[Dynasty] 2014 Draft Prospects (2 Viewers)

[ConnSKINS26]

I own Seastrunk in a devy league and I'm really hoping he catches the ball smoothly and naturally at the combine because if that happens, he could be like Gio Bernard on steroids.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Penn State junior WR Allen Robinson has decided to forego his final year of eligibility and enter the NFL draft.

Robinson stuffed the stat sheet for Bill O'Brien's Nittany Lions this season, catching 97 passes for 1,432 yards and six touchdowns. Standing in at 6-foot-3, 204 pounds, Robinson is noted for his separation skills and body control. Rotoworld's Josh Norris believes Robinson will likely go in the first 50 picks of May's draft.


Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter

Texas A&M redshirt sophomore WR Mike Evans will enter the 2014 NFL Draft.

Evans is a tall and long receiver with good long speed and high production after the catch. There will be some debate between his projection as a receiver or tight end, but we think that is pointless. He will not line up inline, so the two are practically the same. He dominates at the catch point and works back towards his quarterback.


Source: Brett McMurphy on Twitter

Louisville junior WR DeVante Parker announced he will return for his final season of eligibility.

Parker flirted with the NFL but said he would only leave if he received a first-round projection. That was not going to happen, but Parker is an impressive leaper and dominates at the catch point.


Source: Kyle Tucker on Twitter

 

[EBF]

Shock looks good, but "just as good" might be pushing it.

Remember that Seastrunk was a 5 star recruit out of high school. Even before he stepped on the field in college, he was touted as a special talent. I think Baylor's offense is very friendly (see: Ganaway), but that doesn't also mean the players on the team can't be legit (see: Gordon, Wright).

They both look REALLY good to me. Lache's sample size is much bigger, obviously, and that needs to be taken into account. But I'd say Shock's looked just as good with his touches (watching the OU game as I type this).

I'm trying to understand why our opinion of Seastrunk isn't shared by draftniks. As someone who puts a lot of stock into what the professionals think (TBD, still), it's somewhat concerning to me. I'm just exploring the potential reasoning behind the lack of excitement, outside of the dynasty community.

ETA: And Shock's getting a lot of buzz now, too. CBS has him as the #2 back in his class, behind only Collins and ahead of Tyner. Someone from NFL.com (can't remember the name) called him an LT clone.

A few points here:

- Saying that someone "looks just as good to me" is impossible to refute. I can just as easily say that "Seastrunk looks more explosive than Linwood to me." It's an opinion. It can be difficult to "prove" subjective opinions one way or the other. So if you think that Linwood is an equivalent talent, all I can say is that I don't agree.

- It's too early to say what the NFL thinks about Seastrunk. The mocks right now offer a pretty good rough indicator of what actual teams might do, but they're ultimately not a substitute for actual draft position. For all we know there are several teams with first round grades on Seastrunk. In other words, it's too early to say "what the professionals think" in this case because all we have are hints. I don't think too many people had AJ Jenkins, Joseph Addai, Doug Martin, Buster Davis, and Chris Johnson mocked in the first round in January. Mocks don't ultimately matter at all.

- As far as Linwood = Tomlinson, that is pretty unlikely. There are some draft sites/pundits that I respect (CFN, Rob Rang, Tony Pauline). I may not agree with all of their opinions, but I know that they actually watch players and have a good knowledge of the talent landscape. Not so sure about NFL.com jokers like Davis, Brandt, and Brooks. I really question how much film those guys watch. They have a tendency to offer pretty generic takes that don't really reflect in-depth study. Like they're just rehashing things they've read/heard instead of developing their own takes. Moreover, watching film doesn't necessarily mean you have any ability to assess what you're looking at. I do like Linwood some, but Tomlinson was probably the best all-around RB of the decade. He combined a whole host of elite traits in one package. It's pretty unlikely that Linwood deserves that kind of comparison.

- As far as Linwood being ranked around Collins and Tyner, it's worth pointing out that he's a redshirt freshman whereas the other two are right out of high school. It's also worth mentioning that rankings often change drastically as the years pass. Sometimes you'll have a guy like Peterson who's ranked as the best RB in his draft class from wire-to-wire, but other times you'll have guys fade into obscurity while others develop and emerge as juniors/seniors. Add it all up and there's limited value in rankings for players that are only 1 season into their college career. Like I said, I think Linwood is pretty good, but the fact that he's ranked as the #2 2017 RB on DraftScout right now is not that significant to me.

- Finally, arguing that Linwood is a great prospect is not really an effective way to prove that Seastrunk isn't also an elite prospect. If Linwood is really a top 2-3 back in his class and Seastrunk is clearly preferred over Linwood when both are healthy, what does that say about Seastrunk's talent level? It's possible for a school to have many great backs on the roster at once. Auburn had Cadillac, Brown, and Jacobs simultaneously. Miami had Portis, Gore, and McGahee. There's no reason why both of these guys can't be legit.

 

[aggs]

According to Tony Pauline, there will be two "surprise" underclassman RBs who will declare for the draft.

Any guesses?

 

[coolnerd]

The biggest criticism of Seastrunk is that he looks to bounce things outside too much. the vision question is related to this because some wonder if he sees the inside holes well enough because of what the other Rbs do with Baylor and that the spread system and OL talent should be providing more chances inside than he takes. In fact, last night they highlighted a time he did this and while he gained yardage there was a better opportunity available between the tackles.

In fact, one site CBSsportsline which has him as the number 1 RB prospect still lists the above as a problem.

 

[Faust]

NFL Draft: An early look at the Top 5 running backs

By Chris Fedor, Northeast Ohio Media Group

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Last year there were no running backs selected in the first round of the draft. But there was still plenty of value.

Eddie Lacy (Round 2, 61 overall) has a strong case to be the Offensive Rookie of the Year. The Steelers were 8-5 in games that Le'Veon Bell (2, 48) played in. Gio Bernard (2, 37) has spent his rookie year splitting carries with BenJarvus Green-Ellis in Cincinnati, but still managed to put together a few highlight plays that have the Bengals excited about his future. Zac Stacy (5, 160) took over the starting job in St. Louis and never looked back. And Arizona's Andre Ellington (6, 187) added a new dimension to the Cardinals offense.

This year's class could be a repeat. There is no clear-cut best back, and it's doubtful that any of them hear their name called in round one. But there is still plenty talent to be found for RB-needy teams.

Some of the players on this list are underclassmen. They have until January 15th to make their NFL decision.

1. Lache Seastrunk, Baylor, Redshirt Junior

College didn't go exactly the way Seastrunk planned. He transferred from Oregon in 2011 and didn't make his mark on the Baylor program until last year. With back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons under his belt, Seastrunk could be ready for the jump to the NFL. He has a compact build and excellent stop-start ability. He is extremely explosive through the hole, hits top gear in a hurry and comes into the NFL with fresh legs because he was always part of a committee approach.

2. Carlos Hyde, Ohio State, Senior

He came into his final season with Ohio State looking like a different player. Hyde, who became Urban Meyer's first 1,000-yard rusher despite missing the first three games, is a big and powerful back that likes to punish the opponent. He has the ability to run through arm tackles and often gets more than what is blocked. While his knack for trucking defenders and falling forward is the best aspect of his game, Hyde is also nimble and showed the speed to run away from Big Ten defenders in 2013.

