[Dynasty] 2014 Draft Prospects (1 Viewer)

[lod01]

Picking 2nd and Watkins is gone....what do you do?

If Watkins goes to the Jets, just be happy. Nothing said now really matters. It can all go down the crapper at the NFL Draft.

 

[lod01]

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.

But there will always be the Wayne, Harvin, Maclin, DJax, Steve Smith types that succeed in the NFL. Watkins is bigger than Marqise Lee.

I noticed that the smaller/speed WRs are generally more QB dependent than the big WR tend to be. If someone like Marqise Lee went to Oak I'd have no interest.

This is true because the bigger the catch radius, the more likely the WR catches the bad pass. Gomer Manning, who is somewhat inaccurate, was at his best with 6'5" Burress and a 6'-6" TE.

 

[Spike]

Watkins catch.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?list=TLFpif1HnNPbJwWT4CIywnP5zmNSX-w2Jm&v=SACKxzn9YJA&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DSACKxzn9YJA%26list%3DTLFpif1HnNPbJwWT4CIywnP5zmNSX-w2Jm

Simply awesome.

Awesome? Fairly routine, if you ask me. (Though I DO like that he's a hands catcher and that he seems to have huge hands.)

 

[Gandalf]

Watkins catch.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?list=TLFpif1HnNPbJwWT4CIywnP5zmNSX-w2Jm&v=SACKxzn9YJA&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DSACKxzn9YJA%26list%3DTLFpif1HnNPbJwWT4CIywnP5zmNSX-w2Jm

Simply awesome.

Awesome? Fairly routine, if you ask me. (Though I DO like that he's a hands catcher and that he seems to have huge hands.)

The thing I liked most about it is his concentration and use of hands. He his a receiver that rarely catches with his body. This bodes well at the next level. Watkins is more than just speed. He is a complete receiver, IMO. Also think about the context. Biggest game of the year. Pressure on. He lit it up.

 

[jurb26]

Watkins catch.http://m.youtube.com/watch?list=TLFpif1HnNPbJwWT4CIywnP5zmNSX-w2Jm&v=SACKxzn9YJA&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DSACKxzn9YJA%26list%3DTLFpif1HnNPbJwWT4CIywnP5zmNSX-w2Jm

Simply awesome.

Awesome? Fairly routine, if you ask me. (Though I DO like that he's a hands catcher and that he seems to have huge hands.)

The thing I liked most about it is his concentration and use of hands. He his a receiver that rarely catches with his body. This bodes well at the next level. Watkins is more than just speed. He is a complete receiver, IMO. Also think about the context. Biggest game of the year. Pressure on. He lit it up.

He lit it up vs. an awful defense who was with out their best CB and best pass rusher. Context is a little important here.

 

[Time Kibitzer]

Yeah, I know this is an odd thing to say, but I really think most of the non-FF draftniks are missing the boat on Seastrunk big time.

He's going to murder the combine, then shoot up to where he should have been in rankings all along. And some will say he's just benefiting from the combine because he's a workout warrior, which won't be true at all.

Obviously the injury in the middle of an incredible season shifted the spotlight away from him at the worst time. But people are really missing on this guy.

He'll definitely kill the combine and i like him, but still not 100% sold on him as a workhorse NFL RB.

I'm not sure he has to be viewed as a workhorse. Bernard had a few TD's and some explosive plays and he was annointed top-10, top-5 for some people. He hasn't proven his own team even WANTS him to attempt a workhorse role, nevermind whether he can handle it or not.

If Seastrunk looks natural catching the ball at the combine, watch out.

The guy is a really good prospect (a better prospect than Bernard was IMO). With Ray Rice, MJD, and Shady McCoy there were obvious reasons why they weren't first round picks (lack of prototypical size for the first two, bad workout for McCoy). I think it's going to be harder to find a real flaw with Seastrunk when the dust settles. His production is strong. He has the right kind of frame for an elusive type of back. Very solid for his height. He makes game-changing plays.

The only major negatives I can see are that he plays in a gimmicky offense where every RB produces, he's had some minor injury issues, and he has a bit of an oddball personality from what I gather. I'm not sure that will be enough to keep him out of the first. Provided that he catches the ball pretty well, I see him being rated approximately along the same lines as Gio Bernard/David Wilson/DeAngelo Williams. So I think a team in the late 1st might snatch him. We'll see.

It's a bit of a surprise to me that he's not going higher in mocks and that the draft sites don't seem to like him a little more. While I don't quite view him as a slam dunk lock, at this exact moment in time I actually have him rated as the best NFL prospect at RB plying his wares in college football right now. I'd take him over Gurley/Yeldon/Gordon and none of the freshmen have shown enough yet to be rated higher.

I might have only Lesean McCoy rated higher as a dynasty RB over Todd Gurley right now in the entire world. But you have Lache Seastrunk rated higher over Gurley...smh.

Seastrunk is not a natural RB, he's a fast guy trying to play RB. What does that mean? It means he doesn't have those instincts to play that position and it shows up on the field all the time. That's why you'll see him running at 45 degree angles to the sideline and then up field(won't work in the league). I literally saw him stop during a run at the 2nd level this year vs Kansas because he was unsure of where to go next. Vs Iowa State this year, he was 1 on 1 with a defender and made a move. It didn't work, so he just turned his back into the defender and tried to get a couple yards. Really? Your back? Try that in the NFL and he'll get drilled. He's not going to have all of that time in the NFL, like he had because of the benefit in Baylor's really wide offense. He has poor vision, many times I saw him running into his blockers. He doesn't break many tackles and he doesn't look smooth doing it. I was always a big C. Patterson supporter (see an article I wrote last year http://mattwaldmanrsp.com/2013/04/04/the-elusiveness-factor-patterson-austin-woods-by-nick-whalen/) and Patterson is smooth in making people miss. Smooth=making it look easy. Seastrunk is the opposite of that, in that it doesn't come natural and looks hard for him to do it. I also don't think he possesses great lateral agility. He has some, but if you're going to be a speed back...you need to make people miss or you're a Michael Bennett type.

My comparison for Seastrunk is Spiller/David Wilson. He's a great athlete, but doesn't have a feel for the position. Hence, some FF owners are going to geek all over him because of his speed. However, that doesn't always translate to the NFL. Reggie Bush has 10X better lateral agility, but he didn't have the mindset to play RB in the NFL for many years...just like Seastrunk. Spiller still is struggling, David Wilson, etc.

I can definitely understand your criticisms against Seastrunk's vision, as he can be pretty indecisive at picking a lane at times, and he's shown a bit of a penchant for dancing behind the line of scrimmage flat footed, particularly in that Iowa State game.

But I really don't get your criticism of his lateral agility, he has arguably the best lateral agility of any RB in this draft class imo. He leaves defenders grasping at air after making a lateral juke literally all the time. And check out his jukes at 0:21 and especially the play starting at 0:39 of this video, there's a few examples of him displaying some special lateral agility skills that not many NFL players possess.

 

[Milkman]

Yeah Watkins is the number #1 wr in this class and he had a monster game but it still doesn't move him up to an elite level prospect like a Julio Jones.

