he is able to still make an accurate throw downfield. One concern about this quarterback is his slow release as well as his consistency and sometimes his accuracy as well. He will most likely get drafted between the 6th and 7th round, as some team will possibly take a draft pick to draft this project quarterback.

10. Ricky Stanzi-Iowa 6’4’’ 223 lbs 4.93 40 Senior
Ricky Stanzi can be one of the steals in this year’s draft. He has great size for an NFL quarterback at 6 foot 4, and he is a lot a decent mobile quarterback as well. He has played in a pro style offense his whole career at Iowa, so the transition to the NFL will be a lot easier for Stanzi than for other quarterbacks. Excellent pocket presence; he is able to scan the field and find his third and sometimes fourth options in the passing game. His footwork is something that needs a lot of work. He tends to throw the ball flat-footed and off balance. He also tends to take a lot of sacks during his career, so his timing and getting the ball off is another issue. Stanzi will be drafted somewhere in the mid rounds, and he will most likely be in the NFL for a long time as a backup and possibly a starter.

11. Tyrod Taylor-Virginia Tech 6’0’’ 217 lbs 4.51 40 Senior
The best dual threat quarterback we have seen since Michael Vick came out of Virginia Tech. Has great running ability and great mobility outside of the pocket. Very strong arm, and very accurate in the short range passing attack, and does not lose any accuracy while rolling out left or right. He can throw, run, and also catch the football. Has very quick feet and is a very agile athlete, and can break tackles without breaking a stride. Will be very hard to tackle one on one in the open field in the NFL. He still needs some work on the touch passes down the field, because he tends to try to rifle the ball in instead of airing it out and leading receivers into open spaces. Could also be a very effective wide receiver in the NFL if playing quarterback does not work out, or could even be a very effective wildcat quarterback.

12. Greg McElroy-Alabama 6’1’’ 212 lbs 4.97 40
A natural born winner, at one point in his career he had not lost a football game since the 8th grade. A very smart quarterback, he has Rich Gannon like accuracy with the short range passes, but not a real strong arm to be able to really stretch the field. A great leader, look for McElroy to get picked up around the 4th round, but if teams take quarterbacks early and often, McElroy could sneak up to the 2nd round.

13. Scott Tolzien-Wisconsin 6’2’’ 212 lbs 4.93 40 Senior
Tolzien has played in an NFL style offense his whole career at Wisconsin, and is a great game-manager. He is a very smart player, getting Academic All-Big Ten honors his senior year, as well as winning the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm award. Has great field vision, and rarely makes a mistake on his reads. He does not really feel the pressure in the pocket as well as coaches would hope, and that results in him taking a lot of sacks and unnecessary hits.

14. Jerrod Johnson-Texas A&M 6’4’’ 243 lbs 4.70 40 Junior
A very big quarterback who has a great arm and even better running ability. Has great mobility and is very hard to take down alone. Is able to create space and accurately throw the ball downfield to receivers. Very inconsistent at times and decision making could be a lot better than it is right now. Played in a shotgun heavy offense in college so will need to work on his footwork and drop back ability.

15. Ben Chappell-Indiana 6’3’’ 239 lbs 4.82 40 Senior
A very strong armed quarterback, but sometimes takes unnecessary risks. Can fit a football into any window to get the ball to the receiver, but sometimes forces the ball into traffic. His mechanics in his throwing motion is a concern due to his long release, but when given time to throw the ball he can be deadly accurate.

16. T.J. Yates-North Carolina 6’3’’ 219 lbs 5.10 40 Senior
A very football smart player who can figure out a defense before the defense figures itself out. Can put the ball exactly where it needs to be to complete the pass, but also when things do not go well he has been known to have a bit of a temper. Possibly another Ryan Leaf type attitude player.

17. Mike Hartline-Kentucky 6’6’’ 210 lbs 4.78 40 Senior
Very slender frame but also a very tall quarterback, so he can see the whole field with ease. Has a decent arm and can manage the game without making that many mistakes.

18. Josh Portis-California(PA) 6’2’’ 211 lbs 4.62 40 Senior
A jack of all trades type of quarterback. Big strong and fast player who has a decent arm. Can also play WR if QB does not work out for him.

19. Taylor Potts-Texas Tech 6’3’’ 220 lbs 4.95 40 Senior
Potts comes from a pass happy offense at Texas Tech, so transition to a drop offense may be a challenge for him. Has a good arm and decent pocket presence.

20. Kevin Riley-California 6’2’’ 224 lbs 4.90 40 Senior
Riley played a lot of games during his career at Cal, but has problems with accuracy and consistently.

21. Jeff Van Camp-Florida Atlantic 6’5’’ 222 lbs 4.92 40 Senior
A good game manager with a decent arm, but lacks leadership.

22. Adam Froman-Lousiville 6’3’’ 220 lbs 4.52 40 Senior

23. Chris Dieker-Southern Illinois

24. Mitch Mustain-USC 6’3’’ 200 lbs 4.80 40 Senior

25. Trevor Vittatoe-Texas El Paso 6’2’’ 220 lbs 4.72 40 Senior

26. Austen Arnaud-Iowa State 6’2’’ 226 lbs 4.60 40 Senior

27. Michael Herrick-Northern Arizona 6’0’’ 209 lbs 5.00 40 Senior

28. Carson Coffman-Kansas State 6’2’’ 205 lbs 4.95 40 Senior

29. Drew Hubel-Portland State 6’4’’ 205 lbs 5.00 40 Senior

30. Josh Nesbitt-Georgia Tech 6’0’’ 217 lbs 4.68 40 Senior

31. Ryan Colburn-Fresno State 6’2’’ 220 4.75 40 Senior

32. Ross Jenkins-Louisiana Tech 6’2’’ 212 4.75 40 Senior

33. Justin Roper-Montana 6’6’’ 220 lbs 4.80 40 Senior

34. Eric Watt-Trine 6’3’’ 200 lbs 4.75 40 Senior

35. Eric Czerniewski-Central Missouri State 5’1’’ 190 lbs 4.90 40 Senior

36. Josh Boudreaus-Arkansas-Pine Bluff 6’3’’ 234 lbs 4.64 40 Senior

37. Ricky Dobbs-Navy 6’0’’ 203 lbs 4.50 40 Senior

38. Zac Lee-Nebraska 6’1’’ 215 lbs 4.80 40 Senior

39. Keiffer Garton-Penn 6’2’’ 200 lbs 4.80 40 Senior

40. Cameron Higgins-Weber State 6’1’’ 211 lbs 4.85 40 Senior

PICKING SECOND IS SOMETIMES A GOOD THING at the NFL Draft(pt. 2)

2011-04-14T01:20:00.000-07:00

(this is Part two of the "Pro Draft Report" presented by Football Reporters and reposted with permission)

AFC EAST
BUFFALO BILLS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Thurman Thomas RB 1988 Oklahoma State
IN CONSIDERATION: Darryl Talley LB 1983 West Virginia
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Gene Bradley QB 1980 Arkansas State

MIAMI DOLPHINS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Dwight Stevenson C 1980 Alabama
IN CONSIDERATION: Sam Madison DB 1997 Louisville
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Eddie Blake DT 1992 Auburn

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Andre Tippett LB 1982 Iowa
IN CONSIDERATION: Lawyer Milloy DB 1996 Washington
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Darryl Wilson WR 1983 Tennessee

NEW YORK JETS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Justin Miller DB 2005 Clemson
IN CONSIDERATION: Jim Sweeney C 1984 Pittsburgh
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Ralph Clayton WR 1980 Michigan
This division had the most 2nd round Hall of Famers (Stevenson, Tippett and Thomas) in the NFL. The Dolphins second choice, Sam Madison over the likes of WR Mark Duper may scratch a few heads. Former Jet Justin Miller dazzled as a kick returner in 2006 making the Pro Bowl but as of this writing is no longer an active player.

AFC NORTH
BALTIMORE RAVENS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Ray Rice RB 2008 Rutgers
IN CONSIDERATION: Jamie Sharper LB 1997 Virginia
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Dan Cody DE 2005 Oklahoma

CINCINNATI BENGALS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Chad Ochocinco WR 2001 Oregon State
IN CONSIDERATION: Boomer Esiason QB 1984 Maryland
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Kenny Irons RB 2007 Auburn

CLEVELAND BROWNS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Michael Dean Perry DT 1988 Clemson
IN CONSIDERATION: Webster Slaughter WR 1986 San Diego State
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Cleveland Crosby DE 1980 Arizona

PITTSBURGH STEELERS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Dermontti Dawson C 1988 Kentucky
IN CONSIDERATION: Chad Brown LB 1993 Colorado
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: John Meyer T 1982 Arizona State

Surprisingly the mouth that roars (Ochocinco) must be considered the best 2nd rounder by the Bengals by virtue of his pro bowl appearances over another popular former Bengal Boomer Esiason. Although over shadowed by his older brother (The Fridge William Perry) the Browns Michael Dean Perry was a very good DT and a multiple pro bowl choice at his position.

AFC SOUTH
HOUSTON TEXANS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: DeMeco Ryans LB 2006 Alabama
IN CONSIDERATION: Chester Pitts T 2002 San Diego State
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Ben Tate RB 2010 Alabama

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Ray Donaldson C 1980 Georgia
IN CONSIDERATION: Bob Sanders DB 2004 Iowa
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Tim Foley T 1981 Notre Dame

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Maurice Jones-Drew RB 2006 UCLA
IN CONSIDERATION: Tony Brackens DE 1996 Texas
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Cordell Taylor DB 1998 Hampton

TENNESSEE TITANS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Michael Roos T 2005 Eastern Washington
IN CONSIDERATION: Samari Rolle DB 1998 Florida State
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Quinton Jones DB 1988 Pittsburgh

As NFL fans know both Houston and Jacksonville have not been in the league for 30 years but both have done well with their 2nd round picks. Maurice Jones-Drew is the best offensive weapon for the Jags and one of the top RB in the NFL. Former Indy Bob Sanders is one of the best at his position when healthy but he’s now a Charger. Injuries in 2010 limited the play of the Texans Ryans who is a Pro Bowler at his linebacker slot.

AFC WEST
DENVER BRONCOS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Rulon Jones DE 1980 Utah State
IN CONSIDERATION: Clinton Portis RB 2002 Miami
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Paul Toriessi DE 2001 Marshall

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Joe Delaney RB 1981 Northeast State
IN CONSIDERATION: Christian Okoye RB 1987 Azusa Pacific
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Mike Elkins QB 1989 Wake Forrest

OAKLAND RAIDERS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Howie Long 1981 Villanova
IN CONSIDERATION: Sean Jones DE 1984 Northeastern
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Leon Bender DT 1998 Washington State

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Drew Brees QB 2001 Purdue
IN CONSIDERATION: Natrone Means RB 1993 North Carolina
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Lou Brock DB 1987 USC

Actually San Diego made a nice comeback after the Ryan Leaf fiasco because in 2001 before the 2nd round choice of Drew Brees they picked LaDainian Tomlinson with their 1st pick. Two future HOF picks at that. Fox television Howie Long is of course a Pro Football Hall of Famer. At the beginning of this article I stated anyone who makes the ultimate sacrifice will ALWAYS be considered a great choice. Such was the case of the Chiefs’ Joe Delaney who on June 29th 1983 gave his life trying to save others. Posthumously awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal by Ronald Reagan, Joe Delaney had a lifetime of helping others. Anyone who knew him personally would attest to this fact. On the day when his life ended he saw three children in the water in danger and although he did not swim very well he did not hesitate to attempt to make a difference. Nearly thirty years have passed and his simple act of bravery still touches my heart. And I hope it will touch yours as well.

PICKING SECOND IS SOMETIMES A GOOD THING

2011-04-13T00:21:00.000-07:00

Photos: Barber & Strahan were probably two of the "Greatest Ever"second round selections...Tiki Barber Photo by David Shankbone via Wikipedia-Strahan(shown "schooling" a Youngster) By Victor Pagan for Football Reporters)
(Eds. Note: this is the first installment of Football Reporters Online's "Pro Draft Report" for 2011, reposted here with permission. It will run every Day until the Draft on April 28th)

PICKING SECOND IS SOMETIMES A GOOD THING
By Don Stokes Senior Writer Mid-West Football Reporters Online

I can truly relate to being second. I was born the second of two boys. I got the hand-me downs clothes and shoes from my one year older brother. So I can really understand to being number two. No with the upcoming 2011 NFL draft just weeks away every team is crossing their collective fingers that they make the best 1st round choice. As every football executive knows making the wrong 1st rounder can put your franchise in a serious tailspin which can take many years to recover.

Ask the San Diego Chargers who chose QB Ryan Leaf with their 1st round pick in 1998. Or the more recent 1st round flop JaMarcus Russell by the Oakland Raiders in 2007. While no team has been totally picture perfect with their 1st picks this piece is not about that. But what of the second round pick? For this is about the 2nd round choices that some NFL executives have made and for some have ultimately lost their good reputations (or jobs) over. I have taken the time and looked for 30 years of data to choose the best and the worst of each NFL teams 2nd round picks.

First let’s go over my criteria:
A) These 2nd round picks are a 30 year (1980 thru 2010) period. For some teams like Carolina, Jacksonville, Baltimore and Houston their NFL existence is a shorter time span.

B) The player MUST have contributed for that team in some manner which he was the choice (ex. In 1991 with their 2nd pick Atlanta chose QB Brett Favre, a future hall of famer but didn’t contribute much for the Falcons during his brief stay with them)

C) A Pro Football Hall of famer tops any all-pro choice (see my example later)

D) A pro bowler tops a player who had a solid career (ex. seasoned veteran).

E) Playing in the NFL is extremely difficult so if you managed to have played at least 20 NFL games during your career you are not considered the worst pick for that or any team.

F) Regardless of injury and you played NO games in your career but you were a 2nd round pick of that club you WILL be considered the best of the worst.

E) Finally, if you made the ultimate sacrifice you will be considered the best 2nd round choice of that team.
With that in mind some of these choices were very challenging. For some teams (Cowboys, Dolphins and Patriots) they had many players to pick from while others (Redskins, Chiefs and Jets) the pickings were slim at best. Some of my choices you may disagree with but here they are:

NFC EAST
DALLAS COWBOYS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Larry Allen G 1994 Somona State
IN CONSIDERATION: Steve Wisniewski G 1989 Penn State
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Shane Hannah 1995 G Michigan State

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Brian Dawkins DB 1996 Clemson
IN CONSIDERATION: Randall Cunningham QB 1985 UNLV
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Mike Bellamy WR 1990 Illinois

NEW YORK GIANTS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Michael Strahan DE 1993 Texas Southern
IN CONSIDERATION: Tiki Barber RB 1997 Virginia
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Joe Montgomery RB 1999 Ohio State

WASHINGTON REDSKINS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Chip Lohmiller PK 1988 Minnesota
IN CONSIDERATION: Tre’ Johnson G 1994 Temple
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Bob Slater DT 1984 Oklahoma

It’s interesting that the Redskins best 2nd round choice during the past 30 has been a place kicker. Lohmiller was the only 2nd rounder for Washington who developed into a Pro Bowl player. Although both had great careers choosing Michael Strahan (A SB win) over Tiki Barber wasn’t as difficult is it appears. Philadelphia with the 2nd round Brian Dawkins was a tough choice over Randall Cunningham.

