Teams were not terribly high on Canfield due to him only having one good season as a starting quarterback and an inability to hold onto the job throughout his tenure at OSU.  Things seemed to click for Canfield during his senior season though as he completed 67% of his passes and threw 21 touchdowns against just 7 interceptions.

The knock on Canfield is he tends to not play well under pressure, but, that can be said about a lot of quarterbacks.

He made a good accounting of himself at the combine and reportedly wowed scouts at the OSU Pro Day this week.  They were especially impressed with his accuracy throwing deep out routes which is one of the tougher throws to make in the NFL.

While Canfield will never be a top pick due to a lack of extended consistency at the college level he has likely earned himself a late-mid-round selection in the draft.

Karim did not participate in the scouting combine a couple of weeks ago, however, he had what would have been the highest vertical leap at 43 inches and turned in a 40 time of 4.4 seconds which would have been the third best amongst running backs at the combine.

It seems unlikely that he draws a high pick, but, it sounds as though he might warrant a mid-round pick based on his workout this week.  Fifteen teams were reportedly on hand to watch Karim workout.

If true it is an interesting development for a Cowboys team that has Pro Bowler Miles Austin and Roy Williams as their two starters.  It is being rumored this off season that Jerry Jones is none to happy about Williams’ play last season and that he could be on the chopping block in Irving.  The Cowboys are believed to be in the market for a secondary caliber receiver in this year’s draft.

I am not sure how much I would read into this however.  Yes, Bryant’s draft stock is dropping given how he has handled himself at times off the field since his suspension.  There are rumblings of him being another Michael Crabtree in terms of his attitude which is pushing him down some draft boards.

With that said it seems highly unlikely that the Cowboys will be able to land Bryant unless they make a deal to be able to make a significant jump up in the draft.   I currently have Bryant going to the Broncos with the 11th pick.  There has been a lot of speculation that teams at the top of the draft are interested in trading down, but, it will take quite a bit for the 27th team to move up into the top 10 of the draft.

If that is what it conceivably takes for the Cowboys to land Bryant then I would question whether it is a smart move on Jones’ part.  They have much bigger needs along the offensive line and in the secondary if they want to get back into contention next season.  Getting a top flight receiver is not exactly a pressing need for the Cowboys this off season.

Since Kurt Warner announced his retirement it had been speculated that the Cardinals would bring in an established veteran quarterback like Anderson to challenge heir apparent Matt Leinart.

This is a good move for the Cardinals, whose only other QB on the roster is another unproven veteran in Brian St. Pierre.  With only $3.25 million of the contract guaranteed the Cards are making a minimal investment on a veteran who will give the position a bit more stability.

Anderson has shown he can perform at a Pro Bowl level when he has the talent around him.  With a healthy Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow to throw the ball to Anderson threw for 3,787 yards and 29 touchdowns in earning a 2007 Pro Bowl nomination.  With a pair of 1,000 yard threats in Steve Breaston and Larry Fitzgerald and the emerging Early Doucet to throw the ball to Anderson is walking into a good situation in Arizona.

This move does not necessarily mean that Leinart will not be the starter next season.  It simply means that he is going to have some legitimate competition if he wants to earn the job.  Leinart has shown flashes of what he can do but has never been able to quite put it all together with the Cardinals.

Seattle agreed to swap second round picks with the Chargers and send them a third round pick in 2011 in exchange for the little used Whitehurst.  Following the trade the Seahawks signed Whithurst to a two year deal worth $8 million with $2 million worth of incentives.

It is an intriguing deal for for a five year veteran who has yet to complete a pass during a regular season game in his entire career.  Whitehurst has always been regarded as someone with some upside who could potentially start in the NFL and the Seahawks needed to find someone another quarterback who had been around the league longer than Mike Teel has.  One wonders if Seattle still needs to find someone who has actually completed a few passes in the NFL before the season starts though.

33. St. Louis Rams – Devin McCourty (CB, Rutgers): McCourty’s stock has been rising rapidly the past couple of months and is seen by some as a first round prospect.  The Rams secondary produced exactly five interceptions, none of which came from cornerbacks.

Wildcard: The Rams also need a receiver for Bradford, theoretically, to throw the ball to and they could opt for someone like Golden Tate, or Arrelious Benn if he falls out of the first round.

34. Detroit Lions – Kareem Jackson (CB, Alabama): The Lions filled their biggest need by taking Suh in the first round now they grab their second biggest need by grabbing a young athletic corner to help sure up the secondary.

Wildcard: Kevin Smith’s status is largely up in the air right now and with not a lot of talent to be excited about after Smith on the depth chart the Lions could go for a guy like Jahvid Best or Ryan Matthews here.

35. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Golden Tate (WR, Notre Dame): With Antonio Bryant jumping ship to Cincinnati the Bucs need someone for young quarterback Josh Freeman to throw the ball to.  Tate ran much better than anticipated at the combine and potentially gives the Bucs and explosive play-maker in the passing game.

Wildcard: Depending on how well he works out Demaryius Thomas could end up here as well.  FSU corner Patrick Robinson is also a possibility here, but, the Bucs need to find someone for Freeman to throw the ball to.

36. Kansas City Chiefs – Charles Brown (OT, USC): The Chiefs need to get better tackle play and do a better job of protecting Matt Cassel.

Wildcard: The Chiefs also need an ILB and if they do not see a tackle they like here they could go for Penn State’s Sean Lee.

37. Washington Redskins – Vladimir Ducasse (OL, Massachusetts): The Redskins need to get younger and better on the offensive line and Ducasse is the best lineman on the board in this draft scenario.

Wildcard: If they take an offensive lineman in the first round then obviously they will go in another direction here.  Texas QB Colt McCoy would be one logical choice here.  Larry Johnson and Clinton Portis are not getting any younger and they could go with a back like Best or Matthews, however, it seems unlikely given Shananhan’s proclivity for taking backs in the later rounds.

38. Cleveland Browns – Demaryius Thomas (WR, Georgia Tech): After Josh Cribbs the Browns are devoid of any real play-makers on offense.  Thomas has a flair for making the big play once he gets the ball in his hands.

Wildcard: The Browns have needs all over the place and if Thomas does not work out well leading up to the draft they could opt for a cornerback like Perrish Cox or Patrick Robinson.

39. Oakland Raiders – Jahvid Best (RB, California): Al Davis’ love of players who have track speed means Best is probably the pick if he is still on the board regardless of the fact they do not really have a need for a back.

Wildcard: If they draft based on need Thomas will be the guy if he is still on the board and runs as well as expected.  They could also opt for Clemson DE Ricky Sapp as well.

40. San Diego Chargers – Terrence Cody (DT, Alabama): The Chargers make the first eyebrow raising pick by grabbing the man mountain.  With the release of Jamal Williams the Chargers have a need for a legit nose tackle and Cody is arguably the best defensive anchor on the board at this stage.

Wildcard: With Larry English being a bust last year Sapp could be on the radar screen in San Diego.  UNC DT Cam Thomas could potentially be a safer pick over Cody and has the girth to play over the center.

41. Buffalo Bills – Navarro Bowman (OLB, Penn State): The Bills were awful on run defense last season and Bowman has shown tremendous range against the run on game film.

Wildcard: The Bills are rumored to be considering a switch to a 3-4 defense meaning they could opt for someone like Cody or Thomas, if they are still there, to man the middle of the defense.

42. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Perrish Cox (CB, Oklahoma State): The Bucs continue to sure up their secondary by taking the explosive Cox.

Wildcard: This pick will hinge on what they do at 35 and which player between Cox and Robinson the team thinks comes with less off-the-field baggage.  If they go with a corner at 35 then expect this pick to be a receiver.  They will likely take the best available amongst Thomas, Tate, and Dezmon Briscoe.

43. Miami Dolphins – Taylor Price (WR, Ohio): This might be a bit of a reach for the Dolphins, but, Bill Parcells typically does things by his own set of rules and Price is seen by many as a potential sleeper at the receiver position.  He ran well at the combine and is considered a guy that just needs a bit of polishing at the next level.