 

[slackjawedyokel]

Pre-draft is a good time to develop an understanding and opinion of the prospects based on talent and skillset. They are all sorted and rearranged after the draft, but every year the FF community tends to overstate the importance of opportunity after the draft. Dynasty leans toward talent, and opportunity is more important in redraft. All that to say, Watkins is pretty good, and even if he is dumped into a bad opportunity at first, the talent will eventually shine.

And if I have learned anything from the 2013 season, it's to hold steady on talent and buy guys the first month of the season while they do nothing (if the price is right). Think about Keenan Allen, Patterson, and T Austin. Talent shines... sometimes the NFL teams are either slowly developing the players or are not smart enough to give the ball to the best player. Or, the need for their stardom is not yet actualized (think Christine Michael... he can wait it out with Beastmode to end his reign of terror).

Conversely, I have learned to NOT be stubborn about players. I love Lattimore, but I have to be realistic about the risk associated with him as well.

 

[Gandalf]

Watkins catch.http://m.youtube.com/watch?list=TLFpif1HnNPbJwWT4CIywnP5zmNSX-w2Jm&v=SACKxzn9YJA&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DSACKxzn9YJA%26list%3DTLFpif1HnNPbJwWT4CIywnP5zmNSX-w2Jm

Simply awesome.

Awesome? Fairly routine, if you ask me. (Though I DO like that he's a hands catcher and that he seems to have huge hands.)

The thing I liked most about it is his concentration and use of hands. He his a receiver that rarely catches with his body. This bodes well at the next level. Watkins is more than just speed. He is a complete receiver, IMO. Also think about the context. Biggest game of the year. Pressure on. He lit it up.

He lit it up vs. an awful defense who was with out their best CB and best pass rusher. Context is a little important here.

Still the biggest game of the year. Are you saying that Ohio State doesn't have good backups? . Seriously he played really well. I've seen enough to know Watkins is the truth.

 

[JFS171]

I was shocked that OSU never seemed to check Watkins at the line last night... Or at least I missed it if they did. Regardless, he's obviously a playmaker.

Personally I'd be fine if him going to the Jets makes him drop in drafts. People hate on Geno way too much. He needed a year to adjust, but the Jets threw him right in the fire. Was much better down the stretch when his "weapons" we're healthy. If that's the concern with Watkins to the Jets... Sign me up.

 

[JFS171]

Also, did anyone else notice how Carlos Hyde made back-to-back hands catches late in the game? One was down the left side of the field on a wheel route for a solid 30+ yard game where he caught the ball away from his body. Next play he sneaks out on a wheel route to the right side and catches another away from his body.

If he can catch like that consistently, we may be looking at one of the most complete RBs in the draft as we've already heard praise for his pass pro, and Millen continually raved about his running ability last night -- patience and power.

 

[aggs]

Also, did anyone else notice how Carlos Hyde made back-to-back hands catches late in the game? One was down the left side of the field on a wheel route for a solid 30+ yard game where he caught the ball away from his body. Next play he sneaks out on a wheel route to the right side and catches another away from his body.

If he can catch like that consistently, we may be looking at one of the most complete RBs in the draft as we've already heard praise for his pass pro, and Millen continually raved about his running ability last night -- patience and power.

Actually, Hyde wasn't great in pass protection, at least he was exposed on one play, and others mentioned it on Twitter. But I do like Hyde as a Lacy-esque back.

 

[Faust]

2014 NFL Draft: FCS prospects Turner and West shine on big stage

 

[Faust]

Vandy's Jordan Matthews goes out in style in Compass Bowl

 

[Bob Magaw]

Watkins catch.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?list=TLFpif1HnNPbJwWT4CIywnP5zmNSX-w2Jm&v=SACKxzn9YJA&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DSACKxzn9YJA%26list%3DTLFpif1HnNPbJwWT4CIywnP5zmNSX-w2Jm

Simply awesome.

Awesome? Fairly routine, if you ask me. (Though I DO like that he's a hands catcher and that he seems to have huge hands.)

potentially non-routine/trivial aspects...

1 - shows ability to track the ball and make an in-flight adjustment to a slightly underthrown ball (not all WRs are great at this, we shouldn't take it for granted).

2 - the way he stopped and popped, than rotated in the air to square up to the ball (like a basketball player well schooled in fundamentals squaring up for a jump shot, he looked very smooth and completely in control at every stage of this transition from converting his downfield speed to jumping up to meet the ball).

3 - even despite having to slow down his momentum due to the adjustment and kind of backpedal, he still showed an impressive ability to sky over the defender (who admittedly wasn't in position to make a good play on the ball and strongly contest the catch).

4 - nice timing to attack and highpoint the ball (again, not every WR is as smooth and effortless at this, we shouldn't take it for granted), physically and athletically dominating the DB, who really didn't have a chance.

5 - looked like he caught the ball with his fingertips, in textbook, picture perfect form... also had the presence of mind and showed the attention to detail to immediately position the ball away from the DB as soon as it was caught, taking no chances with having it stripped on the way to the ground.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Watkins catch.http://m.youtube.com/watch?list=TLFpif1HnNPbJwWT4CIywnP5zmNSX-w2Jm&v=SACKxzn9YJA&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DSACKxzn9YJA%26list%3DTLFpif1HnNPbJwWT4CIywnP5zmNSX-w2Jm

Simply awesome.

Awesome? Fairly routine, if you ask me. (Though I DO like that he's a hands catcher and that he seems to have huge hands.)

The thing I liked most about it is his concentration and use of hands. He his a receiver that rarely catches with his body. This bodes well at the next level. Watkins is more than just speed. He is a complete receiver, IMO. Also think about the context. Biggest game of the year. Pressure on. He lit it up.

He lit it up vs. an awful defense who was with out their best CB and best pass rusher. Context is a little important here.

Still the biggest game of the year. Are you saying that Ohio State doesn't have good backups? . Seriously he played really well. I've seen enough to know Watkins is the truth.

yeah, context should work both ways. he had the most receptions ever In a bowl game with an eighty year old history. needless to say, the thirties were like the Pleistocene era compared to contemporary passing attacks, but this feat also stacks up against a lot of modern teams. we shouldn't conversely completely dismiss it. there must have been other orange bowl defenses that were less than stellar or had injuries.

compared to a three year body of work, it is reasonable to think scouts wouldn't move the needle too much in either direction based on one game. if teams already liked him a lot, how much more could they like him in the aftermath? be that as it may, to the extent that the needle could move SOMEWHAT... if he had an average game (for him, meaning very good generally), that would be status quo. if he had zero catches, that might have raised some questions. he didn't just have a good game, but really put an exclamation point on his career, breaking several bowl/school records for game/career. It would be hard to imagine him going out with a more resounding affirmative and flourish.

as noted in a few earlier posts, jurb didn't see anything he hadn't seen before. fair enough, but not everybody sees the same thing. it may be he isn't as high on watkins relative to WRs in other draft classes, or to other positions in this class, if falling to 1.10 in the partial, top 20 mock is any indication. IMO, no way he drops to 1.10 (but I would have said that before the game, and in that sense I agree with jurb that one game, even an outstanding one, wouldn't move the needle all that much when viewed IN CONTEXT - I think I was just higher on him to start with).

