The NFL Draft Site

The Case for Brandon Weeden

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bryant) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 17:28:00 +0000

By Raul Colon

One of the most interesting storylines in this year's NFL Draft is when and where Oklahoma State QB Brandon Weeden will be selected. There has been some speculations that the talented signal caller could be drafted as high as the end of the first round or as low as the bottom of the third. But before evaluating the round on which the former Oklahoma State Cowboy star would be picked, we have to analyze the player. Yes he is definitely in the Top 100 of the prospects for the 2012 NFL Draft, that's pretty much a consensus.

First, Weeden is a solid 6-4, 221 ponder with a good, live arm. Although he does not have the rare, elite arm strength that make many NFL teams drool, he has the ability to make every NFL throw when he stride into it. He does have to correct a small wind up in his delivery.

Weeden's accuracy depends, not on the length of his throws, but on his mechanics. He has above-average mechanics, the problem is that sometimes he doesn't set up well and throws off his his back foot to often.

Because of the offense that he ran in Oklahoma State, the vaunted spread, he was not asked to not make a deep progression pattern. Thus he has shown a bad habit of "eyeballing" his primary target.

That's said, Weeden reads defenses very well. Is an intelligent player who will undauntedly get better with more experience in a pro style system. He will never win a track meet, but he has some elusive ability which will enable him to side step the pressure. He also has good pocket presence.

Overall, Weeden is definitely not in the class of Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III, but he is right in with projected top 10 pick, Texas A&m QB Ryan Tannehill.

So now to the question when and where will he land?

It's easy to point to his age (28 years old) and said that his shelf life will be less than 10 years. Still, an 8 to 9 year career is above the average of many NFL QBs.

One of the most rumored teams associated with Weeden is Kansas City. GM, Scott Pioli does not like to draft quarterbacks in the early rounds, but he will likely make an exemption here. Weeden could give enigmatic starting QB Matt Cassel some competition this year. Don't read too much into the Kyle Orton signing last year. Weeden have a much higher ceiling that the well traveled Orton.

Another possibility will be the Buffalo Bills. Yes, they do have Ryan Fitzpatrick, but until last year, the former Yale QB was viewed by many around the league as career backup. Weeden could flourish in Chan Gailey's offense which incorporates some concepts from the spread system.

San Diego is another destination. Although the Chargers have a Pro Bowl signal caller in Phillip Rivers, they could add Weeden as insurance policy and develop him for trade value later on, like the team did with Charlie Whitehurst a few years ago.

But the best place for Weeden to land is Denver. The Broncos have a nucleus of young and talented playmakers on offense ready to take the next step. They now have a Hall of Fame quarterback in Payton Manning and the defense needed to win in January. Manning will probably play two to three more years, if he is completely healthy, leaving Weeden at least a 5 year window as Denver's starting QB. That's why Denver will not hesitate to grab Weeden with its second round pick, 57^th overall.

The Cleveland Browns with their 2nd first round pick, #22 overall is also a likey candidate to draft Weeden. With two number one picks this year they could get an elite player like RB Trent Richardson with their fourth overall pick and use their second on a replacement for struggling QB Colt McCoy.

In three years we might look at this draft and wonder why Weeden lasted until the middle of the second round.

2012 Senior Bowl Post Game Report

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bryant) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 21:55:00 +0000

The 2012 Senior Bowl was played Saturday January 28th 2012 after a week of practice ran by the Vikings and Redskins coaching staff. Last weeks East-West Shrine Game actually kicked off NFL Draft Season. Every NFL team had scouts at the game trying to find the next NFL Draft Prospect, and for good reason, 12 players from last years game were drafted in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Time is of the essence, the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine begins on February 23rd and the actual 2012 NFL Draft starts on April 26th, 2012. If you care about the score, the North beat the South 23-13.

The best player in this game and a certain top 10 draft pick was DE Quinton Coples from North Carolina. He was simply un-blockeable and was in the quarterbacks face all afternoon. He mostly made his money on inside moves and arm overs, but on one occasion he displayed outstanding athletic ability buy jumping over a cut block and getting a sack. Coples is a true defensive end, and at 6' 5" 276 pounds he is suited to play in a 4-3 defense. He is decent against the run, but might be to light to play end in a 3-4 defense.

The MVP of this game was RB Isaiah Pead (5' 10" 200 lbs) from Cincinnati. He is extremely explosive, shifty and can break tackles. He also displayed his versatility buy returning kickoffs and boy did he return some impressive kickoffs. One of his kick returns was for 60 yards and the next was for 38 yards. He also had eight rushes for 32 yards. He might have ran himself into the second or third round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

Im not putting OLB/DE Vinny Curry, (Marshall) in the same category as last years Senior Bowl star Von Miller, but Curry did raise his draft stock considerably. Curry is a natural pass rusher, quick and explosive and he also displayed a nice bull rush, one time pushing Florida State Zebrie Sanders back into the quarterback. Curry (6' 4" 260 lbs), could be drafted early, maybe even late first/early second round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He will be drafted to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. Last season Curry recorded an impressive 22 tackles for loss (TFL) and 11 sacks.

I wasn't real impressed with any of the quarterbacks to be honest with you. 28 year old QBBrandon Weeden (Oklahoma State) started the game for the South. He (Weeden) got a lot of hype during the week, where he looked pretty good. In the game he was decent but doesn't look very athletic and throws to many interceptions. During the season he threw 3 interceptions (INTs) against Louisiana-Lafayette, 2 INTs against Tulsa and Kansas State, and 3 INTs in their loss to Iowa State.

Wisconsin Quarterback (QB) Russell Wilson is a little small (5' 11" 210 lbs), but he throws very well on the run and can take off and rush the ball like a running back. He doesn't look comfortable or accurate in the pocket however.

Arizona QB Nick Foles came in the game in the 3rd quarter and stood big and tall in the pocket. He completed his first pass to Joe Adams for 20 yards. However, after that he struggled with accuracy. Some of his balls ended up in the ground as he seems to throw a nose down football. Foles did throw a nice 20 yard TD pass to fellow Arizona WR Juron Criner (6' 4" 210 lbs). Criner ran a nice route and held onto the ball after a big hit in traffic.

Boise State Kellen Moore was extremely accurate, but he has marginal arm strength and like Russell Wilson, is a little small (5' 11" 190 lbs). Moore also doesn't have the mobility of Wilson, but looks good in the pocket.

Michigan State's Kirk Cousins had a good week of practice and he looked pretty good in the 2012 Senior Bowl. He completed a nice 32 yard pass over the middle on a crossing route to Ohio State's WR DeVier Posey. Overall I don't think Posey was that impressive however, he missed a sure touchdown on a pass in the end zone.

I wish Division 1AA Chattanooga QB B. J. Coleman (6' 3" 225 lbs) played in the 2012 Senior Bowl. So far in the post season he has looked like the most impressive QB, he played great at the East-West Shrine Game and it would have been nice to see him compete against some better talent.

Probably the most impressive receiver stats-wise was Arkansas' Joe Adams (5' 11" 190 lbs). After a first quarter fumble, he recovered with some nice catches finishing with 133 receiving yard. He catches the ball well and fights for extra yards. Oklahoma CB Jamell Fleming (5' 11" 192 lbs), made a nice tackle and stripped the ball out of Adams hands causing the fumble.

Probably the highest rated receiver in this game was Arizona State WR Gerell Robinson. He is huge and plays huge (6' 4" 224 lbs). He runs good routes and with his long legs has deceptive speed. Robinson caught a short pass on a crossing route in the 3rd quarter and turned it upfield for a 30 yard TD.

NFL Network Draft analyst Mike Mayock is really high on Ohio State OT Mike Adams (6' 6" 310 lbs). I'm not as high on him as Mayock is and I don't think he is a first round offensive tackle. I think he'll be good value in round two however. Adams held his own against South Carolina DE Melvin Ingram for the most part, but Alabama OLB Courtney Upshaw (6' 2" 269 lbs) displayed a nice punch on a bull rush and beat Adams for a sack. Adams is tall and plays a little high, but he moves his feet very well.

I really like Michigan DT Mike Martin (6' 1" 300 lbs). He (Martin) is a physical stud and a former high school wrestler. Martin uses his hands very well and plays with good leverage. He might be at his limit size-wise however, I don't think his frame can handle much more muscle.

North Carolina (NC) OLB Zach Brown might be the fastest linebacker in this 2012 NFL Draft. He made a nice play on a screen pass reading and reacting for a tackle for loss (TFL). He needs to do a better job taking on blockers, but he is a fast twitch athlete with elite speed and excellent size (6' 2" 230 lbs). He will likely rise after the Combine after he burns up the track. He holds the 55 meter record at NC.

Another linebacker (LB) that played well was Florida State LB Nigel Bradham (6' 2" 240 lbs). He ran Wisconsin QB Russell Wilson down and sacked him and that's no easy task as Wilson is one of the most elusive QBs in the nation.

A relatively unknown linebacker emerged in this game. Utah State LB Bobby Wagner (6' 1" 232 lbs) looked very athletic and he takes on blocks and runs well. Wagner could be a late round sleeper.

Tennessee DE Malik Jackson isn't a household name, but he had an excellent week of practice and got a lot of pressure on quarterbacks in the game. At 6' 4" 265 lbs, he could be an excellent outside linebacker for a team that runs a 3-4 defense.

On a negative note, a cornerback (CB) that I was real high on was Iowa State CB Leonard Johnson. He had a great week of practice but missed a key tackle in the Senior Bowl.

Also Appalachian State WR Brian Quick didn't impress me when he caught a pass and needed to fight for an extra yard to get a first down. He was stopped short and didn't seem to fight for extra yards. That's unacceptable for a receiver with his size (6' 4" 218 lbs).

Lastly the biggest faller might be Nebraska CB Alfonzo Dennard. He is an excellent tackler, but he had trouble in covering speedy receivers. During practice in the week before the game he couldn't turn and run very well and doesn't have fluid hips. He also tweaked his hamstring in practice and didn't play in the game.

2012 East West Shrine Game

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bryant) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:01:00 +0000

Draft season is officially underway, the 87th annual East-West Shrine was played on Saturday (21 January 2012), and even though its not as popular as next weeks Senior Bowl, the Shrine game did have 43 players drafted in the NFL Draft from last years roster. It really doesn't matter who wins and loses, we just want to scout the prospects for the 2012 NFL Draft, so I'll get right to it.

Pictured above, DT Akiem Hicks is an interesting prospect. He was originally a JC transfer to LSU, but had some eligibilty issues so he ended up playing in Canada (Regina Rams). Hicks is massive at 6' 4" 324 pounds, but carries his weight extremely well. He looked very explosive, if he can get in better shape he has a shot to make an NFL roster.

East QB B. J. Coleman (Chattanooga) looked spectacular in the game. Even though the West beat the east 24-17, Coleman led a 4th quarter drive that was going well until he ran out of time. Coleman has a quick release, very strong arm and was extremely accurate in the game. He (Coleman) began his career in 2007 with the Tennessee Volunteers. He couldn't crack the starting lineup at Tennessee right away so he transferred to Chattanooga. The only concern is that he's been a little inconsistent this past season where he only completed 58% of his passes.

Probably the best player in the game was Michigan State WR B. J. Cunningham. He (Cunningham) scored a first quarter TD where he caught the ball on a nice come back route and then spun around and broke a tackle. Cunningham isn't a speed burner, but he has nice size (6' 2" 220 lbs). He is also the leading receiver in Michigan State history where he recorded 1,306 receiving yards and 12 TDs.

