DYNASTY: 2012 Top college prospects (2 Viewers)

[cstu]

6. Alshon Jeffery, WR, South CarolinaHe wasn't as good in 2011 as he was in 2010, and he's gained some weight since then. Still, he's a playmaker.16. Trent Richardson, RB, AlabamaRichardson averaged an eye-popping 5.9 yards per carry last year and scored 21 touchdowns. He will be drafted higher than this.

Ok, Gil...

 

[Rodeojones]

Which 2012 prospects are first to top charts?

By Gil Brandt NFL.com

Senior Analyst

Published: Jan. 25, 2012 at 06:13 p.m.

We're just about three months away from the 2012 NFL Draft, which means it's time for the first edition of my "Hot 100." This isn't necessarily how I think the draft will unfold, but rather the 100 best prospects heading into April.

This is only the beginning. Plenty will change after the NFL Scouting Combine and pro days get underway. For now, though, this is how I list the best players in the country.

1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

With a 71.3 completion percentage, 10,043 total yards and 80 touchdown passes, this kid is the complete package.

2. Matt Kalil, OT, USC

A first team All-Pac 12 selection, Matt is the younger brother of Panthers Pro Bowl lineman Ryan Kalil. He plays like him, too.

3. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

His timed speed could drop him some, but it's hard to ignore 121 catches and 18 touchdowns last season.

4. Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

He's the dual threat as a passer (72.4 completion percentage, 32 touchdowns in 2011) and runner (699 yards, 10 TDs) every coach dreams of.

5. Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

A first team All-ACC selection in 2010 and 2011, he's an all-out every-down player.

6. Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

He wasn't as good in 2011 as he was in 2010, and he's gained some weight since then. Still, he's a playmaker.

7. Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina

He's a good weak-side linebacker who was named first team All-ACC last season. Nobody is likely to draft him in the top 10, though.

8. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

He's very smart, an excellent athlete and has the ability to take off if necessary.

9. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

A first team All-SEC selection last season, he had six interceptions. He's not very big at 5-foot-11 and 177 pounds, but he can return kicks.

10. Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Reiff is a very good athlete who was a three-time South Dakota state wrestling champion.

11. Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama

Just how good is Upshaw? He's better than former Crimson Tide linebacker Rolando McClain, who was a first-round pick in 2010.

12. Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

A two-year first team All-Pac 12 selection who made 36 career starts, Martin is a very good run blocker.

13. Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Floyd's had some off-field problems, but he is a very good athlete who made 100 catches with nine touchdowns in 2011.

14. Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

He finished with 191 tackles, 12 of them for loss, and had three interceptions last season. The only thing that could hurt him is a lack of speed.

15. David DeCastro, G, Stanford

He made 38 straight starts at right guard. This kid reminds me of Vikings All-Pro guard Chad Hutchinson.

16. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Richardson averaged an eye-popping 5.9 yards per carry last year and scored 21 touchdowns. He will be drafted higher than this.

17. Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

Ingram will be rewarded handsomely for staying in school for his senior year. He's good, athletic and plays hard every down.

18. Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

Off-field trouble forced him to transfer from Florida, but this kid can cover very well.

19. Devon Still, DT, Penn State

A high-motor guy who was first team All-Big Ten after finishing with 4.5 sacks and an impressive 17 tackles for loss.

20. Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

A first team All-Big Ten selection who definitely has talent but needs to play hard all the time.

21. Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

He's tall for a corner, and people like that. He most likely will fall some after the combine and his pro day, which could result in a move to safety.

22. Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

This is a very talented player, but he has problems taking coaching, so teams need to make sure he's right for them.



23. Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

A three-year player who has a lot of upside and a strong front.

24. Kelechi Osemele, OT, Iowa State

He's a strong and powerful player who is more suited to play guard in the NFL.

25. Nick Perry, DE, USC

A first team All-Pac 12 selection, Perry had 9.5 sacks last year. He's best to fit in as a linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.

26. Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

27. Andre Branch, DE, Clemson

28. Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson

29. Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson

30. Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama

31. Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

32. Mark Barron, S, Alabama

33. Cordy Glenn, G, Georgia

34. Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia

35 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami (Fla.)

36. Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

37. Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

38. Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State

39. Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

40. David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech

41. Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

42. Charles Orson, TE, Florida

43. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

44. Jared Crick, DE, Nebraska

45. Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

46. Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina

47. Chris Polk, RB, Washington

48. Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

49. Billy Winn, DT, Boise State

50. Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

51. Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall

52. Jamell Fleming, CB, Oklahoma

53. Leonard Johnson, CB, Iowa State

54. Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt

55. Kevin Zeitler, G, Wisconsin

56. Jarius Wright, WR, Arkansas

57. Bruce Irvin, DE, West Virginia

58. Robert Lester, S, Alabama

59. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon

60. Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State

61. Ben Jones, C, Georgia

62. Shea McClellin, OLB, Boise State

63. Travis Lewis, LB, Oklahoma

64. Nick Foles, QB, Arizona

65. Andrew Datko, OT, Florida State

66. Josh Chapman, DT, Alabama

67. A.J. Jenkins, WR, Illinois

68. Joe Adams, WR/KR, Arkansas

69. Bobby Wagner, LB, Utah State

70. Jayron Hosely, CB, Virginia Tech

71. Ronnell Lewis, DE, Oklahoma

72. Luke Nix, G, Pittsburgh

73. Brandon Washington, G, Miami (Fla.)

74. Lavonte David, LB, Nebraska

75. Rokevious Watkins, G, South Carlina

76. Markelle Martin, S, Oklahoma State

77. Coryelle Judie, CB, Texas A&M

78. Senio Kelemete, OT, Washington

79. Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana

80. Sean Spence, LB, Miami (Fla.)

81. Cyrus Gray, RB, Texas A&M

82. Doug Martin, RB, Boise State

83. Mike Martin, DT, Michigan

84. Kheeston Randall, DT, Texas

85. T.Y. Hilton, WR/KR, Florida International

86. Alameda Ta'amu, DT, Washington

87. Terrance Ganaway, RB, Baylor

88. Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State

89. Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia

90. Brian Quick, WR, Appalachian State

91. Marvin McNutt, WR, Iowa

92. DeQuan Menzie, CB, Alabama

93. Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse

94. Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin

95. James-Michael Johnson, LB, Nevada

96. Juron Criner, WR, Arizona

97. Ryan Steed, CB, Furman

98. Eric Page, WR/KR, Toledo

99. Donnie Fletcher, CB, Boston College

100. Josh LeRibeus, G, Southern Methodist

Some surprises here like Alshon Jeffery ranked at # 6

And Doug Martin at 82.

 

[loose circuits]

seems to me like there is a clear cut top 10 with 2 QB's, 4 RB's, and 4 WR's...a little of everything for everybody

 

[Faust]

Excerpt from Peter King's MMQB on Oklahoma State QB Brandon Weeden

Knotty scouting problem of the year.

Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden, who just finished playing in his last college football game, the Senior Bowl, is 48 days older than Aaron Rodgers -- both 28.

I watched Weeden play for the South team in the Senior Bowl Saturday. Impressive kid, particularly in the move from the Cowboys' spread offense to the more traditional pro-style look, mostly under center. His delivery was long, and he doesn't have the tightest spiral. But his accuracy was good, his confidence better, and he stepped into throws with good mechanics and a strong arm.

I'd heard he was the most impressive passer in the week of practice before the game. "He is absolutely lighting it up,'' one AFC scout, whose team is not in need of a quarterback, said after watching two days of practice. "I bet he's raised his stock significantly here. I wouldn't be surprised, even with the age question, if he's made himself into a second-rounder.''

Weeden, a 6-foot-4 pitcher, chose to play baseball out of high school. The Yankees paid him a $565,000 signing bonus as the 71st overall pick in the 2002 draft. (Number 44: Joey Votto. Number 64: Brian McCann. Number 80: Curtis Granderson.) He gave it five years, with the Yankees, Dodgers (New York sent him to L.A. as one of three players surrendered in the Kevin Brown trade) and Royals, and his 19-26 record with a 5.02 ERA just didn't cut it.

He had a partially torn labrum that didn't require surgery if he wanted to play football, so he enrolled at Oklahoma State in 2007. After a rehabbing redshirt year and two more on the bench, he took over as the quarterback in 2010, and in two starting seasons completed 69.7 percent of his throws with a +45 touchdown-to-interception differential.

And last week in Mobile, every team that talked to him was fixated -- rightfully -- on his age. "I'd say it's in the upper 20s, the teams that have talked to me,'' he said when we spoke on Friday. "And I'll tell you pretty much word for word what I told them about the age thing. There are pros and cons to being 28 and being an NFL prospect. The only con is I can't have a 20-year career, or as long a career as some of the younger guys at my position. The pros are maturity and experience ... I've already been a professional in one sport, and I grew tremendously from that. Nothing really fazes me. What you see is what you get.

"This week, I've transitioned to more of a West Coast system with [Washington] coach [Mike] Shanahan, and I think I've handled it well and proven I can do the things you need to do in the NFL to play the position. And then, I think my biggest plus is being even keeled, which all comes back to baseball.''

Failing in baseball being a big part of that. "Right out of high school,'' he said, "I was under a microscope, and I had adversity for the first time in my life. Throwing an interception is like giving up a home run. I've done it. It doesn't kill me. It bothers me, and I want to figure out why, but it's part of the game, and you'd better be able to overcome it.

"I remember once pitching against Ian Stewart [infielder with the Cubs now] in Asheville, N.C., and he hit a ball out over the trees, way over the fence. I think it's still going. I mean, a monster shot. I thought I threw a pretty good pitch, curveball low and in. And he just crushed it. It's a blow to your ego when you fail, obviously. But as I look back on it now, I see a period of my life that really helped me get where I want to be.''

I don't know enough about Weeden to hazard a guess, yet, where he'll go in the draft. But let's say you're a team with a quarterback need in the second round. Washington, Miami and Seattle all pick between 39 and 45, and all could be sniffing for a passer. Let's say you do all your physical and mental work on the quarterbacks in the draft, and you're convinced that, mentally and physically, Weeden is healthy and bright and as ready to play in the NFL as Mark Sanchez, Andy Dalton and Cam Newton have been in recent years, or nearly as ready. Will you take a shot at a guy who might be able to give you eight starting seasons? Or will you say you can't take that risk for a player who's older than Aaron Rodgers right now? That'll be the dilemma of this draft for teams that don't get a quarterback in free agency or at the top of the first round.

 

[Skeletore Eh]

Which 2012 prospects are first to top charts?

By Gil Brandt NFL.com

Senior Analyst

Published: Jan. 25, 2012 at 06:13 p.m.

We're just about three months away from the 2012 NFL Draft, which means it's time for the first edition of my "Hot 100." This isn't necessarily how I think the draft will unfold, but rather the 100 best prospects heading into April.

This is only the beginning. Plenty will change after the NFL Scouting Combine and pro days get underway. For now, though, this is how I list the best players in the country.

1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

With a 71.3 completion percentage, 10,043 total yards and 80 touchdown passes, this kid is the complete package.

2. Matt Kalil, OT, USC

A first team All-Pac 12 selection, Matt is the younger brother of Panthers Pro Bowl lineman Ryan Kalil. He plays like him, too.

3. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

His timed speed could drop him some, but it's hard to ignore 121 catches and 18 touchdowns last season.

4. Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

He's the dual threat as a passer (72.4 completion percentage, 32 touchdowns in 2011) and runner (699 yards, 10 TDs) every coach dreams of.

5. Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

A first team All-ACC selection in 2010 and 2011, he's an all-out every-down player.

6. Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

He wasn't as good in 2011 as he was in 2010, and he's gained some weight since then. Still, he's a playmaker.

7. Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina

He's a good weak-side linebacker who was named first team All-ACC last season. Nobody is likely to draft him in the top 10, though.

8. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

He's very smart, an excellent athlete and has the ability to take off if necessary.

9. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

A first team All-SEC selection last season, he had six interceptions. He's not very big at 5-foot-11 and 177 pounds, but he can return kicks.

10. Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Reiff is a very good athlete who was a three-time South Dakota state wrestling champion.

11. Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama

Just how good is Upshaw? He's better than former Crimson Tide linebacker Rolando McClain, who was a first-round pick in 2010.

12. Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

A two-year first team All-Pac 12 selection who made 36 career starts, Martin is a very good run blocker.

13. Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Floyd's had some off-field problems, but he is a very good athlete who made 100 catches with nine touchdowns in 2011.

14. Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

He finished with 191 tackles, 12 of them for loss, and had three interceptions last season. The only thing that could hurt him is a lack of speed.

15. David DeCastro, G, Stanford

He made 38 straight starts at right guard. This kid reminds me of Vikings All-Pro guard Chad Hutchinson.

16. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Richardson averaged an eye-popping 5.9 yards per carry last year and scored 21 touchdowns. He will be drafted higher than this.

17. Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

Ingram will be rewarded handsomely for staying in school for his senior year. He's good, athletic and plays hard every down.

18. Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

Off-field trouble forced him to transfer from Florida, but this kid can cover very well.

19. Devon Still, DT, Penn State

A high-motor guy who was first team All-Big Ten after finishing with 4.5 sacks and an impressive 17 tackles for loss.

20. Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

A first team All-Big Ten selection who definitely has talent but needs to play hard all the time.

21. Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

He's tall for a corner, and people like that. He most likely will fall some after the combine and his pro day, which could result in a move to safety.

22. Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

This is a very talented player, but he has problems taking coaching, so teams need to make sure he's right for them.



23. Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

A three-year player who has a lot of upside and a strong front.

24. Kelechi Osemele, OT, Iowa State

He's a strong and powerful player who is more suited to play guard in the NFL.

25. Nick Perry, DE, USC

A first team All-Pac 12 selection, Perry had 9.5 sacks last year. He's best to fit in as a linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.

26. Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

27. Andre Branch, DE, Clemson

28. Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson

29. Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson

30. Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama

31. Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

32. Mark Barron, S, Alabama

33. Cordy Glenn, G, Georgia

34. Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia

35 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami (Fla.)

36. Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

37. Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

38. Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State

39. Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

40. David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech

41. Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

42. Charles Orson, TE, Florida

43. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

44. Jared Crick, DE, Nebraska

45. Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

46. Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina

47. Chris Polk, RB, Washington

48. Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

49. Billy Winn, DT, Boise State

50. Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

51. Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall

52. Jamell Fleming, CB, Oklahoma

53. Leonard Johnson, CB, Iowa State

54. Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt

55. Kevin Zeitler, G, Wisconsin

56. Jarius Wright, WR, Arkansas

57. Bruce Irvin, DE, West Virginia

58. Robert Lester, S, Alabama

59. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon

60. Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State

61. Ben Jones, C, Georgia

62. Shea McClellin, OLB, Boise State

63. Travis Lewis, LB, Oklahoma

64. Nick Foles, QB, Arizona

65. Andrew Datko, OT, Florida State

66. Josh Chapman, DT, Alabama

67. A.J. Jenkins, WR, Illinois

68. Joe Adams, WR/KR, Arkansas

69. Bobby Wagner, LB, Utah State

70. Jayron Hosely, CB, Virginia Tech

71. Ronnell Lewis, DE, Oklahoma

72. Luke Nix, G, Pittsburgh

73. Brandon Washington, G, Miami (Fla.)

74. Lavonte David, LB, Nebraska

75. Rokevious Watkins, G, South Carlina

76. Markelle Martin, S, Oklahoma State

77. Coryelle Judie, CB, Texas A&M

78. Senio Kelemete, OT, Washington

79. Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana

80. Sean Spence, LB, Miami (Fla.)

81. Cyrus Gray, RB, Texas A&M

82. Doug Martin, RB, Boise State

83. Mike Martin, DT, Michigan

84. Kheeston Randall, DT, Texas

85. T.Y. Hilton, WR/KR, Florida International

86. Alameda Ta'amu, DT, Washington

87. Terrance Ganaway, RB, Baylor

88. Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State

89. Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia

90. Brian Quick, WR, Appalachian State

91. Marvin McNutt, WR, Iowa

92. DeQuan Menzie, CB, Alabama

93. Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse

94. Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin

95. James-Michael Johnson, LB, Nevada

96. Juron Criner, WR, Arizona

97. Ryan Steed, CB, Furman

98. Eric Page, WR/KR, Toledo

99. Donnie Fletcher, CB, Boston College

100. Josh LeRibeus, G, Southern Methodist

Some surprises here like Alshon Jeffery ranked at # 6

And Doug Martin at 82.