NFC NORTH
CHICAGO BEARS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Mike Singletary LB 1981 Baylor
IN CONSIDERATION: Devin Hester DB 2006 Miami
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Dan Bazuin DE 2007 Central Michigan

DETROIT LIONS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Chris Spielmann 1987 LB Ohio State
IN CONSIDERATION: Jason Hanson K 1992 Washington State
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: John Ford WR 1989 Virginia

GREEN BAY PACKERS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Le Roy Butler DB 1990 Florida State
IN CONSIDERATION: Darren Sharper DB 1997 William and Mary
WORSE 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Mark D’ Onofrio 1992 LB Penn State

MINNESOTA VIKINGS 1980-2010
BEST 2nd ROUND PICK: Sidney Rice WR 2007 South Carolina
IN CONSIDERATION: EJ Henderson LB 2003 Maryland
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: James Manley DT 1996 Vanderbilt

Singletary was a no brainer over Devin Hester since one is a Pro Football Hall of Famer and one is not (yet). The choice of Le Roy Butler over Darren Sharper was a bit more difficult. It’s interesting that the Vikings two best 2nd rounders were drafted within the last 10 years.

NFC SOUTH
ATLANTA FALCONS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Alge Crumpler TE 2001 North Carolina
IN CONSIDERATION: Scott Case DB 1984 Oklahoma
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Nathan Davis DE 1997 Indiana

CAROLINA PANTHERS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Muhsin Mohammed WR 1996 Michigan State
IN CONSIDERATION: Kris Jenkins DT 2001 Maryland
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Eric Shelton RB 2005 Alabama

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Rickey Jackson LB 1981 Pittsburgh
IN CONSIDERATION: Roman Harper SS 2006 Alabama
WORST 2ND ROUND PICK: Reggie Freeman LB 1993 Florida State

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Mike Alstott RB 1996 Purdue
IN CONSIDERATION: James Wilder RB 1981 Missouri
WORST 2ND ROUND PICK Dexter Jackson WR 2006 Appalachian State

The Buccaneers running backs Mike Alstott and James Wilder both had outstanding careers for Tampa. Mohammed, who recently retired had a solid NFL. The Saints Ricky Jackson, of course is a Pro Football HOF so that was an easy choice.

NFC WEST
ARIZONA CARDINALS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Aeneas Williams DB 1991 Saginaw Valley State
IN CONSIDERATION: Tim McDonald DB 1987 USC
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Tony Jeffery RB 1988 TCU

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 1980-1994
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Roger Craig RB 1983 Nebraska
IN CONSIDERATION: Ricky Watters RB 1991 Notre Dame
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Israel Ifeanyi DE 1996 USC

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Kevin Mawae C 1994 LSU
IN CONSIDERATION: Lofa Tatupu LB 2005 USC
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Andre Hinds T 1980 Stanford

ST.LOUIS RAMS 1980-2010
BEST 2ND ROUND PICK: Isaac Bruce WR 1994 Memphis
IN CONSIDERATION: Henry Elliard WR 1983 Fresno State
WORST 2ND ROUND CHOICE: Jesse James C 1995 Mississippi State

With St. Louis this was my toughest decision, Isaac Bruce vs. Henry Elliard. Both had great careers with the Rams as wide outs. But the nod went to Bruce (a Super Bowl title) who could be voted in the Hall before Henry Elliard. The 49ers RB’s Roger Craig against Ricky Watters wasn’t that tough. Both had solid careers but three Super Bowl rings (Craig) to one (Watters) was the deciding factor.

Looking Ahead: 2011 NFL Draft Team Needs – AFC

2010-09-06T06:24:00.000-07:00

Looking Ahead: 2011 NFL Team Needs – AFC

In his first article looking ahead to the 2011 NFL Draft, Consensus Draft Services’ Craig Strachan takes a look at what the AFC teams may look for in that draft.
Projecting what positions an NFL franchise will look to draft players at is difficult work at the best of times and before the new season has even kicked off is certainly not that. However I have taken a look at all 32 NFL teams’ rosters and come up with areas where I think they may look to strengthen themselves in the 2011 NFL Draft. Here I look at the AFC franchises.

AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
Wide Receiver – The Ravens added Anquan Boldin to their offense in the offseason but with Derrick Mason close to retiring and none of their other receivers ever looking like a starter, they may need to look at this position again in 2011.
Center – Matt Birk may only have a couple of years left in the tank and allowing a young guy to learn from one of the league’s best wouldn’t be a bad thing. Plus 2011 looks like being a good year for centers in the draft.
Cornerback – The NFL is quickly becoming a pass-happy league so you can never have too many corners. I’m also not that high on Dominique Foxworth who may well start for them this year.

Cincinnati Bengals
Running Back – Call me a cynic but I’m still not sure about Cedric Benson as a starting running back and the Bengals need to keep Carson Palmer healthy by developing their run game.
Strongside Linebacker – I’m not sure if USC have a ‘Sam’ coming out this year but if they do they could have a trio of Trojans at linebacker. Either way, adding a guy alongside Rey Maualuga and Keith Rivers would give the Bengals one of the best young linebacker groups in the league.
Safety – The Bengals have Leon Hall and Jonathan Joseph entrenched at corner but adding some help in the secondary would give those two a big boost.

Cleveland Browns
Quarterback – Eric Mangini says the Browns’ quarterback job in Jake Delhomme’s to lose – and that’s a problem. This team needs a franchise QB to help them get over the LeBron fiasco.
Wide Receiver – Browns fans will recall the days of Braylon Edwards, Joe Jurevicius and Donte Stallworth with some fondness, at least in comparison to Mohammed Massaquoi and Josh Cribbs anyway.
Inside Linebacker – Do you know what the most impressive thing about the Browns inside linebackers is? That they all still have NFL jobs. This group needs quality.

Pittsburgh Steelers
Offensive Line – I’ve been crying out for at least two years for the Steelers to do something about their offensive line. Now with injuries hitting them before the season even starts they might finally see how bad their depth is.
Defensive Line – The Steelers front three have all been exceptional players at their positions but none of them have very much left in the tank. The Steelers need to find heirs for these guys.
Wide Receiver – After trading the Super Bowl-winning Santonio Holmes and with Hines Ward on the decline, this team needs to find at least one starter going forward.

AFC South
Houston Texans
Wide Receiver – Kevin Walter is getting up there in age and aside from Andre Johnson I struggle to find a decent target on this team for Matt Schaub.
Weakside Linebacker – With Brian Cushing at DeMeco Ryans set in the other two linebacker positions, the Texans could do with a ‘Will’ to make this a very good trio.
Cornerback – After losing Dunta Robinson in the offseason the Texans did little to address this position. They might be wishing they did come the 2011 draft.

Indianapolis Colts
Left Tackle – The Colts thought they’d hit a home run with Tony Ugoh a couple of years back but he’s since gone downhill and left Charlie Johnson protecting Peyton Manning’s blindside. That’s not a situation they can let go on for too long.
Defensive Tackle – At some point the Colts have to address their lack of size at the defensive tackle position as they continue to give up large amounts of yards against the run.
Center – Jeff Saturday has anchored their offensive line for so long that it’s hard to imagine anyone else doing that job. Still, he’s not going to be around much longer so they need to find his eventual replacement.

Jacksonville Jaguars
Quarterback – If, as I expect, the Jaguars are picking high in the 2011 NFL Draft it will be because their quarterback simply has not been good enough. David Garrard cannot carry this franchise any higher than mediocrity and they need someone who can.
Wide Receiver – Hands up if you can name any of Jacksonville receiving corps. Anyone? No, me neither. That’s precisely why they need to address this position.
Safety – Reggie Nelson’s play has declined significantly in the last year or so and Gerald Alexander has never really struck me as a quality starter.

Tennessee Titans
Center – It looks less likely by the day that the Titans will re-sign former Pro Bowler Kevin Mawae so they’ll need to do something about that position. In a good year for centers they may well find another Pro Bowler.
Defensive Tackle – The Titans front 7 wasn’t the same after Albert Haynesworth left for the megabucks in Washington D.C. Finding a dominant guy to fill that hole would be a smart move.
Linebacker – This franchise has a lot of solid linebackers in its ranks but none of them really stand out as being ‘the’ guy. Adding a young star on one side would really give this defense some bite.

AFC East
Buffalo Bills
Left Tackle – After trading Jason Peters the Bills did absolutely nothing two drafts on the trot to address their left tackle spot. That simply cannot go on if they want to keep their QB, whoever he might be, upright and healthy.
Quarterback – That melee of Trent Edwards, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Brian Brohm should never be allowed to compete for a starting job ever again. This franchise needs to find an image and that starts with a QB.
Nose Tackle – After deciding to switch to a 3-4 defense many thought the Bills would target one of the ‘heavyweight’ (see what I did there?) nose tackles in the 2010 draft. They will certainly need to look at this in 2011.

Miami Dolphins
Running Back – Neither Ronnie Brown or Ricky Williams fill me with much confidence anymore and if the Dolphins want young QB Chad Henne to succeed then they need a good ground game to work with him.
Safety – I like the Dolphins defense a lot but the weakest link in my mind is at safety. Adding some firepower in the secondary would really make that unit look stronger.
Wide Receiver – Brandon Marshall aside, the receiving corps looks mediocre at best and Marshall is just another McDonalds’ paper bag away from missing several games. Having a better number two guy would help this offense.

New England Patriots
Outside Linebacker – The Patriots always seem to shock me with the production they seem to get out of older outside linebackers in their system. Adding a youthful playmaker who can cause havoc on this defense would be an improvement for them though.
Running Back – Laurence Maroney never really panned out quite how they would have liked and finding ways to cut down the number of throws Tom Brady has to make would help their star QB last an extra year or two. For more advice on aging quarterbacks see Favre, B.
Inside Linebacker – Teaming another young stud with Jerod Mayo would solve all the Patriots problems at the position for the next decade or so.

New York Jets
Right Tackle – The Jets have done the right thing in addressing the left side of their offensive line recently by adding Vlad DuCasse in the 2010 draft but now they need to look at improving their run game and adding a mauler at right tackle.
Defensive Line – Apparently Rex Ryan had to convince Kris Jenkins not to retire this offseason and the guys who start alongside him are no spring chickens. They need to find young guys to take their places sooner or later.
Safety – Getting Darrelle Revis under a long-term deal will help the Jets secondary no end, but adding a playmaking safety to help him out would also benefit this defense.

AFC West
Denver Broncos
Quarterback Nose Tackle – Sorry, I almost forgot about Kyle Orton! The Broncos are another team who have switched to a 3-4 defense and not yet drafted a nose tackle. Jamal Williams is a decent one-year stop-gap but he can’t become any more than that.
Center – This team has a reasonable offensive line but the weak link as far as I can see is at center. Finding an anchor for that line would be good, especially if he’s also handy at snapping to a QB in shotgun.
Defensive Back – With Champ Bailey nearing the end of a stellar career and no obvious successor in place the cornerback position needs to be addressed. They could also use an upgrade at safety too. Guys at both positions would help improve the Broncos’ secondary.

Kansas City Chiefs
Wide Receiver – Coach Todd Haley doesn’t seem especially enamoured with Dwayne Bowe who just so happens to be the only decent target Matt Cassell has on that offense. Finding someone to either complement or replace Bowe might be necessary come the 2011 draft.
Outside Linebacker – The key to playing the 3-4 as I see it is getting pressure on the opposing QB from the outside linebackers. Right now I don’t see anyone who I’d trust to do that consistently on the Chiefs roster.
Center – The Chiefs have slowly been revamping their offensive line over the last couple of offseasons and the next piece of the puzzle should be a young center. They need to protect their investment in their quarterback.

Oakland Raiders
Offensive Tackle – I know they drafted 2 guys at the position in April but one may move inside to guard and the Raiders need to replace both their tackles in any case. They may like Mario Henderson on the left side but I certainly don’t.
Defensive Back – I know they always draft one or two anyway, but with Nnamdi Asamough only having one year left on his deal and the safeties not being anything to write home about the Raiders need to look at this area early in 2011.
Wide Receiver – This group has a lot of undeveloped potential in the form of Louis Murphy, Chaz Schilens and Darrius Williamson-Bey (error intended) but they need someone to really kick on and be ‘the’ guy. To find him, they may well need to look to the draft.

San Diego Chargers
Offensive Tackle – Marcus McNeill isn’t happy at how the Chargers have treated him this offseason and may well look to get out next year if he can. On the right side, the guy with the horrendously long name doesn’t exactly inspire confidence.
Wide Receiver – Replace the above sentence about Marcus McNeill with Vincent Jackson because the story is exactly the same. If Jackson goes the Chargers receiving group will lose a piece that will need to be replaced.
Cornerback – Giving up on Antonio Cromartie is certainly understandable but it does lose the Chargers one heck of talent at cornerback. They need to look at adding another guy at this position to restock the shelves.

That’s it for the AFC – I hope you enjoyed it and found it useful in some way. Next week I’ll be taking a similar look at the NFC.

NFL TRAINING CAMPS OPEN THIS WEEK; BROWNS FIRST IN ON FRIDAY

2010-07-22T15:51:00.001-07:00

From NFLMedia.com
FOR USE AS DESIRED
7/20/10

NFL TRAINING CAMPS OPEN THIS WEEK;
BROWNS FIRST IN ON FRIDAY

“Helmets on! Buckle ’em up!”

That’s what coaches will say to players this week as the first group of NFL teams report to training camp.

Four clubs will begin their on-field preparations for NFL Kickoff 2010 this week, starting with the Cleveland Browns on Friday, July 23 when their rookies report.

Three teams will follow this weekend, starting with the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, July 24 and then the rookie class of two more clubs on Sunday, July 25 – the New England Patriots and San Diego Chargers.

By August 1, every NFL team will be in camp.

For the second consecutive year, 17 of the 32 NFL teams will be “staying home” for training camp, which represents more than half the league (53 percent). In 2001, only 5 of 31 (16 percent) teams stayed close to home.

When he accepted the position of Washington Redskins executive vice president/head coach in January, MIKE SHANAHAN liked the idea of “going away” for training camp to build his team in his image.

But after viewing the considerable meeting space and pristine practice fields at Redskins Park and hearing stories about the huge fan support the team received at the club’s Ashburn, Virginia facility during recent camps, he changed his mind.

“I have heard about the passionate fans and the huge, enthusiastic crowds that come out to support our team during training camp,” says Shanahan. “I’m looking forward to sharing in this experience for the first time. Training camp is the time our players build their identity as a team, and we are pleased to begin laying the foundation for the 2010 season in front of Redskins Nation.”

