[Dynasty] 2014 Draft Prospects (2 Viewers)

[Faust]

http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/cfb/43213/344/all-senior-mock-draft

All Senior Mock Draft
Josh Norris

When reviewing large shifts in draft evaluations (Landry Jones for one), I think a large portion can be attributed to projecting these talents before actually knowing much about them. Part of that, in my opinion, is including juniors in evaluations or mock drafts before seeing enough exposures. Therefore, this mock is only made up of seniors. This will be a common theme for the next few months, as I will be focusing on prospects entering their final collegiate season.

I have used Evan Silva’s preseason rankings for the draft order, with a few changes to make sure the appropriate divisions have the correct amount of teams in the playoffs.

1. Oakland Raiders - T Jake Matthews, Texas A&M - It might have been a bluff, but the Raiders were frequently mentioned to be considering a tackle, and some already believe Matthews is a superior prospect to Luke Joeckel.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars - QB Tajh Boyd, Clemson - If Boyd continues his progression as a passer, watch out. He avoided pressure and tested downfield like a professional in 2012.

3. Buffalo Bills - T Taylor Lewan, Michigan - I like Cordy Glenn quite a bit, but this could be a best player available situation. We’ve seen the NFL doesn’t shy away from selecting two solid tackles.

4. San Diego Chargers - OLB Anthony Barr, UCLA - The Bruin pass rusher is still learning and growing into his position, but his ability to turn the corner, bend on the edge, and close is outstanding.

5. NY Jets - OLB Kyle Van Noy, BYU - The team appears set to move Quinton Coples to outside linebacker, but Van Noy would only improve the pass rush with his strength and consistency on the edge.

6. Tennessee Titans - QB David Fales, San Jose State - The San Jose State passer is not a complete product, but there are some amazing throws with excellent downfield placement he flashes on a game by game basis.

7. Arizona Cardinals - DT Daniel McCullers, Tennessee - McCullers’ evaluation could go one of two ways. One, his development could continue and the massive tackle will likely be mentioned as one of the top prospects. Two, his balance and leverage do not improve and he will be coined a project.

8. Philadelphia Eagles - LB C.J. Mosley, Alabama - Mosley is one of the top prospects in this senior class and is tremendously well-rounded and consistent. He’s an instant upgrade over Demeco Ryans.

9. Cleveland Browns - QB Stephen Morris, Miami - I know many consider A.J. McCarron and Aaron Murray superior prospects, but Morris could be viewed as having more achievable upside and a live arm to test vertically.

10. Detroit Lions - CB Jason Verrett, TCU - Even when juniors are added, Verrett could be mentioned among the top corners. The Lions added two edge pass rushers but could look to upgrade their secondary next year.

11. Carolina Panthers - S Lamarcus Joyner, FSU - The Panthers worked out plenty of receivers and defensive backs leading up to the draft, but selected neither. Joyner has plenty of range and makes a few hits abnormal for someone his size.

12. Dallas Cowboys - DT Dominique Easley, Florida - I expect Easley to bulk up and move inside in 2013, like Sharrif Floyd did last year. Many Cowboys fans were upset the team passed on Floyd, but Easley could be the answer for the new four man front.

13. St. Louis Rams - DT Will Sutton, Arizona State - Even though the Rams have solid edge rushers in Chris Long and Robert Quinn, Sutton could really disrupt things on the interior. I love his quickness and leverage to impact the line of scrimmage.

14. Kansas City Chiefs - DL Ra’Shede Hageman, Minnesota - Many suggested the Chiefs should have selected a defensive lineman to beef up their front seven. Hageman has a lot of upside that could turn into production this season and projects as a 5 technique.

15. Miami Dolphins - DT DeAndre Coleman, Cal - I understand Jared Odrick could be moved inside at some point, but Coleman is another improving defensive lineman with the frame to play inside in either front.

16. Cincinnati Bengals - LB Christian Jones, FSU - Jones is an outstanding talent who can close quickly to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. The Seminoles lost plenty of talent, but Jones will be a consistent force this season.

17. Minnesota Vikings - DE Morgan Breslin, Vikings - The team’s defensive end situation looks solid right now, but that could change after the 2013 season. Breslin has only spent one season at the FBS level, but he made an instant impact.

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - DE Jackson Jeffcoat, Texas - Jeffcoat is returning from a serious injury, so he could look like a completely different player, but Jeffcoat has speed on the edge to force quarterbacks to step up into the pocket.

19. New Orleans Saints - OLB Trent Murphy, Stanford - The Saints signed Chase Thomas to a UDFA deal, but Murphy has more length, strength, and comes from the same system.

20. New York Giants - G Gabe Jackson, Miss State - The Giants added Justin Pugh, and his spot along the lined isn’t locked in, but the powerful Jackson would be a solid addition at a couple interior spots.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers - TE C.J. Fiedorowicz, Iowa - The Steelers need to find Heath Miller’s replacement at some point. Fiedorowicz is one of the most underutilized prospects in the country, but he is very talented.

22. Houston Texans - DE/OLB Chaz Sutton, South Carolina - Off of 2012 tape, I preferred Sutton to Devin Taylor. Sutton lined up inside and out and should only improve across from Jadeveon Clowney.

23. Atlanta Falcons - DT Calvin Barnett, Oklahoma State - The Falcons pass rushers are aging, and Barnett could continue to improve and work himself into the early round discussion.

24. Chicago Bears - CB Aaron Colvin, Oklahoma - Some are very wary of selecting defensive backs from Oklahoma, but many are fans of Colvin’s work.

25. Indianapolis Colts - S Craig Loston, LSU - Teams appear to love LSU defenders, even if their tape isn’t consistently great (see Eric Reid). Loston lost plenty of talent around him, but is talented in his own right.

26. St. Louis Rams (via Redskins) - OL Cyril Richardson, Baylor - The final piece of the RGIII trade, Richardson could add some nice versatility and give Sam Bradford time to locate his new weapons.

