DYNASTY: 2012 Top college prospects (1 Viewer)

[Faust]

Luck sparks Stanford past USC

Posted Oct. 31, 2011 @ 9:41 a.m. ET

By Nolan Nawrocki

On prime-time television with a national championship on the line, Stanford QB Andrew Luck was at his best. He completed 10 passes in a row at one point in the second half, handled the two-minute drill with unfailing confidence and exuded leadership on the field as he directed four consecutive TD drives for a 56-48 triple-overtime win over USC. It took a strong effort by the 8-0 Cardinal to knock off Lane Kiffin's very well-coached Trojans, who appear to be hitting their stride late in the season.

Momentum appeared to shift late in the fourth quarter with roughly three minutes remaining and Stanford driving to break a 27-27 gridlock in the Los Angeles Coliseum. Luck tried fitting the ball between two Trojans defenders, where he anticipated WR Chris Owusu would break off his route. Instead, Owusu merely turned around and USC S Nickell Robey jumped the pass and returned it for a 33-yard pick-six that ignited the crowd.

Luck, who could be seen on the sideline thumping his own chest in conversation with Owusu after the play, clearly taking the blame, went right back to Owusu on the following drive, although he led him directly into the path of a heat-seeking missile, as Trojans violent-striking junior FS T.J. McDonald sprung through Owusu and was flagged for a personal foul following the helmet-to-helmet blow.

In a season filled with lopsided, blowout wins, Luck needed every minute in the dramatic, lead-flipping victory that was billed as a battle of the nation's top QB prospects.

Trojans junior QB Matt Barkley, who has struggled in the fourth quarter this season, finished the game surprisingly strong and kept USC in contention to the end. He even drove the Trojans into potential field-goal range as the clock expired in regulation on a controversial call, as USC's sensational sophomore WR Robert Woods failed to get out of bounds in the final nine seconds.

It was a familiar ending for Stanford, who escaped last season with a 37-35 victory over USC after another final-minute drive, keeping Luck undefeated against the Cardinal's long-running rival.

It was not a dominant performance, but when it mattered most, Luck came through in the clutch. The ability to handle pressure could serve as his signature in the Heisman Trophy race, with Oregon on deck Nov. 12 for another star-studded showdown.

• For the second consecutive week, Wisconsin fell victim to a last-second, Hail Mary heave in a 33-29 loss to Ohio State. Michigan State, which knocked off the Badgers last week, fell convincingly at Nebraska, as Spartans QB Kirk Cousins struggled early and junior DT Jerel Worthy briefly had to leave the game less than five minutes into it after being shaken up with what appeared to be a head injury. He walked off the field on his own after being down for an extended period.

• Georgia junior OLB Jarvis Jones showed up heavily in the backfield in the Bulldogs' 24-20 win over Florida, notching four sacks and forcing a fumble from his rush role. Despite lacking upper-body development, Jones is very quick off the ball with great burst and consistently set up and outquicked Florida's overmatched offensive line.

• Despite sitting out the second half of last week's win against Missouri with a concussion, Oklahoma State junior WR Justin Blackmon returned vs. Baylor and helped jumpstart the offense, nabbing 13-172-2 in a convincing 59-24 win.

• For the third time this season, Texas A&M lost a double-digit second-half lead in an overtime loss to Missouri. Aggies senior QB Ryan Tannenhill was strip-sacked from behind with 31 seconds remaining in regulation and had a pass batted at the line on fourth down in overtime, but the collapse should not be pinned on the passer, who played very well in the first half and has shown improved command of the offense in his first year as a full-time starter.

• Washington junior RB Chris Polk, who is fully expected to declare for the draft following the season, had 144 rushing yards and 100 receiving yards while piling up five TDs in the Huskies' 42-31 victory over Arizona. How he fares next week against Oregon, which welcomed back junior RB LaMichael James in a limited role this week, will be more revealing.

• With the ACC championship at stake, Georgia Tech handed Clemson its first loss with a 31-17 victory keyed by the option running of Yellow Jackets junior QB Tevin Washington, who ripped off several long runs and accounted for 176 of Tech's 383 rushing yards.

• Vanderbilt junior QB Jordan Rodgers was about to lead the Commodores to a two-TD lead against Arkansas when Razorbacks senior MLB Jerry Franklin scooped up a fumble and returned it 94 yards for a TD that set up a 31-28 win. Rodgers, who rewrote some of his brother Aaron's records at Butte College (Calif.), appeared much more confident in his second start.

 

[Faust]

USC-Stanford thriller puts top prospects in the spotlight

Tony Pauline

Posted: Monday October 31

As we leave October behind with a snowy weekend in the Northeast, more teams in college football suffered their first loss of the season. But there were some stellar performances from NFL prospects in both winning and losing causes. Here are the 10 players who improved their draft stock in Week 9 as we enter the last month of the college season.

Matt Barkley, QB, USC*: Despite the fact that the Trojans lost to Stanford on Saturday in triple overtime, Barkley's play affirmed the belief that he should be an early pick in next April's draft. The junior did a terrific job with his defensive reads, remained poised under pressure and made proper decisions all night long. And Barkley was able to accomplish this against the best defense in the Pac-12. His passing numbers, which included 284 yards and three scores, weren't shabby either. Barkley, who is expected to enter the draft, has once again made his case to be the second quarterback selected after Andrew Luck next April.

John Simon, DE, Ohio State*: The junior defender has been omnipresent for the Buckeyes all season and came up big during their upset victory over Wisconsin. Simon harassed Badger quarterback Russell Wilson all night, leading Ohio State with two tackles for loss and a pair of sacks. For the season, Simon has posted a team leading 9.5 tackles for loss and 5 sacks. Simon measures just 6-foot-1 and 265 pounds, but his ability to change the momentum of a game and his intensity on every play has made NFL scouts take notice.

Oday Aboushi, T, Virginia*: The athletic pass-blocking tackle helped slow down the Miami Hurricane pass rush last weekend, one of the best in the ACC. The Hurricanes finished the night with no sacks and just a single quarterback hurry. Already highly rated, Aboushi needs to improve his run blocking to complete the package.

Mike Martin, DT, Michigan: The Wolverines' workmanlike defender, known for doing the little things well, stepped into the spotlight against Purdue. Martin finished the game with 7 tackles, 2 tackles for loss and a pair of sacks. His sack at the start of the second quarter resulted in a safety, which turned into game-winning points. Martin is more of a steady defender than a flashy lineman and can start in the NFL on a four-man line or at nose tackle in a 3-4 scheme.

Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina: Hakeem Nicks and Greg Little are just two of the productive wideouts the Tar Heel program has recently sent to the NFL. Most agree Jones is the next in line. Sized well at 6-4 and 210 pounds, he plays much faster than his 4.5-second 40 time would indicate. Against Wake Forest, the senior hauled in six receptions for 138 yards, averaging 23 yards per catch. Jones has a steady 15.5 yard average and eight touchdowns on 54 receptions this year. He has the talent to line up as a No. 2 receiver in the NFL, and Jones should land in the draft's first 75 selections next April.

Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia: Austin has been on a hot streak as of late, and his play Saturday helped propel the Mountaineers to a come-from-behind victory over Rutgers, as Austin finished with eight receptions for 67 yards and one score as well as 92 yards on a pair of carries. His 16-yard reverse midway through the fourth quarter put WVU in scoring position. Two plays later, Austin pulled in a 20-yard scoring reception to seal the Mountaineers' victory. The reliable Austin will be a solid No. 4 receiver at the next level who can also lend a hand as a return specialist.

Travis Swanson, C, Arkansas*: Swanson, who won the starting job as a freshman, continues to improve his game and impress NFL scouts. He dominates in pass protection, effectively opens holes for the running game and displays the necessary skills to block in motion. Already highly rated, Swanson will be a top pick whenever he enters the NFL draft.

Lavonte David, LB, Nebraska: Since stepping onto the field for the Cornhuskers in 2010, David has done nothing but make positive plays. He led the Nebraska defense with 13 tackles during the team's dominant 24-3 victory overly highly rated Michigan State. He leads the Blackshirt defense with 90 tackles and 7 tackles for loss this season. His lack of size (slightly over 6-foot and 225 pounds) concerns a few teams, but an imaginative defensive coordinator will find a way to get the most from David at the next level.

Brandon Mosley, T, Auburn: Scouts had Mosley highly rated coming into the season, and he continues to confirm their opinion with solid play. The Mississippi defense totaled just a single sack and one quarterback hurry during Auburn's 18-point victory on Saturday. The offense also added 254 yards rushing thanks to the dominant blocking of the line. Though not the greatest athlete, Mosley gets the most from his ability and could eventually develop into a starting right tackle in the NFL.

Sleeper -- Tyrone Crawford, DE, Boise State: Scouts have had Crawford on their radar screen all season, and the junior college transfer is starting to meet expectations. Crawford's play has continually improved this season, and his last two games were his best of the year. In those two contests he posted combined totals of 10 tackles, three tackles for loss and a pair of sacks. Crawford also displayed his athleticism against Air Force by blocking a kick. Crawford has a good degree of upside and is a player whose best football lay ahead of him.

Notes: The junior left tackles for USC and Stanford looked outstanding during their triple overtime game on Saturday. The Trojans' Matt Kalil, ranked as our No. 2 overall prospect in last weeks big board, held the Stanford defense in check all night. The Cardinal defense registered neither a sack nor quarterback hurry during the game after averaging over three sacks a game prior to that. For his part, Stanford's Jonathan Martin, graded as our No. 2 offensive tackle prospect behind Kalil, shut down USC sack leader Nick Perry, who totaled just three tackles all evening.

One blind side protector who is struggling is Mike Adams of Ohio State. Suspended for the first six games of the 2011 campaign for his participation in Tattoogate, Adams has looked rusty and out of sorts since his return. There was an expectation in scouting circles that if Adams was able to continue his terrific play from the last few games of the 2010 season, he would make a big move up draft boards. Thus far that has not been the case.

 

[Faust]

Week 9 Rewind: Barkley, Polk, Glenn step up big

By Rob Rang

The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com

Oct. 31, 2011

Each week, we rewind the game film to highlight the star-worthy performances that could impact the 2012 draft rankings:

• Southern Cal faces sanctions from the NCAA that keep it from participating in a bowl game again this season. That made the biggest game of the year for junior quarterback Matt Barkley last week's showdown against Stanford.

Facing Andrew Luck and the No. 6 Cardinal, Barkley exhibited the rare ability to step up his play with the lights at their brightest, matching the presumptive No. 1 overall pick. In doing so he made believers out of skeptics and solidified his own grade as an elite NFL prospect.

The knock on Barkley heading into the game was that he was a game-manager whose average talent had been exaggerated by a talented supporting cast, not the least of which was sophomore wide receiver Robert Woods and the coaching he'd received under Pete Carroll and current head coach Lane Kiffin.

While not possessing the type of bazooka for a throwing arm former No. 1 overall picks Matthew Stafford and Cam Newton have shown, Barkley proved to have more than adequate arm strength, firing the traditional deep-outs, square-ins and deep crossing routes through tight windows that should hush critics who questioned him in that area. More importantly, Barkley matched Luck in many of the traits that have rendered scouts (and draft analysts) speechless about the Stanford product's NFL potential -- anticipation, accuracy and poise in a muddied pocket.

What's more, Barkley showed the command in the huddle and fiery leadership skills that pro teams are looking for at the quarterback position.

Barkley completed 28 of 45 passes for 285 yards and three touchdowns and one interception. He was significantly better than his statistics indicate, however, as there were at least five occasions when his talented receivers -- including Woods -- dropped catchable balls. If Barkley's fantastic performance had been a one-time thing it would be easily dismissed. While the Stanford defense entered the game rated highly, no one would confuse the Cardinal secondary with that of LSU. Considering that Barkley was just as good a week earlier in another nationally televised performance against Notre Dame (24-of-35 for 224 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions) and now has completed 67.3 percent of his passes for 2,290 yards and 22 touchdowns against only five interceptions in 2011, it is undeniable that Barkley's efficiency rivals that of some of the nation's top spread offense quarterbacks. To the delight of NFL scouts, Barkley (like Luck) is achieving his production in a pro-style scheme that should make his transition to the NFL a smooth one.

• Overshadowed throughout much of his career by Jake Locker, Washington junior running back Chris Polk may finally get the national attention that his consistency and tough running deserves. The 5-11, 225-pounder shredded the University of Arizona for 145 rushing yards, 100 receiving yards and a career-high five touchdowns late Saturday night. The Huskies struggled to do much else offensively against Arizona and essentially rode Polk (34 carries) to victory. The strong effort put Polk at 1,016 yards for the season, making him the second running back in UW history to reach that plateau in three consecutive seasons (Napoleon Kaufman).

The win over Arizona put the Huskies at 6-2 and bowl-eligible. With five games (including a bowl) left to play this season, Polk is on pace to break Kaufman's career rushing record at Washington of 4,106. Polk, who has 3,577 yards for his career, thus far, would need 529 yards to reach Kaufman's record. While their numbers are comparable, Polk and Kaufman couldn't be more different as NFL prospects. Kaufman, at 5-9, 185 pounds, boasted breathtaking pure speed. His big-play potential was so obvious the Raiders made him the No. 18 pick of the 1995 draft, the last running back they've drafted in the opening frame. Polk, wearing the No. 1 on his jersey, looks slighter than he actually is -- and certainly plays with greater physicality than you might expect. Rarely was Polk taken down by a single defender against Arizona. While he lacks the breakaway speed of Kaufman, Polk has enough burst to gain yardage in chunks, making him a significantly better "bell-cow" candidate at the next level than the former Husky great.

Alabama junior Trent Richardson has a firm hold on the top spot among pro running back prospects. Polk, while not as chiseled or explosive as the Crimson Tide junior, has become a more consistent receiver and pass blocker in 2011 and, as such, has a proven track record of all the traits NFL teams are looking for.