Here’s a look at the number of NFL teams that stayed home for training camp the past 10 years:

YEAR
NFL TEAMS WITH HOME
TRAINING CAMPS (PCT.)

YEAR
NFL TEAMS WITH HOME
TRAINING CAMPS (PCT.)
2001
5 of 31 (16%)

2006
13 of 32 (41%)
2002
7 of 32 (22%)

2007
17 of 32 (53%)
2003
12 of 32 (38%)

2008
14 of 32 (44%)
2004
12 of 32 (38%)

2009
17 of 32 (53%)
2005
15 of 32 (47%)

2010
17 of 32 (53%)

The Saints’ dream 2009 season began with a home training camp before culminating with the franchise’s first NFL title. The club decided to remain in Metairie, Louisiana for the first time at the Saints practice facility for training camp last summer.

“As NFL training facilities evolve and develop, there is a trend to want to maximize the exposure your team has to all of the amenities that help make training camp successful,” says New Orleans general manager MICKEY LOOMIS. “Training camp is a very physically and mentally demanding period of time for the players, and by being able to utilize our facilities, we feel like it is the best decision that we can make for our team.”

The numbers may prove home-base popularity is a growing league-wide trend, but there are still teams employing the “old-time” philosophy of encamping away. And they just might know something.

Before the Saints’ Super Bowl XLIV victory, the previous four NFL champions all trained away from home at college training sites, starting with the Pittsburgh Steelers (XL, XLIII) and continuing with the Indianapolis Colts (XLI) and New York Giants (XLII).

“You could just feel the way that the team was coming together, and it went through the whole year,” says New York Jets owner WOODY JOHNSON, whose team trained at SUNY-Cortland last summer en route to an AFC Championship Game appearance. The club recently extended its agreement with the university through 2012.

“The trends that started here at Cortland continue,” says Johnson. “Those kinds of traditions are very important.”

There may be two NFL schools of thought when it comes to where to train, but the debate rages on. When it comes down to it, Detroit Lions head coach JIM SCHWARTZ thinks how they train is even more important than where they train.

“In Tennessee, we did it both ways,” says Schwartz, who spent 10 years with the Titans, including his last eight as defensive coordinator, before earning his first head-coaching opportunity last year. “We went away. We stayed home. We were successful both ways.”

*******************************************************************************************************************
FAMILIAR SURROUNDINGS

Two teams – the Indianapolis Colts and Kansas City Chiefs – will encamp at new training sites this year. The Cowboys will once again return to the Alamodome in San Antonio for a portion of camp, but will also spend time in Oxnard, California and Dallas.

While some clubs have changed their training bases in the past decade, others return to familiar venues where they have spent their summer months for years.

The NFL training camp longevity king? The Green Bay Packers, who return on July 30 for their 53rd consecutive summer at St. Norbert College in DePere, Wisconsin.

The longest active NFL training camp tenures:

TEAM
TRAINING CAMP
CITY
YEARS
Green Bay Packers
St. Norbert College
DePere, Wisconsin
53
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota State Mankato
Mankato, Minnesota
44
Pittsburgh Steelers
Saint Vincent College
Latrobe, Pennsylvania
44

********************************************************************************************************************
The 2010 NFL training camp sites and reporting dates:

AFC
TEAM
SITE
LOCATION
ROOKIES
VETERANS
Baltimore
McDaniel College
Westminster, MD
7/26
7/28
Buffalo
St. John Fisher College
Pittsford, NY
7/29
7/29
Cincinnati
Georgetown College
Georgetown, KY
7/28
7/28
Cleveland
Cleveland Browns Training Facility
Berea, OH
7/23
7/30
Denver
Paul D. Bowlen Memorial Broncos Centre
Englewood, CO
7/28
7/31
Houston
Methodist Training Center
Houston, TX
7/30
7/30
Indianapolis
Anderson University
Anderson, IN
8/1
8/1
Jacksonville
Jacksonville Municipal Stadium
Jacksonville, FL
7/29
7/29
Kansas City
Missouri Western State University
St. Joseph, MO
7/29
7/29
Miami
Miami Dolphins Training Facility
Davie, FL
7/30
7/30
New England
Gillette Stadium
Foxboro, MA
7/25
7/28
NY Jets
SUNY Cortland
Cortland, NY
7/29
8/1
Oakland
Napa Valley Marriott
Napa Valley, CA
7/28
7/28
Pittsburgh
Saint Vincent College
Latrobe, PA
7/30
7/30
San Diego
Chargers Park
San Diego, CA
7/25
7/30
Tennessee
Baptist Sports Park
Nashville, TN
7/31
7/31

NFC
TEAM
SITE
LOCATION
ROOKIES
VETERANS
Arizona
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ
7/30
7/30
Atlanta
Atlanta Falcons Training Facility
Flowery Branch, GA
7/29
7/29
Carolina
Wofford College
Spartanburg, SC
7/28
7/28
Chicago
Olivet Nazarene University
Bourbonnais, IL
7/30
7/30
Dallas*
Alamodome/Marriott Residence Inn
Oxnard River Ridge
San Antonio, TX/
Oxnard, CA
7/24
7/24
Detroit
Detroit Lions Training Facility
Allen Park, MI
7/30
7/30
Green Bay
St. Norbert College
De Pere, WI
7/30
7/30
Minnesota
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Mankato, MN
7/30
7/30
New Orleans
New Orleans Saints Training Facility
Metairie, LA
7/29
7/29
NY Giants
University at Albany
Albany, NY
8/1
8/1
Philadelphia
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA
7/26
7/29
St. Louis
Russell Training Center
Earth City, MO
7/28
7/30
San Francisco
Marie P. DeBartolo Sports Center
Santa Clara, CA
7/30
7/31
Seattle
Virginia Mason Athletic Center
Renton, WA
7/30
7/30
Tampa Bay
One Buccaneer Place
Tampa, FL
7/30
7/30
Washington
Redskins Park
Ashburn, VA
7/29
7/29
* Dallas will train in San Antonio (7/24-8/6), Dallas (8/7-8/13), and Oxnard, CA (8/14-8/27).
2010 NFL PRESEASON NATIONAL TELEVISION SCHEDULE
(All times Eastern)

DATE
GAME
NETWORK (TIME)
Sunday, August 8
Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, Canton, OH:
Cincinnati vs. Dallas
NBC (8:00 PM)
Thursday, August 12
Carolina at Baltimore
ESPN (8:00 PM)
Monday, August 16
New York Giants at New York Jets
ESPN (8:00 PM)
Thursday, August 19
New England at Atlanta
FOX (8:00 PM)
Friday, August 20
Philadelphia at Cincinnati
FOX (8:00 PM)
Sunday, August 22
Minnesota at San Francisco
NBC (8:00 PM)
Monday, August 23
Arizona at Tennessee
ESPN (8:00 PM)
Thursday, August 26
Indianapolis at Green Bay
ESPN (8:00 PM)
Friday, August 27
San Diego at New Orleans
CBS (8:00 PM)
Saturday, August 28
Dallas at Houston
CBS (8:00 PM)
Sunday, August 29
Pittsburgh at Denver
FOX (8:00 PM)

AFC Team Needs and Moves-Post Draft

2010-05-18T13:01:00.000-07:00

AFC Team Needs and Moves-Post Draft
Compiled By Frankie Underwoord for Football Reporters Online

AFC East

Buffalo Bills

Team Losses - T. Owens – WR, J. Reed – WR, C. Draft – LB

Team Additions – D. Edwards – DE, A. Davis – LB, C. Green – OT

Team Needs – (Switching to a 3-4) OT, NT, QB, OLB, WR, DE

Draft:
1. CJ Spiller – RB, Clemson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxkNT9IxEu8
2. Torell Troup – DT, UCF
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeLhek6HBOM
3. Alex Carrington – DE, Arkansas State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAvEloMMOhQ&feature=related
4. Marcus Easley – WR, Connecticut
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IV2L0DpLmQM
5. Ed Wang – OT, Virginia Tech
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMqPNKXgFLA
6. Arthur Moats – OLB, James Madison
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaaRxhjB_LU
6. Danny Batten – OLB, South Dakota State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJKntBPsdo4
7. Levi Brown – QB, Troy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3pgLJdyBh0
7. Kyle Calloway – G, Iowa
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJ7pxdQ3oPg

Miami Dolphins

Team Losses – J. Taylor – OLB, J. Porter – OLB, G. Wilson – S, T. Ginn – WR/KR, A. Ayodele – LB, N. Jones – CB

Team Additions – B. Marshall – WR, K. Dansby – LB, R. Incognito – G, T. Dobbins - LB

Team Needs – OLB, NT, FS, G, TE, ILB

Draft:
1. Jared Odrick – DT, Penn State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zj5LXLmFg7E
2. Koa Misi – OLB, Utah
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4Mm-hICcfc
3. John Jerry – G, Mississippi
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwDK66T5kL0
4. AJ Edds – OLB, Iowa
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=do7aIOuBD7o
5. Nolan Carroll – CB, Maryland
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XY32955jZag
5. Reshad Jones – S, Georgia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4R1Ryqw3k5Y
7. Chris McCoy – OLB, Middle Tennessee
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eGaRsen0n8 (at 1:21 mark)
7. Austin Spitler – ILB, Ohio State

New England Patriots

Team Losses – B. Watson – TE, A. Thomas – LB/pass rush specialist

Team Additions – T. Holt – WR, D. Lewis – DT/DE, A. Crumpler – TE, T. Banta-Cain – OLB/pass rush specialist

Team Needs – (possibly implementing more 4-3 defensive fronts) TE, OLB, WR, CB, D-Line depth

Draft:
1. Devin McCourty – CB/KR, Rutgers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIl5Du2OMMg
2. Rob Gronkowski – TE, Arizona
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiCZGXQkVRU
2. Jermaine Cunningham – DE, Florida
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94309Y-E6Os
2. Brandon Spikes – ILB, Florida
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsSCrkUrI1U
3. Taylor Price – WR, Ohio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7WrvN3aKJE
4. Aaron Hernandez – TE, Florida
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-G0i3Cc84Tc
5. Zoltan Mesko – P, Michigan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJS91Gfd_CI
6. Ted Larsen – C, N.C. State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0l1LSO8M_g (at 1:47 mark)
7. Thomas Welch – OT, Vanderbilt
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0l1LSO8M_g (at 2:02 mark)
7. Brandon Deaderick – DE, Alabama
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzHFpI3L3DA
7. Kade Weston – DT, Georgia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0l1LSO8M_g (at 2:29 mark)
7. Zac Robinson – QB, Oklahoma State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QP4gWiz22A

New York Jets

Team Losses – T. Jones – RB, L. Washington – RB, K. Rhoades – S, L. Sheppard – CB, A. Faneca – G

Team Additions – A. Cromartie – CB, L. Tomlinson – RB, S. Holmes – WR, J. Taylor – OLB, B. Poole – S

Team Needs – OLB, DE, S, G, T

Draft:
1. Kyle Wilson – CB, Boise State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TMCiFmr7E4
2. Vladimir Ducasse – OT, Massachusetts
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwLp0hBtWsg
4. Joe McKnight – RB, Southern Cal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fliv9DNBfIg
5. John Conner – FB, Kentucky
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWksU1w1Qq0 (at :10 mark)

AFC West

Denver Broncos

Team Losses – B. Marshall – WR, T. Scheffler – TE, A. Davis – LB

Team Additions – J. Williams – NT, J. Bannon – DE, A. Ayodele – LB, B. Quinn – QB

Team Needs – WR, C, QB, D-Line, LB

Draft:
1. Demaryius Thomas – WR, Georgia Tech
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nDhGrYAx5g
1. Tim Tebow – QB, Florida
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unznEqnn2E4
2. Zane Beadles – OT, Utah
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A43AZoUopLs (at 1:45 mark)
3. J.D. Walton – C, Baylor
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95VCpeM5kEc (at :12 mark)
3. Eric Decker – WR, Minnesota
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cx9WWaKQk5s&feature=fvst
5. Perrish Cox – CB, Oklahoma State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ma_n9K3stn8
6. Eric Olsen – G, Notre Dame
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95VCpeM5kEc (at :42 mark)
7. Syd’Quan Thompson – DB, California
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMk77JUWmw0
7. Jammie Kirlew – LB, Indiana
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eu2wuaKUhGs

Kansas City Chiefs

Team Losses – N/A

Team Additions – T. Jones – RB, S. Smith – DT, R. Lilja – G, J. Urban – WR, C Wiegmann

Team Needs – OT, NT, S, TE, LB

Draft:
1. Eric Berry – S, Tennessee
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABh4EthNnDA
2. Dexter McCluster – RB/WR, Mississippi
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fA1dAqOIEE0
2. Javier Arenas – CB, Alabama
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIGsZqAK8N4
3. Jon Asamoah – G, Illinois
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=989OK1N8Hg0
3. Tony Moeaki – TE, Iowa
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GoGPZ-43CY
5. Kendrick Lewis – DB, Mississippi
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fMGEdBCO4A (at the 3:55 mark)
5. Cameron Sheffield – LB, Troy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qG5EThKqj-U (at the 2:00 mark)

Oakland Raiders

Team Losses – K. Morrison – MLB, G. Ellis – DE, J. Fargas – RB, G. Warren – DT,

Team Additions – J. Campbell – QB, K. Wimbley – OLB, Q. Groves – OLB

Team Needs – (possibly transitioning to a 3-4 defense) OT, MLB, DT/NT, QB, S

Draft:
1. Rolando McClain – LB, Alabama
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvj1eDfaIO4
2. Lamarr Houston – DT, Texas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKUTXDrkWXM
3. Jared Veldheer – OT, Hillsdale
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpRy5cVwHh4 (at 1:42 mark)
4. Bruce Campbell – OT/G, Maryland
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnMm7AcJ7RI
4. Jacoby Ford – WR, Clemson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lp4_19YsG2A
5. Walter McFadden – DB, Auburn
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YultaUpaBAQ (pt 1 of 3)
6. Travis Goethel – LB, Arizona State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wnw5dmBHpA (at 5:20 mark)
7. Jeremy Ware – DB, Michigan State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wnw5dmBHpA (at 5:33 mark)
7. Steven Brown – DB, Michigan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wnw5dmBHpA (at 6:05 mark)

San Diego Chargers

Team Losses – J. Williams – NT, L. Tomlinson – RB, A. Cromartie – CB, T. Dobbins – LB

Team Additions – N. Vasher – CB, N. Novak – K

Team Needs – RB, NT, CB, DE, O-Line depth

Draft:
1. Ryan Mathews – RB, Fresno State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iA9wiFnDVdE
3. Donald Butler – LB, Washington
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtJT1-uqcik (at 3:53 mark)
4. Darrell Stuckey – DB, Kansas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7z52oB5j0QI
5. Cam Thomas – NT, North Carolina
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Npe9dFUyGJ4 (#95)
5. Jonathan Crompton – QB, Tennessee
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNhd0oV3-3o
7. Dedrick Epps – TE, Miami
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SGnPKV9rZk