27. Baltimore Ravens - WR Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt - The Ravens’ board leaned towards the defensive side in 2013, but Matthews would offer a large target for Joe Flacco.

28. Green Bay Packers - OLB James Gayle, Virginia Tech - Gayle contemplated entering the 2013 draft, but decided to return to college. If he continues to show improvement, both three and four man front teams could be intrigued.

29. New England Patriots - DE Kareem Martin, UNC - It is tough to find a need to fill for the Patriots, and it will be interesting to see Jamie Collins’ role. Martin is more of a traditional defensive end.

30. San Francisco 49ers - OLB Jeremiah Attaochu, Georgia Tech - Attaochu is a great athlete, specifically in terms of closing speed to make impact tackles, but he wastes a lot of movement.

31. Denver Broncos - CB Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State - Champ Bailey is only getting only older, and DRC is on a one year deal, so a cornerback could be a logical selection.

32. Seattle Seahawks - pass rusher Khalil Mack, Buffalo - This isn’t a true positional fit, but Mack is an agile pass rusher, and Seattle certainly likes to load up on those.

 

[Faust]

Risers and Fallers - Dane Brugler -- (Updated 5/7/2013)

 

[Faust]

from Rotoworld:

NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah tweeted that the buzz is already building around San Jose State QB David Fales.
We've mentioned Fales a few times after seeing his tape when spotlighting David Quessenberry and Ryan Otten. He flashes tremendous talent as a pocket passer, showing touch downfield and an ability to work through the pocket and progressions to find open receivers.

Source: Daniel Jeremiah on Twitter

Colorado WR coach Troy Walters believes the "sky is the limit" for junior WR Paul Richardson.
"I mean he can be the best in the country," Walters said. "He has all the tools and abilities to be the best out there. I mean, he can run. He's got another gear that I haven't seen in college football. He's got great hands and he's hungry. So you add all those things together. He's coachable. I expect big things out of him this year." Richardson missed the 2012 season due to a torn ACL.

Source: Buff Zone

NFL Network's Buck Brooks ranks Alabama QB A.J. McCarron as the No. 8 overall prospect headed into the 2013 season.
"McCarron doesn't get enough credit for the Crimson Tide's back-to-back national titles, but scouts are starting to recognize his pro-ready game," Brooks writes. "McCarron is capable of making every throw in the book and could enter the NFL with 40 college starts under his belt." We still think there is a chance he is only a game manager.

Source: NFL.com

 

[Xue]

Paul Richardson looks so much like AJ Green on the field, just a smaller version though. 6' 176? Is that frame gonna last in the NFL?

 

[tdmills]

Paul Richardson looks so much like AJ Green on the field, just a smaller version though. 6' 176? Is that frame gonna last in the NFL?

Big fan of his game, he was on my radar prior to the knee injury. Interested to see if he is fully recovered.

 

[joey]

time to :whitestar: this thread to track for next year...

 

[Faust]

Paul Richardson looks so much like AJ Green on the field, just a smaller version though. 6' 176? Is that frame gonna last in the NFL?

Big fan of his game, he was on my radar prior to the knee injury. Interested to see if he is fully recovered.

Marvin Harrison played at 6'0" and between 180 to 185 lbs. during his playing career, so while Richardson doesn't have optimal size, he certainly can have a role in the NFL and could last in the NFL

 

[MAC_32]

The day will come in which people stop questioning size so much. I don't know when, but I believe. Hope. Something. You can play or you can't play. Yeah, size can help but I think most put too much emphasis on it.

 

[EBF]

Football is a strength game as much as it's a speed game.

Most of the elite NFL WRs are pretty thick. Even the lighter guys like Green, Wayne, and Wallace have decent bulk.

A smaller frame limits a receiver's effectiveness in certain situations and poses durability risks.

Richardson is an absolute twig and he'll have to be a superstar in every facet besides size if he's going to become a #1 receiver in the NFL.

 

[Faust]

Football is a strength game as much as it's a speed game.

Most of the elite NFL WRs are pretty thick. Even the lighter guys like Green, Wayne, and Wallace have decent bulk.

A smaller frame limits a receiver's effectiveness in certain situations and poses durability risks.

Richardson is an absolute twig and he'll have to be a superstar in every facet besides size if he's going to become a #1 receiver in the NFL.

Marvin Harrison had an uncanny knack for avoiding taking a lot of big hits and that definitely was a factor in his longevity.

Richardson has a very slight build, and will need to show some special skills if he wants to have similar longevity, but is it also possible for him to add some size to his frame, as he just turned 21 last month?

 

[MAC_32]

Football is a strength game as much as it's a speed game.

Most of the elite NFL WRs are pretty thick. Even the lighter guys like Green, Wayne, and Wallace have decent bulk.

A smaller frame limits a receiver's effectiveness in certain situations and poses durability risks.

Richardson is an absolute twig and he'll have to be a superstar in every facet besides size if he's going to become a #1 receiver in the NFL.

The ultimate goal is to accumulate #1's, but continually throwing darts at guys that have the physical attributes of a 1 but don't know how to play gets your team into trouble. It's ok to have 2's and 3's on your roster.

 

[EBF]

Richardson has a very slight build, and will need to show some special skills if he wants to have similar longevity, but is it also possible for him to add some size to his frame, as he just turned 21 last month?

My take is that every human has a natural body type and thus a natural default weight. The whole ectomorph/mesomorph/endomorph thing.

You can certainly add weight through hard work, diet, and training, but not every player has the capacity to get huge. CJ Spiller is never going to look like Jonathan Stewart. Randy Moss is never going to look like Terrell Owens. It's not just about work habits and effort. It's genetics. All of the weight training in the world can't completely redefine your body type.