Yeah I would be ashamed of these rankings. Martin right behind Cyrus gray? Jeffrey at 6, Floyd at 13 and Richardson at 16. And Martin so low Just doesn't make much sense to me.

 

[coolnerd]

Which 2012 prospects are first to top charts?

By Gil Brandt NFL.com

Senior Analyst

Published: Jan. 25, 2012 at 06:13 p.m.

We're just about three months away from the 2012 NFL Draft, which means it's time for the first edition of my "Hot 100." This isn't necessarily how I think the draft will unfold, but rather the 100 best prospects heading into April.

This is only the beginning. Plenty will change after the NFL Scouting Combine and pro days get underway. For now, though, this is how I list the best players in the country.

1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

With a 71.3 completion percentage, 10,043 total yards and 80 touchdown passes, this kid is the complete package.

2. Matt Kalil, OT, USC

A first team All-Pac 12 selection, Matt is the younger brother of Panthers Pro Bowl lineman Ryan Kalil. He plays like him, too.

3. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

His timed speed could drop him some, but it's hard to ignore 121 catches and 18 touchdowns last season.

4. Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

He's the dual threat as a passer (72.4 completion percentage, 32 touchdowns in 2011) and runner (699 yards, 10 TDs) every coach dreams of.

5. Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

A first team All-ACC selection in 2010 and 2011, he's an all-out every-down player.

6. Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

He wasn't as good in 2011 as he was in 2010, and he's gained some weight since then. Still, he's a playmaker.

7. Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina

He's a good weak-side linebacker who was named first team All-ACC last season. Nobody is likely to draft him in the top 10, though.

8. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

He's very smart, an excellent athlete and has the ability to take off if necessary.

9. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

A first team All-SEC selection last season, he had six interceptions. He's not very big at 5-foot-11 and 177 pounds, but he can return kicks.

10. Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Reiff is a very good athlete who was a three-time South Dakota state wrestling champion.

11. Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama

Just how good is Upshaw? He's better than former Crimson Tide linebacker Rolando McClain, who was a first-round pick in 2010.

12. Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

A two-year first team All-Pac 12 selection who made 36 career starts, Martin is a very good run blocker.

13. Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Floyd's had some off-field problems, but he is a very good athlete who made 100 catches with nine touchdowns in 2011.

14. Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

He finished with 191 tackles, 12 of them for loss, and had three interceptions last season. The only thing that could hurt him is a lack of speed.

15. David DeCastro, G, Stanford

He made 38 straight starts at right guard. This kid reminds me of Vikings All-Pro guard Chad Hutchinson.

16. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Richardson averaged an eye-popping 5.9 yards per carry last year and scored 21 touchdowns. He will be drafted higher than this.

17. Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

Ingram will be rewarded handsomely for staying in school for his senior year. He's good, athletic and plays hard every down.

18. Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

Off-field trouble forced him to transfer from Florida, but this kid can cover very well.

19. Devon Still, DT, Penn State

A high-motor guy who was first team All-Big Ten after finishing with 4.5 sacks and an impressive 17 tackles for loss.

20. Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State

A first team All-Big Ten selection who definitely has talent but needs to play hard all the time.

21. Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

He's tall for a corner, and people like that. He most likely will fall some after the combine and his pro day, which could result in a move to safety.

22. Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

This is a very talented player, but he has problems taking coaching, so teams need to make sure he's right for them.



23. Michael Brockers, DT, LSU

A three-year player who has a lot of upside and a strong front.

24. Kelechi Osemele, OT, Iowa State

He's a strong and powerful player who is more suited to play guard in the NFL.

25. Nick Perry, DE, USC

A first team All-Pac 12 selection, Perry had 9.5 sacks last year. He's best to fit in as a linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.

26. Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

27. Andre Branch, DE, Clemson

28. Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson

29. Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson

30. Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama

31. Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

32. Mark Barron, S, Alabama

33. Cordy Glenn, G, Georgia

34. Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia

35 Lamar Miller, RB, Miami (Fla.)

36. Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

37. Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State

38. Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State

39. Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

40. David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech

41. Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

42. Charles Orson, TE, Florida

43. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

44. Jared Crick, DE, Nebraska

45. Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

46. Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina

47. Chris Polk, RB, Washington

48. Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina

49. Billy Winn, DT, Boise State

50. Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

51. Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall

52. Jamell Fleming, CB, Oklahoma

53. Leonard Johnson, CB, Iowa State

54. Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt

55. Kevin Zeitler, G, Wisconsin

56. Jarius Wright, WR, Arkansas

57. Bruce Irvin, DE, West Virginia

58. Robert Lester, S, Alabama

59. LaMichael James, RB, Oregon

60. Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State

61. Ben Jones, C, Georgia

62. Shea McClellin, OLB, Boise State

63. Travis Lewis, LB, Oklahoma

64. Nick Foles, QB, Arizona

65. Andrew Datko, OT, Florida State

66. Josh Chapman, DT, Alabama

67. A.J. Jenkins, WR, Illinois

68. Joe Adams, WR/KR, Arkansas

69. Bobby Wagner, LB, Utah State

70. Jayron Hosely, CB, Virginia Tech

71. Ronnell Lewis, DE, Oklahoma

72. Luke Nix, G, Pittsburgh

73. Brandon Washington, G, Miami (Fla.)

74. Lavonte David, LB, Nebraska

75. Rokevious Watkins, G, South Carlina

76. Markelle Martin, S, Oklahoma State

77. Coryelle Judie, CB, Texas A&M

78. Senio Kelemete, OT, Washington

79. Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana

80. Sean Spence, LB, Miami (Fla.)

81. Cyrus Gray, RB, Texas A&M

82. Doug Martin, RB, Boise State

83. Mike Martin, DT, Michigan

84. Kheeston Randall, DT, Texas

85. T.Y. Hilton, WR/KR, Florida International

86. Alameda Ta'amu, DT, Washington

87. Terrance Ganaway, RB, Baylor

88. Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State

89. Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia

90. Brian Quick, WR, Appalachian State

91. Marvin McNutt, WR, Iowa

92. DeQuan Menzie, CB, Alabama

93. Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse

94. Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin

95. James-Michael Johnson, LB, Nevada

96. Juron Criner, WR, Arizona

97. Ryan Steed, CB, Furman

98. Eric Page, WR/KR, Toledo

99. Donnie Fletcher, CB, Boston College

100. Josh LeRibeus, G, Southern Methodist

Some surprises here like Alshon Jeffery ranked at # 6

And Doug Martin at 82.

Yeah I would be ashamed of these rankings. Martin right behind Cyrus gray? Jeffrey at 6, Floyd at 13 and Richardson at 16. And Martin so low Just doesn't make much sense to me.

I wish that by some miracle that we could see all 32 teams draft boards so that we could really see how different some of these guys are thought of by different teams. I mean some teams will have a guy like Martin as late first; other a solid 2nd and other would have him as a shaky 3rd. Does not mean some analyst/teams are not wrong on a guy though. Honestly, rather see so-called crazy board than some of the "group-think" boards some sites pump out.

 

[Faust]

Junior prospects on the rise

Underclassmen who could move up draft boards with strong post-seasons.

Wes Bunting

There is always more of an unknown when you start evaluating underclassmen prospects. They are typically younger, need a bit more seasoning, but the overall talent and upside are what make them so intriguing. Therefore, here is a look at five prospects who aren’t getting a ton of first round publicity now, but could be on the move up draft boards in the coming weeks with strong Combine performances.

QB Brock Osweiler: Arizona State (6-8, 240)

I’m not a huge fan of Osweiler. I think from a pure talent standpoint he’s probably worth a third round grade. However, when breaking down his tape, his overall performances and grade as a quarterback doesn’t warrant much more than a later round pick. However, he’s a strapping kid with sneaky athleticism for his size and a strong arm. And with some of the struggles of the senior quarterback crop, Osweiler is a guy who could seize momentum throwing vs. air at the Combine -where I expect him to excel- and become the draft’s third rated QB.

RB David Wilson: Virginia Tech (5-10, 205)

Running back is a stopwatch postion and typically the guys who run the fastest end up going the highest. And there is no doubt that Wilson is going to run well. He’s got an explosive first step, presses space quickly and can outpace angles in the open field. He needs to do a better job of not leaving so many yards on the field and simply take what the defense gives him at times. However, he’s a talented kid with homerun potential and his stock should soar once he puts down some impressive workout numbers.

TE Orson Charles: Georgia (6-3, 241)

The mismatch tight end is becoming the “must have” postion in the NFL now. A guy who can create down the seam and separate from the slot vs. safeties/corners warrents quite the price tag in today’s NFL. Charles is a gifted athlete who runs well and has the type of athleticism needed to create vertically and run after the catch. He’s going to be the most athletic tight end at the Combine this year and likely will end up being the top rated “off the line Y” prospect in the draft., which could allow him to sneak into round one.



DT Dontari Poe: Memphis (6-5, 350)

There aren’t many men in the NFL that possess Poe’s combination of size, power and athletcism. And that right there will likely cause him to get drafted higher than his play warrents. The big man flashes on tape there is no doubt about that. However, he doesn’t have that kind of play-to-play passion you look for, as his motor is inconsstent and he doesn’t make a ton of plays on the football. I’d feel more comfortable taking this guy somewhere in round two and giving him more time to mature.. However, the talent is elite and when it’s all said and done I can see him getting over drafted because of it.



DE Whitney Mercilus: Illinois (6-4, 265)

He’s a freaky looking athlete with good size, “plus” length and elite production in 2011. He’s going to run well at the Combine and has the physical attributes that will intrigue. However, I see a tighter pass rusher who struggles to drop his pad level on the edge, doesn’t have much lateral quickness off his speed rush and struggles to keep his pad level down when working the bull. Nevertheless, this is a guy who because of his workout numbers will likely have a good chance of cracking round one.

 

[EBF]

Osweiler could be massively overdrafted. The guy is nothing more than a project.

 

[Faust]

Washington RB Polk expects to run in the 4.4s

Alabama junior Trent Richardson is universally considered the top running back in the 2012 draft.

Ask five scouts which runner will follow him on draft day and you are liable to get five different answers. Some are enamored with the pure speed of Miami's Lamar Miller or Virginia Tech's David Wilson. Others like the all-around game of Boise State senior Doug Martin. With an MVP-performance in the Senior Bowl that showcased his potential as a returner, Cincinnati's Isaiah Pead is making a late run up the board.

A so-so performance in Mobile has taken some of the luster off of Washington's Chris Polk, but if he runs as fast in workouts as he and those close to him expect him to, the former Husky will certainly be in the mix.

Preparing interviews for Lindy's NFL Draft Preview scheduled to hit newstands March 1, I asked Chris at the Senior Bowl what he expects to run in the all-important 40-yard dash.

He smiled and replied simply, "Faster than any of you all think."

Pressed to be more specific, Polk elaborated.

"From what everyone has been saying and I've been reading, I guess speed is one of the big questions everyone has about me. I'm not that worried about it, to be honest with you. I know how fast I am. I expect to run something in the 4.4s."

Though Polk ran for 4,049 yards for the Huskies over his career, finishing second behind only former first round pick Napoleon Kaufman (4,106) in school history. Though he's shown the ability to break free for several long scores over his career (four TDs of 50+ yards), his straight-line speed is considered one of the question marks on an otherwise sparkling résumé.

Polk is currently preparing for the Combine at Athletes Performance Institute in Los Angeles. If his effort there result in a 40-yard dash time of 4.50 seconds or less, teams won't be able to ignore the fact that his game-tape, frankly, is more impressive than any of the other backs vying to follow Richardson.

 

[BeTheMatch]

Anyone know when NFLN starts their Path to the Draft shows?

 

[Faust]

Diamonds in the rough emerging in film study

Posted on: February 4, 2012 1:50 pm

Over the past few weeks, my fellow NFLDraftScout.com analyst Dane Brugler and I have been working around the clock to finish up the 300+ player profiles we'll be offering here and for Lindy's NFL Draft Magazine.

While that time has left me unable to keep up the blog with the frequency I would have liked it has opened my eyes to a few lower rated prospects that haven't been receiving the attention their play warrants.

Here are the names of five prospects whose play forced me to re-evaluate where we've been ranking them...

QB Brock Osweiler, Arizona State: I was disappointed to see Osweiler leave after his junior season as he remains a raw prospect. However, he possesses a strong, accurate arm and much better athleticism than most would reasonably expect given his huge frame (6-7, 240). There has been so much talk about which quarterback is likely to follow up Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin. For my money, that player has been (and remains) Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill. But in the race to follow Tannehill, Osweiler has the physical skill-set to lead ahead of next group, including Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden and Michigan State's Kirk Cousins, the two most impressive quarterbacks at the Senior Bowl.

CB Ryan Steed, Furman: With a very strong week in Mobile for the Senior Bowl, Steed has been receiving a great deal of positive attention lately. I went back to his junior (as well as senior) film to make sure that the consistency I saw there matched up to his play against lesser competition. Steed is athletic, instinctive and possesses very good ball skills. If he runs in the 4.4s as I expect, he's not just a top 75 guy he might push the Alfonzo Dennard, Leonard Johnson and Stephon Gilmores of the world for a run as a late first round candidate.

DL/LB Brett Roy, Nevada: Roy played out of position for the Wolfpack, lining up at defensive tackle despite weighing in the 260-270 pound area throughout his career. He has a toned, well-distributed build that isn't going to be able to handle adding the 30+ pounds of "good" weight most teams require at defensive tackle in the NFL. He does, however, show the instincts, lateral agility, vision and open field tackling skills to potentially make the conversion to linebacker for 3-4 clubs. Roy plays to the whistle. I watched him pursue Boise State RB Doug Martin 50+ yards downfield, demonstrating the never-say-die mentality that could help him a roster spot and time to develop.

TE Cory Harkey, UCLA: The traditional tight end is quickly being replaced by hybrid receivers but there are still spots available for blocking specialists. That is precisely what Harkey provides. Harkey caught just one pass as a senior, despite starting all 14 games for the Bruins. He shows the size (6-4, 262), strength, tenacity and technique teams are looking for as an in-line blocker, however, and was invited to the Combine despite his less than impressive catch total...

TE Andrew Szczerba, Penn State: The previous four players I mentioned were all among the players who made the initial invitation list to the Combine. Szczerba did not make this list, though after scouting him in person at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, I believe he has the size, soft hands and blocking skills to warrant a closer look. Szczerba lacks straight-line speed and after missing the entire 2010 season after undergoing back surgery, is a huge medical question mark. In my opinion, these questions, coupled with the 6-5, 265 pound Szczerba starting all 13 games for the Nittany Lions in 2011, simply provide all the more reason why teams should get a chance to look him over in Indianapolis.

