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DYNASTY: Top 2013 College Prospects (1 Viewer)

Keenan Allen out of combine due to injury.
California's Keenan Allen, projected as one of the top two wide receivers in the upcoming draft, is nursing a sprained posterior cruciate ligament that will prevent him from working out at the combine, his agent, JT Johnson, said Wednesday.Allen will attend the combine and undergo medical exams for the teams, but with his knee being only 70 percent, he and Johnson have decided it is better not to run. Allen will save his running for his own pro day sometime in early April after he has recovered. He initially suffered the knee injury Oct. 20, then aggravated it about two weeks ago while training for the combine in Florida with Hall of Fame wide receiver Cris Carter. One doctor told Allen he tore his posterior cruciate ligament.Allen then visited Dr. James Andrews, who told Allen and Johnson in his report to them, "I do not feel this would require surgical intervention."Allen now plans to let the injury heal on his own. He also will run routes at Cal's pro day on March 14, but he will not do the bulk of his testing until he has more time to heal in early April. Allen is the latest player to pull himself out of some combine drills, joining USC quarterback Matt Barkley and Alabama running back Eddie Lacy.
Grade 2 is a partial tear.
Allen will work out for teams at two pro days -- Cal's standard pro day on March 14, where he's only expected to run routes, and a separate workout in April, where he'll run the 40 and do other speed and agility drills.
Still having issues after 4 months is a definite red flag.
 
Peterson yes. Jackson no.It's not how they look when he is standing still. It's how they look when he's running.The 232 listing was from 2 years ago. My money says he's 215-220. His build reminds me most of Bernard Pierce.
All I have is Google Image, but his legs don't look much different than Jackson's to me. I personally don't buy the injury based on leg size argument, but that is for another thread, I suppose.
It's not the size of his legs that's the issue. For me, it's how his legs move.
 
It's not the size of his legs that's the issue. For me, it's how his legs move.
And you feel this will lead to injury? What kind of sample size are we using to make that claim?
For me it's both. They appear to flail when he's running. At 6' 215 or 220, that's not good. Steven Jackson take steps that appear more choppy and I think his legs are thicker too. He's 6-2 but 240.I would definatly call Lattimore a slower McFadden. I could be overreacting due to this highlight reel but at numerous spots, his legs are flailing around waiting to get drilled. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmjvwEnY8EM Just not a big fan of tall RBs.
 
For me it's both. They appear to flail when he's running. At 6' 215 or 220, that's not good. Steven Jackson take steps that appear more choppy and I think his legs are thicker too. He's 6-2 but 240.I would definatly call Lattimore a slower McFadden. I could be overreacting due to this highlight reel but at numerous spots, his legs are flailing around waiting to get drilled. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmjvwEnY8EM Just not a big fan of tall RBs.
But what examples do we have? McFadden's injury issues - correct me if I'm wrong, I could be missing some - weren't caused by his legs getting hit. I am asking what causes you (anyone) to make that claim.
 
Pure physics. Wider and lower = stronger. That's why tanks and hummers are built the way they are. It's also why Ray Rice never gets hurt while McFadden never stays healthy.

 
Pure physics. Wider and lower = stronger. That's why tanks and hummers are built the way they are. It's also why Ray Rice never gets hurt while McFadden never stays healthy.
It's not pure physics; we're not talking about force. We're talking about ankles and feet - you know, the issues MJD and Ahmad Bradshaw both dealt with this year. Taller WRs don't get hurt more often than shorter WRs. We just using a very small sample size and deciding that Murray, McFadden, and Forte get hurt because they're tall, but Ingram, MJD, and McCoy suffer the same injuries, despite being short.
 
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Pure physics. Wider and lower = stronger. That's why tanks and hummers are built the way they are. It's also why Ray Rice never gets hurt while McFadden never stays healthy.
IIRC ray rice missed most of his rookie season with an injury, or am I mistaken?
I know Ingram got turf toe; he and Richardson both have knee issues. Bradshaw is injury prone, stemming from his feet. MJD sprained his foot, just like Murray and DMC, and McCoy injured his ankle, just like Forte.
 
For me it's both. They appear to flail when he's running. At 6' 215 or 220, that's not good. Steven Jackson take steps that appear more choppy and I think his legs are thicker too. He's 6-2 but 240.I would definatly call Lattimore a slower McFadden. I could be overreacting due to this highlight reel but at numerous spots, his legs are flailing around waiting to get drilled. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmjvwEnY8EM Just not a big fan of tall RBs.
But what examples do we have? McFadden's injury issues - correct me if I'm wrong, I could be missing some - weren't caused by his legs getting hit. I am asking what causes you (anyone) to make that claim.
What I am saying is I don't like his body style for a RB. He could be injury free for his whole NFL career but I'll bet he will be injured a lot so I will steer clear unless he magically falls to 1.11 in a dynasty draft.
 
Pure physics. Wider and lower = stronger. That's why tanks and hummers are built the way they are. It's also why Ray Rice never gets hurt while McFadden never stays healthy.
I'm in this camp. Guys like Rice, Gore, MJD, Morris, D. Martin are my kinda RB. Anybody can get hurt but when your target is lower and thicker, instead of taller and leaner, I'm a buyer.
 
