[Dynasty] 2014 Draft Prospects (1 Viewer)

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

NFL.com's Charles Davis called LSU junior WR Odell Beckham Jr. "an explosive playmaker."
Beckham Jr. (6-foot-0, 193 pounds) was recently named the Paul Hornung Award winner as college football's most versatile player. "Beckham Jr. (6-0, 193) has developed as he's gone along," Davis wrote. "He started out as a kick returner, eventually earned more reps as receiver and this year did it all as a junior, setting an LSU record with 2,222 all-purpose yards."

Source: NFL.com

Vanderbilt senior WR Jordan Matthews "never had the luxury of elite quarterback play but still was prolific" according to NFL.com's Charles Davis.
With 107 catches in 2013, Matthews has already snapped the SEC record for most receptions in a single season. Matthews is the SEC's career record holder for receptions with 364 and receiving yards with 4,950. "The senior shows great toughness, the ability to work inside and he can beat a defense over the top," wrote Davis. "If he runs a good time at the combine, look out. He could rise up draft boards." Matthews is a potential first-round pick.

Source: NFL.com

NFL.com's Charles Davis called Florida State redshirt sophomore WR Kelvin Benjamin a "matchup nightmare."
"Benjamin utilizes his strength and tremendous power to gain an advantage over defensive players. Duke coach David Cutcliffe might have said it best when he called him 'a monster,'" Davis wrote. Benjamin, who turns 23 in February, is expected to bolt for the NFL after the BCS Championship Game. Rotoworld's Josh Norris ranks Benjamin as the No. 30 overall prospect in the class.

Source: NFL.com

NIU senior QB Jordan Lynch can become the first player to rush for 2,000 yards and throw for 2,000 in Thursday's Poinsettia Bowl against Utah State.
Lynch already owns the single-season collegiate record for rushing yards by a quarterback (1,881), and he's 119 ground yards away from a milestone that's never been reached before. "Listen, we ask him to do a lot, and it's not because that's our system. It's because he can," NIU coach Rod Carey said. "Those are the things that amaze you. He makes the complicated things and the hard things skillwise look easy. That's what amazes you every day. You tell him one time one play and then it's done. It's locked in a vault. That's what is amazing to me." ESPN's Mel Kiper envisions Lynch as a fifth- to seventh-round pick.

Source: Chicago Sun-Times

NFL.com's Bucky Brooks believes USC junior Marqise Lee will be the top WR prospect from the 2014 NFL Draft.
Brooks believes it comes down to Lee's explosiveness. "He has the ability to score from anywhere on the field," Brooks said on a podcast. "We got a glimpse of how special he was in the Vegas Bowl when he was healthy. You saw the Marqise Lee that lit up everyone in 2012. I think he has the ability to be a difference-maker for any team in any role at the next level." We like Lee, but feel a few other receivers have passed him this season, including fellow Pac-12 target Brandin Cooks.

Source: CFB 24/7 Podcast

Oregon State junior WR Brandin Cooks caught eight passes for 60 yards and a touchdown, and added 29 rushing yards in the school's 38-23 win over Boise State.
Our own Josh Norris has ranked Cooks as the No. 3 receiver prospect in the class for some time, and although he does not have the same height or size as his peers, Cooks consistently finds space to work in the red zone. He wins in the slot or out wide and reminds us of Victor Cruz. Expect him to declare for May's draft.

 

[Faust]

2014 NFL Draft: Who to watch in week two of the bowl season (video)

 

[ConnSKINS26]

Am I the only one salivating at the thought of whoever falls out of Evans, Benjamin, Lee, etc. being the guy Cam's throwing to? Assuming the Panthers don't try to fill their WR hole in FA, it's a fairly ideal landing spot in comparison to a lot of other possibilities.

 

[Faust]

BYU TE Kaneakua Friel on NFL radar, Bronco Mendenhall says

 

[aggs]

Am I the only one salivating at the thought of whoever falls out of Evans, Benjamin, Lee, etc. being the guy Cam's throwing to? Assuming the Panthers don't try to fill their WR hole in FA, it's a fairly ideal landing spot in comparison to a lot of other possibilities.

I agree but we can't rule out the idea Carolina also signs Nicks or another free agent WR. Granted, the available WRs via FA aren't all that hot right about now.

