[Dynasty] 2014 Draft Prospects (1 Viewer)

NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah compared Clemson junior WR Sammy Watkins to Torrey Smith based on first impressions.
"The more I watch Sammy Watkins, the more I like him," Jeremiah tweeted. "He's extremely explosive and he has a little more wiggle than I first thought." We expect Watkins to be a more refined receiver than Torrey Smith was coming out of college, displaying the ability to be more than just a vertical threat early in his career.

Source: Daniel Jeremiah on Twitter

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ESPN's Brock Huard lists Alabama senior A.J. McCarron as the No. 3 QB in college football.
Huard singled out McCarron's 10:1 touchdown to interception ratio and noted that statistic would have been impressive even in 7 on 7 drills. "McCarron will be asked to do more this season, there is going to be more command, but you can't detract what he has done on a good team." We aren't as high on McCarron's NFL projection unless he improves his downfield ability.

Source: ESPN

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CBS Sports' Dane Brugler calls Rutgers redshirt junior WR Brandon Coleman an "elite talent with first-round ability."
"While his size is often the attribute most talked about, it's Coleman's feet that give him his biggest advantage, as he routinely defeats press coverage with an explosive first step, and then agility and quickness to surpass his opponent within the first five yards," Brugler noted. The senior receiver class isn't strong, so Coleman could be mentioned in the first-round range along with Sammy Watkins and Marqise Lee.


Source: CBS Sports

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Faust said:

Rotoworld:

CBS Sports' Dane Brugler calls Rutgers redshirt junior WR Brandon Coleman an "elite talent with first-round ability."
"While his size is often the attribute most talked about, it's Coleman's feet that give him his biggest advantage, as he routinely defeats press coverage with an explosive first step, and then agility and quickness to surpass his opponent within the first five yards," Brugler noted. The senior receiver class isn't strong, so Coleman could be mentioned in the first-round range along with Sammy Watkins and Marqise Lee.


Source: CBS Sports

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matttyl said:

Any rough guess at this time as to where the likes of Watkins, Lee and Coleman will be on dynasty rankings a year from now? Will all 3 likely be ranked higher a year from now than T Austin is ranked now?

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wdcrob said:

Faust said:

Rotoworld:

CBS Sports' Dane Brugler calls Rutgers redshirt junior WR Brandon Coleman an "elite talent with first-round ability."
"While his size is often the attribute most talked about, it's Coleman's feet that give him his biggest advantage, as he routinely defeats press coverage with an explosive first step, and then agility and quickness to surpass his opponent within the first five yards," Brugler noted. The senior receiver class isn't strong, so Coleman could be mentioned in the first-round range along with Sammy Watkins and Marqise Lee.


Source: CBS Sports

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I try not to make hard predictions before the combine, but my initial thoughts are that he looks more like Ramses Barden than Plaxico Burress.

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Xue said:

wdcrob said:

Faust said:

Rotoworld:

CBS Sports' Dane Brugler calls Rutgers redshirt junior WR Brandon Coleman an "elite talent with first-round ability."
"While his size is often the attribute most talked about, it's Coleman's feet that give him his biggest advantage, as he routinely defeats press coverage with an explosive first step, and then agility and quickness to surpass his opponent within the first five yards," Brugler noted. The senior receiver class isn't strong, so Coleman could be mentioned in the first-round range along with Sammy Watkins and Marqise Lee.


Source: CBS Sports

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I try not to make hard predictions before the combine, but my initial thoughts are that he looks more like Ramses Barden than Plaxico Burress.

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I'd agree with you. Coleman is overrated. Big, fast, strong, but poor catching technique.

Another Marcus Davis.

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NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah compared USC senior RB Silas Redd to Javon Ringer.
Jeremiah notes Redd has "average size (and) speed but runs hard inside." The senior made news last offseason after transferring from Penn State, but he dealt with injuries and ball security issues during his first season in Southern California. Redd is talented and should have a better showing in 2013.

Source: Daniel Jeremiah on Twitter

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Faust said:

Rotoworld:

NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah compared USC senior RB Silas Redd to Javon Ringer.
Jeremiah notes Redd has "average size (and) speed but runs hard inside." The senior made news last offseason after transferring from Penn State, but he dealt with injuries and ball security issues during his first season in Southern California. Redd is talented and should have a better showing in 2013.

Source: Daniel Jeremiah on Twitter

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NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah notes Baylor junior RB Lache Seastrunk has some serious juice.
Jeremiah admits Seastrunk "is a little stiff" and the running back "needs work in pass pro" currently "taking charges like Battier." The Bear's upfield speed is excellent, displaying the ability to turn short gains into long ones, but his vision can be equally as frustrating at times.


Source: Daniel Jeremiah on Twitter

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CBS Sports' Dane Brugler was pleasantly surprised by Kansas State senior RB John Hubert.
Brugler notes Hubert has a "smallish frame (5-7, 190) but light feet and change of direction. Runs tough but won't do much after contact." Obviously Collin Klein drew most of the national attention last season, but Hubert could make a name for himself has the focal point of the Wildcats' offense.


Source: Dane Brugler on Twitter

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Arizona junior RB Ka'Deem Carey does not posses a "wow" trait, according to NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah.
Jeremiah calls Carey a "solid all-around" running back, but the lack of a notable skill is disheartening. As a sophomore in 2012, Carey made a name for himself by leading the nation in rushing, averaging 6.37 yards per carry along the way. Expect his name to be mentioned among the top rushers in the game this season, if only because of his production.