 

[ghostguy123]

Who really cares what Watkins stats were, he simply LOOKED great while doing it. Great routes, great hands, great running after the catch, all around great awareness, and some great catches getting the ball at it's highest point rather than waiting for it to come to him.

He looked like they put a 5 year polished NFL vet out there to play a game with the kids. He isn't the biggest, or the fastest, but he is just incredibly good.

 

[Gandalf]

Watkins catch.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?list=TLFpif1HnNPbJwWT4CIywnP5zmNSX-w2Jm&v=SACKxzn9YJA&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DSACKxzn9YJA%26list%3DTLFpif1HnNPbJwWT4CIywnP5zmNSX-w2Jm

Simply awesome.

Awesome? Fairly routine, if you ask me. (Though I DO like that he's a hands catcher and that he seems to have huge hands.)

potentially non-routine/trivial aspects...

1 - shows ability to track the ball and make an in-flight adjustment to a slightly underthrown ball (not all WRs are great at this, we shouldn't take it for granted).

2 - the way he stopped and popped, than rotated in the air to square up to the ball (like a basketball player well schooled in fundamentals squaring up for a jump shot, he looked very smooth and completely in control at every stage of this transition from converting his downfield speed to jumping up to meet the ball).

3 - even despite having to slow down his momentum due to the adjustment and kind of backpedal, he still showed an impressive ability to sky over the defender (who admittedly wasn't in position to make a good play on the ball and strongly contest the catch).

4 - nice timing to attack and highpoint the ball (again, not every WR is as smooth and effortless at this, we shouldn't take it for granted), physically and athletically dominating the DB, who really didn't have a chance.

5 - looked like he caught the ball with his fingertips, in textbook, picture perfect form... also had the presence of mind and showed the attention to detail to immediately position the ball away from the DB as soon as it was caught, taking no chances with having it stripped on the way to the ground.

Thank you for articulating what I saw that was special. I couldn't quite explain it but this is what makes Watkins different from many other college WRs. And also pros for that matter.

 

[jurb26]

Watkins catch.http://m.youtube.com/watch?list=TLFpif1HnNPbJwWT4CIywnP5zmNSX-w2Jm&v=SACKxzn9YJA&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DSACKxzn9YJA%26list%3DTLFpif1HnNPbJwWT4CIywnP5zmNSX-w2Jm

Simply awesome.

Awesome? Fairly routine, if you ask me. (Though I DO like that he's a hands catcher and that he seems to have huge hands.)

potentially non-routine/trivial aspects...

1 - shows ability to track the ball and make an in-flight adjustment to a slightly underthrown ball (not all WRs are great at this, we shouldn't take it for granted).

2 - the way he stopped and popped, than rotated in the air to square up to the ball (like a basketball player well schooled in fundamentals squaring up for a jump shot, he looked very smooth and completely in control at every stage of this transition from converting his downfield speed to jumping up to meet the ball).

3 - even despite having to slow down his momentum due to the adjustment and kind of backpedal, he still showed an impressive ability to sky over the defender (who admittedly wasn't in position to make a good play on the ball and strongly contest the catch).

4 - nice timing to attack and highpoint the ball (again, not every WR is as smooth and effortless at this, we shouldn't take it for granted), physically and athletically dominating the DB, who really didn't have a chance.

5 - looked like he caught the ball with his fingertips, in textbook, picture perfect form... also had the presence of mind and showed the attention to detail to immediately position the ball away from the DB as soon as it was caught, taking no chances with having it stripped on the way to the ground.

I think you're going over the top here. Tracking the ball is the most underrated ability of any among college players. I'm not seeing this play as one that indicates a whole lot in that regard. I say that because you basically minimize your point here with your second point. When I evaluate tracking the ball I want to see if a player can track the ball even when he loses sight of it, over the shoulder catches or sideline approaching catches. As you said in point 2, he squared up to this pass like a basketball player, therefore he never lost sight of it. He actually repositioned his body intententionally so he wouldn't and so he could make his jump. I'm not saying that was the wrong thing to do. It was the correct thing to do. The pass was thrown too low and lacked the proper arc to require high level tracking IMO. I just don't see it as something worth gushing about.

On top of that, you could isolate a great play by nearly any WR in the country and say he posses elite qualities. It the consistency with which they display them that is important. Heck, based on that game you could have written that exact same post about M. Bryant only applying it to 2 plays, not just one.

Don't take this the wrong way, I love Watkins. I think he's the best WR in this class and better than any from last year. I just feel like that game is going to have people severely overreacting. What bothers me about it is that he was never challenged in that game by OSU. Not only did they never press him at the LOS, but they never even changed their cover scheme. He was literally running uncontested the whole game. We never got to see him trying to get open in tight spaces. He ran like 3 routes all game. I say that generously to be honest. He really ran 1 route nearly the whole game, the bubble screen. He also ran a skinny post and fly pattern. None of these show much in the way of NFL route tree capability.

Now, I've seen Watkins do far more than what he displayed in the Orange Bowl. I think he displayed far more vs. FSU and UGA to be honest. He scored a red zone TD on a quick slant where he did have to beat a jam and still made a marvelous adjustment to a poor pass by Boyd. He tracked a ball along the sideline while being contested by a FSU defender and staying in bounds. He caught a short pass across the middle and quickly lowered his pad level to break a tackle and turned on the jets for a TD.

The problems I have with him right now are that he hasn't shown consistency in making plays like the one you are referring too. He hasn't been known to attack the ball well at its high point and make those tough catches. He doesn't run enough routes or at least not consistently enough to get a real gage on how it will translate to the NFL. Clemson, wisely IMO, more or less takes advantage of his athleticism running him on posts, flys, screens and away from defenders on drags. I will say he clearly got better at his route running this year vs. prior years as he took over the role of Hopkins in the offense. The most bothersome thing for me is that college DBs are afraid to jam him because of his game breaking ability. NFL DBs won't be. I think Watkins has shown great evolution in his game for what he's been challenged with so I'm optimistic that he will do the same once in the NFL.

 

[JFS171]

Great post Jurb. I largely agree - I want to see him consistently beat press by bigger CBs than those he's seen in college. In that regard, he reminds me a bit of Patterson (obviously much more developed, but stick with me here...).

Patterson developed slowly because of, IMO, a distinct lack of creativity by his coaching staff which shifted late in the year. Watkins may need time to develop a full route tree, but his immediate impact can be in a Patterson/Harvin sort of way if a team commits to getting him the ball in space much like Clemson has.

As to his ceiling... Pretty damn high, I'd say. He's not as physically imposing as many of the top dynasty WRs, but at 6'1" and 205ish, he's not tiny either, and the speed/explosion is impressive. Is a bigger Harvin a bad thing?

 

[Faust]

Ole Miss WR Donte Moncrief declares for draftBy Chase Goodbread

College Football 24/7 writer

Ole Miss wide receiver Donte Moncrief has joined a lengthy list of players at his position declaring for early NFL draft eligibility, according to a Saturday night release by the school.

"After meeting with Coach (Hugh) Freeze and looking at all available information, my family and I have decided that I will declare for the draft," Moncrief said. "... At this time, I have to do what is best for my family and I, and I am ready to pursue my dream of playing in the NFL."

Moncrief led the Rebels in receiving yards and touchdowns for the second consecutive year, making 59 grabs for 938 yards and six touchdowns on the season. Freeze supported Moncrief's decision.