By the time a football player is getting ready to enter the NFL draft, it's likely that he's been involved with serious weight training for several years. That means he's probably close to a finished product physically. So while you definitely do see some players add weight after entering the league, I'm skeptical to accept the idea that any prospect is going to significantly transform himself after he's been drafted.

 

[EBF]

Football is a strength game as much as it's a speed game.

Most of the elite NFL WRs are pretty thick. Even the lighter guys like Green, Wayne, and Wallace have decent bulk.

A smaller frame limits a receiver's effectiveness in certain situations and poses durability risks.

Richardson is an absolute twig and he'll have to be a superstar in every facet besides size if he's going to become a #1 receiver in the NFL.

The ultimate goal is to accumulate #1's, but continually throwing darts at guys that have the physical attributes of a 1 but don't know how to play gets your team into trouble. It's ok to have 2's and 3's on your roster.

I don't think too many people would argue against that. All else being equal though, a player with standout physical traits is going to have a brighter outlook than a player without those traits. If I'm looking for the next big thing I'm going to look for players with rare size/speed/quickness because those are the guys who have the potential for stardom.

 

[MAC_32]

Football is a strength game as much as it's a speed game. Most of the elite NFL WRs are pretty thick. Even the lighter guys like Green, Wayne, and Wallace have decent bulk. A smaller frame limits a receiver's effectiveness in certain situations and poses durability risks.Richardson is an absolute twig and he'll have to be a superstar in every facet besides size if he's going to become a #1 receiver in the NFL.

The ultimate goal is to accumulate #1's, but continually throwing darts at guys that have the physical attributes of a 1 but don't know how to play gets your team into trouble. It's ok to have 2's and 3's on your roster.

I don't think too many people would argue against that. All else being equal though, a player with standout physical traits is going to have a brighter outlook than a player without those traits. If I'm looking for the next big thing I'm going to look for players with rare size/speed/quickness because those are the guys who have the potential for stardom.

i think spending more time disecting those types is a better use of time than debating marquise lee vs Sammy Watkins. The best teams are built after round one of the draft.

 

[Xue]

Paul Richardson looks so much like AJ Green on the field, just a smaller version though. 6' 176? Is that frame gonna last in the NFL?

Big fan of his game, he was on my radar prior to the knee injury. Interested to see if he is fully recovered.

Marvin Harrison played at 6'0" and between 180 to 185 lbs. during his playing career, so while Richardson doesn't have optimal size, he certainly can have a role in the NFL and could last in the NFL

He plays stronger/bigger than his size. I'm just worried about how he can take hits. The talent is there.

 

[Xue]

A lot of people seem to be high on Ka'Deem Carey and Damien Williams. I definitely don't see it with Williams. Looks like another Mike Gillislee.

Can't argue with Carey's production, but I'd definitely rank someone like Ben Malena higher than Carey based on pure ability.

 

[Faust]

A few more from Rotoworld:

NFL.com's Gil Brandt ranks Boston College's Alex Amidon as his No. 5 senior WR.
Vanderbilt's Jordan Matthews, Texas' Mike Davis, BYU's Cody Hoffman, and Wisconsin's Jared Abbrederis ranked ahead of Amidon. The latter pur forth a great statistical season in 2012, and will hope to duplicate it in 2013. We would include Oklahoma's Jalen Saunders on this list.

Source: Gil Brandt on Twitter

ESPN's Brock Huard ranks Ohio State junior Braxton Miller as the No. 5 draft-eligible QB for the 2014 draft.
Miller checks in behind Teddy Bridgewater, Tajh Boyd, Aaron murray, and Marcus Mariota. However, Huard does place Miller ahead of big names like A.J. McCarron, Johnny Manziel, Stephen Morris, Logan Thomas, and Derek Carr. "Accuracy can't always be taught, but neither can winning and toughness," Huard writes. "If his passing efficiency improves, Miller's stock will soar and NFL teams will clamor for a leader they couldn't find in the 2013 draft."

Source: ESPN

Louisville junior QB Teddy Bridgewater completed 71 percent of his throws that traveled six to 15 yards beyond the line of scrimmage.
The number is ridiculously high, since many college passers average around 50 to 60 percent in that intermediate area. Bridgewater is a pure pocket passer, with a great feel for pressure to evade it and find receivers downfield. "When you break down his incompletions, he threw into coverage less than any QB in the past draft class and flat out missed his receivers less as well," according to Greg Peshek of The Sideline View.

Source: The Sideline View

Baylor senior WR Tevin Reese dropped 13.1 percent of targets thrown his way in 2012.
Reese did average around nine yards after the catch, which is a number larger than Tavon Austin's total in 2012. However, this drop percentage was even worse than Justin Hunter, who was widely criticized for his unreliable hands. Reese will need to take the next step in 2013 and continue the trend for ultra productive receivers from Baylor.

Source: The Sideline View

Oklahoma senior WR Jalen Saunders only dropped 3.1 percent of the passes thrown his way.
According to Greg Peshek of The Sideline View, "Saunders is one of the more safe prospects statistically at this stage." On top of his low drop percentage, "he also gained 7.1 yards after the catch when Kenny Stills only averaged 3.1 yards after the catch in the same offense." We love Saunders' projection to the slot, but many will question his rail thin frame.

Source: The Sideline View

 

[BigTex]

How do Hill/Seastrunk compare to Lacy/Bernard? Expecting Seastrunk to put up a much better combine than Bernard. On the surface Lacy seems better than Hill, more likely to be 3down. Not knowing much I would rank it Seastrunk, Lacy, Bernard, Hill. But I don't know much.

I'd probably take Lacy over Hill and Seastrunk over Bernard. Bernard doesn't really jump out at me when I watch him run. Lacy is not amazing, but he has no glaring weaknesses. Enough size to carry the load and also has nimble feet and adequate burst/cutting ability. He should be a decent pro starter.Lache is a bit undersized, but he's got great speed and he's very agile. He can make cuts that none of these other backs can make. I tentatively have him ranked as the best back available next year. What he did down the stretch was pretty impressive.