3. Ka'Deem Carey, Arizona, Junior

After leading the NCAA in rushing in 2012 (1,929 yards), Carey finished third this season. He is quick, with a burst that allows him to get to the second level. He doesn't have elite speed for someone his size (5-foot-10), but he plays bigger, with the ability to power through tackles and pick up yards after contact.

4. Devonta Freeman, Florida State, Junior

While he doesn't have the gaudy numbers that some of the other players on this list possess, Freeman's touches have been limited by playing as part of a committee at Florida State. The Noles have the best trio of backs (Freeman, James Wilder and Karlos Williams) in the nation. At 5-foot-9 and 203 pounds, Freeman is built low to the ground and does an excellent job running behind his pads. More powerful than his size would lead you to believe, Freeman is a determined runner that fights for every yard. When that's combined with his quick feet, tremendous vision, patience and reliable hands, Freeman looks like a starting-caliber NFL running back if he declares.

5. Bishop Sankey, Washington, Junior

Sankey announced his intentions to turn pro following Washington's last game, one in which he broke the single-season school rushing record previously held by Corey Dillon. Having never missed a game, Sankey is as durable as they come. While he doesn't have great size, the Husky is a determined runner and one that is tough to bring down with just one defender. Thanks to good vision, agility, a burst to get through the hole and good hands, Sankey has drawn some comparisons to Bengals rookie Giovani Bernard, although not nearly as explosive as the 2013 second-round pick. Sankey has been used a lot (653 touches the last two years), which is not good for a running back coming into the NFL.

Also keep an eye on: Isaiah Crowell, Alabama State, Junior

If players were drafted on talent alone, Crowell has an argument to be one of the first backs taken. However, off-the-field concerns make him a very tough player to evaluate. The one-time highly touted recruit for Georgia played extremely well as a freshman, earning SEC Freshman of the Year honors despite dealing with some injuries. But he couldn't stay out of trouble. Crowell was suspended twice and finally kicked off Georgia's team due to weapons charges that were eventually dismissed. Landing at Alabama State allowed him to get back on the radar as he rushed for 842 yards and 15 touchdowns.

 

[coolnerd]

According to Tony Pauline, there will be two "surprise" underclassman RBs who will declare for the draft.

Any guesses?

Terrance West Towson ...Highly production low level player with NFL size 5'11 220ish. ...seen him listed in the a couple top 10s. saw him play in a playoff game and passes the eyeball test in that he looked like a man versus kids, which is all he could do at the level he competed at.

 

[Brewtown]

According to Tony Pauline, there will be two "surprise" underclassman RBs who will declare for the draft.

Any guesses?

Jeremy Hill?

Karlos Williams??

Melvin Gordon change his mind?? Watching his explosion through the line at the Capital One Bowl was very impressive! A couple of times I cringed as I saw him tackled at the knees.... Maybe some talked some sense into him!!! Go and get paid.

 

[Concept Coop]

Shock looks good, but "just as good" might be pushing it.

Remember that Seastrunk was a 5 star recruit out of high school. Even before he stepped on the field in college, he was touted as a special talent. I think Baylor's offense is very friendly (see: Ganaway), but that doesn't also mean the players on the team can't be legit (see: Gordon, Wright).

They both look REALLY good to me. Lache's sample size is much bigger, obviously, and that needs to be taken into account. But I'd say Shock's looked just as good with his touches (watching the OU game as I type this).

I'm trying to understand why our opinion of Seastrunk isn't shared by draftniks. As someone who puts a lot of stock into what the professionals think (TBD, still), it's somewhat concerning to me. I'm just exploring the potential reasoning behind the lack of excitement, outside of the dynasty community.

ETA: And Shock's getting a lot of buzz now, too. CBS has him as the #2 back in his class, behind only Collins and ahead of Tyner. Someone from NFL.com (can't remember the name) called him an LT clone.

A few points here:

- Saying that someone "looks just as good to me" is impossible to refute. I can just as easily say that "Seastrunk looks more explosive than Linwood to me." It's an opinion. It can be difficult to "prove" subjective opinions one way or the other. So if you think that Linwood is an equivalent talent, all I can say is that I don't agree.

- It's too early to say what the NFL thinks about Seastrunk. The mocks right now offer a pretty good rough indicator of what actual teams might do, but they're ultimately not a substitute for actual draft position. For all we know there are several teams with first round grades on Seastrunk. In other words, it's too early to say "what the professionals think" in this case because all we have are hints. I don't think too many people had AJ Jenkins, Joseph Addai, Doug Martin, Buster Davis, and Chris Johnson mocked in the first round in January. Mocks don't ultimately matter at all.

- As far as Linwood = Tomlinson, that is pretty unlikely. There are some draft sites/pundits that I respect (CFN, Rob Rang, Tony Pauline). I may not agree with all of their opinions, but I know that they actually watch players and have a good knowledge of the talent landscape. Not so sure about NFL.com jokers like Davis, Brandt, and Brooks. I really question how much film those guys watch. They have a tendency to offer pretty generic takes that don't really reflect in-depth study. Like they're just rehashing things they've read/heard instead of developing their own takes. Moreover, watching film doesn't necessarily mean you have any ability to assess what you're looking at. I do like Linwood some, but Tomlinson was probably the best all-around RB of the decade. He combined a whole host of elite traits in one package. It's pretty unlikely that Linwood deserves that kind of comparison.

- As far as Linwood being ranked around Collins and Tyner, it's worth pointing out that he's a redshirt freshman whereas the other two are right out of high school. It's also worth mentioning that rankings often change drastically as the years pass. Sometimes you'll have a guy like Peterson who's ranked as the best RB in his draft class from wire-to-wire, but other times you'll have guys fade into obscurity while others develop and emerge as juniors/seniors. Add it all up and there's limited value in rankings for players that are only 1 season into their college career. Like I said, I think Linwood is pretty good, but the fact that he's ranked as the #2 2017 RB on DraftScout right now is not that significant to me.

- Finally, arguing that Linwood is a great prospect is not really an effective way to prove that Seastrunk isn't also an elite prospect. If Linwood is really a top 2-3 back in his class and Seastrunk is clearly preferred over Linwood when both are healthy, what does that say about Seastrunk's talent level? It's possible for a school to have many great backs on the roster at once. Auburn had Cadillac, Brown, and Jacobs simultaneously. Miami had Portis, Gore, and McGahee. There's no reason why both of these guys can't be legit.

I don't really disagree with anything you wrote, nor do I think anything you wrote counters the points that I made.

 

[lod01]

According to Tony Pauline, there will be two "surprise" underclassman RBs who will declare for the draft.

Any guesses?

Jeremy Hill?

Karlos Williams??

Melvin Gordon change his mind?? Watching his explosion through the line at the Capital One Bowl was very impressive! A couple of times I cringed as I saw him tackled at the knees.... Maybe some talked some sense into him!!! Go and get paid.

Does this guy remind anyone of Chris Johnson with more power? I don't see a reason for him to go back. He is easy to 3 RB if he comes out now. Unfortunately he has zero experience catching the ball. 1 reception the whole year.

 

[lod01]

According to Tony Pauline, there will be two "surprise" underclassman RBs who will declare for the draft.

Any guesses?

Terrance West Towson ...Highly production low level player with NFL size 5'11 220ish. ...seen him listed in the a couple top 10s. saw him play in a playoff game and passes the eyeball test in that he looked like a man versus kids, which is all he could do at the level he competed at.

Looks like he is going as of about 12 hours ago.

 

[jurb26]

I could see Gordon being one of them because he has already said he was going back to school.