"His outstanding play the last two seasons has been a big reason for the turnaround we have experienced and the two straight bowl victories," Freeze said. "He is close to graduation, and I hope he reaches that goal. While we had hoped he might stay another year, we are excited about his future, and we look forward to seeing another Rebel shine on Sundays."

Moncrief (6-3, 225 pounds) brings outstanding size to the position. He is fearless in the middle of the field, catches the ball well in traffic, and can be dangerous after the catch as well. Moncrief had his share of drops this season and was a non-factor in a few games, but finished the season strong with all five of his 100-yard performances coming in Ole Miss' final nine contests.

Other notable underclassmen at the receiver position who have declared early draft eligibility include Fresno State's Davante Adams, Vanderbilt's Chris Boyd, Rutgers' Brandon Coleman, Oregon State's Brandin Cooks, South Carolina's Bruce Ellington, Texas A&M's Mike Evans, USC's Marqise Lee and Clemson's Sammy Watkins.

Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter @ChaseGoodbread

 

[slackjawedyokel]

Who are the rookies with a high level of talent but will be lower in draft and under the radar due to injury or off-field issues? Last year included Keenan Allen, Lattimore, Ogletree, and even Lacy to a degree.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Watkins catch.http://m.youtube.com/watch?list=TLFpif1HnNPbJwWT4CIywnP5zmNSX-w2Jm&v=SACKxzn9YJA&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DSACKxzn9YJA%26list%3DTLFpif1HnNPbJwWT4CIywnP5zmNSX-w2Jm

Simply awesome.

Awesome? Fairly routine, if you ask me. (Though I DO like that he's a hands catcher and that he seems to have huge hands.)

potentially non-routine/trivial aspects...

1 - shows ability to track the ball and make an in-flight adjustment to a slightly underthrown ball (not all WRs are great at this, we shouldn't take it for granted).

2 - the way he stopped and popped, than rotated in the air to square up to the ball (like a basketball player well schooled in fundamentals squaring up for a jump shot, he looked very smooth and completely in control at every stage of this transition from converting his downfield speed to jumping up to meet the ball).

3 - even despite having to slow down his momentum due to the adjustment and kind of backpedal, he still showed an impressive ability to sky over the defender (who admittedly wasn't in position to make a good play on the ball and strongly contest the catch).

4 - nice timing to attack and highpoint the ball (again, not every WR is as smooth and effortless at this, we shouldn't take it for granted), physically and athletically dominating the DB, who really didn't have a chance.

5 - looked like he caught the ball with his fingertips, in textbook, picture perfect form... also had the presence of mind and showed the attention to detail to immediately position the ball away from the DB as soon as it was caught, taking no chances with having it stripped on the way to the ground.

I think you're going over the top here.Tracking the ball is the most underrated ability of any among college players. I'm not seeing this play as one that indicates a whole lot in that regard. I say that because you basically minimize your point here with your second point. When I evaluate tracking the ball I want to see if a player can track the ball even when he loses sight of it, over the shoulder catches or sideline approaching catches. As you said in point 2, he squared up to this pass like a basketball player, therefore he never lost sight of it. He actually repositioned his body intententionally so he wouldn't and so he could make his jump. I'm not saying that was the wrong thing to do. It was the correct thing to do. The pass was thrown too low and lacked the proper arc to require high level tracking IMO. I just don't see it as something worth gushing about.

On top of that, you could isolate a great play by nearly any WR in the country and say he posses elite qualities. It the consistency with which they display them that is important. Heck, based on that game you could have written that exact same post about M. Bryant only applying it to 2 plays, not just one.

Don't take this the wrong way, I love Watkins. I think he's the best WR in this class and better than any from last year. I just feel like that game is going to have people severely overreacting. What bothers me about it is that he was never challenged in that game by OSU. Not only did they never press him at the LOS, but they never even changed their cover scheme. He was literally running uncontested the whole game. We never got to see him trying to get open in tight spaces. He ran like 3 routes all game. I say that generously to be honest. He really ran 1 route nearly the whole game, the bubble screen. He also ran a skinny post and fly pattern. None of these show much in the way of NFL route tree capability.

Now, I've seen Watkins do far more than what he displayed in the Orange Bowl. I think he displayed far more vs. FSU and UGA to be honest. He scored a red zone TD on a quick slant where he did have to beat a jam and still made a marvelous adjustment to a poor pass by Boyd. He tracked a ball along the sideline while being contested by a FSU defender and staying in bounds. He caught a short pass across the middle and quickly lowered his pad level to break a tackle and turned on the jets for a TD.

The problems I have with him right now are that he hasn't shown consistency in making plays like the one you are referring too. He hasn't been known to attack the ball well at its high point and make those tough catches. He doesn't run enough routes or at least not consistently enough to get a real gage on how it will translate to the NFL. Clemson, wisely IMO, more or less takes advantage of his athleticism running him on posts, flys, screens and away from defenders on drags. I will say he clearly got better at his route running this year vs. prior years as he took over the role of Hopkins in the offense. The most bothersome thing for me is that college DBs are afraid to jam him because of his game breaking ability. NFL DBs won't be. I think Watkins has shown great evolution in his game for what he's been challenged with so I'm optimistic that he will do the same once in the NFL.

Like you said, you love him, so how much is "over the top" (if at all) may be a matter of degree and not kind, and a subjective, judgement call. You are entitled to your opinion. IMO you are underestimating him if you think he falls to the 1.10 pick (and there we are talking about front offices, coaching staffs and scouting departments familiar and well acquainted with his entire body of work, not those who saw him for the first time Friday night). As to "gushing", I was observing a play that seemed to have been diminished to nothingness and trying to observe elements that might be non-routine. I wasn't extrapolating to his entire body of work or making inferences that this characterized every play of his career. I realize that an absence of a lot of plays highlighting his ability to catch 50/50 balls (relative to say, Mike Evans) has been a critique levelled by some. But is that because of a lack of an opportunity? If so, than a clear instance and example of a facility to do that could be interpreted as encouraging in that respect?

Maybe you misunderstood the connection between points one and two (they were sequenced that way on purpose), or maybe I was unclear, or both. He had to have the timing, in-flight tracking ability and route adjustment to stop and pop IN THE FIRST PLACE TO BE IN POSITION to rotate his body to get in position to high point it. if he does it sooner or later, the timing is off. again, in my experience, this isn't a routine ability that all NFL WRs possess to a great degree, I don't take it for granted. It looked like it was by some? Like you said, it was the right thing to do, maybe we just differ in how routine that kind of timing is required to make that play, in the general WR population?

We can speak to our experience and history. In the case of STL for example, I remember the second SF game this year, in which Clemens threw a deep ball to Givens short (he seems to do better when deep balls are thrown perfectly in stride, but can struggle otherwise) in what could have been a big play and possible TD. he didn't track it or position his body well, the ball went through his hands, and he landed on his back (even if he had come down with the ball, he wouldn't have been able to run after the catch, it didn't look like he needed to land on his back?). Pettis is so slow he wouldn't have been in position to make the play Watkins did. Quick (so far at least, in his first two years) hasn't played big, and will at times timidly back down from contested ball situations. Austin doesn't have Watkins size at 5'8" 178 lbs. Bailey is about 5'10" and 195 lbs, and did play bigger than his size with 25 TDs in 2012 (one of the top marks in NCAA history for a WR, maybe top 3?), maybe he would have made that play, I don't know? TE Cook might have dropped it. Just to be perfectly clear, I'm not saying this was the greatest play in the history of organized football, or that it would be special for WRs like Calvin Johnson or Larry Fitzgerald, obviously it would be very routine for them.