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens

Team Losses – D. Edwards – DT/DE, J. Bannan – DT/DE, S. Rolle – CB

Team Additions – A. Bolden – WR, C. Redding – DT/DE, D. Stallworth – WR

Team Needs – ILB, CB, TE, WR

Draft:
2. Sergio Kindle – LB, Texas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVLT2w6Z6SY
2. Terrence Cody – DT/NT, Alabama
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iig2eh_zjOs
3. Ed Dickson – TE, Oregon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc0hRDBgjBE
4. Dennis Pitta – TE, BYU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSqUnYL60Ao
5. David Reed – WR, Utah
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUaGQrb6mgU
5. Arthur Jones – DT, Syracuse
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsF3OEVaJBU
6. Ramon Harewood – OT, Morehouse
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xd-Am4-7ZV8 (at 4:12 mark)

Cincinnati Bengals

Team Losses – S. Smith – DT, B. Williams – G, L. Coles – WR, S. Graham – K

Team Additions – A. Bryant – WR, M. Jones – WR/TE, M. Nugent – K, G. Wilson – S, Pacman Jones – CB, C. Peerman – RB

Team Needs – TE, S, G, LB, QB

Draft:
1. Jermaine Gresham – TE, Oklahoma
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nngZJXnuS98
2. Carlos Dunlap – DE, Florida
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Q5Q2PZklrI
3. Jordan Shipley – WR, Texas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3oyB-AbPCU
3. Brandon Ghee – CB, Wake Forest
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66qlBv7WTME (#17)
4. Geno Atkins – DT, Georgia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHcibKj216A (at 1:23 mark)
4. Rodderick Muckelroy – LB, Texas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLXCoGLMbTc
5. Otis Hudson – G, Eastern Illinois

6. Dezmon Briscoe – WR, Kansas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThFMPYiIniE
7. Reggie Stephens – C, Iowa State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wz6YYSsWIeg (at :23 mark)

Cleveland Browns

Team Losses – J. Lewis – RB, B. Quinn – QB, D. Anderson – QB, A. Hall – LB, B. Poole – S, H. Fraley - C

Team Additions – J. Delhomme – QB, S. Wallace – QB, B. Watson – TE, S. Brown – CB, T. Pashos – OT, C. Gocong – LB, S. Fujita – LB, P. Hillis – RB/FB, A. Smith – TE, E. Ghiaciuc – C

Team Needs – QB, S, WR, CB, RB, LB, O-Line

Draft:
1. Joe Haden – CB, Florida
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJBn0saY1_k
2. TJ Ward – S, Oregon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NetmUwDaAI
2. Montario Hardesty – RB, Tennessee
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJJiHPqy8xE
3. Colt McCoy – QB, Texas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5B_tGheuQ4
3. Shawn Lauvao – G, Arizona State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcaxxJoe3n0
5. Larry Asante – S, Nebraska
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IkAU7G6Sic
6. Carlton Mitchell – WR, South Florida
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddm_AwNfUY8
6. Clifton Geathers – DE, South Carolina
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8uCPzHnWk4

Pittsburgh Steelers

Team Losses – S. Holmes – WR, W. Parker – RB

Team Additions – B. Leftwich – QB, A. Randle-El – WR, W. Allen – S, B. McFadden – CB, L. Foote – LB, J. Scott – OT

Team Needs – O-Line, CB, LB, RB, WR, TE

Draft:
1. Maurkice Pouncey – C, Florida
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6NT3DAMtrE
2. Jason Worilds – LB, Virginia Tech
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBzLNXDuTGA
3. Emmanuel Sanders – WR, SMU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNthxAPLaFw
4. Thaddeus Gibson – LB, Ohio State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icaUlcW2SCQ
5. Chris Scott – OT, Tennessee
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IysD6dlxsIo
5. Crezdon Butler – DB, Clemson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhQucP7DjYE
5. Stevenson Sylvester – LB, Utah
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-3oUIQ09IU
6. Jonathan Dwyer – RB, Georgia Tech
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bq9Yme2gczU
6. Antonio Brown – WR, Central Michigan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U172KCi1mks
7. Doug Worthington – DE, Ohio State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeCahfEqJLg

AFC South

Houston Texans

Team Losses – D. Robinson – CB, B. Russell (?) – S

Team Additions – N. Rackers – K, W. Smith – O-Line, M. Gaines – TE

Team Needs – CB, RB, G, FS, WR

Draft:
1. Kareem Jackson – CB, Alabama
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUlu7sXogUM
2. Ben Tate – RB, Auburn
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfBkonPBFGY
3. Earl Mitchell – DT, Arizona
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FgzV4MRXcU
4. Darryl Sharpton – LB, Miami
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fMGEdBCO4A (at 1:22 mark)
4. Garrett Graham – TE, Wisconsin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAljnqfm7yA
5. Sherrick McManis – DB, Northwestern
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4VulMlHEjI (at :12 mark)
6. Shelley Smith – G, Colorado State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kIXVCmvoUw (at :10 mark)
6. Trindon Holliday – KR, LSU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlYgAUH7zfI
7. Dorin Dickerson – TE/WR – Pittsburgh
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9fZQpuoJ_Q

Indianapolis Colts

Team Losses – M. Jackson – CB, R. Brock – DE, R. Lilja – G, J. Sorgi – QB

Team Additions – A. Terry – OT

Team Needs – OT, G, DT, LB, QB, DE

Draft:
1. Jerry Hughes – DE, TCU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkvPIDwMlqE
2. Pat Angerer – LB, Iowa
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NpRbgzYTY0
3. Kevin Thomas – CB, Southern Cal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TltqT7D8D_I
4. Jacques McClendon – G, Tennessee
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9f_Obm0Zi74
5. Brody Eldridge – TE, Oklahoma
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulV_O5UZE6U (at 2:05 mark)
7. Ricardo Mathews – DE, Cincinnati
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGh_uGzSPH8 (at 1:28 mark)
7. Kavell Conner – LB, Clemson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzgxywpm8wc (at 2:26 mark)
7. Ray Fisher – DB, Indiana
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjBpDXKv6Fc

Jacksonville Jaguars

Team Losses – J. Henderson – DT, T. Holt – WR, T. Thomas – OT, Q. Groves – DE

Team Additions – A. Kampman – DE, K. Morrison – MLB, F. Keiaho – LB, K. Osgood – WR

Team Needs – LB, DT, S, QB, C, DE, WR

Draft:
1. Tyson Alualu – DT, California
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCjawbHQ2Ns
3. D’Anthony Smith – DT, Louisiana Tech
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdX0jhm3ulI
5. Larry Hart – DE, Central Arkansas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxOvrOHGbU0
5. Austen Lane – DE, Murray State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLzaVpl0NUQ
6. Deji Karim – RB, Southern Illinois
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMpFoHv6kQM
6. Scotty McGee – KR, James Madison
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svRvZxTCTb4

Tennessee Titans

Team Losses – K. Vanden Bosch – DE, K. Bulluck (?) – LB, K. Mawae (?) – C, L. White – RB

Team Additions – W. Witherspoon – LB, J. Babin – DE, T. Hill – CB, C. Simms – QB

Team Needs – DE, CB, LB, G, WR, QB

Draft:
1. Derrick Morgan – DE, Georgia Tech
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDFUIyuqiH0
3. Damian Williams – WR, Southern Cal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eggkv0Z0tQ
3. Rennie Curran – LB, Georgia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wndM8tc0SB8
4. Alterraun Verner – CB, UCLA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cZbjLR1l_c
5. Robert Johnson – S, Utah
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_ourKzKOnY
6. Rusty Smith – QB, Florida Atlantic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qf5qN7TfiA
6. Myron Rolle – S, Florida State
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsn1aIaYj-Y
7. Marc Mariani – WR, Montana
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNM1NYBp0QQ
7. David Howard – DT, Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLzaVpl0NUQ (at :22 mark)

NFC SOUTH: TEAM DRAFT RECAPS/GRADES

2010-05-18T12:59:00.000-07:00

NFC SOUTH: TEAM DRAFT RECAPS/GRADES-William Queen and Ralph Garcia-Football Reporters Online

The NFC South gave birth to the Super bowl Champion in 2009. However, despite the good play, many, many needs have arisen from each of the four teams in the division. The fastest, easiest way for teams to make up for their teams losses each year is the NFL Draft. Lets see how the NFC South did.

Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons needed quite a few different things in order to make this year’s draft a success; a receiver to counteract Roddy White, help at linebacker, depth at defensive tackle, an offensive guard to solidify the line, and somebody who knows how to stop the pass (I know they have to defend Drew Brees, but when you play Carolina twice a year, ranking 28th in pass defense doesn’t cut it).
With their first round pick (19th) Atlanta decided to take Missouri linebacker Sean Weatherspoon. Now this is a great pick considering that he was the best player available; He’ll surely cure all their problems at linebacker; he can play all three linebacker positions. His combine results were top-of-the-line and his film backs it up. A very instinctive, playmaking linebacker, Weatherspoon will probably serve a huge role as a weak side backer in Atlanta’s Tampa Two defense. I say this pick was a huge success.
The Falcons had to wait until the end of the third round before their next selection came around. This time, big-boy Kentucky defensive tackle Corey Peters was the selection. Now Peters isn’t the ideal starting defensive tackle, in the sense that his technique isn’t where it needs to be in order to compete every down in the NFL. However, Peters will add another hard-working body to the defensive tackle rotation in Atlanta; that looks like a solid pick to me.
Now in order to get their offensive line under control, which wasn’t too bad in the first place (only allowing 27 sacks in 2009), they drafted Alabama offensive guard Mike Johnson and UNLV offensive guard Joe Hawley. Neither may be the immediate fix at offensive guard, however, they will provide much needed depth to Atlanta’s questionable offensive line. Johnson can be a solid backup as a rookie, while Hawley has the versatility to play any of the three interior positions. Hawley may not be quite as talented as Johnson, but will provide more help than many may expect. Okay so these two picks didn’t quite exemplify the offensive line, but it’ll work for the time being.
Well, so far so good for the Falcons. At this point, they’ve used every one of their picks in a good manner. However, with all the needs that Atlanta came into the draft needing, it’s nearly impossible to satisfy all of them; Roddy White’s still lonely out wide and the secondary didn’t get any better when you drafted two straight offensive guards. Yet, I think this is where the Falcons did the best job. Still needing some help in the secondary, Atlanta chose Oklahoma cornerback Dominique Franks. Franks is a surprisingly good fit for Atlanta’s Tampa Two defense and should excel with his great instincts and zone coverage. He may not be a starting corner at first, but could help out in packages that require more than four defensive backs such as nickel or dime.
At this point, the only need left for the Atlanta Falcons to fill is at receiver. Wide receiver Roddy White accounted for 85 receptions, 1153 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns in 2009, so it’s safe to say that they have a #1 receiver. But other than that, the Falcons don’t’ have a guy that can pick up the slack (#2 receiver Michael Jenkins only had 635 receiving yards and one touchdown reception in 2009). So, with all this in mind, Atlanta picked up hybrid Kansas receiver Kerry Meier to fill their hole. Meier used to start at quarterback for the Jayhawks, but was converted to a receiver during his junior year. Ever since, Meier has been more than productive considering his circumstances. However, I don’t think that Meier is gonna be enough to satisfy that #2 spot. Hey, he might go out there and prove me wrong, but I haven’t seen enough proof to lead me to believe that this guy can be a productive receiver in the NFL. Picking up someone in the fifth round doesn’t exactly fill their need as well as it should. I’m not very impressed with how Atlanta handled that.
Overall Draft Grade: B
　
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers came into the draft needing three main things; a quarterback to build their team around, someone for that quarterback to throw to, and some players that could stop the run for God’s sake (particularly at defensive end). Some fans argue that quarterback is not as big of a need as the media portrays it to be, however, when your team leader throws more picks per game than any other quarterback in the league, we got a problem. So, to fit this need, the Panthers looked to the draft for answers.
It was probably a very painful few hours in Carolina’s draft room, as they were forced to wait until the mid second round before their first pick arrived. When it did, and they saw that Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen was still on the board, they couldn‘t believe their eyes. What is it with Notre Dame quarterbacks these days? I don’t know, maybe Brady Quinn scared teams off. But no matter, Carolina jumped all over Clausen while he was still there and there probably isn’t a second that goes by that the Panthers regret their decision. Clausen has an NFL-ready arm and is very used to playing in a pro-style offense at Notre Dame. He can fire passes into small spaces and can put some touch on the ball in order to make it just over the defender and into the receivers hands. Clausen should have plenty of opportunities to blossom as a quarterback in Carolina. Running backs Jonothan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams should make him look good anyways (much like Mark Sanchez and the Jets).
Now for that player for him to throw to; the Panthers had another whack at the NFL Draft piñata, this time in the mid third round, and went with LSU receiver Brandon LaFell. LaFell was a player that was projected to go in the early-to-mid second round, but it wasn’t a huge shocker when he was still around at the 78th pick. Carolina‘s #2 receiver Muhsin Muhammad is entering his 15th season in 2010, so this is a very smart pick, as LaFell shouldn’t have to wait long before his spot opens up in the offense. During his junior and senior season at LSU, LaFell never really had an established quarterback to throw him the ball and still managed to put up 1721 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns during that two-year speriod; he’s probably thrilled to be starting along side a matured quarterback in Jimmy Clausen.
That’s two needs down with their first two picks, so I guess you can say that the Panthers had plenty of breathing room with eight picks left. However, drafting quarterback Tony Pike and wildcat quarterback Armanti Edwards in the later rounds, I guess you can say Carolina would rather be safe than sorry when it comes to quarterback. Don’t wanna take any more chances there. These two picks may not look like much of a significance at first, but this is really where Carolina’s draft is going to make a huge impact. Not only do they have one franchise quarterback (Clausen), but they have two (Pike)! Not to mention someone to take the snaps in the wildcat and give Deangelo Williams a break.
This is where the “great” part of the Panther’s draft ends and the “good” part begins. With Probowl defensive end Julius Peppers on his way out, Carolina needed a strong, balanced guy to take his spot. Drafting Ole Miss defensive end Greg Hardy may not be in the best interest for the Panthers. Hardy used to be a big-time, explosive player at Ole Miss, but wasn’t even a starter in 2010 because of how badly injuries have affected him; I don’t think Hardy is a very reliable replacement at defensive end. Well too bad that’s the only defensive lineman they drafted, cause they sure needed some help in the middle if you ask me. Ranking 22nd in the league in rush defense, the line is in obvious need of repair. And don’t go blaming their linebacking core; middle linebacker Jon Beason racked up 141 tackles last year; he’s not the problem.
However, the Panthers did draft South Carolina outside linebacker Eric Norwood in the late fourth round. Norwood isn’t the best athlete, but he has instincts and playmaking skills that shows very great potential. Norwood actually reminds me of middle linebacker Jon Beason that I spoke of earlier. If Norwood turns out like Beason, then the Panthers may not need a defensive line for then next eight years.
Overall Draft Grade: B+
　
New Orleans Saints
Coming into 2010 as the defending Super Bowl champs, it’s hard to believe that the Saints have any needs whatsoever. However, with last year’s first-round selection Malcolm Jenkins being in a limbo between corner and safety, while free safety Darren Sharper’s career is coming to a close, New Orleans has a lot happening on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive tackle and linebacker are areas of concern and some how the secondary still isn’t up to par.
With their first round pick, 32nd overall, the Saints took another chance with a corner, this time Florida State’s Patrick Robinson. All this means is that last year’s 16th overall pick Malcolm Jenkins will have a chance to move to safety, hopefully solidifying the secondary; so, when are the Saints going to give the whole defensive back thing a rest? That’s three years in a row that they’ve selected a defensive back with their first round pick, meaning that those picks obviously didn’t make a big enough impact to direct their draft picks in another direction. Now Robinson is a speedy, athletic corner that closes in fast on the receiver. He has great see-to-do instincts and can make a play pretty much anywhere on the field; he didn’t fall into the first round on accident. Robinson can provide another solid developing corner to the Saints secondary and can hope to be starting along side Malcolm Jenkins in the near future.
The next two picks were a bit of a mystery to me; first of all, do the Saints really need another tight end? They had five on their roster last season. And it’s not like they’re all bad or anything, Jeremy Shockey is probably the best pass-catching tight end in the game and back up David Thomas has enough talent to be a starter for just about any other team. Anyways, the guy they drafted, Miami tight end Jimmy Graham, is an ex basket ball player that only played two years of college football. He was very productive during his time on the gridiron and reminds many of Chargers tight end Antonio Gates. It would be great if this guy turned out like Gates, heck, it’d be great if all six of their draft picks turned out as pro-bowlers; then Drew Brees would have to get used to throwing out of two tight end packages.
The Saints took USC offensive tackle Charles Brown in the late second round, fulfilling a potential need at tackle if Jammal Brown gets traded. Brown is a solid NFL tackle that has a certain potential to become a starter sometime during his career. 6’5” 305 pounds, his size is certainly good enough and has pretty good athleticism for a big guy. This is a solid pick by New Orleans, they took the best player available rather than someone to fill their immediate needs, but I think this pick will certainly pay off.
Trading up seven spots to draft LSU defensive tackle Al Woods was probably the best decision by the Saints this draft. He may not be that player that’ll just blow up the scene in New Orleans, but he’s a hometown hero in Baton Rouge and will attract plenty of fans. The college-NFL transition will be very easy and he’ll have tons have people pushing him for success. He was one of the best run stoppers in the nation last year and that’s exactly what the Saints are looking for in a defensive tackle. With a surprising draft up to this point, Al Woods just made it look better.
Moving to their last pick of the draft, the Saints drafted Oregon State quarterback Sean Canfield. Even though the Saints don’t have a very good history in drafting quarterbacks, this was a mediocre pick because they needed somebody be behind Drew Brees. If Brees were to get injured, the Saints wouldn’t be receiving their Super bowl rings this August. The need for a back up was exposed after Mark Brunell went unsigned this off season; in Brunells only start last season, he threw for 102 yards and one interception, so they’re not losing too much. Canfield is the type of quarterback that will be a good fit in New Orleans. He’s smart and accurate, much like Brees, and has great leadership skills; should be a great back up for the Saints.
Draft Grade: C
　
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers finished with the worst record in the NFC South, third worst in the NFL, and therefore had the third overall pick in the Draft. They needed quite a few things this draft, particularly on defense; two defensive tackles to satisfy the defensive line, help at defensive end, a play-making safety, someone at wide out, and maybe a guy or two to help out at linebacker.
Having the third pick of the NFL Draft, Tampa Bay had the opportunity to draft practically in player in the whole draft (outside the first two picks). Luckily, the Bucs chose the right year to be in need of a defensive tackle; Oklahoma defensive tackle Gerald McCoy fell right into their laps. One of the four Oklahoma players to be drafted in the top four picks, McCoy was slightly overshadowed by the presence of Nebraska counterpart Ndamukong Suh. Suh was drafted second overall by the Lions, leaing Tampa Bay with a defensive tackle of equal value. McCoy is an extremely quick and speedy defensive tackle that also has enough power and strength to fight off the double team. An all-around athlete that has virtually no weaknesses. Predictable, yet great pick by Tampa Bay.
Does everybody remember when Warren Sapp and Anthony McFarland ruled the LOS back in the early 2000’s? They actually won a Super Bowl with Tampa Bay if you recall. Well maybe that’s what they’re trying to recreate here by drafting UCLA defensive tackle Brian Price to follow up McCoy. Price brings more of a raw talent to the defensive line. He is very quick, like McCoy, but also is very violent in his play. Has great moves and is one of those guys that can really shoot a gap and stuff it. I like what the Buccaneers are trying to do here with their defensive line and I think both McCoy and Price have great potential starting next to each other.
Tampa Bay drafted two big-play receivers to quench their thirst for a receiver; Illinois receiver Arrelious Benn in the second round and Syracuse receiver Mike Williams in the fourth. Benn is a player that knows how to make guys miss and is a terrific worker, while Williams is very talented, yet had some off the field issues that put him at risk of not finding the field as much as wants to. The Buccaneers weren’t a very explosive offense in 2009, so adding these two receivers was a great way to add more talent around quarterback Josh Freeman.
In the later rounds, Tampa Bay addressed their nagging concern for a linebacker by not drafting one, but two solid players. Virginia Tech’s Cody Grimm and Florida State’s Dekoda Watson were both drafted in the seventh round by the Bucs. Both Grimm and Watson have enough drive and heart to be very effective special teams players as a rookie. Watson has more immediate potential to actually make a difference on defense, while Grimm may stick as a special teams player for most of his career.
As cornerback Ronde Barber is getting towards the point of retiring from the NFL, Tampa Bay looked for, and found, a replacement in this year’s Draft. Taking Vanderbilt corner Myron Lewis in the third round, Tampa Bay hopes that the retirement of Barber will not leave the secondary in ruins, but let a young star take over. Lewis has sound technique at every secondary position and is one of those guys that will impress wherever you put him. A good pick by the Bucs.
Overall Draft Grade: A