The other QB that looked good was Colorado QB Tyler Hansen. Hanson has a decent arm, nice vision and can run the ball very effectively. He helped the West win the game with a rushing TD and he also went 12 for 17 and 144 yards. He looked comfortable behind center and he has a quick drop back and release. Probably an undrafted free agent, but he has potential.

Miami (Fl) TE Chase Ford (6' 5" 245 lbs), isn't real fast, but he can catch anything thrown his way. He caught a very nice pass over the middle between two defenders. If he can block and play special teams, he has a chance at the next level.

RB Alfred Morris, Florida Atlantic (5' 11" 222 lbs) ran the ball well and helped the West run the ball effectively. Morris has very thick legs, he reminds me of the 1970s Dallas Cowboys Running Back Robert Newhouse. He broke a lot of tackles during the game and last season he recorded 1,186 yards and 9 TDs.

Probably the top offensive lineman in this game was Colorado OG Ryan Miller. He (Miller) has excellent size (6' 7" 306 lbs) and mobility. He looked really good pulling and blocking downfield on a sweep. He could be a late round steal in the 2012 NFL Draft.

An offensive lineman that looked good all week and during the game was Miami (Oh) OG Brandon Brooks. He is a road grader type with excellent size (6' 4" 325 lbs). He opened up some nice holes for the West running backs. Probably an undrafted free agent type, but he has the size to play in the NFL.

A pair of Inside Linebackers (ILB) looked very good. Jerry Franklin from Arkansas looked very solid fighting off blockers and getting to the ball carrier. He has decent size (6' 1" 244 lbs) and could be a late round steal. ILB Tank Carder from TCU also displayed nice range and has NFL speed. Carder is more of a finesse player and not real big (6' 2" 236 lbs), but again, he's fast and is a good tackler.

There were a couple cornerbacks that stood out during the game: Iowa CB Shaun Prater and North Carolina CB Charles Brown. Prater (5' 11" 182 lbs) might be a late round steal. He was around the ball all afternoon and broke up a couple passes. Brown (5' 9" 196 lbs) also broke up a few passes, not real tall, but he (Brown) has thick legs and quick feet.

OLB Kyle Wilber from Wake Forest looked excellent during the East-West Shrine game. He rushes the passer very well and has the size (6' 4" 240 lbs) to play outside linebacker (OLB) in a 3-4 defense at the next level. Wilber recorded 70 tackles and 3.5 sacks last season.

OLB/DE Juilan Miller from West Virginia is another impressive player that is suited to play OLB in a 3-4 defense. He is relentless rushing the passer and is fast and tall (6" 3" 259 lbs).

ILB Najee Goode from West Virginia is a little small (6' 1" 239 lbs) but he made an excellent play reading and stuffing a screen.

A couple receivers that really stood out in the game was Miami (Fl) WR LaRon Byrd and Illinois WR A. J. Jenkins. Byrd has really nice size at 6' 4" 220 pounds and caught a nice slant for a TD right before halftime. Jenkins isn't near as big (6' 0" 190 lbs), but he runs excellent routes and is quick in and out of his breaks. He was extremely productive last year for Illinois where he caught 90 pass for 1,276 yards and 8 TDs.

Last but not least is another Miami (Fl) product. Defensive Tackle DT Micanor Regis is quite a specimen at 6' 2" 305. Regis is very athletic and has the athletic ability to move out and play end in a 3-4 defense.

Is Matt Forte the Best Running Back in the NFL?

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bryant) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:11:00 +0000

When you hear the phrase “best running back in the NFL” who do you think of? Perhaps you think of the Tennessee Titans super star back Chris Johnson? Maybe you think of Oakland Raiders star Darren McFadden or the Viking’s Adrian Peterson. These are all good backs but perhaps no other running back means more to his team that the Bear’s Matt Forte.

Forte has been a one man wrecking crew for the Bears so far this season. Through the Bears first seven games of the season, Forte has rushed for a total of 672 yards (currently second in the NFL) with two touchdowns. Through the air, he’s gained 419 yards and has one touchdown there.

He’s already over 1000 total yards through seven games (he currently has a total of 1091 yards from scrimmage) and is on pace to top the 2000 yard mark if he keeps going like he is.

And with his ability to make the offense work, there is no doubt that Forte is going to achieve the 2000 yard mark and help the Bears make the playoffs.

When you look at the good running backs in the NFL you have to look at those that are helping their teams win. Peterson isn’t doing much to help his team win but he’s still cranking out the yards. Johnson has been having a good season right now but hasn’t had the impact that Forte has.

When offensive coordinator Mike Martz first came to the Bears it was thought that the days of running the football would be something of the past. But remember what Martz was able to do with Marshall Faulk when he was with the St. Louis Rams. Now it appears as if Forte is being used in a similar fashion and that means he’s going to get some big numbers in this offense.

The Bears utilize Forte a lot and he’s the biggest part of their offense. Without him, the Bears wouldn’t have won a single game this season. He means that much to the Bears.

Forte is undergoing some issues with his contract and deserves to get a new deal. He’s more than proven that he is worth any amount of money that the Bears would pay him and probably more and he needs to get a new deal. The Bears can’t afford to lose him next season nor can they afford to have him suddenly decide to hold out in an attempt to get a new contract. Paying Forte would be a step in the right direction.

Chicago may have known what they were getting with Forte when they got him and he’s had a mixed bag of results during his career. His second season with the team was a bit of a difficult one as he spent some of his time injured and therefore wasn’t as effective as he had been in his first season. His third season was good enough and so far his fourth has been one of the best in the history of running backs.

But another question is just how much longer can Forte play at this pace, not just in this season but for the rest of his career. He is being used a lot as a runner and he may end up wearing down as the season goes on. That would put the Bears in a bad situation.

But for now Forte has been one of the best backs in the NFL and should continue to be a top of the line back as long as he stays healthy.

Top 50 College Football Players You Should Know Right Now

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bryant) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 14:50:00 +0000

Not to be confused with the top NFL prospects, the top college players are guys that have excelled on Saturdays in one facet of the game or another. Some of these players could become elite pro athletes in the near future, but some of them may never play a single down in the pros. Regardless of that, they should be applauded for their achievements on the college playing field and fans need to take note of them.

Along with their natural abilities as individuals, their hard work throughout the year and commitment to work together as a team is a testament to human evolution. Nowhere on earth will you find a game that has positions for as many different types of athletes. From the 5'7" 180 lb cornerback to the 6'8" 330 lb offensive tackle, nearly every size of human is represented on the college gridiron.

Every one of the guys on this list possesses a unique set of skills that make them the game-changers that they are today. I, for one, absolutely love the display of diversity of the participants, just as I do the diversity of the fan bases. It just makes things more interesting and it is one the reasons why we pay attention. If you don't know these guys yet, here's an introduction. Pay attention this fall and you will probably hear their names again.

1. Andrew Luck, QB Stanford - Could've been the first overall pick this year and is considered by some to be one of the best QB prospects in the last 30 years. Can he lead a young but talented offense to the PAC-12 championship under the guidance of a new head coach?

2. LaMichael James, RB Oregon - Led the nation in scoring last year with 24 TD's and helped get the Ducks to the BCS Title game. He and QB Darron Thomas are perfect fits in the fast-paced style of offense they run in Eugene.

3. Justin Blackmon, WR Oklahoma State - Physically gifted athlete almost scored two TD's per game as a sophomore last season.

4. Landry Jones, QB Oklahoma - Threw for 4,700 yards and could challenge Luck to be the first overall pick in next year's draft, especially if he leads the team to a Big-12 Championship and a BCS bowl win.

5. Trent Richardson, RB Alabama - Another Heisman candidate for the Crimson Tide needs to be the catalyst on offense if they want to make another run at an SEC and national championship.

6. Ryan Broyles, WR Oklahoma - Versatile playmaker is Jones' favorite target. He had over 1600 yards last season and could be a top 15 draft pick.

7. Denard Robinson, QB Michigan - Electrifying runner is not a great pro prospect as a QB but averaged 6.6 yards per rush and totaled 1702 yards on the ground. He is a threat on any given play.

8. Quinton Coples, DE North Carolina - A monster of a human being (6'6" 285 lbs) that collected 59 tackles, 10.5 sacks, and 12 QB hurries as a junior.

9. Alshon Jeffery, WR South Carolina - Huge (6'4" 233 lbs) and explosive SEC receiver. 'Nuff said.

10. Jared Crick, DT Nebraska - Was not completely overshadowed by Ndamukong Suh two years ago and nabbed 9.5 sacks and seven QB hurries last season. He will be one of the top defenders in the Big Ten.

11. Brandon Jenkins, DE Florida State - 21.5 tackles for a loss, 13.5 sacks, two passes defended, and two forced fumbles as a sophomore last season puts him among the top defenders in college football.

12. Nick Foles, QB Arizona - Looks like a pro QB and could put together a strong campaign this year after completing 67% of his passes as a junior.

13. Luke Kuechly, LB Boston College - Led the entire nation in total tackles (183) last season and also chipped in three INT's.

14. Travis Lewis, LB Oklahoma - Leading tackler the last two years on a solid Sooner defense. He will get a lot of attention from NFL scouts.

15. Courtney Upshaw, LB Alabama - Will be one of the most prized defensive prospects in next year's draft and could be a top 15 pick with an excellent senior season.

16. Matt Barkley, QB USC - First round potential may be overshadowed by the NCAA sanctions still looming over the program, which keep the Trojans from competing for a PAC-12 championship or participating in any bowl games.

17. CB Janoris Jenkins, CB North Alabama - The former Florida Gator star is now playing for the Division II Lions, with head coach Terry Bowden, due to off-field issues. He has a real opportunity to turn himself around there and is definitely a player worth watching as he possesses big-time ability.

18. Manti Te'o, LB Notre Dame - Was one of the top recruits in high school three years ago and is now one of the best defenders in college football.

19. Case Keenum, QB Houston - Has a good chance to become the NCAA's all-time leading passer! This is his sixth and final season after receiving a medical redshirt last year.

20. Kellen Moore, QB Boise St - His 38-2 record is incredible no matter who the competition is and he will go down as one of the winningest QB's of all-time.

21. Lavonte David, LB Nebraska - Benefits from having Crick up front but his six solo tackles per game average is outstanding in its own right.

22. Michael Floyd, WR Notre Dame - If he can stay out of trouble and put a troubled past behind him he could have a big season after turning down the NFL to return to the Fighting Irish.

23. Darron Thomas, QB Oregon - Helped lead the Ducks to within three points of a national championship and helped drive one of the most explosive and entertaining offenses ever.

24. Montel Harris, RB Boston College - Already has 3753 rushing yards in his career. 5,000 are not that far out of reach.

25. Montee Ball, RB Wisconsin - Rushed for over 1,000 yards and scored 18 TD's in a crowded Badger backfield as a sophomore. He could be the next great running back in Madison.

26. Greg Childs, WR Arkansas - One of the top weapons in the SEC with a 6'3" 217 lbs frame. He will play on Sundays.

27. Dominique Davis, QB East Carolina - Never heard of him? This former BC Eagle led the nation in completions per game (30.23), threw 37 TD's, and ran for another nine scores to lead the talent-laden Pirates.

28. Brandon Weeden, QB Oklahoma St - Threw for 4277 yards and 34 TD's last season and has one of the nation's top weapons in Blackmon to throw to once again.

29. Jonathan Martin, OT Stanford - Offensive linemen don't get any of the glory but they should. If he can lead a young O-line and use his large wingspan to keep defenders from attacking Luck's blindside all season Martin will become a top pro prospect.