Source: Daniel Jeremiah on Twitter

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tdmills said:

Faust said:

Rotoworld:

NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah compared USC senior RB Silas Redd to Javon Ringer.
Jeremiah notes Redd has "average size (and) speed but runs hard inside." The senior made news last offseason after transferring from Penn State, but he dealt with injuries and ball security issues during his first season in Southern California. Redd is talented and should have a better showing in 2013.

Source: Daniel Jeremiah on Twitter

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Redd is better than Javon Ringer.

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Oklahoma senior WR Jalen Saunders drew a comparison to Desean Jackson from former NFL scout John Middlekauff.
Middlekauff calls Saunders a "special player" but does note he isn't as "twitchy" as Jackson. We should note Middlekauff was on the Fresno State staff when Saunders joined the program, but that shouldn't take away from the receiver's obvious talent. He emerged as a got to presence in the slot for the Sooners, but there could be questions surrounding Oklahoma's passing game this year.

Source: John Middlekauff on Twitter

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Former NFL scout John Middlekauff notes evaluators "put a lot of stock in level of competition."
He added that is "why so many SEC guys go so high and dominate NFL rosters." There are plenty of reasons for this, for one the teams they are playing against are consistently more talented. Also, the prospects who play in bigger conferences enter the NFL with some kind of big game or large atmosphere experience.

Source: John Middlekauff on Twitter

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CBS Sports' Dane Brugler believes Kansas senior RB James Sims is the school's second best prospect.
Jayhawks head coach Charlie Weis has compared Sims to Terrell Davis. The running back has the "shifty feet to make defenders miss, but also runs with deceiving strength and balance, using his pad level and toughness to pick up yards after contact," writes Brugler. Sims has some off field questions which has forced him to miss time, but he is a talented runner.

Source: CBS Sports

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Aaron Hernandez's newsworthy off-field actions are making some schools grow more cautious of adding junior RB Michael Dyer, according to George Schroeder of USA Today.
Western Kentucky, Troy, Illinois State, Marshall and UAB were interested in Dyer at some point, but teams are reportedly backing away from the talented running back. The former Auburn Tiger said he would walk on at Arkansas if they would accept him, but Schroeder cites sources who say the school might not be totally receptive to the idea.

Source: USA Today

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At least sixteen of the top collegiate QBs are currently attending the Manning Passing Academy, which ends on July 14.
That list includes: Texas’ David Ash, Clemson’s Tajh Boyd, Louisville’s Teddy Bridgewater, Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel, Oregon’s Marcus Mariota, Alabama’s A.J. McCarron, Georgia’s Aaron Murray, Wyoming's Brett Smith, Ole Miss' Bo Wallace, LSU's Zach Mettenberger, Tulane's Nick Montana, Florida's Jeff Driskel, South Carolina's Connor Shaw, UNC's Bryn Renner, Nevada’s Cody Fajardo, and Mississippi State's Brett Russell. We expect more names to emerge, but this is the reported list thus far.

Source: Star-Tribune

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ESPN's Chris Mortensen talked with Manning Passing Academy officials who adamantly disputed reports that Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel was sent home due to "partying."
"Johnny Manziel did participate in some activities in the 2013 Manning Passing Academy as a college counselor/coach," the statement said. "After missing and being late for practice assignments, Johnny explained that he had been feeling ill. Consequently, we agreed that it was in everyone's best interest for him to go home a day early." The initial report stated Manziel missed meetings on Saturday morning after "a night on the town" on Friday. The Aggie quarterback did not finish the camp, but Peyton Manning noted counselors leave early every year, for various reasons. Peyton also invited Manziel back for next year's camp.

Source: ESPN

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Texas A&M redshirt sophomore QB Johnny Manziel was sent home from the Manning Passing Academy, according to Yard Barker.
The report states Archie Manning sent Manziel home for a number of reasons. The Aggie quarterback apparently showed up late on Saturday after spending "a night on the town" on Friday. "Camp officials told local media that Manziel 'is sick' and was no longer at the camp," the report states. "But our source claims he was kicked out." The site updated their original post, adding Manziel missed multiple meetings on Saturday morning without informing anyone of his absence. "Most people at the camp assume he simply slept through them."

Source: Yard Barker

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While attending the Manning Passing Academy, NFL Network's Bucky Brooks noted UNC senior QB Bryn Renner showed "better tools than expected."
Renner "throws a nice ball (with) zip, but also capable of changing speeds," Brooks tweeted. "Love arc and touch on deep ball." Renner plays in an up-tempo, no huddle offense, but consistently displays patience with route progressions. That ability to work through second and third reads makes up for his lack of ideal velocity.

Source: Bucky Brooks on Twitter

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Michigan junior QB Devin Gardner "might be the next Ryan Tannehill," according to NFL.com's Bucky Brooks.
Brooks went on to tweet that Gardner has "limited experience, but athletic and a ultra-talented passer." The Wolverine spent a majority of his time at receiver, but Gardner stayed equally as prepared at quarterback as well, the same approach Tannehill took at Texas A&M. Brooks added Gardner has "great physical tools" and a "big arm" but we are more impressed when he flashes professional pocket movement.

Source: Bucky Brooks on Twitter

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NFL Network's Bucky Brooks noted Alabama senior QB A.J. McCarron "is as polished as they come as a pocket passer."
Brooks went on to tweet McCarron has "quick feet" and "sound mechanics" from the pocket. The Alabama quarterback "spins it well with velocity and zip. Good ball placement, too." McCarron does show positive footwork in the pocket, but we worry about his downfield arm and willingness to consistently test coverages beyond fifteen yards.