Tiki Barber on The NFL Draft, NY Giants, and an NFL lockout (video)

2010-04-24T20:36:00.001-07:00

This NFL Draft installment (thanks to the Inn at Irving Place, part of the Small Luxury Hotels of The World brand) comes from New York, Radio City Music Hall - New York Giants Football Legend Tiki Barber took time to talk with "Dr. Football" and Football Reporters Online and NFL Business New Blog Managing Partner Bill Chachkes and this blogger as video-blogger on the state of New York Giants Running Backs after the 2010 NFL Draft.

Barber and Chackhes

After being drafted in the second round ("almost first" he said to Chachkes) from Virginia in 1997, New York Giants Running Back Tiki Barber retired at the end of the 2006 postseason as the Giants all time leader in yards rushing and catches. Barber almost immediately rose to media stardom as a correspondent for NBC's Today Show and Football Night in America. Barber is a legend among NY Giants fans, so it was fitting that one of New York's biggest Giants fans, Bill Chachkes talked to Tiki. Barber was at the NFL Draft representing Yahoo! Sports and "just covering what's going on here," he said. "Feeling the vibe of some of the teams." Barber observes that the NFL's "hype-filled" machine works to raise an incredible level of interest and awareness of the NFL Draft and builds the expectations of the college players and fans to equally high levels.

The NFL Draft Running Back Class

Tiki thinks there are "four or five guys" who are going to make it; he named four: San Diego Chargers' Ryan Matthews, Buffalo Bills' C.J. Spiller (who both Chachkes and Barber thought would be a New York Giant), Detroit Lions' Jahvid Best, and Minnesota Viking's Running Back Toby Gerhart. On Gerhert: "he goes to Minnesota. Watch Adrian Peterson run. He pounds people, but he's a finess guy, a speed guy. Now with Toby Gerhart, they're going to have a formidable rushing attack. It's exciting to see what's happening with the Vikings. Now, defenses are never going to get a break. Adrian's more of a slasher-type running back. Toby? He wants to be bloodied. Barber compared C.J. Spiller to himself:"He can return kicks. He's going to be used on 3rd down. Then they'll line him in the "I" and get some every-down carries."

Barber thinks the NFL's close to a 2011 Lockout

Asked about the possibility of a labor strike or "lockout", Barber answered in the affirmative: "It's a lot more dire than people want to pay attention to. The league and the players are very far apart in their demands and their comprehension of the issues is so completely different. And until something can bring them closer together we're in significant danger of having a lockout." Barber and Bill agree that a lockout would wreck the NFL, much as it did hockey in America. Barber asserts that America will not be sympathetic to the needs of "athletes making tons of money." Bill and I thank Tiki for taking the time to make this video at the NFL Draft. Stay tuned.

Kirk Morrison on Twitter: happy with Jacksonville Jaguars

2010-04-24T09:43:00.001-07:00

Radio City Music Hall, New York, NY - The Oakland Raiders traded Linebacker Kirk Morrison to Jacksonville and to the Jacksonville Jaguars. From the read of his Twitter account @kirkmorrison52, Kirk Morrison's happy to be in Jacksonville, tweeting...

Good Morning. I'm a Jacksonville Jaguar about 2 hours ago via UberTwitter

And putting the Jacksonville Jaguar logo on his account. That was fast, but equally fast was how future teammate and current friend Jacksonville Running Back Maurice Jones-Drew greeted him on Twitter... RT @Jones_Drew32: New addition to the jag family @kirkmorrison52 he's a great friend and person. Congrats bruh about 2 hours ago via UberTwitter
Kirk Morrison was part of a deal the Raiders made to get super-fast WR Jacoby Ford who reportedly once ran a 4.1 40-yard dash. Also drafting Rolando McClain in the first round made Morrison expendable. More on Jacoby Ford later. Rock the Casbah!

Jets and Giants address needs on days' one and two

2010-04-23T18:20:00.000-07:00

The Giants selected Linval Joseph, the Defensive Tackle from East Carolina in the second round after taking Jason Pierre-Paul ,the Defensive End from South Florida in yesterday's first round action. Many feel the move further improves the Giants pass rush, although some feel Osi Umenyoria will be traded, The Giants say otherwise. They also selected Chad Jones the talented defensive back from LSU in round three.

The Jets took Vladimir Ducasse the Offensive Tackle from UMASS tonight in round 2, after taking Kyle Wilson the Defensive Back from Boise State yesterday. They have no third round selection.

More Updates Later and tomorrow Live from the NFL Draft

NFL Draft: Jahvid Best will miss Cal teammates

2010-04-22T02:38:00.001-07:00

See > nfl, nfl draft, nfl play 60, 2010 nfl draft, Jahvid Best, cal berkeley, luxury hotels, new york, New York, NY - This NFL Draft update: Jahvid Best says he will miss players, coaches at Cal. This NFL Draft installment (thanks to the Inn at Irving Place, part of the Small Luxury Hotels of The World brand) comes from Wednesday's NFL Play 60 Event in Central Park.

Jahvid Best

When this blogger arrived in New York City and to the NFL's second annual "NfL Play 60 Event" the first player sought was Cal Running Back Jahvid Best. Standing at what was the "50" yard line of the touch football playing field, Best seemed to be just taking in the busy scene of college players, media, "secret service" level security men, NFL officials, and Jillian Michaels with a calm smile, but also still trying to figure out where he was. Best, who said he was just enjoying being in New York, briefly talked on video about what he would miss in leaving Cal for the NFL, his Oregon State injury, and the value of athletics at Cal. The guess of where Jahvid Best may go in the 2010 NFL Draft varies. Some NFL Mock Drafts had Best going in the 1st round to the San Diego Chargers, while others had him going to the Detroit Lions in the 2nd round. While Best says he will play wherever he goes, the focus really is on leaving Cal Berkeley. Best made the decision to "go pro" after his junior year last season. "I'm gonna miss my relationships with my players and coaches. My running back group, I love those guys. It's gonna be hard leavin' em. And also my running backs coach (Cal Assistant Head Coach / Running Backs, Ron Gould). He's one of the best coaches I've had my whole life. He's like a father figure to me. But that's what I'm gonna miss the most." The Oregon State game was the pivotal step in Jahvid Best' college career. The Cal star jumped over would-be Oregon State defenders and to the Beavers' end zone, but while he was in the air was pushed by an OSU defender. Jahvid Best turned in the air and fell on his neck and head in the end zone. He froze motionless and was taken off the field on a stretcher, having suffered a concussion. But if Best had just scored and got up, would we be standing at the NFL Play 60 event talking? "Honestly, when you get a concussion it kind of blocks your memory a bit. So at that point I was just sit and coming back to, and everything was kind of fuzzy. After a while, I came to and felt like I just got knocked out."

Best' best runs at Cal

Jahvid Best had so many "best runs" it's hard for him to pick out one. For this blogger, it was his rapid 75-yard-touchdown run to open the 2009 season against Maryland. For Best "there's a lot of different plays. Sometimes even a cut block would be considered one of my best plays, but there's just a lot of plays I made that could be coined 'the best play.'" Best feels he can play in any NFL offense because Cal, under Head Coach Jeff Tedford, has ran so many different formations, from single-back to two backs, and at times no backs in the backfield. Bsst says he's prepared for whatever a team asks him to do, including playing the slot receiver position. Regarding the current debate on the value of athletics at Cal, where some Cal professors have called for the entire athletics effort to be disbanded in the wake of California's massive budget deficit, Jahvid Best says the program "is essential. It's a two way street as far as the academics and the athletics. I mean the athletics bring a lot of money to the university, so it's a two way street. They need each other." But what Best needed was a map and a compass, because he had no idea he was in Central Park and on a man-made area of grass that was the NFL Play 60 event until someone told him where he was. "I love New York. I didn't even know we were in Central Park until five minutes ago." Something tells me Best isn't going to have the problem of knowing where he is again after this week. Stay tuned and GO BEARS.

ACC DRAFT PREVIEW

2010-04-21T03:51:00.000-07:00

ACC DRAFT PREVIEW-By William Queen For Football Reporters Online

Georgia tech

Wide receiver DeMaryius Thomas is a big play receiver if there ever was one. Averaging more than 25 YPC in 2010, Thomas takes advantage of every ball thrown his way. Unfortunately, Georgia Tech runs a triple-option offense, where the receiver is more of a blocker, so his 3.28 receptions per game is tough to judge. But no matter, NFL scouts are getting very good vibes from this kid; he’ll be taken sometime in the late first round.

During his college career, running back Jonathan Dwyer found himself living a running backs dream; the triple option. The Yellow Jackets made there living on the ground the entire time Dwyer was at Georgia Tech, so it’s safe to say that he never had to fight for carries. However, providing the fact that there’s no A-back position in the NFL, Dwyer is one of the toughest backs to project. Tallying 2,790 yards and 26 touchdowns in his last two seasons, there’s no question that he can run the ball, but a primary running back position will be a huge change for Dwyer. Personally, I think he won’t be taken till the mid-second round, but he’ll be an immediate contributor in a running back rotation.