Wildcard: If one of the more polished guys like Tate or Thomas are still around they will certainly be taken over Price.  The Dolphins could also stand to upgrade the ILB and OLB positions and could look to Sean Lee in the middle or Sapp to be an edge rusher for them.

44. New England Patriots – Ryan Matthews (RB, Fresno State): Matthews is considered a fringe first round prospect by many and Bill Belichick knows a good deal when he sees one.  Matthews potentially gives the Pats the stability they have looking for at running back since Corey Dillon was put out to pasture.

Wildcard: The Pats also need a DE and could go with Texas DT Lamarr Houston with the idea of converting him to an end in the 3-4 defense.

45. Denver Broncos – Cam Thomas (DT, North Carolina): Sure the Broncos just signed former All Pro Jamal Williams to man the middle of the line, but, he turns 34 in a couple of weeks and is coming off a season where he missed 15 games.

Wildcard: They could also go Cody if he is still on the board.  Taking Houston as a potential DE is a possibility as well.

46. New York Giants – Lamarr Houston (DT, Texas): The Giants need a space eater and play-maker in the middle of the line.

Wildcard: Linebacker Daryl Washington could be a possibility as well.

47. New England Patriots – Dezmon Briscoe (WR, Kansas): The Pats need to add some healthy youth at the receiver position.

Wildcard: They could go with an inside ‘backer like Lee or Brandon Spikes here as well.

48. Carolina Panthers – Colt McCoy (QB, Texas): With the release of Jake Delhomme Matt Moore is considered the incumbent starter.  Taking McCoy could regenerate the fan base and potentially give them a franchise QB of the future.

Wildcard: They could also opt for the best receiver or DT on the board at this stage as well.

49. San Francisco 49ers – Ricky Sapp (OLB/DE, Clemson): Sapp has the athleticism to be able to be and edge rusher and drop into coverage in the 3-4 and the size to play down in 4-3 fronts.

Wildcard: They could opt for a NT like Thomas or Cody if they are still on the board.  They could also go with a complimentary receiver for Michael Crabtree like a Mardy Gilyard or Jordan Shipley.

50. Kansas City Chiefs – Sean Lee (ILB, Penn State): The Chiefs need to get better in the middle of the defense against the run and Lee should help them out in that arena.

Wildcard: A NT or receiver could be an option here as well.

51. Houston Texans – Ben Tate (RB, Auburn): The Texans have a huge question mark at RB going into the spring and Tate’s stock is on the rise as a result of his recent workouts.  Tate could be a bit of a reach here but the Texans need to stabilize the running back position.

Wildcard: The Texans have a need at safety as well and could go with LSU’s Chad Jones.

52. Pittsburgh Steelers – Patrick Robinson (CB, FSU): Pittsburgh’s corners got exposed as extremely mediocre without Troy Polamalu in the lineup to cover up their mistakes.

Wildcard: They could also go with LSU’s Jones to here as well.

53. New England Patriots – Mardy Gilyard (WR, Cincinnati): Gilyard gives them some protection in the event Wes Welker is not 100% at the start of the season and is someone who projects as a slot guy at the next level.

Wildcard: They could go with an end here as well.

54. Cincinnati Bengals – Aaron Hernandez (TE, Florida): Not the greatest blocker in the world, but, the Bengals need a guy like Hernandez who will draw the attention of safeties and take the double teams away from the outside receivers.

Wildcard: The Bengals also have needs on the defensive line and could opt to go that route as well.

55. Philadelphia Eagles – Chad Jones (S, LSU): The Eagles still need to find a good young safety and Jones gives them some protection in the event Marlin Jackson does not pan out this summer.

Wildcard: Getting better a linebacker is such a need that the team could take TCU’s Daryl Washington here as well.

56. Green Bay Packers – Joe Asamoah (OL, Illinois): The rebuilding of the offensive line continues with this pick.

Wildcard: The could go with a running back or some youth at corner here as well.

57. Baltimore Ravens – Mike Williams (WR, Syracuse): The Ravens add some needed youth to grow with Flacco at the receiver position.

Wildcard: The Ravens also need to add some youth in the secondary and could go that route as well.

58. Arizona Cardinals – Daryl Washington (LB, TCU): Washington gives the Cards some much needed youth at the outside ‘backer position.

Wildcard: They could also go with a TE like Anthony McCoy or Rob Gronkowski here.

59. Dallas Cowboys – Chris Cook (CB, Virginia): The Cowboys need to add some talent and depth in the secondary and Cook is the best available on the board at this point.

Wildcard: Dallas could also go for receiving or offensive line depth here as well.

60. Seattle Seahawks – Montario Hardesty (RB, Tennessee): Hardesty is showing more explosiveness and agility in his workouts than was expected of him.  His stock is rising and fills a need for the Seahawks in terms of finding a guy who can give them up to 20 carries a game.

Wildcard: The ‘Hawks also need secondary help and could go with a DB here.

61. New York Jets – Tyson Alualu (DL, California): Gives the Jets someone who could potentially move over and play end in a 3-4 defense.

Wildcard: The Jets need to get better at safety as well, but, there is not a lot available here at this stage.

62. Minnesota Vikings – Zane Beadles (OL, Utah): The interior line let the Vikings down at times last season and Beadles is the best on the board at this stage.

Wildcard: Secondary or linebacking depth could be looked at here as well.

63. Indianapolis Colts – Roger Saffold (OT, Indiana): The Colts are making upgrading the offensive line the priority this spring and Saffold’s stock is on the rise right now.

Wildcard: Secondary help is a priority for the Colts this off season as well.

64. New Orleans Saints – Thaddeus Gibson (OLB, Ohio State): Gibson should fill the hole created by Scott Fujita when he signed with the Browns quite nicely.

Wildcard: Secondary or defensive line depth are needs for the Saints and could be addressed here as well.

1. St. Louis Rams – Sam Bradford (QB, Oklahoma): I know Ndamukong Suh is the consensus number one prospect in this year’s draft.  The Rams have needs everywhere and when you have a 33-year old broken down quarterback whose career peaked three years ago one has to ask themselves how wise it is to invest #1 pick money on a defensive tackle when you need stability at the quarterback position to win.  Besides, Bradford sells tickets Suh won’t.  Unless the Rams see any huge red flags when they work him out and give him a physical Bradford should be the guy.

Wildcard: Suh or possibly even Gerald McCoy.  If the Rams decide they have to have a QB and pass on Bradford Jimmy Clausen could go here but it seems highly unlikely he ends up a Ram unless they trade down.

2. Detroit Lions – Ndamukong Suh (DT, Nebraska): There are those speculating that because the Lions signed Kyle Vanden Bosch and traded for Corey Williams that the Lions will not take another defensive lineman at the top of the draft.  Come on folks Williams and Vanden Bosch are not game-changing players.  Vanden Bosch was a couple of years ago and Williams has never been anything special.  The defense is still one of the league’s worst and Suh is considered the best defensive player in this draft.

Wildcard: The Lions could opt to go with an offensive lineman here.  They have a huge investment in Matthew Stafford who missed games due to injury last season and they will think long and hard about taking someone like Russell Okung, Trent Williams, or Bruce Campbell.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Gerald McCoy (DT, Oklahoma): The Bucs defense is almost as bad as the Lions and allowed 158 yards per game on the ground last season.  McCoy gives them a good anchor against the run.

Wildcard: Prior to Bradford entering the conversation as the potential top pick the Bucs were rumored to be very high on Eric Berry and with needs just about everywhere on defense they could go with Berry.  They could also go with a pass rusher but it seems a long shot given none of them are rated that high.

4. Washington Redskins – Jimmy Clausen (QB, Notre Dame): There is a lot of debate as to whether Clausen is worthy of going this high and whether he is that much better than the other quarterbacks not named Sam Bradford.  Shanahan is an offensive guy and loves developing quarterbacks.

Wildcard: The Redskins have needs everywhere on offense, especially offensive line.  They could go with Okung, Williams, or Campbell at this spot as well.