 

[coolnerd]

Anyone know when NFLN starts their Path to the Draft shows?

If I remember correctly, it around the Combine either just before or just after.

 

[Faust]

QB-needy teams might have to trade up to get RG3

By Bucky Brooks NFL.com

Analyst

Published: Feb. 7, 2012 at 09:00 p.m. Updated: Feb. 8, 2012 at 09:58 a.m.

Andrew Luck is presumed to be the No. 1 overall pick after being hailed by scouts across the league as the most pro-ready prospect to enter the NFL draft since Peyton Manning. However, the prospect generating the most buzz heading into the NFL Scouting Combine is Baylor's Robert Griffin III.

The Heisman Trophy winner emerged as one of the top players in college football after leading the Bears to a 10-3 record and an Alamo Bowl victory in spectacular fashion. Griffin posted gaudy numbers (4,293 passing yards with 37 touchdowns and just six interceptions) while directing an explosive spread offense that maximized his talents as a dual-threat playmaker. His combination of speed and quickness is unrivaled at the position in this draft, but he is much more than a run-first quarterback.

Griffin displays the arm strength to be an effective passer in a conventional system, and his impressive football IQ is reflected in his poise and calm demeanor within the pocket. He never appears flustered or rattled by pressure, and his ability to keep his eyes down the field while eluding the rush suggests his first instinct is to defeat the defense with his arm.

In looking at his flaws, I would point out his unrefined mechanics and footwork. He routinely launches passes while falling away from the throw, and his failure to fully incorporate his lower body into his throwing affects accuracy. Although his natural arm strength allows him to get away with the sloppiness at times, he will have a tough time stringing together pinpoint throws with outstanding velocity without better footwork at the next level.

When making comparisons for Griffin, it is easy to point to Michael Vick as the closest projection, but RG3 is a more advanced passer at this stage of his career, and his understanding of the game places him above the former No. 1 pick in my mind.

Here are five franchises that could seriously consider Griffin with their first pick:

Indianapolis Colts

As a former defensive coordinator, new Colts coach Chuck Pagano certainly understands the difficulties of defending a dual-threat quarterback adept at beating opponents with his feet or arm. The improvisational work outside the pocket routinely results in game-changing plays, extending drives or producing points. New offensive coordinator Bruce Arians successfully tutored one the game's best improvisational playmakers in Ben Roethlisberger during his time in Pittsburgh, and he certainly could mold RG3 into a deadly weapon as a pro.

Cleveland Browns

Pat Shurmur found out how difficult it is to win games consistently without a franchise quarterback during his first season in Cleveland. He would welcome the opportunity to groom an athletic talent like RG3 in a West Coast system that places a premium on accuracy and athleticism from the quarterback. His ability to extend plays with his feet would put defenders in a quandary when covering all of the options in the route, leading to more explosive plays from a Browns offense that struggled generating points in 2011.

Washington Redskins

The Redskins have been searching for a legitimate franchise quarterback for the past 20 years. Griffin has all of the tools to blossom into a star in Mike Shanahan's movement-based system, which routinely puts quarterbacks on the edge with a run-pass option on bootlegs. In addition, RG3 has the big arm to push the ball deep on vertical throws executed off run-action fakes in the pocket. If the Redskins are hoping to compete in an NFC East that features three franchise quarterbacks (Eli Manning, Tony Romo and Vick), they must find a way to select RG3 in the draft.

Miami Dolphins

Joe Philbin takes over a Dolphins offense that has desperately searched for a quarterback since Dan Marino hung up his cleats. While much of the conversation in Miami has focused on the pursuit of free agent Matt Flynn, the prospect of getting a young, athletic passer with immense potential is an intriguing possibility for the franchise. With Reggie Bush finally discovering his game as a runner and Brandon Marshall continuing to thrive as a No. 1 receiver, the addition of RG3 could be enough to push the Dolphins over the top.

Seattle Seahawks

Pete Carroll has the Seahawks on the verge of turning the corner, but he needs a dynamic playmaker at quarterback to maximize his young team's potential. RG3 would represent a significant upgrade over Tarvaris Jackson, and give Seattle a passer with the big arm to take advantage of the untapped offensive firepower at the skill positions. The NFC West is shaping up to be one of the league's most competitive divisions, so acquiring a big-time quarterback has to be at the top of Seattle's list of priorities.

 

[joey]

:sehorn:

 

[Faust]

Richardson presents tremendous value outside draft's top 10

By Bucky Brooks NFL.com

Analyst

Published: Feb. 10, 2012 at 12:09 p.m.

Updated: Feb. 10, 2012 at 06:53 p.m.

Trent Richardson might be the best player in the draft, but the running back from Alabama is not assured of being a top-10 pick.

The evolution of the NFL into a passing league has diminished the value of Richardson's position, and teams are more inclined to bypass a potential feature back in the first round in hopes of finding Pro Bowl-caliber backs in the later rounds. A quick look at the top five rushers from last season validates this point, with Maurice Jones-Drew (second-round pick), Ray Rice (second), Michael Turner (fifth), LeSean McCoy (second) and Arian Foster (undrafted) setting the pace, despite entering the league as lesser-known commodities.

That's why the valuation of Richardson doesn't match his talents. With an exceptional combination of speed, quickness and power, Richardson is a feature runner capable of grinding between the tackles or producing big plays on the perimeter. He routinely strings together three- and four-yard gains before breaking off explosive runs as defenders wear down in the game's late stages. He finished the season with nine 100-yard games, with most of his production coming in the SEC. Given the conference's esteemed reputation in NFL circles, scouts view Richardson's output as a strong indicator of his pro potential.

In looking at Richardson's flaws, his tendency to stop his feet in the hole comes to mind. Unlike some runners who slither through gaps on an assortment of lateral moves and jump cuts, Richardson routinely stops and starts in the hole before getting up the field. While he has been able to get away with the hesitation as a collegian, the speed of NFL defenders could lead to Richardson posting more negative runs as a pro.

When making comparisons for Richardson, the first runner who comes to mind is Ricky Williams. Both are rugged runners with better-than-anticipated breakaway speed, and their ability to play with finesse or power puts defenders in a quandary. Richardson certainly lacks Williams' eccentric persona, but his game and skill set could make him just as productive as Ricky at his finest.

Here are five teams who could take a flier on Richardson outside of the top 10:

Seattle Seahawks

(12th overall pick) Pete Carroll has built the Seahawks' offense around the talents of Marshawn Lynch, but the hard-charging runner could depart via free agency in the spring. Richardson possesses a comparable skill set as a runner/receiver and would give the Seahawks a younger, more explosive back to feature as the main attraction in the backfield. Given the team's shaky quarterback situation, Richardson's presence could keep the team competitive in the NFC West.



New York Jets

(16th overall pick) Rex Ryan is intent on restoring the "Ground and Pound" offense that carried the Jets to back-to-back AFC title games. Shonn Greene has shown flashes of being an effective runner, but Richardson is a significant upgrade talent-wise and his ability to do the dirty work between the tackles will bring back some of the toughness the offense lacked in 2011. Given the Jets' success when featuring a pair of talented runners in Ryan's first season, the addition of Richardson could be a priority in the draft.

Cincinnati Bengals

(17th overall pick) The Bengals have gotten more production than anyone expected from former castoff Cedric Benson. However, he is nearing 30, the age when most runners fall off, so it's time for Marvin Lewis to find a viable replacement. Richardson's ability to run effectively inside would not only complement Andy Dalton and A.J. Green, but also it would help the Bengals maintain their identity as a rugged offense in the physical AFC North.



Cleveland Browns

(4th and 22nd overall pick) The jury is still out on Colt McCoy, but the Browns could do a better job of surrounding him with elite talent to maximize his potential. Richardson is a workhorse runner built to carry the ball 20-25 times, alleviating some of the pressure on McCoy to act as the driving force of the offense. With new offensive coordinator Brad Childress familiar with building an offense around the talents of a runner (Childress drafted and developed Adrian Peterson as the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings), the selection of Richardson could help the Browns gain ground on their division rivals.

Denver Broncos

(25th overall pick) If the Broncos plan to continue the zone-read experiment with Tim Tebow at the helm, the team needs to upgrade the talent at the running back position. Although Willis McGahee, Lance Ball and Knowshon Moreno helped anchor the NFL's top rushing attack, none are viewed as elite talents in the class of Richardson. The Crimson Tide star displays an exceptional combination of speed, quickness and power, and his skill set would flourish in the Broncos' run-heavy offense.

 

[Faust]

Big Board: Top prospects centered around passing game

By Rob Rang | NFLDraftScout.com

The NFL is a notorious copycat league, so the trends we saw emerge that helped the Patriots and Giants reach Super Bowl XLVI will certainly be mimicked by other teams next season.

The value of accuracy and poised quarterback play was never more clear than when Eli Manning engineered an 88-yard game-winning touchdown drive, following seven fourth-quarter comebacks during the regular season. And the pass rushers capable of disarming the growing group of elite quarterbacks are almost as critical on the defensive side of the ball.

By contrast, in winning the Super Bowl despite having the league's least-productive rushing attack in the regular season, the Giants also provided substantial evidence to support the theory that running the ball simply isn't as important as it used to be. Thus, while there are several quarterbacks and pass rushers among my top 32, there is only one running back and one middle linebacker.

Trends will only continue to work if teams are able to find the talent to fit them. Fortunately, in the 2012 draft, the talent at the current positions of greatest value is significant.

1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford*: Put simply, Luck is worth the hype. It isn't just that he has all the physical traits to be the No. 1 overall pick. His intelligence, anticipation and poise are phenomenal. Say what you will about Robert Griffin III's upside, Luck is as close to a sure thing as it gets in the NFL Draft.

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



3. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama*: Considering how the running back position has been devalued in today's NFL, it would be easy to rank Richardson lower. The reality is, however, Richardson's elite talent transcends trends. He is an elite talent blessed with size, burst and incredible power who will make an immediate impact.

4. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU*: A silky smooth cover corner with extraordinary ball skills, Claiborne is more technically refined that former teammate Patrick Peterson, who was selected fifth overall last year by the Cardinals and was voted to the Pro Bowl. The 2011 Thorpe Award winner as the nation's top cornerback, Claiborne should earn a similar draft day grade.



5. Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor*: The Heisman winner has as extraordinary a combination of speed and touch on the deep ball as the NFL has ever seen but isn't without warts. The adjustment from the same offense that helped Kevin Kolb produce eye-popping collegiate numbers is a significant one and could force his future NFL team to have a plan in place for 2012 before RG3 can reasonably be expected to play well at the pro level.

6. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State*: The reigning two-time Biletnikof winner as the nation's top wide receiver, Blackmon is unquestionably the top talent at this position in the 2012 draft. His size and strength made him virtually unstoppable at the collegiate level but if he is to earn a similar grade to former top-five picks Calvin Johnson and Andre Johnson, he'll have to answer questions about his straight-line speed.



7. 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.



8. Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa*: The most versatile of a trio of three offensive tackles I rate as potential top-10 picks, Reiff has the athleticism and size to remain outside at left tackle but has starting experience at guard and right tackle, as well.

9. Courtney Upshaw, OLB, 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. I like him best attacking the line of scrimmage and think he's a perfect fit as a 3-4 outside linebacker. He's strong and tenacious enough, though, to play on the line at defensive end for 4-3 teams, as well.



10. Michael Brockers, DT, LSU*: At an estimated 6-feet-5 and 305 pounds, Brockers is one of the few defensive linemen in this class with the size, strength and athleticism to fit in both the 4-3 and 3-4 schemes. Leaving after just his redshirt sophomore season, Brockers is a bit raw. Teams would be wise to remember the struggles former Tigers Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson had acclimating to the NFL, but there is no denying Brocker's spectacular upside.

11. Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina: Let's be clear. Coples is not only the most physically gifted defensive lineman in the 2012 draft, he's also the most talented senior prospect at any position. At a shade under 6-6 and 281 pounds, he'll earn first-round grades and fits in any defense. Coples has developed a "me first" reputation, however, and doesn't play with enough snap-to-snap consistency to earn the top-10 grade that his talent warrants. That despite enjoying a dominating week of practice at the Senior Bowl.

12. 'Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama*: Kirkpatrick's Jan. 17 arrest for marijuana possession will lead to plenty of questions from scouts at the combine, despite the fact that the charges were ultimately dropped. Kirkpatrick lacks the ball skills and fluidity of the other two cornerbacks on my Big Board, but could be a star in a press-man scheme that takes advantage of his size and physicality.



13. Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford*: Martin's size (6-6, 305) and athleticism are very intriguing -- especially in a zone-blocking offense. Scouts wonder, however, if he has the physicality to be successful in every scheme. What they don't have to wonder about is Martin's light feet and balance in pass protection. Some scouts grade Martin higher than either Kalil or Reiff as a pass blocker.

14. Devon Still, DT, Penn State: Still's talent has been obvious throughout his career, but until a breakout senior season in which he earned recognition as the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year it simmered below the surface. Still's inability to play in the Senior Bowl (sprained toe) was disappointing and for some will re-energize concerns about his consistency and intrinsic motivation.



15. Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor: A dynamic big-play threat lost in the shadows behind Robert Griffin III's Heisman season, Wright has drawn comparisons from scouts to Steve Smith (Panthers) and DeSean Jackson for his speed and elusiveness.



16. Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama: Scouts will have to determine whether they can trust Jenkins to stay out of trouble once he has been given an NFL contract, but the former Florida Gator ended any debate about his ranking as the elite cover corner with a strong week of practice at the Senior Bowl.



17. Mark Barron, SS, Alabama: Instinctive, physical and a significantly more reliable open-field tackler than he was earlier in his career, Barron has established himself as the unquestioned top safety of the 2012 draft.

18. Melvin Ingram, DE/LB, South Carolina: The 6-2, 276-pound Ingram might be the most versatile front-seven defender in the draft. He has lined up inside and out in the Gamecocks' 4-3 defense but may project better at outside (or even inside) linebacker in the 3-4 due to his athleticism and power.



19. Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College*: More decorated than a wedding cake, Kuechly was honored with the Lombardi, Nagurski and Lott Impact Trophy awards after leading the country in tackles for the second consecutive season. Kuechly isn't likely to be drafted as highly as his gaudy production and full trophy closet would indicate, however, as inside linebackers historically slip on draft day. Still, he's among the safest prospects in the draft due to his instincts and reliable open-field tackling.



20. Dontari Poe, DT/NG, Memphis*: At 6-5, 350 pounds, Poe certainly has the bulk scouts are looking for. What is most impressive about him, however, is that at this size Poe is also light on his feet and plays with a high-revving motor. Poe is only a junior and is clearly raw, but in a relatively weak defensive tackle class, he could fly up the board.



21. Nick Perry, DE, Southern Cal*: Upside is also the key word with Perry. The 6-3, 260-pound pass rusher led the Pac-12 in sacks and seems to be just scratching the surface of his potential. With no bowl game for USC and Perry having already committed to the draft, he's getting a jump start in preparing for workouts. Based on the explosiveness evident on tape, that could lead to some eye-popping numbers.



22. Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame: At 6-3, 224 pounds, Floyd has the size, strength, route-running and reliable hands to intrigue any team in search of a split end. He passed up on an opportunity to head off scouts' questions about three alcohol-related incidents over his Irish career by electing not to participate in the Senior Bowl.

23. Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia: He measured 6-5, 346 pounds at the Senior Bowl and then demonstrated surprising agility, boosting his chances at remaining at left tackle. While good outside, he was even better at left guard as a junior and may be best served moving back inside in the NFL. If he played with greater intensity Glenn could rank among the elite offensive-line prospects in the 2012 draft.



24. Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State*: Cox may be relatively unknown outside of the SEC, but in winning the conference defensive lineman of the week four times this season, his opponents certainly know him. Scouts do too, as the 6-4, 295 pounder has the size, strength and athleticism to play in either a three- or four-man front.



25. Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin*: Some schools produce highly ranked prospects. Wisconsin goes beyond that with offensive linemen. Their highly rated offensive linemen aren't just drafted high, they quickly prove their worth in the NFL due to size, strength and impressive technique. Konz is the unquestioned top center in the draft and is athletic enough that some teams believe he could step in immediately at guard, if needed, as well.

26. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M: In terms of physical talent, there is no denying Tannehill has the tools to warrant a first-round pick. The 6-4, 225 pound quarterback has a strong arm, good touch and obviously rare athleticism for the position considering that he earned Honorable Mention All-Big 12 honors as a receiver in 2009.

27. Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State*: The headliner in a dominant Michigan State unit that led the Big Ten in both run defense and total defense, Worthy has the build of a run-stuffer (estimated at 6-3, 320) but has remarkable burst off the snap, making him an intriguing pass rusher as well. Only bouts with inconsistency push him outside of the top 20.

28. Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State: At 6-7 and 323 pounds, Adams is a virtual mountain of a man best suited to playing right tackle in the NFL. He saw most of his time at the Senior Bowl (and his career) operating on the blindside so there will be an adjustment period for him as a rookie, but in a weak senior class of tackles he's the player with the best combination of size, strength, mobility and experience against top competition.

29. Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska: Quite frankly, Dennard struggled a bit at the Senior Bowl but it is important to note that he, like all of the other cornerbacks in the game, were asked to play primarily off-man coverage. Dennard excels in press man. In the right system he's still a first-round prospect despite others' overreactions.



30. Jared Crick, DE, Nebraska: Crick missed the final eight games of the Huskers' season, including the Capitol One Bowl and Senior Bowl with a torn pectoral, but that won't keep scouts from grading the 2010 All-American as a first-round talent based on his potential to line up inside or out depending on the scheme of the team that drafts him come April.



31. Andre Branch, DE, Clemson: With a combination of size (6-4, 265) and athleticism to intrigue scouts for 4-3 and 3-4 teams, Branch is likely to earn a selection in the first round due to the value placed on pass rushers. However, Branch's inconsistency troubles me, as did his last-minute decision to opt out of the Senior Bowl.



32. Rueben Randle, WR, LSU: Despite earning All-SEC accolades in 2011, Randle didn't post eye-popping numbers as a junior (53 catches for 973 yards and eight touchdowns). He has been a standout in the conference since signing as an extremely highly touted prep prospect and has made significant gains each year. I have similar grades for Randle, Rutgers' Mohamed Sanu and South Carolina's Alshon Jeffery, but see greater physical upside with the former LSU star.

 

[Faust]

Draft 2012: The Overrated

Josh Norris

Friday, February 10, 2012

Every year leading up to the draft, certain prospects seem ticketed for specific teams or to be taken highly due to groupthink, publicity, and name recognition. These predictions may or may not pan out. Usually, they don’t, and that’s what makes the NFL draft so enticing: suspense and unpredictability.

Detailed below are ten players I feel are currently being overrated, overhyped, or overvalued by media members. I’ve done extensive film study on each, and my opinions are not based on statistics, college awards, or conventional wisdom. Presently, I believe these players are receiving too much positive attention in media evaluations and mock drafts.



All 40 times and heights/weights for non-senior prospects are projected.

Overrated:

1. Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon (6-1/215/4.54) - Blackmon has a fair argument to be the first receiver drafted, but the door is more wide open than it appears. He simply isn’t a vertical threat, securing a vast majority of his receptions within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage. Blackmon made a living dominating smaller, slower, less physical Big 12 cornerbacks thanks to consistent five- and seven-yard cushions at the snap, allowing quick completions and easy conversions on curl routes. Blackmon's catch radius and ability to adjust his body positioning are major pluses, but he is not an elite prospect in the vein of A.J. Green or Julio Jones. Downfield playmaking ability is a necessity for any receiver worth a top-ten pick. I am not overlooking Blackmon's capacity to use the sideline, or his strength at the catch point, but he is a limited receiver from a skill standpoint and hardly a surefire top-five pick.



2. LSU DT Michael Brockers (6-5/306/4.95) - A handful of draftnik types named Brockers the 2012 class' top defensive tackle as soon as he declared as a redshirt sophomore. I just don't see it. Brockers plays young and raw, meaning he does not effectively use his length to create leverage or separation. Brockers faced constant single blocks as part of a vaunted LSU front, but showed little burst or quickness to beat guards, rather grinding out his limited QB pressures with sheer leg drive. Brockers has a strong lower half to anchor versus the run, but plays high off the snap and fails to use his arms or hands. To invest a top-20 selection on a player whose lone strength is upside, I'd at least want him to "flash" somewhat regularly. Brockers rarely does that.



3. Arizona State ILB Vontaze Burfict (6-2/250/4.67) - Burfict is a physical specimen with great closing speed when stalking running backs. He can end plays with crushing hits. Burfict obviously possesses athleticism and power for the Mike linebacker position, but he is lacking in every other category. Burfict is consistently taken completely out of plays by his own accord, standing still while the play develops and making himself an easy target for linemen to hit at the second level. Even when Burfict does read and react, many times it is to the wrong spot, especially with misdirection. He does not play instinctively. Burfict is forceful, which is great if he's tackling a running back after going unblocked, but he struggles to fight through trash after first contact. One of the nation's top prep recruits in 2009, Burfict's game developed little in three seasons at Arizona State, despite plenty of playing time. Even disregarding his character concerns, I have Burfict rated behind four other inside linebacker prospects.



4. South Carolina WR Alshon Jeffery (6-3/229/4.63) - Simply put, Jeffery cannot separate. This was clear in his bowl game effort against Nebraska's Alfonzo Dennard, who repeatedly jammed Jeffery at the line of scrimmage. Dennard completely overmatched Jeffery downfield, as the receiver created no space against Nebraska's physical corner despite the Cornhuskers' tendency to give South Carolina's quarterback more than seven seconds to throw. Jeffery does not use his large frame effectively, either. Plenty of slow receivers make a living converting catches in traffic, but Jeffery loses way too many 50/50 balls for that to be the foundation of his game. Receivers with limited separation skills require confident, accurate quarterbacks willing to take chances in tight windows. 20 teams or more are without that kind of QB. Jeffery is the eighth best receiver in the draft, and a massive risk as a first-round pick.



5. Arizona State QB Brock Osweiler (6-7/240/4.83) - For a tall quarterback, Osweiler is fairly coordinated and stands well in the pocket, only scrambling at appropriate times. All of his problems begin with an unreliable release. Osweiler is 6'7", but his inconsistent release point is equal to a 6'3" passer. Osweiler lacks a consistent motion, even side-arming some throws, which leads to unpredictable accuracy. He rarely leads his receivers in full stride. Just because Osweiler is a big quarterback does not mean he has a big arm; in fact, his velocity is adequate at best. Above all, Osweiler's accuracy and ball placement are some of the worst in this class. The one-year starter should have returned for more seasoning. Osweiler is not worth more than a third-day pick, despite some talk of him cracking the late first. Erratic is an understatement.

6. Illinois DE/OLB Whitney Mercilus (6-3/265/4.68) - The nation's leader with 16 sacks, Mercilus' talent does not equal his production. He lacks a great first step and has minimal explosion off the edge. Mercilus is only adequate in many areas: hand use, length to separate, strength at the point of attack, and athleticism to bend the corner. Many of his sacks started with quick inside moves against heavy-footed linemen, or catching a scrambling QB out of the pocket. I will certainly credit Mercilus for his on-field awareness, as he consistently holds his edge assignment and effectively flows down the line. Mercilus also chases plays to the sideline, exhibiting a persistent style that will attract 3-4 teams. He will benefit from a shallow pass-rushing class.

7. Ohio State OT Mike Adams (6-7/323/5.28) - Despite a massive frame and attractive athleticism, Adams had a maddeningly inconsistent Senior Bowl week that highlighted the same ups and downs he showed at Ohio State. Adams' posture is high off the snap, and he allows far too many defenders' quick inside moves to go untouched during his initial drop step. Even when Adams plants and anchors his lower body effectively, his upper half lacks power to redirect or finish blocks. His repeated offenses are worrisome, as is Adams' medical history (shoulder surgery in '08, knee surgery in '09). I think his lack of quickness and reaction timing will limit him to right tackle, but Adams will probably be over-drafted to protect the blind side.



8. Syracuse DE Chandler Jones (6-5/265/4.78) - In a family that produced MMA Champ Jon Bones Jones and Ravens DE Arthur Jones, Chandler's tape indicates he may have drawn the short straw in terms of his family's athletic gifts. My money is on Jones measuring in with the longest arms at the Combine, and it is the asset he uses with the most success. Jones frequently reaches into passing lanes, showing nice awareness when he cannot get to the quarterback. Unfortunately, that happens quite a bit due to Jones' long first step, which results in a lack of burst off the line. Until Jones is able to immediately use his length to shed the offensive tackle, his upfield momentum will be stoned. Jones does not fare much better against the run, displaying poor technique and often getting hooked. Jones is an uncoordinated-looking prospect and unrefined in his movements. There will be far better options in the top-50 picks.

9. Michigan State DT Jerel Worthy (6-2/310/5.04) - Worthy might look like the draft's top defensive tackle if you evaluate strictly off highlights, but his inconsistent motor shows up over four quarters. Unless Worthy shoots a gap off the snap, he struggles due to high posture and lacks any anchor against the run. He looks to shed quickly in every situation, and a balanced interior offensive lineman with active hands can regularly handle Worthy. He also ends up on the ground far too often, focusing on beating his individual block more than reacting to the play in front of him. I find it hard to believe any team would draft Worthy in the first round. He could be a disruptive rotational tackle, though.

10. Oregon RB LaMichael James (5-9/195/4.42) - James was smart to leave for the pros after his junior season due to a high volume of college carries. He has elite speed, which will immediately help in the return game. But too many of James' big plays on offense involved stretching runs to the sideline or breaking outside, which is significantly harder to do in the NFL. James does not run between the tackles confidently enough to be an NFL featured back. He's also shown his thin frame does not react well to hits. James excels at finding a crease and exhibits pinball-like qualities to pick up yards after contact beyond the line of scrimmage, but after a few hits he tends to abandon his running lane for temporarily open field. James may benefit from the NFL's increased usage of spread-type concepts, but ultimately I think he'll have a Danny Woodhead kind of role and should not be drafted before day three.

 

[Faust]

Michael Floyd 2012 NFL Draft scouting report

by Dan Kadar on Jan 29, 2012 2:40 PM EST in 2012 NFL Draft

Michael Floyd

6'3, 224 pounds | Wide receiver | Notre Dame



Body control: Shows good body control to maneuver his frame to make a play on the ball. This has been especially helpful at Notre Dame where the quarterback play has been lacking. Has a good feel for where the sidelines are at and won’t readjust his playing style to get two feet inbounds in the NFL.

Hands: As a senior, Floyd’s hands were more consistent. While he will drop some easy catches, he makes up for it with spectacular grabs outside his frame. Really goes after the ball in adverse situations. Looks to have strong hands to snag the ball out of the air. Isn’t deterred by playing the middle part of the field. Tracks the ball well.

Release: Gets off the line of scrimmage with ease. Has a nice first step and doesn't waste motion. Against bump coverage, Floyd has the strength to move cornerbacks around. Long strider off the line.

Route running: Works the underneath routes really well. When he's in the short area, Floyd can really on his foot quickness and size to pick apart defenses. Excels against zone. Used a lot in the slot as a senior.



Size: Floyd has an optimum frame for a wide receiver. He’s tall with big hands. He has the size to be able to consistently go over the middle. Uses his strength as much as his speed to gain yards after the catch. Knows how to use his frame working up the sideline.

Speed: Plays faster than he's often given credit. On-field speed looked much-improved in 2011 after Floyd slimmed down. Playing heavier in 2010, Floyd looked sluggish at times. Long speed is only decent. Won't be a consistent deep vertical threat in the NFL and can be caught from behind.

Final word: Floyd began his senior season at Notre Dame with numerous question marks. Did he give the effort and was he out of shape? How good are his hands and speed? Will he continue having off-field issues? Other than the question about speed, Floyd answered his critics in 2011. He looked leaner, his hands were more consistent and there wasn’t an issue about his character. Those answers, combined with his size, foot quickness and strength are what makes him arguably the best wide receiver in this year’s draft.

Floyd can line up outside, but he was just as impressive in 2011 playing the slot. With his size, he’s hard to jam at the line and he’s difficult to take down after the catch. Floyd would work really well in a West Coast system that relies more on timing than pure speed and athleticism.

Was arrested three times at Notre Dame on alcohol-related charges. With his continued trouble with alcohol, some teams will seriously question Floyd's character. Has had some issues with injuries. Missed four games in 2009 with a broken collarbone. Sat out the final three games of 2008 with a leg injury. Skipped the Senior Bowl for unknown reasons, which may not have been the best decision.

And then this News & note from Tony Pauline:

Pre-Combine News & Notes

Excerpt:

- I am also hearing Michael Floyd looks good and will run a forty time faster than anyone presently predicts. The good news is Floyd is healthy from the injuries which kept him from attending the Senior Bowl. The better news is he plans on running at the combine, barring any last week tweaks.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

If Jeffrey runs a high 4.4/low 4.5 time he will be a 1st round pick.

 

[treat88]

If Jeffrey runs a high 4.4/low 4.5 time he will be a 1st round pick.

I would be stunned if Jeffrey sniffs the first round regardless of his combine time.Far too much risk to invest at that level.Late 2nd to 3rd round type player.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

If Jeffrey runs a high 4.4/low 4.5 time he will be a 1st round pick.

I would be stunned if Jeffrey sniffs the first round regardless of his combine time.Far too much risk to invest at that level.Late 2nd to 3rd round type player.

Jon Baldwin was a late 1st rounder, do you view them as different players? I think they're the same type.

 

[EBF]

I think Baldwin is more mobile. He's a better overall athlete and I'd guess that if you look at all of his combine numbers compared to the ones Jeffery will put up, the numbers will reflect that. I'll probably be avoiding Jeffery like the plague. Just seems like a guy who will fail.

 

[JohnnyU]

I think Baldwin is more mobile. He's a better overall athlete and I'd guess that if you look at all of his combine numbers compared to the ones Jeffery will put up, the numbers will reflect that. I'll probably be avoiding Jeffery like the plague. Just seems like a guy who will fail.

Yep, that does seem to be the consensus for some time now. Watch him show up at the combine at 220 with hardly any body fat and runs a 4.4 40.....nah.

 

[treat88]

If Jeffrey runs a high 4.4/low 4.5 time he will be a 1st round pick.

I would be stunned if Jeffrey sniffs the first round regardless of his combine time.Far too much risk to invest at that level.Late 2nd to 3rd round type player.

Jon Baldwin was a late 1st rounder, do you view them as different players? I think they're the same type.

Above two posts kind of cover it.Honestly at the end of the day I couldn't care less what he does at the combine. I think he is who he is and I'm simply not a fan of his game translating to the NFL level at a early round investment level.