 

[ConnSKINS26]

Am I the only one salivating at the thought of whoever falls out of Evans, Benjamin, Lee, etc. being the guy Cam's throwing to? Assuming the Panthers don't try to fill their WR hole in FA, it's a fairly ideal landing spot in comparison to a lot of other possibilities.

I agree but we can't rule out the idea Carolina also signs Nicks or another free agent WR. Granted, the available WRs via FA aren't all that hot right about now.

Yeah, it's a pretty weak FA class, especially if Denver goes all out to retain Decker, which they'd be smart to do.

 

[Faust]

TFY Draft Insider Podcast: December 26th

 

[Faust]

NFL Prospect Focus: Jordan Lynch

 

[Faust]

NFL Prospect Focus: Louisville

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Wyoming junior QB Brett Smith declared for the 2014 NFL Draft.
The Wyoming football program is undergoing a bit of change with the firing of Dave Christensen, now Utah's offensive coordinator, and the hiring of North Dakota State's Craig Bohl. Smith is a very intriguing talent, utilizing a combination of mobility and quick release. It might sound crazy now, but we wouldn't be surprised if some teams rank Smith over Johnny Manziel.

Source: Wyoming Sports

 

[Faust]

Underrated Wyoming QB leaving early for the NFL


By Dane Brugler | NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst

December 27, 2013 9:54 pm ET

Wyoming junior quarterback Brett Smith announced on Friday that he will forego his senior season and enter the 2014 NFL Draft. Although he isn't a well-known NFL prospect, he is an underrated passer who has the talent to be drafted among the top-100 picks.

Smith is ranked as the No. 8 quarterback prospect for May's NFL Draft by NFLDraftScout.com. He is the first underclassman quarterback to officially add his name to the 2014 draft class.

Smith, who is reminiscent of a more controlled version of Johnny Manziel, is a better athlete than given credit with deceiving mobility and very quick feet to be elusive in the pocket and avoid pressure. He has good-enough height and has worked hard to bulk up his frame, spending considerable time in the weight room. Smith scans the field quickly, works through his reads and does an excellent job recognizing soft spots in coverage pre-snap. He is a gutsy competitor who plays the game of football with a chip on his shoulder and he'll win over NFL coaches with his attitude, work ethic and overall football passion.

Smith is extremely confident, but almost to a fault as he tests small passing windows too often, throwing into tight coverage and hoping for a positive play. He has good enough arm strength for the next level, but lacks elite velocity especially when he can't step into his throws. Smith can get jumpy and skittish in the pocket and needs to get his footwork under control. He is a high-completion passer, but his accuracy will dip when throwing on the run.

If Smith played in the SEC or another major conference, he would be a much better known quarterback prospect. A native of Salem, Oregon, he re-wrote the high school record books and was the 2010 Gatorade Oregon Football Player of the Year, but didn't receive much attention from Pac 12 schools. His only FBS-level offers were San Jose State and Wyoming, choosing the Cowboys and starting from day one as a freshman.

Smith leaves Wyoming with several school records, finishing his career with 76 touchdown passes and 97 scores overall. He set new career-bests in 2013 with 3,375 passing yards, 62.7% completions (293-for-467) and 29 passing touchdowns. On Nov. 23, Smith set a new Mountain West and Wyoming single-game record against Hawai'i with 640 yards of total offense (498 passing, 142 rushing) and eight total touchdowns (7 passing, 1 rushing).

Although Smith played well this year, the 2013 season was a disappointment as Wyoming finished 5-7, losing five of the final six games. Smith's announcement comes just weeks after Craig Bohl was named the new head coach at Wyoming, taking over for Dave Christensen, who was fired Dec. 1 after five seasons in Laramie.

 

[Gottabesweet]

Ended up with 2,3,4,12 in the first round. And 15 overall as well. Don't really need WRs or QBs

Not sure where I'm thinking yet.

 

[Milkman]

Ended up with 2,3,4,12 in the first round. And 15 overall as well. Don't really need WRs or QBs

Not sure where I'm thinking yet.

You better hope the team with the #1 pick takes Watkins. If not and they take Seastrunk you will be looking at the next 3 BPA being WR.

Watkins

Lee

Evans

Hyde

Ebron

Sankey

Carey

Something like that.....

Watkins will most likely go #1 if he's a top 7ish pick though......

 

[MAC_32]

Ended up with 2,3,4,12 in the first round. And 15 overall as well. Don't really need WRs or QBs

Not sure where I'm thinking yet.

draft bpa then trade from strength if you end up with too many.