30. Mark Barron, SS Alabama - Big safety that has made 151 tackles and snatched 10 INT's in the last two years.

31. Jerel Worthy, DT Michigan State - Is primed to have a big year for the Spartans. If he does, he will probably enter the NFL draft a year early. He has all the tools to be a professional.

32. CB Dre Kirkpatrick, CB Alabama - One of the top pro prospects at the position has tremendous size (6'2" 190 lbs) and ability. He is just another brick in the wall in Tuscaloosa.

33. Vontaze Burfict, LB Arizona State - Big-time recruit has been an active defender for the Sun Devils but needs to channel his emotions properly and avoid costly penalties.

34. Mike Brewster, C/G Ohio State - The best player for the Buckeyes now that Terrelle Pryor is gone.

35. Donte Paige-Moss, DE North Carolina - The Tar Heels keep producing big-time defenders lately. Paige-Moss had 13.5 tackles for a loss last season and has added some bulk in the off-season.

36. Nate Potter, OT Boise State - Another productive O-lineman with first round ability will protect Moore's blindside.

37. Edwin Baker, RB Michigan State - Will be the focal point of the offense in East Lansing.

38. Tank Carder, LB TCU - The next standout on the Horned Frogs vaunted defense.

39. Dan Persa, QB Northwestern - Emerged last season before breaking his ankle and elevated the Wildcats. He could be the best passer in the Big Ten.

40. Marcus Forston, DT Miami - Looks to really make a name for himself in 2011.

41. Kirk Cousins, QB Michigan State - Perfect fit in the Spartan offense looks like a decent pro prospect.

42. Mike Martin, DT Michigan - The best defender on a horrible Wolverine defense was miscast under former DC Greg Robinson. Martin is as strong, fast, and versatile as they come and the new coaches will try to take advantage of his abilities.

43. Alfonzo Dennard, CB Nebraska - Held his own opposite Prince Amukamara and looks to step out of the shadows. Pro scouts are aware of his talents.

44. Tydreke Powell, DT North Carolina - Definite professional characteristics as an athlete but lacks overall production, possibly due to the wealth of talent along the DL.

45. Marcus Lattimore, RB South Carolina - Freshman sensation produced 92 yards per game.

46. Dont'a Hightower, LB Alabama - One of the best linebackers in the SEC.

47. Jeff Fuller, WR Texas A & M - First ever 1,000 yard receiver in Aggie history.

48. Robert Lester, FS Alabama - Took advantage of being an unknown in the Tide defense and nabbed eight INT's as a sophomore.

49. Aaron Murray, QB Georgia - The most productive QB returning to the SEC this year is only a sophomore.

50. Russell Wilson, QB Wisconsin - Threw for 3563 yards and 28 TD's for NC State last season and was released from his scholarship to play baseball. He says he loves football and the Badgers could use an upgrade at the position. In the end, he could make a lot of waves in the Big Ten this season.

Scot Acocks covers the Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the NFL Draft Dog and covers all facets of football at www.100yardspin.blogspot.com

2011 NFL Draft Breakdown

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bryant) — Sun, 08 May 2011 15:08:00 +0000

2011 NFL Draft Grades
by Bill Smith

It is impossible to truly judge a draft for at least 3 years. It often takes that long to really find out who can and who can not play big boy football. However, we can take a look at which teams took highly rated players and who really reached to grab players that were not highly rated.

As I said during our draft coverage on my radio show, this draft has generated the widest diversity of player rankings in many years. I have only been evaluating the NFL draft since 1963 so I am pretty new at this. Most of the differences in opinion about players is the result of so many of the top players in this draft having red flags associated with them. These flags range from several players that have a history of cancer to DUI or drug issues to NCAA suspensions to the classic 1 year wonder guys. The boards of each team are directly related to how seriously they view each red flag.

Team: Falcons

Best pick: P 6 Julio Jones WR Alabama - The team reached a long way to get their guy and gave up a bunch to get him. He is very good but will drop a critical pass now and then.

Biggest reach: P 192 Matt Bosher K Miami (Fla.) - I don't ever like drafting a kicker.

Biggest value: P 145 Jacquizz Rodgers RB Oregon State - He will replace Norwood who is a UFA.

P 230 Cliff Matthews DE South Carolina - He can be a solid reserve and can develop into a starter. Not bad for a late pick.

Team: Cards

Best pick: P 5 Patrick Peterson CB LSU - He is one of the top 3 players in the draft and will start day 1.

Biggest reach: P 69 Rob Housler TE Florida Atlantic - I had him rated in the 130's. They could have waited a round to get him.

Biggest value: P 103 Sam Acho DE Texas - Acho was a late 2nd round value and could start.

Team: Ravens

Best pick: P27 Jimmy Smith CB Colorado - Smith has some character issues but the Ravens locker room will help him keep focused on and off the field. He has top 6 talent.

Biggest reach: P 85 Jah Reid OT UCF - I rated Reid as a FA after the draft.

Biggest value: P165 Pernell McPhee DE Mississippi State - He is a raw player that needs coaching but has a lot of potential and was rated as a late 3rd round value.

Team: Bills

Best pick: P3 Marcell Dareus DT Alabama - Dareus was my top DT and is very good against the run and the pass. He starts game 1.

Biggest reach: P100 Da'Norris Searcy SS North Carolina - He was a round 7 guy on my board but has talent.

Biggest value: P 206 Justin Rogers CB Richmond - If he had played at a big name school he would have been a late 1st round pick.

Team: Bears

Best pick: P 195 J.T. Thomas OLB West Virginia - Thomas has 3 years experience at OLB. He will be a special teams star and will compete for a rotation spot.

Biggest reach: P 160 Nathan Enderle QB Idaho - Beauty like potential is in the eye of the beholder.

Biggest value: P 53 Stephen Paea DT Oregon State - Most drafts had him in the late first round.

Team: Browns

Best pick: P 37 Jabaal Sheard DE Pittsburgh - Sheard is a solid DE but is not the pass rusher the team needed.

Biggest reach: P21 Phil Taylor DT Baylor - Taylor is a second round value. It was a good thing they got a number of picks by trading down from 6.

Biggest value: Sheard

Team: Bengals

Best pick: P3 A.J. Green WR Georgia - Green is the top WR and a great addition to a team that had under-achieving WRs last year.

Biggest reach: None - For the first time in years the Bungles did not reach too far for any player.

Biggest value: P 35 Andy Dalton QB TCU - This pick was insurance for Palmer's possible retirement.

Team: Panthers

Best pick: 166 Lawrence Wilson OLB Connecticut - Wilson can play any LB spot and will contribute soon.

Biggest reach: P 65 Terrell McClain DT South Florida - Most people had him in the 4th round. The Panthers must REALLY like him to take him here.

Biggest value: Wilson

Team: Cowboys

Best pick: P 71 DeMarco Murray RB Oklahoma - Murray is a replacement for a couple of high picks that have not worked out. He has power and some speed.

Biggest reach: 110 David Arkin OG Missouri State - He was taken 2 rounds higher than most had him rated.

Biggest value: P 40 Bruce Carter OLB North Carolina - Carter can play which is more than a couple of Cowboy LB picks in the past.

Team: Lions

Best pick: P 57 Mikel LeShoure RB Illinois - Smith was cut and LeShoure should start.

Biggest reach: P 44 Titus Young WR Boise State - They wanted a WR and reached a bit to get Young.

Biggest value: LeShoure

Team: Broncos

Best pick: P2 Von Miller OLB Texas A&M - This was tough because I didn't like much of the draft here. Miller played a combo DE/LB and will be used the same way at DV.

Biggest reach: P 129 Julius Thomas TE Portland State - They need one but I doubt this guy is a player.

Biggest value: P 108 Quinton Carter FS Oklahoma - Carter is a player that can support the run or play center field in a 1 deep coverage.

Team: Packers

Best pick: P 131 Davon House CB New Mexico State - House is a solid CB that was under valued
even in the 2nd round. To get him here is outstanding value.

Biggest reach: P 96 Alex Green RB Hawaii - After RB by committee, they needed one that can play. He would have been available in the late 6th round.

Biggest value: House

Team: Texans

Best pick: P 42 Brooks Reed OLB Arizona - The DE will play OLB for the Texans that are changing to a 3-4 this year. He can rush the passer which is a need for the D.

Biggest reach: P 152 T.J. Yates QB North Carolina - The run on QBs caused the Texans to reach for a guy that in other years would have gone undrafted.

Biggest value: P 127 Rashad Carmichael CB Virginia Tech - He was projected to go in the 3rd round.

Team: Colts

Best pick: P87 Drake Nevis DT LSU - Nevis is solid and can do it all. He was projected in the late 2nd round.

Biggest reach: None - The Colts went chalk and got value with each pick.

Biggest value: P22 Anthony Castonzo OT Boston College - The team got another 1st round LT to try to protect Manning.

Team: Jags

Best pick: P114 Cecil Shorts III WR Mount Union - Shorts is very fast and should give Jag QBs a good deep threat.

Biggest reach: P 121 Chris Prosinski FS Wyoming - He was a good player on a really bad D.

Biggest value: P10 Blaine Gabbert QB Missouri - I don't think he will ever start but in a draft of reaches he was the only one that had a higher projected value.

Team: Chiefs

Best pick: P 86 Allen Bailey DE Miami (Fla.) - Bailey is just OK but this draft was a mess. They took a lot of players with BIG red flags and the locker room is not strong enough to survive it.

Biggest reach: P 140 Gabe Miller DE Oregon State - Miller was rated in the 550's on most boards including mine.

Biggest value: P 26 Jon Baldwin WR Pittsburgh - IF they keep him focused which is not likely.

Team: Dolphins

Best pick: P 62 Daniel Thomas RB Kansas State - He was my top rated RB in a year with very little in the group.

Biggest reach: P231 Frank Kearse DT Alabama A&M - A reach in the 7th round is not bad. Kearse was rated as undrafted.

Biggest value: Thomas

Team: Vikings

Best pick: P 139 Brandon Burton CB Utah - He is a player that had a 2nd round grade.

Biggest reach: P 170 Mistral Raymond FS South Florida - I had him rated in the 600's.

Biggest value: Burton

Team: Patriots

Best pick: P 17 Nate Solder OT Colorado - The Pats need to protect Brady.

Biggest reach: P 194 Markell Carter DE Central Arkansas - This was overall a good draft. A late reach for a guy you like is not a bad thing.

Biggest value: The trades that brought extra picks in 2011

Team: Giants

Best pick: P 52 Marvin Austin DT North Carolina - I think this guy is a steal but so was CB Amukamara at 19. Both could be stars soon. Austin is a penetrating DT that will create havoc in the backfield.

Biggest reach: None that matter. The Giants got 3 of my top producers.

Biggest value: Amukamara - He can start and will support the run better than Peterson.

Team: Jets

Best pick: P94 Kenrick Ellis DT Hampton - He would have been a 1st round pick if he played at a big name school. Ellis can rush the passer and will jam the run.

Biggest reach: None that are significant. The team did a great job getting value.

Biggest value: Ellis

Team: Saints

Best pick: P 24 Cameron Jordan DE California - He will become a regular. The team has problems at both DE spots.

Biggest reach: None of real consequence.

Biggest value: P 226 Greg Romeus DE Pittsburgh - If he had come out last year he would have been a top 10 pick. Injuries hurt his 2010 season.

Team: Raiders

Best pick: P 48 Stefen Wisniewski C Penn State - The need was clear and Wis is solid.

Biggest reach: P81 DeMarcus Van Dyke CB Miami (Fla.) - He has talent but was projected in the very late 7th round.