To use an analogy from other sports, there are times when I saw a great catch in the outfield by Willie Mays, or a great play driving through the lane in traffic and getting off a contested shot in an efforless, supremely graceful manner by Michael Jordan or Julius Erving (i was at the game in the Lakers/Sixers championship in which Erving finished off a fast break reverse from behind the backboard), in which I'll freely admit other, lesser players may have made that play. What stood out to me, is they MADE IT LOOK EASY. is that gushing? if so, guilty as charged, as I am consciously and purposely stating that it is that ability to make plays look easy that was part of their greatness in my eyes. Imagining Givens in that situation inadvertantly flailing and landing on his back (like in the SF game) has given me an appreciation for fundamentals and the finer points of the game, and taught me to not take them for granted. Just to avoid confusion, I'm not suggesting he will be at or near the apex of his respective sport like Mays, Jordan and Erving were in theirs... just that I find a similarity with respect to his ability to make plays look easy that might look harder for a lesser talent.

We agree he is the best WR in the class (I don't think you are being over the top or gushing there ). I have gone further and said I think, while not in AJ Green or Julio Jones class as a prospect, I think he is the best prospect since then, and the three of them may be the best WR prospects since Calvin Johnson (at any rate, up there with the likes of Blackmon, Bryant and Thomas). That is pretty good company.

Don't the questions about route running and ability to escape physical, NFL-style press coverage exist for nearly all college WRs (especially with the proliferation of more spread style passing attacks), and hasn't his been the case for a while? Do you have questions of a different nature or deeper concerns than those that would fall into the run of the mill variant? That said, Keenan Allen was lauded for his route running ability, as was Robert Woods (very advanced, polished and technically refined), and Marquis Lee is said to be like this as well. Where the scouting come in, is to factor in how much Watkins superior physical talent, athleticism and talent should weigh in the overall evaluation, and to what degree they think the raw materials can be molded at the pro level into becoming a better route runner.

Getting back to a reported lack of successful 50/50 ball catches, is that due to a demonstrable, repeated inability, or to lack of opps? If the latter, than success in the few instances he had the chance is encouraging (I have heard a personnel quote - show me what he can do, not what he can't do). I have also heard his route running has improved, which is again encouraging and makes for a more hopeful and optimistic projection. I include as part of my optimism the fact that he is the only WR in NCAA history to be an AP first team All American as a true freshman (and only one of four, period, with historically good college/pro RBs Walker, Faulk and Peterson). He hit the ground running and ready to go as a WR in the transition from prep to collegiate like few others that have preceded him. That would seem to bode well for his college to NFL transition. Former teammate Hopkins was called by many the most pro ready prospect in the 2013 draft, and Watkins is by consensus more athletically gifted, talented and explosive, also boding well for his transition.

* not sure which year, but the play at the 1:07 mark to elude multiple defenders in close quarters and than outrun the entire defense 60 yards for a TD is an example to me of non-routine explosiveness and RAC ability. Percy Harvin was mentioned upthread, and I have seen that comp invoked before (if not routinely). Maybe partly because he gets more rushing opportunities than a lot of WRs, but also because of this kind of explosive run after the catch ability.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00EWkjb25K8

 

[Ilov80s]

Vandy's Jordan Matthews goes out in style in Compass Bowl

Those weren't very impressive plays, but I love what I have seen from Matthews in highlights. He isn't a first round athlete, but he looks NFL ready to me.

This was his best catch in the Compass Bowl.

 

[Milkman]

I like sammy's chubby cheeks.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Indiana junior WR Cody Latimer has signed with an agent and has declared for the NFL draft, according to draft insider Tony Pauline.
Latimer is reportedly training in Florida. Latimer hauled in 72 receptions for 1,096 yards and nine touchdowns this season and is listed at 6'3/206 pounds. There was some turnover at the quarterback position, but Latimer was arguably the school's best offensive player.

Source: Tony Pauline on Twitter

 

[Faust]

2014 NFL Draft: Clemson WR Sammy Watkins leaving for NFL


By Derek Harper | The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com

January 5, 2014 1:07 pm ET

Clemson's Sammy Watkins, the top-rated wide receiver and No. 5 overall prospect according to NFLDraftScout.com ratings, will forego his final year of eligibility and enter the 2014 NFL Draft, according to a Yahoo! report.

NFLDraftScout.com's Rob Rang has Watkins No. 5 on his Big Board, while Rang and fellow analyst Dane Brugler both currently project him to go to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their current Mock Drafts.

Watkins is a true junior who has 101 receptions for 1,464 yards and 12 touchdowns over three seasons. After catching 16 passes for 227 yards and two touchdowns in Friday's dramatic Orange Bowl victory over Ohio State, Watkins said the game helped "finish off my legacy here."

In evaluating Watkins, Rang wrote: "Every fan of the sport knows that there is a difference between timed speed and football speed. Football is rarely a game of straight-lines, making fluidity and general athleticism much more critical than just a 40-yard dash time. In much this same way, some receivers possess a natural ability to pluck the ball, tuck it away and accelerate in one smooth motion that makes them even greater than the sum of their parts.

"Sammy Watkins is one such receiver."

 

[Faust]

Scouting the Discover Orange Bowl: Clemson vs. Ohio StateExcerpts:

Sammy Watkins/WR/Clemson: Sammy Watkins is a big-time play maker who features good size and speed. His strong hands allow him to make plays in traffic and pull down poorly thrown balls. During his career at Clemson, Watkins proved that he’s capable of both taking the top off a defense and working over the middle. The only real concern surrounding Watkins is his maturity. Evaluators are going to ask why he had a drop in production from his freshman to sophomore season. This is why the interview process will have an impact on where Watkins comes off the board. Early 1st Round

Carlos Hyde/RB/Ohio State: Carlos Hyde is the most complete running back in this draft class. He’s a powerful runner who flashes the quickness to break off long runs. It’s his ability to run behind his pads and with balance that makes him such an effective runner. Hyde also quickly deciphers post-snap information which helps him identify open running lanes. He doesn’t waste time dancing behind the line of scrimmage quickly getting north and south. While Ohio State doesn’t use him much as a pass catcher, Hyde has shows good hands and the ability to pick yards after the catch. Early 2nd Round

Tajh Boyd/QB/Clemson: Tajh Boyd features a strong arm, quick release and good athleticism. However, he just doesn’t have a great feel for the quarterback position. His tendency to make poor decisions, only read one side of the field and bouts of inaccuracy are all major concerns. Those bouts of inaccuracy have to do with his inconsistent arm slot. At times, Boyd will drop his elbow for no reason and the ball will arrive off target. Defensive backs in the NFL will have a field day against Boyd unless he cleans up his tendency to stare down his target. Boyd also needs to do a better job connecting on the deep ball. Too often, he’ll overshoot his intended target. I’m afraid someone will fall in love with his physical talents and draft him way too high. At best, this is a 3rd to 4th round developmental type quarterback. Late 4th Round