So you like Hill over Seastrunk?

 

[EBF]

Putting aside the character issues, Hill looks like he might be a soft body. The kind of back like Dwyer/LenDale/Lacy who won't shine in workouts.

Seastrunk has his issues as well. Not the biggest guy and doesn't run with a lot of thump. What he did down the stretch last year was impressive though.

Dyer might be the best of the whole lot if he can get back on track.

None of this stuff is concrete for me. We've got a whole year left to evaluate these guys. At this point I'm not hugely concerned with getting everything exactly right. This upcoming college season will cause tectonic shift like always.

 

[cstu]

Seastrunk has his issues as well. Not the biggest guy and doesn't run with a lot of thump. What he did down the stretch last year was impressive though.

I'm completely sold on Seastrunk. He's not going to blow anyone away in the 40 but I expect him to test very well in everything else. I view him as a better version of Bernard.

 

[tdmills]

Seastrunk has his issues as well. Not the biggest guy and doesn't run with a lot of thump. What he did down the stretch last year was impressive though.

I'm completely sold on Seastrunk. He's not going to blow anyone away in the 40 but I expect him to test very well in everything else. I view him as a better version of Bernard.

I disagree. I think the 40 is exactly where Seastrunk will stand out and not stand out in the other areas.

 

[jonboltz]

Seastrunk has his issues as well. Not the biggest guy and doesn't run with a lot of thump. What he did down the stretch last year was impressive though.

I'm completely sold on Seastrunk. He's not going to blow anyone away in the 40 but I expect him to test very well in everything else. I view him as a better version of Bernard.

I disagree. I think the 40 is exactly where Seastrunk will stand out and not stand out in the other areas.

I expect him to completely crush the 3-cone.

 

[JohnnyU]

Leche Seastrunk or Duke Johnson wins the Heisman.

 

[Faust]

Top 5 QBs & RBs for the 2014 draft

Justin VanFulpen

With the 2013 draft class now in preparations for their first campaign as professional football players, we turn our attention to what 2014 has to offer. Today we focus on the two positions that had little luck in April’s first round: Quarterbacks and running backs.

QUARTERBACKS

1. David Fales, San Jose State – Fales was a junior college transfer and has all the tools you are looking for in a quarterback. He had a great junior season and could see himself get more national attention this year.

2. Aaron Murray, Georgia – Murray has started since his freshman year and has been a very productive quarterback in the SEC. The issue with the Georgia standout is that he is shorter than the NFL would like in a starting quarterback.

3. Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech – Many people thought Thomas would have declared early for the NFL draft, but he decided to go back to school after a disappointing junior season. Thomas has the physical tools but needs to put it all together in his senior season.

4. A.J. McCarron, Alabama – McCarron is a winner with two national championships under his belt as Alabama’s starting quarterback. He lacks an elite arm, but has all the other tools you are looking for in an NFL quarterback.

5. Derek Carr, Fresno State – Derek’s brother David Carr was the number one overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft and is currently a backup quarterback for the New York Giants. Derek has better physical tools then David but will have to overcome the stigma of the lack success his brother has had in the NFL.

RUNNING BACKS

1. Damien Williams, Oklahoma – Williams was a junior college transfer last year who has big-play ability. Williams is a running back with great size who also has the ability to catch the ball out of the back field.

2. LaDarius Perkins, Mississippi State – Perkins has been a productive running back in the SEC, but the question mark is going to be his size with NFL teams.

3. Silas Redd, USC – Redd was a transfer from Penn State who needs to stay health this season at USC to help his draft stock.

4. Carlos Hyde, Ohio State – Since Eddie George, there have been few Ohio State running backs who have had a lot of success in the NFL. Hyde could break that mold.

5. James White, Wisconsin – This season White will have the chance to be the lead back for the Badgers after sharing carries with Montee Ball the last few years.

Follow Justin on Twitter: @jvanfulpen

If you would like to purchase Justin VanFulpen’s 2014 NFL Draft Package please email him at jvanfulpen@gmail.com for details.

Justin VanFulpen has been covering the NFL Draft since 1997 for different media outlets. He represented NFL players as a NFLPA Certified Contract Advisor from 2004-2008. He is now the Director of Player Personal for the Texas vs. the Nation All-Star Game where he has worked since 2009. You can email Justin at jvanfulpen@gmail.com.

 

[Faust]

Top 5 WRs & TEs for the 2014 draft

Justin VanFulpen

After taking a look at the top quarterback and running back prospects for the 2014 NFL draft, we turn our attention today to the wide receiver and tight end positions.

CLICK HERE to check out our preseason QB & RB rankings.

Note: Our preseason rankings include seniors only. Underclassmen will be added once they declare for the NFL draft

Wide Receivers

1. Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt – Many were surprised that Matthews opted to return for his senior season. He is a complete wide receiver who has the ability to be a No. 1 wideout in the NFL.

2. Cody Hoffman, Brigham Young – Hoffman is a big, physical wide receiver who use his body to shield defenders and catches the ball well.

3. Devin Street, Pittsburgh – We love Street’s size and playmaking ability, but the Panther standout needs to get stronger.

4. TJ Jones, Notre Dame – Jones will be Notre Dame’s best offensive player this year and should get a lot of chances to make plays while showing he could be a No. 1 wide receiver in the NFL.

5. Kevin Norwood, Alabama – Norwood is a big-time playmaker, but sometimes he disappears on tape. He’ll need to correct that this season to help his draft grade.

Tight Ends

1. C.J. Fiedorowicz, Iowa – Fiedorowicz has the size and blocking ability you look for in a tight end, but he needs to make more explosive plays in the passing game.

2. Chris Coyle, Arizona State – Coyle is a great receiving tight end but lacks elite size and might have to transition to the H-back position in the NFL.