Now switching to the other side of the ball, the Yellow Jackets will be without their two largest defensive forces, Derrick Morgan and Morgan Burnett. Defensive end Derrick Morgan isn’t the top rated defensive end in this year’s draft for nothing. His ACC-leading 12.5 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss in 2009 is only a side attraction for his impressive skill set. Morgan gets great leverage on the line and is always in the right position to make a play. He has great athletic ability that is complimented by an unbelievable motor and should be a great asset to any team in need of a 4-3 defensive end. Because of his speed and quickness, he may also be converted to a 3-4 outside linebacker. He should be the selected in the top half of the first-round; you can’t go wrong with this pick.

Safety Morgan Burnett gave Georgia Tech’s defense some fire to it 2009. His big-play ability and quick, athletic play, Burnett can make a quarterback think twice about a throw. His aggressiveness in the box doesn’t quite match up to his 6’1” 210 pound frame, but he still manages to bring the ball-carrier to the ground. Burnett never makes mistakes. His big-hits may not work so well on NFL ball carriers, but Burnett’s well worth a high second round selection based on his game-speed and instincts alone.

North Carolina

Defensive tackle Marvin Austin has steadily developed into a top-notch player during his time at North Carolina. He played all through his whole career at UNC and has plenty of playing experience coming into the draft. Austin is a huge space eater. He may have only had 4 sacks in 2009, but his play goes further than just his stats. He gets plenty of penetration and finds a way past the offensive line and into the play. Austin always seems to be in on the play and looks like he’ll be getting a call from a team sometime in the first round.

Numero dos in UNC’s defensive tackle montage, Cam Thomas is a force to be reckon with. Six foot three inches tall and 331 pounds, Thomas is as big as they come. Accumulating only 23 tackles as a senior, he doesn’t make very many plays, but he eats up tons of space on the offensive line and gives his teammates a chance at the ball. His pass rush collapses the pocket at ease and his lower body strength gives him very good potential in the NFL. He’ll probably land himself in the 2nd round sometime.

Cornerback Charles Brown has a very great potential in the NFL as well. Another underclassmen deciding to declare, Brown is about as close to the total package as you can get; a classic shut-down corner. He was the leader of the UNC secondary in 2009, accumulating 66 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and 3 interceptions. It’s tough to find any predictions on where Brown will fall in the Draft, but somewhere in the top 3 rounds for sure.

Elite Tarheel linebacker Quan Sturdivant will be greatly missed in the ACC. He racked up more solo tackles than just about any other linebacker in the nation. Sturdivant is a very fast, physical linebacker that’s not afraid to hit you straight up. A real football player. One of the best players tackling in the open field. Wasn’t expected to declare as a junior, but will most likely get drafted in the 2nd round anyways. Can play middle linebacker in either a 4-3 or a 3-4 defense.

It seems as if UNC’s whole defense is leaving to the NFL. Safety Deunta Williams is leaving the Tarheels as a very established player. Racking up 138 tackles and 12 interceptions during his 3-year collegiate career, Williams has plenty to be proud of. He has great speed and a huge dedication to studying the game; watches more film than most quarterbacks. Displays very impressive hands for a defensive back; should go in the mid second round.

Outside linebacker Bruce Carter and defensive lineman Aleric Mullins and E.J. Wilson will also find their way early on in the NFL Draft.

NC State

The Wolfpack have just a few impressive prospects entering this year’s NFL Draft, the best being linebacker Nate Irving. Irving only started 12 games throughout his college career, but, averaging 8.7 tackles per game, took advantage of his playing time. Unfortunately, he was part of a bad car wreck in the summer of 2009, breaking his leg, collapsing a lung, and ultimately losing a third of his season. Due to a lack of playing time, it’s safe to say that Irving flew under the radar and should be a surprisingly good pick for a team in the early-to-mid 4th round.

I did a double-take when I saw quarterback Russell Wilson on this year’s NFL Draft prospect list. Wilson is a rare talent at quarterback and can turn a broken play into a touchdown by using his feet; the only problem is that he’s coming out as a sophomore. For a quarterback, declaring for the draft prematurely is often frowned upon. Quarterback is the most logistic position in football and, because of that, experience is wanted in a quarterback that is headed to the NFL. However, in situations like these, you ought to think that he’s taking the gig early just for the money. Hey, I don’t blame him, you get paid big bucks in the NFL. But since he’s coming out as a sophomore, he’s not only hurting Wolfpack fans across the state of North Carolina, but he’s setting him self up to be sitting on the bench for most of his early career.

Wide receiver Owen Spencer and defensive end Willie Young are also good value picks in the mid rounds; they will be missed in Raleigh.

Virginia Tech

Defensive end Jason Worilds will be the first guy off the board coming from the Hookies. His power and explosiveness surprises offensive lineman at the snap and he can really beat you into the back field. Worilds put up extremely good numbers in his first year as a starter in 2008 (18.5 TFL and 8 sacks), but didn’t live up to his standards in 2009 (11TFL and 4.5 sacks). Even though his senior season wasn’t as great, he still earned the respect of many when he played with a shoulder injury through the year. He may be a suitable outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense, so his versatility should bump him up into the 2nd round.

Safety Kam Chancellor made his way into the 3rd round with his impressive performance on the bench press at the combine. Yet, even 22 reps at 225 pounds doesn’t accurately represent the strength and effort he exemplifies on the football field. He plays with tons of power and delivers huge hits on whoever is near the ball. Lots of ACC receivers ate dirt because of this guy. Even though he had six interceptions in 2009, he doesn’t exactly have the best hands, always manages to knock it down though. Chancellor’s excitement will surely be missed by Hookies fans.

Offensive lineman Sergio Render and Ed Wang should make there way into a new home sometime in the 4/5th round.

Boston College

Linebacker Mark Herzlich is one of the best stories in this year’s draft. He was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a form of bone cancer, and, instead of letting it interfere with his life, he’s made a near full recovery and continues to make plays on the football field. Herzlich runs right through blockers and always makes the tackle in the backfield. Racking up 110 tackles in 2010, it’s clear that he plays very smart and never lets the ball carrier get the best of him. Reeling in 6 interceptions last season, he’s also shown exceptional coverage skills as well. Herzlich has the potential to be an immediate starter at the next level. He’s a first round lock.

Running back Montel Harris was one of, if not the biggest, offensive tool in Boston College’s offense. Harris exploded as a sophomore, running the ball for 1,457 yards and 14 touchdowns. As a result, his NFL Draft stock went flying through the roof and Harris decided to declare. Though most players are encouraged to stay in school and finish their degree, I think that he made the right decision. Many teams are looking for a rotation back such as Harris. Harris hit’s the hole hard and speeds through the front seven. He makes quick cuts and has no trouble making defenders miss. A good comparison, yet a bit of an exaggeration, would be Knoshon Marino. I see Harris going in the early-mid 3rd round, a good pick up.

Boston College is losing practically their whole offensive line in this year’s draft. Starting offensive tackles Anthony Castonzo and Rich Lapham are both predicted to go either in the 2nd or 3rd round. And starting center Matt Tennant and starting guard Thomas Claiborne are also predicted to depart in the 3rd round. All four leaving in the same year will cripple Boston College’s offense greatly in 2010. Now I know why running back Montel Harris is leaving; he doesn’t wanna get killed!

Miami

Offensive tackle Jason Fox has what it takes to make it in the NFL. Though I think he’ll only go in the 3rd round, Fox has plenty of potential. He possesses great footwork and displays great leverage when blocking. He uses his lateral quickness to make sure the defensive end doesn’t get around him. A great zone blocker. Has had a few injuries during his career, but has always manned up and played through them. Fox is a very tough player that gets the job done. He may not be as strong or imposing as you want your left tackle to be, but, as I said before, he gets the job done.

Tight end Jimmy Graham is an ex-basketball player that decided to try football in his senior year of college. Well it’s obvious now that that decision was a good one; he’s now looking at a potential NFL career. Graham doesn’t have very great technique, but that should be fixed by simply playing more football. He has great speed and physical features and runs his routes very well. He’s able to use his size to overpower to smaller defenders when the ball’s in the air. Graham’s also a solid blocker and, like I said earlier, more experience is key to his development. Very coachable. A good comparison would be San Diego Chargers Pro-Bowl tight end Antonio Gates; both are former college basketball players and if Graham turns out anything like Gates, then he has a heck of a career ahead of him.

Two Hurricane running backs have a crack at the NFL this Thursday; Graig Cooper and Javarris James. Cooper never ran for more than 850 yards in any given season, but his natural athletic ability is too much to pass up. While Javarris James is more of a power runner and will serve as more of a one-cut runner and goal-line back in the NFL. Both should get drafted in the later round of the Draft.

Miami is also losing linebacker Darryl Sharpton in the NFL Draft. Sharpton will most likely be drafted in the 5th round do to his explosiveness and power at the point of attack. Offensive guard Orlando Franklin also has a shot in the NFL due to his monstrous 6’7”, 320lb frame and raw abilities.

Virginia

Competitive cornerback Chris Cook has a good chance to be drafted high in this year’s NFL Draft. He tallied 40 tackles and 4 interceptions in 2009, setting him towards the top of this year’s cornerback class. Cook is a true competitor. He is very tough and provides great help with run support. Lacks the elite lateral quickness and change of direction that you look for in a starting corner, but has good straight line speed; he ran a 4.46 40-yard-dash at the combine. Due to his instincts and competitiveness, he’ll probably be drafted in the late 2nd round.

Virginia’s second departing corner, Ras-I Dowling will be going approximately the same time as Cook. Tight end Joe Torchia and offensive tackle Will Barker will also be drafted towards the middle of the draft.

Florida State

Myron “Academic Heisman” Rolle has finally entered the NFL draft. Perhaps one of the smartest people to ever play football, Rolle skipped his senior season to be a Rhode Scholar and study in Oxford. Not only is this guy smart, but he’s built to play football. He has prototype speed and size for a safety and never gets tricked by a quarterback. Because of him missing his senior season, there isn’t much game film to judge him by. But when he did play, Rolle was considered on of the top safety’s in the NCAA. He’ll probably be selected in the late 2nd round because of his lack of recent football experience.

Cornerback Patrick Robinson is making his way into the NFL spotlight. He’s one of those players that can go either way; he may be a big-time player or may be a big-time bust. Either way, he’ll get drafted high. Robinson has tremendous speed and leaping ability. Will challenge every ball thrown his way. He has great football instincts and easily sheds blocks to get to the ball carrier. However, Robinson relies on his athleticism a little too much when he plays, which is why I said he has a potential to be a bust.

Linebacker Dekoda Watson is one of the most imitating players in this year’s draft. He is built perfectly for the linebacker position and, despite his huge physique, he’s still an amazing athlete. Watson shows amazing quickness and keeps moving through the whole play; he doesn’t waste time taking on blockers. A tremendous rusher coming off the edge and plays with the intensity and leadership that you look for in a starter. Despite all this, he’ll probably only be drafted in the 4th round. A big sleeper at his position.

Florida State has two offensive lineman going in the mid rounds of the draft; center Ryan McMahon and offensive guard Rodney Hudson. McMahon is a very reliable player that will endure the whole NFL experience very well and will go in the 4th round. While Hudson is a very agile player that takes pride in footwork and should go in the 2nd round.

Clemson

The man himself, Clemson’s very own ,C. J. Spiller is entering the NFL Draft after a very successful four-year collegiate career. In senior season, Spiller racked up 1200 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground, 4 receiving touchdowns, one passing touchdown, and 5 touchdowns as a return specialist; this guy lights the scoreboard up. He is such a scoring threat, that it is impossible for NFL teams to ignore him. Spiller does have a slight injury problem with his toe and hamstrings, but he played through it all last season and managed to put up those numbers I mentioned before. He makes his cuts extremely fast and is as good as they get in the open field. Spiller runs through every arm-tackle and can explode in between the tackles and into the secondary. So much versatility, so many possibilities, he’ll most likely get selected in the mid 1st round.

Wide receiver Jacoby Ford was easily overshadowed by CJ Spiller through his career at Clemson. Yet, he still put up great numbers. Reeling in 56 balls for 779 yards and 6 touchdowns in 2009, Ford was primarily a big-play receiver. If this were any other receiver, they may not be in the 2nd-3rd round conversation. However, because of his sub 4.40 forty speed, Ford is looking at an early draft selection. He can catch the ball well in traffic and is dangerous on short screen passes. Reminds me of a less celebrated version of Percy Harvin. Ford will probably stick himself in the late 2nd round because of his speed.

Offensive guard Thomas Austin and defensive end Ricky Sapp are preparing for this year’s draft as well. Austin is a very powerful blocker who uses leverage and never gets pushed around. He doesn’t let defenders make plays and is a very durable player. He’ll probably go in the 4th round. Sapp is more of a 3-4 outside linebacker than a defensive end. His speed and coverage skills sets him apart from most d-lineman and should get some good looks because of his versatility. When he does rush, he gets into the back field in a hurry; should be drafted in the 3rd round.

Maryland

Offensive tackle Bruce Campbell has a heck of an NFL career ahead of him. He has the size, strength, speed, and awareness to be a successful left tackle in the NFL. His length allows him to slow down the pass rush and his quickness helps him to get in the right places and be a really effective blocker in the open field. He can really open up a screen play with his raw power. I can see this guy contributing to some big plays at the next level. However, Campbell is more of a prototype and may need some time to learn so that he doesn’t get outsmarted by NFL defensive lineman. No matter, he’s bound to find his way somewhere in the 1st round.

One of my “ACC Rising Stars”, running back DaRel Scott will be in this year’s draft. Scott broke out as one of the ACC’s best backs in 2008. Yet, do to injury, he only rushed for 425 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2009. He missed about half of his season due to injury and flew under the radar as a junior, making himself one of the biggest sleeper running backs. Once Scott gets the ball, he picks a hole and explodes through it. He breaks every arm tackle and doesn’t slow down when he makes cuts. A very north-south runner. Scott will probably go sometime in the 3rd round.

Defensive back Antwine Perez and linebacker Alex Wujciak will also be selected in the mid rounds of the Draft.

Duke

During his time at Duke, quarterback Thaddeus Lewis was the ring leader of the football program. The Blue Devil’s football program has slowly been on a rise as far as winning is concerned; give it up for the man behind the plan. Lewis nearly led Duke to a bowl game by throwing for 3,300 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions in 2010. He’s the type of quarterback that will do anything to help his team win. He delivers quick, accurate throws to his best receivers. Rarely makes mistakes and can really work his way around in the backfield in order to find an open receiver. Despite all this, he’s not very high on many draft boards; most have him going in the 7th round. I think he’s one of the biggest sleeper at quarterback in this year’s draft, he’ll surprise many of people a few years down the road.