 

[Faust]

Scouting the Compass Bowl: Vanderbilt vs. HoustonExcerpt:

Jordan Matthews/WR/Vanderbilt: Jordan Matthews is a smooth route runner who has a knack for finding open holes in the defense. He routinely plucks the ball away from his frame providing his quarterback with a reliable target. Matthews may lack elite speed but he knows how to change gears to create separation. He reminds me a lot of Eric Decker in that he may not look pretty but he gets the job done. Matthews’ overall draft position will be helped if he runs a better than expected 40-time at the combine. 2nd Round

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Clemson junior WR Martavis Bryant joined teammate Sammy Watkins by declaring for the NFL draft.
In a text message to beat writer Aaron Brenner, Bryant wrote "I have decided to enter the draft, it's best for me and my family." Bryant started the season slowly, losing opportunities at the catch point while dropping a few targets, but he progressed and started winning contested situations. That could be where he shines in the NFL, since he boasts a 6'5/200 pound frame.

Source: The Post and Courier

Clemson WR Martavis Bryant intends to enter 2014 NFL DraftBy Dan Greenspan

College Football 24/7 writer

Sammy Watkins isn't the only junior Clemson wide receiver entering the 2014 NFL Draft, as Martavis Bryant told The Post and Courier he will forgo his senior season.

Bryant (6-foot-5, 200 pounds) was the bigger-bodied complement to the speedy Watkins this past season, catching seven touchdowns, including two red-zone scores in the Tigers' Orange Bowl win over Ohio State.

Bryant also showed surprising big-play ability, averaging nearly 20 yards per play on his 42 receptions, but NFL teams will have to weigh his limited experience (only one season as a starter) against his athletic ability.

Follow Dan Greenspan on Twitter @DanGreenspan.

 

[Time Kibitzer]

Rotoworld:

Indiana junior WR Cody Latimer has signed with an agent and has declared for the NFL draft, according to draft insider Tony Pauline.
Latimer is reportedly training in Florida. Latimer hauled in 72 receptions for 1,096 yards and nine touchdowns this season and is listed at 6'3/206 pounds. There was some turnover at the quarterback position, but Latimer was arguably the school's best offensive player.

Source: Tony Pauline on Twitter

Never heard of this kid until 15 minutes ago, but after doing a bit of research this guy looks really good. Real nice size at 6'3, 215lbs, nice production at 70 receptions, 1100 yards, 9 TDs, showed up against tough opponents like Missouri, Penn State, and Michigan, and he even had a nice 1 on 1 jump ball TD catch against the best CB in the country in Darqueze Dennard that's viewable here. And watching some other highlights videos (video 1, video 2) he definitely looks the part of an NFL #1 WR displaying speed, really nice hands and WR skills, and winning a bunch of jump balls. Would like to see more examples of him taking short passes deep with his YAC ability, but even so, guy has immediately become one of my favourite WRs in this draft.

 

[Ilov80s]

Scouting the Compass Bowl: Vanderbilt vs. Houston

Excerpt:

Jordan Matthews/WR/Vanderbilt: Jordan Matthews is a smooth route runner who has a knack for finding open holes in the defense. He routinely plucks the ball away from his frame providing his quarterback with a reliable target. Matthews may lack elite speed but he knows how to change gears to create separation. He reminds me a lot of Eric Decker in that he may not look pretty but he gets the job done. Matthews overall draft position will be helped if he runs a better than expected 40-time at the combine. 2nd Round

He isn't a burner, but if you watch his games, he consistently runs away from SEC defenders and doesn't get caught from behind very often.

 

[Faust]

Film room: Clemson's Sammy Watkins a big-time playmaker

By Bucky Brooks

NFL Media analyst

Published: Nov. 15, 2013 at 01:31 p.m.

Updated: Nov. 15, 2013 at 03:54 p.m.

The NFL's transformation into a passing league has made it imperative for every offense to prominently feature a dynamic pass catcher in the game plan. With league rules restricting significant contact in the defensive backfield, receivers with explosive speed, quickness and athleticism have significant advantages on the perimeter. Moreover, the free access granted by several defensive teams on the perimeter has led to receivers having a greater impact on the outcome of games.

With more offensive coordinators willing to build their respective game plans around the talents of explosive pass catchers, NFL scouts have been paying close attention to the gradual development of Clemson's Sammy Watkins. A junior standout, Watkins was regarded as one of the top playmakers in college football after totaling 82 receptions for 1,219 yards and 12 touchdowns as a freshman. While his production dipped dramatically in 2012 because of injuries and questionable focus, Watkins has returned to form this season with 71 receptions for 1,086 yards and nine scores. More important, Watkins has displayed the dominant playmaking ability that has made him nearly impossible to neutralize, as evidenced in Clemson's 55-31 win over Georgia Tech.

Given Watkins' re-emergence as the top wide receiver in college football, I decided to dig into the tape to see what makes him such a special player. Here's what I discovered:

Route RunningWatkins is an extraordinary athlete with explosive speed and quickness. He displays exceptional body control getting in and out of breaks, and shows outstanding short area burst running away from defenders at the top of routes. Watkins capably runs all of the routes on the route tree, but he is at his best running vertical routes or shallow crossers that allow him to take advantage of his outstanding straight-line speed. Watching Watkins terrorize defenses throughout his career, he has routinely hurt opponents on deep balls and "catch and run" routes over the middle of the field. With NFL offensive coordinators, particularly West Coast Offense advocates, frequently incorporating those concepts into the game plan, Watkins has the tools to be a dynamic weapon on the perimeter as a pro.

Ball skillsThe top receivers in the NFL excel at snatching balls outside of the strike zone. Elite pass catchers easily track and adjust to errant throws and exhibit strong hands and superb hand-eye coordination. Watkins is a natural pass catcher with extraordinary ball skills. He frequently comes down with contested catches in traffic, which makes him a dangerous weapon in the red zone. Looking at Watkins' 42-yard touchdown catch against Georgia Tech on Thursday night, it was his combination of ball skills, athleticism and concentration that stood out to me. At 6-foot-1, 205 pounds, he snatched the pass over the top of a lurking defender and continued to waltz into the end zone. These are the type of plays Watkins has consistently made throughout his career; I expect him to continue to make them when he advances to the next level.

Running skillsWatkins is one of the best "catch and run" playmakers I've seen in the college game. He excels at maneuvering through traffic with the ball in his hands, but also displays the toughness to run through arm tackles on the perimeter. Of course, Watkins' effectiveness as a runner can be attributed to his explosive skills as a punt/kick returner. He simply has a knack for making defenders miss and is fearless with the ball in his hands. As a result, Watkins is a threat to score from anywhere on the field on screens, quick routes and reverses designed to get him quick touches on the perimeter. With more NFL offenses utilizing similar concepts to take advantage of their top playmakers' skills, Watkins could become an immediate difference-maker as a pro.