 

[Milkman]

Ended up with 2,3,4,12 in the first round. And 15 overall as well. Don't really need WRs or QBs

Not sure where I'm thinking yet.

draft bpa then trade from strength if you end up with too many.

Not sure that's always the correct strategy. Some leagues have very few trades because all the other owners just want to rape trades. So you can lose value in the draft, you can lose value in a trade, or you can lose value having 2 WR1's on your bench.

 

[Milkman]

With fewer and fewer RB being true 3 down backs it might even be time to start treating them like the NFL treats QB's and bump them up a few spots. WR are a dime a dozen yo.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Former Oregon junior TE Colt Lyerla pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cocaine on Friday.
Lyerla was then sentenced to 24 months of probation, 10 days in jail and 40 hours of community service, according to the Oregonian. He will attend a treatment program and submit random drug tests. We would be surprised if Lyerla is drafted despite having top-50 talent.

Source: Oregon Live

Marshall senior TE Gator Hoskins caught six passes for 104 yards and two touchdowns in the school's 31-20 win over Maryland.
Hoskins is a very intriguing Joker/H-back talent in the mold of Charles Clay. We don't see him as a traditional inline tight end, but expect teams to move Hoskins around the formation. The senior recorded 50 catches for 821 yards and 15 touchdowns this year.

Utah junior TE Jake Murphy has declared for the NFL draft.
Age likely factored in to Murphy decision, as he turned 24 in September. He caught 25 passes for 417 yards and five touchdowns in a shortened season. Murphy played in only eight games because of a wrist injury. Non-seniors will make up a good portion of the tight end talent in this draft.

Source: Utah Utes

Washington junior RB Bishop Sankey rushed for 95 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries in the school's 31-16 win over BYU.
Sankey has been a productive runner all season, rushing for 1,870 yards and 20 touchdowns on 327 carries. He received a third-round grade form the NFL Draft Advisory Board, and with Washington changing coaching staffs we would not be surprised if Sankey jumps to the NFL. He does not shine in any one area.

 

[Faust]

UW TE Seferian-Jenkins leaving for NFL; Sankey undecided

Austin Seferian-Jenkins set for draft after Washington bowl win

Excerpt:

Daniel Jeremiah ✔ @MoveTheSticks

Shaping up to be a great TE group. ASJ rare size/catch radius MT @Softykjr: Austin Seferian-Jenkins told me this was his last game at UW.

 

[MAC_32]

Ended up with 2,3,4,12 in the first round. And 15 overall as well. Don't really need WRs or QBs

Not sure where I'm thinking yet.

draft bpa then trade from strength if you end up with too many.

Not sure that's always the correct strategy. Some leagues have very few trades because all the other owners just want to rape trades. So you can lose value in the draft, you can lose value in a trade, or you can lose value having 2 WR1's on your bench.

not going bpa and drafting need is how you end up with Beanie Wells instead of Dez Bryant.

 

[Vincesanity]

If you have 2 WR1s on your bench I'll gladly accept those problems.

 

[Gottabesweet]

I agree, with the lack of young solid dynasty RBs out there and the league evolving I have been stockpiling WRs. I don't use much of them but once someone wants to trade I have them. We only start 2 RBs 3WRs a TE and flex however. So taking BPA works better with the possibility of starting four a week.

Pretty sure the 1.1 will lean Watkins

 

[Faust]

NFL Prospect Focus: Brett Smith

 

[Faust]

NFL Prospect Focus: Notre Dame Offense

 

[Faust]

Twitter:

Kevin Weidl

Got my first look at Texas Tech TE Jace Amaro on coaches tape today. Yes, please...

Kevin Weidl

A bit underwhelmed w/ Buffs WR Paul Richardson. Smooth athlete. However, inconsistent ball skills and comes up small in contested situations

@KevinW_ESPN 21 Dec

Studying Kelvin Benjamin today. Physical freak but got away w/ a lot of P.I. vs. UF and body slams Duke DB here. pic.twitter.com/8iIla91G9j

@KevinW_ESPN 21 Dec

That was some serious finishing speed showcased by Lee on that TD!

 

[Xue]

DeVante Parker continuing to show why I'm so high on him: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=10206694

 

[MAC_32]

DeVante Parker continuing to show why I'm so high on him: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=10206694

soooo many good wr prospects this year.

 

[Milkman]

Yeah it makes them significantly less valuable. .........