3. Arthur Lynch, Georgia – Lynch is a consistent player who has all the skills you look for in a tight end. He could move up the rankings this year with a quality senior season.

4. Jacob Pedersen, Wisconsin – Pedersen is a better athlete then people give him credit for and will be a focus in the passing game this year at Wisconsin.

5. Blake Jackson, Oklahoma State – Jackson was a junior college transfer last year and had a great season, averaging close to 20 yards per catch. This is a guy worth keeping an eye on this year.

Follow me on Twitter: @jvanfulpen

If you would like to purchase Justin VanFulpen’s 2014 NFL Draft Package please email him at jvanfulpen@gmail.com for details.

Justin VanFulpen has been covering the NFL Draft since 1997 for different media outlets. He represented NFL players as a NFLPA Certified Contract Advisor from 2004-2008. He is now the Director of Player Personal for the Texas vs. the Nation All-Star Game where he has worked since 2009. You can email Justin at jvanfulpen@gmail.com.

 

[moderated]

The rankings that don't include underclassmen are pretty worthless IMO. All the best prospects are usually underclassmen.

 

[Xue]

The rankings that don't include underclassmen are pretty worthless IMO. All the best prospects are usually underclassmen.

Yup. Mock drafts with Seniors only is even more worthless.

 

[Xue]

Logan Thomas is pretty horrible. I don't think he's that much better than Marqueis Gray. Was a fan of Carr, but his mechanics just looked too sloppy last season. I actually think he looked better under center in 2011.

Surprised to not see Boyd, though. Would definitely put him above Murray.

That's the second person I've seen with Damien Williams #1. I don't think he's anywhere near the top. One of those Tashard Choice-types, 4th or 5th rounder at best.

 

[cstu]

Note: Our preseason rankings include seniors only. Underclassmen will be added once they declare for the NFL draft

Why do they bother with this? Just assume everyone who declare will do so. Except for some rare cases the only guys who stay in school are the ones whose draft stock isn't high enough.

 

[cstu]

1. David Fales, San Jose State – Fales was a junior college transfer and has all the tools you are looking for in a quarterback. He had a great junior season and could see himself get more national attention this year.

He doesn't have a strong arm but he's Brady-like in his accuracy and ability to move around in the pocket.

 

[EBF]

Went to the SJSU/Stanford game last year. Had no idea who Fales was going into the game, but he played really well and kept the Spartans in it. Very accurate and seems to have the "it" factor. If he checks out from a size/arm strength standpoint he has a chance to be a solid QB prospect.

 

[Mister CIA]

If already posted here I missed it, but I just stumbled across a link stating that gun charges against Isaiah Crowell have been dropped.

Does he stay at Alabama State for his junior year? Does he (can he?) transfer to another school, say a tier 2 SEC team, to boost his 2014 draft stock?

 

[Faust]

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/...fl-draft-offensive-prospects-who-could-emerge

2014 NFL Draft: Six offensive prospects who could emerge

By Dane Brugler | NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst

Last summer, I became enamored with this swing tackle from Oklahoma. Watching his junior tape, he looked athletic and long with a wide base. The more research that I did, the more that I liked and realized he wasn't going to last long on draft day. That player was Lane Johnson. And although last summer I never expected him to be picked fourth overall in the 2013 NFL Draft, he was one of the players whom I pegged to emerge as a senior prospect. On the flip side, Michigan defensive end Craig Roh was an example of a player whom I expected to take a big step forward last year, but he had a very pedestrian 2012 season and went undrafted.

It's rare for players to go from obscurity to a top-five draft pick like Johnson, but each NFL draft is littered with players who emerged as seniors, putting themselves in position to be higher draft picks than originally thought.

We all know about the top-tier senior prospects like Taylor Lewan, C.J. Mosley and Anthony Barr, but the prospects below are also on the NFL draft radar. The purpose of this exercise is to try to identify the seniors who aren't household names yet (none of these prospects appear on my preliminary 2014 NFL Draft top-50 board), but with strong final seasons, they might be able to inch up draft boards over the next 11 months.

QUARTERBACK

Bryn Renner, North Carolina (6-3, 215, 4.79)

OVERVIEW

The Tar Heels have pumped a lot of talent through the NFL pipeline as of late, but before T.J. Yates was drafted in 2011, North Carolina hadn't produced an NFL quarterback. And while time will tell if Yates will ever be more than a solid backup, Bryn Renner will audition for NFL scouts this fall in his third season as the starting quarterback in Chapel Hill. He has steadily improve his production the past two seasons and finished strong in 2012 with four straight 300-yard passing performances to end the year with an 11-2 TD-INT ratio over that stretch. As North Carolina enters year two in Larry Fedora's offense, the stage is set for Renner to take a big leap forward as a signal caller.

ANALYSIS

The son of a football coach, Renner is a tough-minded competitor who might replace Arkansas' Tyler Wilson as the toughest quarterback in college football. He doesn't have an elite arm and will get himself in trouble when forcing throws, but he shows good enough arm strength for the next level with downfield touch. Renner understands how to find mismatches and exploit them, doing a nice job taking what the defense gives him. His ball placement and on-field leadership need refinement, but he'll look down the gun barrel and give his weapons a chance to make a play.

2013 OUTLOOK

While he won't “wow” with his physical tools, Renner is an intriguing quarterback prospect who might surprise as a senior if he continues to improve.

Three more potential breakout QB prospects:

Casey Pachall, TCU

Brendon Kay, Cincinnati

Jeff Mathews, Cornell

RUNNING BACK

LaDarius Perkins, Mississippi State (5-10, 190, 4.42)

OVERVIEW

In Dan Mullen's four seasons as coach at Mississippi State, the Bulldogs have produced a pair of NFL running backs, Anthony Dixon (49ers, sixth round, 2010) and Vick Ballard (Colts, fifth round, 2012). But LaDarius Perkins might have the best pro potential of the three. A Greenville, Miss., native, he has rushed for 2,012 yards over his first three seasons at Mississippi State, including a team-best 1,024 yards in 2012. The Bulldogs return their top-seven rushers from a year ago, so Perkins will have fresh legs and should improve upon his 5.0 yards per carry average from 2012.