 

[Brewtown]

According to Tony Pauline, there will be two "surprise" underclassman RBs who will declare for the draft.

Any guesses?

Jeremy Hill?

Karlos Williams??Melvin Gordon change his mind?? Watching his explosion through the line at the Capital One Bowl was very impressive! A couple of times I cringed as I saw him tackled at the knees.... Maybe some talked some sense into him!!! Go and get paid.

Does this guy remind anyone of Chris Johnson with more power? I don't see a reason for him to go back. He is easy to 3 RB if he comes out now. Unfortunately he has zero experience catching the ball. 1 reception the whole year.

I don't understand what is so difficult about catching the ball. This seems like a pretty natural thing to do for any running back, especially one as athletically gifted as Gordon.

 

[Brewtown]

According to Tony Pauline, there will be two "surprise" underclassman RBs who will declare for the draft.

Any guesses?

Jeremy Hill?

Karlos Williams??Melvin Gordon change his mind?? Watching his explosion through the line at the Capital One Bowl was very impressive! A couple of times I cringed as I saw him tackled at the knees.... Maybe some talked some sense into him!!! Go and get paid.

Does this guy remind anyone of Chris Johnson with more power? I don't see a reason for him to go back. He is easy to 3 RB if he comes out now. Unfortunately he has zero experience catching the ball. 1 reception the whole year.

I don't understand what is so difficult about catching the ball. This seems like a pretty natural thing to do for any running back, especially one as athletically gifted as Gordon.

I think any non-big bruising running back can catch the football (even some big bruisers can catch the ball consistently-generally they are not asked to because their strength is bowling people over and moving the pile). I only worry about fumbling being a chronic problem with any running back prospect. That problem can stop an NFL career cold!

 

[Time Kibitzer]

NFL Draft: An early look at the Top 5 running backs

By Chris Fedor, Northeast Ohio Media Group

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Last year there were no running backs selected in the first round of the draft. But there was still plenty of value.

Eddie Lacy (Round 2, 61 overall) has a strong case to be the Offensive Rookie of the Year. The Steelers were 8-5 in games that Le'Veon Bell (2, 48) played in. Gio Bernard (2, 37) has spent his rookie year splitting carries with BenJarvus Green-Ellis in Cincinnati, but still managed to put together a few highlight plays that have the Bengals excited about his future. Zac Stacy (5, 160) took over the starting job in St. Louis and never looked back. And Arizona's Andre Ellington (6, 187) added a new dimension to the Cardinals offense.

This year's class could be a repeat. There is no clear-cut best back, and it's doubtful that any of them hear their name called in round one. But there is still plenty talent to be found for RB-needy teams.

Some of the players on this list are underclassmen. They have until January 15th to make their NFL decision.

1. Lache Seastrunk, Baylor, Redshirt Junior

College didn't go exactly the way Seastrunk planned. He transferred from Oregon in 2011 and didn't make his mark on the Baylor program until last year. With back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons under his belt, Seastrunk could be ready for the jump to the NFL. He has a compact build and excellent stop-start ability. He is extremely explosive through the hole, hits top gear in a hurry and comes into the NFL with fresh legs because he was always part of a committee approach.

2. Carlos Hyde, Ohio State, Senior

He came into his final season with Ohio State looking like a different player. Hyde, who became Urban Meyer's first 1,000-yard rusher despite missing the first three games, is a big and powerful back that likes to punish the opponent. He has the ability to run through arm tackles and often gets more than what is blocked. While his knack for trucking defenders and falling forward is the best aspect of his game, Hyde is also nimble and showed the speed to run away from Big Ten defenders in 2013.

3. Ka'Deem Carey, Arizona, Junior

After leading the NCAA in rushing in 2012 (1,929 yards), Carey finished third this season. He is quick, with a burst that allows him to get to the second level. He doesn't have elite speed for someone his size (5-foot-10), but he plays bigger, with the ability to power through tackles and pick up yards after contact.

4. Devonta Freeman, Florida State, Junior

While he doesn't have the gaudy numbers that some of the other players on this list possess, Freeman's touches have been limited by playing as part of a committee at Florida State. The Noles have the best trio of backs (Freeman, James Wilder and Karlos Williams) in the nation. At 5-foot-9 and 203 pounds, Freeman is built low to the ground and does an excellent job running behind his pads. More powerful than his size would lead you to believe, Freeman is a determined runner that fights for every yard. When that's combined with his quick feet, tremendous vision, patience and reliable hands, Freeman looks like a starting-caliber NFL running back if he declares.

5. Bishop Sankey, Washington, Junior

Sankey announced his intentions to turn pro following Washington's last game, one in which he broke the single-season school rushing record previously held by Corey Dillon. Having never missed a game, Sankey is as durable as they come. While he doesn't have great size, the Husky is a determined runner and one that is tough to bring down with just one defender. Thanks to good vision, agility, a burst to get through the hole and good hands, Sankey has drawn some comparisons to Bengals rookie Giovani Bernard, although not nearly as explosive as the 2013 second-round pick. Sankey has been used a lot (653 touches the last two years), which is not good for a running back coming into the NFL.

Also keep an eye on: Isaiah Crowell, Alabama State, Junior

If players were drafted on talent alone, Crowell has an argument to be one of the first backs taken. However, off-the-field concerns make him a very tough player to evaluate. The one-time highly touted recruit for Georgia played extremely well as a freshman, earning SEC Freshman of the Year honors despite dealing with some injuries. But he couldn't stay out of trouble. Crowell was suspended twice and finally kicked off Georgia's team due to weapons charges that were eventually dismissed. Landing at Alabama State allowed him to get back on the radar as he rushed for 842 yards and 15 touchdowns.

Nice to see Devonta Freeman starting to get some love from the media. I know his college numbers aren't crazy, but his skillset is just perfect for the NFL imo. He should be a 2nd-3rd round selection in the NFL.

 

[Time Kibitzer]

Rob seems to try and put people into molds/modles of his measureables and if they dont meet the criteria, then he isnt going to like them

Exactly.

is there anything besides his height/weight ratio that you dont like?What was your issue with Keenan Allen again? I remember you saying something like, I feel sorry for any NFL team drafting him or some such

I already said that Bridgewater's H/W is a problem because he takes a TON of sacks.

Does he? 23 sacks on 427 pass attempts is good for a sack rate of 5.1% per pass attempt. Comparing that to other players in this year's draft (Bortles' sack rate is 5.2%, Manziel's is 4.2%, Taahj Boyd's is 7.4%, Hundley's is 8.7%, Aaron Murray's is 3.6%, AJ McCarron's is 3.2%, Mettenberger's is 6.6%) Bridgewater's sack rate doesn't seem out of wack. Though maybe you have historical data that suggests otherwise?

 

[coolnerd]

According to Tony Pauline, there will be two "surprise" underclassman RBs who will declare for the draft.

Any guesses?

Terrance West Towson ...Highly production low level player with NFL size 5'11 220ish. ...seen him listed in the a couple top 10s. saw him play in a playoff game and passes the eyeball test in that he looked like a man versus kids, which is all he could do at the level he competed at.

Looks like he is going as of about 12 hours ago.

Listening to the podcast it was West and Tre Mason as the "surprises," FWIW.

 

[jurb26]

Mason a surprise? Ummm, no. I think people expected him to go. I know I did.

 

[aggs]

I think I misremembered Pauline's teaser tweet. Think he said one was a surprise or unexpected and I assume that's Terrance West.