Biggest value: P 113 Chimdi Chekwa CB Ohio State - One of the best CBs in the league is leaving and the team needed help at the CB spot.

Team: Eagles

Best pick: P 116 Casey Matthews ILB Oregon - He shot up the draft charts when he proved he was fast enough to play MLB in a 4-3.

Biggest reach: P 161 Julian Vandervelde OG Iowa - A smart kid from a school that produces a lot of NFL O line guys. I had him in the 7th round.

Biggest value: P 240 Stanley Havili FB Southern California - Havili is a blaster with decent speed. He is a great value here.

Team: Steelers

Best pick: P31 Cameron Heyward DE Ohio State - Cam is a typical Steeler guy--tough, smart and blue collar. He will be worked into the rotation and help make the team younger on D. The team that started the Super Bowl this year had a D more than 1 year older than the "Over the Hill" Redskin group that won the title.

Biggest reach: P 63 Marcus Gilbert OT Florida - I don't like Gilbert and had him rated in the 4th round.

Biggest value: P 196 Keith Williams OG Nebraska - This kid can pull and will challenge for a starting spot soon. He was off most draft boards but shot up lately. I had him in the 3rd round in terms of value but knew he would last longer.

Team: Chargers

Best pick: P 201 Stephen Schilling OG Michigan - When your best pick is a 7th round choice, there is trouble. Schilling was a good value and can play at this level.

Biggest reach: P 61 Jonas Mouton OLB Michigan - He can play some but would have been available much later.

Biggest value: P 183 Jordan Todman RB Connecticut - He is a solid back and had a 4th round grade. He will replace Sproles on the roster.

Team: Seahawks

Best pick: P 75 John Moffitt OG Wisconsin - Every pick was a reach but at least Moffitt can play. He is a road grader that I had projected in the 4th round.

Biggest reach: P 107 Kris Durham WR Georgia - Most draft projections had him as undraftable. They took him in the 4th round.

Biggest value: None - Every pick was a reach.

Team: 49ers

Best pick: P 36 Colin Kaepernick QB Nevada - I have predicted on my radio show that by 2014 he will be the best QB in this draft. To get him in the 2nd was a value given where other QBs were picked.

Biggest reach: P 80 Chris Culliver FS South Carolina - I though Culliver was OK but had him in the 6th round.

Biggest value: P 115 Kendall Hunter RB Oklahoma State - RB Gore needs a dance partner. Hunter can be a starter for a lot of teams and was a great value here.

Team: Rams

Best pick: P 14 Robert Quinn DE North Carolina - I think Quinn is by far the best 4-3 DE pass rusher to come out of college in years. He will be a great complement to DE Long.

Biggest reach: P 216 Mikail Baker CB Baylor - The Rams had a good draft. I just did not have Baker as even a FA guy.

Biggest value: Quinn

Team: Bucs

Best pick: P 51 Da'Quan Bowers DE Clemson - IF his knees are decent, this is a great value. He can rush the QB and was the last above average rusher on the board.

Biggest reach: P 187 Allen Bradford RB Southern California - The team had a lot higher grade on him than anyone I have seen including the coaching staff at USC.

Biggest value: Bowers

Team: Titans

Best pick: P 77 Jurrell Casey DT Southern California - He is a very good DT with some pass rush ability. He could start day 1.

Biggest reach: P8 Jake Locker QB Washington - I REALLY don't get Locker. He reminds me of Clausen last year. Kiper loved both but I don't. The great thing about being a draft analyst is that we will find out who was right and was wrong.

Biggest value: P 104 Luke Stocker TE Tennessee - Everyone had him rated in the late 2nd.

Team: Redskins

Best pick: P 16 Ryan Kerrigan DE Purdue - He will play OLB for the 3-4 there. There is always a risk changing a DE in college to OLB because they often are lost in space (see DE Gholston picked 6tj by the Jets who was just released). Kerrigan can rush the QB.

Biggest reach: P 146 DeJon Gomes SS Nebraska - He is raw and needs a lot of work. Most had him very late in the 7th round.

Biggest value: P79 Leonard Hankerson WR Miami (Fla.) - He had late 1st round talent and can pluck the ball out of the air. He and Paul (P 155) should provide help for whoever ends up playing QB.

That's what I think. Tell us what you think.

Bill Smith is a former coach of several semi-pro teams, has officiated both football and basketball, done color on radio for college football and basketball and has scouted talent. He is a senior writer for http://NFLDraftDog.com and edits http://fryingpansports.com. He has also published several novels on
http://www.eBooks-Library.com/Contemporary/
and a non-fiction work at http://www.merriam-press.com/. He edits http://fryingpanpolitics.org/. Also listen to the best Sports Talk anywhere on the Internet and hear his sports show Monday-Friday 6-8 PM EST on http://fryingpansports.com/radio-show/ or http://mooheadradio.com/2.0/.

The NFL Draft Experience: 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bryant) — Thu, 05 May 2011 13:35:00 +0000

By Larry McCammon (Chiefs' Writer)

3 May 2011

For the second straight year, I made my way to Radio City Music Hall in New York City, in efforts to catch the first 3 rounds of this year's NFL Draft. The journey was the same as last, yet the experience was brand new. My two brothers from Kansas City, Jake and Clay, accompanied me this time; so having company at my side created a newness to the moments I had already partaken in last year.

Again, tickets were free and were only available to those that were willing to wait in line for four hours- starting at 8:00 in the evening the day before the Draft started. As we approached the end of the line- already 100 deep when I arrived at 7:58pm- the chants and joshing began from fellow Chiefs' fans and all the other teams' followers. And as you meshed into the masses, and the hours passed, the 700 individual fans became a single living organism... all wanting something resembling football.

While in line, we were visited by television journalists from the NFL Network. Attempting to stand hidden as the camera crew approached our stakeout, I was pointed out by reporter Michelle Beisner as one of the few Chiefs' fans in line. The next thing I knew, I had a camera light and microphone invading what I thought was a clever concealment. I was asked if this was my first draft, replied that it was my second, and then she told me that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell could be possibly make a stop by the line of dedicated fans this evening. She asked, "If you had an opportunity to make a statement to the Commissioner about the current labor issue, what would you say to him?"

Well, that didn't put me on the spot at all. As I tried to gather my thoughts and deliver a solid point, it felt like I was back in grade school trying to quickly spell the hardest word during the spelling contest. With my best manly voice I stated, "I would tell him that the players deliver a great product on the field to the fans and they deserve to be paid well." That was met with a neutral and professional tone by Ms. Beisner, as she assured me that the league was working hard to do what is necessary for both sides. And as they moved on to the next fan of interest, I felt a slight relief and quickly realized that it isn't easy to spit out something of value with a national network camera in your face.

And as prophesized, the Commissioner did appear to the dedicated hundreds that spent the hours on their feet to personally watch the selection of this year's rookies. He spent a full hour making his way down the line in efforts to shake every hand of any fan that was interested. By the time he got to my spot his fingers on one hand were covered in permanent marker and yet he had no issue signing my Kansas City hat when requested, while also posing for a picture. And with the previous response in mind from my answer to Michelle Beisner's question earlier, I merely said to Mr. Goodell, "Good luck with the CBA process." It simply felt more appropriate at the moment.

The actual Draft went on without a hitch and just as last year there seemed to be a little magic in the air. And when the Commissioner approached the podium to announce the opening of the 2011 Draft, he was met with a few cheers, many understandable boo's, and a joint cadence of "We want football!" Yet, the Draft kicked off without delay and the anticipation of each selection kept the drama thick; and the unique responses from each teams' fans as their picks were made or traded delivered a sports' geeks version of a night time soap opera... and we're all hanging on to see how the cliffhanger turns out!

Strategy for the 2011 NFL Draft

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bryant) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 20:02:00 +0000

The intrigue of the NFL Draft, the mystery of which player will your team select, the hope that this draft will be the catalyst that gets your team to the Superbowl. Everyone and their mother does Mock Drafts these days, they even have Websites whos main purpose is to critique and grade your Mock Draft after it's over. They compare and grade your 2011 NFL Mock Draft based off the actual draft. The problem with that is a lot of websites, including my own NFL Draft Dog don't try to "guess" who the NFL team will draft, instead we list who we think they should draft.

For example everyone has Carolina taking Cam Newton #1 overall, and I think the Panthers will probably take him, however I think they would be much better off long-term by taking Alabama DT Marcel Dareus. They could take QBs Christian Ponder or Andy Dalton in the second round and give last years second round choice Jimmy Clausen some competition. If things don't work out they would have a chance at Stanford QB Andrew Luck next year.

So that means the Broncos would lose out on Dareus and desperately needing help at defensive tackle they should take Auburn DT Nick Fairley. I don't believe all the hype about Fairley "falling" in the draft. Yes he might, but he shouldn't.Try to remember the actual football season, at the end of the year Cam Newton won the Heisman Trophy, but Fairley was the most dominant player in football and without him Auburn never would have won a national championship. Fairley came to the combine in great shape and hasn't been into any trouble.

The Bills are up next and this is the toughest pick in the top ten, OLB Von Miller would be an excellent pick, but they haven't had a franchise quarterback since Jim Kelly. QB Blaine Gabbert could be that guy and the Bills should draft him and let him sit a year and hold a clip board.

The Bengals hope Gabbert falls to them but they need a quarterback also, Carson Palmer's days are numbered in Cincinnatti and Cam Newton could be the guy to carry the Bengals forward. They should also get a veteran in to help Gabbert along so he wouldn't have to start right away. QB Cam Newton will struggle eraly in his career if he is thrown in too soon, but with patience he could develop into quite the weapon.

The Arizona Cardinals have the luxury od getting to draft Texas A&M OLB Von Miller here if Gabbert and Newton are already gone. The Cards are another team that needs a quarterback, but Von Miller is special and could be one of the top NFL pass rushers very early in his career. He has pass rushing skills comparable to DeMarcus Ware and he might even be more explosive off the snap than Ware.

The Browns will now get that quality receiver that they need. They should draft Georgia WR A.J. Green, he is a little more quick in and out of his cuts than Julio Jones, but don't be surprised if the Browns don't take Jones, he (Jones) is bigger, faster and a better blocker that Green. It's kind of a coin toss between those two. Both should be NFL stars in short order.

The Niners are smiling at this point as they get what could be the most talented football player in this draft. CB Patrick Peterson, who, by the way, I think we eventually be an NFL safety. The Niners will also be looking to trade up to get Gabbert, if not, look for them to get a top quarterback very early in round two or trade back up into the bottom of the first round.

The Tennessee Titans will also be a team desperately looking for help at quarterback, unfortunately, the top quarterbacks will all be gone by this point and I think this is to early to take Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett. I like Mallett, but as far as value a top pass rusher like Robert Quinn would be a better value. Quinn has special skills and if he stays focused should be a double digit sack guy for years to come.

The Dallas Cowboys will be looking to trade down and get some extra picks here, they have a lot of holes and need to come out of this draft with a lot of good players. That's easier said than done though and will probably just stay put and take USC offensive tackle Tyron Smith. Marc Columbo is old and injury prone and Smith played right tackle at USC, he could step right in and replace Columbo. They could also fill a need here at defensive end and just re-sign Columbo for another year. Wisconsin's JJ Watt would be an excellent addition as well as Cal's talented defensive end Cameron Jordan. New defensive coordinator Rob Ryan will be begging Jerry Jones for one of those top defensive ends her.