Source: Bucky Brooks on Twitter

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Miami senior QB Stephen Morris won the Manning Passing Academy skills competition.
Around 40 of the top quarterbacks in college football attended the event, but we are not surprised by Morris' success. Our own Josh Norris evaluated the Hurricane quarterback a month ago and placed him in the top tier of senior passers, and was close to putting him at the top. Morris lost his offensive coordinator, but he has solid pocket movement, a downfield arm, and a willingness to test defenses.

Source: Chris Mortensen on Twitter

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Faust said:

Rotoworld:

ESPN's Chris Mortensen talked with Manning Passing Academy officials who adamantly disputed reports that Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel was sent home due to "partying."
"Johnny Manziel did participate in some activities in the 2013 Manning Passing Academy as a college counselor/coach," the statement said. "After missing and being late for practice assignments, Johnny explained that he had been feeling ill. Consequently, we agreed that it was in everyone's best interest for him to go home a day early." The initial report stated Manziel missed meetings on Saturday morning after "a night on the town" on Friday. The Aggie quarterback did not finish the camp, but Peyton Manning noted counselors leave early every year, for various reasons. Peyton also invited Manziel back for next year's camp.

Source: ESPN

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Texas A&M redshirt sophomore QB Johnny Manziel was sent home from the Manning Passing Academy, according to Yard Barker.
The report states Archie Manning sent Manziel home for a number of reasons. The Aggie quarterback apparently showed up late on Saturday after spending "a night on the town" on Friday. "Camp officials told local media that Manziel 'is sick' and was no longer at the camp," the report states. "But our source claims he was kicked out." The site updated their original post, adding Manziel missed multiple meetings on Saturday morning without informing anyone of his absence. "Most people at the camp assume he simply slept through them."

Source: Yard Barker

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Just a kid sewing some oats? Or Ryan Leaf II?

First, the story about Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel, the Heisman winner, getting sent home from the Manning Passing Academy in Thibodaux, La., on Saturday. It's an NFL story, at least in part, because Manziel is likely to play one more season at Texas A&M, then declare for the NFL following his second season in college. And it is because Peyton, Eli and Archie Manning run the camp, and they're the first family of NFL quarterbacks.

Understand the way the Manning camp works. Approximately 1,200 aspiring quarterbacks, grades eight through 12, go to Nicholls (La.) State University in Thibodaux, La., for a long weekend every July to be tutored by quarterback coaches, college quarterbacks and the Manning boys themselves. The campers arrive on Thursday, take the field Friday and Saturday, watch a throwing exhibition by the college and pro quarterbacks there Saturday night, then leave late Sunday morning. One of the draws is having some top quarterbacks come -- and not just the Mannings. Kids are excited to be in the presence of quarterbacks like Johnny Manziel, who was assigned to one group of between 12 to 16 young passers.

Manziel was spotted at a bar in Thibodaux early Friday morning, and he was late for one of the Friday coaching sessions. No one's sure where he was Friday night, but he was a no-show for a two-hour session Saturday morning, and the staff had to cover for him. (Imagine you're a high school sophomore, you're excited about coming to the Manning camp, and, as if that's not enough, you walk in for orientation Thursday night and hear, "Johnny Football's going to be your counselor.'' You're all jacked up, and then you show up Saturday for a two-hour workout with Manziel ... and he's nowhere to be found. Not good.)

Confronted by the staff early Saturday afternoon, Manziel said he wasn't feeling well and had to miss the Saturday session. Even if that were true, the staff wasn't pleased that Manziel never called and left the coaches short-handed. It was then that someone -- Archie, by some reports -- told Manziel it would be best for everyone if he went home.

Home, 400 miles away in College Station, would seem to be a good place to get some rest Saturday night and recover from whatever ailed him. But two Twitter followers tweeted out information early Sunday morning that Manziel was at a bar in College Station, and one tweeted a photo of a white-t-shirted Manziel in a bar there. At 1:27 a.m.:

Brody @Chaz_Cake

Wasssuppp Johnny manziel is at the hookah station

11:27 PM - 13 Jul 2013
On Sunday, Manziel's dad, Paul Manziel, texted Kate Hairopoulos of the Dallas Morning News that Johnny was "resting and recuperating from dehydration."

That's quite a tale.

So why does this matter? Manziel is a tremendous multi-purpose talent as a quarterback. But his size (6-foot-0 and 195 pounds, approximately) and suspect arm strength will work against him when the NFL studies him. The Russell Wilson and Drew Brees examples will help convince teams that short guys can play, but Wilson and Brees are Eagle Scouts. No team will ever have to worry about either off the field. Manziel's already been arrested at Texas A&M once, for a 2012 altercation. He's got a party-boy rep, deserved or not. When he's studied by NFL teams, either next offseason or in 2015, they'll dig in to all of this stuff. And the lack of responsibility -- letting down the Manning family in being a no-show for a commitment coaching kids -- is the kind of red flag every team will ask about.

You remember how Ryan Leaf became such a shaky pick after Peyton Manning in the 1998 draft. Leaf's immaturity and drinking doomed his NFL career. It's unfair to compare Manziel to Leaf -- at least now. But you have to understand NFL GMs and scouts. Things like this passing academy gaffe will stick in their minds, and they'll wonder how much of an off-field chance they'd be taking with Manziel. If Manziel doesn't want to make his stock plummet, he'd better start partying a little more carefully, and with some hydration.

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While Johnny Manziel's "dehydration" is getting all the headlines, there were many other high-profile college quarterbacks who participated at the Manning Passing Academy.

Since the 2013 NFL Draft ended we've been starving for some Mike Mayock.

The scouting guru attended the academy this past weekend, and Monday morning on NFL Network's "NFL AM" he broke down some of the juniors and seniors we one day could see playing on Sundays.