 

[Brewtown]

South Carolina junior WR Bruce Ellington will forgo his final season of eligibility and enter the NFL draft.

Ellington posted a huge game in the school's bowl win over Wisconsin, hauling in six passes for 140 yards and two touchdowns. If he was 50-50 on a decision prior to the game, that performance certainly did not hurt. Ellington, who also played basketball at South Carolina, appears to be in the third- to fourth-round range rather than a top-64 pick.

Source: Rixon Lane on Twitter Jan 3 - 10:40 AM

I haven't heard a lot about his pro prospects? I watched him tear up the Badgers on New Years Day. He looked more like a RB than a WR. Does he project as a WR or RB or both??

 

[Brewtown]

South Carolina junior WR Bruce Ellington will forgo his final season of eligibility and enter the NFL draft.

Ellington posted a huge game in the school's bowl win over Wisconsin, hauling in six passes for 140 yards and two touchdowns. If he was 50-50 on a decision prior to the game, that performance certainly did not hurt. Ellington, who also played basketball at South Carolina, appears to be in the third- to fourth-round range rather than a top-64 pick.

Source: Rixon Lane on Twitter Jan 3 - 10:40 AM

I haven't heard a lot about his pro prospects? I watched him tear up the Badgers on New Years Day. He looked more like a RB than a WR. Does he project as a WR or RB or both??

I was referring to his body type when I said he "looked more like a RB"

 

[Time Kibitzer]

Why no love for Grice? He had quite a bit of top 5 pick buzz early on. The injury isn't a likely long-term concern.

I like this guy a lot too, from a pure skills point moreso than Sankey, but he's a tough nut for me to crack. Purely based on his skills, he's a fantastic prospect and arguably the best receiving back in this draft. The only problem is he's a skinny dude, and even though he runs with pretty good power, I really question if he'll be able to take the kind of pounding a starting NFL RB takes with his body type. I almost think he might be best off switching positions to WR, he might make for a good slot WR. I think he'll have little issue finding a roster spot on an NFL lineup either way with his skills. I look forward to see how he measures up at the combine.

 

[Faust]

2014 NFL Draft: WRs Brandin Cooks, Allen Robinson headed for NFL

By Derek Harper | The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com

January 2, 2014 3:42 pm ET

The wide receiver class for the NFL Draft received a significant boost with juniors Allen Robinson and Penn State and Oregon State's Brandin Cooks deciding to forego their senior seasons.

Both are rated among the top 40 overall prospects by NFLDraftScout.com, with Allen the No. 4 wide receiver behind Clemson junior Sammy Watkins, Texas A&M redshirt sophomore Mike Evans and Southern Cal junior Marqise Lee. Robinson is projected as the No. 33 overall prospect, giving him a late-first to early-second round projection.

"It was a honor to wear a penn state uniform for 3 years," he tweeted Thursday. "I will miss my teammates and coaches, blessed for the opportunity and experience!"

Robinson was named to NFLDraftScout.com analyst Dane Brugler's First-team Offense among draft prospects. He finished with school records with 97 catches for 1,432 receiving yards in 2013 and was the main playmaker for the Penn State offense. Robinson was a third-team All-American selection.

"He isn't the biggest (6-2, 210) or fastest (estimated 4.55 speed), but he's able to be effective because he pays attention to detail and is extremely aggressive when the ball is thrown in his area," Brugler wrote.

Cooks won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top receiver in 2013 and is currently the No. 38 overall prospect and No. 7 wide receiver. He was given a late-first, early-second round projection by NFLDraftScout.com and a second-round grade by the NFL Advisory Committee, according to ESPN. He, too, made Brugler's first team offense for draft prospects after setting a school record with 16 touchdown catches.

"The FBS-leader in receiving yards (1,670) during the regular season, Cooks is small in stature (5-10, 186), but he has big-play potential every time he touches the ball," Brugler wrote. "He has terrific athleticism and speed, using start-stop change-of-direction skills and instant acceleration to make defenders miss in the open field.

"Cooks' size and lack of strength will ding him during the pre-draft process, but his make-you-miss quickness and playmaking speed will make him a valuable slot option at the NFL level. "

 

[Faust]

2014 NFL Draft: Mike Evans officially declares for 2014 draft

By Derek Harper | The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com

January 2, 2014 5:59 pm ET

The final image of Mike Evans with the Texas A&M Aggies for most will be that of quarterback Johnny Manziel getting in the face of the playmaking wide receiver after a pair of 15-yard penalties in the first half of the Chick-fil-A Bowl on New Year's Eve.

Evans, a physical 6-foot-5, 225-pound wide receiver and the No. 10 overall prospect according to NFLDraftScout.com ratings, did as expected Thursday in announcing he will enter the 2014 NFL Draft. The fire Evans plays with is considered among his biggest strengths and one of his biggest weaknesses.

Evans lacks explosive straight-line speed, but is a vertical threat reminiscent of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Vincent Jackson who has long strides and the size and length to simply out-leap and out-muscle defenders for the ball downfield.

"Evans challenges cornerbacks to tackle him, initiating the contact and, at times, dragging would-be tacklers for extra yardage," NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst Rob Rang wrote in evaluating Evans. "Able to dominate the smaller, weaker corners at the collegiate level but could struggle to do so in the NFL."

Rang and fellow analyst Dane Brugler both currently see Evans as a good fit for the Baltimore Ravens with the No. 16 overall pick in their current mock drafts.

Evans led the Aggies with 65 catches for 1,322 yards and 12 touchdowns during the regular season, breaking Ryan Swope's 2011 single-season school record of 1,207 receiving yards, and added four catches for 72 yards in Tuesday night's dramatic comeback victory over Duke.

He is the second-rated wide receiver currently behind only Sammy Watkins (No. 5 overall), a junior who will announce his intentions for 2014 sometime following Clemson's game against Ohio State in the Orange Bowl on Friday night.

"After talking things over with Coach (Kevin) Sumlin and my family, I have decided to enter the NFL Draft," Evans said in a statement released by Texas A&M. "Thanks go to Texas A&M for giving me an opportunity to play college football. Thanks also to my coaches and teammates for helping me develop as a player and as a man. I made this decision based on what I thought was best for myself and my family."

Fellow underclassmen wide receivers Allen Robinson from Penn State and Oregon State's Brandin Cooks also announced earlier Thursday they will enter the 2014 NFL Draft.

"It's been a pleasure watching Mike's development as a receiver and a person the past two seasons," Sumlin said of Evans. "Mike was one of the team's hardest workers in whatever he was doing, and it paid off for him on the field.

"I think one of the highest compliments you can say about Mike is that he plays as hard when he doesn't have the ball in his hands as when he does. Texas A&M wishes him the best as he moves on to the next chapter in his life."

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Alabama senior QB A.J. McCarron completed 19 of 30 attempts for 387 yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions and one fumble in the school's 45-31 bowl loss to Oklahoma.

McCarron's first half displayed two solid throws, one over the middle in zone coverage for a long touchdown, the other a sideline back shoulder toss. That is the good news, but the rest was fairly poor. After getting hit in the pocket after a few series, McCarron began dropping his eyes in an attempt to find operable space rather than moving his feet with his eyes up to survey the defense. This led to major problems offensively. Those who charted the game came away with the conclusion that only three of McCarron's 19 completions were caught over 10 yards down the field. He benefited form great yards after the catch.