 

[Faust]

Video: Blackmon the next Megatron? Charles Davis answers questions on the star draft prospect.

 

[MAC_32]

If Jeffrey runs a high 4.4/low 4.5 time he will be a 1st round pick.

I would be stunned if Jeffrey sniffs the first round regardless of his combine time.Far too much risk to invest at that level.Late 2nd to 3rd round type player.

I think he's a 3rd or 4th round prospect, but unless he bombs at the combine (possible) some team will find a way to justify taking him either late day 1 or more likely early day 2. The NFL, like most pro sports, is more about potential than production. There's no denying Jeffrey's potential, but I'm with many in thinking he won't ever live up to it.

 

[MAC_32]

I think Baldwin is more mobile. He's a better overall athlete and I'd guess that if you look at all of his combine numbers compared to the ones Jeffery will put up, the numbers will reflect that. I'll probably be avoiding Jeffery like the plague. Just seems like a guy who will fail.

I agree, Baldwin's issues are more head related than product. I avoided Baldwin too, but for completely different reasons than I will avoid Jeffrey.

 

[King of the Jungle]

Video: Blackmon the next Megatron? Charles Davis answers questions on the star draft prospect.

That is insulting Megatron. Blackmon is not a physical freak nor is he a can't miss prospect. I think it is a weak class and at that point the analysts are looking at the stats (similar to when Crabtree came out) to determine the next "great receiver". The fact that this kid is projected in the top 5 on draft day makes me think that GMs are slow to evolve. He is a nice prospect with no elite features....including deep speed. A top 20....I can see that....a top 5.....that would be a mistake IMO. A top 5 pick at the receiver position needs to be a guy who defenses will have to change their game-plan for. Blackmon does not have any elite qualities that will pose that problem. And mentioning Megatron as a comparison...come on man. That is like comparing Chauncey Billups to Dwight Howard...give me a break.

 

[wiscstlatlmia]

Video: Blackmon the next Megatron? Charles Davis answers questions on the star draft prospect.

That is insulting Megatron. Blackmon is not a physical freak nor is he a can't miss prospect. I think it is a weak class and at that point the analysts are looking at the stats (similar to when Crabtree came out) to determine the next "great receiver". The fact that this kid is projected in the top 5 on draft day makes me think that GMs are slow to evolve. He is a nice prospect with no elite features....including deep speed. A top 20....I can see that....a top 5.....that would be a mistake IMO. A top 5 pick at the receiver position needs to be a guy who defenses will have to change their game-plan for. Blackmon does not have any elite qualities that will pose that problem. And mentioning Megatron as a comparison...come on man. That is like comparing Chauncey Billups to Dwight Howard...give me a break.

Bingo...Can't we just enjoy Calvin before we find the next of him! lol

 

[loose circuits]

Video: Blackmon the next Megatron? Charles Davis answers questions on the star draft prospect.

That is insulting Megatron. Blackmon is not a physical freak nor is he a can't miss prospect. I think it is a weak class and at that point the analysts are looking at the stats (similar to when Crabtree came out) to determine the next "great receiver". The fact that this kid is projected in the top 5 on draft day makes me think that GMs are slow to evolve. He is a nice prospect with no elite features....including deep speed. A top 20....I can see that....a top 5.....that would be a mistake IMO. A top 5 pick at the receiver position needs to be a guy who defenses will have to change their game-plan for. Blackmon does not have any elite qualities that will pose that problem. And mentioning Megatron as a comparison...come on man. That is like comparing Chauncey Billups to Dwight Howard...give me a break.

playing style wise, I think Blackmon is more TO than Megatron...and I completely disagree that this is a 'weak' class. there is tons of depth at WR

 

[loose circuits]

Ranking the top five deepest positions in the 2012 NFL Draft…5. Wide ReceiverThe wide out position isn’t nearly as talented at the top end as in past years with potential blue chip prospects early. However, Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon offers teams a potential top-ten prospect. Then there is a nice mix of receivers in the mid-first/third round range with either elite speed, a massive frame or natural route runner ability. The lack of big time size/speed prospects hurts the class somewhat as a whole, but there are still a number of second/third round options that offer the upside to mature into effective starting NFL wide outs.ICONWright is one of those speedsters who can make plays vertically.Potential Top-100 Picks…Justin Blackmon: Oklahoma State (6-1, 215)Kendall Wright: Baylor (5-10, 190)Michael Floyd: Notre Dame (6-3, 224)Mohamed Sanu: Rutgers (6-2, 215)Joe Adams: Arkansas (5-11, 190)Jarius Wright: Arkansas (5-10, 180)Alshon Jeffery: South Carolina (6-4, 229)Marvin Jones: California (6-3, 202)Rueben Randle: Louisiana State (6-4, 208)Stephen Hill: Georgia Tech (6-5, 205)Nick Toon: Wisconsin (6-3, 220)Devon Wylie: Fresno State (5-9, 185)Chris Givens: Wake Forest (6-0, 195)Brian Quick: Appalachian State (6-3, 215)4. QuarterbackNot only does the quarterback class feature a pair of potential blue-chip guys at the top end of the draft in Stanford’s Andrew Luck and Baylor’s Robert Griffin III. But there’s also a number of late first/second round wild cards who have the skill set to mature into potential starters as well, giving teams a number of opportunities to find their potential future franchise signal caller in the top-100 picks.Potential Top-100 Picks…Andrew Luck: Stanford (6-4, 235)Robert Griffin III: Baylor (6-2, 220)Ryan Tannehill: Texas A&M (6-4, 222)Brandon Weeden: Oklahoma State (6-4, 218)Nick Foles: Arizona (6-5, 240)Brock Osweiler: Arizona State (6-8, 240)Kirk Cousins: Michigan State (6-3, 205)3. Running BackThe running back crop looked a bit weak during the regular season. However, it’s seen a major upgrade ever since the onslaught of junior backs decided to declare early and add some top end talent to the class. Alabama’s Trent Richardson is far and away the cream of the crop. But there is the potential to see a number of second round picks emerge into starters over the next couple years as well.ICONRichardson instantly improved the running back class.Potential Top-100 Picks…Trent Richardson: Alabama (5-11, 224)David Wilson: Virginia Tech (5-10, 205)Lamar Miller: Miami (5-11, 212)Doug Martin: Boise State (5-9, 215)Robert Turbin: Utah State (5-10, 216)Chris Polk: Washington (5-11, 222)Isaiah Pead: Cincinnati (5-11, 200)Bernard Pierce: Temple (6-0, 218)

http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/What-are-the-deepest-positions-in-the-NFL-draft.html

 

[King of the Jungle]

Video: Blackmon the next Megatron? Charles Davis answers questions on the star draft prospect.

That is insulting Megatron. Blackmon is not a physical freak nor is he a can't miss prospect. I think it is a weak class and at that point the analysts are looking at the stats (similar to when Crabtree came out) to determine the next "great receiver". The fact that this kid is projected in the top 5 on draft day makes me think that GMs are slow to evolve. He is a nice prospect with no elite features....including deep speed. A top 20....I can see that....a top 5.....that would be a mistake IMO. A top 5 pick at the receiver position needs to be a guy who defenses will have to change their game-plan for. Blackmon does not have any elite qualities that will pose that problem. And mentioning Megatron as a comparison...come on man. That is like comparing Chauncey Billups to Dwight Howard...give me a break.

playing style wise, I think Blackmon is more TO than Megatron...and I completely disagree that this is a 'weak' class. there is tons of depth at WR

Correction on my part - I think the top of the tier of the WR class is weaker than average. I agree that it does present good depth.

 

[Rodeojones]

Video: Blackmon the next Megatron? Charles Davis answers questions on the star draft prospect.

That is insulting Megatron. Blackmon is not a physical freak nor is he a can't miss prospect. I think it is a weak class and at that point the analysts are looking at the stats (similar to when Crabtree came out) to determine the next "great receiver". The fact that this kid is projected in the top 5 on draft day makes me think that GMs are slow to evolve. He is a nice prospect with no elite features....including deep speed. A top 20....I can see that....a top 5.....that would be a mistake IMO. A top 5 pick at the receiver position needs to be a guy who defenses will have to change their game-plan for. Blackmon does not have any elite qualities that will pose that problem. And mentioning Megatron as a comparison...come on man. That is like comparing Chauncey Billups to Dwight Howard...give me a break.

Charles Davis was making the Blackmon/Johnson comparison due to their catch radius and playing style.
did an interesting piece on Blackmon and his catch radius. It's pretty impressive.

 

[Andrew74]

Video: Blackmon the next Megatron? Charles Davis answers questions on the star draft prospect.

That is insulting Megatron. Blackmon is not a physical freak nor is he a can't miss prospect. I think it is a weak class and at that point the analysts are looking at the stats (similar to when Crabtree came out) to determine the next "great receiver". The fact that this kid is projected in the top 5 on draft day makes me think that GMs are slow to evolve. He is a nice prospect with no elite features....including deep speed. A top 20....I can see that....a top 5.....that would be a mistake IMO. A top 5 pick at the receiver position needs to be a guy who defenses will have to change their game-plan for. Blackmon does not have any elite qualities that will pose that problem. And mentioning Megatron as a comparison...come on man. That is like comparing Chauncey Billups to Dwight Howard...give me a break.

Charles Davis was making the Blackmon/Johnson comparison due to their catch radius and playing style.

It is, but Calvin's is freakishly unbelievable.

 

[Faust]

NFL Draft top 50 prospects: Luck, Griffin nearly even

Russ Lande

Sporting News

Now that teams are going through draft meetings and preparing for the Scouting Combine, it's time to look at our projected player ratings.

Florida State offensive tackle Andrew Datko and Oklahoma receiver/returner Ryan Broyles are recovering from major injuries and will likely have to pass rigorous team physicals if they hope to be drafted near their pre-injury projections.

In addition, the big debate now is whether Andrew Luck can stay atop the Colts' draft board and hold off Robert Griffin III.

The Combine begins Feb. 22 in Indianapolis, where players will be weighed, measured, analyzed and scrutinized during a week of evaluations. The 2012 NFL Draft will begin April 26 and conclude April 28.

Below is a quick look at the top 50 players right now:

1. Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford. He's as close to Peyton Manning as the Indianapolis Colts are going to get. Luck has great football intelligence, poise in the pocket and is competitive.

2. Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor. Griffin is in a virtual tie with Luck as the best player in the draft. He has excellent arm strength, accuracy and is off the charts when it comes to leadership and smarts.

3. Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama. Richardson will likely not go in the top five because of specific team needs at the top of the draft, but he's has the ability to be dominant inside runner and game-changer on the edge.

4. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU. Claiborne is a better cornerback prospect than his former teammate Patrick Peterson from a year ago.

5. Matt Kalil, OT, Southern Cal. The best offensive line prospect in the draft, Kalil is already a dominant pass protector.

6. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State. While Blackmon lacks "wow" speed, he is a powerful receiver with deceptive athleticism.

7. Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College. Kuechly made a smart decision to come out early for a draft with no other elite linebackers to challenge him. NFL scouts have told us he reminds them of Brian Urlacher.

8. Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina. Coples is 6-6 and explosive. He showed at the Senior Bowl that he can beat offensive tackles with power and speed. He reminded many of Julius Peppers.

9. Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame. Floyd's two alcohol arrests could knock him down draft boards, but he's an elite prospect with great size at 6-3.

10. Devon Still, DT, Penn State. Still has the tools to be a productive starter as a defensive end in a 3-4 scheme or a tackle in a 4-3.

11. David DeCastro, G, Stanford. While guards rarely go this high, DeCastro deserves consideration because of his foot quickness, agility and balance.

12. Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina. While many rank Courtney Upshaw as the best 3-4 outside linebacker prospect, Ingram is the more explosive athlete with better pass-rush skills.

13. Michael Brockers, DT, LSU. Brockers is quick off the snap with the long arms and strength to be a disruptive interior force.

14. Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama. Kirkpatrick is 6-3 and excels at lining up in press coverage and playing tight man coverage all over the field.

15. Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State. Cox is not huge at under 300 pounds, but he has good first-step explosiveness off the snap and shoots gaps and gets into the backfield to blow up plays.

16. Dontari Poe, NT, Memphis. Poe has exceptional foot quickness and balance for a 350-pound player. With the demand for nose tackles high, he is assured of being a first-round pick by a team playing a 3-4 defense.

17. Jonathan Martin, T, Stanford. Martin is not dominant and allows pressure more than he should, but he has the foot skills, flexibility and potential that will entice a team to take him in the first round.

18. Brandon Weeden, QB, Oklahoma State. Weeden is an elite prospect in our eyes. Were he not 28 years old, he would be in the discussion with Luck and Griffin to be the first pick in the draft.

19. Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford. With receiving tight ends becoming more valuable, Fleener's stock is rising. He has explosive acceleration, natural route running ability and good hands.

20. Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama. If not for serious questions about his character, Jenkins would likely be a top 10 pick.

21. Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor. Wright is the most explosive receiver in the draft and best receiver under 6-foot tall.

22. Alameda Ta'amu, NT, Washington. After a great week of practice at the Senior Bowl, Ta'amu's name is on the lips of every NFL team that plays a 3-4 defense and needs a physically dominant nose tackle.

23. Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina. Jeffery lacks explosiveness and top-end speed, neither of which he improved last season. Many teams now view him as a late first- or high second-round pick.

24. David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech. NFL teams are excited about his ability to change direction combined with his explosiveness through the hole.

25. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M. Tannehill is still learning to play quarterback after switching from receiver during the 2010 season, but he has athleticism, a strong arm and can be accurate.

26. Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State. After being suspended for the first part of 2011, Adams improved each week and impressed scouts at the Senior Bowl.

27. Brandon Thompson, NT, Clemson. Thompson doesn't fit the mold of a 350-pound nose tackle, but he does an excellent job of playing with a solid base. He also uses his hands well.

28. Doug Martin, RB, Boise State. He showed in Mobile that he has sharp cutting ability, strength running with the ball and good receiving skills.

29. Juron Criner, WR, Arizona. Criner is an underrated receiver who runs sharp routes and consistently gets open.

30. Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin. Konz is the draft's top center because of his ability to move his feet and maintain blocks. He must improve his strength.

31. Sean Spence, LB, Miami (Fla.). Spence makes up for his 5-11 frame with a natural ability to read and react to plays in a flash.

32. Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall. Curry hasn't received the attention of other prospects in the draft, but he's been one of our favorites because he's a relentless pass rusher who showed in Mobile that he can easily defeat tackles to pressure the quarterback.

33. Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina. Brown is a dynamic athlete who is drastically underrated and will make an impact as a pass rusher.

34. Mychal Kendricks, LB, California. Kendricks makes plays all over the field using his instincts, speed and explosive closing ability.

35. Chris Polk, RB, Washington. Even after his disappointing week in Mobile, we are not changing our view that Polk has the tools to be a powerful starting back running between the tackles.

36. Nigel Bradham, LB, Florida State. Bradham is an elite athlete who is at his best playing out in the open field where he can use his speed to chase down plays.

37. Orson Charles, TE, Georgia. While Charles is never going to be a strong in-line blocker, he is an explosive athlete who consistently defeats man coverage.

38. Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia. Chase, the son of former Browns cornerback Frank Minnifield, is underrated. His smooth athleticism, size at 6-foot and ball skills make him good in all types of pass coverage.