To round out the top ten, the Redskins are another team that is desperately trying to move up and get a quarterback, the price will likely be to high though and the Skins will just sit here and take WR Julio Jones. They could also trade down and get one of the top defensive tackles on the board like Temple's Muhammad Wilkerson. Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth is a joke, a bad apple he just never worked out in DC.

So that's a Breakdown of my top ten, not who I think they will pick, but who they should.

How Will the NFL Lockout Affect the NFL Draft

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bryant) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 21:21:00 +0000

With the NFL lockout in place, NFL teams are currently unable to sign free agents and address their needs before the draft.

Therefore NFL teams will take the best player available approach with the hope of signing a few free agents later when and if the NFL owners and players reach an agreement.

The NFL Draft will take place, even if their is a boycott on the draft, the teams will still make their selections, they will "own" the rights to the player, they just won't be able to sign them to a contract. The teams won't be able to hold their rookie mini-camps and subsequently their rookie development will likely be hindered.

So if the lockout bleeds into late July and August it might be next to impossible for one of these rookie quarterbacks to come in and start their rookie year. There just won't be enough time for them to be able to come in and adjust to the speed of the pro game and learn the complicated offenses and defenses before the first game.

So will an NFL team draft a QB in the first round now knowing that they might not see the field for two years? Smart teams will just follow their draft boards and not worry about the what-ifs, but then again, a lot of NFL owners aren't very smart when it comes to the NFL Draft....Al Davis and Jerry Jones immediately come to mind.

2011 NFL Scouting Combine: Linebackers

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bryant) — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 18:12:00 +0000

We all knew that Von Miller was a good line backer, but he proved it beyond a shadow of a doubt at the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine. He ran a very impressive 40-yard dash and vertical jump.

There were a few pleasant surprises though, like Dontay Moch from Nevada and Bruce Miller from little Central Florida, both with impressive performances in their own right.

Here are your top performers and floppers at the combine. I did not include defensive ends who experts think will switch to a 3-4 linebacker. Ex: Aldon Smith, Ryan Kerrigan.

Von Miller, Texas A&M OLB: Miller ran a 4.60 40-yard dash and a 37” vertical leap. He has the speed and explosiveness, however his strength could be a concern. He was only able to bench 225 21 times. So there is a risk that a bigger stronger lineman could neutralize Von Miller's affect of the field. Other than that, he is the top linebacker in the draft.

Before Combine: top 20 pick

After Combine: top 5 pick.

Martez Williams, Illinois ILB: If Von Miller had not been at the combine, Martez would have stole all the limelight. He proved to be an explosive athlete in complete control of his body. He ran a blazing 4.44 40-yard dash. He had a so-so bench press showing, completing 225 pounds on the bench press 23 times. He also had a 36” vertical jump to cap of his impressive combine showing. He has impressive size. He is 6' 3” and weighs 250 lbs. He will be a starter somewhere guaranteed.

Before combine: 3-4th round.

After Combine: early 2nd round.

Akeem Ayers, UCLA OLB: He has been viewed as a 4-3 outside linebacker to most. Ayers ran a mediocre 4.80 40-yard dash and had a vertical of 31”. He has on the field speed and some explosiveness. Strength? Not so much, Akeem racked the bar after only 18 reps on the bench press. He could have problems with bigger backs.

Before Combine: 1st round

After combine: Late 1st, early 2nd round

Quan Sturdivant, North Carolina, MLB: He did not run the 40, but had a 34” vertical and benched 225 lbs 21 times. Mediocre. He is still a prospect worth considering for strong side linebacker in a 4-3 defense.

Before Combine: 2nd-3rd round

After Combine: 2nd-3rd round

Brooks Reed, Arizona State OLB/DE. Reed is a big time riser after an impressive Senior Bowl and a solid combine. Brooks ran a 4.66 40-yard dash and had a 30.5” vertical. So right in the middle of the road of vertical leaps and one of the faster linebackers. Now strength is not an issue with this guy either, he lifted that bar 30 times. This man can start right away and he has the physical prowess to be very good.

Before Combine: 3-4 round

After Combine: 2nd round

Bruce Carter, North Carolina, OLB: Came in fairly strong, he completed 25 reps at 225 lbs. Carter has shown that he can be a valuable leader on defense and had to step up last year with several of the UNC defense suspended. I think he could be the next James Laurinaitis, Jerod Mayo. He's that talented.

Before Combine: 2nd round

After Combine: 2nd round

Dontay Moch, Nevada, OLB: This guy was by far the fastest linebacker at he combine, a venerable workout warrior. He blazed a 4.40 40-yard dash and a 42” vertical leap, the highest of any linebacker. So he has blistering speed and tons of explosion. He is raw, very raw. He could be a starter with the right coaching, or he could be a bust like Vernon Gholston, of whom he is remarkably similar.

Before combine: 4th-5th round

After Combine: 2nd round

Mason Foster, Washington, OLB: He ran a decent 4.65 40-yard dash. He is 6' 1” and weighs 245 lbs. He completed 22 reps on the benchand had a sub par vertical, only 21 inches. I might be able to get 21 inches. None the less he, is a solid tackler who might be able to play for a few teams.

Before Combine: 3rd-4th round

After Combine: 4th-5th round.

Greg Jones, Michigan State, OLB: He was viewed as a top prospect and still is in my book. The kid just knows how to play football with elite instincts, he is a tackling machine. Jones was a four year starter at Michigan State and he accumulated a total of 238 solo tackles during his career. At the Combine however, he failed to open any eyes. He ran a lackluster 4.75 40-yard dash. That is decent, but not what scouts were looking for in a smaller linebacker. He benched 225 lbs 21 times, which is same max as several other OLB prospects. He had a 31.5 inch vertical. He seems best suited for the weak side in a 4-3 defense.

Before Combine: 2nd-3rd

After combine: 3rd-4th

K.J. Wright, Mississippi state, OLB: He is a bigger prospect at 6 '3” 246 lbs. He ran a so-so 40 time of 4.70 seconds. He lifted 225 pounds 20 times in the bench. Which is not that good for a 246 pounder. He also had a 32” vertical leap. He has long arms and may be big enough to play an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. He might not bring much as a rusher though. His rise is due mostly in part to others failing to live up to expectations.

Before combine: 4th-5th round

After combine: 3rd-4th round.

Ross Homan, Ohio State, OLB: He ran a 4.65 40-yard dash, so he’s got decent speed. He proved to be very strong benching 225 lbs 32 times. That is better than any other linebacker besides Brooks Reed. His 215 career tackles for Ohio State are impressive. also has a 35 inch vertical leap. As a small linebacker (6’ 0” 226 lbs) he should find a home with a team like the St.Louis Rams. After all, 4 out of their 6 linebackers are Ohio State grads. Why not add another alumni. Homan really improved his stock.

Before Combine: 5th round

After Combine: 4th round

Mark Herzlich, Boston College, LB: He is one of my favorite players, coming back after cancer to play in 2010 was impressive all by itself. He had the highest bench reps of any ILB at the combine. He lifted that bad boy 29 times. He had a 32.5” vertical. The cancer in his leg slowed him down a bit. He ran a paltry 4.9 40. However, I still think he can add something to a team that will take a chance on him.

Before combine: 4-6th round

After combine: 4-5th round.

Bruce Miller, Central Florida DE/OLB: I am not sure if I should put Bruce here. He was listed as a 3-4 OLB. But upon watching him play he is obviously a 4-3 end. He is not fast enough to cover tight ends. He ran a mediocre 4.80 40-yard dash at the combine. He has shown quickness on the field though. He benched 225 pounds 35 times at the combine. Stronger than any other candidate on this list. At 6’ 2” 248 pounds he doesn’t have the size to be a 4-3 end, so he’ll have to earn a living as a slow 3-4 linebacker.

Before Combine: 4-6th round

After Combine: 6-7th round

Chris Carter, Fresno State DE/OLB: Carter is a very quick pass rusher, but he may be a little small for a DE. He is only 6' 1” 240 lbs. I can see him being a very good third down pass rusher standing up. He has remarkable quickness and demonstrated his explosiveness with a 36 inch vertical leap and a 4.66 40-yard dash. I think he could be a contributor to a team on defense and special teams.

Before Combine: 6-FA

After Combine: 4-5 round

These are the people I noticed at the combine. We will see how accurate these predictions are when the Draft rolls around. Thank you for reading.

By Quinn Fulton

2011 NFL Scouting Combine: Defensive Linemen

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bryant) — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 21:02:00 +0000

I've been an avid Draftnik since 2004 and have been running NFL Draft Dog since 2007 and I have never seen a defensive line class this talented. There could be as many as 9 defensive tackles taken in the 1st round, and that's not including some of the smaller ends that will probably get moved to outside linebacker.

Auburn's Nick Fairley and Alabama's Marcell Dareus will fight out out to be drafted 1st, Fairley had by far the more productive year, last year Fairley ranked #3 in the NCAA with 24 tackles for loss (TFL) and 13 sacks, while Dareus recorded only 11 TFLs and 5 sacks, but Fairley was just a one year wonder and Darius has much better measurables. Fairly measured smaller than listed, at the NFL Scouting Combine he measured only 6' 4" 291 pounds and Dareus measured in at 6' 3" 319 pounds. Fairley ran his 40-yard dash in 4.87 seconds and Dareus ran his in 4.92 seconds, but looking at their 10 yard split time, Dareus was more explosive with a time of only 1.69 compared to Fairley's 1.76 seconds. At 319 pounds, Dareus could even play nose tackle. But hey, we're splitting hairs here, both players should be NFL Stars.

All the top defensive tackles could play a number of positions along the defensive lines except Hampton's Kenrick Ellis (6' 5" 340 lbs) and Baylor's Phil Taylor (6' 3" 355 lbs). Because of their massive size, those two prospects are pretty much limited to nose tackle.

The other defensive tackle that should be a first round draft pick is Temple's Muhammad Wilkerson (JR). If he would have waited until the 2012 NFL Draft, he could have been a top ten selection. At 6' 4" 315 pounds he has the size and power to play any position on the defensive line. Wilkerson ran his 40-yard dash in 4.99 seconds and recorded 13 tackles for loss (TFLs) last year.

North Carolina's Marvin Austin, Illinois Corey Liuget, California's Cameron Jordan, Iowa's Christian Ballard, Oregon State's Stephen Paea and last but not least, Wisconsin's JJ Watt should also be first round draft picks. Watt is very strong, fast and extremely productive. Watt at 6' 5" 290 pounds ran an amazing 40-yard dash time of 4.84 seconds, he had a 37" vertical jump, a 10' broad jump, ran a 6.88 second 3-cone, 4.21 seconds in the 20 yard shuttle and completed 34 reps in the bench press. Did I also mention that last year Watt ranked 7th in the nation with 21 TFLs and 7 sacks. I could see Watt going as early as 9th to the Dallas Cowboys.

North Carolina's Marvin Austin is another player that's moving up the draft board, he was suspended for the entire 2010 season, but at the NFL Scouting Combine he put on quite a show. Weighing in at 6' 3" 305 pounds, he ran his 40-yard dash in 4.90 seconds with a very explosive 1.63 second 10 yard split. Austin also completed an impressive 38 reps in the bench.

California's Cameron Jordan can't be overlooked here, another extremely productive player on the field. He recorded 12.5 TFLs, 6 sacks and routinely gets penetration in the backfield. Jordan at 6' 4" 281 pounds ran his 40-yard dash in 4.78 seconds, has 35" arms and completed 25 reps in the bench. Jordan is ideally suited to play End in a 3-4 defense.