Seniors»Bryn Renner, North Carolina Tar Heels:

"He probably is the most polished of all the quarterbacks I saw," Mayock said. "Great feet, bigger kid than I thought -- (6-foot-3), 220 (pounds) -- ball comes out beautifully. His father is a highly recognized high school coach, so it doesn't surprise me that he is so polished."

»AJ McCarron, Alabama Crimson Tide:

"Kind of as advertised," Mayock said. "Ball comes out well, very, very smooth, great mechanics, good footwork. I think he's got good, but not great arm strength, and he is very accurate."

»Stephen Morris, Miami Hurricanes:

Mayock called Morris "the guy I really enjoyed" watching at the Manning camp and then raved about the senior.

"I thought he threw a beautiful football," Mayock said. "He's got a big arm. He won the 'Air It Out' challenge, which they do on the final night there, which is a test of accuracy. Stephen Morris has got great mechanics. He was coached by Jedd Fisch at Miami, who is now the offensive coordinator with (the) Jacksonville (Jaguars), and you can see that (Morris has) really been developed well the last couple of years."

Juniors»Devin Gardner, Michigan Wolverines:

"He's (6-foot-4), 210, he's got a buggy whip for an arm, he's highly athletic," said Mayock after pointing out Gardner started last year as a wide receiver. "He's raw as can be, but trust me, he's a redshirt junior, and this kid's got some ability. I'm really anxious to watch him develop this year."

»Jeff Driskel, Florida Gators:

"(Six-foot-4), 237," Mayock said. "This is a big, strong, prototype-looking kid. He's obviously and athlete. He ran the ball. I'm anxious to watch his tape this year and see how he develops into a passer."

Follow Kevin Patra on Twitter @kpatra.

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Let's be clear on something: Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel isn't a bad guy.

He didn't shoot anyone -- unless you count the six touchdowns he scored against SMU. He hasn't been arrested for beating up his girlfriend. There are no DUIs, battles with the NCAA or scraps with the FBI. There's nothing crazy happening with Manziel other than the fact he's a high-profile 20-year-old in a Facebook and Twitter world.

Manziel made news again when he departed the Manning passing camp after what camp officials described as an illness and Manziel's father described as "dehydration." Yes, his father said "dehydration."

What I can tell you is that the NFL has been watching Manziel closely. Not in an NSA monitoring sort of way, but in a curiosity sort of way. There has been a great debate in professional football since Manziel hit the scene, and that debate is a simple one: Will he be able to play in the NFL?

That debate remains, but another is also forming -- an unfair one, I believe: Does he have the maturity to play in the NFL?

One scout put it best: "Johnny is suffering from being in the Age of Hernandez."

This is what he meant (and I've heard this from other NFL team personnel over the past few days). The allegations against former New England Patriot Aaron Hernandez have rocked the NFL far more than the league or teams want to admit. It's believed that teams will now be so overly cautious that players will pay in the draft for even the silliest of things.

"What this means is that this coming season is his biggest," said the scout, who has watched Manziel extensively. "Not just on the field but off of it.

"Scouts want to see if he's matured."

Of course this is unfair. Manziel is 20. Think about all of the immature things you did at 20. Think about all of the immature things some have done at 40. Think about all of the times you were "dehydrated" when you were a 20-something. Think about all of the times you were "dehydrated" now.

But this is the new world. The Hernandez world. Every hiccup, every act, takes on meaning now. Things that would have been ignored in the past like "dehydration" now take on more relevance. Again, this is stupid. This is unfair but this is what the Hernandez case has wrought.

What the belief in the NFL is that Hernandez has hurt all college prospects, maybe for some years to come, because the microscope has gone sub-atomic. Miniscule mistakes become enlarged and small errors in judgment, even when you're a college kid, may now stick. Those mistakes will coalesce faster and stronger in the files of NFL teams.

Some will say this has long been the case, but that would be wrong. The Hernandez case has pushed the sport to another level of player scrutiny.

Scouts have been wondering about Manziel's maturity for some months now. When Manziel had a Twitter rant it raised some eyebrows across pro football but mostly shrugged shoulders. Now that rant is tossed into the hopper with other Manziel-isms.

It's unfair and silly, but in the Age of Hernandez, this is how it is. This is how it will be.

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When I was a young scout with the Seattle Seahawks, I remember then-coach Mike Holmgren and Ted Thompson (who was in the Seahawks' front office at the time) stressing the importance of evaluating quarterbacks in person.

Extensive film study can explain a quarterback's mastery of offensive concepts and defensive coverage, but there is nothing like seeing a quarterback perform on the field when it comes to determining whether he has the goods to compete in the NFL. From assessing arm strength to determining leadership skills, evaluators can gain a lot of insight by checking out a quarterback with their own eyes.

That's why it was important for me to make the trek down to the Manning Passing Academy in Louisiana, where I would get the chance to see 40-plus college quarterbacks counsel young players and conduct after-hours workouts under the tutelage of Peyton and Eli Manning. Here are five things that stood out to me after three days of watching some of college football's best quarterbacks perform on the grass:

1) Johnny Manziel will make for the most fascinating quarterback evaluation in recent history. There is no disputing the spectacular playmaking ability of the Texas A&M standout, whose unconventional game and inferior physical dimensions will force scouts and coaches to rethink their traditional methods for evaluating the position. Most offensive coordinators in the NFL prefer big, strong-armed quarterbacks capable of executing a regimented system. Manziel, however, is a diminutive playmaker who is most effective when playing "sandlot" football from the pocket. He excels at finding receivers downfield following wild scrambles, and his ability to put pressure on the defense with his improvisational skills makes him nearly indefensible at the college level.