Top 32: Plenty of talent, some future stars and only one QB

By Pete Prisco | Senior NFL Columnist

One of my pet peeves is when people say the NFL draft stinks this year because there are no quarterbacks at the top.

That is 100 percent wrong.

While there aren't the top quarterback prospects like last year with Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, the 2013 NFL Draft is filled with a lot of good players and is deep at several positions.

There is a lot of talent on the offensive line and at defensive tackle, tight end, safety and you can find pass rushers.

What's not to like?

It's lazy to say it's not a good draft based on the quarterbacks. And, by the way, I think one, two or even three quarterbacks will emerge as quality NFL starters from this year's class. It's up to the personnel people to figure out which ones.

I actually had a tough time putting together my list of the top 32 players heading into the scouting combine this week. I moved several players in and out over the past week.

There is only one quarterback on the list, and that's West Virginia's Geno Smith. But he isn't near the top.

I still think as the evaluation process plays out, we will see either Ryan Nassib of Syracuse or Matt Barkley move into the top 32. They are two quarterbacks who have a lot to prove in the next two months.

For now, this is my top 32. It probably doesn't look a lot like the other lists out there, but that's OK. It's my list.

1. Luke Joeckel, T, Texas A&M: He is the cleanest player on the board. Picking tackles high in the draft is usually a wise thing.

2. Chance Warmack, G, Alabama: He is a power player who mauled opponents in 2012. He has to be careful about his weight.

3. Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida: The more I watch, the more I like. He will be special on the next level.

4. Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee: One year in the big time will scare some people, but not me. This kid has game-breaking ability.

5. Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah: He is quick and strong. He can play inside in the 4-3 and end in the 3-4. Lived up to the hype in 2012.

6. Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State: He is big and fast and plays with a swagger. What's not to like?

7. Jarvis Jones, OLB-DE, Georgia: He has great speed off the edge, but he has some spine issues that need to be checked out. The medical is key for him.

8. Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri: Some will say this is too high for Richardson, but I think it's just right. He will be a disruptive inside player on the next level.

9. Eric Fisher, T, Central Michigan: If you watched him at the Senior Bowl, you know why he is here. He is fundamentally sound.

10. Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia: Yes, he's small at 5-foot-9. But can he fly or what? Think slot receiver and return man. He will be an NFL star.

11. Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama: I like his ability, but he played a lot of Cover-2 at Alabama. Can he transition to playing more man?

12. Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU: He is fast off the line, but he is small and needs to bulk up. Where was the production last year?

13. Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU: Talk about raw. This kid is just learning the game. But the skills are there.

14. Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State: He will be a good, solid player. But will he ever be a star?

15. Menelik Watson, T, Florida State: At 6-6, 320, he has played football for only a couple of years, but this former basketball player has all the tools needed to be an elite NFL tackle.

16. Lane Johnson, T, Oklahoma; This former quarterback has great athletic ability for a left tackle. He is still learning the position, which indicates a lot of growth potential.

17. Dion Jordan, DE-OLB, Oregon: He is in the Aldon Smith mold, a swift pass rusher who can play standing up or with his hand on the ground.

18. Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia: I like his game. I don't love it. But he is a smart, accurate thrower. My only concern is that he played in a quarterback-friendly system and he had nice weapons.

19. Keenan Allen, WR, Cal: He has good size at 6-3, 210 pounds and can run a 4.4 forty. Too bad he didn't have better quarterback play at Cal.

20. Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU: In some of the tape I watched, I was more impressed with Montgomery than Mingo. He isn't as explosive, but he is better against the run and made more plays.

21. Alex Okafor, DE, Texas: His bowl tape was sensational with four sacks. He also did some good things during the Senior Bowl week.

22. Datone Jones, DE, UCLA: He had a great week at the Senior Bowl, showing power and speed.

23. Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State: The only knock on this 320-pound player is effort. He didn't give it all on every play. If he does, look out.

24. Jonathan Cooper, G, North Carolina: Teams want more agile offensive linemen and this is a player who can move for a man who is 315 pounds.

25. Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State: He is a smooth cover player who has to show scouts he is fast enough. I think he is.

26. Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor: When I watched Kendall Wright in 2011, I kept seeing this kid show up. He starred last season.

27. Zach Ertz, TE, Stanford: At 6-6, 250 pounds, he can run and catch. Is the next Rob Gronkowski?

28. Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas: At first I thought he was just a big hitter. But the more I watched, the more impressed I was by his range.

29. DJ Fluker, T, Alabama: He will be the prototypical right tackle. He is big and strong. Needs to work on his pass protection some.

30. Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina: I like air backs, and this kid is that type of back. He runs hard and he's fast. I like him more than Eddie Lacy.

31. Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame: He isn't far behind Ertz in what is a deep tight end class.

32. Corey Lemonier, DE, Auburn: He is a little light at 6-4, 246 pounds, but he has speed off the edge. He will need to get bigger. I like him more than most.
 