ExplosivenessPlayers capable of putting the ball in the paint are coveted at every level. NFL offensive coordinators, in particular, prefer receivers on the perimeter with the potential to deliver explosive plays -- receptions of 20-plus yards -- because of their game-changing impact. Watkins is a phenomenal big-play receiver with the speed, athleticism and running skills to hurt opponents with the deep ball or catch-and-run plays. He has scored 24 touchdowns (22 receiving; one rushing and one kick return) in 33 career games and has also shown a knack for delivering big plays on the perimeter as a designated home-run threat. Against Georgia Tech, Watkins hauled in five catches for 108 yards, with a pair of 40-plus receptions that showcased his explosive skills as a vertical playmaker and crafty running specialist. On his 41-yard second-quarter touchdown, Watkins snatched the ball over the top of an outstretched defender on a go-route. The play highlighted Watkins' special combination of speed, athleticism and ball skills. On the other hand, Watkins' 44-yard touchdown on a bubble screen showcased his aforementioned running skills and explosiveness in space. With a resume full of similar efforts, Watkins will attract the attention of every NFL offensive coordinator looking to juice up their respective units.

Clutch factorSince my days playing Pee-Wee football as a youngster, I've watched big-time players take over games in the clutch with their spectacular skills. Elite players have a way of rising to the occasion to deliver whatever is needed to win the game. Watkins certainly qualifies as a clutch performer based on his impressive resume as the Tigers' No.1 receiver. He has posted 14 100-yard games in his career, including seven this season despite routinely facing double coverage on weekly basis. Of course, critics will suggest Watkins' numbers are inflated by the Tigers' spread offense and the utilization of bubble screens, but his 14.3 yards-per-reception average throughout his career is indicative of his big-play ability as a No. 1 receiver. Factor in his propensity for putting the ball in the paint, and I don't think there's any doubt that he is a clutch performer with the potential to take over the game at any point.

ConclusionWatkins has been on the radar of NFL scouts since terrorizing the college football landscape as a freshman. Although his game and production took a dip a season ago, it is apparent that Watkins has regained his spectacular form as a junior. He has been sensational as an all-around playmaker on the perimeter and has displayed noticeable improvement as a route runner. Factoring in his renewed concentration and focus, Watkins will captivate the imagination of coaches and scouts looking for a Torrey Smith-like playmaker to add to the line-up.

Follow Bucky Brooks on Twitter @BuckyBrooks.

 

[Faust]

WalterFootball.com

updated Dec. 21, 2013

2014 NFL Draft Prospects: Quarterbacks

2014 NFL Draft Prospects: Running Backs

2014 NFL Draft Prospects: Wide Receivers

2014 NFL Draft Prospects: Tight Ends

They are very low on WR Brandin Cooks wth a WR # 26 ranking.

 

[identikit]

probably a formality, but just saw a report that Watkins has officially declared.

sorry, no link, but should be easy enough to confirm.

In post #2077, right above.

 

[Bob Magaw]

probably a formality, but just saw a report that Watkins has officially declared.

sorry, no link, but should be easy enough to confirm.

In post #2077, right above.

thanx, I saw a few of Faust's posts immediately above, but didn't realize how many there were above.

 

[Slapdash]

Was very impressed by Hyde the other night, he looks like a complete back.

 

[lbouchard]

I believe that Martavis Bryant has hired an agent. Big kid opposite of Sammy Watkins. 6'5" and runs a 4.3. He improved over the course of the year. Might be a later pick, but has big upside.

Edit: Faust beat me to it.

 

[ffgiant]

Really love the WR class this year. It is close to the 2011 class. Sammy Watkins, Mike Evans and Marqise Lee all could be studs for for years to come.

 

[Faust]

Was very impressed by Hyde the other night, he looks like a complete back.

Rotoworld take:

Ohio State senior RB Carlos Hyde rushed for 113 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries in the school's 40-35 loss to Clemson.
Hyde also caught two passes for 39 yards and a touchdown, which is great to see since the running back has had a limited amount of receiving opportunities. He looked great and natural downfield, and that comfort could only help him play earlier in the NFL. He did struggle in pass protection on occasion, but there is more tape in that area. He should be the No. 1 senior running back selected.

Eddie George: Carlos Hyde can be a 'superstar' at next levelBy Mike Huguenin

College Football 24/7 writer

Count former Ohio State Heisman winner and current Fox college analyst Eddie George as a fan of Buckeyes tailback Carlos Hyde.

"He can be a monster, a superstar on the next level," George told the Chicago Tribune.

Hyde, a 6-foot, 235-pound senior, leads the Big Ten in rushing at 140.8 yards per game and is second with 14 rushing TDs. He has rushed for 1,408 yards and is the first Urban Meyer-coached running back to reach the 1,000-yard plateau.

Hyde was suspended for the first three games of the season for an incident at a Columbus, Ohio, bar, and George and Buckeyes coaches say the suspension helped Hyde grow up.

"I've seen him change as a total person," George told the Tribune.

Buckeyes running back coach Stan Drayton agrees. "It's not just about Carlos anymore," Drayton told the Tribune. "It's the team and the brotherhood."

Hyde has moved up draft boards with his performance this fall. NFL Media draft analyst Bucky Brooks calls Hyde an "old-school tailback with the size, strength and power that NFL scouts covet in feature backs." Brooks thinks Hyde could be a second-day draft pick, assuming he runs well enough at his Pro Day and/or at the combine.

Mike Huguenin can be reached at mike.huguenin@nfl.com. You also can follow him on Twitter @MikeHuguenin.

Ohio State RB Carlos Hyde keeps boosting NFL draft stockBy Bucky Brooks

NFL Media analyst

Excerpt:

Ohio State's Carlos Hyde continues to build a strong case to be one of the top running backs selected in the 2014 draft.

The 6-foot, 235-pound senior is an old school tailback with the size, strength and power that NFL scouts covet in feature backs. While my colleague, Gil Brandt, has said Hyde lacks speed and quickness, I didn't believe those things were an issue based on my perspective from the Michigan press box during last week's Buckeyes-Wolverines game. Hyde flashed impressive short-area quickness with the ball in his hands. I believe his second-level acceleration and burst rates slightly above average.

Of course, it is hard to get a true gauge of Hyde's speed in a matchup against a Michigan team that lacks speedsters at every level, but most NFL running backs of his size run in the 4.55 to 4.60 range in workouts. If Hyde meets those qualifications at the combine, I believe he could be a strong Day Two consideration for teams eyeing a rough and rugged workhorse to handle a heavy workload as a feature back.

 

[Faust]

Ball State's Keith Wenning to close career in GoDaddy Bowl

 

[Faust]

Tigers' talented running back held under 100 yards by Bison

 

[Faust]

Austin Seferian-Jenkins leads top tight ends in 2014 NFL DraftBy Gil Brandt

NFL Media senior analyst

The bar for the tight end position in terms of size, speed and skills seems to get higher and higher every year. This season, three very good athletes who were former college basketball players made the Pro Bowl as tight ends -- the Saints' Jimmy Graham, the Browns' Jordan Cameron, and the Broncos' Julius Thomas -- and their success means there will only be more athletic tight ends in coming years.

The idea of turning basketball players into tight ends isn't new -- in the 1970s, the Cowboys drafted Ron Howard, a forward from Seattle University who had never played football, and played him at tight end -- but NFL teams have been much more active in trying this out recently than they have in the past.