38. Chase Minnifield, CB, Virginia. Chase, the son of former Browns cornerback Frank Minnifield, is underrated. His smooth athleticism, size at 6-foot and ball skills make him good in all types of pass coverage.

39. Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia. Boykin is a special athlete who can cover any receiver in tight coverage. When you add in Boykin's return skills, it's clear he'll make an impact.

40. Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama. Upshaw is a powerful defender who uses great technique and competitiveness to be a dominant force against the run.

41. Billy Winn, DE, Boise State. Winn is not a dynamic athlete, but he is versatile, strong and has instincts to be productive playing in any defensive front.

42. Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson. While he is a good blocker and strong receiver, Allen's lack of explosiveness and top-end speed will likely keep him from being a first-round pick.

43. Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State. Perhaps the most intriguing defensive player in the draft, Worthy has draft rooms around the league split as teams try to figure out what it takes to get him to play hard on every snap.

44. Mark Barron, S, Alabama. Barron is a highly productive collegian whose strength is run support and violent hits.

45. Lamar Miller, RB, Miami (Fla.). Miller has the vision to find open space and the explosive burst to hit holes and make big plays. He hasn't consistently shown the aggressive running style and strength to run through hits.

46. Chris Givens, WR, Wake Forest. Givens had a huge 2011 season where he showed the top speed and burst to get separation deep and make big plays. He reminds us a little of Baltimore Ravens receiver Torrey Smith.

47. Markelle Martin, S, Oklahoma State. Martin is a smooth athlete who can flip his hips easily to change directions. His speed gives him sideline range against the run and pass.

48. Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina. Jones jumped off the film when evaluated, but struggled at the Senior Bowl. NFL teams are now trying to figure out if he has the speed and desire to be the dynamic big receiver.

49. Nick Perry, DE, Southern Cal. Perry is not an explosive edge rusher, but he is strong and technically sound. He has consistently shown the ability to fight through blocks to pressure quarterbacks and make plays against the run.

50. Rueben Randle, WR, LSU. Randle, who came out early for the draft, impressed on film with his ability to pluck the ball and get free from the initial tackler.

 

[RUSF18]

Granted I'm a homer Rutgers guy but still surprised to see Sanu not in the top 50. He's gonna kill it at the combine.

 

[Jail]

I don't have access to Kiper's rankings, but this weekend while I was out I could have sworn I saw Lamar Miller listed in the 20s on the ESPN ticker.

Anyone know where Kiper has him? I am loving with the videos I've seen of him.

 

[Faust]

Ranking receivers, tight ends entering NFL Scouting Combine

By Bucky Brooks NFL.com

Analyst

Published: Feb. 15, 2012 at 02:31 p.m. Updated: Feb. 15, 2012 at 02:46 p.m.

As the NFL shifts to a league built upon the pass, more teams are seeking explosive playmakers at wide receiver and tight end to create mismatches in space.

In the 2012 NFL Draft class, there are several intriguing options at both positions, with Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon and Clemson TE Dwayne Allen garnering most of the attention. Blackmon, a two-time Biletnikoff Award winner, is one of the most polished receivers the draft has seen in years. His ability to create big plays in space makes him an ideal No. 1 target.

Allen is the versatile tight end offensive coordinators covet these days, due to his impressive combination of size, speed and athleticism. He excels playing in an upright position from the slot, and his ability to do damage over the middle of the field will quickly endear him to quarterbacks.

Notre Dame's Michael Floyd, Baylor's Kendall Wright and Stanford's Coby Fleener are also regarded as potential impact players, with natural receiving skills that shine above their counterparts. Teams looking to fill out the roster with explosive perimeter players will extensively study their every move at the NFL Scouting Combine to assess their potential as difference-makers in the passing game.

Others to watch include South Carolina's Alshon Jeffery and Rutgers' Mohamded Sanu, due to their prototypical size. Both excel at coming down with contested balls in traffic and their potential to function as red-zone threats will make them intriguing possibilities.



Wide Receivers

1. Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State: Blackmon is the most dynamic playmaker in the draft. He is extraordinary with the ball in his hands and his ability to gain yards after the catch reminds some of Anquan Boldin. Blackmon's high football IQ and polished route-running skills make him an ideal No. 1 receiver, but he must answer questions about his speed and explosiveness in workouts. If he can post 40 times in the sub-4.5 range, he could come off the board within the first five picks in the draft.

Good fits: St. Louis Rams, Minnesota Vikings and Washington Redskins.

2. Michael Floyd, Notre Dame: Floyd is an exceptional talent with superb ball skills and athleticism. He displays Larry Fitzgerald-like concentration coming down with acrobatic catches. While some questions persist about his speed and burst, the biggest concerns surrounding Floyd stem from a few off-the-field transgressions. If he is able to knock out the interview portion of the NFL Scouting Combine while also putting on a spectacular display on the field, his stock could soar up draft boards across the league.

Good fits: Chicago Bears, Houston Texans and New England Patriots.

3. Kendall Wright, Baylor: Teams looking to add a legitimate deep threat have already pegged Wright as an intriguing prospect, but he is also garnering interest as a potential No. 1 receiver. He concluded a spectacular career at Baylor with a scintillating series of performances that have cemented his standing as a legitimate first-round talent. With another opportunity to impress evaluators at the NFL Scouting Combine, Wright must display the speed and explosiveness that everyone expects after studying the tape. If he records times in the sub-4.4 range and shows consistent hands, he could garner serious consideration in the middle of Round 1.

Good fits: Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots.

4. Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina: Jeffery is a big-bodied pass-catcher with the size, athleticism and ball skills to create matchup problems on the perimeter. He excels at posting up smaller defenders on vertical routes and is one of the best natural pass-catchers to enter the league in some time. In spite of his remarkable traits, Jeffery is not considered one of the top prospects due to questions about his fitness level (weight) and speed. He must show up to Indianapolis in tip-top condition and post 40 times in the mid-4.5 range to retain his potential first-round status.

Good fits: Houston Texans, San Diego Chargers and San Francisco 49ers.

5. Mohamed Sanu, Rutgers: Sanu has flown under the radar for most of the season, but evaluators have started to take notice of his well-rounded game following a spectacular junior season at Rutgers. He is a fine route-runner with a great feel for finding the soft spots in coverage. Furthermore, he is a dependable pass-catcher with remarkable hand-eye coordination. If he can continue to display the polish and hands in drills that he has shown throughout the season, Sanu will make a strong push for first-round consideration.

Good fits: Houston Texans, New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers.

Sleeper to watch: T.Y. Hilton, Florida International. Teams looking for more bang for the buck will closely study Hilton's performance at the NFL Scouting Combine. He is one of the most electrifying playmakers in college football, and his ability to generate production in multiple phases (receiver/returner) makes him a coveted commodity for several teams. If he can put together a spectacular performance in front of evaluators, Hilton could enter the discussion as a Day 2 prospect.

Good fits: Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos and New York Jets.

Tight Ends

1. Dwayne Allen, Clemson: Allen is an athletic pass catcher in the mold of Antonio Gates. A combination of size, speed and quickness makes him one of college football's toughest matchups in space. To solidify his status as a top prospect, Allen must display excellent strength and explosiveness in drills, while also showcasing balance and body control running routes. If Hilton can convince evaluators his impressive receiving skills outweigh his limitations as a blocker, Allen could be the first tight end to come off the board.

Good fits: Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos.

2. Coby Fleener, Stanford: Fleener is one of the few all-purpose tight ends in the 2012 draft class, so scouts are clamoring about his potential impact at the next level. At 6-foot-6, 245-plus pounds, he is an underrated athlete with superb speed and quickness. If he can surprise scouts by posting a better than anticipated 40 time while also displaying terrific hands, ball skills and route-running ability, Fleener might be a surprise selection at the bottom of Round 1.

Good fits: New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers and Indianapolis Colts.



3. Orson Charles, Georgia: The reemergence of the H-Back in pro football has certainly increased the value of guys like Charles. The Georgia star brings a unique blend of speed and athleticism to the table despite lacking prototypical dimensions for the position. Scouts will fall in love with his movement skills when they see him on display, but he must pass the eyeball test at the official weigh-in to maintain his lofty position on most draft boards.

Good fits: Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals.

4. Ladarius Green, Louisiana-Lafayette: With more and more teams utilizing the tight end to create mismatches on the perimeter, talented athletes like Green are benefitting from the movement. The 6-6, 237-pound pass-catcher is an experienced slot receiver with the speed and athleticism to make plays in space. Scouts have questions about his size, strength and blocking ability on the edge, but he can address those concerns with a strong performance in the weight room to complement his dazzling display of athleticism on the turf at Lucas Oil Stadium. If he performs as well as advertised, Green's stock should surge in the run-up to the draft.

Good fits: San Diego Chargers, Arizona Cardinals and Denver Broncos.

5. Michael Egnew, Missouri: Egnew is regarded as one of the top prospects at the position, but his stock took a hit after underwhelming play at the Senior Bowl. He has a chance to salvage his status as a mid-round pick by performing exceptionally well during the workout portion of the event. If he can display consistent hands and show fluid movement skills, scouts will bypass some of his glaring deficiencies to keep him afloat as a possible No. 2 tight end for teams employing multiple-TE systems.

Good fits: Arizona Cardinals, San Diego Chargers and Dallas Cowboys.

 

[Faust]

Luck, Griffin, Tannehill top QB prospects entering combine

By Bucky Brooks NFL.com

Analyst

Published: Feb. 13, 2012 at 01:03 p.m. Updated: Feb. 14, 2012 at 12:16 p.m.

The 2012 NFL Draft class is loaded at the quarterback position, with Stanford's Andrew Luck and Baylor's Robert Griffin III pegged as can't-miss prospects at the top of the board. Both are elite-caliber playmakers capable of reversing the fortunes of dismal franchises, and their extraordinary potential will most likely lead to both coming off the board within the first five selections.

Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill is widely regarded as the third-best prospect, but an injury threatens to sideline him for most of the workout season. This inability to work out might prevent him from addressing concerns about his readiness at the next level. Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden and Arizona State's Brock Osweiler have been thrust into the conversation as potential first-round prospects, but they must perform exceptionally well in workouts to make up for some of the bad film that exists in their profiles.

Given a big stage to perform at the NFL Scouting Combine, several quarterbacks have the potential to send their draft stock soaring by the end of the four-day visit.

Here are the top five quarterback prospects entering the combine, plus one sleeper:

1. Andrew Luck, Stanford: Luck is the most polished quarterback prospect to enter the league since Peyton Manning. He elevated the Cardinal to the ranks of the elite with his play, and his ability to put the program on his back suggests he is capable of thriving as a franchise quarterback in the NFL. While some scouts have nitpicked his game, Luck has a chance at the combine to cement his status as the undisputed top prospect in the 2012 draft class.

Good fits: Indianapolis Colts, Cleveland Browns and Washington Redskins.

2. Robert Griffin III, Baylor: Griffin is an electrifying athlete with exceptional skills as a dual-threat playmaker. He is the master of improvisation, but also possesses the football aptitude and arm talent to pick apart defenses with a series of pinpoint throws from the pocket. There has been some concern about his ability to transition into a conventional offense after directing a spread system at Baylor, so Griffin's impressions in interviews and on the field at the NFL Scouting Combine will be vital to sway the opinions of some critics.

Good fits: Cleveland Browns, Washington Redskins and Miami Dolphins.

3. Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M: Tannehill won't be able to perform at the NFL Scouting Combine due to a foot injury, so he must make his impact in the interview sessions. Through intense discussion and chalk-talk sessions, Tannehill will still have opportunities impress scouts and coaches with his football IQ and leadership skills. If he can prove to evaluators that his game is advanced beyond his limited game experience, Tannehill could solidify his status as a first-round pick.

Good fits: Washington Redskins, Miami Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos.

4. Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State: The former pro baseball player has created a buzz in scouting circles after putting together a pair of impressive performances at the Fiesta Bowl and Senior Bowl. Weeden's exceptional arm talent has convinced some scouts to overlook his advanced age (28), but a spectacular showing at the NFL Scouting Combine could make the issue a moot point come draft day. With so much riding on his performance on the big stage, Weeden has a lot to prove on his visit to Indianapolis.

Good fits: Kansas City Chiefs, Seattle Seahawks and New York Jets.

5. Brock Osweiler, Arizona State: The former highly touted basketball recruit is beginning to garner some attention as a potential franchise quarterback after scouts pored over the tape of his solid junior season. However, questions persist about his inconsistent play in big games and quirky arm motion. While Osweiler can't address concerns about his game-management skills during the workout, the 6-foot-8 signal-caller can showcase his arm strength, accuracy and throwing mechanics. If he can display consistent ball placement and velocity using an unorthodox motion, Osweiler can continue to maintain his high standing on draft boards across the league.

Good fits: Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets and New York Giants.

Sleeper to Watch: Kirk Cousins, Michigan State. Cousins lacks the flashy game of his counterparts, but has been a winning quarterback in a highly competitive conference. His leadership skills and game management are ideally suited for the next level, but scouts want to see if he possesses the arm talent to develop into a potential starter. While most assessments will be based off tape evaluations, Cousins could alter opinions on his pro potential with a strong showing at the NFL Scouting Combine.

 

[Faust]

Top five running backs entering NFL Scouting Combine

By Bucky Brooks NFL.com

Analyst

Published: Feb. 14, 2012 at 12:24 p.m. Updated: Feb. 14, 2012 at 01:42 p.m.

The evolution of the NFL into a passing league has seemingly devalued the running back position, but the 2012 NFL Draft class features several prospects capable of impacting the game as runners or receivers out of the backfield.

Alabama's Trent Richardson is the crown jewel of the class with his unique blend of speed, quickness and power. He is not only one of the top runners in the draft, but he might be one of the few players capable of making an immediate impact regardless of system.

Virginia Tech's David Wilson and Miami's Lamar Miller are regarded as the top home-run threats at the position, but their "one-year wonder" label could cause teams to pause before making a selection early. While Boise State's Doug Martin and Oregon's LaMichael James boast extensive résumés chock full of production, the NFL Scouting Combine will provide a platform to address concerns about their size, durability and potential to fill a role as a full-time runner.

Here are the top five running backs in the 2012 NFL Draft class heading into the NFL Scouting Combine:

1. Trent Richardson, Alabama: Richardson is the most complete runner to enter the league since Adrian Peterson. He excels at grinding out tough yards between the tackles, but is also nifty enough to produce big runs on the perimeter. His dominant play in the SEC, college football's toughest conference, suggests that he is poised to make an immediate impact as a pro. At the NFL Scouting Combine, Richardson can make a strong case for inclusion within the top five picks with an impressive workout in front of evaluators.

Good fits: Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks.

2. David Wilson, Virginia Tech: Wilson might be the most explosive runner in the draft with his unique blend of speed and quickness. He led the ACC in rushing with over 1,700 yards in 2011, but it was his ability to score from anywhere on the field that has scouts enamored with his talent. To solidify his status as a first-round pick, Wilson must pass the eyeball test at the weigh-in and post impressive numbers during the workout. If he can leave Indianapolis ranked as one of the top athletes in the draft, he will undoubtedly come off the board in the first stanza.

Good fits: New York Jets, Cincinnati Bengals and New England Patriots.

3. Lamar Miller, Miami: Miller displays a game that is eerily similar to Clinton Portis, and scouts are curious to see if his explosiveness stands out in the workout. He emerged as one of college football's top home-run threats in his only season as a starter, but one year's worth of exceptional production might not be enough to cement his status as a top-25 pick. However, a strong workout in front of scouts complemented by a solid set of interviews with team personnel could send his stock soaring by the end of his four-day visit in Indianapolis.