ANALYSIS

Perkins has outstanding plant-and-go acceleration, doing a nice job side-stepping defenders with strong footwork to make clean cuts. He has a compactly-built upper body and keeps his legs pumping with balance to pick up chunks of yards after initial contact. Perkins' vision runs hot/cold too often, and he struggles to improvise at times when the hole isn't there, but he has the lateral agility and quick feet to scamper from defenders. He adds value as a pass-catcher and return man on kickoffs, averaging 21.1 yards per return in Starkville.

2013 OUTLOOK

Perkins enters this season as the SEC's top senior rusher and might be able to parlay a strong final year in Starkville into a top-100 draft choice.

Three more potential breakout RB prospects:

David Fluellen, Toledo

Antonio Andrews, Western Kentucky

Fitzgerald Touissant, Michigan

WIDE RECEIVER

TJ Jones, Notre Dame (5-11, 190, 4.46)

OVERVIEW

With Tyler Eifert now in the NFL, Notre Dame needs a new go-to offensive target for Everett Golson or whichever quarterback is under center for the Irish. And that player might be Tai-ler “TJ” Jones, who tied Eifert for the team lead in catches (50) and receiving scores (four) last season. With 30 starts and 111 career catches in South Bend already on his resume, Jones is well acquainted with Brian Kelly's offense and has proven to be a reliable threat at every level. He also has football in his blood: his late father (Andre Jones) starred for the Irish in the ‘80s, his uncle (Philip Daniels) played 15 seasons in the NFL before retiring in 2010, and his godfather (Raghib “Rocket” Ismail) was one of the more exciting players in his prime.

ANALYSIS

Jones has excellent footwork in his routes and sets up his moves well, doing a nice job working back to the ball to give his quarterback a clean target. He fights for the ball and shows strong hands to come down with throws away from his body, making some tough catches look easy. Jones has an accurate sense of his surroundings with good shake after the catch to slither around defenders and explode upfield. He has a lean, narrow frame and lacks much bulk but is tougher than he looks to get every yard that he can as a ballcarrier.

2013 OUTLOOK

Jones has an active streak of at least one catch in 27 consecutive games and is poised for a breakout season as a senior if he can take that next step in his development.

Three more potential breakout WR prospects:

Jalen Saunders, Oklahoma

Mike Davis, Texas

Noel Grigsby, San Jose State

TIGHT END

Kaneakua Friel, BYU (6-5, 250, 4.68)

OVERVIEW

There is no question that the Cougars' top receiving option is senior wideout Cody Hoffman, who is one of the best receivers in the country. But Kaneakua Friel emerged in 2012 as an intriguing tight end talent, finishing his junior season second on the team with five receiving touchdowns. He got off to a hot start last season with 15 catches in the first three games before cooling off and recording just 15 catches in BYU's final 10 contests. Nonetheless, Friel has worked hard to stay focused and earn more and more playing time, even after the coaching staff asked him to move to linebacker last spring due to the crowded depth chart at tight end.

ANALYSIS

A tall, well-built athlete, Friel looks the part with fluid body control, adjusting his frame to snare passes away from his body. He is lean-muscled and needs to do more work in the weight room to get stronger and max out his frame. Friel needs to cut down on the dropped passes, struggling with focus issues at times. He has excellent speed for the position to stretch the seam and catch defenders off balance in the middle of the field. Friel needs to play smarter and avoid pushing off downfield, something that he won't be able to get away with in the NFL.

2013 OUTLOOK

Friel has intriguing NFL tools but needs to turn the flashes into more consistency as a senior to prove to pro scouts that he has the potential for the next level.

Three more potential breakout TE prospects:

Gabe Holmes, Purdue

Ted Bolser, Indiana

Arthur Lynch, Georgia

OFFENSIVE TACKLE

James Hurst, North Carolina (6-6, 310, 5.43)

OVERVIEW

A five-star recruit out of high school in Indiana, James Hurst spurned offers from Alabama, Ohio State and basically every other program in the country to enroll at North Carolina. He earned the starting left tackle job as a true freshman and has started 36 games the past three seasons, forming one of the top blocking tandems in the country along with Jonathan Cooper at left guard. Hurst earned first-team All-ACC honors as a junior and -- with Cooper, Brennan Williams and Travis Bond now in the NFL -- Hurst is the leader of the North Carolina offensive line for 2013. Some scouts believe he can develop into a high first-round pick.

ANALYSIS

Hurst passes the eye test with a tall, well-proportioned frame with adequate bulk. He has a terrific work ethic and competitive drive, fighting through the whistle to eliminate his target. Hurst is a smart, heady player with great instincts and anticipation to recognize defensive pressures and adjust accordingly. He works hard to square his shoulders and stay balanced on the move, easily getting to the second level with better foot quickness than expected. Hurst has room to improve his hand placement and technique, but he understands angles and plays like a seasoned veteran.

2013 OUTLOOK

Hurst will be tested in the 2013 opener against South Carolina's Jadeveon Clowney, so the Tar Heel left tackle will have the opportunity to prove right away that he's a top-tier prospect.

Three more potential breakout OT prospects:

Zack Martin, Notre Dame

Austin Wentworth, Fresno State

Wesley Johnson, Vanderbilt

INTERIOR OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

Gabe Jackson, Mississippi State (6-4, 320, 5.34)

OVERVIEW

It's tough to classify Gabe Jackson as a “breakout” star because he has been a stud in the SEC the past few seasons. But, being an offensive guard, he's still flying under the radar. After redshirting in 2009, he earned the starting left guard job as a redshirt freshman and has been the foundation of the Bulldogs' offensive line the past three seasons, starting 39 straight games. Quarterback Tyler Russell and running back LaDarius Perkins will receive most of the headlines, but Jackson will be a substantial key to the Bulldogs' offensive success in 2013.