Of course, while freelancing is great when it produces big plays, offensive coordinators prefer consistency, which requires quarterbacks to display discipline and patience from the pocket. Moreover, most offensive play callers want their quarterbacks to work through a series of progressions before they flee the pocket, because doing so forces opponents to defend the entire field in the passing game (this also partially stems from ego-driven coordinators' desire for schematics, and not the individual performance of their players, to get credit for offensive success, in the hopes of securing coveted head-coaching positions).

I talked to Manziel at the Manning Passing Academy before his headline-making early departure, and it's clear that he certainly understands the need to show scouts he can pick apart defenses from the pocket. He discussed handling SEC defenses' attempts to take away his running lanes and force him to throw with precision from the pocket. By acknowledging the tactics he's likely to face this season, Manziel is already demonstrating the awareness expected of elite signal-callers. Most offensive coordinators favor a selective scrambler in the mold of Russell Wilson over a run-first playmaker like Michael Vick, so the development of Manziel's pocket-passing skills is paramount to his final evaluation.

Manziel's status as a "rock star" will also challenge the way coaches and scouts approach him. As the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy, Manziel enjoys a cult-like following among fans, making him subject to endless rumors and speculation. This will force scouts to scour Manziel's background in an attempt to determine if he displays the maturity to handle the scrutiny and expectations that accompany being a franchise quarterback. Given the constant buzz surrounding Manziel's every action, the process of building his profile will be an exhaustive one for evaluators.

2) AJ McCarron is as pro-ready as they come at the position. The leader of the two-time national champions has been given the dreaded "game manager" label, thanks to his direction of Alabama's conservative offensive attack. However, a close examination of his overall game and physical tools suggests to me that he has all of the traits teams covet in a franchise signal-caller. After having a few casual conversations with McCarron at the camp, I believe he is a "team-first" quarterback obsessed with capturing rings rather than compiling impressive statistics. He repeatedly discussed doing "whatever it takes" to win as his primary responsibility with the Crimson Tide. He also discussed the importance of preparation and work ethic as keys to keeping his team in contention for future championships. As a former scout, I must say that McCarron's words reflect the kind of leadership potential teams are looking for.

From a physical standpoint, McCarron also displayed the tools to be a franchise quarterback at the next level, showing off polished footwork and mechanics as a pocket passer in drills. Most importantly, McCarron demonstrated superb arm strength, rifling balls to all areas of the field with excellent velocity and zip. Additionally, he showed better-than-anticipated range and touch on deep balls, consistently hitting receivers in stride on vertical routes. One of the concerns I had after watching him on tape was whether he can thrive in a vertical passing game, but his throwing exhibition at camp dispelled that worry. Of course, going through a series of workouts in shorts and shirts isn't comparable to playing in a game, but he still certainly provided a glimpse of the natural talent that could make him a top prospect in the 2014 NFL Draft.

3) Stephen Morris might be the most talented quarterback in college football. I say that even while fully aware of the gifted passers across the college football landscape. The Miami signal-caller's natural talents made him stand out above the rest of his peers at the throwing exhibition at the Manning Passing Academy. Morris spins the ball with exceptional velocity and zip while showing a deft touch on intermediate and deep passes. Most impressively, he is deadly accurate, capable of making pinpoint throws to every area of the field. This was evident not only when Morris won the air-it-out competition by hitting a variety of moving targets, but also when he connected with receivers on a number of intermediate throws, particularly on deep comebacks and digs.

After cross-referencing the notes from my evaluation of Morris' game tape with my observations from his performance at the Manning Passing Academy, I believe he could rate as one of the top pure passers in college football. He is an outstanding rhythm passer who displays terrific anticipation, awareness and timing in pocket. Although he only has one year of starting experience at Miami, Morris' remarkable physical tools and superb game-management skills could lead to him ranking highly on quarterback lists around the NFL.

4) Get ready for the Devin Gardner-Ryan Tannehill comparisons. NFL scouts love to compare college prospects to current pros based on playing styles, physical dimensions and backgrounds, and I expect evaluators to link Michigan's Gardner and the Miami Dolphins signal-caller based on their similarities as former receivers-turned-quarterbacks. Each player arrived at his respective school as a highly regarded quarterback prospect, but the presence of an established starter and a desire to take advantage of their athleticism led their coaches to put them on the field as wide receivers early in their collegiate careers.

For Gardner, the opportunity to play quarterback came in the middle of the 2011 season, when Denard Robinson missed four games with an injury. The redshirt junior shined as a fill-in, completing 59.5 percent of his passes for 1,219 yards with 11 and five interceptions in five starts. In addition, he added seven rushing scores (on 47 attempts) and totaled 16 receptions for 266 yards with four touchdowns.

Given Gardner's tremendous production and impressive physical dimensions (6-foot-4, 210 pounds), scouts were already intrigued by his potential as a possible dual-threat playmaker at the next level. After watching him perform in workouts this weekend, I believe that fascination will grow based on his spectacular talents as a passer. Gardner displayed superior arm strength in drills, showing the kind of zip and velocity to rival big-armed NFL passers like Cam Newton and Colin Kaepernick. Additionally, he demonstrated outstanding accuracy and ball placement in the throwing exhibition.

Of course, a workout doesn't fully simulate the challenges of making pinpoint throws under game pressure, but Gardner's strong showing in front of his peers, coupled with the impressive flashes displayed in game action in 2012, will have scouts paying close attention to him this fall.