Defensive tackle Vince Oghobaase is the classic big-boy defensive tackle. He has some injury and endurance issues, but, when he’s at his best, he can really do some damage. Only 37 tackles (7.5 TFL and 2.5 sacks) in 2009, Oghobasse didn’t live up to expectations due to foot injuries. Yet, he’s still looking like he’s going to be a second-day selection. He has enough upper-body strength to bull rush effectively and has the versatility and smarts to learn any position on the defensive line. Oghobaase should be a solid back up in the beginning of his career and may have chances to move up.

Wake Forest

Field general Riley Skinner is one of many risky picks at quarterback in this year’s NFL Draft. His low release and 6’1” height makes things tough to be successful as an NFL quarterback. But hey, six foot tall Drew Brees just won the Super Bowl; there shouldn’t be a problem. Short or not, Skinner can play. He’s known for his intense study of the game and perfection of pre-play reads and calls. Skinner threw for 3160 yards and 25 touchdowns while maintaining a 66% completion percentage in 2009. He has tremendous accuracy and creates time in the pocket using his feet. Tends to squeez the ball into tight spaces and that may hurt him at the next level. Most likely a late round selection and should be a solid back up for the time being.

Cornerback Brandon Ghee will make a living in the 3rd round in this year’s draft. Ghee is a very well-rounded corner who has great coverage skills as well as run support. He only had one interception during his whole career as a Deacon, mostly because teams don’t throw his way, but still racked up 56 tackles in 2009. Ghee helped out his draft stock tremendously with his performance in the NFL Combine. He was a top performer in the 40-yard dash (4.45) and ranked among the top performers in the broad jump, 3-cone drill, 20-yard shuttle, and 60-yard shuttle. Ghee should be an early 3rd round selection.

Defensive tackle Boo Robinson is another player that will make his way into the NFL sometime in the 4th round. Robinson had to be double teamed in college and may get some 1-on-1 situations in the NFL. He outsmarts every offensive lineman he goes up against and has a huge upside. His size offers versatility as a 3-4 nose tackle.

NFL Draft : Jahvid Best of Cal's "concussion leak" news

2010-04-17T22:29:00.001-07:00

Jahvid Best

Pro Football Talk.com found a story about California Running Back Jahvid Best that has an "unnamed source" who's a scout making a claim that Jahvid Best told him Best's still concerned about the concussion he sustained in the Cal - Oregon State game of last season. In that game, Best tried to score a touchdown by jumping in the air. As Best did, he was hit sideways by an Oregon State defender and came down on his neck and shoulders. Best froze on the field, having suffered a concussion, and was taken to the hospital. The article, by Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, lists the NFL Draft running backs who are "beaten up" and reports that Best suffered two concussion's in two straight games. After missing four games and a bowl game, Best decided to enter the 2010 NFL Draft. This is what I said then: After a time it seemed the injury was behind him but this concussion leak is major. The scout said: "Yeah, he's worried about it. Plus, he has a muscle going down from his neck to his leg that bothers him. That's my reservation on Best. He's coming in all beat up."
It's not the kind of news you want out there less than a week before the NFL Draft; this issue about the muscle is new. That news caused ProFootballtalk.com to assert Best would be the last of the record number of 16 players to visit New York for the NFL Draft to be drafted. Some Draft watchers have Best falling toward the 2nd round and to the Detroit Lions. Based on his NFL Combine performance and ranking, this blogger believed the San Diego Charger should take Best, but that's far different that what they will do. Stay tuned.

NFL Draft: Tim Tebow says Jerry Jones just having fun

2010-04-17T21:32:00.001-07:00

In the latest NFL Draft news, Tim Tebow continues to show why so many people just plain like the quarterback. Asked about the now-famous rant by Dallas Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones that was caught on cell phone camcorder, where Jones said Tebow would "never get on the field," Tim Tebow gave a good natured response:

"I really haven't even thought about it. I don't even take that as an offense. He's just having fun."

Which may be Tim Tebow's christian way of saying, "Yeah, and when I play the Cowboys, I'm gonna kick their butts up and down the field." If you didn't see the video, here it is with my take: Since then Jerry Jones has said Tim Tebow is an "outstanding" young man, but that the Cowboys don't have a need for a quarterback. Jones also said he has special feelings for former head coach Bill Parcells, now President of The Miami Dolphins Organization. Parcells said he and Jones "talked it out."

NFL Draft: Zennie62 2010 Mock Draft Number One

2010-04-10T13:18:00.003-07:00

> nfl draft, nfl mock draft, nfl mock draft, nfl draft 2009, nfl draft 2010, nfl draft mel kiper, 2009 nfl draft prospects, nfl draft order, nfl draft date The 75th NFL Player Selection Meeting, or The NFL Draft, is April 22nd - April 24th in New York City, and for the first time in history is on a weekday night, Thursday. As of this writing, the St.Louis Rams have the first pick, followed by The Detroit Lions. This new spotlight places a premium on NFL Teams getting the right player, especially with economic and labor concerns. This is a season without a salary cap, so this blogger thinks the NFL will be wary of picking players that will command a high dollar value and be more likely to hold out of camp. With that, here's Zennie62.com's chance to play Mel Kiper with the first NFL Mock Draft of who each team should pick by need, the next Mock Draft will be what each team may do. For more information, visit Zennie62.com's NFL Business Blog by Bill Chackhes. In this Mock Draft some highlights are: - The St. Louis Rams taking Ndamukong Suh, the Nebraska defensive tackle, and not Oklahoma Quarterback Sam Bradford. Really, taking Suh means you can pencil him in as a certain starter, where Bradford is not a player the Rams need and one they would have to develop. - The Oakland Raiders picking a wide receiver, Florida's Dez Byrant, to make up for, push, and complement Darrius Haywood-Bey, who can only get better in 2010. Bryant would give the Raiders a passing attack that on paper can be one of the best, but the Raiders coaches have to make that a reality. - The San Francisco 49ers draw a linebacker to complement Patrick Willis and a center that's so good he's ranked as a first rounder; you don't pass on them. - Seattle's Pete Carroll takes one of his former USC players, Taylor Mays, to become the enforcer in the defensive secondary the Seahawks need. Other developments have Cal's Jahvid Best going to the San Diego Chargers, which seems to be a scenario that could play out as Best could fall to The Chargers at number 27. Best is better and faster than Fresno State's Ryan Matthews. But Matthews is ranked higher by some draft services, and Best is ranked higher by other draft services. The order is in pick number, team, player, and reason. 1. St. Louis - Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska: The Rams ranked near the bottom in total defense in 2009, giving up an average of 30 points-per-game. Ndamukong Suh is a gamer and would complement DE Chris Long. Plus, he comes cheaper than a QB and as in 2006 would set the tone for the lower NFL Draft salary structure. 2. Detroit - Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma: This is a clear need pick as Detroit had the worst defense in the NFL and drafted a QB in Matt Stafford. McCoy can be the player that improves their defense overnight. 3. Tampa Bay - Eric Barry, S, Tennessee: A case could be made for the offensive tackles, but passing Eric Barry just seems stupid. Plus, Tampa Bay's offensive problems are borne of a bad scheme more than player issues. 4. Washington - C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson: The Redskins are taking a look at quarterbacks, but selecting one when they have Jason Campbell, who just needs good coaching, is stupid. The Redskins are getting old at the other skill positions and need a fast, game-changer. Spiller, who runs a 4.27 40-yard-dash, can be that, and spell the aging Clinton Portis. 5. Kansas City - Joe Haden, CB, Florida: The Chiefs had one of the NFL's worst defenses and gave up 231.7 passing yards a game, and were not respectable against the. Haden is the pass defender the Chiefs need who can offer run support as well. 6. Seattle - Taylor Mays, S, USC: Pete Carroll's first pick of his first year back in the NFL. Carroll knows Mays and Taylor's wild combination of size and speed will give the Seahawks an enforcer in the secondary and stop teams from racking up 245 yard per game in the air. 7. Cleveland - Sam Bradford, QB, Qklahoma: Bradford would be perfect to sit behind Jake Delhomme and learn for about two years, before he's ready. The Cleveland Browns have entirely rebuilt their team already and the need in the draft is for defensive playmakers that can stop the run. But the DTs are gone and Bradford's too good to let drop down past the Browns. 8. Oakland - Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State: A make-up for Darrius Hayward-Bey? Yes. The Oakland Raiders do not have a deep-threat receiver who will consistently separate and catch the ball. Bryant may not have had a great pro-day, but get him on the field and he will do fine, perhaps on the order of Jerry Rice. 9. Buffalo - Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State: The Bills problems were scheme-based, not player-based. Oklahoma State's Okung will solidify the left side and remain their for 7 years. 10. Jacksonville - Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech: The Jacksonville Jaquars gave up 235.9 passing yards a game. Morgan would provide the speed pass-rush not unlike Dwight Freeney of the Indianapolis Colts. 11. Denver from Chicago - Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa: The Denver Broncos are in need of larger, better pass blockers and Bulaga is the perfect choice. 12. Miami - Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland: While some would argue for a linebacker here, the Dolphins also need an offensive lineman, and Campbell is ranked higher than Sergio Kindle. 14. San Francisco - Sergio Kindle, LB, Texas: The 49ers 3-4 needs this kind of active linebacker to complement Patrick Willis. 15. Seattle from Denver - Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers: One of the Seahawks' needs is at Offensive Tackle where Walter Jones has been a star. Davis is said to have "character issues" but there's no one better than Seahawks' Head Coach Pete Carroll to work with him. 16. New York Giants - Earl Thomas, S, Texas: Called "young" but all of the players in the NFL Draft are. Thomas is a playmaker for a NY Giants team that needs a new safety who can play nickle-back. That's Thomas. 17. Tennessee - Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State: The Titans have openly stated they seek a cover cornerback and Kyle Wilson fits here. 18. San Francisco from Carolina - Maurkice Pouncey, C, Florida: When a center is ranked as high as Maurkice Pouncey appears, you don't pass on him because that's a rare event. He's a player that would make a good line great over time. 19. Pittsburgh - Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame: Aside from the character events, Ben Rothlisberger is not getting younger and won his Super Bowl ring. Clausen can be Pittsburgh's quarterback of the future and push Ben to play at an even higher level. 20. Atlanta - Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri: The Falcons have a number of defensive needs, but linebacker and defensive end are prominent. But Sean's an athlete and a team leader and a playmaker. The nasty streak some say he needs will come when he gets angry for being blocked in the NFL. 21. Houston - Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State: The Texans have tried to secure a deal with Cornerback Dunta Robinson, who's now with the Atlanta Falcons. That opens a need that Robinson can fill. 22. Cincinnati - Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma: The Bengals have a glaring need for a pass-catching, big and fast tight end and Jermaine Gresham is the best one on the board. 23. New England - Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida: One major problem with the New England Patriots in 2009 was their inability to effectively rush the passer from three-rush sets. Dunlap is a great player who can really help New England. 24. Green Bay - Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee: The Green Bay Packers could move the ball, but they could not stop other teams from starting what turns out to be a track meet. Tennessee's Williams is a run stopper the Packers need for their defensive line. 25. Philadelphia - Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida: The Eagles have drafted enough speedy players for their offense; the problem was always on defense, and they've lost playmakers. Jason Pierre-Paul is the elite defensive lineman that can help. 26. Baltimore - Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho: while the Ravens need a playmaking linebacker, a player as good as Mike Iupati must be taken if he falls to Baltimore, who's run-oriented offense can be helped by this physical blocker. 27. Arizona - Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech: Some would say the need is for offensive line, but Demaryius Thomas will help Arizona fill the void left by the loss of Anquan Boldin. Yes, they did well in the passing game in 2009, but Thomas falls here; Arizona should take the talented pass catcher. 28. Dallas - Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State: The Cowboys have are great at the edge of the defense, but a run-stopping defensive tackle and more line depth are needed. Penn State's Jared Odrick is perfect. 29. San Diego - Jahvid Best, RB, California: With the loss of LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles, the running back position takes priority. Jahvid Best is the speedster the Chargers have not seen, even with Sproles, who's more quick than fast. Best, being a Cal Football player, would also sell tickets in San Diego. 30. New York Jets - Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame: The perfect complement to the veteran playmaker Braylon Edwards, Tate can come in, work with Jets QB Matt Sanchez, and form a threatening passing attack. 31. Minnesota - Charles Brown, OT, USC: The Vikings one need is depth at the offensive line and Charles Brown, one of the best tackles available and best NFL Draft players, can provide that and challenge for a starting role. 32. Indianapolis - Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers: The Colts really need an enforcer in the secondary but even more a shut-down cornerback. Devin McCourty led Rutgers in pass breakups, and may be good enough to land a starting job with the Colts. 33. New Orleans - Chris Cook, CB, Virginia: When New Orleans lost games, or came close to being beaten, their defensive secondary was the problem. Like Indianapolis, New Orleans lacks a shut-down cornerback and ranked 22nd against the pass in 2010. Cook could play close to that level, and perhaps evolve into one. Again, the next Zennie62.com Mock Draft will focus on what teams will do, versus need. Stay tuned.

How is it no one knows who Conte Cuttino is when he's the 17th Best Running Back in this Draft?

2010-04-08T01:07:00.000-07:00

How is it no one knows who Conte Cuttino is when he's the 17th Best Running Back in this Draft?
By Dr. Bill Chachkes-Football Reporters Online

Action Photo: Conte Cuttino vs. Gardner Webb in 2008-By A.F. Chachkes for Football Reporters Online
Candid Photo by Josh Griffler for Football Reporters Online

Why is it that every year the only players people talk about when getting ready for the draft are the kids from the schools who play in the "acronym" conferences? Ok, we know there are plenty of talented players at the FBS level and they play most every Saturday during the fall, but it's time people start recognizing the smaller school players. The "kids" who toil for four years at schools in the FCS (the former Division 1-AA), Division II, Division III, and the NAIA.

Everyone knows by now the Joe Flacco story and the the Ramses Barden story. There are some interesting stories in this draft. Fordham's John Skelton could be making history for someone as early as this fall. Then there are some others, like Northern Iowa's Jason Fiacco and Pat Grace, Stephen F. Austin's Tim Knicky, and James Mallory from Central Conn. St. But no story is more interesting the that of the Pride of Uniondale N.Y., Stony Brook's Conte Cuttino.

A 5' 10" Running back who plays much larger then his frame. Conte runs with unique power and vision while possessing swift knife-like cutting ability and above average to very good receiving skills as well Cuttino didn't just set records at Stony Brook. He engraved them into Sony Brook's and the Big South Conference ledger. 3,067 career total rushing yards (a Stony Brook record) and several mentions in the big south records for 2008 as follows: 5th all time in yards rushing in a single game with 233 against VMI on 11-15, and 12.06 yards per carry the week before 11-8) against Iona, where he had 17 carries for 206 yards. He did this while sharing time and carries with teammate Ed Gowins, and completed his career this past season while playing through an ankle injury and still managing nearly 800 rushing yards. His high school asst. coach told me early this week that he could have had well over 4000 yards in his college career if he were used more often in his freshman and sophomore seasons and if he was not injured this past year.