Ironically enough, it is that track record that could ultimately keep Polk from joining Kaufman (and presumably Richardson) as a first-round pick. Considering Polk's trademark physicality, 755 career touches (rushing attempts and receptions to date) and two shoulder surgeries, teams may worry that some of the tread on his proverbial tires have already begun to wear.

• Last September, Mike Pouncey struggled mightily making shotgun snaps in the first start of his collegiate career at center for the Florida Gators. Pouncey improved as he gained experience at his new position and ultimately went on to be the Miami Dolphins' first-round pick in April. Playing against Pouncey's former team, Georgia left tackle Cordy Glenn may have proven that he's made the same rapid progress at his new position. Glenn played only at guard before this season. He struggled in the season opener against Boise State, surrendering numerous big pressures and a couple of sacks. Clearly much more comfortable protecting the blindside at midseason, Glenn and the rest of the Georgia offensive line controlled an athletic Gators' front seven, leading to a comeback victory that might just save coach Mark Richt's job.

Glenn, 6-5 and 348 pounds, is certainly much bigger than teams generally want at left tackle. He quickly gains depth in pass protection, however, and has long, strong arms which he was consistently able to latch on to pass rushers.

The power and nastiness Glenn had shown as an All-SEC guard was obvious when Georgia asked him to drive block from the left tackle position. Most impressively, Glenn was able to block on the move, adjusting to Florida's active linebackers and making blocks that helped spring the Bulldogs for 185 rushing yards. At this rate, Glenn is going to wind up mimicking his former opponent Pouncey in another way -- when he hears his name called in the first round of the NFL draft.

• Upon Further Review highlights a player whose performance over the weekend significantly altered my earlier assessment.

Some NFL scouts ranked Nebraska cornerback Alfonzo Dennard as the elite senior prospect in the preseason. A slight tear in his left quadriceps in August kept the 5-10, 205-pounder out of the Huskers' first three games and limited his effectiveness in the first few games he played. In four games, the preseason All-Big 12 cornerback had recorded just 10 tackles with no interceptions or even a pass defended.

With a host of junior cornerbacks emerging this fall, Dennard's stock was slipping.

Against Michigan State on Saturday, however, Dennard was clearly full strength, demonstrating the combination of physicality, fluid hips and short-area quickness that caused some scouts to grade him favorably to his former teammate Prince Amukamara, who the New York Giants selected with the 19th overall pick in April. Dennard has a uniquely stout build that would appear better suited to running back than cornerback. His bulk gives him a chance to compete with bigger receivers in the NFL and made him effective when lining up opposite the Spartans' 6-2, 216-pound star B.J. Cunningham.

Providing a strong initial punch, Dennard was able to disrupt the timing between Cunningham and Michigan State senior quarterback Kirk Cousins, resulting in a season-low 86 passing yards for No. 11 MSU and not a single catch for Cunningham. Dennard legitimized his place among the elite defensive backs in the draft and a rock-solid first-round pick.

 

[J-Dawg]

Polk not considering jump to NFL just yet

By Scott M. Johnson

Kitsap Sun

October 30th, 2011

The words seemed to echo through the post-game interview room, coming out of Chris Polk's mouth like some kind of declaration of devotion.

After making himself a part of two more University of Washington records by turning in a third 1,000-yard season and going over the 100-yard mark for the 18th time in his career, Polk shrugged and told reporters that the marks felt good but that they were "not the record I want."

He went on to explain that the only UW record in his sights was the career rushing record: Napoleon Kaufman's 17-year-old mark of 4,106. A little quick math, and the implication seemed obvious. Polk would need 529 yards to catch Kaufman, which would mean another season, which might mean ...

And yet Polk, a junior running back, wasn't making any announcements about coming back for one more year. Not Saturday night, anyway.

"I haven't really thought about it," he said. "It's a tough decision that will come at the end of the season."

Asked whether the career rushing record would be enough to bring him back, Polk wasn't as committal as he had seemed a few seconds earlier.

"It's a big deal," he said, "but it doesn't make or break a person. It's not the No. 1 objective. I just want to go to a better bowl than we did last year."

And so despite a hint to his future, Polk seemed just as undecided after his latest greatest game as he's been in all the others. Nobody really knows how many more games Polk has in him, but it's pretty clear that Husky fans had better enjoy the show while it lasts.

"I'll worry about that later, I guess," head coach Steve Sarkisian said late Saturday night when asked what life would be like without Chris Polk in his backfield. "I don't know if any player in our program has had more of an impact on where our program is than he has."

Whenever it seems like Polk can't possibly do something bigger and better, he seems to hit another milestone. Several came during the course of Saturday's 42-31 win over Arizona, including tying Kaufman's school record with a third 1,000-yard season, setting the record 18th 100-yard rushing performance, matching a modern Husky record with five touchdowns and turning in what is believed to be the first game in UW history in which one player has gone over 100 yards in both rushing and receiving.

Afterward, Sarkisian was only one of the people singing the running back's praises.

"The kid's a stud. One word," senior linebacker Cort Dennison said, before adding a few more. "Baller. Warrior.

"He's fun to watch because he's so good. It's one thing to have the talent, but it's even more to watch how hard he works."

Wide receiver Jermaine Kearse was also marveling at the performance.

"It was amazing," Kearse said after Polk piled up 244 yards of total offense and five touchdowns in the win over Arizona. "Five touchdowns, that's a lot. I really don't know what to say. That's just Chris. He's a beast."

Polk himself ranked Saturday's performance as the third most memorable of his career. He ranked a school-record 284-yard rushing performance in last year's Apple Cup at the top, just ahead of his 177 yards in a Holiday Bowl win over Nebraska last December.

Neither of those games had the run-pass balance of Saturday night. In a game that saw the UW offense struggle to find consistency, Polk was the rock that wouldn't be denied.

"I went and leaned on him pretty good," Sarkisian said of his play-calling, which include 34 carries and four pass receptions from Polk among the Huskies' 74 snaps on offense. "Thirty-four carries is probably more than I'd like to give him, but we were out of rhythm. And when we get out of rhythm, I like to pound the run."

When asked where Polk ranked among the runners that Sarkisian has coached over the years — USC's Reggie Bush among them — the Huskies' coach said: "He arguably might be the most complete guy I've ever had."

The big question is how much longer Sarkisian will have him, and neither the coach nor Polk himself seems to know.

"I would consider coming back," Polk said. "I really don't want to leave for the NFL until I felt like I was the best that ever did it (at UW)."

Yard by yard, week by week, Polk seems well on his way to that goal.

 

[Faust]

NFL-ready talent aplenty on display for LSU-Alabama

By Rob Rang

The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com

Nov. 1, 2011

Considering everything on the line when No. 1 LSU travels to take on No. 2 Alabama, fellow BCS contenders Oklahoma State, Stanford and Boise State might be the most vested observers.

Another group with a significant interest in the game: NFL scouts.

Nick Saban has turned Alabama into a veritable football factory. The Crimson Tide produced four first-round picks in 2011, including two of the first six overall -- defensive lineman Marcell Dareus (Buffalo Bills, No. 3 overall) and Julio Jones (Atlanta Falcons, No. 6 overall). Alabama's two "other" first-round picks, offensive tackle James Carpenter (Seattle) and running back Mark Ingram (New Orleans), have established themselves as clear-cut starters and Dareus and Jones have shown flashes of brilliance out of the gate.

But here's a news flash: Alabama appears to be even more loaded with prospects entering the 2012 draft.

NFLDraftScout.com currently rates seven Alabama senior prospects as "draftable" led by defensive tackle Josh Chapman, defensive end/linebacker Courtney Upshaw and safety Mark Barron. All three are candidates to go among the first 50 picks of the 2012 draft.

This list doesn't include Alabama's group of underclassmen -- a collection that must be considered one of the most talented in the country and includes Heisman candidate running back Trent Richardson, cornerback 'Dre Kirkpatrick and even redshirt sophomore right tackle D.J. Fluker, a 6-6, 335-pound monster who some feel will ultimately be picked higher than Carpenter.

The top-rated LSU Tigers don't boast the same shimmery senior class as Alabama. This isn't a surprise. LSU has not developed the same caliber of NFL talent since Les Miles took over for Saban in Baton Rouge.

In Miles' second year with the Tigers, four LSU players were drafted in the first round, including quarterback JaMarcus Russell No. 1 overall. Since then, they've produced two -- cornerback Patrick Peterson, who was the fifth overall pick last year to the Arizona Cardinals and defensive end Tyson Jackson, the third overall pick by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2009. Neither has made the impact expected of a top-five pick, but Peterson has exhibited the big-play flair that made him a top pick with two returns for touchdowns.

The NFL-quality talent on LSU's roster in 2011 is sparse relative to Alabama's incredible crew. In fact, some scouts don't rate a single LSU senior prospect this season as draft-worthy. In preparation for this article, I spoke to representatives of two NFL teams and neither planned to visit LSU this fall because the team was "so down senior-wise."

That's the kind of perspective that should keep the rest of the SEC awake at night. If LSU is the top-rated team in the country with no draft-worthy senior prospects, just how talented are the Tigers' underclassmen?

Extremely talented.

LSU's most disruptive player this season has been cornerback Tyrann Mathieu, a 5-9, 178-pound true sophomore who has already broken the team record with nine (yes, nine) career forced fumbles. Fellow true sophomores Spencer Ware (running back), Chris Faulk (left tackle) and Barkevious Mingo (defensive end) are all-conference standouts. Yet, because they aren't three years removed from their high school graduation date, they are ineligible for April's draft. What should be coming as crystal clear as the BCS trophy is that Alabama and LSU are loaded. Scouts will be either flocking to Tuscaloosa or tuning in themselves to see which team takes the next step toward keeping college football's top prize in SEC country for the sixth consecutive year.

Here's a peek at the top pro prospects from Alabama and LSU potentially eligible for the 2012 NFL draft.

Alabama

FS Mark Barron, 6-feet-2, 218 pounds, senior

Physical and a reliable open-field tackler, Barron is considered by many scouts to be Alabama's top senior prospect and the elite safety in the 2012 draft.

DT Josh Chapman, 6-1, 315, senior

A classic nose guard. He fits in nicely in Alabama's scheme, and his square frame and incredible strength make him one of the country's top run defenders.

OT D.J. Fluker, 6-6, 335, redshirt sophomore

A massive road-grader in the Andre Smith mold, Fluker is quickly emerging as one of the country's top young offensive linemen.

ILB Dont'a Hightower, 6-4, 258, junior

An immediate standout in 2008, Hightower tore his ACL in 2009. He is starting to play with the same explosiveness he had prior to the injury. Hightower isn't as instinctive, but his size and big hits have drawn comparisons to former 'Bama standout and 2010 first-round pick Rolando McClain.

OT Barrett Jones, 6-5, 311, junior

Formerly a starting right guard for the Tide, Jones took over at left tackle for Seattle Seahawks' first-round pick James Carpenter and the Tide hasn't skipped a beat. Was named a semifinalist for the Lombardi Award as the nation's top lineman (offensive or defensive).

CB 'Dre Kirkpatrick, 6-2, 192, junior

A second-team All-SEC pick as a true sophomore, Kirkpatrick is a long, lanky corner who ranks among the elite defensive back prospects in the country. His size and physicality could cause some pro teams to view him as a potential safety.

SS Robert Lester, 6-2, 210, junior

An opportunistic ballhawk who finished second in the country with eight interceptions in 2010, Lester has been a bit of a disappointment thus far this season (one interception) but is nonetheless being closely watched by pro scouts.

WR Marquis Maze, 5-8, 190, senior

A big-play specialist at receiver and punt returner, Maze averaged more yards per touch last season than Julio Jones and is now seventh on the Alabama career receiving yards list with 1,699.

RB Trent Richardson, 5-11, 224, junior

As good as Andrew Luck has been for Stanford, no player in college football is more physically dominant than Richardson. In terms of size, speed and power, he has more natural ability than former teammate and 2009 Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram.

DE/LB Courtney Upshaw, 6-2, 268, senior

Gifted pass rusher with a knack for finding open lanes, Upshaw's versatility intrigues scouts. Teams running a four man front want to keep him at defensive end. Scouts for 3-4 teams feel he could play either inside or outside linebacker.

C William Vlachos, 6-1, 300, senior

Took over for former All-American and Houston Texans third-round draft pick Antoine Caldwell and hasn't looked back. A second-team All-SEC pick last season, he's currently NFLDraftScout.com's No. 4-rated center for the 2012 draft.

LSU

CB Morris Claiborne, 6-0, 185, junior

Overshadowed last season by Patrick Peterson, Claiborne has emerged as arguably the elite cover corner in the SEC in 2011. He leads the team with three interceptions this season.

WR Rueben Randle, 6-3, 208, junior

Despite his lanky frame, Randle has emerged as the Tigers' best big play threat, averaging 19 yards a catch. He leads the team in catches (28), receiving yards (532) and receiving touchdowns (five).

OT Alex Hurst, 6-6, 340, junior

A mountain of a man who has contributed significantly to LSU's power running game, Hurst entered the season having already been recognized by SEC coaches and media as a likely all-conference pick.

OLB Ryan Baker, 6-0, 236, senior

An undersized weakside linebacker, Baker devoted himself to the weight room in the offseason with Kelvin Sheppard leaving for the Buffalo Bills (via the third round) and gained 12 pounds of muscle.

TE DeAngelo Peterson, 6-3, 236, senior

With only 11 receptions for 125 yards and a single touchdown this season it might be hard to imagine Peterson as an draft-worthy prospect, but scouts are intrigued by the former wide receiver's combination of size and speed.

SS Brandon Taylor, 5-11, 195, senior

The younger brother of former LSU standout safety (and San Francisco 49ers' 2009 draft pick) Curtis Taylor, Brandon has emerged as one of the Tigers' most dependable defenders, leading the team with 44 tackles and earning the right to wear jersey No. 18 -- an honor bestowed upon the player teammates and coaches feel best exemplifies what a Tiger is supposed to be on and off the field.

 

[coolnerd]

Ryan Broles left his game with what appears to be a serious knee injury, he was crying.

 

[coolnerd]

No soooner that I could type the previous Christine Michael leaves with lower leg injury (just called a sprained knee by the sideline reporter). It did not look as bad, but we never know.