5) Bryn Renner is the sleeper prospect to follow in the 2014 draft class. That the 2014 quarterback class is loaded with talent could prompt some teams to identify a few value picks early in the process. Renner could fall into that category based on his solid overall game and stellar production as a two-year starter at North Carolina. In 25 starts, the Tar Heels standout has passed for more 6,400 yards with a 54:20 touchdown-to-interception ratio while completing 66.7 percent of his throws. Not only do those numbers reflect his efficiency and effectiveness from the pocket, they speak volumes about his skills as a distributor in Larry Fedora's high-octane offense.

Ironically, Renner is thriving in a spread offense that masks several of his skills as a traditional pocket passer. As a result, scouts haven't been able to see his full repertoire of skills, leading some evaluators to rate him as a developmental prospect. After watching Renner work out in person, however, I believe that opinion could change drastically prior to the 2014 NFL Draft.

The way Renner tossed the ball around in drills showed me that he is a more advanced and polished passer than I gathered from film study. With polished footwork and better-than-anticipated arm strength, Renner is capable of making all of the throws with zip and velocity. He eased my concerns about his arm strength and deep-ball range by showing excellent touch and accuracy on vertical throws in drills. In fact, I believe Renner's high-arcing deep balls were among the best vertical throws made at the throwing competition. That's a testament to his skills, considering the level of talent in attendance.

Although Renner will finish out his collegiate career in a system that features "dink and dunk" passes, the fact that he possesses the physical tools to shine in any scheme will could make him a highly coveted prospect when draft day rolls around.

NOTES» I found it interesting that McCarron and Manziel both said Brett Favre was the NFL player they most admired growing up. Each cited his "gunslinger's mentality" as one of the traits they emulated; their adoration of the likely Hall of Famer was obvious in their conversation. While Manziel's game might resemble Favre's improvisational style, I thought the revelation spoke volumes about McCarron's confidence as a playmaker.

» Missouri's James Franklin will garner plenty of interest from NFL scouts searching for a dual-threat quarterback capable of executing the zone-read at the next level. The Tigers star produced a 3,000/1,000-yard season as a sophomore before slumping through a disappointing junior campaign riddled with injuries. At the camp, Franklin talked about using some of the leadership lessons learned from the Mannings to engineer a turnaround season. From conveying positivity in the huddle after poor plays to preparing better in the film room, Franklin believes an improved attitude can get him back on track in 2013.

Follow Bucky Brooks on Twitter @BuckyBrooks

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Sabertooth said:

Do the Qbs next year look better than this last crop?

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NFL General Managers "knew what was in the pipeline" in regards to 2014 and 2015 QB prospects when making decisions at the position during April's draft, according to NFL.com's Bucky Brooks.
Brooks calls the next two quarterback classes "loaded," and early evaluations seem to point that way as well. Whether it be a true pocket passer with "plus" mobility like Teddy Bridgewater, or improving mobile passers with big arms like Marcus Mariota and Brett Hundley, the talent is there to be picked. However, we still have a full season of evaluations ahead of that, so it is too early to immediately crown many of these prospects.


Source: Bucky Brooks on Twitter

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tdmills said:

Xue said:

wdcrob said:

Faust said:

Rotoworld:

CBS Sports' Dane Brugler calls Rutgers redshirt junior WR Brandon Coleman an "elite talent with first-round ability."
"While his size is often the attribute most talked about, it's Coleman's feet that give him his biggest advantage, as he routinely defeats press coverage with an explosive first step, and then agility and quickness to surpass his opponent within the first five yards," Brugler noted. The senior receiver class isn't strong, so Coleman could be mentioned in the first-round range along with Sammy Watkins and Marqise Lee.


Source: CBS Sports

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I try not to make hard predictions before the combine, but my initial thoughts are that he looks more like Ramses Barden than Plaxico Burress.

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I'd agree with you. Coleman is overrated. Big, fast, strong, but poor catching technique.

Another Marcus Davis.

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Coleman is much more accomplished than Davis at this point. He has 16 touchdowns in his 2 years at Rutgers>>>Davis' 4 year career at Va Tech. Coleman has 1270 yards in 2 years, Davis had just under 2000 in his 4 years.

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Rutgers redshirt junior WR Brandon Coleman is a "better version of Malcolm Floyd" based on first impressions, according to NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah.
Jeremiah calls Coleman a "huge, smooth athlete with sneaky speed." Coleman really is a massive receiver but he creates separation with footwork and size. If he can consistently dominate at the catch point, Coleman should be mentioned in the top 40 range. His downfield speed is underrated as well, thanks to long strides.


Source: Daniel Jeremiah on Twitter

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During the 2012 college football season the name that came out of nowhere to be a top star and win the Heisman Trophy was of course Mr. Johnny Football, Johnny Manziel.

As a redshirt freshman, Manziel accounted for an SEC-record 5,116 yards of total offense. He completed 295 of 434 passes for 3,706 yards and 26 TDs. He also ran for over 1,400 yards and 21 scores. His season was one of the greatest college seasons of all time and he earned every award he received.

As a third-year sophomore, there has already been a lot of talk about this being Manziel’s last season at Texas A&M and that he will enter next year’s NFL Draft. The question many are asking is if he is a legitimate NFL quarterback.

The answer is yes.

Can he be a high first-round pick? The answer again is yes. Here’s why.

Manziel does not have great size. He is listed as 6-1 and 200 pounds. I think that the 6-1 and the 200 may be a bit of a stretch but Manziel has rare athleticism and speed and that makes up for his size limitations. When scouting in the NFL you always ask yourself the question “who does he remind me of?” In this case the first player who came to my mind was Doug Flutie.

Flutie was small but he was a great playmaker. Manziel has more size then Flutie, has more speed and is probably a little better athlete. I think their arm strengths are similar as is their ability to make big plays.