 

[MAC_32]

Yeah it makes them significantly less valuable. .........

the second tier will sort itself out, good situations will rise above. Stash those that slip.

 

[ummich10]

I went back and watched the Texas-Texas Tech on my DVR. Has anyone watched Eric Ward from Tech? I saw him targeted on a variety of routes (short screens, intermediate outs to the sideline, and a few deeper shots), and laid a vicious (legal) block on someone about 40 pounds heavier that took the defender out of the game. Announcer made a rough comparison to Hines Ward. Three seasons 80+ receptions and 8-12 TDs. Stayed in school to get his masters degree.

I've never had a high draft pick, so my WRs are usually guys like this.

 

[GeeYouknit]

Ended up with 2,3,4,12 in the first round. And 15 overall as well. Don't really need WRs or QBs

Not sure where I'm thinking yet.

draft bpa then trade from strength if you end up with too many.

Not sure that's always the correct strategy. Some leagues have very few trades because all the other owners just want to rape trades. So you can lose value in the draft, you can lose value in a trade, or you can lose value having 2 WR1's on your bench.

not going bpa and drafting need is how you end up with Beanie Wells instead of Dez Bryant.

or Ingram over Cam

 

[r0llin_game]

Ended up with 2,3,4,12 in the first round. And 15 overall as well. Don't really need WRs or QBs

Not sure where I'm thinking yet.

draft bpa then trade from strength if you end up with too many.

Not sure that's always the correct strategy. Some leagues have very few trades because all the other owners just want to rape trades. So you can lose value in the draft, you can lose value in a trade, or you can lose value having 2 WR1's on your bench.

not going bpa and drafting need is how you end up with Beanie Wells instead of Dez Bryant.

or Ingram over Cam

I would say that's a pretty awful comparison. More like Ingram over Julio and/or AJG. Or could say someone like Daniel Thomas over Randall Cobb. Cam went at the earliest, late in the 1st, to even late in the 2nd. Ingram was unanimously drafted in the top three in every non 2QB/superflex league.

 

[Donnybrook]

Rotoworld:

ESPN NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay said Thursday that he has higher grades on Teddy Bridgewater, Blake Bortles, Johnny Manziel and Derek Carr than he did on Geno Smith one year ago.

"It's kind of been an interesting ride with these quarterbacks," McShay said on a conference call. "I thought it was going to be a little bit stronger at the top. I thought Marcus Mariota was headed towards becoming an elite quarterback and thought he was going to wind up coming out." McShay is pleased Mariota decided to return to school and hopes Ohio State's Braxton Miller and UCLA's Brett Hundley will follow suit. Lastly, McShay tabbed Eastern Illinois' Jimmy Garoppolo the sleeper of the class. "I think he has a chance to, one day down the road, develop into a starter," McShay said.

Source: SB Nation

I think Geno is very similar to Carr in stature and physical ability. Geno is a little more mobile. I wouldn't rank Carr ahead of Geno. Carr shouldn't be drafted until the late 2nd round IMO.

 

[GeeYouknit]

Ended up with 2,3,4,12 in the first round. And 15 overall as well. Don't really need WRs or QBs

Not sure where I'm thinking yet.

draft bpa then trade from strength if you end up with too many.

Not sure that's always the correct strategy. Some leagues have very few trades because all the other owners just want to rape trades. So you can lose value in the draft, you can lose value in a trade, or you can lose value having 2 WR1's on your bench.

not going bpa and drafting need is how you end up with Beanie Wells instead of Dez Bryant.

or Ingram over Cam

I would say that's a pretty awful comparison. More like Ingram over Julio and/or AJG. Or could say someone like Daniel Thomas over Randall Cobb. Cam went at the earliest, late in the 1st, to even late in the 2nd. Ingram was unanimously drafted in the top three in every non 2QB/superflex league.