5. Kansas City Chiefs – Eric Berry (S, Tennessee): The Chiefs offense was adequate but the defense could not seem to stop anyone last season.  In this scenario Berry is the top rated defender on the board and the Chiefs have a huge need for a game-changer in the secondary.

Wildcard: The Chiefs still need a pass rusher to compliment Tamba Hali and Jason Pierre-Paul could be the guy here as well.  Drafting a tackle to protect Matt Cassel could be an option as well.

6. Seattle Seahawks – Russell Okung (OT, Oklahoma State): With Walter Jones retiring the Seahawks are in need of his replacement at left tackle.  Okung has been considered the top offensive lineman in this year’s draft all season long and in this scenario is the top tackle still on the board.  If Okung is off the board they will take the next best tackle on their board.

Wildcard: If Bradford and/or Clausen slip this far the Seahawks will think long and hard about grabbing a quarterback here.  Matt Hasselbeck probably has one or two years, tops, as a starting quarterback left in him and with Seneca Wallace being dealt to Cleveland there is no established veteran backup on the roster, only Mike Teel.  They could also go pass rusher here but LT and a future franchise QB are their two biggest needs right now.

7. Cleveland Browns – Jason Pierre-Paul (DE/OLB, South Florida): The Browns were a disaster last season and their best player was Josh Cribbs their kick returner.  The Browns have needs everywhere and Pierre-Paul is rapidly emerging as the top pass rushing prospect in this draft.

Wildcard: With the team signing Jake Delhomme, dealing for Seneca Wallace, releasing Derek Anderson, and trading Brady Quinn do not dismiss the idea that they could make a move for Clausen or Bradford.  The fact they have no long term solution at the position means they will be in play for a quarterback in the draft.  If Joe Haden can bounce back and post more respectable 40 times at his Pro Day workouts he could end up here.  As it is his disappointing times in the 40 are probably going to keep him out of the top 10 for the time being.  The Browns could also go C. J. Spiller here as well.

8. Oakland Raiders – Bruce Campbell (OT, Maryland): The Raiders need a left tackle and Campbell set the combine record for best 40 yard time for an offensive lineman this year so it is a match made in heaven.

Wildcard: Given Al Davis’ love of all players who run sub 4.4 40s C. J. Spiller and Jahvid Best could end up going here as well.  Given Jacoby Ford had the best 40 time of anyone this year don’t put it past the Raiders to consider him either.

9. Buffalo Bills – Trent Williams (OT, Oklahoma): Pass protection has been lacking in Buffalo for a couple of years now and the team never found a comparable replacement for Jason Peters last year.

Wildcard: If Clausen or Bradford are available the Bills will likely go with them.  With DE Aaron Schoebel contemplating retirement Derrick Morgan or Carlos Dunlap become possibilities here as well.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars – Derrick Morgan (DE, Georgia Tech): The Jags had just 14 sacks last season and despite signing Aaron Kampman they still need to upgrade the pass rush.

Wildcard: Safety play has been lacking in Jacksonville the past couple of years making Earl Thomas a strong possibility to go here as well.  The Jags also need another receiver to pair with Mike Sims-Walker making Dez Bryant another possibility.

11. Denver Broncos – Dez Bryant (WR, Oklahoma State): The Broncos will deal Brandon Marshall if the right deal comes along and with the team just picking up Brady Quinn adding a young receiver for him to grow with could be huge for the Broncos in a couple of years.  There has been a lot of negative buzz around Bryant in recent weeks and this pick could very well change over the next month.

Wildcard: Even though the Broncos added Jamal Williams he is 33 and coming off a major injury that cost him 15 games last season.  The Broncos still need to find a good young anchor for the middle of the line making Tennessee’s Dan Williams a potential fit here.  The pass rush largely began and ended with Elvis Dumervil last season and they could also use someone to compliment him.  Michigan’s Brandon Graham has been shooting up draft boards as a potential edge rusher in a 3-4 defense and he could go here as well.

12. Miami Dolphins – Dan Williams (DT, Tennessee): Jason Ferguson is 35 years old and coming off a season that saw him miss seven games due to injury.  Parcells loves building his defenses around big, beefy run-stuffers in the middle and Williams may be the best run stuffer in this year’s draft.

Wildcard: While DT is a need it is not their biggest need and if Bryant falls to the Dolphins it would be awfully hard for them to pass him up.  Miami arguably has the worst receiving corps in the league and they desperately need a play maker to aid the development of Chad Henne.  With the release of Joey Porter and Jason Taylor in the twilight of his career the Dolphins also in the market for a dynamic pass rusher and could go with someone like Morgan or Brandon Graham.  Miami is also rather ordinary at inside linebacker and could go with Rolando McClain here as well.

13. San Francisco 49ers – Joe Haden (CB, Florida): The Niners need to get younger and more athletic at corner and while Haden’s workout was disappointing he has still shown himself capable of handling other team’s best receivers.  If Haden is here he will be too good for the Niners to pass up.

Wildcard: Of course there is always the possibility that Haden is gone long before the Niners get to pick.  If that happens look for the team to think long and hard about Texas safety Earl Thomas.  The Niners are rather ordinary at safety and a dynamic play-maker at safety would go a long way to sure up the corners in pass coverage.  Pairing Bryant with Michael Crabtree would be awfully tempting if Bryant were to fall this far.  Pass protection was an issue last season as well and they could look at someone like Bryan Bulaga or Anthony Davis to plug in at right tackle next season.

14. Seattle Seahawks – Everson Griffen (DE, USC): Finding someone to anchor the offensive line and upgrading the pass rush are two of the Seahawks top priorities this spring.  Griffen played for new head coach Pete Carroll at USC so he is familiar with the defensive scheme and was one of the guys who stood out at the combine.

Wildcard: This pick will depend on what they do at 6.  If they go DE or QB at six then they will definitely look to grab the best tackle still on the board.  This pick could end up being Bulaga or Anthony Davis.  The team also needs a play-maker at receiver and Bryant would be tempting here as well if he is still on the board.

15. New York Giants – Rolando McClain (ILB, Alabama): With Antonio Pierce being cut loose a few weeks ago the Giants now have a need for a man in the middle of the defense and McClain is considered the best linebacker prospect that is not a 3-4 pass rushing specialist.

Wildcard: Mathias Kiwanuka disappointed, Justin Tuck was hurt, and Osi Umenyiora is doing his best to talk his way out of New Jersey so a pass rusher could  be taken here if one is available.  The offensive line looked old and worn out at times last season and did not perform as well as it had the previous two years.  Mike Iupati has become one of the post season darlings and the Giants have taken interior lineman high in the draft under Coughlin’s watch and he could be an option here as well.

16. Tennessee Titans – Carlos Dunlap (DE, Florida): Dunlap comes with a lot of off field baggage, but with Kyle Vanden Bosch signing with Detroit the Titans now have a huge hole to fill at defensive end.

Wildcard: With Ketih Bullock still on the market the Titans also have a need for an OLB making Sergio Kindle a possibility.  The secondary was brutal last year making cornerback Kyle Wilson or safety Earl Thomas potnetial targets as well.

17. San Francisco 49ers – Bryan Bulaga (OT, Iowa): With Haden in hand the Niners fill their second biggest need by grabbing someone to plug in at right tackle.

Wildcard: If they grab a tackle 13 then Kyle Wilson or Earl Thomas will be the guy here.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers – Mike Iupati (OG, Idaho): The offensive line was downright porous at times last season and the owner has gone on record saying he wants to see the team get back to running the ball more and passing less.  Iupati is a big mean mauler who fits the old school Steelers mentality.

Wildcard: The secondary was exposed quite a bit without Polamalu in the lineup making Thomas or Wilson possibilities here as well.

19. Atlanta Falcons – Sergio Kindle (OLB, Texas): The Falcons filled their biggest off season need by signing free agent corner back Dunta Robinson to a deal a couple of weeks ago.  Kindle fills another big need for the Falcons which is an outside linebacker who can potentially be a play maker who can pressure the quarterback and force some turnovers.