AJ McCarron folds under pressure in crushing Sugar Bowl loss

By Daniel Jeremiah

NFL Media analyst

AJ McCarron put up big numbers against Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl on Thursday night (387 yards, two touchdowns), but this wasn't one of his better games. For one of the few times during his career, the Alabama quarterback was under intense pass-rush pressure and he didn't handle it very well.

When I watched him on tape, I made note of the fact that he usually operates in a very clean environment. This stat backs up that observation: McCarron was only sacked 14 times during the regular season. He wasn't afforded the same protection against a fast, aggressive Sooners defense. They generated a consistent pass rush and sacked McCarron seven times. Even when they didn't get him on the ground, the pressure bothered the veteran signal-caller and led to three turnovers. Here's what happened:

1. Up 7-0 early in the game, Alabama's defense produced a turnover and gave its offense the ball around midfield. However, on the very next play, McCarron forced the ball into triple coverage and OU safety Gabe Lynn hauled in the overthrown ball.

2. Later in the first half, with Alabama trailing 24-17, McCarron failed to transfer his weight to his front side while under heavy pressure and floated the ball into tight coverage for another interception.

3. Trailing 38-31 with 56 seconds left in the game, Alabama took over the ball at its own 18-yard line. There wouldn't be any late-game heroics. On the first play of the drive, left tackle Cyrus Kouandjio was beat around the edge and Sooners LB Erik Striker sacked McCarron, forced a fumble and watched his teammate Geneo Grissom scoop up the ball and score a touchdown.

I don't blame McCarron for the third turnover, but the first two were definitely his fault. He has a mechanical flaw that continually shows up on tape and it was an issue in Thursday night's game. He rarely digs his cleats into the ground and drives off of his back foot. He throws entirely with his upper body and the ball loses life on drive throws. There is a difference between deep ball throws and drive throws. He is a very good deep ball thrower (he lofted a beautiful 67-yard touchdown at the start of the second quarter), but he struggles to generate the necessary RPMs to fit balls in tight windows on drive throws.

There were some positive moments in his performance. He had a couple nifty pocket escapes that resulted in first-down throws, and he showed the ability to work through his progression and get the ball to his third read. However, a lot of his passing yardage was the result of quick throws and impressive efforts from the Bama skill players. One example came in the fourth quarter when hulking freshman running back Derrick Henry took a short dump-off pass and turned it into a 61-yard score.

McCarron is a player that elicits a wide range of opinions from NFL evaluators. I've talked to executives that believe he is a lock to be a solid NFL starting quarterback, while others have told me they view him as a long-term backup signal-caller at the next level. My opinion lands somewhere in the middle of those two camps. I do believe McCarron has the potential to be a functional starting quarterback in the right system/situation, but he really needs to work on his lower-body mechanics.

Follow Daniel Jeremiah on Twitter @MoveTheSticks.

 

[EBF]

The next big thing is always better than the last big thing. Once Henry's flaws are picked apart, I'm sure people will be more in love with whichever 5* RB Bama signs next.

 

[Ilov80s]

How does the 2014 WR class look compared to last year?

 

[Concept Coop]

How does the 2014 WR class look compared to last year?

Right now it doesn't look as good, but there is some upside, in my opinion.

 

[Ilov80s]

How does the 2014 WR class look compared to last year?

Right now it doesn't look as good, but there is some upside, in my opinion.

Which WRs do you think should make biggest immediate NFL impact? Which are more of projects?

 

[EBF]

All a matter of taste I guess. I like this WR class much more than last year's.

I think there's going to be lots of quality and depth. Several first round talents. High upside 2nd-3rd round guys. Interesting sleepers. Really like this group.

In contrast, did not like last year's group much. The first three guys drafted were a 5'8" 174 pound squirt, a possession WR with no explosiveness, and a JUCO transfer with one 100+ yard receiving game in his career. Contrast that with the likes of Watkins, Lee, and Robinson. Multi-year dominators who (IMO) require less guesswork to project as quality contributors in the NFL. I feel a lot better about the top 5-6 slots of this rookie draft than I did last year.

 

[Concept Coop]

How does the 2014 WR class look compared to last year?

Right now it doesn't look as good, but there is some upside, in my opinion.

Which WRs do you think should make biggest immediate NFL impact? Which are more of projects?

EDIT: I misread your question. Sorry. I like this year much better than last years class.

I'm likely not the best person to ask, as my college football viewing is pretty casual.

But I think Cooper and Diggs project to early success and both qualify as safe. If we're talking upside, I think Jaelen Strong has as much as anyone and is very underrated right now. DGB comes to mind, when looking for a project.

 

[Faust]

Cotton & Orange Bowl Preview

 

[Faust]

NFL draft 2014 top 10 WRs: Mike Evans, Sammy Watkins, Allen Robinson, more

By Chris Burke

Important afternoon for teams hoping to add a receiver in 2014. A trio of talented players at that position declared for the upcoming draft: Texas A&M’s Mike Evans, Penn State’s Allen Robinson and Oregon State’s Brandin Cooks.

Here’s a look at where those players rank among the current 10 best WRs expected to be available in the 2014 NFL draft:

1. Mike Evans, Texas A&M: I keep going back and forth between Evans and Clemson’s Sammy Watkins as the top WR in this class. (Watkins has yet to declare for the draft but is expected to after Friday’s Orange Bowl versus Ohio State.) If I had to march to the podium to make a pick right now, it would be Evans. Though he’s not a straight-line burner, very few cornerbacks will be able to match up with him comfortably. Add in his ability to beat any coverage thrown his way and his potential to dominate in the red zone, and Evans could help any offense.

2. Sammy Watkins, Clemson: A flat-out playmaker, Watkins is four inches shorter than Evans (6-foot-1 to Evans’ 6-5) but appears to be further along in his development as a route-runner. There’s no questioning what he can do on deep balls or after the catch, either — 224 catches over three seasons don’t just happen.

3. Marqise Lee, USC: It took until USC’s bowl game for the Trojans to unleash a healthy Lee, and then he went off for a season-high 118 yards with two touchdowns. That it took him all year to recover from a nagging knee injury will force NFL teams to take a close look medically. Assuming all checks out there, Lee should be a high pick and an early producer.

4. Allen Robinson, Penn State: I mentioned on Twitter that Robinson reminds me some of star Chargers receiver Keenan Allen. Aside from possessing similar size (Robinson is listed at 6-3, 204; Allen at 6-2, 211), Robinson will arrive in the NFL with an advanced game. He runs sharp routes and has proven dangerous in the screen game. Plus, he uses every bit of that 6-2 frame to win balls consistently in the air.

5. Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt: Honestly, there’s not a lot to separate two guys like Robinson and Matthews at this point. Matthews had 94 catches last season and 107 in 2013, without the help of an elite QB or a rapid-fire passing attack. At 6-3, he’s tough to deal with — as is Robinson — because he does a remarkable job finding the football and winning position for the catch. Drops have been few and far between.

6. Brandin Cooks, Oregon State: His 2013 numbers are staggering — 128 receptions for 1,730 yards and 16 touchdowns. He’s smaller than the two guys listed just above him here, at 5-10 and 186 pounds, but he’s also more of a threat in the open field than either Robinson or Matthews. He can survive as an outside receiver. Put him in the slot with a couple other guys drawing attention, though, and he might be unstoppable.

7. Kelvin Benjamin, Florida State: In case you haven’t noticed by now, the WR talent in this draft projects to be really deep. Benjamin also has yet to pull the trigger by entering the draft, but he turns 23 in February, so it makes sense that the redshirt sophomore would want to go. Benjamin almost plays like a TE lined up wide (he’s 6-5 and 230), except he also has enough speed to get deep.