DT Stephen Paea set a Combine record by completing 225 pounds 49 times. Paea at 6' 1" 311 pounds is an immovable object on the inside and is also athletic enough to play end in a 3-4 defense.

Of all the defensive tackles mentioned in this article, all but Kendrick Ellis carries a first round grade and Ellis could go in the 3rd or 4th round. Talent and versatility is evident in this years class of defensive linemen and if your favorite NFL team needs defensive line help you are in luck.

Robert Bryant

2011 NFL Scouting Combine: Running Backs

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bryant) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 15:43:00 +0000

Image: Jordan Todman

The running backs were also on display Sunday (February 27th) at the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine and quite honestly I wasn't very impressed. This 2011 NFL Draft won't be real strong at the running back position.

2009 Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram came in a little lighter than his playing weight of 225 pounds. He weighed in at the combine at 5' 9" 215 pounds. The weight loss didn't help him however as he ran a very mediocre 4.62 forty yard dash. Ingram is explosive though, he had an excellent 10 yard split and has never been known as a breakaway threat.

Even though he wasn't the fastest, I think the best running back at the combine was Connecticut's junior running back Jordan Todman (5' 9" 203 lbs). His 40-yard dash time of 4.40 was impressive and he also had a 38" vertical jump and a 10' 6" broad jump. Todman isn't as well known as 2009 Heisman Trophy Winner Mark Ingram, but Todman's 1,695 rushing yards last year was #2 in the nation. He also rushed for 14 touchdowns so he known what to do with the rock.

Oklahoma RB DeMarco Murray also helped himself at the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine. He ran his 40-yard dash in 4.41 seconds, he also recorded a 10' 4" broad jump and 4.18 in the 20 yard shuttle. Murray also had an excellent season on the field last year where he rushed the ball 282 times for 1,214 yards and 15 TDs. Todman and Murray could easily come off the board in the second or third round of the 2011 NFL Draft.

Maryland's Da Rel Scott (5' 11" 211 lbs) actually holds the record as the fastest running back at the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine. He ran his 40-yard dash in a blazing 4.34 seconds. Not super productive at Maryland, but he should get drafted in the middle rounds based off his excellent size speed combination.

Links for 2011-02-27 [del.icio.us]

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 00:00:00 PST

2011 NFL Scouting Combine: Tight Ends
How the tight ends did at the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine

2011 NFL Scouting Combine: The Wide Recievers

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bryant) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 23:42:00 +0000

Image: Edmund Gates

The receivers worked out on Sunday (27 February 2011) and as expected there were some very fast prospects on the field. Alabam WR Julio Jones pretty much stole the show with a fantastic performance, he will now compete with Georgia WR A.J. Green to be the first receiver selected in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Jones was much faster than anticipated, at 6' 3" 220 pounds he ran his 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds. His broad jump was off the charts when he almost cleared 12 feet, he lost his balance and tried two more times and ended up with an amazing broad jump of 11' 3". Jones also had a decent time of 6.66 seconds in the 3-cone drill and looked smooth and fluid in the drills. People don't give Jones enough credit for his on the field performance last season (2010), despite battling injuries he recorded 78 catches for 1,133 yards and 7 TDs, including a 10 catch 199 yard, 1 TD performance against eventual national champion Auburn.

Kentucky WR Randall Cobb looked very smooth and fluid in the gauntlet and at 5' 10" 191 pounds, his 40-yard dash time of 4.45 seconds was impressive. Cobb is no workout warrior, he had an excellent 2010 season catching 84 passes for 1,017 yards and 7 TDs. He also ran the ball as a running back and wild-cat QB and rushed the ball 55 times for 446 yards and another 5 TDs.

The fastest receiver at the combine this year was Abeline Christian (Division II) Edmund Gates, who ran his 40-yard dash in 4.37 seconds. Gates had a very productive season on the field where he caught 66 passes for 1,182 yards and 13 TDs. Gates also performed excellent in the other drills, he recorded a 40" vertical jump, and a 10' 11" broad jump. He also possesses decent size at 6' 0" 192 pounds.

Speaking of late first round grades, Maryland WR Torrey Smith looked absolutely fantastic at the combine. His 40-yard dash time initially came in at 4.37 but was later downgraded to 4.43, which is still impressive. Not just a speed guy though, he has superb hands and caught everything thrown his way during the gauntlet drill. Smith weighed in at 6' 1" 204 pounds and also performed well in the vertical jump and broad jump where he recorded 41" and 10' 6" respectively. Only a junior, but Smith still had an excellent year in 2010 where he caught 67 passes for 1,055 yards and 12 TDs.

Division III Mount Union WR Cecil Shorts is an interesting prospect. He measured in at 6' 0" 205 pounds and looked very smooth and quick in the drills. He recorded a decent 6.50 seconds in the 3-cone drill. Shorts is a pretty versatile prospect playing some QB and receiver at Mount Union, he did catch 70 passes in 2010 for 1,196 yards and 18 TDs. Shorts might end up as the 2nd small school prospect drafted after Villanova's gifted offensive tackle Ben Ijalana, who carries a late first round grade.

WR Terrance Tolliver was highly rated entering the 2010 season but didn't catch the ball particularly well. Tolliver will still get drafted however due to his size and speed, he measured in at 6' 4" 212 pounds and ran his 40-yard dash in 4.52 seconds. He looked quick in the 3-cone drill where he ranked 3rd best among receivers with a time of 6.48 seconds. Tolliver also had an excellent time in the 20 yard shuttle when he ran it in 4.03 seconds.

WR Leonard Hankerson (6' 2" 209 lbs) continued his rise up the draft boards, after an excellent performance at the Senior Bowl, Hankerson ran a nice 4.43 second forty yard dash, that's pretty good for a tall receiver. Hankerson also quietly had an excellent season last year for the Miami Hurricaines. In 2010 he caught 72 passes for 1,156 yards and 13 TDs.

SMU WR Aldrick Robinson is a speed demon, he had an excellent combine recording a 4.43 second forty yard dash, 40" vertical jump, 10' 6" broad jump and an impressive 6.65 seconds in the 3-cone drill. In 2010 Robinson showed everyone he is not just a track guy either, he recorded 65 catches for 1,301 yards and 14 TDs.

Some other notable performances were WR Jonathan Baldwin who recorded a 42" vertical jump and 10' 9" broad jump. WR Austin Pettis also had some decent numbers, he recorded the fastest time among recievers n the 3-cone drill with a time of 3.88 seconds.

Check back tomorrow and I'll cover the running backs.

Robert Bryant

2011 NFL Scouting Combine: Tight Ends

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bryant) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 04:34:00 +0000

The tight ends were on display today at the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine and we didn't have any Vernon Davis like performances. If you remember during the 2006 Combine, Davis, measuring at 6' 3" 254 pounds ran a 4.38 forty yard dash. He ended up being drafted in the first round (6th overall) and signed a 5-year 23 million dollar deal with the San Francisco 49ers. He hasn't exactly set the world on fire in the NFL, but that's a story for a different day.

The fastest tight end today was also one of the lightest, Rob Housler from Florida Atlantic is only 248 pounds, but at 6' 5" tall he has the frame to put on a few pounds. Housler ran his 40-yard dash in 4.55 seconds. He (Housler) was also the 4th best in the 3-cone with a time of 6.90 seconds and 3rd best in the vertical jump with a jump of 37 inches. The other workout warrior of the day was Nevada's Virgil Green, Green weighed in at 6' 3" 249 pounds and ran his 40-yard dash in 4.64 seconds. Green's vertical jump and broad jump were off the charts at 42 inches and 10' 10" respectively.

Wisconsin's Lance Kendricks was the top rated tight end at the combine, he could be a 2nd round draft pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. He (Kendricks) looked very smooth running his routes and catching the ball and had some decent numbers. Kendrick's 20-yard shuttle run was 3rd best among tight ends at 4.15 seconds, and his 40-yard dash time of 4.75 seconds was decent. Kendrick's broad jump measured an impressive 10' 2", which was 2nd best among tight ends. Kendrick is about the same size as the other two tight ends mentioned previously (6' 3" 243 lbs), but he looked much more athletic and fluid.

The other tight end that really stood out to me was USC's Jordan Cameron, he has very quick feet for a kid 6' 5" 254 pounds and recorded the best 3-cone time of 6.82 seconds. Cameron isn't much of a blocker, but his size/speed combination should get him drafted late. He ran his 40-yard dash in 4.59 seconds and his vertical jump was an impressive 37.5, which were second best among tight ends. His (Cameron) 20 yard shuttle was actually the best among tight ends at 4.03 seconds. Another top rated tight end that looked good at the combine was Arkansas's D.J. Williams. He is a very good route runner and has great hands. He (Williams) is about the same size as the first three mentioned (6' 2" 245 lbs) and his 40-yard dash of 4.67 seconds was decent.

The top rated tight end Notre Dame's Kyle Rudolph didn't work out as he is still recovering from a torn hamstring. Rudolph is one of the few complete tight ends in the draft at 6' 6 265 pounds.

"I'm about 75 to 85 percent but I feel great and I expect to do everything on my pro day, Rudolph said Friday.

Notre Dame's pro day will be held 7 April 2011. With a strong workout, Rudolph might make a late push into the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. I will be covering the entire NFL Scouting Combine all this week so check back often.

2011 NFL Scouting Combine: Offensive Line

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bryant) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 00:02:00 +0000

The tight ends and and offensive linemen were on the field Saturday (26 February 2011) going through various drills, getting measured, jumping and running.

Offensive Linemen: OT Nate Solder looks the part, tall at 6' 8" 319 pounds, he plays high and needs to do a better job anchoring against the bull rush, but the former tight end has excellent feet and power. Solder ran the 40 yard dash in 5.05 seconds, recorded a 32 inch vertical jump, 9' 2" in the broad jump and 7.44 seconds in the 3-cone. His best event however was his time of 4.34 seconds in the 20 yard shuttle which was the second best time among offensive lineman.

Boston College OT Anthony Castonzo weighed in at 6' 7" 311 pounds and looked to be in great shape, he looked good in drills and excelled in the 3-cone and 20 yard shuttle. He had the second best 3-cone at 7.25 and the 3rd best 20 yard shuttle at 4.40. Neither have particularly long arms Castonzo (34.5) or Solder (35.5) for their height and neither did well in the bench press. Solder only completed 21 reps. Both tackles however will be top 20 selections in the 2011 NFL Draft, both players are tall and will be projects, and they will both need to play with a lower pad level, get stronger and bend their knees better to be top notch NFL stars.

Three more offensive lineman stood out to me at the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine, two are household names and one unknown. Wisconsin offensive tackle Gabe Carimi weighed in at 6' 7" 314 pounds and displayed excellent power in the bench press, vertical jump and broad jump. Carimi ran a 5.27 in the forty, 29 reps in the bench press and had the 5th best broad jump at 9' 1". USC offensive tackle Tyron Smith is a former tight end, he weighed in at 6' 5" 307 pounds, has huge 11 inch hands and a long wingspan with 36 3/8" arms. Smith completed an impressive 29 reps in the bench, but didn't run due to some swelling in his knee. Smith will reportedly do a complete workout during USCs pro day on March 30th 2011. The workout warrior from the offensive linemen at the 2011 Scouting Combine was Syracuse Center Ryan Bartholomew. He is a little Small at 6' 1" 302 pounds, but he had the best performance in the bench press (34) and second best in the 40 yard dash (4.97). Bartholomew also looked quick in the 20 yard shuttle with a time of 4.62 seconds.

Check back later, I'll be posting updates throughout the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine.