 

[J-Dawg]

Wow! I knew about Broyles but didn't hear about Michael. That sucks, I really like him. Hopefully both are okay. Chris Owusu from Stanford today got destroyed b a hit to the head in the 2nd quarter and left the game in an ambulance. The third time since Oct. 15th he's been on the receiving end of a massive hit that's knocked him senseless.

 

[EBF]

Torn ACL for Broyles.

As for Owusu, he should probably retire. This is ~4 concussions in two seasons (he suffered an almost identical hit last year vs. Oregon).

 

[BigTex]

Torn ACL for Broyles.

As for Owusu, he should probably retire. This is ~4 concussions in two seasons (he suffered an almost identical hit last year vs. Oregon).

That's a shame:(

 

[Football Jones]

You gotta feel bad for Broyles (or any top prospect who suffers a serious injury the year before coming out, especially this late in the season). Assuming this is a typical ACL with no complications, & provided there's no degenerative issues, he'll still get drafted, but no doubt Broyles just lost a ton of guaranteed money.

I haven't finished scouting Broyles (even though I'm quite familiar with him), but he reminds me of Isaac Bruce. Broyles has a lot of natural ability as well as being a born football player, which is an ideal combo (obviously).

Anyone have a guess how far his stock will fall (what round)?

 

[coolnerd]

You gotta feel bad for Broyles (or any top prospect who suffers a serious injury the year before coming out, especially this late in the season). Assuming this is a typical ACL with no complications, & provided there's no degenerative issues, he'll still get drafted, but no doubt Broyles just lost a ton of guaranteed money. I haven't finished scouting Broyles (even though I'm quite familiar with him), but he reminds me of Isaac Bruce. Broyles has a lot of natural ability as well as being a born football player, which is an ideal combo (obviously).Anyone have a guess how far his stock will fall (what round)?

My guess is that he was a vary late 1st to mid 2nd type player. He has a lot of film already out there, and if his injury is healing correctly in the spring, I could see some team only dropping him into the 3rd. Overall, rookie WR don't come in and light up the world (I know there are exceptions), so if you trust the tape and medicals, no reason to have him free fall down your board.

 

[J-Dawg]

6 Bama players in the top 50. 5 of them on D, 3 in the secondary. Ridiculous.

I said it before and I'll say it again, Bama is winning the national championship this year. There's isn't a team out there that can beat them, and that includes LSU.

So obviously I was wrong on this and I clearly underestimated the importance of special teams. 4 missed FGs? That just shouldn't happen. Alabama didn't do themselves any favors last night either with some costly mistakes, the 12 men in the huddle penalty just can't happen in a game of that magnitude, and eating a sack instead of throwing it away or even running the ball for a few yards to get semi-decent field position is also inexcusable. LSU played great, but Alabama sure did a lot to help beat themselves last night too, the INT inside the 5 yard line was the turning point of the gam IMO. That could have been an easy 6 right there and OT is an afterthought. LSU should cruise to the championship now, Oklahoma State won't put up 52 points on that defence.

 

[Faust]

Blue-collar players take center stage in college's Week 10

Tony Pauline

Posted: Monday November 7, 2011 1:17PM ; Updated: Monday November 7, 2011 1:17PM

The latest version of the "Game of the Century," this time between LSU and Alabama, disappointed most football fans. But NFL scouts closely inspected the almost two dozen players with high NFL potential in the contest. They also saw several lesser-known prospects around the country, many who project as later-round choices, perform at the NFL level this weekend.

Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame*: The Irish never missed a beat at tight end despite the departure of Kyle Rudolph to the NFL. Eifert, who took over for the injured Rudolph early in the 2010 season, has shown an impressive array of skills the past two years. He's a big-bodied tight end who effectively blocks on the line of scrimmage and gets downfield to make the reception. He hauled in three receptions for 60 yards and a score against Wake Forest on Saturday. For the season Eifert has totaled 48 catches, 506 yard and 4 touchdowns. Several scouts feel Eifert will be selected earlier than Rudolph (No. 43 overall in April) if he enters the draft.

Josh Chapman, NT, Alabama: While the Alabama-LSU game turned out to be a bit of a snoozer, Chapman impressed NFL scouts with his play. He's a powerful nose tackle who clogs the middle of the field and collapses the pocket. Several times during critical moments of Saturday night's game Chapman was able to get penetration and disrupt the action. He's a nuts-and-bolts defender who brings his lunch pail to work and offers starting potential in the NFL.

Jamell Fleming, CB, Oklahoma: Fleming has been struggling with a knee injury for much of the season, but looked in top form on Saturday. During the Sooners' dominant victory over Texas A&M, the senior intercepted a pass, broke up two more and forced a fumble. He also finished the game with 6 tackles. Assorted injuries and personal issues have shadowed Fleming the past two seasons, but scouts hope he's finally turning the corner and meeting the expectations placed on him.

Rodney McLeod, S, Virginia: McLeod was considered a free agent prospect after his junior season, but his play the past two months has positively impacted his draft grade. He leads the stingy Cavalier defense with four interceptions and seven passes broken up, and has added 42 tackles this season. The senior lacks classic size and speed, but is productive in so many areas he'll be tough to pass up in the late rounds next April.

Emmanuel Acho, LB, Texas: Acho is another real good football player that doesn't "wow" anyone with his computer numbers, but is always making positive plays. He leads the Longhorn defense with 60 tackles, most recently posting 11 tackles in a victory over Texas Tech. Smart and competitive, Acho will make a nice addition at inside linebacker for a 3-4 defense at the next level.

Jake Bequette, DE, Arkansas: After struggling early in the season with a hamstring injury, Bequette has watched his play take off. During the Razorbacks' dominant victory over South Carolina, he posted a season-best three sacks and added three tackles and a forced fumble. Bequette is an intense defender with a frame that will add bulk and power over the course of time. Considered a late-round pick entering the season, look for Bequette to make his way into the middle frames by the time the draft rolls around.

Phillip Thomas, S, Syracuse*: Thomas stood out despite his team losing to UConn by a touchdown. The junior led the Orangemen with 10 tackles and delivered a pair of drive-killing interceptions against the Huskies. Those numbers improved his season totals to 68 tackles and six interceptions, both tops on the SU defense. Thomas, a dynamic safety, is developing a complete game and gaining notice in the scouting community.

Terrell Manning, OLB, North Carolina State*: Manning was the most dominant factor during North Carolina State's shutout of crosstown rival North Carolina. The linebacker led the defense with 11 tackles and three pass defenses. He offers a well-rounded game and has been productive in every defensive category this season. Manning projects nicely as a weakside linebacker in the NFL and could slide into the draft's first 100 picks.

Lavon Brazill, WR, Ohio: Scouts had high expectations for Brazill prior to the 2010 season, but a knee injury cut short his campaign. He's returned to form this year and has looked brilliant at times. During an important conference victory over Temple, Brazill posted a team-leading seven receptions for 165 yards. He's already posted career bests for receiving yardage (740 yards), yards per catch (16.8) and touchdowns (8) with three games left this season, and is the Bobcats' top punt returner. Brazill is displaying the skills necessary to make a roster as a fourth receiver and return specialist in the NFL.

*Sleeper* Kevin Koger, TE, Michigan: Koger was bogged down the past three seasons in an offense that rarely implemented the tight end. The senior has been a larger part of the passing game this year and is impressing NFL scouts. The 260-pounder has the strength to effectively handle blocking duties plus the hands necessary to be a reliable intermediate target. He's developing a complete game and has the skills to line up as a second tight end at the next level.

Notes: The torn knee ligament suffered by Sooner receiver Ryan Broyles, which ended his college career, will undoubtedly hurt his draft stock. The OU senior, who bypassed last April's draft in order to return to Norman, was slotted into the early part of the second round based on his play this season. Scouts questioned Broyle's top-end speed but love his precise route-running skills and ability to quickly get into breaks, then separate from defenders. It may be a while before Broyles is able to run sharp routes, and the general consensus on Sunday was the injury will likely push him into the third round.

 

[Faust]

Miles escapes Saban's shadow

Posted Nov. 07, 2011 @ 10:28 a.m. ET

By Nolan Nawrocki

In an epic battle of dominant defenses, it was the sensational play of the nation's most talented secondary that swung the game in favor of top-ranked LSU, which captured a 9-6 victory over second-ranked Alabama in overtime.

LSU junior CB Morris Claiborne and Alabama senior FS Mark Barron — a pair of top-15 talents who stand as the best at their respective positions — both grabbed momentum-changing interceptions, but it was the pick of LSU sophomore standout S Eric Reid that proved to be most critical in the physical, jaw-jarring contest.

Alabama's monster-sized junior TE Michael Williams appeared to come down with the catch at the goal line on a slightly underthrown "Wildcat" formation pass from WR Marquis Maze, but Reid wrestled the ball away as he and Williams fell to the ground, robbing Alabama of what could have been a defining TD.

The most troublesome theme that dogged the Crimson Tide was their inability to convert field goals beyond 40 yards, as four were missed, including a 52-yarder in overtime.

Alabama's defense was very stout all night and shined in a goal-line stand before the half, as thumping junior MLB Dont'a Hightower led a charge to stuff the run, forcing an LSU field goal that tied the score 3-3 at the half.

Injuries and foolish penalties, such as the block in the back called on Tide NT Josh Chapman that wiped out Barron's interception return inside the LSU five-yard line in the third quarter, proved costly. Alabama junior OLT Barrett Jones, who projects best to the OG position he played last season and has early-round potential, was clearly hobbled by a leg injury after Claiborne's third-quarter interception, being taken to the locker room in the fourth quarter but returning.

Maze needed his left ankle spatted and was more tentative fielding punts. And standout junior CB Dre Kirkpatrick left the game late in the fourth quarter with a right shoulder injury and did not return.

LSU's Les Miles has struggled to escape Nick Saban's shadow since he took over in 2005, but he now has beaten Saban in the past two meetings. Miles also has produced four victories vs. ranked opponents away from home this season and has overcome plenty of adversity with a very young team. He has the Tigers headed toward their first national title since 2007.

• Tears fell down the face of Oklahoma senior WR Ryan Broyles after he was informed that he likely had played his last snap for the Sooners as he was being carted off the field. He tore his left ACL against Texas A&M while planting awkwardly after the catch. He finishes his career as the NCAA's receptions leader (349). Similar to Brandon Tate, who was selected in the third round by the Patriots in 2009 after blowing out his knee, Broyles could turn out to be a value pick in the third round.

• Stanford senior WR Chris Owusu was knocked out of his third game of the season against Oregon State after sustaining a helmet-to-helmet hit that resulted in a concussion. He had to be carted off the field on a stretcher and was taken to the hospital for observation, although he did return to the site of the game with a diagnosed concussion. He suffered one last year against Oregon and another last month vs. Washington State. He also left last week's USC game after sustaining a reported shoulder injury following a vicious hit from USC junior FS T.J. McDonald. His injury history could severely affect his draft status.

• Running behind one of the biggest and best offensive lines in college football, Wisconsin junior RB Montee Ball piled up 20-223-3 against Purdue as he ran through gaping holes to spark a 62-17 win and help the Badgers rebound after two heartbreaking last-minute losses. Program sources say the 5-10, 210-pound back dropped 18 pounds in the offseason to gain a step in anticipation of departing early for the NFL draft.

• Boise State senior QB Kellen Moore ecplised former Texas standout Colt McCoy to become the winningest quarterback in FBS history by commanding his 46th career win against UNLV last week. Although he barely stands 6 feet tall, his advanced understanding of the game and passing instincts could allow him to buck the odds and succeed in the NFL, especially with the pro game continuing to spread out and allow more clear passing lanes.

• In a weak tight end crop, Stanford senior Coby Fleener is climbing to the head of the class, having consistently proven he can make plays downfield and showing very reliable hands. He has been Andrew Luck's most trusted offensive weapon for two years and does not figure to escape the second round.

• Northwestern senior QB Dan Persa had to leave the Nebraska game with a left shoulder injury after being slammed into the turf in the second quarter, but the Wildcats still were able to produce a 28-25 victory on the road as senior WR Jeremy Ebert racked up 6-147-1, including a key 81-yard TD in the fourth quarter. His draft stock has climbed.

 

[Faust]

College stock watch: Stars emerge from Alabama-LSU tilt

By Bucky Brooks NFL.com

Analyst

Published: Nov. 7, 2011 at 02:44 p.m. Updated: Nov. 7, 2011 at 03:50 p.m.

Each Monday throughout the college football season, NFL.com draft expert Bucky Brooks will share his notes and evaluations on potential NFL prospects for the 2012 draft and beyond. An asterisk (*) denotes players who aren't seniors.

During my time as a scout, I was taught to pay close attention to prime-time games with several high-profile prospects because those contests provide a glimpse of how those players will perform as pros.

From their ability to handle a big-game atmosphere to their performance against other elite players, top prospects can separate from the pack in these games.

In looking at the much-anticipated LSU-Alabama tilt Saturday, there were several players who made strong cases about their future NFL potential. Here are some of my observations from the game:

» Alabama's Trent Richardson* is the most complete running back in college football. He finished with 169 yards from scrimmage on 28 touches, and displayed the versatility offensive coordinators love in a feature back. His rugged running style allows him to pick up tough yardage between the tackles, but he also has the agility and elusiveness to create in the open field. Richardson is also a dangerous receiver, coming up with five receptions for 80 yards.

» Alabama's defense is loaded at every level. Linebackers Dont'a Hightower* and Courtney Upshaw are versatile talents capable of thriving in a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme. Hightower, who registered seven tackles and two quarterback hurries, is a stout Mike linebacker with the size, strength and instincts to dominate the tackle-to-tackle box. He pummels lead blockers in the hole and has a knack for corralling runners near the line of scrimmage. Upshaw is an edge player with the ability to play upright or with his hand in the dirt. A dynamic rusher, Upshaw is capable of wearing down blockers with his energy and simply outworks opponents to get after the quarterback.