The difference is that when Flutie was starring at Boston College, many colleges were playing in pro-style offenses. Today’s college game is dominated by spread offenses and this plays to Manziel’s traits. From watching tape I would say that Manziel has easily a sub 4.5 40-yard dash time. I would also say that when he tests in the agility drills he may be off the charts. He has rare change of direction and body control. His ability to keep plays alive or make plays with his feet is amazing. He has great open field run instincts. There are countless plays where Manziel uses his feet and quickness to get out of trouble and either run for big yardage or get the ball to an open receiver downfield. When you watch him running around with the ball his eyes are always looking for an open receiver.

I like the offense at Texas A&M. It is not a half-field read system. The QB has to read the whole field and that helps prepare Manziel for the NFL game. Manziel has good not great arm strength but he throws a tight ball and his ball placement and accuracy are good. The good thing about him is that when he is on the run he still throws the same type ball and has the same accuracy.

What gives the A&M offense a huge advantage is Manziel’s ability to run. Defenses have to be alert for that. Manziel shows a quick release and when his primary receivers aren’t open he is quick to take off. With his run skills he is a threat to make big yardage every time he takes off. This is a special trait that few QB’s have. When Michael Vick came out of Virginia Tech he had similar running skills but he did not have the passing skills or the pass game instincts that Manzeil has. In short, Manziel is very difficult to defend. He can be a defensive coordinator’s nightmare. With experience he is only going to get better.

Having great physical talent does not always make a player a top prospect. At the QB position character and leadership also come in to play. By the nature of the position, the QB is the team leader. Manziel shows leadership skills on the playing field and his teammates respect his ability to make plays. From what I hear and understand there are many who don’t respect him as a person. He has a cocky personality and some say that his notoriety has gone to his head. He can rub people the wrong way. I’ve heard some say they feel Manziel has a sense of entitlement. Not a good trait to have at the QB position. He is not the best worker in the weight room or in practice and his preparation would have to be graded a “B” not an “A.” Others have told me he can be “high maintenance.”

I’m not saying Manziel is a bad kid; he’s not. I think it has more to do with his maturity level. He is still just 20 years old and he does things a lot of immature 20 year olds do. Still, if he wants to become a successful NFL quarterback he is going to have to take things more seriously and become a complete leader. To be successful he has to be a leader both on and off the field and his work habits and prep have to be second to none. If that doesn’t happen, he will survive in the NFL for a little while because of his talent but he won’t become anywhere near the player he has the talent to be. Being a top prospect does not guarantee that he will become a top NFL player.

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Sabertooth said:

Do the Qbs next year look better than this last crop?

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The best-known player in the SWAC was nowhere to be found at Monday's SWAC media day, but Isaiah Crowell was the name most of the league's coaches mentioned when they were asked to name the most talented guy in the conference.

Crowell, as most of you probably recall, was a five-star recruit at Georgia who ran for 850 yards in 2011 to earn SEC Freshman of the Year honors. However, a string of off-field issues, including him failing drug tests and later being arrested and charged with two felonies and a misdemeanor led to his departure from the SEC powerhouse. Crowell resurfaced last season at Alabama State, where he rushed for 842 yards and 15 touchdowns for the Hornets -- and where bigger things are expected of the junior running back in 2013.

While each school brought two players along with their head coach, ASU didn't bring Crowell.

“He said he didn't want to miss class,” head coach Reggie Barlow explained to the Montgomery Advertiser over the weekend. “His Monday classes are really special to him.”

On Monday morning at the Birmingham Marriott, Barlow spoke of the growth Crowell has made, on and off the field.

"He's matured a bunch," said Barlow. "Going to Georgia and being 18 years old and being in that limelight is tough. But he's doing a good job for us, been a really good teammate and is working hard."

Barlow, a guy who spent eight seasons in the NFL as a wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Oakland Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, compared Crowell's on-field talents to those of Tennessee Titans star Chris Johnson.

"Isaiah can run with power, hit the home run at 227 pounds, and he catches the ball well," Barlow said.

Asked if Crowell has the similar kind of burst as Johnson (who ran in the 4.2s in the 40 at the NFL combine), Barlow nodded his head. "He can run in the low 4.4s, high 4.3s."

Alabama State, picked Monday by the SWAC media to win the East Division of the conference, must be pleased with the returns from the one-time Georgia Bulldog because this offseason Barlow has taken on a dozen more FBS transfers. In fact, ASU has so many former transfers from major college football programs, Barlow and two of his players struggled to rattle off all their names. The coach admitted it's more than usual, but there was a reason for it.

"It's the Isaiah Effect," he said.

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Redshirt sophomore QB Johnny Manziel apologized to Texas A&M coaches after he was reportedly "very upset" when leaving the Manning Passing Academy, according to ESPN's Joe Schad.
Apologizing for being ill or dehydrated? A source also told Schad that Manziel was asked to "come clean" as to why he did not finish his commitment to the Manning's camp. Not only is this making national headlines, the NFL scouting community is likely very interested in acquiring as much information as possible this fall.


Source: SportsCenter on Twitter

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Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net believes that Miami senior QB Stephen Morris is "underrated [and] overlooked."
"A lot of Colin Kaepernick in his game," writes Pauline, who adds that NFL scouts currently allot Morris a late-round grade, while Pauline himself believes Morris is a third- of fourth-round prospect. This much we know: Morris and Morris' draft stock are big winners this offseason. He won the Manning Passing Academy skills competition over the weekend and is being lauded by many, including Rotoworld's Josh Norris, as a high-grade senior quarterback.