8. Davante Adams, Fresno State: The “system” tag does not apply just to quarterbacks — NFL scouts will have to determine how much of Adams’ 131 catches and 24 touchdowns this season were generated by skills that translate to the next level, and how many were a result of the Bulldogs’ Derek Carr-led aerial attack. Odds are, they’ll find plenty to like. The 6-2 Adams can catch and run, but he also excels in one-on-one matchups, as he did multiple times during Fresno State’s bowl game.

9. Jared Abbrederis, Wisconsin: Arguably one of the most underrated prospects in college football, at least prior to a 78-catch season that included a 207-yard explosion versus Ohio State (and potential first-round CB Bradley Roby). Abbrederis can line up wherever a team might need him and find a way to get open. He doesn’t jump off the tape like, say, Evans or Watkins … and yet, the ball keeps finding its way into his hands, despite Wisconsin’s shaky QB play.

10. Odell Beckham Jr., LSU: The Paul Hornung Award winner as college football’s most versatile player, Beckham could climb the charts at the draft because of his return abilities. But he’s also not a Devin Hester-type — i.e. a player who will be very limited in offensive sets. Beckham caught 59 passes with a 19.5 per-catch average in 2013. He’s more raw than some of the other receivers on this list, yet may be among the most lethal players in the draft.

 

[Time Kibitzer]

Yeah I think this is gonna be a real good WR draft. Watkins is a stud, and I think Evans, Lee, and Benjamin are good bets to be 1st round picks, with possibly a couple more. Should be a good number of WRs going in the 2nd round too.

 

[CalBear]

Richard Rodgers (TE, Cal) is entering the NFL draft.

Rodgers, the son of the Richard Rodgers who handled the ball twice during The Play, is a physical specimen, listed at 6'4", 245. He has good body control and decent speed for his size. (See this 75-yard TD pass). His hands aren't great; he dropped too many balls. He also was dinged up a lot. Still, I think he's better than any of the recent TE prospects out of the Pac-12 for the new NFL slot-TE role. He played primarily in spread offenses so didn't do much blocking.

 

[Soulfly3]

Really hoping I can get Evans or Watkins at the #5 pick in this years dynasty draft... may have to move up... thoughts?

 

[BlackMamba24]

Really hoping I can get Evans or Watkins at the #5 pick in this years dynasty draft... may have to move up... thoughts?

Far too early, but I don't think Watkins makes it to #5, he might go #1. Evans might be more likely to make it #5

 

[Concept Coop]

Really hoping I can get Evans or Watkins at the #5 pick in this years dynasty draft... may have to move up... thoughts?

There's a solid chance that one of them falls. Like Ball and Bell last year, the draft will spring some RB prospects to the front of rookie drafts.

 

[Milkman]

Really hoping I can get Evans or Watkins at the #5 pick in this years dynasty draft... may have to move up... thoughts?

Yeah im hoping someone likes watkins that much in my draft. I think he has a good chance of being an elite WR. I just feel that wr is a bit devalued these days. Would like to trade out of the 2nd pick if my guys not there.......

 

[EBF]

Based on where they're going in mock drafts I think it's unlikely that either will fall to #5 in a balanced league.

 

[jurb26]

How does the 2014 WR class look compared to last year?

This years class looks better to me than last years. I say that without using the hindsight we now have on this years class and basing it only on how they looked as prospects. I think this years class will have a hard time living up to last years in results. By that I mean last years class performed better than my expectations once in the NFL. Watkins and Lee look like the 2 guys who could have the biggest immediate impact and I would have rated them the best 2 WRs between both classes.

 

[Time Kibitzer]

Based on where they're going in mock drafts I think it's unlikely that either will fall to #5 in a balanced league.

Early January mock drafts probably aren't very good tools to base May/June rookie drafts on though. Keenan Allen was unlikely to fall to #5 in balanced leagues based off January mock drafts. And Geno Smith and Matt Barkley were going in the top 10 picks of a lot of mocks in January last year.

Having said that I'd be pretty shocked if Sammy Watkins falls to #5 in any rookie drafts in May/June, though I think it's totally possible for Mike Evans to do so, and I'm a Mike Evans fan.

 

[aggs]

In no order, one would think the first round of PPR drafts could look something like this:

Watkins, Lee, Evans, Seastrunk, Hyde, Matthews, Robinson, Amaro, Ebron, Sankey and Adams.

 

[Ilov80s]

There is a good chance the Lions end up taking Evans, Watkins or Lee at the 10 spot based on need and the fact they like to draft the BPA. It could come together there. I'm not sure which player is better, but it seems like Detroit is an ideal landing spot and for fantasy football, would make that WR the top target?

 

[Faust]

Big Board: Bridgewater looks like No. 1 pick; Manziel shines in bowl

by Rob Rang | NFLDraftScout.com

Jan. 3, 2014 2:34 PM ET

Bowl games give scouts one final, critical opportunity to gauge prospects during their college careers. How they perform on the big stage, with all of the emotions that come with the end of their amateur careers, can spark what appears to be a dramatic rise or fall on draft boards.

Savvy scouts won't overreact to one game -- unless the performance reinforces prior evaluation. That's the case with young quarterbacks Johnny Manziel of Texas A&M and Central Florida's Blake Bortles and, unfortunately on the flip side, Fresno State senior Derek Carr.

The Big Board isn't a mock draft. There is no attention given to team needs or the selection order. It is simply a ranking of the 32 best prospects potentially eligible for the 2014 NFL Draft.

1. Jadeveon Clowney*, DE, South Carolina (6-6, 268): There is no denying that Clowney failed to live up to expectations, statistically speaking. He also raised concerns about his maturity with two speeding tickets in recent weeks. Clowney's red flags are real, but so is his talent. Imposing, explosive and more technically sound than many realize, Clowney competes only with former No. 2 overall pick Julius Peppers (2002) as the most gifted defensive end prospect I have ever seen.

2. Teddy Bridgewater*, QB, Louisville (6-3, 220): In an era in which college QBs' numbers are often inflated by short passes and simplistic schemes, Bridgewater's sparkling production is due to Pro Bowl-caliber accuracy. His success (71 percent completions, 31 touchdowns, four interceptions) comes out of a pro-style offense that requires him to make adjustments at the line of scrimmage and complete NFL throws. Those traits make Bridgewater an ideal fit in new Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien's offense, making him the favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick of the 2014 draft.

3. Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M (6-5, 305): The son of Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews proves the cliché -- the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. He has played well at left tackle this season after starring at right tackle over his first three years. Matthews is a terrific player, demonstrating impressive technique, strength and consistency. He is not an elite athlete and some view his future back on the right side in the NFL.

4. Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA (6-4, 238): A running back until last season, Barr has emerged as one of the elite prospects in the country and is my top-rated senior at any position. A powerful and fluid athlete at his best rushing off the edge, Barr was named the 2013 recipient of the Lott IMPACT Trophy with 62 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and five forced fumbles during the regular season.

5. Sammy Watkins*, WR, Clemson (6-1, 200): With 85 catches for 1,235 yards and 10 touchdowns, Watkins erased any memories of his disappointing sophomore season. He is an explosive athlete with impressive body control and natural hands to pluck the ball. Unlike some of his teammates, Watkins played well against Clemson's top opponents this season, including Florida State and South Carolina.

6. Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State (5-11, 197): Quick feet, loose hips and a fluid turning motion make Dennard a classic cover corner capable of shutting down half the field. Dennard allowed only three completions on 31 passes of 15-plus yards against him this season. His ability in coverage played a huge role in the Spartans' run to a Rose Bowl victory, and was recognized with Dennard winning the Thorpe Award as the nation's top defensive back. The only factor keeping Dennard from a selection in the top half of the first round is questions about his straight-line speed.

7. Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo (6-3, 248): With an FBS-record 16 career forced fumbles and record-tying 75 career tackles for loss, Mack's statistics jump off the page. Against the most gifted opponents he faced this year (Ohio State, Baylor, Connecticut), it was his game that jumped off the screen. His size, instincts and agility as an edge rusher make him equally intriguing to teams operating out of a 4-3 or 3-4 alignment.

8. Cedric Ogbuehi*, OT, Texas A&M (6-5, 300): Overshadowed by all of the talent on the Aggies' roster, Ogbuehi is an exciting prospect in his own right. A standout at right guard a year ago, Ogbuehi (pronounced ah-BOO-hee) took over for Jake Matthews at right tackle in 2013 and has excelled. With long arms and light feet, Ogbuehi offers higher upside than his more celebrated teammate and projects as a left tackle in the NFL.

9. C.J. Mosley, OLB, Alabama (6-2, 232): While a bit undersized, Mosley might be the best pound-for-pound player in the country. Athletic and instinctive, he is a true three-down linebacker capable of making plays against the run and pass. Mosley lacks the bulk scouts want in a pass rusher but his awareness in coverage is special. While the tape is phenomenal, Mosley has undergone multiple surgeries (knee, shoulder) over his career and could be the latest Alabama player to receive medical red flags from some evaluators.

10. Greg Robinson*, OT, Auburn (6-5, 320): Redshirt offensive linemen rarely earn more than a whisper in scouting circles, but the buzz generating around the Tigers' star left tackle is venturing into deafening. Physical and tenacious, Robinson is a grizzly bear in the running game, mauling opponents with an exciting blend of size, strength and athleticism. Auburn's reliance on the running game, however, has given Robinson few opportunities in pass protection, making him a bit of a boom-or-bust prospect at this point.

11. Marqise Lee*, WR, Southern Cal (6-0, 195): A nagging left knee injury hampered Lee for much of the 2013 season, robbing the '12 Biletnikoff Award winner of his trademark elusiveness and acceleration. Finally healthy in the Las Vegas Bowl against Fresno State, however, Lee showed off his playmaking ability, hauling in seven passes for 118 yards and two scores. Lee's relatively slight frame could lead to durability issues in the NFL, but his first-round skill set is undeniable.

12. Eric Ebron*, TE, North Carolina (6-4, 245): Ebron has a jaw-dropping combination of size and athleticism that has earned comparisons to 49ers star Vernon Davis. Like Davis, however, Ebron struggles with consistency, relying too much on his athleticism rather than dedicating himself to learning the finer techniques of the position. Ebron will forgo his senior season and enter the 2014 draft.

13. Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State (6-3, 215): Carr's staggering production (68.2 completion percentage, 50 TDs, 8 INTs) was inflated by head coach Tim DeRuyter's QB-friendly spread attack and talented receiving corps, but there is no denying his talent. His release and velocity are as impressive as any college quarterback in the country. Unfortunately, Carr's career ended with a thud in a disappointing performance against Southern Cal in the Las Vegas Bowl. Hit early by an athletic USC front, Carr developed happy feet and misfired often in the 45-20 beatdown. The loss left Carr 0-2 in bowl games and may add fuel to the speculation that he'll struggle with pressure in the NFL, just as his older brother David did after leaving Fresno State as the No. 1 overall pick in 2002 and playing behind a poor offensive line for the expansion Houston Texans. Derek Carr needs to restore his slipping stock with an impressive performance at the Senior Bowl.

14. Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama (6-5, 312): Nick Saban questioned draft analysts for pegging Kouandjio as a first-round talent before the season, but given the junior left tackle's exciting skill set the projection has been confirmed. Long-armed, athletic and aggressive, Kouandjio boasts many of the traits scouts are looking for in a potential Pro Bowl offensive tackle. However, a lack of elite foot quickness was exposed by the Oklahoma Sooners' pass rush in their Sugar Bowl upset win over the Tide.

15. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu*, CB, Oregon (5-10, 190): Athletic, stout in run support and a natural playmaker (14 turnovers forced over past two seasons), Ekpre-Olomu is a legitimate challenger to Dennard as the top corner in the country. Despite reports to the contrary, Ekpre-Olomu has not yet announced whether he'll return for his senior season. He certainly looked ready for the NFL against Texas, helping limit the Longhorns to just 56 passing yards in a 30-7 Alamo Bowl victory.

16. Cameron Erving*, OT, Florida State (6-5, 310): Erving played 13 games as a redshirt freshman defensive tackle, but looked like a natural when moved to left tackle a season ago. He does remain a bit inconsistent. Long, balanced and athletic, he's a hidden factor in the dynamic play of freshman quarterback Jameis Winston and could enjoy a "quiet" ride into the top half of the 2014 draft just as former Texas A&M left tackle Luke Joeckel did a year ago while blocking for Heisman winner Johnny Manziel.

17. Johnny Manziel*, QB, Texas A&M (5-11, 210): Manziel's vision, elusiveness and accuracy on the move make him a mesmerizing prospect who will almost surely be drafted earlier than I rank him. While dynamic throughout his career -- including in the Aggies' thrilling comeback over Duke in the Chick-fil-A Bowl -- red flags were raised in mediocre performances against LSU and Missouri to end the regular season. Bottled in the pocket by both, Manziel couldn't throw his receivers open and he struggled. The NFL rule books have never been more accommodating to dual-threat passers, but consistent accuracy from the pocket remains the most critical element to quarterback play at the next level.

18. Mike Evans*, WR, Texas A&M (6-5, 225): Like Manziel, Evans is just a redshirt sophomore, but he has shown star ability in dominating the SEC. Deceptively fast with great body control as well as timing, Evans is an exciting split end prospect who reminds scouts of Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Vincent Jackson. A concern, however, is the fact that Evans does not have elite top-end speed and struggled when defenders matched his physicality.

19. Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan (6-7, 310): Possessing an impressive combination of size, strength and toughness, Lewan has earned comparisons to former Michigan standout Jake Long throughout his career with the Wolverines. Lewan was one of the bright spots in an otherwise disappointing 2013 season in Ann Arbor. Before drafting him, however, NFL teams will want to investigate Lewan's role -- if any -- in an alleged assault on an Ohio State fan following this year's Big Game.

20. Jace Amaro*, TE, Texas Tech (6-5, 260): The NFL is looking for seam threats rather than extra blockers at tight end. There wasn't a more impressive prospect in the country in 2013 in this role than Amaro, who finished the regular season with 106 catches for 1,352 yards -- the most ever from a tight end in FBS history. Despite Amaro's size, he doesn't provide much as a blocker as he was split out as a virtual slot receiver through most of his collegiate career. In this role he has proven to be a Jimmy Graham-like matchup nightmare for defenders.

21. Stephon Tuitt*, DL, Notre Dame (6-5, 303): Clowney isn't the only highly regarded defensive lineman who struggled under the burden of monstrous expectations in 2013. After dominating as a sophomore, Tuitt began his junior campaign out of shape (after missing spring due to hernia surgery) and struggled with consistency all season. Highly athletic with the frame to star as either a 4-3 defensive tackle or 3-4 defensive end, Tuitt's upside is just too tantalizing to ignore.