Wildcard: C. J. Spiller will be awfully hard to pass up here as well.  The Falcons also have a need for some depth and upgrade of talent at the interior offensive line positions and could opt for Iupati if he is still on the board or Florida’s Maurkice Pouncey.

20. Houston Texans – Kyle Wilson (CB, Boise State): With Dunta Robinson bolting for the Falcons corner back now becomes a top priority for the Texans.

Wildcard: If there is not a corner the Texans love at 20 then they will go with Spiller.  He would be a steal here and with Steve Slaton recovering from off season neck surgery the running back position is a huge question mark for the Texans as they head into off season workouts.  Interior line is also a need making Pouncey or Iupati possibilities as well as Earl Thomas at safety.

21. Cincinnati Bengals – Earl Thomas (S, Texas): The additions of Antonio Bryant and Matt Jones makes safety the Bengals biggest priority coming into the draft.  Earl Thomas is a steal at 21 and will help sure up the secondary.

Wildcard: With Bryant and Jones being question marks due to injuries and off field baggage the Bengals could opt for a receiver here namely Arrelious Benn or Golden Tate.  The Bengals also have a need for a pass catching tight end and could go for Oklahoma’s Jermaine Gresham.

22. New England Patriots – Brandon Graham (OLB/DE, Michigan): The Patriots have a need for a pass rusher and Graham is considered by many to be the best option for teams looking for an edge pass rusher in the 3-4 defense.

Wildcard: Clemson’s Ricky Sapp is a bit bigger than Graham and could be a fit here as well.  With Randy Moss entering the last year of his contract and beginning to show his age a bit and Wes Welker coming off a serious knee injury the Pats could look at receivers like Benn or Tate here as well.  Spiller will be awfully hard to pass up for a team in need of a feature back.  Dunlap would likely be the guy if he falls this far.  He has the size to be able to play end in a 3-4 scheme and would fill the hole left by Richard Seymour.

23. Green Bay Packers – Anthony Davis (OT, Rutgers): Aaron Rodgers took a pounding last year and Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher are both aging and breaking down.  The Packers need someone to protect Rodgers’ backside.

Wildcard: Ryan Grant has been on the outs with the Packers for a while now and Spiller would give them a receiver who can catch the ball out of the backfield that could help offset teams trying to tee off on Rodgers.  The Pack also needs to find the eventual successors to Al Harris and Charles Woodson making Kyle Wilson a possibility if he is still on the board.  Brandon Graham could be an option as well if he is on the board.

24. Philadelphia Eagles – Sean Weatherspoon (OLB, Missouri): The Eagles have a bigger need at safety, but, Taylor Mays is not worth a first round pick and Thomas is already off the board.  Their second biggest need is finding an OLB who is a potential play-maker and can run with TEs and RBs in pass coverage.  Weatherspoon has been wowing teams with his workouts and could be a difference-maker for the Eagles.

Wildcard: With Spiller on the board would anyone be surprised to see Ried grab him here?  He loves dynamic offensive players like Spiller and the Eagles need a Plan B at running back if McCoy gets hurt or flames out this season.  Spiller is a slightly bigger, faster version of Brian Westbrook.  He moved up last year to grab Maclin and would probably do the same to grab Spiller if he were to fall this far.  I know I still have him on the board here but it is tough to see him falling this far and it is tough to pinpoint just where he will end up.  Reid loves drafting lineman in the first round of the draft making a guy like Pouncey a possibility.

25. Baltimore Ravens – Jermaine Gresham (TE, Oklahoma): Gresham checked out at the combine and Todd Heap and L. J. Smith will be 30 when the season opens and always seem to be battling nagging injuries of some kind.

Wildcard: Yes the Ravens added depth at receiver grabbing Donte Stallworth and Anquan Boldin this off season.  However, Stallworth is a gamble and often injured and Boldin always seems to be battling injuries every year as well.  They could go with Benn or Tate here to get some young talent at the position for Joe Flacco to grow with.  Adding youth in the secondary is a need as well and someone like Taylor Mays, Kareem Jackson, or Devin McCourty could be options as well.

26. Arizona Cardinals – Jared Odrick (DT, Penn State): The Cardinals have a need for a play-maker in the middle of the line.  I put Odrick here over Brian Price because I am not sure Price has the size to play over the center in a 3-4 defense while Odrick has the size to be able to handle the additional weight to play nose guard.

Wildcard: The Cards also need a safety and could go for Mays here.  If Anthony Davis is still on the board the Cards would have to consider him as well.  Gresham could also be a possibility.

27. Dallas Cowboys – Taylor Mays (S, USC): Dallas needs a safety and Jerry Jones will be sucked in by Mays the athlete instead of Mays the football player.

Wildcard: Jones is no stranger to reaching for a player and could take USC’s Charles Brown to fill a need at tackle.  Roy Williams is rumored to be on the chopping block and Benn or Tate could be taken here as well.

28. San Diego Chargers – C. J. Spiller (RB, Clemson): Ryan Matthews is possibly the better fit here but Spiller’s upside is way too much to pass up here.  He also gives Phillip Rivers another weapon in the passing game.

Wildcard: If negotiations with Vincent Jackson do not go well they could opt for Tate or Benn here.  As it stands right now Ledegu Naanee is the best receiver on the roster.  However, it is expected that the Chargers will eventually re-sign Jackson.  Odrick would be a possibility as well if the Cards pass on him.

29. New York Jets – Arrelious Benn (WR, Illinois): Braylon Edwards is no guarantee to be back with the Jets next season and Jerricho Cotchery is not a true #1 receiver.  Benn ran slightly better than expected and gives Mark Sanchez another weapon in the passing game.

Wildcard: The Jets also have a need for a safety and could go with Nate Allen here.

30. Minnesota Vikings – Brian Price (DT, UCLA): Pat Williams is 37 and the Vikes need to start thinking about his long term replacement and Price is a steal at 30.

Wildcard: The Vikings also have a need for a corner and could go with Kareem Jackson or Devin McCourty here as well.  The interior offensive line seemed to struggle a bit at times last season and Pouncey could also be their guy here.

31. Indianapolis Colts – Maurkice Pouncey (C/OG, Florida): The front office basically through the offensive line under the bus following the Super Bowl making this an off season priority.  With the marquee tackles off the board the Colts opt for the best offensive lineman still out there.

Wildcard: The Colts could reach for USC’s Charles Brown who is considered and early second round prospect at tackle.  If the Colts finally decide to stop waiting on Bob Sanders they could go with Allen here.

32. New Orleans Saints – Nate Allen (S, South Florida): While the Saints probably have bigger needs to fill there is not a lot for them to choose from that would not be considered serious reaches.  Darren Sharper may only have another good year or so left and is a free agent.

Wildcard: If Sean Weatherspoon is still on the board he will definitely be the guy.  They could also look to Charles Brown to add some depth at tackle.  With Mike Bell and Pierre Thomas both free agents Ryan Matthews could be an option as well.

Check Out the Second Round Here

I have been an advocate of the Eagles taking a look at signing Pierre Thomas away from the Saints, but, Bell would be a nice addition as well.  While I think Thomas is a slightly better player and fit for the Eagles offense Bell would give them a big back who can run between the tackles that would compliment McCoy nicely.

My only reservations with Bell are he does not bring a lot to the passing game and Andy Reid loves versatile backs who can catch the ball out of the backfield.  He also has a history of injuries that have limited him to 37 games in his four pro seasons.  My sense is that the Eagles are talking to Bell as opposed to Thomas is because the Saints put the lowest tender on him and will demand less money than Thomas will.

Thomas is the better all around back, can catch the ball out of the backfield, and has a better average per carry, but, will likely command more money and I think would cost the Eagles a third round pick to sign him.  For Thomas’ part he is probably more interested in staying in New Orleans rather than go to Philly where he knows he would likely see fewer carries behind McCoy then he gets now in New Orleans.

The last I checked it takes more than two All Star players to win in the NBA and LeBron wants to win.  He wants to be recognized as one of the games greats when all is said and done and he knows he needs a ring to do so.  Otherwise he is just another Charles Barkley or Karl Malone.  Both guys are Hall-of-Famers but neither is mentioned as one of the games truly elite players because they never won a championship.