Source: Tony Pauline on Twitter

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Some NFL scouts believe Oregon RB/WR DeAnthony Thomas will be "just a guy" in the NFL, according to former personnel man John Middlekauff.
Middlekauff says he strongly disagrees but had these conversations with some evaluations while on the scouting road last season. "I'm sure the Mamba will play more WR in 2013 and his development as a route runner should really start this year," Middlekauff tweeted. He's an electric playmaker with the ball in his hands, even between the tackles.


Source: John Middlekauff on Twitter

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Washington junior TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins drew a comparison to Mercedes Lewis from NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah.
Jeremiah went on to tweet Seferian-Jenkins' positives, including his "huge, strong hands" and that he is a redzone mismatch. When comparing ASJ to another PAC 12 tight end in Oregon's Colt Lyerla, Jeremiah says the Husky is a better blocker and more polished. Washington quarterback Keith Price regressed a bit last season, and his success will play a part in Seferian-Jenkins' development.


Source: Daniel Jeremiah on Twitter

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coolnerd said:

Sabertooth said:

Do the Qbs next year look better than this last crop?

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yes after the eliteness of 2012 and the awfulness of 2013, the one will be closer to average to good. think there is depth of guys w/o the Luck/RGIII level guy.

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lbouchard said:

coolnerd said:

Sabertooth said:

Do the Qbs next year look better than this last crop?

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yes after the eliteness of 2012 and the awfulness of 2013, the one will be closer to average to good. think there is depth of guys w/o the Luck/RGIII level guy.

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I think TB is a RGIII, but not Luck, level guy. Although very few have ever been a Luck level guy.

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lbouchard said:

coolnerd said:

Sabertooth said:

Do the Qbs next year look better than this last crop?

Click to expand...

yes after the eliteness of 2012 and the awfulness of 2013, the one will be closer to average to good. think there is depth of guys w/o the Luck/RGIII level guy.

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I think TB is a RGIII, but not Luck, level guy. Although very few have ever been a Luck level guy.

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Former Rams GM Billy Devaney believes Texas A&M redshirt sophomore QB Johnny Manziel "has been in the news way too much... for the wrong reasons."
"Nothing earth shattering by itself," Devaney elaborated, "but there is starting to be a pattern where there are little things, one after another. And I guarantee it has got the attention of nearly every NFL team wonder what is the deal with this guy." We suspect the Aggie quarterback will be a popular topic this week during SEC media days.


Source: ESPN

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03:31 – Mike Mayock gives a recap of the Manning Passing Academy and discusses which college quarterbacks impressed him the most on "NFL AM."

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Former NFL scout John Middlekauff really likes "everything about" San Jose State senior QB David Fales.
Middlekauff does question Fales' arm strength and height, which has been reported at just under 6'1.5". The former NFL evaluator went on to say Fales is "A timing and rhythm type QB, who was very in charge of the offense last season," but Middlekauff "just didn't see the explosive arm." We were very impressed with Fales' command of the offense and the pocket, but he might not fit a team that likes to frequently attack the field vertically.


Source: John Middlekauff on Twitter

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tdmills said:

lbouchard said:

coolnerd said:

Sabertooth said:

Do the Qbs next year look better than this last crop?

Click to expand...

yes after the eliteness of 2012 and the awfulness of 2013, the one will be closer to average to good. think there is depth of guys w/o the Luck/RGIII level guy.

Click to expand...

I think TB is a RGIII, but not Luck, level guy. Although very few have ever been a Luck level guy.

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TB isn't RGIII, different styles and athletes.

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lbouchard said:

tdmills said:

lbouchard said:

coolnerd said:

Sabertooth said:

Do the Qbs next year look better than this last crop?

Click to expand...

yes after the eliteness of 2012 and the awfulness of 2013, the one will be closer to average to good. think there is depth of guys w/o the Luck/RGIII level guy.

Click to expand...

I think TB is a RGIII, but not Luck, level guy. Although very few have ever been a Luck level guy.

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TB isn't RGIII, different styles and athletes.

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I didn't say he was.

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tdmills said:

lbouchard said:

tdmills said:

lbouchard said:

coolnerd said:

Sabertooth said:

Do the Qbs next year look better than this last crop?

Click to expand...

yes after the eliteness of 2012 and the awfulness of 2013, the one will be closer to average to good. think there is depth of guys w/o the Luck/RGIII level guy.

Click to expand...

I think TB is a RGIII, but not Luck, level guy. Although very few have ever been a Luck level guy.

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TB isn't RGIII, different styles and athletes.

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I didn't say he was.

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Due to the style/athletic...Bridgewater isn't on RGIII's level either. I think he's very overrated right now

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cstu said:

tdmills said:

lbouchard said:

tdmills said:

lbouchard said:

coolnerd said:

Sabertooth said:

Do the Qbs next year look better than this last crop?

Click to expand...

yes after the eliteness of 2012 and the awfulness of 2013, the one will be closer to average to good. think there is depth of guys w/o the Luck/RGIII level guy.

Click to expand...

I think TB is a RGIII, but not Luck, level guy. Although very few have ever been a Luck level guy.

Click to expand...

TB isn't RGIII, different styles and athletes.

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I didn't say he was.

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Due to the style/athletic...Bridgewater isn't on RGIII's level either. I think he's very overrated right now

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I agree that he's being over-rated by being compared to RG3/Luck, etc. but he's still has the potential to be a great QB. I think he's a Bradford/Stafford level prospect.

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DexterDew said:

I see Bridgewater closer to Luck than RGIII... RGIII might be my favorite recent QB prospect in terms of arm (accuracy/strength), athleticism and intelligence. I think Bridgewater will have above average measurables, but it is his character, toughness and leadership ability (which are not tangible) that makes him a very good QB prospect.

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