I guess I'm just going off of 1 of my leagues where Ingram went at #3 and Cam at #4 where the #3 owner was in desperate need for a RB at the time (I remember because they wouldn't shut up about how great Ingram was going to be)

 

[ffldrew]

Kapri Bibbs from CSU declares for the draft - one heck of a RB for the Rams

 

[Faust]

Kapri Bibbs from CSU declares for the draft - one heck of a RB for the Rams

Rotoworld take:

Colorado State redshirt sophomore RB Kapri Bibbs announced on his personal Twitter account Sunday that he'll enter the 2014 NFL Draft.
"To my Ram fans and Colorado people I am officially joining the 2014 NFL Draft," he wrote from his account @KapriBibbs. "I hope all my fans follow me next year and continue to support me as well I am simply dream chasing!!" Bibbs didn't have much left to prove at the collegiate level, as he put up PlayStation numbers in 2013: 1,741 rushing yards and 31 rushing touchdowns. He joined Wisconsin's Montee Ball and Oklahoma State's Barry Sanders as the only players to ever rush for 30 TDs in a season. Bibbs had two seasons of eligibility remaining, and he's not likely to receive first-round money, but he is wise to jump to the next level at a time when there isn't much wear on his tires.

Source: CBS Sports

 

[aggs]

Yeah it makes them significantly less valuable. .........

Mildy disagree. You can draft/find under the radar RB but less likely a truly elite WR1 later in the draft.

The fact that three starting caliber RBs were rookies (Lacy, Bell and Stacy) shows you how easy it is to find starting quality RBs from year to year.

Other RBs who were RB1 types or high-end RB2s: Fred Jackson, Ryan Mathews, Danny Woodhead.

If you have the opportunity to draft the next Dez, Julio, AJ Green, I'm not taking Mark Ingram just because there are less quality RBs in a given class.

 

[Faust]

Big Board: USC's Lee gets lift from bowl game; Carr not so much


by Rob Rang | NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst

Dec. 25, 2013 8:06 PM ET

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

Savvy scouts won't overreact to one game -- unless the performance reinforces prior evidence, as was the case with Southern Cal wide receiver Marqise Lee and, unfortunately, Fresno State quarterback Derek Carr in the Las Vegas Bowl.

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

1. Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina (6-6, 268, 4.65)*: There is no denying that by registering just three sacks (and zero forced fumbles) in the 2013 regular season,Clowney has failed to live up to expectations. He also enflamed concerns about his maturity with a Dec. 7 speeding ticket in which he was clocked at 110 mph. Clowney's red flags are real, but so is his talent. In 13 years of grading prospects for the NFL Draft, Clowney competes only with former No. 2 overall pick Julius Peppers (2002) as the most gifted defensive end I've ever seen.

2. Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville (6-3, 220, 4.65)*: In an era in which college quarterbacks' numbers are often inflated by short passes and relatively simplistic schemes, Bridgewater's sparkling production is due to Pro Bowl-caliber accuracy. His success (70.2 percent completion rate with 28 touchdowns against just four interceptions) comes out of a pro-style offense that forces him to make tough throws. Bridgewater's slight frame and level of competition are concerns. Bridgewater's poise will be tested at the Florida Citrus Bowl on Dec. 28 as he'll be facing his hometown Miami Hurricanes in the game most believe will be his last at the collegiate level.

3. Anthony Barr , QB, UCLA (6-4, 238, 4.73): A running back until last season, Barr has emerged as one of the elite prospects in the country and is my top-rated senior at any position. A powerful and fluid athlete at his best rushing off the edge, Barr was named the 2013 recipient of the LOTT Impact Award with 62 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and five forced fumbles over the regular season.

4. Jake Matthews , QB, Texas A&M (6-5, 305, 5.14): The son of Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews, Jake proves the cliché true == the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. He has played well at left tackle this season after starring at right tackle over his first three years. Matthews is a terrific football player, demonstrating impressive technique, strength and consistency. He is not, however, an elite athlete and some view his future back on the right side in the NFL.

5. Sammy Watkins , WR, Clemson (6-1, 200, 4.49)*: With 85 catches for 1,235 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2013, Watkins erased any memories of his disappointing sophomore campaign. He is an explosive athlete with impressive body control and natural hands to pluck the ball. Unlike some of his teammates, Watkins played well against Clemson's top opponents this season, including Florida and State South Carolina. Watkins' showdown against Ohio State's Bradley Roby in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 3 may be the most tantalizing one-on-one matchup of the bowl season.

6. Darqueze Dennard , CB, Michigan State (5-11, 197, 4.52): Quick feet, loose hips and a fluid turning motion make Dennard a classic cover corner capable of shutting down half the field. Dennard has allowed only three completions in 31 passes of 15-plus yards targeted against him this season. His ability in coverage played a huge role in the Spartans' run to the Big Ten Championship, as was recognized with Dennard winning the Thorpe Award as the nation's elite defensive back.