Anyway what is just as comical is all of the speculation on who LeBron wants to play alongside next season.  When he and Dwyane Wade decided to take the short term deals a few years ago making them eligible for another big pay day while still in the peak years of their careers everyone assumed they were doing so because they wanted to sign and play together somewhere.  It is no secret that LeBron and D-Wade are close friends off the court.  The thought was that LeBron would sign with Miami and then the Heat would re-sign Wade as they hold his “Bird” rights meaning they can go over the cap in an effort to re-sign him.

Then LeBron made a comment about liking Derrick Rose’s game when asked which young point guard he would like to have on his team.  So now everyone has him signing with Chicago because he wants to play with Rose, ignoring the fact he will get the chance to run with him on the national team.

LeBron recently made a comment about Chris Bosh being the guy whose game he liked the most amongst his teammates on the last Olympic squad.  That led to the Knicks signing both Bosh and James this summer because they have the money to do so and have made no secret about their desire to have him on their roster.

Now there are reports surfacing that Joe Johnson is the guy LeBron truly covets playing with and that Arn Tellem, Johnson’s, and coincidentally Tracy McGrady’s agent, has an unwritten under-the-table agreement that Johnson will sign with the Knicks this summer.  This is all according to “sources” close to LeBron of course.

To be honest I am not entirely sure LeBron wants to play in a system like the one Mike D’Antoni runs in New York.  He realizes the wear and tear his body endures in a NBA season and he is probably not interested in a system that is going to require him sprinting up and down the floor more than he does now.

Honestly, one really wonders how much of what is being reported on LeBron is just he or someone in his camp just screwing with the media.  One wonders if LeBron is sitting back in Cleveland and laughing his butt off reading and listening to all of the rumors and conjecture about what he is going to do this summer.

Sam Bradford

Bradford has pushed his workout date back yet again.  He will now be working out on the 29th instead of the 24th.  It is being reported that the decision to push it back was made to better accommodate all of the teams interested in watching him and has nothing to do with any sort of setback in his rehab.

Clemson

Every team was represented at Clemson’s Pro Day last week.  The gem of the Clemson group, C. J. Spiller, did a few of the drills but stood on most of his scores from the combine.

The Browns have reportedly shown a lot of interest in Clemson’s pool of talent.  Coaches stayed behind to work receiver Jacoby Ford out individually after the event and defensive backs Crezdon Butler and Chris Chancellor afterwards.

The team is also said to be coming back this week to work Ricky Sapp and Kavell Conner individually.

Ford is one of the more intriguing prospects in this year’s draft.  His 4.28 40-time was the best out of everyone at the combine which is inherently going to pique the interest of teams looking for more speed at receiver.  The downside on Ford is at 5′ 9″ /186 he lacks the size teams like in the receivers and his career at Clemson was riddled with inconsistency and seen as something of a disappointment.  With all of that speed it seemed like everyone was waiting for him to start dominating games and it never happened.  He also tends to drop some balls that he should not.

However, given the recent success of DeSean Jackson in Philly and Percy Harvin in Minnesota there will be quite a bit of interest in a guy like Ford and he will probably end up going higher than initially thought.  With three third round picks in hand and a need for speed at the skill positions on offense one could easily see the Browns reaching on a guy like Ford that early in the draft.

Sapp is someone the Browns could be targeting at the top of the second as an edge rusher in their 3-4 defensive scheme.

The interest in Chancellor, Butler, and Conner is interesting given they are all considered fringe prospects to begin with.  ESPN has all three rated as undrafted free agents.

Rodger Saffold

Saffold stood on his combine scores and only did the offensive line position drills at Indiana’s Pro Day last week.  Bengals offensive line coach Paul Alexander was on hand to put Saffold through the paces.  Could the Bengals be interested in Saffold for some added o-line depth?  Saffold’s star is on the rise since his outstanding workouts at the combine and is seen as a solid second round prospect.

TCU

Twenty four teams showed up at TCU’s pro day, mostly to see Jerry Hughes and Daryl Washington workout.

Hughes stood on his combine numbers choosing to only participate in the position drills.  He reportedly looked smooth and athletic in those drills.  No word on whether he worked out as an end or linebacker though.  One would assume teams see him as a potential linebacker given he is only 6′ 2 1/4″ and 254 pounds.  Because he is expected to make a move to OLB from end Hughes is seen as a second or third round prospect.  He could, however, go higher than that as he is seen as a perfect fit in a 3-4 scheme as a rushing linebacker.

Washington is seen as a slightly better prospect than Hughes given he is a more traditional outside linebacker.  He helped himself out last week by lowering his 40 time from 4.66 at the combine to 4.54.  Due to other shortcomings in his performance on the field, however, Washington is expected to go somewhere in the second round.

Wisconsin

Defensive back Chris Maragos was the biggest story at Wisconsin’s Pro Day.  Maragos did not go to the scouting combine, but, may have made himself draftable after his workout last week.  Maragos posted a time of 4.47 in the 40 and excelled in the 3-cone drill and the short shuttle posting times that would have ranked him first amongst defensive backs at the combine.  The consensus seems to be that Maragos may have done enough to earn a late round selection in April.

Tight end Garrett Graham reportedly caught the ball well during his position drills and stood on his scores from the combine.  Given Graham’s lack of size and top end speed for this position he is still seen as a middle of the draft prospect.

Minnesota

The University of Minnesota had a couple of prospects make their mark at their Pro Day last week.

Cornerback Marcus Sherels was not on anyone’s radar prior to last week’s workout.  Sherels will pique some interest after turning in a 4.37 in the 40 and posting a 40-inch vertical jump.  He also had a short shuttle time that would have ranked him amongst the best defensive backs at the combine.    His athletic ability alone will draw some consideration from teams as a late round flyer pick.

Receiving prospect Eric Decker was on hand for the festivities but did not participate as he is still recovering from foot surgery.

UMass

A trio of UMass players made an impression at the Boston College Pro Day held at Harvard last week.

Safety Jeromy Miles posted a 4.45 time in the 40 and had scores comparable to other safety prospects at the combine in the other drills.  At 6′ 2″/210 Miles has a nice frame for a safety and good speed to match.  He should get some looks in the latter rounds by some teams looking for depth in the secondary.

Receivers Victor Cruz and Jeremy Home had some good measurables as well.  Cruz ran the 40 in 4.47 seconds and notched a 41.5 inch vertical jump that would have tied him for number one at the combine.

Home ran the 40 in 4.41 seconds and at just under 6′ 2″ will likely get some looks from teams looking for depth at receiver in the later rounds.

On the heels of Anderson’s release came the signing of Jake Delhomme to a two year deal.  I am not quite sure what to make of this move for the Browns.  On one hand Delhomme will give them some veteran leadership and a bit of stability at the position.  On the other hand Delhomme looked like a lost pup with Panthers last season and has never been one of those quarterbacks who elevates the talent around him.  The Browns have little to no talent on offense for Delhomme to work with.

Delhomme is just going to be keeping the seat warm for whomever Holmgren sees as the future of the team anyway, so it is probably not the worst move in the world.  The team needs a fresh perspective in the locker room and it makes sense to purge the team of the two quarterbacks who seemed to be a bit divisive to team morale last season.  There were some players who wanted Anderson and others who wanted Quinn.  With a hierarchy in place of Delhomme then Wallace the roles should be clearly defined heading into camp.

With Delhomme and Wallace in place incumbent starter Brady Quinn became expendable and was dealt to the Denver Broncos over the weekend for a Peyton Hillis and a couple of late round draft picks.

It is mildly surprising that the Browns would give up on Quinn so quickly, but, the fact of the matter is Eric Mangini never seemed to really have any real use for him and he is not someone Holmgren brought in.

It is not surprising, however, that Denver is where he ends up going given Quinn played under Charlie Weiss in college and McDaniels cut his teeth in the NFL on Weiss’ offense in New England.  Quinn is already familiar with what McDaniels is trying to do in Denver and, while Kyle Orton was better than expected last season, he still left something to be desired in the end.