Big Board: Get ready for 'Underwear Olympics' data overload

By Rob Rang | The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com

Feb. 20, 2013 8:26 PM ET

NFL scouts will tell that by the time the annual scouting combine rolls around in late February, 90 percent of their prospect evaluations are finished.

While media and fans will fawn over the raw athleticism demonstrated by prospects working out, scouts are paid to keep the "Underwear Olympics" in perspective. There will be buzzing to trumpet the athleticism likely to be shown this week by the likes of Oregon's Dion Jordan or LSU's Barkevious Mingo, but it's worth cautioning that for all of their speed and explosiveness, neither was consistently productive.

Meanwhile, more productive talents annually wind up characterized as combine "fallers" when they run the 40-yard dash a tenth of a second slower than expected.

The Big Board isn't a mock draft. There is no attention given to team needs or the selection order. It is simply a ranking of the 64 best draft-eligible prospects for the 2013 NFL draft before we get consumed by the annual data overload from player workouts. Underclassmen are denoted with an asterisk (*).

1. * Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M: Having earned all-conference recognition all three years of his career, including first-team All-SEC honors and winning the Outland Trophy in 2012, Joeckel is a proven star. Remarkably light on his feet, he is a comparable athlete and more technically refined prospect than 2012 fourth overall pick, Matt Kalil. Redshirt freshman quarterback Johnny Manziel won the Heisman Trophy, but Joeckel could be the one holding the bigger prize -- the thrill of being the first non-quarterback selected No. 1 overall since offensive tackle Jake Long went to the Dolphins with the first pick in 2008.

2. * Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia: A first-team All-SEC pick in each of his two eligible seasons at Georgia, Jones has proven himself to be a playmaker against both the pass and run. The 6-foot-3, 241-pound Jones led the country in three critical statistics -- sacks (14½), tackles for loss (24½) and forced fumbles (seven) despite missing two games (Kentucky, Florida Atlantic) due to injury. As dynamic as he is, the redshirt junior's medical grade will ultimately determine his draft status. He was diagnosed with a mild case of spinal stenosis in 2009 and some NFL doctors may be unwilling to clear him.

3. * Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State: Blessed with a quick first step, heavy hands and surprising instincts given the fact that the German-born Werner has played just five years of American football, the 6-4, 255-pounder has established himself as one of the country's elite prospects. An immediate standout in Tallahassee, Werner improved in each of his three seasons at Florida State, culminating with winning ACC Defensive Player of the Year this season with 18 tackles for loss, including 13 sacks.

4. Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah: With the Utes struggling through a disappointing 5-7 campaign, their senior defensive tackle didn't generate as much national attention as his play warranted. Despite fighting constant double and triple teams, Lotulelei registered 42 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, five sacks and four recovered fumbles this season, earning first-team All-Pac-12 accolades for the second consecutive season. Remarkably athletic at 6-3, 320 pounds, he's capable of shutting down running lanes and terrorizing quarterbacks.

5. * Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M: The rapid ascension by San Francisco 49er pass rusher Aldon Smith as one of the NFL's elite playmakers has forced talent evaluators to acknowledge how much versatile defenders can impact today's game. Moore, like Smith, is viewed by some as a bit of a 'tweener at 6-4, 255 pounds, and has starred at defensive end and outside over the past two seasons for the Aggies. Athletic and passionate, Moore registered 21 tackles for loss, including 12.5 sacks, in his first season at defensive end and should only improve as he gains more experience.



6. Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama: Offensive linemen rarely get the limelight, but it might be even worse for Warmack than most. Not only do the "skill-position" and defensive stars for Alabama generate virtually all of the attention, Warmack is overshadowed even on the Tide's All-American offensive line -- but not by talent evaluators, who see the 6-3, 320-pound mauler as one of the safest prospects in his class.



7. Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan: Impressive vs. Michigan State and Iowa this year, scouts had some reservations until a dominating performance against top competition at the Senior Bowl. With the foot quickness, balance and length to be a "blindside" pass protector, the 6-7, 305-pound Fisher is functionally stronger and more aggressive than former Chippewa Joe Staley, the starting left tackle for the San Francisco 49ers.

8. * Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri: While some of the top defensive tackles in the country lack eye-popping statistics, Richardson enjoyed a breakout campaign for the Tigers, finishing just four tackles behind linebacker Andrew Wilson as Missouri's leading tackler this season with 75 tackles, 10½ tackles for loss and four sacks.



9. * Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama: The 6-1, 198-pound Milliner is a perfect example of how Alabama reloads rather than rebuilds. A highly regarded prep prospect who started 11 games as a true freshman, Milliner was pushed a bit to the background in 2011 as 'Dre Kirkpatrick and De'Quan Menzie took over. With each now in the NFL, Milliner re-asserted himself in 2012, finishing second in the country with 20 passes broken up and providing stellar run defense on the boundary. He's the top-rated cornerback in 2013, but Milliner does not possess the elite fluidity of No. 1 corners in recent years.

10. * Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida: With so many talented defensive linemen playing in the SEC, Floyd didn't generate the buzz that his talents warranted until recently. Used predominately at defensive end a season ago, the 6-3, 303-pound junior was moved back inside to his more natural defensive tackle position this year and stepped up his play, earning First Team all-conference honors with 46 tackles, including a team-high 13 tackles for loss. While his Gators lost the Sugar Bowl to Teddy Bridgewater and Louisville, Floyd was dynamic, sacking the mobile sophomore quarterback twice and showing scouts flashes of untapped potential.

11. Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU: A perfect example of the potential/production quandary scouts see as a theme of the 2013 draft class. At 6-5, 210, "Ziggy" tried out for basketball and lettered in track at BYU before giving football a try in 2010. Over his first two seasons he'd registered 10 total tackles but steadily added muscle to his frame. A breakout performance for the ages came about in 2012. Ansah, 60 pounds heavier, recorded 62 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks, earning comparisons to Jason Pierre-Paul along the way. While not as explosive off the snap as the Giants' star, Ansah plays with surprising power and closes in the blink of an eye. Following a dominant performance in the Senior Bowl, Ansah could emerge as a top-10 pick if he can convince teams that he'll have the same incredible work ethic once he starts drawing NFL paychecks.

12. * Keenan Allen, WR, California: An exceptionally highly regarded prep prospect who originally was going to sign with Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide as a safety before joining his brother (quarterback Zach Maynard) at Cal, Allen possesses virtually all of the physical characteristics to be a No. 1 receiver in the NFL. He is not the same caliber of athlete as Tennessee's Cordarrelle Patterson but is a more polished player who has drawn comparisons to Green Bay's Jordy Nelson and Baltimore's Anquan Boldin for his sneaky speed, reliable hands and toughness.

13. Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina: NFL teams are generally loathe to spend first-round picks on guards, but with the steady Cooper an exception may have to be made. Cooper has excellent agility, demonstrating the ability to quickly get to the second level and block on the move. His terrific blocking helped Tar Heels running back Giovani Bernard -- a legitimate high-round prospect himself -- rush for an average of nearly 123 yards per game in 2012.



14. Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma: With the athleticism that once saw him line up at QB, TE and DE, Johnson has emerged as arguably the fastest-rising left tackle prospect in the country. Having only played left tackle one season, Johnson is undeniably raw but his length, lateral agility and surprising physicality helped him shut down Texas A&M's Moore in the Alamo Bowl loss and helped him turn heads in Mobile.

15. Kenny Vaccaro, SS, Texas: Instinctive, athletic and tough, Vaccaro has endeared himself to scouts despite the fact that he hasn't proven the ball-hawk of some of Texas' highly regarded defensive backs in recent years. He's starred as an in-the-box run-stuffer, single-high cover safety and even demonstrated the fluidity to handle nickel responsibilities. He carries some character red-flags, however, which teams will want to investigate.

16. * Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee: Of the skill-position players in this draft, Patterson shows the greatest "wow" factor. In his first season at the FBS level, Patterson, 6-3, 205, dominated the SEC to the tune of 154.83 all-purpose yards a game, easily the most of any player in the power conference. If there is a superstar receiver in this draft class, Patterson likely is the one. He brings considerable red flags on and off the field, enough that any team considering investing a top 15 pick will want to explore his NFL readiness from every angle.

17. * Zach Ertz, TE, Stanford: One half of the most talented tight end duo in college football, Ertz only started five games in 2012 but easily led the Rose Bowl-winning Cardinal in catches (69), receiving yards (898) and receiving touchdowns (six). While perhaps not quite as imposing as his 6-8, 265 pound teammate Levine Toilolo (himself a potential top 75 prospect), Ertz combines soft hands with a rare combination of size (6-6, 256) and athleticism. There isn't a Jimmy Graham or Rob Gronkowski clone in this draft class, but Ertz's unique traits have drawn comparisons to Cincinnati Bengals' standout Jermaine Gresham from multiple scouts.

18. Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia: Smith did not play the second half of the season at the level of top-ranked quarterbacks in recent years. He remains a legitimate candidate to be the top pick in the 2013 draft. Optimists will point out that Smith improved his completion percentage and touchdown/interception ratio in each of his three starting seasons, culminating in a senior campaign in which he completed a sparkling 71.24 percent of his passes and threw 42 touchdowns against just six interceptions. More important, he possesses all of the physical traits scouts are looking for, as well as the work ethic to build upon them. Of concern, however, is the fact that Smith struggled late in the year with anticipation as defenses got more physical with his receivers. Smith hesitated to release passes before his receivers were open. They rarely are for long in the NFL.

19. Matt Barkley, QB, Southern California: Considered the clear-cut No. 1 pick when he spurned the NFL to return to the Trojans for his senior season, there is no denying that Barkley struggled in 2012. After only one multi-interception game during his junior campaign, Barkley had six in 2012, including what proved to be the final four games of his career before a shoulder injury sidelined him for USC's final two games. While critics are quick to point to Barkley's lack of ideal size and arm strength, they often ignore the impact from the loss of left tackle Matt Kalil to the NFL. For all of the spectacular plays Marqise Lee made during his glorious Biletnikoff Award-winning season, his freelancing also resulted in a number of the interceptions for which Barkley was assigned blame. There are a number of productive NFL passers with lesser physical traits than Barkley and scouts love his intangibles.

20. * Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State: With a rare combination of size (6-2, 217), physicality and athleticism, Rhodes proved to be a standout throughout his career with the Seminoles, culminating in first-team All-ACC honors in 2012. He'll need to run well in pre-draft workouts to guarantee being selected in the first round and projects best to a press-heavy scheme.



21. Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama: Many top prospects boast eye-popping statistics. Williams is not one of them. The Australia native finished the regular season just ninth (and tied for that) on the Alabama roster with 36 tackles, including 2½ tackles for loss and one sack. The 6-3, 320-pounder's wide frame and awesome strength (600-pound bench press) make him a potentially elite nose guard. With most NFL teams either using the 3-4 as their base defense or at least incorporating many of its principles, Williams' value may not truly be proven until draft day.

22. * D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama: Anyone who watched Alabama dismantle Notre Dame's talented defense in the BCS title game knows that the Tide offensive line was dominant. Much of the credit has gone to the interior (and for good reason). At 6-5, 355 pounds, however, Fluker is an absolute road-grader himself. Massive, physical and tenacious, he's the top right tackle prospect in the draft.

23. Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington: While lacking the size and physicality of Millner or Rhodes, the 5-11, 190-pound Trufant showcased a blend of speed and fluidity in Mobile to arguably rank as this year's top cover corner. If the last name sounds familiar, it should. Both of his older brothers -- Marcus and Isaiah -- are already cashing NFL paychecks as cornerbacks with the Seattle Seahawks and New York Jets.

24. Alex Okafor, DE, Texas: Despite being the obvious focus of every opponent's blocking scheme since talented teammate Jackson Jeffcoat was lost for the season with a torn pectoral muscle Oct. 13, Okafor earned first-team All-Big 12 accolades for the second straight season, posting a career high 12½ sacks, including 4½ against Oregon State in the Alamo Bowl. Okafor showed off a better-than-expected burst off the snap and his trademark active, heavy hands to wreak havoc during Senior Bowl practices.



25. Datone Jones, DE, UCLA: A consistent standout during the Senior Bowl practices, Jones racked up an impressive 19 tackles for loss in 2012, seeing action up and down the UCLA defensive line. A few years ago Jones, at 6-4, 280 pounds might have been considered a 'tweener. With defensive coordinators forced to adjust to the rapidly expanding offenses of today's NFL, however, Jones ranks as an intriguing hybrid defender who can hold up against the run as a base defensive end, while beating interior lineman with his quickness if moved inside on passing downs.



26. Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia: Used in much the same fashion (receiver, runner, returner) as the Vikings feature Percy Harvin, Austin has emerged as the top senior playmaker in the country. At just 5-9, 172 pounds, Austin may not have been viewed as worthy of first-round consideration a few years ago, but in today's wide-open NFL that rewards mismatches Austin could prove among the more valued commodities on draft day.

27. Kawann Short, DT, Purdue: Snap to snap consistency has been an issue with Short throughout much of his career but he's also proven to be a natural playmaker, averaging 16 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and three blocked kicks over the past three years. He then backed that up with a stellar week of practice at the Senior Bowl, legitimizing his first-round grade.

28. Dion Jordan, DE/OLB, Oregon: At a rangy 6-6, 243 pounds, Jordan's length and explosiveness off the edge make him a matchup nightmare for opponents and a must-see athlete at the combine. Unfortunately, while this Jordan might be able to "fly" in shorts like Mike, he hasn't been as productive as his athleticism might lead you to believe once the chin-straps are buckled. Jordan led the Ducks as a junior with 13 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks, but wasn't as productive in 2012 (10.5 tackles for loss, five sacks) and has struggled with nagging injuries throughout his career.

29. *Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State: In terms of pure talent, Hankins deserves to be ranked among the top five prospects in the country. With light feet and shocking athleticism for a man listed at 6-3, 320 pounds, Hankins can be a superstar. Unfortunately, his motor too often appears to be in neutral rather than overdrive. After registering an impressive 11 tackles for loss in a breakout sophomore campaign, the Buckeye defender had just five this season, including only one sack. Despite his drop in production, Hankins is entering the 2013 draft. He clearly has talent, but so too did other notable Ohio State busts like Vernon Gholston and Dan Wilkinson.

30. * Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU: Mingo possesses the frame (6-5, 240 pounds) and athleticism to warrant top 10 consideration, but at this point he remains a largely unpolished product who relies on his natural tools rather than technique to make plays. Given Mingo's upside, it is easy to imagine him terrorizing NFL quarterbacks off the edge as a multi-dimensional defender. Considering Mingo's relatively pedestrian numbers (38 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks) this season, as well as the struggles of other former highly regarded LSU defensive linemen in the NFL, the general manager who selects him that high is rolling the dice.