» Alabama DBs Mark Barron and Dre Kirkpatrick* have aggressive games ideally suited to play at the next level. Barron, a strong safety with 12 career interceptions, displayed his versatility by recording six tackles and an interception. He plays with vision on the quarterback and gets excellent jumps on throws by anticipating routes in his area. Kirkpatrick didn't deliver big numbers, but his coverage was exceptional. At 6-foot-3, 192 pounds, he is an aggressive corner with the size and strength to challenge receivers at the line. He disrupts their releases with strong jams and has the speed to maintain hip-pocket positioning throughout the down.

» With another stellar performance in a big game, LSU's Morris Claiborne* continues to build his case as the top corner prospect. He's a lockdown corner with the all-around game scouts covet. At 6-1, 185 pounds, Claiborne has the length to aggressively attack receivers in bump-and-run coverage. He complements his physical style with sound technique. He never appears flustered in coverage, and his composure allows him to recover if he initially loses leverage on a receiver. Claiborne's instincts and awareness shine in zone coverage. He has a feel for reading routes and his vision on quarterbacks allows him to get quick breaks on throws. Case in point: His pivotal interception of Alabama QB A.J. McCarron, which set up a field goal in the second half.

Word on the street

» A high-ranking NFC West personnel man believes there could be as many as eight quarterbacks carrying second-round or higher grades heading into the 2012 draft. That number is certainly enhanced by a number of juniors -- Oklahoma's Landry Jones*, Baylor's Robert Griffin III*, USC's Matt Barkley* and Stanford's Andrew Luck* -- that could join Michigan State's Kirk Cousins, Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill, Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden and Arizona's Nick Foles among the top 64 prospects.

Although the personnel man didn't believe each of these prospects was worthy of being taken early, the lack of quarterbacks on a number of bad teams will drive up the value of this class and lead to some surprises early.

» Prior to Oklahoma's Ryan Broyles suffering a season-ending knee injury Saturday, an AFC South scout expressed reservations about his pro potential. Although the scout raved about Broyles' overall game and production, he was concerned about the lack of NFL success Oklahoma receivers have enjoyed in recent years. The disappointing showings by Mark Clayton, Mark Bradley and Juaquin Iglesias raise questions about production being a byproduct of their offensive system rather than talent.

While the scout wasn't ready to completely dismiss Broyles' collegiate success, he did say the struggles of other Oklahoma receivers would force him to spend more time studying Broyles at the NFL Scouting Combine and in workouts this spring.

Stock up

» Montee Ball*, Wisconsin, RB: He topped the 100-yard mark for the fifth time this season with a season-high 223 yards on 20 carries against Purdue. With three more touchdowns, he now has 24 on the season. Although Ball's performance has been overshadowed by the Badgers' offensive line and quarterback Russell Wilson, the back is an up-and-comer in scouting circles.

» Marcus Coker*, Iowa, RB: He keyed the Hawkeyes' upset of Michigan, rushing for 132 yards on 29 carries. He now has four straight games with 100-plus rushing yards and is quietly the Big Ten's leading rusher with 1,101 yards. Coker also sports a robust average of 5.2 yards per carry.

» Danny Trevathan, Kentucky, OLB: The SEC's leading tackler continues to rack up numbers. He had 17 stops with 1.5 tackles for loss and an interception in a 30-13 win over Ole Miss. Although scouts will not play close attention to his tackle totals due to the Wildcats struggling, his instincts and effort will endear him to coaches.

» Rodney McLeod, Virginia, S: He spearheaded an impressive defensive effort for the Cavaliers with three interceptions in a 31-13 win over Maryland. Two of his picks came with the game still in the balance in the fourth quarter.

» Robert Griffin III*, Baylor, QB: After losing three of four games, Baylor outlasted Missouri thanks to Griffin. He completed 27 of 41 for 406 yards and three touchdowns. He has passed for 400-plus yards in three consecutive games and completed 74 percent of his attempts this season.



Stock down

» Cyrus Gray, Texas A&M, RB: He entered the season as the top senior running back prospect, but has been maddeningly inconsistent. His nine-carry, 29-yard effort in a loss to Oklahoma marked the fourth time he has been held under 58 yards in nine games.

» Keith Price*, Washington, QB: The young quarterback has been impressive for most of the season, but didn't deliver when it mattered most against Oregon. Price was held to 143 yards passing and tossed two critical interceptions. He was also sacked six times while spending most of the night running for his life in the pocket.

 

[domvin]

Lot of injuries to some of the bigger name guys. . .Broyles, knile davis. I am contemplating if i should be dealing any mid to late 1st round picks next year?

T-Rich

blackmon

floyd

luck

polk?

Outside of the top 5, who else fits here? Jeffrey? Cyrus gray, Broyles?

Love to hear others' thoughts with respect to picks next year.

 

[ty247]

Lot of injuries to some of the bigger name guys. . .Broyles, knile davis. I am contemplating if i should be dealing any mid to late 1st round picks next year?T-Richblackmonfloydluckpolk?Outside of the top 5, who else fits here? Jeffrey? Cyrus gray, Broyles?Love to hear others' thoughts with respect to picks next year.

Lamar Miller will be in the conversation, Jeffrey depending on whether his draft stock falls, probably a guy or two that pop up like a Ronnie Hillman. Ray Graham depending on how bad his injury was and how quickly he can come back. I still like the possibilities this upcoming draft, but you'll see a quick drop off after the 6-7 pick especially if some of the juniors go back

 

[domvin]

Lot of injuries to some of the bigger name guys. . .Broyles, knile davis. I am contemplating if i should be dealing any mid to late 1st round picks next year?T-Richblackmonfloydluckpolk?Outside of the top 5, who else fits here? Jeffrey? Cyrus gray, Broyles?Love to hear others' thoughts with respect to picks next year.

Lamar Miller will be in the conversation, Jeffrey depending on whether his draft stock falls, probably a guy or two that pop up like a Ronnie Hillman. Ray Graham depending on how bad his injury was and how quickly he can come back. I still like the possibilities this upcoming draft, but you'll see a quick drop off after the 6-7 pick especially if some of the juniors go back

Graham. He was the other guy i could not think of.I agree. Very sharp drop off to the next perceived tier value.

 

[coolnerd]

My in-season read on this draft, NFL and FF, is that despite the promise going into the season, it is going to be a below avergae one overall. The thing to watch is that it there might be another QB heavy 1st/2nd round like 2011. Beside Luck there are another 6-8 dudes who could carry at least 2nd round grades. On negative side, there have been bunches of RB injuries, and the top handful of WRs (even with the chance of more later 1st/2nd round guys) all have more questions than Jones and Green. None of them should go as high as either of last year's duo. TE looks better than it did in August, but still there is not the obvious guy with bunches of 2nd-4th round dudes with some traits to like.

 

[EBF]

Part of the reason the class looks thin is because we don't really know what the scouts think, we're just rehashing the same names everyone has been talking about for 12 months. New players are emerging and there will always be late risers who move up the boards. It's those guys like Doug Martin, David Wilson, Stepfan Taylor, Cameron Marshall, Kendall Wright, Rueben Randle, and Dwight Jones who will ultimately determine the strength of this year's rookie draft outside the top 3-4 picks.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Tons of things I'd like to see confirmed at the combine, but I think this is shaping up to be a pretty nice class at QB and RB. Less so at WR and, especially, TE...

Luck

Barkley

Foles

Griffin

Richardson

D Wilson

L James

B Bolden

V Ballard

M Ball

Blackmon

Floyd

Jeffery

K Wright

J Wright

 

[coolnerd]

No soooner that I could type the previous Christine Michael leaves with lower leg injury (just called a sprained knee by the sideline reporter). It did not look as bad, but we never know.

http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/11/07/ams-leading-rusher-lost-to-torn-acl/2nd straight season with this guy having a major lower leg injury.

 

[coolnerd]

Part of the reason the class looks thin is because we don't really know what the scouts think, we're just rehashing the same names everyone has been talking about for 12 months. New players are emerging and there will always be late risers who move up the boards. It's those guys like Doug Martin, David Wilson, Stepfan Taylor, Cameron Marshall, Kendall Wright, Rueben Randle, and Dwight Jones who will ultimately determine the strength of this year's rookie draft outside the top 3-4 picks.

And this is a good point, because it has become near clockwork (especially at RB it seems) for there to be an emerging talent that scouts are already grading at ealry picks. I think funny that with all the games we can watch now and the endless number of draftsite and twitter, etc that we still are always playing catch-up to the scouting. We need the bowl games, all-star games, and combine to even get the name right much less a guage on who is going where in April.

 

[J-Dawg]

Last year I made it a point to try and acquire as many 2012 picks as possible in my dynasty leagues. I think over four leagues I've collected about 16 1st round picks so I've been paying more attention than usual to the college football season, so, I like to think that I've got a pretty good grasp on the prospects. I had high hopes for this draft as one of the deeper ones we've had in recent memory with a few standout players to choose from at the top. Thus far, the draft class hasn't disappointed me. I don't agree with the notion that last year's class was better. I think that 2012 is better at QB and RB. The only position that 2011 has this one beat is at WR but I think there's still a ton of depth well into the 2nd round in rookie drafts. At this point I'd say there's a clearly defined top 6:

Trent Richardson

Justin Blackmon

Andrew Luck

Lamar Miller

Michael Floyd

Chris Polk

After that tier there's probably about 12 guys who could go at any spot, it's just a matter of personal opinion and preference at that point. Alshon Jeffery's name value alone might propel him into the top 6 which would suit me just fine as one of those other guys would fall to the second half of the round. I persoanlly wouldn't take him that high, but I know some people probably will. You can rank these guys in pretty much any order you want and the final rank will obviously be decided based on where they're drafted and what role they're projected to fill on their new teams but I like a lot of guys in this list so there is still going to be quality prospects to be had in the middle of round 2 in rookie drafts:

David Wilson

Alshon Jeffery

Bernard Pierce

Mohamed Sanu

Doug Martin

Matt Barkley

LaMichael James

Dwight Jones

Dwayne Allen

Nick Toon

Robert Griffin III

Jeff Fuller

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

To me it's:

Blackmon

Richardson

David Wilson

Then the rest

 

[BeTheMatch]

One other deeper name to throw out there for you guys: Minnesota senior WR Da'Jon McKnight. He's listed at 6-3, 211. I'll be very curious to see how he does at the combine, assuming he's there. I thought going into the season that he could be a breakout player, but the team has been so awful, he's just finally getting going now.

But he did have over 700 yards and 10 TDs last year. Good size, OK hands (has some lazy drops) but his speed is tough to get a read on. Decker was clearly a better player, but I am intrigued by McKnight. If he runs well, he could sneak up draft boards. Seems like he has the potential to be an NFL starter.

 

[MAC_32]

I'm surprised there haven't been anybody pop up out of nowhere. Luck, Richardson, and Blackmon remain the top. I think Floyd is the clear #4. It's messy thereafter, but there's a lot of talent. Montee Ball, Lamar Miller, Chris Polk, Robert Griffin, and Matt Barkley stick out. Alshon Jeffrey's in there too but I don't want anything to do with him right now.

After that there is about 20 names I have ?'s on. I'm slowly creating my not interested before the late rounds list (of those mentioned Fuller, L James, Toon, Foles, and Vick Ballard are on it) but I'm keeping open minded on most of them.

IDP leagues this crop might be a gold mine of LB talent. I see three potential future LB1's (Te'O, Kuelchy, Burfict) and several others (Zach Brown and Hightower stick out) that should be starters soon. The future LB1's may make arguments for a top 6 pick imo.

 

[J-Dawg]

I'm surprised there haven't been anybody pop up out of nowhere. Luck, Richardson, and Blackmon remain the top. I think Floyd is the clear #4. It's messy thereafter, but there's a lot of talent. Montee Ball, Lamar Miller, Chris Polk, Robert Griffin, and Matt Barkley stick out. Alshon Jeffrey's in there too but I don't want anything to do with him right now.After that there is about 20 names I have ?'s on. I'm slowly creating my not interested before the late rounds list (of those mentioned Fuller, L James, Toon, Foles, and Vick Ballard are on it) but I'm keeping open minded on most of them.IDP leagues this crop might be a gold mine of LB talent. I see three potential future LB1's (Te'O, Kuelchy, Burfict) and several others (Zach Brown and Hightower stick out) that should be starters soon. The future LB1's may make arguments for a top 6 pick imo.

Montee Ball is a guy that I'm a little bit scared of. Wisconsin has never seemed to produce a quality NFLer and I think a lot of their guys are made to look better than they actually are because they always seem to have a good O-Line. He's somebody that's somewhat on my radra but I doubt he'll end up on any of my teams because I just don't trust Wisconsin RBs.Toon and James are guys that I probably won't take either, we seem to agree on the do not touch list.

 

[Faust]

Week 10 Rewind: Cowboys' Blackmon shows best and less

By Rob Rang

The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com

Nov. 7, 2011

Each week, we rewind the game film to highlight the star-worthy performances that could impact the 2012 draft rankings:

• While LSU and Alabama battled it out for SEC supremacy, the Oklahoma State Cowboys knew that a win over then-No. 14 Kansas State on Saturday night would put them in the driver's seat to secure their own role in the BCS title game.

As they have in every big game over the past two seasons, the Cowboys turned to their star wideout, Justin Blackmon, who alternately dazzled and dumbfounded scouts on hand to watch him catch 13 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns (but fumbled twice) as OSU held on to beat the Wildcats 52-45 in Stillwater.

Hoping to put the ball in the hands of the 2010 Biletnikoff winner as often as possible, Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy had the 6-1, 215-pound Blackmon return punts for the first time this season. The decision was nearly disastrous. Blackmon bobbled his first return attempting a fair catch in the first quarter. He did let the ball slip through his huge hands for a fumble in the second.

Blackmon fumbled again in the third quarter -- this time after catching a quick throw from quarterback Brandon Weeden and slashing his way toward a score. Holding the ball loosely as he prepared to stretch it through traffic, Blackmon lost control at the Kansas State 2-yard line with just 3:10 left in the third quarter. The ball was recovered in the end zone by Kansas State for a touchback, giving the Wildcats life.