7. Cyrus Kouandjio , OT, Alabama (6-5, 312, 5.12)*: Nick Saban questioned draft analysts for pegging Kouandjio as a first-round talent before the season, but given the junior left tackle's exciting skill-set the projection has been an easy one. Long-armed, athletic and aggressive, Kouandjio boasts many of the traits scouts are looking for in a potential Pro Bowl left tackle.

8. Cameron Erving , OT, Florida State (6-5, 310, 5.26)*: Erving played in 13 games as a redshirt freshman defensive tackle, but looked like a natural when moved to left tackle a season ago, though he remains a bit inconsistent. Long, balanced and athletic, he's a hidden factor in the dynamic play of freshman quarterback Jameis Winston and could enjoy a "quiet" ride into the top 10 of the 2014 draft, just as former Texas A&M left tackle Luke Joeckel did a year ago while blocking for Heisman winner Johnny Manziel.

9. Derek Carr , QB, Fresno State (6-3, 215, 4.78): Carr's staggering production (68.2 completion percentage, 50 TDs, 8 INTs) was certainly inflated by head coach Tim DeRuyter's QB-friendly spread attack and legitimately talented receiving corps, but there is no denying his talent. His release and velocity are as impressive as any college quarterback in the country. Unfortunately, Carr's career ended with a thud in a disappointing performance against Southern Cal in the Las Vegas Bowl. Hit early by an athletic USC front, Carr developed happy feet and misfired often in the 45-20 beat down. The loss left Carr 0-2 in bowl games and may add fuel to the speculation that he'll struggle with pressure in the NFL, just as his older brother, David, did after leaving Fresno State as the No. 1 overall pick in 2002 for the expansion Houston Texans and their poor offensive line.

10. C.J. Mosley, OLB, Alabama (6-2, 232, 4.56): While a bit undersized, Mosley might be the best pound-for-pound player in the country. Athletic and instinctive, he is a true three-down linebacker capable of making plays against the run and pass. Mosley lacks the bulk scouts want in a pass rusher but his awareness in coverage is special. While the tape is phenomenal, Mosley has undergone multiple surgeries (knee, shoulder) over his career and could be the latest Alabama player to receive medical red-flags from some evaluators.

11. Khalil Mack , OLB, Buffalo (6-3, 248, 4.66): With an FBS-record 16 career forced fumbles and record-tying 75 career tackles for loss, Mack's statistics jump off the page. Against the most gifted opponents he faced this year (Ohio State, Baylor, Connecticut), it was his game that jumped off the screen. His size, instincts and agility as an edge rusher make him equally intriguing to teams operating out of a 4-3 or 3-4 alignment.

12. Cedric Ogbuehi , OT, Texas A&M (6-5, 300, 5.15)*: Overshadowed by all of the talent on the Aggies' roster, Ogbuehi is an exciting prospect in his own right. A standout at right guard a year ago, Ogbuehi (pronounced ah-BOO-hee) took over for Jake Matthews at right tackle in 2013 and has excelled. Possessing long arms and light feet, Ogbuehi's offers more upside than his more celebrated teammate, though he is not yet as polished.

13. Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn* (6-5, 320, 5.38): Redshirt offensive linemen rarely earn more than a whisper in scouting circles, but the buzz generating around the Tigers' star left tackle is venturing into deafening. Physical and tenacious, Robinson is a grizzly bear in the running game, mauling opponents with an exciting blend of size (6-5, 320 pounds), strength and athleticism. Auburn's reliance on the running game, however, has given Robinson few opportunities in pass protection, making him a bit of a boom-or-bust prospect at this early point.

14. Mike Evans , WR, Texas A&M (6-5, 225, 4.58)*: Like his famous quarterback Johnny Manziel, Evans is just a redshirt sophomore, but he has a big decision to make after dominating the SEC most of the season. Deceptively fast and possessing great body control as well as timing, Evans is an exciting split end prospect who reminds scouts of Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Vincent Jackson. Of concern, however, is the fact that Evans struggled in his final two regular-season games, catching just eight passes for a combined 59 yards in losses to LSU and Missouri.

15. Eric Ebron , TE, North Carolina (6-4, 245, 4.67)*: Ebron possesses a jaw-dropping combination of size and athleticism that has earned comparisons to 49ers star Vernon Davis. Like Davis, however, Ebron struggles with consistency, relying too much on his athleticism rather than dedicating himself to learning the finer techniques of the position. Ebron will forgo his senior season and enter the 2014 draft.

16. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu , Oregon (5-10, 190, 4.52)*: Lost in the hype of Oregon's offense are a number of highly regarded defenders, including Ekpre-Olomu, who combines great instincts, agility and physicality to shut down his side of the field. Ekpre-Olomu's toughness on the perimeter played a significant role in Oregon's win over Oregon State in the Civil War, as he posted 12 tackles (all solos), deflected three passes and intercepted another while helping to limit Beavers star WR Brandin Cooks.

17. Marqise Lee , WR, Southern Cal (6-0, 195, 4.51)*: A nagging left knee injury hampered Lee for much of the 2013 season, robbing the 2012 Biletnikof Award winner of his trademark elusiveness and acceleration. Finally healthy in the Las Vegas Bowl against Fresno State, however, Lee showed off his playmaking ability, hauling in seven passes for 118 yards and two scores. Lee's relatively slight frame could lead to durability issues in the NFL, but his first round skill-set is undeniable.

18. Stephon Tuitt , DL, Notre Dame (6-5, 303, 4.89)*: Offseason sports hernia surgery may have played a role in Tuitt weighing 20 pounds more this season than a year ago, and early on the extra weight seemed to be slowing him. He played much better over the second half of the season, however, and his athleticism and frame project well to either scheme in the NFL.

19. Trent Murphy , DE, Stanford (6-6, 261, 4.85): Used as a standup outside linebacker as a well as a down defensive lineman for the Cardinal, Murphy is equally impactful in the passing game, running game and on special teams due to his instincts, physicality and awareness. His play and production (58 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 14 sacks) should have earned him the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year award that went to Arizona defensive lineman Will Sutton. Though he has starred in Stanford's 3-4 scheme, Murphy projects best as a 4-3 defensive end in the NFL.

20. Jace Amaro , TE, Texas Tech (6-5, 260, 4.67)*: The NFL is looking for seam threats rather than extra blockers at tight end in today's game and there hasn't been a more impressive prospect in the country in 2013 in this role than Amaro, who finished the regular season with 98 catches for 1,240 yards and seven touchdowns. Scouts are beginning to mention the name Jimmy Graham when discussing the Red Raiders' junior. After dropping a few passes against Texas in his regular-season finale Nov. 30, Amaro will be tested against an aggressive Arizona State defense in the Holiday Bowl on Dec. 30.

21. Taylor Lewan , OT, Michigan (6-7, 310, 5.04): Possessing an impressive combination of size, strength and toughness, Lewan has earned comparisons to former Michigan standout Jake Long throughout his career with the Wolverines. Lewan has been one of the bright spots in an otherwise disappointing 2013 campaign in Ann Arbor. Before drafting him, however, NFL teams will want to investigate Lewan's role == if any == in an alleged assault on an Ohio State fan following this year's Big Game.

22. Cyril Richardson , OG, Baylor (6-5, 335, 5.27): A dominating drive blocker who projects best at guard but spent the entire 2011 season protecting Robert Griffin III at left tackle, Richardson is massive, powerful and shockingly athletic. Richardson was recognized with the Jim Parker Award as the nation's top blocker and headlines a strong class of interior linemen.

23. Travis Swanson , C, Arkansas (6-4, 318, 5.26): If Richardson is the elite interior lineman of the 2014 senior class, Swanson ranks as a close second. Athletic, powerful and versatile (some view him as a potential guard convert), Swanson will continue former Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema's tradition of churning out quality NFL prospects along the offensive line.

24. Ryan Shazier , OLB, Ohio State (6-2, 226, 4.58)*: Shazier may be 10-15 pounds lighter than scouts would prefer but his instincts, speed and bone-jarring hits make him a fearful defender that offenses must account for on every snap. No one played better for the Buckeyes against Michigan State in the Big Ten Championship than Shazier, who recorded 12 tackles, two pass breakups and a blocked punt against the Spartans.

25. Johnny Manziel , QB, Texas A&M (5-11, 210, 4.45)*: Manziel's vision, elusiveness and accuracy while on the move make him a mesmerizing prospect, but red flags were raised with mediocre performances against LSU and Missouri to end the regular season. Bottled in the pocket by both, Manziel was unable to throw his receivers open and he struggled. The NFL rule books have never been more accommodating to dual-threat passers, but consistent accuracy from the pocket remains the most critical element to quarterback play at the next level.