Given that Wallace is nothing special as a pro quarterback, I don’t quite understand what Holmgren sees in this guy, and with Delhomme being 35 and only getting a two year deal one almost has to believe the Browns are not done fleshing out the quarterback position this spring.  Wallace is decent, but, is never going to be a long term solution for anybody at the position, and, Bret Ratliff, a favorite of Mangini’s, is likely never going to be anything more than a backup in the NFL.

One wonders whether the Browns will spend a high draft pick on a quarterback in the draft this year.  Will the Browns draft Sam Bradford or Jimmy Clausen if they are still on the board at 7?  With three thirds and three fifth round picks will the Browns attempt to trade up in an effort to secure one of the two big quarterbacks in this year’s draft?

There is increasing speculation that a lot of teams at the top of the draft want to trade down to save themselves from paying out all of the bonus money.  There is also increasing speculation that the Rams will tab Bradford with the first pick which would leave Clausen whom some see going to the Redskins with the fourth pick.

Another possibility would have the Browns spending a second or third round pick on someone like Colt McCoy, Dan LeFevour, or Tony Pike and let them sit behind Delhomme for a year or two while they adjust to life in the NFL.

Whatever the case may be look for the Browns to draft a quarterback in the first three round of the draft.  Unless they spend a first round pick on a QB look for that person to challenge Delhomme for the starting job this summer.  Otherwise Delhomme will be the starter with the team looking towards whomever they draft being the starter in 2011 or 2012.

The Elite

C. J. Spiller (Clemson, 5′ 11″/197) – Spiller entered the combine as the top prospect at running back and did nothing to disappoint.  He ran the second best 40 amongst running backs at 4.37 seconds and has adequate size to play in the NFL.  Some want to compare him to Felix Jones or Reggie Bush, but, I am not sure I see that.  I liken him more the Brian Westbrook than Jones or Bush.  Like Westbrook, Spiller seems to be a more instinctual runner who does not rely solely on his elite speed to make plays.  Bush and Jones’ major issues in the NFL is they simply try to run by defenders instead of setting them up to miss the way guys like Westbrook do.

There literally is nothing Spiller does not bring to the table for a team.  He runs the ball extremely well and one could make an argument he was the best receiver on the Clemson team last season.  The Tigers typically liked to line him up out wide and run pass plays down the field for him.  Spiller had touchdown catches of 63, 56, 58, and 34 yards.  He also returned four kicks and a punt for a touchdown last season.  Spiller should have gotten more run for the Heisman than he ended up getting.  He was arguably the best football player in the country last season, but, since he did not rush for 2,000 yards or play on a title contender he got lost in the shuffle.

Where Spiller ends up going in the draft could vary greatly.  He could go as high as #6 to the Seahawks or fall all the way down into the 20s.  Given the short shelf life of the average back teams seem to be waiting until the second and third rounds to grab backs instead of taking them at the top of the draft these days.  One argument against Spiller going to Seattle is they already have a similar back in Justin Forsett who was one of the ‘Hawks most productive players when he got the chance.

I would not put it past Oakland to have an interest in Spiller.  We all know Al Davis’ love of players who run sub 4.4 40s.

The Dolphins could have an interest at #12 depending on what happens with Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams this spring.

The Niners need some dyanmic play makers on offense and are believed to be looking for someone to compliment Frank Gore in the backfield.

With all of the injuries suffered at the position this past season the Falcons could have an interest as well.

It seems unlikely he would fall past the Texans at #20.

Ryan Matthews (Fresno State, 6′ 0″/218) – Matthews ascends to the number two spot after his performance at the combine.  The book on Matthews coming into the combine read that he was one of the best between-the-tackles runners in the draft but there were questions about his top end speed.  Matthews erased those doubts by turning in a 4.45 time in the 40 at the combine.  His running style reminds one of Herschel Walker in that he is a one-cut style runner who is a load to bring down once he gets the corner and squares his shoulders.

Matthews loses some points because he lacks real elusiveness and brings little to the passing game.  He caught just 19 passes in his three years at Fresno and his pass blocking is considered to be sub-par.

With San Diego, and possibly New Orleans, depending on what Pierre Thomas does, looking for a between the tackles type of back Matthews could sneak into the tail end of the first round.  One has to think with the Chargers parting ways with LaDanian Tomlinson that they will more than a passing interest in a back like Matthews.  He fits their style of running game to a tee.

If Matthews falls out of the first round Detroit, Cleveland, Seattle, and Washington could all have an interest in Matthews at the top of the second.

Jahvid Best (California, 5′ 10″/199) – At one point in time Best was in the mix with Spiller as the top back in the draft but he has seen his stock stumble a bit after a recent bout with some serious concussions.  He missed Cal’s last three games of the season as well as their bowl game due to symptoms as a result of his concussions.  Best posted the second best 40 time out of everyone at the combine with a 4.35 time.  He is arguably in the same class as Spiller in terms of being an electric play-maker and would easily come off the board in the first round if not for the injury and concussion concerns.  He excels at catching the ball out of the backfield and returns kicks as well.

Best could very well jump past Matthews and end up in the first round based on what teams are looking for in a running back.  His speed and play-making ability is better than Matthews and there is always a chance someone is willing to roll the dice on him.  It seems pretty unlikely though unless a team like New England, Green Bay, or Indianapolis decides they need to have a speed back like Best.

I would look for Best to land with a team like Washington, Oakland, or Buffalo at the top of the second round.

Best of the Rest

Ben Tate (Auburn, 5′ 11″/220) – Tate is going to move up a lot of team’s boards after the combine as well after running better than expected in the 40 (4.43).  Tate displayed good top end speed to be able to run away from lineman and linebackers.  While Tate has good measurables he was seen as a bit of an underachiever at Auburn and he does not display good elusiveness in his running style.  He is a hit-the-hole-and-go style of runner who does not spend a lot of time jitter-bugging in the hole.

Tate was seen as a mid-rounder coming into the combine and probably solidified himself as a strong third rounders and could sneak into the second round.

Montario Hardesty (Tennessee, 6′ 0″/225) – There really is not a lot of difference between Hardesty and Tate and one could easily see him going ahead of Tate depending on which teams like him.  Like Tate, Hardesty ran better than anticipated turning in a 4.49 40 time at the combine.  There has been a lot of good buzz building around Hardesty in recent weeks.  He is a solid third round pick, and like Tate, could sneak into the second round.  His history of knee injuries could scare some teams off however.

Wild Cards

Johnathan Dwyer (Georgia Tech, 5′ 11″/229) – Dwyer was once considered a fringe first round prospect and was ranked ahead of Matthews as the best inside runner in the draft.  All of that changed when he turned in a pair of 40 times over 4.6 seconds at the combine.  Dwyer could stop the bleeding if he is able to turn in better 40 times when he works out for scouts before the draft.  As it stands now he has probably gone from being a sure second rounder down to a third or fourth rounder.

Dexter McCluster (Mississippi, 5′ 9″/172) – McCluster is another guy who saw his stock plummet after a disappointing 40 time in the combine.  There were those who considered him a potential second round pick heading into the combine.  All of this, however, was based on the notion that he was going to run a sub-4.4 in the 40.  Once he turned in a 4.58 his stock started to slip quite a bit.  If he can manage to display the elite speed at his workouts that we were all led to believe he has he could work his way back into the second round of the draft, as it stands now he is probably looking at being no better than a 4th rounder.

Ndamukong Suh

Suh participated in positional drills only and reportedly performed well.  There was nothing to suggest he did anything to hurt his status as the top prospect in the draft.

Bruce Campbell

Campbell opted not to work out for scouts at Maryland’s Pro Day this week.  Campbell showed up and did some interviews and that was about it.  Campbell really had little else to prove after his showing at the combine.

Oklahoma State

The two big names, Russell Okung and Dez Bryant did not work out, however a couple of guys seemed to have made an impression on folks in attendance.  Offensive lineman Brady Bond and Andrew Lewis reportedly impressed scouts in the position drills and were better than anticipated.