31. Johnathan Jenkins, DT, Georgia: Like his fellow SEC run-stuffer, Jesse Williams, Jenkins does not possess the elite statistics (50 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack) that normally are associated with first-round picks. At 6-3, 358 pounds, however, Jenkins certainly possesses the beef to clog running lanes and is experienced at both nose guard and defensive end in the 3-4 alignment. Despite having only played two seasons at the FCS level, he's proven himself against top competition in the SEC and at the Senior Bowl.

32. Manti Te'o, ILB, Notre Dame: More decorated than a wedding cake, Te'o has earned an astounding seven national awards since leading the Irish to an undefeated regular season and a berth in the BCS title game. While the NFL couldn't care less about a collegiate prospect's stocked trophy case, it is tough not to acknowledge the relative safety that the 6-2, 255-pound Te'o provides as an instinctive, physical defender capable of making big plays against the run and pass. However, Te'o must have a strong pre-draft process after struggling in the title game and then admitting to lying as part of an admittedly embarrassing "hoax" that hit the national stage Jan. 16.

The second tier

33. * Alec Ogletree, ILB, Georgia: Ogletree could drop due to character concerns but he is a spectacular athlete with undeniable upside; normally might warrant top-15 consideration.

34. * Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame: Possessing soft hands and excellent body control, Eifert is the prototypical security blanket, though to earn a first round grade he'll need to answer questions about his straight-line speed.

35. Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State: Lanky ball hawk who must prove his speed to warrant first-round consideration.

36. * Kevin Minter, ILB, LSU: Instinctive and physical, Minter was the most dependable player on an LSU defense chock-full of prospective NFL talent.

37. Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas: The most consistent of the quarterbacks throughout the critical first three practices of the Senior Bowl, likely pushing him back into the first-round mix.

38. * Matt Elam, SS, Florida: An instinctive defender with a knack for making the big play in big games, everything about Elam's game is big ... except his 5-10, 205-pound frame.

39. * Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU: High-effort pass rusher who looks the part at 6-5, 260 pounds, but doesn't consistently win one-on-one battles due to stiffness in his upper body. Plays with top effort, however, and has the strength and determination to be equally effective vs. the run as well as the pass.

40. Quinton Patton, WR, Louisiana Tech: Patton may lack the name recognition of the rest of this strong, if not elite, receiver class but he was clearly the most polished wideout in Mobile.

41. Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin: While perhaps not possessing any one dominant trait, Ball's all-around game brings back memories of another No. 28 -- Hall of Famer Curtis Martin.



42. Jonathan Cyprien, SS, Florida International: The ultra-physical Cyprien was dynamic in Mobile, erasing my previous concerns about his level of competition. If he runs well in Indianapolis, Cyprien could push for a spot in the first round.

43. * DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson: A polished route-runner who plays with speed and physicality, Hopkins is earning first round grades from some teams.

44. Larry Warford, OG, Kentucky: Overshadowed in this class by Warmack and Cooper, the powerful Warford is a legitimate top 50 prospect in his own right.

45. * Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama: Nursing a slightly torn hamstring, Lacy won't workout at the combine. If he can prove his speed at his March 13 Pro Day, however, he could join former teammates Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson as the top backs of their respective draft classes.

46. Khaseem Green, OLB, Rutgers: Safety-turned-linebacker, Greene is a turnover machine (played a role in 24 turnovers over his career), and a future NFL star as a 4-3 weakside linebacker.

47. * Eric Reid, FS, LSU: Terrific in run support but questionable instincts, fluidity could make him a liability in coverage in the NFL.

48. Markus Wheaton, WR, Oregon State: Too slim of a build to earn first-round consideration but has elusiveness and straight-line speed.

49. Phillip Thomas, FS, Fresno State: A Thorpe Award candidate with an FBS-leading leading eight interceptions (including three returned for touchdowns), Thomas is the best safety most haven't heard of.

50. * Joseph Randle, RB, Oklahoma State: Scouts worry about the fact that Randle's success came out of a spread offense but his agility and speed make him arguably the draft's most elusive back... at 6-0, 200-pounds.

Just missed the cut

51. * Robert Woods, WR, USC

52. Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor

53. * Logan Ryan, CB, Rutgers

54. Arthur Brown, OLB, Kansas State

55. Cornelius Carradine, DE, Florida State

56. * Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee

57. * Menelik Watson, OT, Florida State

58. Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina

59. Kiko Alonso, ILB, Oregon

60. E.J. Manuel, QB, Florida State

61. Brandon Williams, DT, Missouri Southern

62. Terron Armstread, OT, Arkansas Pine-Bluff

63. Da'Rick Rodgers, WR, Tennessee Tech

64. * Gavin Escobar, TE, San Diego State
 
Looking over this RB class, Le'Veon Bell could be an interesting proposition. Looks doughy and will probably run some really slow times at the combine. But he's huge and when you watch him on the field, he's actually got some quickness and wiggle. He can also catch passes. If nothing else, he presents a pretty big contrast from the typical RB prospect. Can't remember seeing one like him in the past few years.

 
Looking over this RB class, Le'Veon Bell could be an interesting proposition. Looks doughy and will probably run some really slow times at the combine. But he's huge and when you watch him on the field, he's actually got some quickness and wiggle. He can also catch passes. If nothing else, he presents a pretty big contrast from the typical RB prospect. Can't remember seeing one like him in the past few years.
Eric Shelton. Pass.
 