Good fits: Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos and New England Patriots.

4. Doug Martin, Boise State: Martin has been on the rise on draft boards across the league since impressing scouts with his rock-solid game at the Senior Bowl. He is a slippery runner with nifty feet and hips, but also displays the power and pop to run through arm tackles in the hole. Although scouts rave about his efficient running style, there are questions about his speed and quickness. If he can clock average times in the 40 while also displaying balance and agility during the position-specific portion of the workout, he could solidify his status as an early Day 2 prospect.

Good fits: St. Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos.

5. LaMichael James, Oregon: James is an elusive jitterbug with the speed and quickness to score from anywhere on the field. His ability to slip through cracks between the tackles is impressive considering his size, but his ability to do damage on the perimeter has coaches projecting James as an ideal third-down back as a pro. While his size and durability rank as significant concerns in the minds of evaluators, he can minimize those issues by reporting to the workout in tip-top condition and receiving a solid evaluation from the league's medical personnel.

Good fits: New York Giants, Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings.

Sleeper to watch: Isaiah Pead, Cincinnati. The Senior Bowl MVP has created quite a buzz in scouting circles with his ability to function as a multipurpose playmaker as a runner/returner. He displays an exceptional gear with the ball in his hands, but clocking a superb time in the 40 could cement his standing as a mid-round prospect.

Good fits: San Diego Chargers, Minnesota Vikings and Jacksonville Jaguars.

 

[Faust]

Expert vs. expert: Tannehill's talent, inexperience spark debate

NFLDraftScout.com

Come April 26, Ryan Tannehill might be forever indebted to Matt Barkley and Landry Jones. Then again, it could be an NFL team down the line that feels fortunate it was lured into a gamble that paid big dividends.

When Barkley announced he was returning to Southern California and Jones opted to remain at Oklahoma for another season, Tannehill became the consensus third-best quarterback in the 2012 draft behind headliners Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III.

The size of the gap between No. 2 and No. 3 is fueling one of the best pre-draft debates.

No one questions Tannehill's leadership ability, selflessness or raw talent.

A decorated high school signal-caller, Tannehill moved to receiver when he lost the battle for the starting quarterback job at Texas A&M in 2008. Sulk? That's not in Tannehill's competitive DNA. He dedicated himself to his new craft, leading the team in receptions for two seasons.

Given the opportunity to get back under center in 2010, Tannehill began to gain the attention of NFL scouts with good underneath accuracy and a strong arm. It also didn't hurt that he was mentored by coach Mike Sherman, a veteran of the West Coast offense.

While Tannehill was a regular on Big 12 all-academic teams and has stated an interest in becoming an orthopedic surgeon after his playing days, he's still raw as a quarterback prospect.

Tannehill broke a bone in his foot in January, causing him to sit out the Senior Bowl and the injury will prevent him from working out at the scouting combine next week. Scouts won't see him work out on a field until at least the Aggies' March 7 pro day.

But he's also working with noted quarterbacks coach Chris Weinke at the IMG training facility in Bradenton, Fla., to sharpen his mechanics and the finer aspects of playing the position.

It all contributes to a wide array of opinions about where Tannehill should go in the draft.

NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst Rob Rang is a Tannehill fan, but doesn't have him going in the first round of his current mock draft, while fellow analyst Dane Brugler has him off the board before the end of the second hour of the April 26 festivities at No. 6 to the Washington Redskins.

So we asked our two experts to explain their opinions on Tannehill, who is NFLDraftScout.com's No. 25 overall prospect.

Rang's take: There are four primary physical characteristics NFL scouts are looking for when projecting college QBs to the next level: size, arm strength, accuracy and mobility.

Tannehill could earn first-round grades from clubs in all four categories, making him the logical third quarterback to be selected. He may have a stronger arm than Luck, the presumed No. 1 overall pick, and at 6-feet-4, 222 pounds, he's far closer to the prototype frame than the 6-2, 220-pound Griffin.

It is a fifth trait in which Tannehill rates significantly below Luck and Griffin. This makes him a high-stakes gamble for the first round. That fifth skill is anticipation, the most underrated element to forecasting quarterback success in the NFL.

The fact that Tannehill played wide receiver for the Aggies for the first 30 games of his career is a testament to his athleticism and selflessness. With only 19 career starts at quarterback, however, he is understandably lacking in the finer techniques of the position. While this isn't intended to suggest Tannehill cannot improve in these areas, it does mean he's not as ready to contribute as his two seasons as a starter for the Aggies might imply.

Tannehill will fire passes before his receivers come out of their breaks, teasing with his developing anticipation. However, he also stares down his primary read and struggles to move on to second and third targets when the defense surprises him. Despite his height and an efficient, over-the-top release, Tannehill had an exorbitant number of passes knocked down at the line of scrimmage because pass rushers were able to read and anticipate where he would go with the ball.

Worse, Tannehill's underdeveloped anticipatory skills showed up in critical moments against the best competition in 2011. After directing the Aggies to double-digit leads against Oklahoma State, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas State and Texas, Tannehill and his team foundered in the second halves of each of these games, losing all five.

It is difficult to use statistics to prove something as qualitative as anticipation and poise, but consider the dip in Tannehill's touchdown to interception ratio in the first half of these games (8-2) compared to the second half (4-6). Several factors were at play in Texas A&M's collapses, but at least some of the blame must be placed on Tannehill. He might not have lost these games for the Aggies, but he didn't showcase the ability to rally his teammates and win them.

Tannehill appeared to be in position to duplicate the Senior Bowl jump that saw hotly debated quarterbacks Tim Tebow, Jake Locker and Christian Ponder emerge as first-round prospects the past two years, but he broke his foot preparing for the all-star game. The injury and subsequent surgery could keep him from working out for scouts before the draft, making him that much more of a gamble.

Brugler's take: Luck and Griffin are expected to be top-five picks, but don't be surprised when Tannehill is selected soon after -- in the top half of the first round.

He had an up-and-down senior season and his inexperience showed, but Tannehill has all the physical tools with prototypical size, above-average arm strength and underappreciated athleticism. But the No. 1 reason NFL teams are so high on the former Aggie is the game comes naturally to him.

After playing receiver for the first 30 games of his career, Tannehill stepped in at quarterback and won 10 of his first 13 starts, showing steady progression down the stretch.

He displays good passing mechanics with a balanced throwing motion and quick release, squaring his shoulders and delivering a very catchable ball. Tannehill can spin tight spirals to all levels of the field and displays veteran poise and awareness, stepping up and maneuvering in the pocket to buy time and stay calm under pressure. He is extremely intelligent -- on and off the field -- with the competitive attitude and intangibles to hone his craft with strong preparation skills and work habits.

Tannehill also benefited playing in a pro-style offense under the offensive-minded Sherman, who was a head coach with the Green Bay Packers for six seasons (2000-05) and was recently hired by the Miami Dolphins as their offensive coordinator.

Team success in the NFL can be directly linked to the play of the quarterback. This isn't breaking news, but the NFL is a passing league, evidenced by four quarterbacks drafted in the top 12 picks last year regardless of whether they warranted such a high selection.

Tannehill doesn't have the résumé to necessarily warrant an early draft pick, but he won't be drafted for what he has done, but rather for what teams think he can do. He flashes special potential and has the mental toughness to start early as a pro and learn on the fly.

Is Tannehill a finished product? No, far from it.

However, the raw tools are there for him to develop into a quality starter at the pro level -- and maybe more. If you want a polished quarterback, Luck is your guy. If you want a quarterback with big-time upside, then take a long, hard look at Griffin. But if you want a prospect with a little bit of both, Ryan Tannehill might be the player for you.

But you'll probably need a top 20 pick to grab him.

 

[JohnnyU]

What is your impression of Tommy Streeter? He has nice size at 6'4" 215, has long deceptive speed, but doesn't have good burst off the line. He's very good at jumping for the ball and shielding defenders. I think he's a high ceiling guy but may need some development. I love his physical makeup and he's not a slow WR. I looked through this thread and mostly people are just posting what some ranking site lists about him and I must say I only know what I've read also, because I have never seen him play. I think I'll go watch some video highlights if there are any. I would love to know what Miami homers think of him.

 

[Faust]

Blackmon ready to bring big-play ability to NFL

Posted Feb. 13, 2012 @ 1:27 p.m. ET

By Jonah Rosenblum

Before Justin Blackmon ever dreamed of being a professional football player, he thought that his best hope of being a pro athlete was in the NBA.

"Basketball is probably one of my favorite sports," Blackmon said. "I thought I was going to play basketball somewhere before I ever thought I was going to play football, but things changed throughout my high school career."

Specifically, Blackmon realized around his sophomore year of high school that he wasn't going to get any taller and that he probably stood a better chance on the gridiron. His 1,547 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior attracted plenty of notice and ultimately brought him to Oklahoma State.

After piling up 3,564 receiving yards in three seasons in Stillwater, Blackmon is widely considered to be the top wideout in the 2012 NFL draft.

But before Blackmon could become a top wideout, he first had to learn how to focus solely on football. For a teenage boy who had excelled on numerous fronts, both on the gridiron and on the hardwood, as class president and as a drummer in the high school marching band, he had to learn how to concentrate all of his energies into one sport.

"It's just 100 percent football now and that was something redshirt year, I figured out," Blackmon said. "Normally, football season's over and you're going on to something else."

His '08 redshirt season in also gave him the chance to mature, and learn the ropes from WR Dez Bryant, a 2010 first-round draft pick of the Dallas Cowboys. With Bryant's help, and with the opportunity to square up against CB Perrish Cox, a fifth-round pick of the Denver Broncos in '10, every day on the scout team, Blackmon "tried to take in as much as possible."

Bryant taught Blackmon a lot, including the proper way to compete.

"I learned a lot from him," Blackmon said. "One of the many things that I learned was that every time you step out there between the lines, you're always competing."

Blackmon's entrance into the Cowboys' starting lineup coincided with that of fellow NFL prospect, QB Brandon Weeden. At that point, both were relatively unknown commodities. Weeden found Blackmon in the back of the endzone for a 49-yard touchdown pass in their first game together and so began a connection that changed their lives for the better.

The next offseason, Dana Holgorson came to Stillwater as the Cowboys' new offensive coordinator. He introduced himself with a valuable piece of advice for Weeden.

"We weren't drawing out a lot of plays for (Blackmon) but he was making catches on tape and then halfway through camp, Dana said, 'if it were me, I'd throw to 81 a lot,' and, fortunately, I listened," Weeden said, "and (Justin) just kind of evolved into the most special receiver in the country."

The evolution became clear to the college football world in 2010, when Blackmon won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top receiver, after a campaign in which he led the nation with 148.5 receiving yards per game. He finished the season with 1,782 receiving yards and 20 TDs.

"It was the right place at the right time," Blackmon said. "Everything was kind of hitting, it helped that we had a great O-line and a great back that opened up a lot of the passing areas that we have."

While he was in the right place at the right time on the football field, he was at the wrong place at the wrong time off the gridiron. In the midst of his stellar sophomore season, Blackmon was pulled over on his way back from Dallas, where he had attended a Cowboys-Giants game on "Monday Night Football" with some friends. He had been going 92 mph in a 60-mph zone, according to police spokesman Dustin Bartram, and he was arrested for a misdemeanor DUI complaint. He was suspended by head coach Mike Gandy for that week's game as punishment.

In reflection, Blackmon said he learned a lot from the experience.

"I learned I've just got to make better decisions," Blackmon said. "I wish I could've learned it some other how. I definitely wouldn't want to go through it again, but I think, overall, I used it as a good lesson."

Meanwhile, he continued to excel on the field, consistently showing off his big-play capabilities. He had more than 100 receiving yards and at least one touchdown in all 12 games in which he played in '10 and added seven more 100-yard games in '11. He was held without a TD only twice his last two seasons at OSU.

"A lot of people look at our offense as a consistent pitch and dunk but if you look at the tape, he's catching big routes, he's catching comebacks, he's catching posts, he's catching verticals," Weeden explained. "It's not like we're throwing five-yard hitches across the board for 100 yards and that's the way we're built, we have a guy that can stretch the field vertically, and he can do that for us, and it made our offense a lot better because of it."

Concern has broken out among some NFL scouts over Blackmon's lack of speed. He has been clocked in a time of 4.55 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Blackmon would hesitate to call himself slow, however.

"I wouldn't say I'm slow," Blackmon said. "I would say I just stride out, long strides don't make it look like I'm moving too quick."

And teammates and opponents alike say that those long strides help him get behind a defense. Oklahoma CB Jamell Fleming, a fellow 2012 draft prospect, said containing Blackmon's speed was part of his team's strategy entering game day.

"Don't let him get the big plays, that's really how he gets a lot of his touchdowns, and if he does catch the ball, tackle," Fleming said. "It's more because he's a bigger guy so he's going to break tackles, and a lot of times he's deceiving with his speed so he's going to get behind you and you've got to be worried about it. He can run pretty good for a bigger guy."

After Oklahoma kept him under control (95 yards on 10 catches and no TDs), Blackmon came up particularly clutch in the team's 41-38 victory over Stanford in the Fiesta Bowl, as he finished with 186 receiving yards and three TD grabs (covering 643, 67 and 17 yards).

"He's strong with the ball in his hands, he can break tackles because of the strength he plays at and the speed he plays at during games," Weeden said. "He's hard to bring down. That's one of the things that people don't really talk about, they talk about his ability to catch the football, but with the ball in his hands, he's pretty elusive."

Having placed an emphatic stamp on his college career, Blackmon has the NFL squarely in his grasp.

"Ah, ended it well," Blackmon said. "Couldn't really ask for a better way to end it than we did in Arizona at the Fiesta Bowl, give the school its first BCS championship and it was a great win for this class to go out on."

 

[Faust]

What is your impression of Tommy Streeter? He has nice size at 6'4" 215, has long deceptive speed, but doesn't have good burst off the line. He's very good at jumping for the ball and shielding defenders. I think he's a high ceiling guy but may need some development. I love his physical makeup and he's not a slow WR. I looked through this thread and mostly people are just posting what some ranking site lists about him and I must say I only know what I've read also, because I have never seen him play. I think I'll go watch some video highlights if there are any. I would love to know what Miami homers think of him.

I haven't watched much in the way of film on him, but here is the report on him from NFL Draft Scout (they currently have him as WR #12 in this draft class):Tommy Streeter, WR

Excerpt:

12/05/2011 - Miami Hurricanes defensive tackle Marcus Forston declaring for the NFL Draft didn't cause big ripples. The surprise was that wide receiver Tommy Streeter decided to join him and sign with agent Drew Rosenhaus, according to CBSSports.com's Bruce Feldman. Streeter will start off as a projected third-round pick by NFLDraftScout.com. But at 6-feet-5 and 215 pounds, he has the potential to be a workout warrior. Right now, his rating is based almost solely on potential. Entering his junior season, Streeter had only five career catches. But he exploded for 46-811-8 in 2011 as he became high school teammate Jacory Harris' favorite target. The big key for Streeter will be his workouts - he doesn't have a verified 40-yard dash time yet and this year's receiver class has the potential to be quite deep. If Streeter doesn't run in the 4.4-second range and otherwise work out extremely well, he could easily slide into mid-round status. For perspective, the late-bloomer wasn't rated among NFLDraftScout.com's top 20 junior wide receivers all year. - Derek Harper, Executive Editor, NFLDraftScout.com

 

[identikit]

Blackmon ready to bring big-play ability to NFL

Posted Feb. 13, 2012 @ 1:27 p.m. ET

By Jonah Rosenblum

After Oklahoma kept him under control (95 yards on 10 catches and no TDs), Blackmon came up particularly clutch in the team's 41-38 victory over Stanford in the Fiesta Bowl, as he finished with 186 receiving yards and three TD grabs (covering 643, 67 and 17 yards).