22. Blake Bortles*, QB, Central Florida (6-3, 230): A prototypically built pocket passer with good awareness, athleticism and arm strength, Bortles looks the part of an NFL starting quarterback. He is methodical in his setup and delivery of the ball and is a bit inconsistent with his accuracy, but the mettle he showed in guiding UCF to several comeback victories in 2013 has scouts buzzing. Bortles isn't as polished as Bridgewater, Carr or Manziel, but should he enter the 2014 draft a top-10 selection is not out of the question.

23. Ryan Shazier*, OLB, Ohio State (6-2, 226): Shazier may be 10-15 pounds lighter than scouts prefer but his instincts, speed and bone-jarring hits make him a fearful defender that offenses must account for on every snap. No one played better for the Buckeyes against Michigan State in the Big Ten Championship Game than Shazier, who recorded 12 tackles, two pass breakups and a blocked punt against the Spartans.

24. Brandin Cooks*, WR, Oregon State (5-10, 186): Beavers coach Mike Riley has made a career out of finding undersized pass-catchers to star in his offense, but Cooks is a different level of athlete than Sammie Stroughter, Markus Wheaton and the Rodgers brothers (James and Jacquizz). Boasting a combination of elusiveness, acceleration and toughness that is earning comparisons to Tavon Austin, the Biletnikoff Award winner shattered school and conference records and has already announced his intentions to enter the draft.

25. Trent Murphy, DE, Stanford (6-6, 261): Used as a standup outside linebacker as a well as a down defensive lineman for the Cardinal, Murphy is equally impactful in the passing game, running game and on special teams due to his instincts, physicality and awareness. His play and production (62 tackles, 23½ tackles for loss, 15 sacks) should have earned him the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year award that went to Arizona defensive lineman Will Sutton. Though he has starred in Stanford's 3-4 scheme, Murphy projects best as a 4-3 defensive end in the NFL as he does not have ideal athleticism.

26. Ra'Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota (6-6, 311): Blessed with an extraordinary combination of size and athleticism, Hageman could join Michael Brockers and Dontari Poe as recent big defensive tackles whose real rise up draft boards doesn't begin until the combine. Hageman has looked unblockable at times, but he struggles with consistency.

27. Jason Verrett, CB, TCU (5-10, 182): Verrett lacks the size so en vogue today, but agility and ball skills never go out of style for cornerbacks. Verrett led the Big 12 with 22 passes defended and six interceptions in 2012. Through the end of the 2013 regular season he led again in pass deflections (16) while recording two pass thefts. While light, Verrett is scrappy and tenacious, making him an ideal nickel corner with the tackling ability to threaten on an occasional blitz.

28. Kony Ealy*, DE, Missouri (6-5, 275): While teammate Michael Sam garnered more hype, scouts are increasingly intrigued by Ealy due to his impressive combination of size and athleticism. A highly versatile defender with experience inside and out for the Tigers, Ealy projects nicely to both the 4-3 and 3-4 alignments and the first-team All-SEC pick is just scratching the surface of his potential.

29. Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State (6-0, 200): In terms of size, agility and speed, no cornerback offers a more intriguing skill set than the Cowboys star. Gilbert, a Thorpe Award finalist, led the Big 12 with six interceptions this season and has returned that many kickoffs for touchdowns during his time in Stillwater.

30. Cyril Richardson, OG, Baylor (6-5, 335): A dominating drive blocker who projects best at guard but spent the entire 2011 season protecting Robert Griffin III at left tackle, Richardson is massive, powerful and shockingly athletic. Richardson was recognized with the Jim Parker Award as the nation's top blocker and headlines a strong class of interior linemen.

31. Travis Swanson, C, Arkansas (6-4, 318): If Richardson is the elite interior lineman of the 2014 senior class, Swanson ranks a close second. Athletic, powerful and versatile (some view him as a potential guard convert), Swanson will continue former Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema's tradition of churning out quality NFL prospects along the offensive line.

32. David Yankey*, OG, Stanford (6-5, 314): Stanford may have met its match against Michigan State in the Rose Bowl, but don't blame Yankey for the loss. Athletic and powerful, the talented left guard is earning similar grades from some clubs as his former teammate, David DeCastro, the No. 24 overall selection in 2012 by the Pittsburgh Steelers.



Just missed the cutAustin Seferian-Jenkins*, TE, Washington
Will Sutton, DT, Arizona State
Vic Beasley*, OLB, Clemson
Bradley Roby*, CB, Ohio State
Ka'Deem Carey*, RB, Arizona
Jordan Matthews, WR, Vanderbilt
Yawin Smallwood*, ILB, Connecticut
Allen Robinson*, WR, Penn State
La'el Collins*, OT, LSU
Xavier Su'a-Filo*, OG, UCLA
Jeremy Hill*, RB, LSU
Trevor Reilly, DE/OLB, Utah
Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh
Ego Ferguson*, DT, LSU
Kyle Van Noy, OLB, BYU

 

[KiddLattimer]

There is a good chance the Lions end up taking Evans, Watkins or Lee at the 10 spot based on need and the fact they like to draft the BPA. It could come together there. I'm not sure which player is better, but it seems like Detroit is an ideal landing spot and for fantasy football, would make that WR the top target?

There are a bunch of good (and bad) landing spots that will have to shake out in the draft to put some of these guys in order. Detroit, Carolina, Seattle, Baltimore and Philly jump out to me as good situations for immediate impact. On the opposite side if a top tier pre-draft WR like Watkins, Evans or Lee end up on the Jets or Raiders, I'm probably going to let someone else take them.

 

[EBF]

Lee will thrive in any situation because so much of his game is just obliterating coverage and catching short passes. Much like Kendall Wright, Percy Harvin, or Randall Cobb. You don't really need a great QB for that kind of role. A great QB will give him more receptions and more looks on the outside, but he will get his regardless. I'd be a little more worried about some of the other guys.

 

[EBF]

Also, sometimes being the only viable option on a horrible team can be pretty good for a player's FF output. Like Josh Gordon, Mike Williams, Anquan Boldin, and Michael Clayton when they were rookies. I won't be downgrading any receivers based on going to the Raiders or Jets. Any decent talent on one of those teams will have a chance to get 130+ targets next season.

 

[ConnSKINS26]

Let's say Watkins lands in a good spot. Where's he ranked in dynasty rankings right out of the box? And how likely is he to produce immediately?

I can't decide how high I should be on Watkins. If a guy isn't going to have 6'2+ type ideal height, Watkins is pretty much the best you can expect, right? And yet look at the top 6-8 dynasty WR's. They're all the tall, physically dominating type.

 

[EBF]

Let's say Watkins lands in a good spot. Where's he ranked in dynasty rankings right out of the box? And how likely is he to produce immediately?

I can't decide how high I should be on Watkins. If a guy isn't going to have 6'2+ type ideal height, Watkins is pretty much the best you can expect, right? And yet look at the top 6-8 dynasty WR's. They're all the tall, physically dominating type.

Reminds me a little bit of Mike Wallace and Torrey Smith. Like a hybrid between those two, but better than either.

I prefer the agile/big body type of WR over the straight-line speedsters. Definitely not taking Watkins as a top 5-6 dynasty WR or trading any of those guys for him. I think you can make a case that he belongs in competition with the next tier like Cruz, Cobb, and Harvin. So for me he's probably a WR8-WR15 candidate.