Robert Bryant
www.nfldraftdog.com
www.facebook.com/nfldraftdog

To Critique an NFL Mock Draft

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bryant) — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 18:31:00 +0000

Its not every day I publicly critique an NFL Mock Draft, but a young man named Jack Mitchell just started a new NFL Draft Website called The Mitchell Draft Company and he asked me to check out his 2011 NFL Mock Draft.

I like the layout of his website and his mock draft looked pretty solid. A lot of Draftniks have recently raised Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller and Jack has him all the way up to the number three slot to the Bills. Miller did look spectacular at he Senior Bowl, but number three seems a little high for him and the Bills desperately need help at receiver and A.J. Green is still available. I checked KFFL and the two starting receivers are Donald Jones and Steve Johnson. I don't know about you but I don't think defensive coordinators stay up at night worrying about those two guys.

At number 11 he has Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith going to the Texans, and yes the Texans do need help at corner, but I have Smith rated as a late second or third round selection in the 2011 NFL Draft. I even have Miami cornerback Brandon Harris rated higher than Smith.

At 31 he has the Steelers drafting Baylor nose-tackle Phil Taylor, I love this pick for the Steelers, Taylor is a 6' 4" 335 pound beast and the Steelers' current starting nose-tackle Casey Hampton is getting long in the tooth.

Lastly, Mr. Mitchell has the Superbowl Champion Packers taking Iowa defensive lineman Christian Ballard. I love Ballard, I am a Hawkeye and NFL Draft Dog was the first media outlet promoting Ballard, I had him as a first rounder on my pre-season 2011 NFL Mock Draft. I actually know his mom and I wish the best for him, but I wonder if maybe he isn't being over hyped a little since he recently showed up in Mel Kipers' 2011 Mock NFL Draft?

So in closing, welcome fellow Draftnik Jack Mitchell, nice website and NL Mock Draft and keep up the good work.

Top Small School Quarterbacks for the NFL Draft

noreply@blogger.com (Raul Colon) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 11:57:00 +0000

This April’s upcoming NFL Draft is one deprived of top tier talent at the quarterback position. The skill level is thin at both the top part and in the later rounds, where only a handful of prospects are graded as legitimate NFL-type passers.

Due to the lack of overall talent, a number of quarterbacks from smaller schools could find their name called in this years' NFL Draft.

Here is a list of the top 5 passers from small schools projected to be drafted.

1.Colin Kaepernick 6-5, 226 Nevada
He is far from a finishing product with a plethora of mechanical problems to correct before he could develop as a passer, but his talent is tantalizing. He has breathtaking speed and has been clocked in the low 4.4s in the forty.

Has average arm strength, can get adequate zip on out routes but can’t fit the football into tight spots as well as some of the elite passer in this class. He also must improve his delivery and must get rid of the ball more quickly. He has trouble checking off primary targets and is erratic on the short dump off passes. On the plus side, he throws a very catchable ball.

His strength is in his mobility, not only he is fast, but elusive in the pocket and in the open field.

He needs to bulk up and of course and to get more experience as a passer, but the Nevada native should be one of the most sough out prospects in the NFL Draft after the second round.

2.Pat Devlin 6-4 221 Delaware
No, he is no Joe Flacco, another Delaware great passer who is now leading the Baltimore Ravens offense, but he is a close as a prospect.

He possesses one of the strongest arms in the draft. Can make any NFL throw. Is accurate in the short-to-intermitted areas of the field but ball tend to miss too many open receivers beyond the 15 yard range.

Is quick than fast and can throw on the run but is not a great overall athlete or running threat.

Needs more polish and game experience, but Devlin is a sound prospect with good upside. He should not last past the third round.

3.Andy Dalton 6-2 211 TCU
A great career and an amazing Rose Bowl performance has elevated Dalton from a borderline prospect to possibly going as high as the fourth round.

Yes, he has accuracy issues, especially in long passes. He locks in too often on primary receivers and misses others wide open, but his intangibles are off the charts.

He is a poised pocket passer with a quick release, good timing and accuracy in the short area. He shows quickness in the pocket and can create outside the hash marks.

Dalton is a true leader who has the ability to become a good game manager but he lacks physical tools and great arm strength. He will would probably scare some NFL scouts come draft day.

4.Nathan Enderle 6-5 243 Idaho
Is big, tall and strong. Has the arm to make every NFL throw and have shown good zip on all passes. Played in a pro-style offense for the Vandals, which should help him at the next level.

Throws one of the most catchable deep ball of any quarterback prospect in this draft.

He is slow (5.05), isn’t a threat to run. His decision-making is sloppy and is inconsistent in his throwing motion. He needs to improve his readings and the speed of his release.

Enderle have some great natural skills but would need at least a few years of seasoning before he can even attempt to managed an NFL game.

Far too raw for selection prior to the fifth round.

5.Jeff Van Camp 6-5 210 Florida Atlantic
Big, strong and with some mobility, the 2010 Owls passer have a very intriguing make up which should gathered some recognition by pro scouts.

Despite great size, Van Camp does not posses a powerful arm. Locks too often on primary target. Struggle to read coverages at times and tends to scramble too early in a play before looking for his secondary option. Doesn’t display leadership skills.

Overall, Van Camp has good physical make up, but his inconsistency and sometimes erratic passing makes him a borderline prospect.

2012 NFL Mock Draft

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bryant) — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 16:41:00 +0000

Every year about this time I start my mock draft for the following year, all the underclassmen have already declared so we already know most of the top talent that will be available.

Yes it's early, we haven't even had the 2011 NFL Draft, but doing the research to put together a 2012 NFL Mock Draft gives Draftniks like myself a chance to identify the top college football talent very early, plus it's fun.

The 2011 NFL Draft looks like the year of the defensive linemen with probably 3 being taken with the first five picks. Nick Fairley, Da' Quan Bowers and Marcell Dareus all should be gone within the first five picks.

Its early still, but The 2012 NFL Draft might end up being known as the year of the wide receiver. We normally see 3 or 4 receivers taken in the first round, but if most of these talented juniors declare early, the 2012 NFL Draft might have 5 or 6 players selected in the first round.

Here is a quick snapshot of 7 receiver with first round potential for the 2012 NFL Draft:

1. Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State
2. Ashlon Jeffrey, South Carolina
3. Rueben Randle, LSU
4. Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma
5. Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers
6. Michael Floyd, Notre Dame
7. DeVier Posey, Ohio State

LSU marching with the Zach 'attack'

noreply@blogger.com (Raul Colon) — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 18:49:00 +0000

Zach Mettenberger is in a great position to unseat Jordan Jefferson as the LSU Tigers starting QB this spring and eventually lead the supremely talented Tigers to its first national title since 2007.

If that was to be the case, Mettenberger would have completed an incredible turnaround that saw him being kicked out of Georgia last April while serving as a redshirt freshman signal caller for violating team rules.

At the time of his dismissal, Mettenberger has just upended current starter and highly regarded Aaron Murray for the Bulldogs’ quarterback job.

Physical speaking, the 6-foot-5, 245 pound Mettenberger is an impressive athlete. He has cannon for an arm and is surprisingly nimble for his size which helps him elude the rush in his only year as started in the JUCO ranks.

Despite throwing 299 footballs for the Grizzlies of the Butler Community College in Kansas, Mettenberger was sacked only 32 times (for a net loss of 220 yards).

The sack total would have been much higher if not at least eight amazing showings of athleticism in several games during the year.

Overall, the product of El Dorado, KS. passed for 2,678 yards (176-299) for a 58.1 completition percentages, 32 TDs and 4 interceptions, accumulating a 166.74 passing efficiency rating in 13 games played, including a 6 TD, 382-yards effort against the Hutchinson Blue Dragons.

His team went undefeated until they met Navarro Community College (TX) in the Citizen’s Bank Bowl, which the Grizzlies lost 13-12.

Mettenberger went 17-28 for 168 yards and one score against one of the stingiest defenses in the JUCO ranks last fall.

That loss aside, Mettenberger demonstrated during his sole season in Junior College why he was highly recruited out of high school in 2009.

He showed go zip on deeps out and a strong command of the middle of the field beyond the 15 yard range. The problem is that his accuracy tends to diminish in close, a surprising development for a young quarterback.

Nearly 45 percent of his incompletion came to TEs running crossing routs less than 15 yards from the line of scrimmage.

Mettenberger needs to work on his slow release that tend to make his passes more deliberate, allowing fast defensive backs, such as the ones he would be facing in the South Eastern Conference, to break and close fast on the football.

He also does not stride in his throws which also limit his accuracy and velocity in the short area allowing defenders better angles at the pass.

Still, his is an overall better prospect than Jefferson because he can provide the Tigers with something they have lacked for three years, a consistent vertical passing attack.

By Raul Colon

2011 Senior Bowl Review

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Bryant) — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 04:22:00 +0000

2011 Senior Bowl

29 January 2011

Christian Ponder started at quarterback for the South, he isn't flashy, doesn't have a canon but gets rid of the ball quickly. Miami WR Leonard Hankerson (6' 3" 205 lbs.) made a nice play on an under thrown ball.

Lee Ziemba played right tackle for the south, he has got great potential. DT Sione Fua (6' 2" 306) from Stanford made excellent penetration on a few plays. North QB Jake Locker had trouble with accuracy, he overthrew his first pass. Locker has some nice potential, but accuracy issues are haunting him right now.

OLB Von Miller made a nice play stopping a screen, he can play OLB in the NFL. Miller was probably the best defensive player in the game, he ran down speedy QB Colen Kaepernick.

The North's Anthony Castonzo played left guard. South Charles Clay, 6' 2" 240 lbs. Tulsa. H- back good blocker, good hands. South WR Leonard Hankerson made a nice TD catch in the first quarter. DE Sam Acho (6' 3 260 lbs) abused Colorado LT Solder for a sack and strip of the football. North DE Jeremy Beal looks very quick and moves well in space. At one point I had him in the first round of my 2011 NFL Mock Draft.

Miami LB Colin McCarthy (6' 2" 240 lbs) is looking good on special teams and at linebacker. McCarthy could be a 3 rd or 4th round steal in the 2011 NFL Draft. Castonzo moved to left tackle and got beat by Arizona's Brooks Reed (6' 3" 262 lbs) for a sack on QB Ricki Stanzi. Arkansas offensive lineman DeMarcus Love gets beat badly around the end by DE Ryan Kerrigan on one play, then gets knocked on his butt on the next, he didn't help himself.

North QB Colen Kaepernick threw a couple good balls on the run. North WR Titus Young was very quick in and out of his breaks. RB Da' Rel Scott, (5' 11" 205 lbs) Maryland, made a nice 32 yard catch and run. Mississipi State DT Pernell McPhee (6" 4" 287 lbs) showed nice hustle and stripped Locker from behind.

DB Kendrick Burney made a lot of plays and looks like a special teams demon. North QB Ricky Stanzi made a couple nice throws in the 4th quarter, he displayed leadership in the huddle and has excellent pocket awareness. Stanzi however, didn't play well in the practices leading up to the Senior Bowl. Baylor DT Phil Taylor is a massive (6' 4" 330) pound nose tackle, he consistently got a great push up the middle. If he (Taylor) keeps his weight under 320 he could be special in the NFL. South WR Jeremy Kerley (TCU) ran a nice route and caught a pass from QB Christian Ponder to put the game out of reach as the South went ahead 24-10. QB Christian Ponder was named the games MVP.

Georgia Tech's top prospects on display at Indy Bowl

noreply@blogger.com (Raul Colon) — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 17:25:00 +0000

When the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets take the field against the Air Force Academy in the 2010 Independence Bowl on December 27, the team would feature at least three legitimate pro prospects and an array of fringe players who could play on Sundays.