The back story goes even deeper then that. Growing up in Uniondale to working middle class parents who both work in law enforcement, you could say that he had a strict upbringing if you didn't know him. But his family has a strong resolve and a whole lot of faith thanks to their church-going background. Conte's dad who is also Conte, retired from the NYC department of corrections in 2006. We got to speak with him a bit about his son's ascent to athletics. "He's been an athlete since he's seven years old. We let him try all the sports. I was a basketball player, but even though my son was good at basketball, he wasn't tall enough. But football, now that's where he excelled, and very early, although he played defense first." Conte is no slouch in the classroom either, earning close to a 3.0 GPA. while majoring in business management.

Cuttino has been training under the watchful eyes of the good people at Parisi speed school at both their New Jersey and Long Island locations. We know he can play at the next level if he's given a chance, and hopefully some NFL team will do just that in a little over two weeks.

Send in the QB's, Where are the QB's??

2010-02-24T17:54:00.000-08:00

Send in the QB's, Where are the QB's??

By Dr. Bill Chachkes-Managing Partner/Executive Editor-Football Reporters Online/Gridiron Draft Guide

I'm looking at various lists put out by the "big guys" regarding how they rate the Quarterbacks for the 2010 Draft. For the life of me i can't figure out what some of these guys are on. The Site with the "Acronyms" in it's name that has two supposed "Top Talent Evaluators" on it's staff and on it's airwaves claim that Sam Bradford of Oklahoma is the best QB in this Draft. Must be something in the Hair Gel fumes.
Bradford is talented, yes, but he has yet to impress many "real" Draft Scouts, unless some miracle lighting bolt hits Lucas Oil stadium this weekend. Bradford if you remember, spent the majority of the 2009 season injured. Unless he throws the football across the river and into the indy zoo, his status won't change by next week in my eyes. Notre Dame's Jimmy Clausen isn't horrible either, but he's at least three full NFL seasons away from being close to a starter in my eyes. He suffers from "Tony Romo-itis" of his feet, amongst other issues with his game.

The Best "Big School" QB's in this draft are Texas' Colt McCoy, Central Michigan's
Dan LeFevour, and Cincinnati's Tony Pike. After those three, the next three best QB's in this class are at the FCS level. Number four is Jacksonville State's Ryan Perrilloux (the LSU transfer), then Fordham University's John Skelton rounds out the top 5. Skelton clearly has the best Arm of any QB in this class. Number six is Troy State's Levi Brown, followed by Holy Cross' Dominic Randolph at seven.
Too many independent scouts have underrated the players from the "lower" conferences for far too long. The Next "FBS" QB ranks at number eight, and he is Mississippi's Jevan Snead. Number nine is Northwestern's MIke Kafka, and rounding out the "Top Ten" is Oregon State's Sean Canfield. Below you will find (not in order) some other QB's we are tracking. You will notice that a certain QB from Florida isn't on my list. Again, unless he's hit by lighting, don't expect to hear his name called until late on day two if not day three of the draft.

Some more QB's that Impress:

Jonathan Crompton-Tennessee
Tyler Sheehan-Bowling Green
Tim Hiller- Western Michigan
Eric Ward- Richmond
Armanti Edwards-Appalachian St.
Pat Grace-N.Iowa

Our full ratings for every position will be published in the Gridiron Draft Guide (a combined work of Consensus Draft Services and Football Reporters Online, with assistance from the Black Athlete Sports Network) and can be purchased for Ten dollars U.S. at www.gridirondraftguide.com and will be e-mailed on April 4th and 5th.

Senior Bowl Stock Reports

2010-02-06T21:59:00.000-08:00

Senior Bowl Stock Reports
By Nick Haswell for Football Reporters Online

It is just about that time of the year again. The NFL season is culminating this Sunday with the Super Bowl between the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints. That means that the Super Bowl is the last professional football game for 6 months. For some, that is sad news. But for the hardcore football fans, it just means that it is time to turn their attention for the NFL Draft. Between now and Thursday, April 22nd, all NFL Draft eligible prospects are trying to better their draft prospects through intense training programs, individual pro day workouts, the NFL Scouting Combine, and multiple “All-Star” Bowl games. One of those bowl games is the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. The 2010 version of the event took place this past Saturday. NFL Scouts from all 32 teams convened in Mobile the previous Monday for Senior Bowl practices and stayed through the week in an attempt to find the next Steve Largent, Joe Namath, Walter Payton or Brett Favre. Based on the week’s practices and the game on Saturday, here are several players who improved their draft stock and several who hurt their stock:
Stock Up

RB/WR Dexter McCluster, Mississippi. McCluster is the versatile speedster that any NFL team could use. He showed he can be used as a slot receiver, as a running back or a quarterback in the Wildcat package. McCluster can also impact the return game with his explosive playmaking ability. Although size is an obvious concern, and he’ll never be an every down running back, McCluster’s explosion and versatility will get him drafted in the Second Round.

RB LeGarrette Blount, Oregon. Blount, has been the subject of one of the larger stories of the 2009 college football season. After being suspended for the season after the first game of the 2009 season, Blount’s draft stock took a huge hit. But he was reinstated late in the season and had a few big carries in the Rose Bowl clinching win over Oregon State. Blount arrived in Mobile at a solid 240 pounds, and rushed for a 14 yard touchdown which showed his good athleticism and power that will make him a Third Round choice in April.

WR Mardy Gilyard, Cincinnati. Gilyard was inconsistent during the week of practice. But he displayed that he is a gamer on Saturday with his Offensive Player of the Game performance. The Bearcat receiver caught five passes for a game high 103 yards and a touchdown. Gilyard got behind the South defense a couple times for receptions, as well as adjusted well to a pass thrown behind him by quarterback Dan LeFevour. With his return ability, Gilyard could have pushed himself into the Second Round of the 2010 NFL Draft.

OL Mike Iupati, Idaho. The 6-6, 325 pound offensive lineman from the University of Idaho was the best o-lineman in Mobile this past week. Although Iupati struggled in the game, especially in pass protection, Iupati showcased power and balance in the run game during the week that should translate to him being off the draft board in the late stages of the First Round.

DE/OLB Brandon Graham, Michigan. Graham was the biggest winner of the Senior Bowl. Graham was already known to be a strong defender against the run, but he displayed the ability to get after the quarterback both during the week of practice and during the game, where he earned Most Valuable Player honors by posting two sacks and a forced fumble. Graham is versatile enough to play either defensive end in a 4-3 scheme or outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. He has cemented his status as a First Round draft pick.

DE Alex Carrington, Arkansas State. Carrington arrived in Mobile with something to prove as a player from the Sun Belt Conference. Carrington left Mobile impressing NFL scouts with his strength at the point of attack and also bull rushing opposing offensive tackles. The Second Round could be possibly when Carrington will be drafted in April now after last week’s performance.

OLB Dekoda Watson, Florida State. A Seminole linebacker that is fast and undersized? Yep, Watson is another one who fits that description. Watson made a couple big plays for the South on Saturday that displayed his toughness and instincts, which are essential for defensive players in the NFL. On one of the plays, Watson caught fast Fresno State running back Lonyae Miller from behind. Plays like that could get Watson drafted in the Third or Fourth Round.

Stock Down

QB Tim Tebow, Florida. The rock star of the 2010 Senior Bowl struggled all week. Tebow did nothing to dispel his slow release, poor footwork or inaccuracy in Mobile. Sure, Tebow has incredible intangibles, a winning attitude, and is one of the tougher players in the nation, but he needs a few years of intensive work to become an NFL starting quarterback. He at best a Third Round prospect, but more than likely someone will overdraft him in the late First or Second Round.

QB Sean Canfield, Oregon State. Canfield had a chance to really improve his draft stock with a strong showing in the Senior Bowl. But instead he hurt his stock immensely. Canfield already is not a great athlete or strong-armed, but in Mobile he also telegraphed his throws and made poor decisions. He is now considered to be a late round choice.

NT Terrence Cody, Alabama. The prototypical 3-4 nose tackle, Cody, showed up in Mobile at a giant 370 pounds. He appeared slow for his weight, out of shape, and displayed poor technique. Tennessee defensive tackle, Dan Williams, looked to be the better of the nose tackle draft prospects in Mobile. There is now concern that Cody could be out of the NFL early because of his weight issues. Cody looked to possibly move into the late First Round with a strong performance in the Senior Bowl, but with showing up at a sloppy 370 pounds, he is now a Second or even Third Rounder.

S Taylor Mays, USC. It’s hard to believe that when Mays was considering entering early into the 2009 NFL Draft that he was considered a top 10 pick. Now, Mays is at best a late First Round pick. Some evaluators are even giving him mid-round grade. Mays’ size, strength, and speed combination are off the charts for a safety. But during last week’s practices and during the Senior Bowl, Mays was lacking the instincts and playmaking abilities needed for an NFL safety. His lack of instincts are especially concerning for a defensive player.

Dooley hits recruiting ground running-New UT coach holding his own despite late start

2010-02-06T21:58:00.000-08:00

Dooley hits recruiting ground running
New UT coach holding his own despite late start

By Rafael Garcia
Sr. Contributing writer Football Reporters Online
Southeast Region

After Lane Kiffin abruptly left Knoxville like a villain in the middle of the night questions arose. How could Tennessee keep their highly recruited class intact? Who would do the recruiting while they searched for a new head football coach? Once the coach was hired, could he keep this class together and could he get others to come to Knoxville?

In the last few weeks Derek Dooley has answered the questions soundly. He was given three weeks to assemble a staff and then hit the recruiting trail. He has been able to keep eight kids from this class and has made strides out in the field. He may not be able to compete with Alabama or Florida yet but his no drama, respect for the game and university approach is getting some attention. It has made some take notice after the abandon ship move by Kiffin.

The approach has not worked with all recruits, as would be expected. Players such as Michael Taylor, a four-star linebacker from Westlake (Ga.) High School, have already de-committed. He will now be going to Florida. Others may follow as well.

On the other side of the coin, assistant coach Terry Joseph made a trip to Mississippi to visit with highly regarded prospects Shon Coleman and Damien Robinson. Both are offensive linemen and Robinson has gotten about 30 or so offers already. After the visit Robinson decide to visit Knoxville next weekend after his visit to Mississippi this weekend.

Dooley himself was in Florida at weeks end to visit with defensive linemen Calvin Smith and Corey Lemonier from Hialeah High. Lemonier has not yet committed but Smith has been on board since before Kiffin left. He still has other visits to the likes of Alabama, North Carolina, Florida State and Illinois too. As for Lemonier, he likes Auburn, Florida State and Miami.

So the work continues for Dooley and his staff with signing day just a few days away. He will not be expected to have a class ranked in the top 10, or to compete with Florida or Alabama right now. He will be expected to put this program back in order the way it should be. He needs to get the kids to buy into football without the media hype that Kiffin brought with him. He will need to get the kids that were here last year to believe in him and his system. If he can do that he can have a good year and then build with his own class next year.

He won’t make noise and he won’t talk when he is not supposed to. He will do it the right way, the way he was taught by his dad, the legendary Vince Dooley. He will not embarrass himself or the university, because if he does, he has a firecracker for a mom and I have a feeling she will let him have it if he tries. One thing is for sure, respect is being restored in Knoxville.

TIM TEBOW-an early look

2010-02-06T21:55:00.000-08:00

TIM TEBOW-an early look-by J.P. Fox for Football Reporters Online

    As probably the most celebrated player coming out of college in I don’t know how long, Tim Tebow should be on his way to stardom in the NFL. But as we all know, college success doesn’t automatically translate into success in the NFL. Tebow isn’t your prototypical quarterback. He might have a run-first mentality, which isn’t what NFL Scouts look for in a franchise QB. In college, he focused on short-to-intermediate routes but did have an outstanding 67% completion percentage with a mind-boggling 88:15 TD to INT ratio. With those numbers, you would think he is at the top of the draft boards of NFL executives. The debate begins….. Is Tebow a franchise QB?? Is Tebow destined for another position in the NFL?? Is he a Pat White type of player, strictly running the wildcat?? There are many different views.

    Tim Tebow won two BSC National titles, as a freshman and a junior. He also captured the Heisman Trophy as a sophomore. With that on your resume, and his knack for being the team leader, that’s things you look for in a QB. Can he lead his team to championships? Yes. Can he throw the ball with accuracy? Yes, 67% completion percentage is not too shabby. Can he improvise? Yes, his 57 rushing touchdowns in his career broke the all-time SEC record. So why are there so many doubters?? Well, Tebow has a long, slow, elongated delivery when throwing the ball. The NFL looks for QB’s to have short, quick releases and that is not something that Tebow possesses. When Philip Rivers came out of college, people knocked him for having an unusual delivery. Look at how he turned out in the NFL: He was an MVP candidate down the stretch for the Chargers. Tebow also has taken a beating in college. Not by getting sacked a lot, but by the way he runs with the football. He is a competitor, and he prefers to play "smash mouth" football, running guys over instead of sliding.

    With his bullish mentality, some people believe Tebow is destined to be a tight end, fullback, H-Back, or even a linebacker or safety. He’s 6’3 240 pounds and that could be a perfect size for an H-Back or linebacker. But would the transition to another position be that much worth the while for a team to take a chance on, rather than keeping him at his natural position and teaching him proper mechanics?? That’s where everybody wonders and wonders about him. I’d like to see somebody take a chance on him as a quarterback. His statistics don’t lie. With the numbers he put up, and his ability to make things happen, he’s like a bigger Vince Young. In the BCS National title game that Vince Young played in against USC, he had the game of his life. Also, like Young in a big-time game, Tebow put up the game of his life in the 2010 Sugar Bowl against Cincinnati, posting 533 total yards and 4 touchdowns. He was 31 of 35 passing with 482 yards. That had people talking and probably had some NFL GM’s rethinking their view on him as a QB. I know you can’t judge somebody on one game, but that was a big step in the right direction.

    Starting at linebacker, #55, Tim Tebow….. Doesn’t that just sound weird?? Tebow has been a quarterback his entire life, and making him switch to another position, teaching him all the new techniques, that might ruin a player. He has already said that he will do everything in his power to be a quarterback at the next level. Working hard, changing his throwing motion, listening to coaches, and more. Changing a QB’s throwing motion could be disastrous. It could ruin his confidence and make him think too much. But changing his position entirely might not be the worst thing either, on the flip side. He is a huge guy, a freak physical specimen, and a team-first player. If somebody drafted him to be an H-Back or Tight End, I’m sure he wouldn’t object. But I know, in his heart and his mind, he’d love the opportunity to be a quarterback. In my mind, a team that has a QB that he can sit behind for a few years to learn and work on his game would be the ideal fit. I truly believe he will be a successful QB at the next level and I really would like to see that happen. I grew up watching him play quarterback and be successful at it, and I’d like to continue watching him do that. But if he has to play a new position, I wish him all the best in that endeavor as well.

The Tim Tebow watch continues……