This year's class of tight ends is another good one and is led by the eight names listed below. All eight have very good speed, otherwise we wouldn't be mentioning them -- slow tight ends have a much tougher time making it these days.

Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Washington: Earlier this week Seferian-Jenkins announced he will enter the 2014 draft. He didn't have as good a season as he did last year, but he made a big touchdown catch in Washington's win in the Fight Hunger Bowl that gave you a good idea of why teams are so high on him. I think he's going to be a really good player in the NFL. He needs to work on his blocking, but he's a very talented receiver.

Eric Ebron, North Carolina: Ebron is an adequate blocker, has excellent size and is a very good receiver. Seferian-Jenkins might have more long-range potential, but I think Ebron will be the first tight end drafted in 2014 because he's the better player right now. Seferian-Jenkins also comes with some baggage, and his off-the-field problems bring him down a bit.

Jace Amaro, Texas Tech: Amaro announced after Tuesday's Holiday Bowl that he will enter the 2014 draft. He's been a very productive player for the Red Raiders, totaling 98 receptions for 1,240 yards and seven touchdowns in the regular season. Amaro caught eight passes for 112 yards in the Holiday Bowl, finishing the season with 1,352 receiving yards to set the new NCAA single-season record for a tight end. He is an excellent athlete whom I expect to be the third tight end drafted, behind Ebron and Seferian-Jenkins. Amaro is a big, lean tight end who's got room to fill out; he's 260 pounds now, but could probably bulk up to 280.

Arthur Lynch, Georgia: Lynch has good size at 6-4 3/4, 246 pounds, and has pretty good speed with about a 4.75 time in the 40. Georgia doesn't throw a lot to its tight ends, but when they did this season, Lynch usually proved he has good hands. He's also a very good blocker. Lynch did not have a memorable Gator Bowl on Jan. 1, as he dropped two passes, including a very catchable ball on a fourth-and-3 from Nebraska's 16 with 25 seconds left.

Crockett Gillmore, Colorado State: Gillmore was impressive against Washington State in the New Mexico Bowl, with four catches for 44 yards. At 6-5 3/4, 250 pounds, he moves around pretty well for a big guy and shows good hands.

Marcel Jensen, Fresno State: Jensen (6-5 1/8, 268 pounds) wasn't featured as much in the offense as the Bulldogs' other receivers, but he caught the ball very well when they went to him, with 26 catches for 353 yards and three TDs.

Chris Coyle, Arizona State: Coyle is a shorter H-back type of tight end, at 6-2 3/8, 230 pounds, but he was named first-team All-Pac-12 ahead of Seferian-Jenkins. Teams usually like their tight ends to be 6-4 or better, giving them a bigger target and more strength in blocking. Coyle isn't a heavy guy, so he's going to have a hard time being an in-line blocker. He reminds me a little of the Ravens' Dennis Pitta and makes up for his size with his ability to move around in space and catch passes.

Blake Annen, Cincinnati: Annen (6-4 1/4, 250 pounds) surprised me a little bit when I looked at his tape. He didn't look that impressive early in the year against Illinois, but he progressed as the year went along and played really well in a couple of late games.

Follow Gil Brandt on Twitter @Gil_Brandt.

 

[ConnSKINS26]

Huh. I didn't think there was anybody left who still had ASJ as the #1 TE.

 

[aggs]

I don't know how to feel about ASJ. I know he was a hot devy prospect but didn't make a lot of noise and left something to be desired from scouts, etc.

Is he going to be a meat-potatoes guy who doesn't really do much unless he catches TDs or can he become a dominant RZ threat and and big target over the middle of the field.

 

[Brewtown]

ASJ has the biggest upside. There are so many TE's out there so why not go for the biggest upside TE available. His combo of size and athleticism is not comparable to anyone in the NFL today. I say go with the upside of ASJ as the #1 TE in the 2014 draft. The depth at TE in the NFL today (plus add 3 sure fire can't miss guys in this draft) is making me strongly consider making my dynasty leagues start 2 TEs or adding a flex position (I don't like and don't use flex today). In a 12 team league today it is far too easy to "make it work" with a TE off the waiver wire than is should be. For this reason I rank ASJ and his size and athleticism as the # 1 TE in this draft.

Go for it! If you miss - who cares..... Pick up Zach Ertz (or the next Zach Ertz) and roll with him....

 

[ConnSKINS26]

ASJ has the biggest upside. There are so many TE's out there so why not go for the biggest upside TE available. His combo of size and athleticism is not comparable to anyone in the NFL today. I say go with the upside of ASJ as the #1 TE in the 2014 draft. The depth at TE in the NFL today (plus add 3 sure fire can't miss guys in this draft) is making me strongly consider making my dynasty leagues start 2 TEs or adding a flex position (I don't like and don't use flex today). In a 12 team league today it is far too easy to "make it work" with a TE off the waiver wire than is should be. For this reason I rank ASJ and his size and athleticism as the # 1 TE in this draft.

Go for it! If you miss - who cares..... Pick up Zach Ertz (or the next Zach Ertz) and roll with him....

This just isn't true, and it's making me think you're still caught up in the devy hype from a year or two ago.

 

[Brewtown]

ASJ has the biggest upside. There are so many TE's out there so why not go for the biggest upside TE available. His combo of size and athleticism is not comparable to anyone in the NFL today. I say go with the upside of ASJ as the #1 TE in the 2014 draft. The depth at TE in the NFL today (plus add 3 sure fire can't miss guys in this draft) is making me strongly consider making my dynasty leagues start 2 TEs or adding a flex position (I don't like and don't use flex today). In a 12 team league today it is far too easy to "make it work" with a TE off the waiver wire than is should be. For this reason I rank ASJ and his size and athleticism as the # 1 TE in this draft.

Go for it! If you miss - who cares..... Pick up Zach Ertz (or the next Zach Ertz) and roll with him....

This just isn't true, and it's making me think you're still caught up in the devy hype from a year or two ago.

I think that he was waaaaayyyy under-utilized at UW.... 6 foot, Six ATHLETE! Throw it high!!!!

 

[ConnSKINS26]

ASJ has the biggest upside. There are so many TE's out there so why not go for the biggest upside TE available. His combo of size and athleticism is not comparable to anyone in the NFL today. I say go with the upside of ASJ as the #1 TE in the 2014 draft. The depth at TE in the NFL today (plus add 3 sure fire can't miss guys in this draft) is making me strongly consider making my dynasty leagues start 2 TEs or adding a flex position (I don't like and don't use flex today). In a 12 team league today it is far too easy to "make it work" with a TE off the waiver wire than is should be. For this reason I rank ASJ and his size and athleticism as the # 1 TE in this draft.

Go for it! If you miss - who cares..... Pick up Zach Ertz (or the next Zach Ertz) and roll with him....

This just isn't true, and it's making me think you're still caught up in the devy hype from a year or two ago.

I think that he was waaaaayyyy under-utilized at UW.... 6 foot, Six ATHLETE! Throw it high!!!!

I agree with you, but it doesn't have anything to do with the statement you made that I bolded. He's not a physical freak other than being big and tall.

 

[Concept Coop]

Huh. I didn't think there was anybody left who still had ASJ as the #1 TE.