Rutgers

The Scarlet Knights feature two potential first round picks in this year’s draft.  The sure-fire first rounder, offensive lineman Anthony Davis, did not work out this week at Rutgers’ Pro Day.  He reportedly had dinner with a team the night before the event and then bailed on working out claiming to be ill.  This reportedly did not sit well with some teams who already have questions about his work ethic, attitude, and other off-the-field issues.  Some teams had also started souring on him when he showed up to the combine looking sloppy and out of shape.  Davis was once thought of as potentially being the first tackle taken in the draft.  He has now likely been passed by guys like Bruce Campbell, Russell Okung, and Trent Williams who have shown up in shape and worked out well for scouts.

Rutgers’ other hot prospect is cornerback Devin McCourty.  McCourty has been steadily moving up a lot of draft boards since the end of the season.  He worked out well at the combine and has adequate size for a corner.  He runs well and is willing to step in and support the run, something a lot of elite corners are not willing to do.  McCourty is in the mix to be the third corner taken in the draft and many see him as a late first rounder.  Devin did not do any of the combine drills but did participate in the position drills for scouts.

LaGarrette Blount

LeGarrette Blount opted not to work out at Oregon’s Pro Day this week and will work out individually on March 18th instead.  Apparently his agent had not informed everyone of this and there was some confusion amongst some in attendance why Blount was not going to be working out.

Cincinnati

Twenty six teams showed up to watch Bearcats standouts Mardy Gilyard and Tony Pike go through the paces.  Pike has reportedly altered his throwing style a bit as scouts told him at the combine they wanted to see tighter spirals.  It sounds as though Pike is making progress adapting to the pro style offense but is still going to be a mid round pick who teams see as a guy who is going to take a couple of years to develop.

There is nothing to suggest that Gilyard did anything to significantly hurt or help his chances.  Gilyard pretty much is what he is.  He does not have elite size or speed to warrant a top pick on him but he should still go somewhere in the second or third round simply based on his knack for making things happen when he has the ball in his hands.  Teams looking for a secondary receiver who can line up in the slot and return kicks will have in interest in Gilyard.

Northwestern

Quarterback Mike Kafka reportedly impressed the 25 teams who were there to see him.  He reportedly missed just one throw the entire workout.  The two things that are going to keep teams away from Kafka are the fact he took the majority of his snaps from the shotgun and whether he has the arm strength to be a starter in the NFL.  He is a heady player who relies more on his ability to read defenses and accuracy than he does his overall talent.

Texas A&M

A trio of Aggies impressed the scouts this week at A&M’s Pro Day.  Center Kevin Matthews reportedly drew raves for how well he ran the position drills for scouts.

Cornerback Jordan Pugh may have ran his way into the draft by posting a 4.44 40 time which would have ranked first amongst corners at the combine.

Jamie McCoy ran well posting a 40 time of 4.56 seconds.  The question remains as to what position he would play in the NFL.  At 6′ 2″/240 he is not quite big enough to play tight end at the next level so some think he may have to transition to full back.  He has the speed to play TE and one wonders if perhaps he catches on as a secondary receiver some where.

Kentucky

Running back Alfonso Smith was the big story coming out of Kentucky’s Pro Day.  The senior, who did not even go to the combine, turned in a pair of blazing 40s clocking in at 4.38 seconds both times he ran it.  At just a shade over six feet and 211 pounds Smith could very well go from being undrafted to a mid-round pick.  Guys with that kind of legitimate speed do not go undrafted.

There was nothing else of note to really talk about coming out of Kentucky.

Alabama

Top linebacker prospect Rolando McClain worked out for scouts this week after sitting out the combine due to injury.  He weighed in at 249 pounds and posted respectable 40 times of 4.68 and 4.69 seconds.  There was nothing to suggest coming out of this week’s workout that McClain did anything to jeopardize a spot in the top 15 of the draft.

Defensive tackle Terrence Cody continues to shed the pounds as he checked in at 349 pounds, roughly 20 fewer than he weighed at the Senior Bowl.  It sounds like getting Cody off the banquet circuit has done him a world of good.

Auburn

There is not a ton to report out of the Auburn pro day.  Running back Ben Tate stood on his scores at the combine and reportedly looked good in the position drills.  Tate is quickly working his way up to being one of the first five backs taken off the board.  I would not be surprised if he is the fourth back taken after C. J. Spiller, Jahvid Best, and Ryan Matthews.  Right now it could be between him and Montario Hardesty for the #4 back slot in the draft.

Defensive back Walter McFadden who was not at the combine helped himself out by posting times of 4.40 and 4.43 in the 40.  Both of those times would have been the fastest for a corner back at the combine.  McFadden likely will not be a high draft pick but his workout likely solidified him as a mid-round pick.

Perrish Cox

The banished Oklahoma State corner back will work out for scouts on March 30th in Waco, Texas.  Cox is considered by many to be one of the top 50 players in the draft and is a solid second round prospect.

Akwasi Owusu-Ansah

Owusu-Ansah was supposed to perform for scouts at IUP’s Pro Day this week but decided not to, and instead will work out for scouts at Ohio State’s Pro Day this Saturday.  He is currently considered a mid-round prospect and ran one of the fastest 40 times at the combine amongst corner backs.

Kansas

A handful of Kansas prospects helped themselves out at Kansas’ Pro Day.  Running back Jake Sharp, who did not participate in the scouting combine, ran a 4.43 in the 40 which should get him some notice from scouts.  Given his size, 5′ 9 1/4″ and 194 pounds, he is a tough sell to teams as an every down back in the NFL.  But, given his speed and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield he should draw interest as a potential 3rd down back and return specialist.  Sharp was seen as a potential undrafted free agent but could now see himself land in the back half of the draft.

Receiver Dezmon Briscoe rebounded from a sub-par performance at the combine with more respectable 40 times of 4.53 and 4.51.  Some red flags were raised after he posted 40 times in the mid 4.6s at the combine.  With his workout this week he probably salvaged his draft spot and should go somewhere in the second or third round depending on how some of the other receivers work out in the coming weeks.

Colorado

Cornerback Ben Burney stole the show at Colorado’s Pro Day by running his way into the draft with a blazing 40 time of 4.38 seconds.  Burney was not considered a viable draftee and was not even invited to the scouting combine.  Burney’s workout will probably nab him  a spot in the draft.  He still has a long way to go in terms of his skill and technique, but, guys who are capable of running the 40 in less than 4.4 seconds do not go undrafted.

Other than Burney there is little else to talk about coming out of Colorado’s Pro Day.

Fordham

Quarterback John Skelton had no fewer than nine teams on campus to watch him work out.  The Bengals, Bills, and Eagles were amongst the teams in attendance to watch the stout quarterback go through the paces.  Skelton started for three plus years at Fordham and showed marked improvement in each of his four seasons at the university.  He went from completing less than 50% of his passes and a QB rating of under 100 to completing over 64% of his passes and a rating of over 150 in his senior season.

Prior to the post season workout sessions Skelton was considered a 7th rounder at best.  At 6′ 5 3/8″ and 241 pounds Skelton looks the part of a NFL quarterback.  He also reportedly threw the ball very well during his workout and has as strong an arm as anyone c0ming out this spring.  The biggest knock on him is he relies too much on his arm strength and that gets him into trouble at times.  Skelton is still widely viewed as a project player who needs to fine tune his mechanics and will likely spend his first couple of years on the practice squad, but, he may have performed his way into a fifth or sixth round selection with his workouts the past couple of weeks.

Offensive lineman Andrew Tyshovnytsky caught folks eyes as well.  At 6′ 4 1/4″ and 317 pound he has adequate size to play in the NFL.  Tyshovnytsky, who was not invited to the combine, ran the 40 in under five seconds and posted 33 reps on the bench press.  His 40 time would have been the third best at the combine while his bench press score would have rated him in the top ten amongst offensive lineman.  Tyshovnytsky was also said to look good in the position drills.  He very well may have gone from undrafted free agent to a late round selection with his workout.