ANALYSIS

Jackson has an ideal frame and base with natural athleticism to pull and appear effortless mirroring defenders. He does a nice job extending at the point of attack to keep defenders from his frame and takes pride in his aggressive approach to the game. Jackson isn't overly explosive, but he does a nice job getting to the second level and attacking defenders in space. He has a bad habit of overextending and needs to play more controlled, especially in space, but he is equally tough as a run blocker and pass protector.

2013 OUTLOOK

While he isn't quite in the Jonathan Cooper/Chance Warmack category, it wouldn't be surprising if Jackson is the first guard drafted next April.

Three more potential breakout interior OL prospects:

Marcus Hall, Ohio State

Spencer Long, Nebraska

Weston Richburg, Colorado State

Potential breakout defensive prospects will be posted on Tuesday.

 

[Xue]

My current rankings:

QB:

• Bridgewater
• Mariota
• Boyd
• Hundley
• Renner

RB:

• Jay Ajayi
• Bishop Sankey
• Melvin Gordon
• Michael Dyer
• Lache Seastrunk

WR:

• Sammy Watkins
• Marqise Lee
• Sean Price
• Mike Evans
• Cody Hoffman

 

[werdnoynek]

My current rankings:

QB:

• Bridgewater
• Mariota
• Boyd
• Hundley
• Renner

RB:

• Jay Ajayi
• Bishop Sankey
• Melvin Gordon
• Michael Dyer
• Lache Seastrunk

WR:

• Sammy Watkins
• Marqise Lee
• Sean Price
• Mike Evans
• Cody Hoffman

love Gordon. He's could definitely (and IMO will) take the spotlight from James White this season.

ETA: Great list overall too. Ajayi and Sankey are definitely against the grain. Very interesting.

 

[jurb26]

My current rankings:

WR:

1. Sammy Watkins
   
2. Marqise LeeWatkins over Lee? Care to expand on that? I've got Lee pretty well ahead of him and see him as the best WR since Green. Curious as to your thoughts.

 

[Xue]

My current rankings:

WR:

1. Sammy Watkins
   
2. Marqise LeeWatkins over Lee? Care to expand on that? I've got Lee pretty well ahead of him and see him as the best WR since Green. Curious as to your thoughts. Watkins' speed/acceleration is on a different level to Lee. I think he runs a mid to high 4.3. Lee will probably put up a great broad jump and vertical but I don't see elite speed. Maybe 4.45-4.50. Their routes and hands are about equal. Lee cuts better with the ball in his hands, though, while Watkins just out runs defenders.
   I don't think Lee is on Green's level either. Green had much better timing on jump balls and cut much better on his routes. Lee catches "underhand" too much for my liking and needs to "snatch" the ball more.

 

[jurb26]

My current rankings:

WR:

1. Sammy Watkins
   
2. Marqise LeeWatkins over Lee? Care to expand on that? I've got Lee pretty well ahead of him and see him as the best WR since Green. Curious as to your thoughts. Watkins' speed/acceleration is on a different level to Lee. I think he runs a mid to high 4.3. Lee will probably put up a great broad jump and vertical but I don't see elite speed. Maybe 4.45-4.50. Their routes and hands are about equal. Lee cuts better with the ball in his hands, though, while Watkins just out runs defenders.
   I don't think Lee is on Green's level either. Green had much better timing on jump balls and cut much better on his routes. Lee catches "underhand" too much for my liking and needs to "snatch" the ball more.Lee is no Green. Still, he is the best WR prospect in the years since Green IMO.

 

[Xue]

My current rankings:

QB:

• Bridgewater
• Mariota
• Boyd
• Hundley
• Renner

RB:

• Jay Ajayi
• Bishop Sankey
• Melvin Gordon
• Michael Dyer
• Lache Seastrunk

WR:

• Sammy Watkins
• Marqise Lee
• Sean Price
• Mike Evans
• Cody Hoffman

love Gordon. He's could definitely (and IMO will) take the spotlight from James White this season.

ETA: Great list overall too. Ajayi and Sankey are definitely against the grain. Very interesting.

I think a lot of draftniks are going to play catch up on Ajayi and Sankey. I'm sold on what I've seen and not waiting until next off-season to put them high. I think there's an argument you could put the top 5 that I have in any order.

 

[EBF]

I could buy into the idea that Lee is just a hair overrated. Not as bad as Allen and Woods a year ago, but he might end up as more of a top 5-10 overall draft pick instead of being an uber elite top 3 guy. He doesn't quite have the right dimensions for the height/weight/speed crowd at just 6 feet tall with good-not-great track speed.

On the other hand, he's strong for his height and plays big. His production is beyond reproach. He might not be a burner in a straight line, but he's agile and quick. Much more so than Watkins. He can long jump the world. Could end up testing a bit like Dez Bryant, who only ran 4.52, but jumped 11'1" in the broad jump and 38" in the vert.

I think he's a can't-miss prospect and the best WR from the last few draft classes. I'd rank him about WR7-9 in leagues with dev players.

Watkins is all speed and not as fluid with his lateral movement. Probably a high first rounder in his own right, but a different style.

 

[jurb26]

I don't know what Lee's track speed is like anymore, I think he just long jumps at SC now. Never the less, he's jumping over 25' and that is very impressive. His HS times in the 100 & 200 were 10.7 and 22.1. These are very good times, though not elite. I'd be surprised if he didn't time at the low 4.4 range in the 40. His top end speed is a bit lacking but his short area quickness and acceleration are elite. That should led to a decent 40 time. Regardless, he is fast on the field. Real fast. I do wish he were a couple of inches taller and can see that as a legitimate knock heading to the NFL.