With many scouts watching, it is imperative for Tech’s top NFL prospects playing on Monday to show more than they have demonstrated so far this season in order to improve their draft status.

On offense the scouts would be looking at mainly at running back Anthony Allen, a bruising 6-foot-0, 231 pound power back that lacks top end speed (4.63 in the 40 yard dash) but posses intriguing possibilities.

Allen, who transferred from Louisville, is projected as a late Day Two pick, possible going in the bottom part of the fifth round.

The senior led Georgia Tech in rushing this past season with 1,198 yards on 217 attempts. He average 5.5 ypc while scoring 6 TDs.

He does posses deceptive agility inside the tackle box, showing good balance and the ability to get his shoulder square when running north and south.

On the minus side, but does not offer anything outside. He does have good burst inside but the lack of speed would limit his value as a feature back.

His hands, which have not been regularly tested in Tech’s Flexbone offense (he only caught 3 balls in 2010), are above average. But he needs to work on route running.

Need to show: He will need to show versatile as a pass catcher and improve his outside agility. He would also need to demonstrate more than he has showed as a lead blocker this year. He is willing to block but shows poor technique.

Of course, most of the attention of the public would go to Tech’s highly productive quarterback Joshua Nesbitt.

The 6-foot-1 signal caller is viewed by most NFL scouts as a running back as he lacks the polish passing skills to play the QB position at the next level.

As a RB, Nesbitt have shown deceptive good speed (4.5) and bulk (a solid 217 pound frame) to merit a serious discussion, but overall, he is no more than a curiosity at this point.

Despite being billed as an agile runner with burst, Nesbitt average only 3.6 ypc in 2010.

More problematic for his draft status, he did not display the raw explosiveness out of the corner as he showed in 2009.

He also lacks any experience as a pass catcher and blocker.

His 2010 numbers were that not impressive as a runner either.

He rushed 166 times for only 598 yards. That’s almost 500 yards less than the previous campaign.

On the plus side, he scored 10 times on the ground and had a 71-yard TD score run, which showed that there’s a degree of explosiveness in him.

Need to show: Nesbitt needs to show burst and agility outside the tackle box in order to improve his draft status which right now hovers in the Free Agent region. It would not hurt either to show more power inside the box.

On defense, cornerback Mario Butler could be the star of the unit, but something seems to be missing despite having all the physical tools desired in a top shelf defensive back.

He has the height, 6-foot-1, and although he could add bulk (182 pounds), is well framed for the position.

Butler does not use his size to his advantaged as he is prone to shy away from contact during running plays.

Aside size, his most important trait is his football speed. He is fast in the 40-yard dash (4.49) but he plays faster on the field.

His numbers were never going to be impressive, but he looked like he lost his agility to turn his hips on a dime, something that separated him from many of his peers in 2009.

Need to show: That he is football ready. That his hips can turn like in 2009 and that he would assist on run support.

By Raul Colon

Terrelle Pryor not yet there

noreply@blogger.com (Raul Colon) — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 02:30:00 +0000

He should have been in the Downtown Athletic Club podium receiving the 2010 Heisman Award as the best player in college football; after all, he was the prohibited preseason favorite to win it.

That honor went to Auburn quarterback Cam Newton who came from the junior college ranks to post one of the most amazing seasons in the history of the game.

The tremendous year, his powerful arm and uncanny ability to run has him, not only in the thick of a national championship but at the top of many draft boards as NFL scouts are salivating about the promise he could offer at the next level.

He has vaulted to the middle part of the first round, even going as high as in the top 10, according to many draft boards.

All those accolades were expected to be received by another “running” quarterback, Terrelle Pryor.

Instead, the Ohio State signal caller is almost an after though while preparing for the Sugar Bowl and a showdown with Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett, another possible top 10 NFL draft pick in April.

After being one of the most sought out prep prospects in years, Buckeyes Head coach Jim Tressel managed to outbid most of the South Eastern Conference big boys and signed the 6-foot-6, 235 pound Pryor who the Ohio media immediately anointed the “Next Vince Young”.

He has never lived to that hype, or even come close to that level!

By no mean that statement signaled that Pryor is a bust. In fact, there’s an argument that he has improved as a passer.

Last year’s Rose Bowl in which he pasted a very good Oregon football team is a testament to what he could be able to do.

The problem is that those games are too few and far between.

The truth is that with his incredible size, incomparable arm strength and amazing speed (clocked in the low 4.40s), he should dominate all games just like Newton did this year.

He was just 12-27 for 233 in a home win against an overwhelmed Miami Hurricane. He did rush for 113, but on 20 carriers. That’s not a dominant performance.

In fact, an argument could be made that ‘Canes QB Jacory Harris outplayed him.

Yes, there were the 4 interceptions, but three of them should have been caught.

In the Buckeyes’ only loss of the year against Wisconsin, Pryor threw for only 153 yards.

Unlike the Miami game, the big QB did not supplement his poor passing with a robust running game finishing up with 56 yards, with most of them coming against the Badgers’ preventive pass defense late in the game.

All of this from an athlete many believed who be able to snatch the Heisman in 2010.

There’s still time for Pryor to reach for more than a secondary role as he is certain to be back next year at Ohio State.

But before he reach his full potential, if he ever does, Pryor needs to develop what Newton has done in a just a season: a consistence mid-to-long range passing game.

He also needs to mature as a leader and to show that he can takeover a game before his once enormous promise is reach.

By Raul Colon

Teams, BCS bowls getting set

noreply@blogger.com (Raul Colon) — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 03:33:00 +0000

The Bowl Championship Series (BCS) conferences and bowls announced those teams which remain under consideration to participate in the five games that comprise the BCS.

The University of Oregon has become the first automatic qualifier. The Ducks will be at least co-champions of the Pac-10, and own the tie-breaker with the other possible co-champion, Stanford.

Nineteen other teams remain under consideration. The teams were identified during a teleconference among the 11 Football Bowl Subdivision conference commissioners, the Notre Dame athletics director, and representatives from the Discover Orange Bowl, Allstate Sugar Bowl, Tostitos Fiesta Bowl and the Rose Bowl Game presented by VIZIO.

The No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the final BCS standings will meet in the Tostitos BCS National Championship Game January 10 in Glendale, Arizona.

The champions of the Atlantic Coast, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-10 and Southeastern Conferences automatically qualify for a BCS game.

In addition, the highest-ranked conference champion from among Conference USA, the Mid-American, Mountain West, Sun Belt and Western Athletic Conferences earns automatic qualification to one of the BCS games if that champion is ranked No. 12 or better in the final BCS standings.

Finally, given the seven automatic qualifiers described above, three at-large berths will be available. The bowls will fill those berths from teams ranked in the top 14 of the final BCS Standings.

No conference may place more than two teams in the BCS games, unless the conference has two teams in the National Championship Game, and neither team is its champion.

The final BCS standings will be compiled Sunday, December 5. The BCS bowl pairings will be announced at 8:15 p.m. Eastern time that day, on ESPN television.

The champions from the six conferences which receive automatic spots in the BCS games have not been determined. The following is a list of teams still contending for their conferences’ championships:

In the ACC, Florida State, Virginia Tech, in the Big East, Connecticut, Pittsburgh, West Virginia, the Big Ten, Michigan State, Ohio State, Wisconsin, the Big 12: Nebraska, Oklahoma, and the SEC, Auburn, South Carolina.

In addition to those teams, the pool of teams remaining under consideration also includes Arkansas, Boise State, LSU, Missouri, Oklahoma State, Stanford, and TCU.

Willimas earns distinction

noreply@blogger.com (Raul Colon) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 11:26:00 +0000

D.J. Williams of Arkansas was named John Mackey Tight End of the Week. The Southeastern Conference senior recorded five receptions for 58 yards and tied a career high with two touchdowns as Arkansas routed UTEP, 58-21.

Williams was also honored this week with the 2010 Disney Spirit Award given annually by Disney Sports to college football's most inspirational figure. Honorable mentions considered for this week's Mackey Tight End of the Week include Ladarius Green of Louisiana and Rob Housler of Florida Atlantic. Both were involved in a great Tight End match up against each other in a game that saw both of these players lead their respective teams in receiving yards as Tight Ends...a rare feat.

The 2010 recipient of "The Mackey" will be announced at the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show December 9, 2010 on ESPN.

Other John Mackey Tight Ends of the week are Virgil Green, Nevada (Week 1),Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame (2), Lance Kendricks, Wisconsin (3), Lance Kendricks, Wisconsin (4), Collin Franklin, Iowa State (5), Michael Egnew, Missouri (6), Ben Thayer, Eastern Michigan (7), Mike Cruz, Pittsburgh (8), Orson Charles, Georgia (9) and Lucas Reed, New Mexico in Week 10.

By Raul Colon

Oregon’s Path to the Title

noreply@blogger.com (Raul Colon) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 11:39:00 +0000

Oregon has moved into the #2 ranking in the nation on the strength of several, lopsided wins against mostly less than stellar competition. The biggest win so far this year was a 51-31 triumph over a very good Stanford Cardinal team.

Fueling the impressive 6-0 record is one of the most explosive offenses in college football. The Ducks are averaging 54.3 points per game (567 total yards) behind an electrifying rushing attack led by RB LaMichael James who has gained 848 on the ground (7.4 yards per attempt) in just five games.

His 169.6 yards per game are tops in the nation and James should be a leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy. Aiding James is dynamic quarterback Darron Thomas, who besides rushing for 221 yards in five starts, has produced a balance air attack (1,213 yards, 147-88 for a 58.5 completition percentage and a 14-5 TD-INT ratio). Something the club lacked last year.

Now comes time to look ahead and a possible Bowl Championship Series title game.

The Duck’s next game will be Oct. 21 versus UCLA, more likely another lopsided victory. Then will come perhaps their biggest obstacle to a national championship when the team travels to the Coliseum for a date with enigmatic USC.

Despite its current 4-2 record, that includes back-to-back losses, the Trojans are one of the most talented teams in nation, and in a one-game-season type of setting, Lane Kiffin’s club could mount a serious challenge to Oregon’s dominance of the PAC-10 and a possible title run.

If they defeat the Men of Troy, then all bets are off as the Ducks will likely blow Washington and Cal out, setting the stage for the final two critical games.

On Nov. 26, the Friday after Thanksgiving, the team will receive the visit of the #17 Arizona Wildcats and then finish up the season with their annual Civil War against #24 Oregon State.

Arizona, although a good, solid team, hasn’t distinguished itself from the pack. Their only signature game was a 34-27 win over Iowa. As a club, Arizona is averring just 116.4 ypg, and that was mainly due to their wins over Toledo and The Citadel, in which RB Nic Grigsby averaged 149 ypg.

In the last two years, the Ducks have ended Oregon State’s Rose Bowl dreams including a 65-38 beat down the last time both clubs met in Corvallis, site of this year’s match up.

The Beavers already have lost to #3 Boise State and #4 TCU, both times they failed to capitalize on mistakes.

Despite possessing one of the most versatile players in the country in RB Jacquizz Rodgers, Oregon State has failed to produce a consistent rushing attack. The team is averaging a pedestrian 115 ypg on the ground, and that simply wouldn’t cut it against the Ducks.

Simply put, the Beavers do not have the ‘horses’ to compete in a shootout with Oregon.

Thus, the path to the BCS title game is clear, win out, against a very average schedule, and this Duck team will be playing for all the marbles on January 10.

By Raul Colon
raul@nfldraftdog.com

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