Oklahoma State was leading 34-31.

As maddening as Blackmon's two fumbles were, the combination of skills that make the junior the elite wide receiver potentially available for the 2012 draft are quite obvious.

Broad-shouldered, with great upper-body strength to break free from grabby defensive backs and blow by them for yards after the catch, Blackmon won't be fazed by the jump in physicality that typically keeps spread receivers from instant success in the NFL. Blackmon has deceptive agility and a quick accelerator for a receiver his size, making it even more difficult to match up with him in bump-and-run coverage.

Blackmon, who now has 87 catches for 1,039 yards and 12 touchdowns and could join former Texas Tech star Michael Crabtree as the only receiver to ever repeat as the Biletnikoff winner, used his array of skills to breeze by KSU cornerback Nigel Malone for a first-quarter touchdown.

Blackmon drew single coverage on the play. Weeden saw it, threw quickly to his star receiver and let him go to work. Blackmon caught the ball and danced left. He powered through Malone's attempt to chop him down at the thigh for an 11-yard score.

A scout on hand for the performance admitted that Blackmon's fumbles were disconcerting, but that his perch atop the receiver rankings remained secure.

"Should he and a few others [declare early for the draft], wide receiver may wind up being the strength of this year's class," the scout said. "[blackmon] won't be the biggest or the fastest of them, but he's the best football player."

As such, a showdown against a cornerback the caliber of LSU's Morris Claiborne or Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick in the national title game is a one-on-one matchup scouts would love to see.

• A week ago the scouting community was buzzing about the spectacular performances turned in by quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Matt Barkley in their primetime showdown.

Some will argue that LSU-Alabama battle was also about the quarterbacks and their inability to make plays.

Considering LSU's Jarrett Lee and Jordan Jefferson and Alabama's AJ McCarron had thrown for combined 25 touchdowns against just four interceptions heading into Saturday's game, perhaps the blame for producing only a combined 15 points in an overtime game shouldn't be handed to the quarterbacks. Perhaps the credit should go to the respective defenses -- and specifically two talented secondaries -- for forcing such a night of offensive futility.

Alabama cornerback Dre' Kirkpatrick and LSU cover man Morris Claiborne entered the contest as the 10th- and 11th-rated prospects on my Big Board.

Kirkpatrick demonstrated the unique physicality he brings to the position by routinely coming up strong in run support. He was rarely tested in coverage, limiting Tigers' leading receiver Rueben Randle to just two catches for 19 yards -- his least impactful game of the season.

Claiborne was equally effective. His interception with 1:06 left in the third quarter was a huge play, giving LSU the field position and momentum it needed to tie the score at 6-6.

With those key plays -- and LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu's inexplicable hit that ended Kirkpatrick's night early -- it would be easy to focus just on the cornerbacks.

Alabama free safety Mark Barron could easily be lost in the details. He too often has been, despite the fact that some scouts feel he's the safest of Alabama's defensive prospects for the 2012 draft.

Big (6-2, 220), physical and instinctive, Barron has been the nation's most consistent safety the past two seasons. His reliable open-field tackling (six tackles, .5 tackles for loss) and big-play ability made it difficult for LSU to move the ball consistently. Barron recorded the 12th interception of his career and second this season, stepping in front of Kirkpatrick to make the play that gave the Tide the ability to attempt their fifth field goal of the night.

• At 6-1, 304 pounds, Michigan defensive tackle Mike Martin lacks the size scouts covet. In the case of squatty, powerful players like Martin, however, his stockiness is actually an advantage.

Martin has good quickness, power and balance. Given his natural leverage advantage, he's often able to get under and inside the pads of offensive linemen, stopping them in their tracks.

It is a skill Martin has shown since high school when he won back-to-back state heavyweight wrestling championships in his only two years participating in that sport.

He had six tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss, against Iowa. Martin was especially effective in short-yardage situations, including firing off the snap on Iowa's second drive of the game to ruin a quarterback sneak by Hawkeyes quarterback James Vandenberg. He wasn't credited with the stop, but it was Martin who made the play.

Five of Martin's six tackles in the game, in fact, were assists, a by-product of two things -- his ability to clog up running lanes and a non-stop motor.

Martin won't get the national acclaim of a Brandon Thompson or Devon Still, but in the middle rounds he could prove quite a find, just as Pro Bowler Kyle Williams (a fifth-round pick in 2006) has become for the Buffalo Bills.

• Upon Further Review highlights a player whose performance over the weekend significantly altered my earlier assessment.

Much has been made of the incredibly disappointing season being turned in this year by Texas A&M wide receiver Jeff Fuller. The top-rated senior receiver for many heading into 2011, Fuller has been plagued by drops all season. As a result, his stock has gone from a possible first-rounder to the middle rounds despite the fact that at 6-3, 220 pounds, Fuller certainly looks the part.

University of Washington receiver Jermaine Kearse is similarly built (6-1, 208) -- he also looks the part of a high-round NFL pick.

The comparison doesn't end there.

Like Fuller, Kearse has dropped too many passes. Viewed by some scouts as a possible top 75 pick heading into the season, Kearse has slipped into the draft's third day (fourth round and beyond). Considering that with the normal addition of a few talented underclassmen, wide receiver could be the strongest position for the 2012 draft, it's possible Kearse could even slip out of the draft entirely.

Scouts want to see receivers catch every pass, but understand drops will happen. When the drops come in critical situations, however, the negative impression is amplified.

Washington was fighting from behind for much of the night against Oregon last Saturday, but with an especially raucous crowd on hand to bid Husky Stadium farewell, the Dawgs seemed just a play or two away from turning the game into a nail-biter.

An opportunity lost by Kearse in the fourth quarter might have killed Washington's last decent chance to close the gap.

Down 34-17 with half of the fourth quarter left, Nick Montana (yes, the son of Joe) entered the game to complete an improbable 53-yard stop-and-go route to Kasen Williams, a true freshman. Starter Keith Price was back on the field for the next play and drove a beautiful ball to a crossing Kearse between two Ducks defenders. The ball slipped through Kearse's fingers and the Husky crowd, frothing a second earlier, groaned with recognition.

It was at least Kearse's second drop of the game. It was also the third game this season I've watched him drop multiple passes.

Kearse has the size and athleticism to make an NFL roster but he may not even get the opportunity if he doesn't start catching the ball.

 

[Time Kibitzer]

I'm surprised there haven't been anybody pop up out of nowhere. Luck, Richardson, and Blackmon remain the top. I think Floyd is the clear #4. It's messy thereafter, but there's a lot of talent. Montee Ball, Lamar Miller, Chris Polk, Robert Griffin, and Matt Barkley stick out. Alshon Jeffrey's in there too but I don't want anything to do with him right now.After that there is about 20 names I have ?'s on. I'm slowly creating my not interested before the late rounds list (of those mentioned Fuller, L James, Toon, Foles, and Vick Ballard are on it) but I'm keeping open minded on most of them.IDP leagues this crop might be a gold mine of LB talent. I see three potential future LB1's (Te'O, Kuelchy, Burfict) and several others (Zach Brown and Hightower stick out) that should be starters soon. The future LB1's may make arguments for a top 6 pick imo.

I pretty much agree with this, particularly with your avoids, except for Foles but I don't really scout QBs ever to know anything about him. One of those guys that I just started looking at is Vick Ballard. He's got exceptional quickness for a back his size, but he's also perhaps the most indecisive runner I've ever seen. It's funny to watch him, because he just stands behind the line not moving for like a second before starting to run forward on like 25% of his runs; he also literally jumps in the air on about 25% of his runs which I don't get the reason for. It's like he has ADD, he sees so many possibilities he doesn't know what to do with himself. I'll let someone else take the chance on him.

 

[Faust]

Reason for hope: Struggling teams could fill holes in 2012 draft

By Bucky Brooks NFL.com

Analyst

Published: Nov. 9, 2011 at 05:39 p.m. Updated: Nov. 9, 2011 at 06:31 p.m.

The season is only at the halfway point, but some teams are already looking at the college game for potential answers to their biggest concerns. While the 2012 draft order certainly will impact possible targets, let's examine which college players could be the most attractive to the 12 NFL teams currently sporting losing records:

An asterisk (*) denotes players who aren't seniors.

Indianapolis Colts (0-9)

Potential needs: QB, CB

Andrew Luck*, Stanford, QB: The Colts would be fortunate to have Luck in line to succeed Peyton Manning. The redshirt junior would be the best quarterback prospect since Manning to enter the draft, if he elects to come out. Luck's presence would immediately rejuvenate the franchise. With a game that doesn't have any noticeable flaws, Luck is unquestionably the best prospect in college football.

Morris Claiborne*, LSU, CB: The consensus No. 1 corner in college football would fill the Colts' biggest defensive need, if he opts to bypass his senior season. Claiborne's combination of size, athleticism and ball skills make him an intriguing shutdown corner prospect, something currently lacking in Indy.

Miami Dolphins (1-7)

Potential needs: QB, WR

Landry Jones*, Oklahoma, QB: Luck would be an option for the Dolphins but if he's not available, Jones has been ultra-productive in college. The Oklahoma product has the big arm that would allow the Dolphins to implement a vertical passing game. If he decides to forego his final season, Jones could be the right guy to turn things around in Miami.

Michael Floyd, Notre Dame, WR: Brandon Marshall has been a relative non-factor in Miami due to the lack of a threat on the opposite side. Floyd is a big, physical receiver with exceptional ball skills and a knack for putting the ball in the paint. He would team with Marshall to give the Dolphins their best receiving tandem since Mark Duper and Mark Clayton reigned supreme during Dan Marino's heyday.

St. Louis Rams (1-7)

Potential needs: WR, DT

Justin Blackmon*, WR, Oklahoma State: Sam Bradford's sophomore slump can be attributed to the lack of playmakers in St. Louis. Blackmon is a big-play receiver with a game that is reminiscent of Terrell Owens in his prime. If he enters the draft early, Blackmon could team with Bradford to give the Rams a dynamic passing combination for years to come.

Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson: The defense has regressed a little this season due to its inability to stop the run. Thompson is a big, physical run stopper with the size and strength to control the middle of the line. His presence would command double teams, which would allow the Rams' linebackers to flow freely to the ball against the run.

Seattle Seahawks (2-6)

Potential needs: QB, DE

Matt Barkley*, USC, QB: After realizing Tarvaris Jackson and Charlie Whitehurst aren't the answer, Pete Carroll would love to build an offense around the talents of one of his former players. If he elects to forgo his senior year, Barkley could be the accurate passer needed to make the West Coast offense flourish in Seattle.

Quinton Coples, North Carolina, DE: The Seahawks need a disruptive edge rusher to complement Chris Clemons. Coples is not only a quality pass rusher, but also solid against the run. He should be the first defensive lineman to come off the board.

Minnesota Vikings (2-6)

Potential needs: LT, DT

Matt Kalil*, USC, LT: The Vikings' decision to jettison Bryant McKinnie makes filling their left tackle spot a priority. Kalil, a redshirt junior, is a rare prospect with the athleticism and technical skills to be a perennial Pro Bowler. If he comes out early, the Vikings could address a need.

Alameda Ta'amu, Washington, DT: The dismantling of the Williams Wall has left the Vikings soft in the middle. Ta'amu would give the defense a massive playmaker at the point, which would help the unit control the run in their base package without using the blitz.

Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6)

Potential needs: WR, DE

Alshon Jeffery*, South Carolina, WR: If Blaine Gabbert is going to reach his potential, the Jaguars must surround him with playmakers. Jeffrey is an outstanding pass catcher with exceptional athleticism and ball skills. Although he lacks the speed to excel as a vertical threat, he would give Jacksonville its first legitimate No. 1 receiver since Jimmy Smith retired. If Jeffery elects to come out, he could be the right fit for the team's biggest hole.

Melvin Ingram, South Carolina, DE: Ingram has been one of the fastest risers in scouting circles due to his senior campaign. His vastly improved rush skills combined with his versatility and athleticism make him a potential difference maker as an edge rusher. Given the Jaguars' woes rushing the passer, Ingram would appear to be a good fit as an early round selection.

Carolina Panthers (2-6)

Potential needs: CB, LB

Dre Kirkpatrick*, Alabama, CB: The Panthers need a corner capable of excelling in man coverage to allow Ron Rivera to utilize the blitz-heavy scheme he prefers. Kirkpatrick is a big, rangy corner adept at playing in press coverage with little help from the safety. If he decides to enter the draft after a solid junior season, he would certainly be an intriguing prospect.

Zach Brown, North Carolina, OLB: Brown is the most explosive outside linebacker in the 2012 class. His stock should continue to rise, especially when he puts his extraordinary athleticism on display at the NFL Scouting Combine. Brown has the skills to disrupt as a rusher or in coverage and would be an ideal fit for the Panthers.

Arizona Cardinals (2-6)

Potential needs: LT, OLB

Jonathan Martin*, Stanford, OT: Ken Whisenhunt has his franchise quarterback in place, but he needs to find a way to protect Kevin Kolb in the pocket. Martin is an athletic edge blocker with the size, footwork and agility to hold up in isolated battles against elite rushers. He also excels in the run game, which could help Beanie Wells finally realize his potential. That is, if Martin decided to come out early.

Courtney Upshaw, Alabama, OLB: The Cardinals' 3-4 hasn't generated much pressure off the edges due to a lack of athleticism at outside linebacker. Upshaw has the instincts, awareness and rush skills to wreak havoc as a designated blitzer.

Washington Redskins (3-5)

Potential needs: QB, WR

Robert Griffin III*, Baylor, QB: The Rex Grossman/John Beck experiment will end after this season, so the Redskins must identify their quarterback of the future. Griffin has the elite arm and athleticism Mike Shanahan covets and would be a terrific fit in a movement-based passing game if he opts to enter the draft early.

Justin Blackmon*, Oklahoma State, WR: If the Redskins are unable to nab their franchise quarterback, they could opt to address their lack of explosiveness in the passing game with Blackmon. If he comes out early, Blackmon is an exceptional runner after the catch and could take some pressure off Beck or Grossman.