Looking over this RB class, Le'Veon Bell could be an interesting proposition. Looks doughy and will probably run some really slow times at the combine. But he's huge and when you watch him on the field, he's actually got some quickness and wiggle. He can also catch passes. If nothing else, he presents a pretty big contrast from the typical RB prospect. Can't remember seeing one like him in the past few years.
Eric Shelton. Pass.
He's a much more dynamic runner than Shelton. Not going to be Jerome Bettis, but he's got some nifty moves for his size.Check out this play.
 
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Looking over this RB class, Le'Veon Bell could be an interesting proposition. Looks doughy and will probably run some really slow times at the combine. But he's huge and when you watch him on the field, he's actually got some quickness and wiggle. He can also catch passes. If nothing else, he presents a pretty big contrast from the typical RB prospect. Can't remember seeing one like him in the past few years.
Eric Shelton. Pass.
He's a much more dynamic runner than Shelton. Not going to be Jerome Bettis, but he's got some nifty moves for his size.Check out this play.
Even with the big gain he didn't look good doing it. He looked like he was running in quick sand.
 
Looking over this RB class, Le'Veon Bell could be an interesting proposition. Looks doughy and will probably run some really slow times at the combine. But he's huge and when you watch him on the field, he's actually got some quickness and wiggle. He can also catch passes. If nothing else, he presents a pretty big contrast from the typical RB prospect. Can't remember seeing one like him in the past few years.
Eric Shelton. Pass.
He's a much more dynamic runner than Shelton. Not going to be Jerome Bettis, but he's got some nifty moves for his size.Check out this play.
Same thing they said about Shelton at the time. You don't become a 2nd round draft pick (as a RB) without some sense of being "dynamic" against college competition.
 
The Shelton comp is a good one IMO. Though I think Bell is both slower and not as good a rusher. If he doesn't end up getting nicked to death or suffer major injuries I'll be surprised.

 
I can't get past the fact that Le'Veon Bell is from the Big 10, which has been notorious for producing duds at the RB position. Sure there is always the exception, like E. George. But by and large if you had just followed this simple rule you would have avoided lots of disappointment.

 
Yea, I'm not saying he's some kind of a star in waiting. Big, slow-moving targets aren't exactly the rage in today's NFL.I'm just saying he has a unique skill set. Huge back with good receiving skills and some wiggle. Some team is going to be intrigued and take him in the 3rd-4th, provided he doesn't run horrid 40 times (which he probably will).

 
'JohnnyU said:
'cstu said:
Looking over this RB class, Le'Veon Bell could be an interesting proposition. Looks doughy and will probably run some really slow times at the combine. But he's huge and when you watch him on the field, he's actually got some quickness and wiggle. He can also catch passes. If nothing else, he presents a pretty big contrast from the typical RB prospect. Can't remember seeing one like him in the past few years.
Eric Shelton. Pass.
He's a much more dynamic runner than Shelton. Not going to be Jerome Bettis, but he's got some nifty moves for his size.Check out this play.
Even with the big gain he didn't look good doing it. He looked like he was running in quick sand.
I agree, haha
 
CFN has posted some pretty great analysis of this draft class. These guys are strictly college football and they actually watch a lot of games, so they tend to have a really good handle on the players. I agree with a lot of their conclusions.

Top 10 QBs

Other QBs

Top 10 RBs

Other RBs

Top 10 WRs

Other WRs

Top 10 TEs

Other TEs

Really like some of their takes. I think they nailed Tavon Austin. I would have Da'Rick, Wheaton, Wilson, and Harper higher, but if you actually read their analysis they usually provide a pretty good overview of any given player and what he brings to the table.

I like the Barkley > Geno and Eifert > Ertz calls.

 
People are sleeping on Chad Bumphis:http://rotoviz.com/index.php/2013/02/sounding-the-cowbell-on-mississippi-states-chad-bumphis/

 
People are sleeping on Chad Bumphis:http://rotoviz.com/index.php/2013/02/sounding-the-cowbell-on-mississippi-states-chad-bumphis/
i remember seeing him play and w/o going player for player down the list think he should have at least garnered a combine invite.
 
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Amazing part about Austin's run is he doesn't even look like a classically trained sprinter. Could he be faster with more training?

 
CJ Anderson: 5'8", 220, ran a 4.60, moderate results at drills. He'll probably be a late-round pick and would probably be productive if he lucks into the right situation (like Hillis).

 
CJ Anderson: 5'8", 220, ran a 4.60, moderate results at drills. He'll probably be a late-round pick and would probably be productive if he lucks into the right situation (like Hillis).
I kind of liked him when I saw Cal play this past season. I don't think he's quite athletic enough to be anything more than a backup in the NFL though. Watching him run his 40, there was no explosion or burst.
 
CJ Anderson: 5'8", 220, ran a 4.60, moderate results at drills. He'll probably be a late-round pick and would probably be productive if he lucks into the right situation (like Hillis).
I kind of liked him when I saw Cal play this past season. I don't think he's quite athletic enough to be anything more than a backup in the NFL though. Watching him run his 40, there was no explosion or burst.
I agree, but there's a long list of backups who've been productive when they've lucked into the right situation. I don't think anyone will draft him to be a starter.
 