That's some BIG play.

 

[JohnnyU]

What is your impression of Tommy Streeter? He has nice size at 6'4" 215, has long deceptive speed, but doesn't have good burst off the line. He's very good at jumping for the ball and shielding defenders. I think he's a high ceiling guy but may need some development. I love his physical makeup and he's not a slow WR. I looked through this thread and mostly people are just posting what some ranking site lists about him and I must say I only know what I've read also, because I have never seen him play. I think I'll go watch some video highlights if there are any. I would love to know what Miami homers think of him.

I haven't watched much in the way of film on him, but here is the report on him from NFL Draft Scout (they currently have him as WR #12 in this draft class):Tommy Streeter, WR

Excerpt:

12/05/2011 - Miami Hurricanes defensive tackle Marcus Forston declaring for the NFL Draft didn't cause big ripples. The surprise was that wide receiver Tommy Streeter decided to join him and sign with agent Drew Rosenhaus, according to CBSSports.com's Bruce Feldman. Streeter will start off as a projected third-round pick by NFLDraftScout.com. But at 6-feet-5 and 215 pounds, he has the potential to be a workout warrior. Right now, his rating is based almost solely on potential. Entering his junior season, Streeter had only five career catches. But he exploded for 46-811-8 in 2011 as he became high school teammate Jacory Harris' favorite target. The big key for Streeter will be his workouts - he doesn't have a verified 40-yard dash time yet and this year's receiver class has the potential to be quite deep. If Streeter doesn't run in the 4.4-second range and otherwise work out extremely well, he could easily slide into mid-round status. For perspective, the late-bloomer wasn't rated among NFLDraftScout.com's top 20 junior wide receivers all year. - Derek Harper, Executive Editor, NFLDraftScout.com

Yes, I've seen all the websites opinion of him. What is your opinion of him?

 

[Faust]

What is your impression of Tommy Streeter? He has nice size at 6'4" 215, has long deceptive speed, but doesn't have good burst off the line. He's very good at jumping for the ball and shielding defenders. I think he's a high ceiling guy but may need some development. I love his physical makeup and he's not a slow WR. I looked through this thread and mostly people are just posting what some ranking site lists about him and I must say I only know what I've read also, because I have never seen him play. I think I'll go watch some video highlights if there are any. I would love to know what Miami homers think of him.

I haven't watched much in the way of film on him, but here is the report on him from NFL Draft Scout (they currently have him as WR #12 in this draft class):Tommy Streeter, WR

Excerpt:

12/05/2011 - Miami Hurricanes defensive tackle Marcus Forston declaring for the NFL Draft didn't cause big ripples. The surprise was that wide receiver Tommy Streeter decided to join him and sign with agent Drew Rosenhaus, according to CBSSports.com's Bruce Feldman. Streeter will start off as a projected third-round pick by NFLDraftScout.com. But at 6-feet-5 and 215 pounds, he has the potential to be a workout warrior. Right now, his rating is based almost solely on potential. Entering his junior season, Streeter had only five career catches. But he exploded for 46-811-8 in 2011 as he became high school teammate Jacory Harris' favorite target. The big key for Streeter will be his workouts - he doesn't have a verified 40-yard dash time yet and this year's receiver class has the potential to be quite deep. If Streeter doesn't run in the 4.4-second range and otherwise work out extremely well, he could easily slide into mid-round status. For perspective, the late-bloomer wasn't rated among NFLDraftScout.com's top 20 junior wide receivers all year. - Derek Harper, Executive Editor, NFLDraftScout.com

Yes, I've seen all the websites opinion of him. What is your opinion of him?

I did note that I haven't watched a ton of film on him, but he strikes me as a bit of a raw prospect who emerged last year on the basis of size and some degree of intriguing athleticism. Streeter needs to work on his technique and running routes. He could easily be a "stock up" type of player depending upon his work at the combine and in workouts prior to the draft.

 

[Faust]

Despite age, Weeden has the tools to be a franchise NFL QB

By Jeff Darlington NFL.com

Reporter

Published: Feb. 15, 2012 at 02:24 p.m. Updated: Feb. 15, 2012 at 04:15 p.m.

PHOENIX -- They left the baseballs at home and headed for the beach, a clan of minor league pitchers searching for their release on a March afternoon during spring training in 2005. Brandon Weeden was one of them.

"I love telling the story to this day," said Jarod Plummer, a nine-year baseball vet who was among the crew. "You've got a bunch of guys body surfing, playing sand volleyball, all that stuff. Weeden was always the guy who brought the football."

So Weeden, who has since morphed into one of the best quarterback prospects of the 2012 NFL Draft, finally got what he wanted: He rallied a few guys to get a casual game going on the sands of Vero Beach, Fla. He just forgot about the casual part.

"Everyone knew he played quarterback in high school," Plummer said. "But the first pass he threw, it was so intense. The guy on the other end couldn't hold onto it."

It was one of a few moments when some -- maybe even Weeden himself -- recognized a passion that still lurked inside him. Like a married man with a crush on his high school sweetheart, he could never let go of the sport he always loved.

As a result of the flame that was too hot to ignore, one NFL team now might be on the brink of discovering a finely aged gem that can do for its franchise what Weeden did for Oklahoma State over the past two seasons: Direct an unexpected 180-degree turn.

"I think I have a lot left in my tank," said Weeden, who played five seasons of baseball before leaving the game to walk onto the Cowboys' football team in 2008. "I feel like I should be right at the top with all of the other quarterbacks."

It shouldn't be long before many NFL teams agree.

Weeden spends his time training at Athletes' Performance in Phoenix, preparing for next week's scouting combine after a strong showing in the Fiesta Bowl and another big week at the Senior Bowl saw his stock rise. If he can keep it going, his ride toward football success might remain in the fast lane.

At 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, with a subtle swagger and a personality that reeks of NFL leadership, it's just a wonder why Weeden didn't commit to football sooner.

"I remember sitting in a hotel room, tossing the football back and forth to each other," said Eric Hacker, another one of Weeden's baseball teammates and roommates on the road. "We were half joking but half serious, talking about playing football someday. We'd talk about how Chris Weinke did it at Florida State -- so why couldn't we?

"To look back and think (Weeden) is actually doing what we talked about -- and adding to the story -- it's just surreal."

It's perhaps ironic, or maybe just also part of some subliminal plan, that Weinke has been a helpful resource in the months since Weeden's college career ended with record-setting, unprecedented success at Oklahoma State.

Hooked up by a mutual friend, Weinke wrote a list of advice Weeden would be wise to follow. The list outlined how he should approach the "elephant in the room" that everyone undoubtedly will be asking about before the draft ...

His age.

Weeden, after all, is 28.

"My message to him was to approach this as a great opportunity," said Weinke, who made a career change at the same age when he left baseball for Florida State. "He already understands how to be a professional athlete, he knows what it's all about.

"At 28, his body didn't take that beating for five years while you were playing baseball -- but he is mentally more mature."

Weeden isn't naïve to the wonders about his age. At this stage, he can do little more than joke about it, noting that, "I can change my footwork, I can change my throwing motion, but I can't change my birth certificate."

This man's story, though, is about so much more than age. And as he continues to force one team after another to forget about that number -- and focus more on the numbers he instead posted at Oklahoma State -- his path has grown more inspiring.

Success at such an important position is a rare find in the NFL, so if a team wants to pass on a player with a potential decade of success ahead of him, surely there will be another squad waiting to pounce.

And that's all Weeden needs. One team.

"It sucks, and I wish it wasn't like this, but if I was 22, where would teams rate me with these other guys?" Weeden said. "If you look at every quarterback in front of me, I beat every one of them. If I'm 22, it's different right now. I think I belong right there with the best of them."

That's OK, Weeden says. He recognizes Andrew Luck is a "freak" prospect -- and he's aware Robert Griffin III will be drafted before him -- but he now has his eyes set on that third quarterback spot. He saw last year as Christian Ponder and Jake Locker unexpectedly slid into prime first-round spots.

The same, he knows, is possible for him.

"If I can put myself up there as the third guy, that opens up a lot of possibilities," Weeden said.

Here's what else should open up a lot of possibilities: Last season, he ranked second in the nation with 4,727 passing yards. He ranked fourth with 37 touchdowns. He set a school record with an 11-win season in 2010 ... and followed it up with a 12-win season in 2011.

With Luck on the other sideline in the Fiesta Bowl, he completed 29 of his 42 passes for 399 yards and three touchdowns in a 41-38 overtime win against Stanford.

"I think my game translates to the NFL well," Weeden said. "I have a lot to offer. I can make all of the throws. Mentally, I'm stable. I'm able to make adjustments on the fly. I mean, the NFL is hard. It's hard as hell.

"But I think my game translates over really, really well."

Over the past few months, Weeden has gone a long way toward improving his chances in the NFL Draft, and he's continuing to help those odds with the work he doing in Arizona.

The real inspiration behind this story, though, traces back to those days on the beach. Those days in his hotel room with the pigskin in his hand. Weeden recognized that a passion for football remained strong and deep, and so he eventually chased that dream when many others might have given up on it.

If you overlook Weeden because of his age, you're missing the bigger picture. You're missing a player who refused to put himself in a position to someday wonder "What if?" You're missing a player who has the skills to have a major impact for several seasons.

Four years ago, Weeden put down the baseball and put on his shoulder pads for the first time since high school. And as a result, in just a few short months, one NFL team might just wind up very happy with his decision.

"It's funny, you look back at all of the little things that happen along the way that make you realize that football was always there," Weeden said. "It was a passion and a love -- and I'm just so glad I was able to pursue it."

 

[DansRams]

After countless hours of watching game film, NFL Scout Jayson Braddock and NFL and NCAA Football Writer Dory LeBlanc have narrowed down the top ten running backs of the 2012 NFL Draft. They used extensive criteria that included (but was not limited to) running inside and outside, elusiveness, speed, power, vision, durability, experience, receiving, blocking, physical makeup, agility, and productivity into determining how those attributes translate to the NFL. The ten-best prospects at the RB position are: 1.Trent Richardson, Alabama, Jr., 5’11” 224 Lbs. – Considered by many to be the best RB prospect since Adrian Peterson and we agree. 2.Isaiah Pead, Cincinnati, Sr., 5’10” 193 Lbs. – Will be one of the most productive every down backs in the NFL in a zone blocking scheme. 3.Doug Martin, Boise State, rSr., 5’9” 219 Lbs. – A team who kicked themselves for passing on Ray Rice won’t let it happen again. 4.Cyrus Gray, Texas A&M, Sr., 5’10” 198 Lbs. – Everything and more than what Lamar Miller is being sold as. 5.LaMichael James, Oregon, rJr., 5’9” 195 Lbs. – Don’t get blinded by the speed, he has more substance than he is given credit for. 6.David Wilson, Virginia Tech, Jr., 5’10” 205 Lbs. – He will be developmental until he understands that running East to West is ineffective in the NFL. 7.Tauren Poole, Tennessee, Sr., 5’10” 206 Lbs. – An untapped talent that was in a less-than-ideal environment in Tennessee. Will flourish in a professional, wanted atmosphere. 8.Lamar Miller, Miami (FL), rSo., 5’11” 212 Lbs. – We can’t justify a one-trick pony being any closer to the top – no matter how quick that pony may be. 9.Chris Polk, Washington, Sr., 5’11” 224 Lbs. – Teams won’t draft a powerful, short yardage back in the early rounds – no matter how flashy his highlights. 10.Vick Ballard, Mississippi State, Sr., 5’11” 217 Lbs. – His value will increase the closer we get to April; he is a well-rounded RB who is exceptional in pass protection. RBs on the bubble we’ll be watching closely during the Combine: 1.Bernard Pierce, Temple, Jr., 6’0” 218 Lbs. 2.Ronnie Hillman, San Diego State, rSo., 5’10” 190 Lbs. 3.Robert Turbin, Utah State, rJr., 5’9” 216 Lbs. 4.Brandon Bolden, Mississippi, Sr., 5’11” 220 Lbs. 5.Lennon Creer, Louisiana Tech, rSr., 6’0” 222 Lbs

http://thexlog.com/201202161124/xtra-point-football/nfl/2012-nfl-draft-top-10-running-backs/Wow...cant acuse them of group think

 

[Xue]

After countless hours of watching game film, NFL Scout Jayson Braddock and NFL and NCAA Football Writer Dory LeBlanc have narrowed down the top ten running backs of the 2012 NFL Draft. They used extensive criteria that included (but was not limited to) running inside and outside, elusiveness, speed, power, vision, durability, experience, receiving, blocking, physical makeup, agility, and productivity into determining how those attributes translate to the NFL. The ten-best prospects at the RB position are: 1.Trent Richardson, Alabama, Jr., 5’11” 224 Lbs. – Considered by many to be the best RB prospect since Adrian Peterson and we agree. 2.Isaiah Pead, Cincinnati, Sr., 5’10” 193 Lbs. – Will be one of the most productive every down backs in the NFL in a zone blocking scheme. 3.Doug Martin, Boise State, rSr., 5’9” 219 Lbs. – A team who kicked themselves for passing on Ray Rice won’t let it happen again. 4.Cyrus Gray, Texas A&M, Sr., 5’10” 198 Lbs. – Everything and more than what Lamar Miller is being sold as. 5.LaMichael James, Oregon, rJr., 5’9” 195 Lbs. – Don’t get blinded by the speed, he has more substance than he is given credit for. 6.David Wilson, Virginia Tech, Jr., 5’10” 205 Lbs. – He will be developmental until he understands that running East to West is ineffective in the NFL. 7.Tauren Poole, Tennessee, Sr., 5’10” 206 Lbs. – An untapped talent that was in a less-than-ideal environment in Tennessee. Will flourish in a professional, wanted atmosphere. 8.Lamar Miller, Miami (FL), rSo., 5’11” 212 Lbs. – We can’t justify a one-trick pony being any closer to the top – no matter how quick that pony may be. 9.Chris Polk, Washington, Sr., 5’11” 224 Lbs. – Teams won’t draft a powerful, short yardage back in the early rounds – no matter how flashy his highlights. 10.Vick Ballard, Mississippi State, Sr., 5’11” 217 Lbs. – His value will increase the closer we get to April; he is a well-rounded RB who is exceptional in pass protection. RBs on the bubble we’ll be watching closely during the Combine: 1.Bernard Pierce, Temple, Jr., 6’0” 218 Lbs. 2.Ronnie Hillman, San Diego State, rSo., 5’10” 190 Lbs. 3.Robert Turbin, Utah State, rJr., 5’9” 216 Lbs. 4.Brandon Bolden, Mississippi, Sr., 5’11” 220 Lbs. 5.Lennon Creer, Louisiana Tech, rSr., 6’0” 222 Lbs

http://thexlog.com/201202161124/xtra-point-football/nfl/2012-nfl-draft-top-10-running-backs/Wow...cant acuse them of group think

These rankings are a joke when you have Pead, Gray and James in the top 5. What's the thinking behind ranking Pead 2nd if you only think he will excel in a ZBS run game?On Twitter, Braddock compares Pead to Arian Foster. What are these guys looking at?