Philadelphia Eagles (3-5)

Potential needs: MLB, DT

Vontaze Burfict*, Arizona State, ILB: The Eagles have fallen short of expectations behind a leaky defense that wilts against the run. Burfict is a violent hitter with great instincts and awareness. He dominates the tackle-to-tackle box and his presence in the middle would upgrade the front seven.

Devon Still, Penn State, DT: The Eagles need to fortify their interior triangle (two defensive tackles and middle linebacker) with a dominant presence at the point of attack. Still has been a disruptive force throughout his career, and he could be the missing ingredient in Philly.

Denver Broncos (3-5)

Potential needs: QB, CB

Andrew Luck*, Stanford, QB: Tim Tebow might be the fan favorite in Denver, but Luck has plenty of fans in the Broncos' front office, including John Elway. With a game that is tailor-made for the pros, Luck could lead a revival in Denver, if he elects to enter the draft this year.

Janoris Jenkins, North Alabama, CB: Champ Bailey and Andre Goodman are getting a little long in the tooth, so coach John Fox would be wise to get a young cover man to groom. Jenkins has an Asante Samuel-like game with the ball skills and instincts to produce impact plays.

Cleveland Browns (3-5)

Potential needs: RB, LB

Trent Richardson*, Alabama, RB: Running backs have lost some of their value due to the proliferation of committee situations across the league. However, Richardson is a special talent. If he opts to forego his final season, the Browns would certainly consider adding someone with his versatile skill set.

Luke Kuechly*, Boston College, LB: The defense has been surprisingly stout this season, but could still benefit from an infusion of youth at linebacker. If he decides to come out early, Kuechly is a tackling machine with outstanding instincts and could be the ideal point man in the center of the defense.

 

[Faust]

Washington coach: I'd draft USC's Barkley over Stanford's Luck

NFL.com

Published: Nov. 9, 2011 at 07:30 a.m. Updated: Nov. 9, 2011 at 07:36 a.m.

It's been a foregone conclusion for the better part of a year that Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck will be the first player taken in next year's NFL Draft. But one football mind with a different take is University of Washington coach Steve Sarkisian.

"If I’m an NFL head coach right now I’d pick Matt Barkley ahead of Andrew Luck," Sarkisian said of USC's junior quarterback this week, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "I think where he fits into the NFL in his pocket presence and what (USC coach) Lane (Kiffin) is doing with him, the variety of offense they are playing with, his ability to make all of the throws, throwing them on time and to them accurately. He’s fantastic to me, and I know him personally, so I have a little better insight into what he is and what he represents. I think he’s fantastic."

Sarkisian recruited Barkley when the coach was an assistant at USC.

Apprised of his comments, Barkley said Sarkisian was "just pouring on the sugar." Washington plays USC this Saturday. The Huskies already lost to Luck and Stanford this year, falling 65-21 on Oct. 22.

Another possible interpretation is that Sarkisian wants Barkley to leave for the NFL Draft this spring so he won't have to face him as a senior next season.

According to the Los Angeles Times, when Trojans coach Lane Kiffin was asked about Sarkisian's comments, he replied: "He's never been an NFL head coach, remember? He turned it down. Made me go."

Kiffin coached the Oakland Raiders from 2007-08, after Sarkisian reportedly turned down the job.

 

[Faust]

Quarterbacks, linebackers take center stage in college's Week 11

Tony Pauline

Posted: Monday November 14, 2011 1:53PM ; Updated: Monday November 14, 2011 1:53PM

The crowd at the top of the college football mountain thinned out a bit this weekend after Stanford suffered their first loss. And while most of the talk in the NFL Draft world has centered around Andrew Luck, several other signal callers have built a buzz around themselves. So, too, have a few run-stuffing linebackers, and one really big sleeper on the defensive line.

Kawann Short, DT, Purdue*: Short has been on a tear throughout the year, and turned in one of his best performances of the season against Ohio State. The junior finished with 3 sacks, 3 tackles for loss and 6 total tackles. For the year Short has posted some impressive numbers, including 15.5 tackles for loss and two blocked kicks. He's athletic, explosive and impossible to stop. Short presently grades as a top 45 choice.

Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State: The Broncos had their undefeated season go down in flames for the second consecutive year after another makeable field goal sailed wide of the goal posts. Yet that doesn't dampen the feeling many scouts have for the team's quarterback. Moore has been referred to by many, including this columnist, as a great college quarterback who doesn't possess NFL-worthy physical skills. Scouts coming out of Boise State feel differently, though, and think Moore is reminiscent of Drew Brees at similar stages in their careers. Many have stamped Moore with a second round grade and are of the opinion he offers starting potential in the NFL.

Chandler Harnish, QB, Northern Illinois: Harnish is well thought of in the scouting community, and has lived up to expectations this season. The athletic quarterback has completed 62.9 percent of his passes for 2,256 yards with 20 touchdown strikes and just 4 interceptions in 2011. He's also added 1,022 yards on the ground with 9 additional scores. Harnish still needs to work on his game, but his improved decision-making has scouts believing he's headed in the right direction.

Joe Adams, WR-RS, Arkansas: Adams has been adequately productive at receiver this season, totaling 43 receptions, 563 receiving yards and two scores. But returning punts is how the slightly built skill player continues to alter the momentum of games. Adams ran a punt back 60 yards for a touchdown against Tennessee on Saturday, his third this season and the fourth of his career. Adams is a speed merchant who has run under 4.4 seconds in the 40. Though he'll be drafted primarily for his return skills, he'd be terrific as a slot receiver in the NFL.

Eric Page, WR, Toledo*: The junior's production has been astounding this season, as it was the prior two years. Page has averaged more than 8 receptions per game this season and on four occasions topped 100 receiving yards. He is a go-to receiver who cannot be stopped, beside being the Rockets' premier kick and punt returner. The junior is perfectly built to be a third receiver/return specialist in the NFL and presently projects as a solid middle-round choice.

David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech*: The Hokies have sent a number of talented running backs into the NFL, and Wilson is ready to keep the tradition moving forward. He offers a great combination of quickness, creativity and speed carrying the ball. In 10 games this season Wilson has posted 1,360 yards rushing. He's a developing running back with an exciting NFL future.

Chris Marve, ILB, Vanderbilt: Marve has been a force for a Vanderbilt defense that's been one of the top run-stoppers in the SEC. His 7 tackles on Saturday helped limit Kentucky to just 32 yards on the ground during the Commodores' win, and Marve's 72 tackles on the season lead the team. Considered by scouts as nothing more than camp fodder entering the season, Marve will get looks in the late rounds from teams wanting to sure up their run defense.

Najae Goode, ILB, West Virginia: Goode barely made a ripple on the scouting radar prior to the season, as most scouts didn't even consider the senior free-agent worthy. His play in 2011 has changed that opinion. Prior to the weekend Goode had totaled 61 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and an interception in the Mountaineers' nine games. During their victory over Cincinnati, he led the defense with 8 tackles, including 3 tackles for loss. Goode is a tough run-defending linebacker who will make a good addition in the late rounds for a team that employs a 3-4 defense.

Travian Robertson, DL, South Carolina: On a defensive line loaded with star players, it's easy for someone to slip through the cracks. That's the situation Robertson finds himself in. Yet scouts who have closely monitored the 6-foot-4, 300-pound defensive lineman have come away impressed. For the season Robertson's marks include 35 tackles and 4.5 tackles for loss, but it's his quickness and intensity, intangibles which don't show up on the stat sheet, that has scouts buzzing. In all likelihood Robertson is a later-round pick, but NFL teams like his game and the potential to use him at a variety of defensive line spots.

*Sleeper* Hebron Fangupo, DT, BYU: The transfer from USC was overlooked by scouts prior to the 2011 campaign, but has caught their attention with his play this season. The athletic defensive lineman is large (330 pounds) but moves and plays in ways reminiscent of three-time All Pro Haloti Ngata. This is the first season Fangupo has seen extensive action in almost two years, the primary reason he went unnoticed by scouts. NFL decision-makers now believe Fangupo has a future in the NFL due to his versatility.

Notes: Receivers Justin Blackmon of Oklahoma State and Ty Hilton from Florida International continue to impress scouts. Blackmon has totaled 32 receptions, 480 receiving yards and 6 scores in the last three games. He's established himself as a top-eight selection in April's draft. Hilton, on the other hand, has been moderately productive catching the ball but dynamic returning punts and kicks. On Saturday he returned a punt 97 yards for a score, helping the Panthers secure victory. Hilton has already received an invitation to the Senior Bowl and is the first player from FIU expected to attend the all-important event.

But the news is not as good for Stanford wideout Chris Owusu. Since being laid out, then taken off the field, in the game against Oregon one year ago, Owusu has had multiple issues with concussions. He was forced to sit on the sidelines in the rematch against the Ducks on Saturday as he recovers from his latest concussion, and his status for the remainder of the season is in question. Initially considered a second-round choice at the start of the season, sources have indicated that Owusu could fall into the very late rounds based on his recent concussion history.

 

[wiscstlatlmia]

I'm surprised there haven't been anybody pop up out of nowhere. Luck, Richardson, and Blackmon remain the top. I think Floyd is the clear #4. It's messy thereafter, but there's a lot of talent. Montee Ball, Lamar Miller, Chris Polk, Robert Griffin, and Matt Barkley stick out. Alshon Jeffrey's in there too but I don't want anything to do with him right now.After that there is about 20 names I have ?'s on. I'm slowly creating my not interested before the late rounds list (of those mentioned Fuller, L James, Toon, Foles, and Vick Ballard are on it) but I'm keeping open minded on most of them.IDP leagues this crop might be a gold mine of LB talent. I see three potential future LB1's (Te'O, Kuelchy, Burfict) and several others (Zach Brown and Hightower stick out) that should be starters soon. The future LB1's may make arguments for a top 6 pick imo.

Montee Ball is a guy that I'm a little bit scared of. Wisconsin has never seemed to produce a quality NFLer and I think a lot of their guys are made to look better than they actually are because they always seem to have a good O-Line. He's somebody that's somewhat on my radra but I doubt he'll end up on any of my teams because I just don't trust Wisconsin RBs.Toon and James are guys that I probably won't take either, we seem to agree on the do not touch list.

Reminds me a lot of Knowshon Moreno. Dont look at the numbers with him, every lineman is a future NFL player. Seems like a good, hard working kid. Put in a lot of work in the offseason, lost a lot of weight and changed his runnings style a lot. He seems to have really good vision and pretty quick with his cuts between the tackles. I dont think hes a star talent or anything, but definitely has the potential to produce if he gets in the right system.

 

[Faust]

Big Board: Underclassmen could supercharge draft

By Rob Rang | The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com

Early in the college football season, the goal of every scout is to grade each individual prospect. By late in the season, scouts begin to lump prospects together by position to gain an idea as to the strengths and weaknesses of the incoming crop of talent. It has become clear that the 2012 draft could be a very talented one. Should a few of the top underclassmen listed below elect to make themselves eligible for the draft early, 2012 could be especially rich at quarterback, wide receiver, offensive tackle and cornerback. Teams in search of tight ends or pass rushers, on the other hand, may not have nearly as many options. Creating a "Big Board" at this point in the year isn't necessarily designed to predict who will be the first 32 picks of the 2012 NFL draft. Obviously, with a full season, all-star games, workouts and interviews each playing critical roles in determining a player's final grade, much will change between now and April.

(Ed. Note: * Denotes underclassman)

1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford*: Phil Simms and others are correct in their assessment that Luck does not possess elite arm strength. Extraordinary anticipation and accuracy are two of his traits that more than make up for this "fault."

2. Matt Barkley, QB, Southern Cal*: I'm not willing to agree with University of Washington head coach Steve Sarkisian that Barkley should be drafted higher than Luck, but I do believe the Trojan junior has narrowed the gap and is no doubt an elite prospect in his own right.

3. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama*: Richardson and the rest of the Crimson Tide's offense was effectively bottled up by LSU, but that won't stop the big back from being a high first round choice.

4. Matt Kalil, OT, Southern Cal*: Kalil isn't as fundamentally sound and consistent as scouts would like, but he possesses such great size, athleticism and balance that a top five pick (and future Pro Bowls) would appear likely in his future.

5. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State*: Blackmon ultimately won't get drafted this high due to concerns about his straight-line speed, but he's virtually unstoppable at this level and will prove to be No. 1 option in the NFL.

6. Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa*: Possessing NFL size (6-6, 300 pounds), sound technique and better athleticism than his former teammate, Bryan Bulaga, Reiff is viewed by scouts as a pro-ready tackle capable of helping immediately at either left or right tackle.

7. Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame: Big, physical and (like Blackmon) faster on the field than he'll ever time off it, Floyd has the makings of a top 10 pick -- as long as he can convince teams he has the maturity to handle the pressure on and off the field that comes with such lofty expectations.

8. David DeCastro, OG, Stanford*: In terms of consistent dominance, there hasn't been an offensive or defensive lineman I've graded higher thus far this season than DeCastro. Only the fact that he plays guard may keep him out of the top half of the first round.

9. Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina: An All-ACC pick last year as a defensive tackle, Coples was moved to his "more natural" defensive end position this year and been one of the country's greater disappointments, thus far. Scouts hope that moving him back inside in the pros could result in a return to dominant play.

10. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU*: There isn't a cornerback in the college football playing better football than Claiborne right now. His interception in the "title game" against Alabama only reinforces Claiborne's skyrocketing stock.

11. Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson: At 6-2, 300 pounds, Thompson lacks the size most scouts prefer. His combination of power and quickness, however, has made him virtually unblockable this season.

12. 'Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama*: Kirkpatrick's size, speed and physicality made him a standout against LSU, helping the Tide limit Tigers' star junior receiver Rueben Randle to just two catches for 19 yards.

13. Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford*: Martin has provided steady protection for Luck throughout their respective careers, but was beaten on occasion by Southern Cal's speed rusher Nick Perry two weeks ago. He'll face similar speed off the edge this week against Oregon.

14. Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska: Finally back to health, Dennard is showing signs of being the physical shutdown press corner that led some scouts to grade him this season as the country's elite senior prospect at any position.

15. Manti Te'o, ILB, Notre Dame*: Instinctive, physical and athletic enough to beat backs to the edge, as well as remain on the field on third down, Te'o has emerged as the country's best all-around middle linebacker.

16. Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama: I am dropping Jenkins a bit not because I have any concerns about his talent but because he continues to make poor decisions. He was thrown out of North Alabama's loss on October 13 to Delta State and neither he nor his new teammates have played with the same fire since.

17. Devon Still, DT, Penn State: Still's talent has always been obvious, but until this season it has lied under the surface. Just as Phil Taylor rode a dominant senior campaign into a first round pick, however, don't be surprised if Still is able to do the same - especially if he can follow Taylor's lead and enjoy a stellar week at the Senior Bowl, as well.

18. Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia: Glenn struggled in the opener against Boise State, but has rewarded my faith in him since with much improved play at left tackle. He may not be able to remain here in the NFL, but looks like a possible future Pro Bowl candidate on the inside.

19. Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State: Worthy continues to struggle with consistency, but defensive tackles with his combination of size, strength and quickness don't last long on draft day.

20. Courtney Upshaw, ILB, Alabama: Among the most versatile defenders in the country, Upshaw's burst and strong, active hands make him a natural pass rusher capable of seeing the field early whether as a 4-3 defensive end or as either an inside or outside linebacker in the 3-4 scheme.

21. Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma*: Jones has undeniably more impressive physical traits than Matt Barkley, my No. 2 overall prospect. Questionable poise and decision-making, however, make him a significantly greater projection in an NFL offense.

22. Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin*: Rarely does an underclassmen center deserve mentioning this early on a Big Board, but Konz is special. His size and strength inside and fluidity when blocking at the second level could allow him to join the Pouncey twins, Alex Mack (Cleveland Browns) and Eric Wood (Buffalo Bills) as the fifth center drafted in the first round over the past four drafts.

23. Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina*: I have reservations about Jeffery's straight-line speed, but his size, physicality and body control have dominated SEC competition - and that speaks volumes.

24. Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor: Quarterback Robert Griffin III gets all of the hype, but the playmaking Wright may just prove the real star of the show. One of the few speedsters in a potentially very strong class of receivers, Wright is quietly flying up draft boards.

25. Billy Winn, DT, Boise State: Kellen Moore gets all of the hype, but Winn is clearly Boise State's best pro prospect. Winn has been impressive against top competition and only needs to play with more consistency to warrant a first round selection.

26. Orson Charles, TE, Georgia*: Charles lacks the size at 6-3, 242 pounds of the traditional tight end, but his athleticism, reliable hands and surprising physicality as a blocker makes him my top-rated prospect at the position.

27. Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina: Brown's elite athleticism is going to draw raves at the Combine, but moderate instincts and physicality are potential red-flags that shouldn't be ignored.

28. Mark Barron, SS, Alabama: A free safety for the Crimson Tide, I have some reservations about Barron being able to hold up at this position against top-notch NFL passing games. That said, his reliable open-field tackling and instincts make him the clear top safety prospect.

29. Mohammed Sanu, WR, Rutgers*: At 6-2, 215 pounds Sanu possesses rare size and physicality to play outside in the NFL. He lacks elite speed, however, which limits his draft stock despite the fact that he's been as reliable as any receiver in the country this season.

30. Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College*: Kuechly's instincts and open-field tackling skills are impressive, but he's not as stout as scouts would prefer for playing inside in the NFL and may lack the athleticism to make the switch to outside. Some scouts feel Kuechly ranks among the country's most overrated pro prospects.

31. E.J. Manuel, QB, Florida State*: Considering that their last starter -- Christian Ponder -- was drafted 12th overall by the Minnesota Vikings last year, it is surprising that Florida State has seen an improvement in the passing game this season. As impressive as Robert Griffin III has been for Baylor, Manuel's greater size and experience in a pro style offense will lead to a higher draft day grade. Should he return for his senior season, Manuel could emerge as an elite prospect.

32. Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State: Scouts will want to investigate Adams' maturity considering his suspension as part of Tattoo-gate, but since returning to the field for the Buckeyes, the 6-6, 320 pounder has proven himself to be the top senior offensive tackle in the country.

 

[Faust]

Paterno guarded Penn State's NFL prospects

Posted Nov. 14, 2011 @ 12:08 p.m. ET

By Nolan Nawrocki

Joe Paterno represented everything that was good about college football. His khaki pants, coke-bottle glasses and modest ways underlied the consistency of his down-to-earth, blue-collar approach and the sage wisdom stemming from 61 years of loyalty to Penn State University. He was a greater institution in the state of Pennsylvania than the six-time, Super Bowl-champion Pittsburgh Steelers, the model of stability and tradition in the National Football League.

For years, however, he has been reviled by NFL scouts and personnel men, whom he treated as enemies of his program — limiting views of practice, greatly restricting access to coaches, administration and talent and offering very little background information regarding the character and makeup of his athletes that NFL teams are tasked with scouting.

As a result, the number of high draft picks from Penn State who have been misses has been especially high. Since 1990, players such as RB Blair Thomas, RB KiJana Carter, RB Curtis Enis, DE Courtney Brown, DT Jimmy Kennedy, DE Michael Haynes, WR Bryant Johnson, OT Levi Brown and DE Aaron Maybin all failed to live up to their lofty draft status.

Many linebackers — the speciality of former coordinator Jerry Sandusky — have had far greater success, leading to the program's nickname of "Linebacker U." The tradition has continued even since Sandusky's retirement in 1998, with Sean Lee, NaVorro Bowman, Paul Posluszny, Tamba Hali (moved to OLB by the Chiefs) and LaVar Arrington excelling in the pros.

As a football coach and trusted aide, Sandusky might have served the university well. How the grand jury investigation revealed the way he treated children he claimed to be helping was downright reprehensible and reason enough for all associated with looking the other way to be removed from the program immediately.

It does not matter who you are or how much good you have done — there is no greater responsibility than protecting the interests of defenseless children, and all parties to the university failed miserably by not blowing the whistle much sooner.

Paterno's greatest strength — his undying loyalty to his staff and interest in protecting the integrity of the university — ultimately proved to be his greatest weakness, as he helped cover up a deeply disturbing problem in a similar vein as he shunned the NFL, both of which called for drastic change.

• Arkansas' diminutive WRs Jarius Wright and Joe Adams put their big-play ability on display against Tennessee, with Wright breaking the Razorbacks' career record for catches with 155 and Adams returning his third punt this season on a sensational run where he spun out of the grasp of a wall of tacklers, eluding at least five while reversing field and scooted up the sideline for a 60-yard TD. It was one of the most spectacular plays of the college football season.

• Oregon upset previously unbeaten Stanford to the tune of 53-30 to take control of the Pac-12 Conference. Cardinal QB Andrew Luck accounted for two interceptions, including a pick-six late in the fourth quarter when Stanford was trailing by 16 that sealed the win for the Ducks. Luck was heavily pressured much of the contest, being sacked three times after only four sacks were allowed in the previous nine games. Instead of blasting a young receiver who bobbled the final interception, he returned to the sideline, patted him on the shoulder and offered support, despite being clearly bothered by the result. His intangibles really have shown through the past two weeks in victory and defeat and are more impressive than his physical talent.

• Boise State senior QB Kellen Moore also suffered his first loss of the season in a 36-35 upset loss to TCU. The absence of senior DT Billy Winn, who did not play until late in the game because of a foot injury, noticeably quieted the Broncos' pass rush. The running game fared OK without senior RB Doug Martin, who sat out after suffering a leg injury against UNLV last week.

• With Chris Rainey nursing a right foot injury that left him in a boot following the Georgia game, fellow senior RB Jeff Demps picked up the slack against Vanderbilt in the utility role, piling up 213 all-purpose yards in a 26-21 win on Nov. 5. Rainey returned against South Carolina last week, limiting Demps' touches in a 17-12 loss. However, it is the more tough and reliable Demps who has the greater value in a utility role in the NFL.

• Mississippi State junior DT Fletcher Cox started the season on the wrong note, being suspended for the opener, but he has really emerged late in the season, and was a key reason why the Bulldogs were able to get back on track after a slow start. At a listed 6-4, 295 pounds, Cox has the size-stregth ratio to function inside or outside in an even or odd front. Program sources say he has invested more time watching tape and has become more focused in his preparation. Should he declare early for the draft, he could be highly coveted for his versatility and inside rush potential.

• Wake Forest OLG Joe Looney is fleshy-bodied and slightly knock-kneed, but he consistently gets the job done and grades highly.

 

[Faust]

College stock watch: Is Blackmon game's best receiver?

By Bucky Brooks NFL.com

Analyst

Each Monday throughout the college football season, NFL.com draft expert Bucky Brooks will share his notes and evaluations on potential NFL prospects for the 2012 draft and beyond. An asterisk (*) denotes players who aren't seniors.

» Justin Blackmon* is the best receiver in college football. In fact, he might be the best receiver in all of football. While fans of Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald and Calvin Johnson will certainly disagree with my opinion, the Oklahoma State star is one of the best receiving prospects in years.

At 6-foot-1, 215 pounds, Blackmon is an athletic playmaker with size and ball skills. He tracks and adjusts well to errant throws, and provides quarterbacks with a big target who can go up and get the ball. Although he is only a junior, he's extremely polished as a route runner and is an explosive threat with the ball in his hands. His running skills evoke images of Terrell Owens in his prime. Part of that assessment is based on Blackmon's dominance over the past two seasons. He had 111 receptions for 1,782 yards with 20 touchdowns in 2010, and has snagged 93 balls for 1,142 yards with 14 scores so far this season. He has 18 games with 100-plus receiving yards and 10 games with 10-plus receptions over the past two years.

It's hard to find a glaring flaw in Blackmon's game outside of pure speed. Although he's fast enough to stretch the field on vertical routes, he doesn't appear to have sub-4.4 speed based off tape evaluation. However, he's never caught from behind when he breaks out and the fact that he routinely gets past defenders suggests his explosiveness shouldn't be a concern.

» Virginia Tech's David Wilson* is college football's best-kept secret at running back. The 5-10, 205-pound junior has rushed for 100-plus yards in nine of the Hokies' 10 games, and is coming off a 23-carry, 175-yard performance against Georgia Tech.

Wilson is a cutback runner with speed and quickness. He has the burst to turn the corner, but also the agility to put his foot in the ground and dart through seams. He also shows surprising power and toughness between the tackles. Wilson routinely breaks arm tackles at the point of attack, and has a knack for falling forward at the end of runs.

While some will question Wilson's durability due to his size, the fact that he has seven games with 20-plus carries this season suggests he's capable of carrying the load. With smaller backs like Ray Rice and LeSean McCoy setting the pace in the NFL, it wouldn't be surprising to see Wilson create more buzz going forward.

Word on the street

» After spending most of the season regarded as one of the top linebackers in college football, Arizona State's Vontaze Burfict* is seeing his stock take a bit of a tumble due to character concerns and questions about his ability to play within a disciplined scheme. Two NFC scouts cited issues with Burfict's off-field habits as potential sticking points. Although the issues don't regard the law, they are significant enough to wonder if Burfict can assimilate in a veteran locker room. Also, the more evaluators have studied his game, the more they worry about him thriving in a gap-control scheme that limits his ability to freelance in the middle.

» With the 2012 defensive tackle class lacking depth, scouts are paying close attention to Utah's Star Lotulelei*. According to an NFC South scout who recently visited Utah, the 6-3, 325-pound defensive tackle is a rare find. He's stout against the run, capable of holding the point, while also displaying the athleticism to get after the passer. Although he still needs a little skill refinement, Lotulelei has all of the tools that scouts covet in a dominant interior defender.

Stock up

» Robert Griffin III*, Baylor, QB: He continues to put up spectacular numbers, throwing for 400-plus yards in three of the past four games with an impressive 29/5 touchdown-to-interception ratio on the season. In Baylor's 31-30 win over Kansas, Griffin passed for 312 yards, rushed for 103 and added four total touchdowns. With stellar all-around performances becoming routine, it's not surprising scouts are beginning to take notice.

» Josh Kaddu, Oregon, DE: He's come on strong over the past five weeks, with 4.5 sacks during that span. His combination of first-step quickness and athleticism overwhelms blockers. That was obvious against Stanford, when he routinely raced around Jonathan Martin to harass Andrew Luck. Although Kaddu only recorded three stops and a half-sack, his steady pressure forced college football's top passer into an uneven performance and a loss.

» Fitzgerald Toussaint*, Michigan, RB: Since taking over as the feature back, he has posted two games with 170-plus yards rushing, including his 27-carry, 192-yard effort against Illinois. His rugged style has sparked Michigan's running game, and allowed the team to win without major contributions from Denard Robinson.

Stock down

» Andrew Luck*, Stanford, QB: Even though Luck's stock will not drop significantly, the fact that he didn't bring his A-game in the team's matchup with Oregon will lead to more scrutiny. Luck completed 27 of 41 for 271 yards with three touchdowns and three turnovers. He generally looked out of sync as his ball placement, timing and anticipation were slightly off. The end result suggests Luck still needs to work on skill refinement from the pocket. His hesitancy might have been due to the tighter coverage and increased pressure he faced against Oregon, but he was certainly off by his standards. Scouts will spend a lot of time looking at this tape searching for answers.

» David Ash* and Case McCoy*, Texas, QBs: The tandem combined for just 171 passing yards in a 17-5 loss to Missouri. Although the absence of three impact players -- Malcolm Brown, Joe Bergeron and Jaxon Shipley -- severely limited their available options, the inability of Ash and McCoy to generate any consistent production kept Texas from mounting many legitimate scoring threats.

 

[Faust]

Week 11 Rewind: Oregon's pint-sized RB James can excel in NFL

By Rob Rang | NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst

Each week, we rewind the game film to highlight the star-worthy performances that could impact the 2012 draft rankings:

• It was rumored for years that the University of Notre Dame would allow the grass to grow just a little bit longer whenever they hosted a team faster than them.