 

[EBF]

I don't know what Lee's track speed is like anymore, I think he just long jumps at SC now. Never the less, he's jumping over 25' and that is very impressive. His HS times in the 100 & 200 were 10.7 and 22.1. These are very good times, though not elite. I'd be surprised if he didn't time at the low 4.4 range in the 40. His top end speed is a bit lacking but his short area quickness and acceleration are elite. That should led to a decent 40 time. Regardless, he is fast on the field. Real fast. I do wish he were a couple of inches taller and can see that as a legitimate knock heading to the NFL.

The lack of height will scare off some people, but I don't think it will really matter much in the end. He's like a better version of Greg Jennings or Santonio Holmes, both of whom are about the same height. He looks thick for his height and will most likely check in with a solid BMI score.

I agree about his speed. He's not a burner in the sense of Ted Ginn, Heyward-Bey, or Clyde Gates. He doesn't have that third gear pull away speed. That doesn't mean he's slow though. If you can long jump 25'5" then you're probably pretty explosive vertically. He's not a Dez clone in terms of physique or style, but he's similar in the sense that he makes up for his lack of sheer blazing speed with strength, quickness, and overall economy of movement.

 

[Roundhead]

Where would Davante Adams be ranked if he declares next year?

 

[Xue]

Where would Davante Adams be ranked if he declares next year?

I would put him #5 in my rankings and bump Hoffman down.

 

[BeTheMatch]

My current rankings:

QB:

• Bridgewater
• Mariota
• Boyd
• Hundley
• Renner

I think people are really overlooking McCarron.

 

[MAC_32]

My current rankings:

QB:

• Bridgewater
• Mariota
• Boyd
• Hundley
• Renner

I think people are really overlooking McCarron.

This is why I hate rankings for next year right now. There is so much more upside with Manziel, Mariota, Boyd, Hundley, and even Braxton Miller and to a much lesser degree Logan Thomas...because they run. For fantasy purposes, right now, a calculated dice roll on one of them over McCarron is the right move imho. When all is said and done I think McCarron and Fales are above most of them and Kevin Hogan in a couple of years too. However, unless they blossom into elite passers their fantasy upside is not as high as the runners. I'm in the midst of a developmental draft right now and I would not have considered Braxton or Logan over any of those 3, but the rest I would have.

 

[UKColt]

Our rookie draft allows you to take 1 devy pick at any point in the first 4 rounds, so we have to factor in next years player into current value.

I was amazed that in a 2QB league, 14 team league, Bridgewater lasted to me at 2.05. Manziel was taken at 2.04, which I think is madness. Yes he's exciting, but Bridgewater is a far more NFL ready QB.

 

[jonboltz]

Our rookie draft allows you to take 1 devy pick at any point in the first 4 rounds, so we have to factor in next years player into current value.

I was amazed that in a 2QB league, 14 team league, Bridgewater lasted to me at 2.05. Manziel was taken at 2.04, which I think is madness. Yes he's exciting, but Bridgewater is a far more NFL ready QB.

Crazytalk. Should have been 1.01-1.05.

 

[Xue]

My current rankings:

QB:

• Bridgewater
• Mariota
• Boyd
• Hundley
• Renner

I think people are really overlooking McCarron.

This is why I hate rankings for next year right now. There is so much more upside with Manziel, Mariota, Boyd, Hundley, and even Braxton Miller and to a much lesser degree Logan Thomas...because they run. For fantasy purposes, right now, a calculated dice roll on one of them over McCarron is the right move imho. When all is said and done I think McCarron and Fales are above most of them and Kevin Hogan in a couple of years too. However, unless they blossom into elite passers their fantasy upside is not as high as the runners. I'm in the midst of a developmental draft right now and I would not have considered Braxton or Logan over any of those 3, but the rest I would have.

I don't see the upside with McCarron.

These running QBs have upside, but I'm ranking them on their passing upside. None of them are going to be Cam Newton in the NFL. Maybe Braxton Miller, but he needs to really improve his passing.

 

[offdee]

Phenomz Dynasty: 14 team, 4 round draft. Each team allowed 1 college player on their roster (Soph, Junior or Senior)

** Noting some players picked before and after each to show relative value.

Already claimed last year:

- Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson (went 1.05)

2013 Draft:

1.01: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia

1.02: Marqise Lee, WR, USC

1.03: Cordarrelle Patterson (Vikings)

1.04: Le'Veon Bell (Steelers)

1.05: T.J. Yeldon, RB, Alabama

1.06: Tavon Austin (Rams)

1.06: Giovani Bernard (Bengals)

1.14: Markus Wheaton (Steelers)

2.01: Lache Seastrunk, RB, Baylor

2.02: Zac Stacy (Rams)

2.03: Geno Smith (Jets)

2.04: Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M

2.05: Zach Ertz (Eagles)

2.06: Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville

2.07: Stedman Bailey (Rams)

2.10: Jordan Reed (Redskins)

2.11: Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Washington

2.12: Joseph Randle (Cowboys)

2.13: De'Anthony Thomas, RB, Oregon

2.14: Matt Flynn (Raiders)

3.02: Josh Boyce (Patriots)

3.03: Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson

3.04: Latavius Murray (Raiders)

3.10: Da'Rick Rogers (Bills)

3.11: Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia

3.12 Mike Gillislee (Dolphins)

3.13: Ka'Deem Carey, RB, Arizona

3.14: Gavin Escobar (Cowboys)

4.06: Denard Robinson (Jaguars)

4.07: Duke Johnson, RB, Miami

4.08: Jarrett Boykin (Packers)

4.09: Marquise Goodwin (Bills)

4.10: Branden Oliver, RB, Buffalo

Notables not selected:

- Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama

- Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M