As expected Sam Bradford did not participate and is expected to hold a private workout later in the month after completing rehab on his injured shoulder.

Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy and tight end Jermaine Gresham were weighed and measured and participated in position drills but stood on their scores from the combine as it pertains to the timed and measured drills.

Tackle Trent Williams boosted his 20-yard shuttle time from 4.63 to 4.4 seconds and posted a 7.40 time in the 3-cone drill which would have tied him for first among lineman at the combine.

Corner back Dominique Franks helped solidify his spot as a third round prospect by knocking out the 40 in 4.47 seconds.  That puts him in the mix amongst the fastest at the position in this year’s draft class.  Franks is still lacking as it relates to his cover skills but his measurables will keep him in the top half of the draft.

Running back Chris Brown declined to participate in any of the timed events which does not help him any given the lingering questions about his speed and agility.

Linebacker Keenan Clayton helped himself out immensely by boosting his 4.66 40 time at the combine to 4.57 on Tuesday.  That could be good enough to get him into the draft.

Sam Bradford

Sam Bradford will not work out Tuesday at Oklahoma’s Pro Day.  Instead he will remain in Florida to continue his rehab workouts.  Bradford will work out for scouts in Norman on March 25th.  He did say that none of the physicals he has taken for teams have turned up any red flags.

Colt McCoy

Colt McCoy says his shoulder received a clean bill of health from doctors and he will fully participate in Texas’ pro day on March 29th.  McCoy says he has resumed a throwing and is working out with USC receiver Damian Williams in Mission Viejo, California.

Dez Bryant

Dez Bryant will not workout for teams this week at Oklahoma State’s pro day.  Bryant bowed out at the combine and continues to nurse a hamstring injury.  Bryant is saying he will work out for teams at the end of the month in his home town of Lufkin, Texas.

Perrish Cox

Cox will not be allowed to work out at Oklahoma State’s pro day as a result of a suspension stemming from an incident at the Cotton Bowl.  There is no word as to when or where Cox may perform again for scouts.

Utah

There is not a lot to report out of the Utah pro day.  Defensive back R. J. Stanford may have helped himself out a bit by turning in times of 4.44 and 4.45 in the 40 which would have put him at the top of the list for corner backs at the combine.

Defensive end Koa Misi reportedly looked good in his position drills and will run again for scouts at the end of the month.

Receiver David Reed solidified his spot as solid third round prospect.

Guard Zane Beadles did nothing to drop his status as a strong third round prospect.

Tulsa

Nothing terribly noteworthy coming out of Tulsa either.  Corner back John Destin reportedly had the best day of the seven players who worked out.  He posted a pair of 4.5 40 times meaning he could sneak his way into the draft.  He also did fairly well in the agility drills.

Receiver Slick Shelley has good size and caught the ball well during the passing drills, however, his times in the speed and agility drills are not worth noting.

Now, it is a foregone conclusion that Tebow is going to be drafted somewhere by someone.  The huge question is when and where Tebow ends up going in the draft.  There are those who think Tebow may have to make a position change at the next level while others think he will develop into a starting quarterback.

It is interesting to note that he already has workouts lined up with teams looking for potential long term solutions at the position.  The Seahawks are still committed to Matt Hasselbeck as their starting quarterback for the time being.  But given his age and the number of games he has missed due to injury the past few seasons his days playing days are clearly coming to an end.

If the Seahawks were to take a quarterback in this year’s draft it would likely be someone they envision as the starter two or three years down the road when Hasselbeck can no longer handle the job on a full time basis.  The team is not necessarily in a hurry to find someone who will come in and start right away.  What will be interesting is to see whether the Seahawks would be willing to spend one of their two first round picks on Tebow.  They currently hold the 6th pick and one would think they would make a run at Sam Bradford or Jimmy Clausen first and foremost.

The Bills on the other hand have little to no direction at the quarterback position.  It has long been speculated that they would try and make a run at Bradford and/or Clausen in the first round of the draft.    The team is growing weary of waiting for Trent Edwards to develop into anything more than a serviceable NFL quarterback and Ryan Fitzpatrick is not a long term solution for anyone.  Neither player stepped up to claim the starting job outright last season and with a new coaching staff taking over this winter one has to think the starting job will be up for grabs this spring.

Again the question remains as to whether the Bills would be willing to spend the 9th pick on a guy like Tebow who has tons of question marks about whether he will be able to play the position in the NFL.   The Bills have a more immediate need at the QB position than the ‘Hawks do and it seems they would make a run at one of the more sure fire bets at the position than a guy who everyone believes will need a couple of years to develop.

Another interesting thing of note is the Jaguars have not scheduled any one-on-one time with Tebow.  They have reportedly been the team most enamored with the idea of drafting Tebow with the owner, Wayne Weaver even going on record stating he would consider spending his first round pick on the Florida QB.

Missouri

Linebacker Sean Weatherspoon solidified his status as a late first round prospect at Mizzou’s pro day last week.  He improved his bench press score by doing one more (35) rep than he did at the combine.  He also improved markedly on his 40 time by posting 4.53 and 4.52 times which is significantly better than his best time of 4.69 at the combine.  Weatherspoon’s work out was the only notable one to come out of Columbia last week.

The Eagles, Cardinals, and Saints could all have in interest in Weatherspoon at the back end of the first round.

Buffalo

Running back James Starks chose not to work out and stood on his combine numbers from a week ago.  At 6′ 1 7/8″/214 Starks has the size to play in the NFL. He posted a pair of sub 4.5 times in the 40 so he has good straight line speed as well.  Starks plays on the basketball team and does a good job catching the ball out of the backfield.  The biggest downside to Starks is he missed the season due to injury.  Given his measurables Starks could be a 5th or 6th round pick by someone taking a flyer on a back.

Baylor

David Gettis solidified himself as a mid-round selection by posting times of 4.46 and 4.39 in the 40 at Baylor’s pro day.  His speed combined with his size (6′ 3  1/8″/216) will make him attractive to teams looking for a #3 or #4 receiver to fill out the roster.

If the Broncos decline to match the Seahawks offer they will receive Seattle’s first round, sixth overall pick, and third round pick in the upcoming draft.  Marshall would be a major acquisition for the Seahawks, but one wonders if he would be a good fit for Seattle.

They just signed T. J. Houshmandzadeh last spring and both receivers are similar players.  They are big, strong wide outs who do not possess elite speed to stretch the field.  Both players are adept at picking up yards after the catch, but, neither guy is known for their ability to get open deep down field.  The Seahawks really need a speed receiver who can open things up over the middle in the passing game.

Given all the off field baggage Marshall brings with him it will be interesting to see if the ‘Hawks are willing to give him the amount of money he wants in addition to giving up the 6th pick in the draft for him.  One also wonders how shrewd this is given Matt Hasselbeck’s age and no established quarterback of the future behind him.  They could potentially land Hasselbeck’s successor with the 6th pick in the draft.

A potential move to land Marshall sends the message that Seattle is looking to load up on talent in an effort to make one last ditch effort make a Super Bowl run before Hasselbeck’s career comes to an end.

Peppers is an immense talent and is one of the league’s best defensive players when he wants to be.  One wonders whether he is worth the type of money he is reportedly getting from Chicago given some of the questions about his motivation level at times.  Peppers simply is not a self motivator and constantly needs prodding from coaches and teammates to keep him going throughout the year.  Former teammates have even gone as far as to say that they do not think his heart is truly invested in playing football.

For now it is a good move for the Bears.  The Bears needed to improve a pass rush that had fallen off in the past couple of years.  What will be interesting about this is to see how he reacts the first time the fans and media of Chicago start to call him out for not giving it his all in a game.  Chicago fans and sports writers are not nearly as passive as the ones in Charlotte are.

It is also interesting to note that Peppers is neither going to a team considered to be a real threat to contend for the Super Bowl next season nor are they a team who runs a 3-4 defensive scheme.

At the very least the Bears pass rush will be better, but, for how long and how much better it gets remains to be seen.