If the Stanford Cardinal embraced a similar strategy for their Pac-12 showdown Saturday night with Oregon it certainly didn't work.

LaMichael James, the Ducks' star running back, noticed the long, wet grass in Stanford Stadium early and switched to longer cleats. As a result, when Stanford defenders were slipping all over the field, the diminutive junior tailback was squirting through holes and leaving would-be tacklers grasping at air on his way to 146 yards and three touchdowns in Oregon's 53-30 win on the road.

James literally had the better footing. In virtually every other game of his brilliant career, James relied on lateral quickness, acceleration and vision to make defenders look foolish.

James led the country in rushing yardage (1,731) and rushing touchdowns (21) last season, finishing third in the Heisman Trophy balloting. He is working at an even more feverish pace this season.

Consider James finished among the nation's leaders with a healthy 5.89 yards-per-carry average in 2010. This year, he's at an even higher level, averaging a gaudy 7.89 yards per attempt. Not surprisingly, he's again on pace to lead the country in rushing yards.

Despite staggering production, scouts can't help but be cautious when grading him for the next level. Listed at 5-9, 195 pounds -- many suspect he's considerably smaller than the Oregon program indicates -- James clearly doesn't possess the size most pro clubs want in a featured back.

He's also not necessarily the traditional scat-back as some peg him to be. James has only 13 receptions this season and finished each of the past two years with 17. Though his relatively low catch totals hardly mean that James lacks the hands to be an effective outlet receiver, any concerns about his ball skills weren't helped Saturday night with only one catch (for 10 yards) and a muffed punt in which the ball simply slid through his hands.

James is a stronger runner than you'd think considering his size. He finishes runs like a big back -- feet chugging, twisting and leaning forward to gain ground as he's being tackled. That said, his value lies with his elusiveness and blazing straight-line speed -- and teams have traditionally been unwilling to invest a top 100 pick in undersized backs with this limited skill-set.

Some of the other speedy, undersized backs James has been compared to -- Darren Sproles, Taiwan Jones and Jacquizz Rodgers -- made it to the fourth round despite similarly jaw-dropping collegiate production.

• Long before the public knew anything about the horrors allegedly happening at Penn State, pro scouts had circled the Nittany Lions' home date versus Nebraska as a rare opportunity to see two of the more talented senior defensive linemen in the country.

An early season injury took Nebraska's Jared Crick out of the equation, but Penn State defensive tackle Devon Still has more than held up his side of the bargain. The 6-4, 310-pound senior entered the game leading the Big Ten with 15.5 tackles for loss. In doing so, he's shot up the draft board from the second- or third-round prospect he entered the season rated as into a potential top 20 prospect.

Long-armed and strong at the point of attack, Still is getting attention as a 3-4 defensive end. He also possesses the short-area quickness to beat guards one on one, something he demonstrated clearly by bursting through the line to sack Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez on the Cornhuskers' fifth offensive snap from scrimmage.

The Huskers continued to pound away at Still and the Penn State defense, rushing for 188 yards and two touchdowns. Like a lot of taller defensive tackles, Stills' pad level rose as he tired, negating his strength advantage.

Stills, a captain, played hard throughout the game, showing good hustle laterally and downfield, registering six total tackles and forcing a fumble. The sustained intensity will only help his cause with scouts as Stills' had been plagued by bouts of inconsistency in prior seasons.

Clemson's Brandon Thompson is Stills' primary competition as the country's elite senior defensive tackle. While the 6-2, 310-pound Thompson has been the more consistent player throughout their respective careers, Stills' size and versatility could make him the highly regarded prospect by draft day.

• With so much of the pre-draft focus circulating around USC Trojans on the offensive side of the ball, it isn't surprising that a Southern California defensive player would be overlooked.

Junior defensive end Nick Perry entered the game already leading the Trojans in tackles for loss and sacks. Against Huskies' left tackle Senio Kelemete, a legitimate middle-round pro prospect in his own right, Perry enjoyed the type of breakout game that could catapult the 6-3, 250 pound pass rusher into first-round consideration.

The same speed that beat Stanford's Jonathan Martin two weeks ago caught Kelemete off balance for much of the night. Quick enough to cross the left tackle's face and turn the corner, Perry also demonstrated a spin to the inside to complement his speed rush. Perry was officially credited with five tackles, including 2.5 sacks in the game, making him the current leader in the Pac-12 with 7.5 hits on the quarterback.

Considered by the USC coaching staff to be among the team's elite athletes, Perry may only be scratching the surface of his potential. Even more exciting -- at least from the perspective of NFL teams -- is that Perry appears to be one of the few pass rushers potentially available in 2012 with the combination of size and athleticism to make an impact in either a 4-3 or 3-4 alignment.

• Upon Further Review highlights a player whose performance over the weekend significantly altered my earlier assessment.

Last year, South Carolina wide receiver Alshon Jeffery made a mockery of SEC defenses catching 88 passes for 1,517 yards and nine touchdowns on his way to All-America honors.

Through 10 games this season: 38 catches for 504 yards and five touchdowns. He was limited to two catches for 17 yards Saturday by Florida. It is the fourth consecutive game the 2011 Biletnikoff Award finalist has been held under 25 receiving yards.

Some are chalking up Jeffery's mediocre production as simply a by-product of the Gamecocks' season-long struggle to find consistent quarterback play.

The truth: Jeffery is overrated.

In his first two seasons, Jeffery used his size and physicality to gain position on defensive backs. With defenses sucked up to try and contain Marcus Lattimore last season, Jeffery was often able to exploit single coverage, break a tackle and gain yardage -- sometimes big yardage -- after the catch. With defenders not in position to stop him, Jeffery appeared to possess explosiveness.

This season the rare talent playing cornerback in the SEC has exposed Jeffery's lack of explosiveness. He's not getting the ball as much this season, in large part because he isn't getting open.

Jeffery reminds me a great deal of another former USC receiver -- Southern California's Mike Williams (now with the Seattle Seahawks). Like Williams, Jeffery's NFL-caliber traits are his size, strength, soft hands and hand-eye coordination. Due to each man's ability to make the catch even with defenders draped over them, many of Williams' and Jeffery's receptions are memorable plays.

The reality is both need to make plays with defenders clutching at them as neither has the agility or straight-line speed to consistently get open in the NFL.

 

[J-Dawg]

It's looking like a lot of people are starting to jump on the "Jeffery is overrated" bandwagon these days. I've personally moved him out of my top 12 rookie draft rankings entirely, there's a lot of guys that are starting to make their way into 1st round consideration for me to keep ranking him above some more deserving prospects.

Interesting note about Kendall Wright. I can't say that I've really paid that close attention to him this year, can anybody chime in on his potential? I've only watched one Baylor game this year and that was to keep tabs on Robert Griffin.

With the number of QB prospects this year, I would be very surprised if E.J. Manuel declared. Next year I think the only guy to give him a run for this money would be Bray from Tennessee.

David Wilson had another impressive game. VT is playing UNC on Thursday night this week that I'll be very interested in checking out. I'm still skeptical of Hokie RBs but he might be the guy to buck that trend, especially if he has an impressive combine.

 

[MU Seminole]

31. E.J. Manuel, QB, Florida State*: Considering that their last starter -- Christian Ponder -- was drafted 12th overall by the Minnesota Vikings last year, it is surprising that Florida State has seen an improvement in the passing game this season. As impressive as Robert Griffin III has been for Baylor, Manuel's greater size and experience in a pro style offense will lead to a higher draft day grade. Should he return for his senior season, Manuel could emerge as an elite prospect.

I understand that it's written as a discussion piece, but I would be extremely surprised if Manuel declares, irrespective of this or next year's QB classes. His ability to read and work the whole field is nowhere near pro ready and a second year as a starter would greatly benefit him. He has had injuries throughout his career in a backup role and missed two games in his only starting season. He needs to show improved durability. All that said, he has tremendous physical tools, good character and intangibles.

 

[Dawg Pound 69]

I don't think he is eligible until 2013, but good news that Arkansas RB Knile Davis returned to practice today. Many people feared his injury might be a career-ender, but doesn't appear to be the case.

 

[bengalbuck]

I don't think he is eligible until 2013, but good news that Arkansas RB Knile Davis returned to practice today. Many people feared his injury might be a career-ender, but doesn't appear to be the case.

He's eligible this year if he wants to declare.

 

[bengalbuck]

I think the Lamichael James comments in the previous article are interesting. I don't know if I buy the Quizz Rodgers comparison. Both are undersized and put up big stats in the Pac 10, but the reason Quizz fell so far in the draft is in large part due to his 4.64 at the combine. I suspect James will run much faster.

I'm a bit leery of his size as well. Not really his height, but more his bulk. He's just not as solid as most NFL running backs. But the combination of his production and his legit 4.4 speed makes him pretty intriguing.

 

[EBF]

I think he has a chance to be successful in the NFL. I saw him up close this past Saturday and while he's certainly not a prototypical featured back, he's not frail either. Players like Chris Johnson, Steve Slaton, and Jamaal Charles offer cause for optimism. There's no doubt that James benefits from a friendly Oregon system that confuses defenders and gets him into wide open space where he can take advantage of his speed, but he flashed some decent quicks in this game. I think he could be useful in the right system.

The battle for that RB2 spot behind Richardson will be interesting. David Wilson is having a big year. I haven't seen much of him because he was in a committee last season and I never watch Va Tech games. Of the west coast guys that I'm familiar with, I think LaMichael James could be in the mix. Cameron Marshall has decent pro potential and could be a 3rd-4th round pick if he declares. Doug Martin should go in the same range. Nationally, Jonas Gray has looked good this season. I'm surprised he hasn't had a better career at Notre Dame because he looks like he could have a role on Sundays.

I think there will be some quality gambles in the 5-15 range of rookie drafts when April finally rolls around. It happens every year where people talk about the lack of depth only to see players like Tate, Hardesty, Leshoure, and Murray drafted higher than expected.

 

[footballstar]

I do not watch much college football, but I read this thread carefully. Thanks for all of the input. If you had to take a guess who was coming out next year, how would you rank them in fantasy football terms?

 

[Time Kibitzer]

I think he has a chance to be successful in the NFL. I saw him up close this past Saturday and while he's certainly not a prototypical featured back, he's not frail either. Players like Chris Johnson, Steve Slaton, and Jamaal Charles offer cause for optimism. There's no doubt that James benefits from a friendly Oregon system that confuses defenders and gets him into wide open space where he can take advantage of his speed, but he flashed some decent quicks in this game. I think he could be useful in the right system.

The battle for that RB2 spot behind Richardson will be interesting. David Wilson is having a big year. I haven't seen much of him because he was in a committee last season and I never watch Va Tech games. Of the west coast guys that I'm familiar with, I think LaMichael James could be in the mix. Cameron Marshall has decent pro potential and could be a 3rd-4th round pick if he declares. Doug Martin should go in the same range. Nationally, Jonas Gray has looked good this season. I'm surprised he hasn't had a better career at Notre Dame because he looks like he could have a role on Sundays.

I think there will be some quality gambles in the 5-15 range of rookie drafts when April finally rolls around. It happens every year where people talk about the lack of depth only to see players like Tate, Hardesty, Leshoure, and Murray drafted higher than expected.

Nice call here. One reason why he hasn't been used much in the past is ND usually has a staple of pretty solid RBs; Armando Allen was a pretty good RB in his own right. But perhaps the bigger reason is ND has largely been a passing team over the last few years with Jimmy Clausen, and ND hasn't felt comfortable with Gray out there for passing plays. So although he fits the NFL mold very nicely, he hasn't fit the ND mold of a pass-catching back very well. I agree though that he has a lot of the qualities you look for in a NFL RB. The combination of over powering defenders and out running them is very nice to see.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

I'm surprised Isaiah Pead isn't getting more attention. He's pretty thick and if he can run as projected at the combine (low 4.4s) I like him quite a bit. He's been a true workhorse this year with no decline in his performance.

 

[Faust]

Pro Football Weekly's new draft database is live

Posted Nov. 16, 2011 @ 2:05 p.m. ET

The 2012 NFL draft might be more than five months away, but we at Pro Football Weekly never stop preparing for it. With that in mind, we thought we'd take our loyal readers along for the ride as we scout the top college talent in the nation.

Check out Nolan Nawrocki's early scouting reports, which are now available. Chart the prospects' progress throughout the year, and hear the latest buzz from the scouting trails.

You can search for prospects based on their current grade:

http://www.profootballweekly.com/prospects/rankings/

You can search for prospects by position:

http://www.profootballweekly.com/prospects/position/?season=2012&position=QB

You can search for prospects by school:

http://www.profootballweekly.com/prospects/school/?season=2012&school=9

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

I think he has a chance to be successful in the NFL. I saw him up close this past Saturday and while he's certainly not a prototypical featured back, he's not frail either. Players like Chris Johnson, Steve Slaton, and Jamaal Charles offer cause for optimism. There's no doubt that James benefits from a friendly Oregon system that confuses defenders and gets him into wide open space where he can take advantage of his speed, but he flashed some decent quicks in this game. I think he could be useful in the right system. The battle for that RB2 spot behind Richardson will be interesting. David Wilson is having a big year. I haven't seen much of him because he was in a committee last season and I never watch Va Tech games. Of the west coast guys that I'm familiar with, I think LaMichael James could be in the mix. Cameron Marshall has decent pro potential and could be a 3rd-4th round pick if he declares. Doug Martin should go in the same range. Nationally, Jonas Gray has looked good this season. I'm surprised he hasn't had a better career at Notre Dame because he looks like he could have a role on Sundays. I think there will be some quality gambles in the 5-15 range of rookie drafts when April finally rolls around. It happens every year where people talk about the lack of depth only to see players like Tate, Hardesty, Leshoure, and Murray drafted higher than expected.

Isaih Pead, Lamar Miller, Bernard Pierce are the other RB's to keep an eye on in the 2012 class behind Richardson.