Here are my updated RB rankings (updated from my pre-combine rankings from Feb and Jan). These are based on my own impressions, formed from watching video, looking at college stats, combine numbers, injury history, and reports about injuries & character. I'm trying to ignore reputation and make these my independent rankings, which has served me pretty well so far (my initial rankings had Christine Michael & Knile Davis as tier 2 / top 9 RBs, with Stepfan Taylor & Joseph Randle down in tier 4).

The main changes since January have been gradual attrition as a few of the guys I liked initially have slipped down the rankings; no one has risen very far. My top 2 tiers have shrunk from 9 players to 7 to 6 (so long to Barner, Gillislee, and Ball from my original Tier 2), and my top 3 tiers have gone from 14 to 13 to 9 (so long to Graham and Ellington from my original Tier 3). There has also been some reshuffling within tiers, and Lacy has established himself in his own tier on top. I'm pretty settled on the tiers (until new info comes out), but much less so on the ordering within tiers. I'm half-inclined to keep tinkering with my Tier 2 rankings right now, but instead I'll just post this:

Tier 1

Eddie Lacy (previously: RB1, Tier 1)

Tier 2

Knile Davis (previously: RB7, Tier 2b)

Christine Michael (previously: RB4, Tier 2a)

Marcus Lattimore (previously: RB3, Tier 2a)

Giovani Bernard (previously: RB2, Tier 2a)

Johnathan Franklin (previously: RB5, Tier 2b)

Tier 3

Zac Stacy (previously: RB9, Tier 3)

D.J. Harper (previously: RB13, Tier 3)

Le'Veon Bell (previously: RB11, Tier 3)

Tier 4

Spencer Ware (previously: RB14, Tier 4)

Montee Ball (previously: RB6, Tier 2b)

Kenjon Barner (previously: RB15, Tier 4)

Andre Ellington (previously: RB10, Tier 3)

Cierre Wood (previously: RB12, Tier 3)

Mike Gillislee (previously: RB8, Tier 3)

Not Enough Info

Michael Ford

Mike James

Matthew Tucker

C.J. Anderson

Chris Thompson

Dennis Johnson (previously: RB18, Tier 4)

Miguel Maysonet

Cameron Marshall (previously: RB22, Tier 4)

Others

Joseph Randle (previously: RB16, Tier 4)

Kerwynn Williams (previously: RB20, Tier 4)

Rex Burkhead (previously: RB19, Tier 4)

Stefphon Jefferson

George Winn

Montel Harris

Theo Riddick

Jawan Jamison (previously: RB23, Tier 4)

Stepfan Taylor (previously: RB21, Tier 4)

Ray Graham (previously: RB17, Tier 4)

Onterio McCalebb

Robbie Rouse

Tier 2 is tough to rank - Davis, Michael, and Lattimore all have injury questions, and none of them was all that great in terms of college production. Davis's 2010 was probably the best season that any of them had, followed by most of Lattimore's career. Christine Michael was pretty average and Davis's 2012 was a disaster. Gio and Franklin profile pretty similarly - they were both extremely elusive and effective in college, but they're smallish and not all that fast (just slightly above average speed), which is a tough profile to succeed with in the NFL. They also don't seem to have the elite agility of most successful small shifty backs (like Ray Rice, Bradshaw, and Sproles). So my current inclination is to let the impressive combine performances of Davis and Michael push them to the top of the tier.

In Tier 3, Stacy and Harper seem to be getting overlooked. They both look like strong all-around RBs, although they're not especially elite at anything. Pretty good size (5'8"-5'9", 210s), pretty good speed (4.52-4.55), pretty good production, pretty good numbers on the drills (especially the bench, and Stacy's 3 cone drill). Stacy also has one of the

I've seen (count the defenders in the first play of that video), and Harper has shown some nice down-the-field receiving skills.With some of the "Not Enough Info" guys I haven't watched video or looked at their college stats, and with others I don't have a 40 time or an official height & weight. They have a chance to join Tier 4, or maybe even Tier 3. I'll also be watching what the Tier 4 guys do at their Pro Days - with fast enough 40 times they have a chance to move up to Tier 3. I normally focus on combine times, but Ware didn't run at the combine, Barner had a fast last 30 yards after a slow start, and Ellington pulled up at the end of his 40.

 
@KevinW_ESPNWatched some tape of Gio Bernard this week. Love his feet and instincts but not overly impressed. Limited power and yards after contact.@KevinW_ESPN Thought when healthy Jawan Jamison was a more explosive runner than Bernard on tape. Can creates more yards on his own + finishes stronger
Jamison averaged 4.2 YPC. Bernard 6.7. Who's more explosive?
Poor measuring stick.
Bernard: 4.53 official, 4.50 unofficial, 1.53 10-yardJamison: 4.68 official, 4.50 unofficial, 1.66 10-yardGood enough measuring stick for you?
 

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