26. Justin Gilbert , CB, Oklahoma State (6-0, 200, 4.52): In terms of size, agility and speed, no cornerback offers a more intriguing skill-set than the Cowboys' star. Gilbert, a Thorpe Award finalist, led the Big 12 with six interceptions this season and has returned just as many kickoffs for touchdowns during his time in Stillwater.

27. Blake Bortles , QB, Central Florida* (6-3, 230, 4.78): A prototypically built pocket passer with good awareness and anticipation, Bortles looks the part of an NFL starting quarterback. Should he star in UCF's Fiesta Bowl showdown with the explosive Baylor Bears, the junior may have a tough time ignoring the NFL buzz his play is building.

28. Brandin Cooks , WR, Oregon State* (5-10, 186, 4.52): Beavers coach Mike Riley has made a career out of finding undersized pass-catchers to star in his offense, but Cooks is a different level of athlete than Sammie Stroughter, Markus Wheaton and the Rodgers brothers (James and Jacquizz). Boasting a combination of elusiveness, acceleration and toughness that is earning comparisons to Percy Harvin, the Biletnikof Award winner shattered school and conference records with 128 receptions for 1,730 yards and 16 touchdowns.

29. Ra'Shede Hageman , DT, Minnesota (6-6, 311, 4.95): Blessed with an extraordinary combination of size and athleticism, Hageman could join Michael Brockers and Dontari Poe as recent big defensive tackles whose real rise up draft boards doesn't begin until the scouting combine. Hageman has looked unblockable at times, but he struggles with consistency.

30. Jason Verrett , CB, TCU (5-10, 182, 4.49): Verrett lacks the size so en vogue in today's NFL, but agility and ball-skills never go out of style for cornerbacks. Verrett led the Big 12 with 22 passes defended and six interceptions in 2012. Through the end of the 2013 regular season he led again in pass deflections (16) while recording two pass thefts. While light, Verrett is scrappy and tenacious, making him an ideal nickel corner with the tackling ability to threaten on an occasional blitz.

31. Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri (6-5, 275, 4.77)*: While teammate Michael Sam garnered more hype, scouts are increasingly intrigued by Ealy due to his impressive combination of size and athleticism. A highly versatile defender with experience inside and out for the Tigers, Ealy projects nicely to both the 4-3 and 3-4 alignments and the first-team All-SEC pick is just scratching the surface of his potential.

32. David Yankey, OG, Stanford* (6-5, 314, 5.08): Another impressive performance against two-time defending Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year Will Sutton has Yankey's stock rising. Athletic and powerful, Yankey is earning similar grades from some clubs as his former teammate, David DeCastro, the No. 24 overall selection of the 2012 draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Just missed the cut:

Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Washington*

Will Sutton, DT, Arizona State

Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson*

Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State*

Ka'Deem Carey, RB, Arizona*

Shayne Skov, ILB, Stanford

Jordan Matthews, WR, Vanderbilt

Yawin Smallwood, ILB, Connecticut*

Allen Robinson, WR, Penn State*

La'el Collins, OT, LSU*

Xavier Su'a-Filo, OG, UCLA*

Trevor Reilly, DE/OLB, Utah

Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh

Ego Ferguson, DT, LSU*

Kyle Van Noy, OLB, BYU

Rob Rang (@RobRang) is a senior analyst for NFLDraftScout.com.

 

[Xue]

I went back and watched the Texas-Texas Tech on my DVR. Has anyone watched Eric Ward from Tech? I saw him targeted on a variety of routes (short screens, intermediate outs to the sideline, and a few deeper shots), and laid a vicious (legal) block on someone about 40 pounds heavier that took the defender out of the game. Announcer made a rough comparison to Hines Ward. Three seasons 80+ receptions and 8-12 TDs. Stayed in school to get his masters degree.

I've never had a high draft pick, so my WRs are usually guys like this.

He can be a good slot WR in the NFL. Hines Ward is probably on the high end of comparisons. His low end could be Early Doucet.

 

[EBF]

A tentative stab at some tiered RB rankings:

Lache Seastrunk
---------
Carlos Hyde
Andre Williams
---------

Jeremy Hill
Devonta Freeman
Bishop Sankey
KaDeem Carey

Sleepers/Flyers:
Ameer Abdullah
Branden Oliver
Tim Flanders
Isaiah Crowell

I'm trying to keep an open mind, but I think it's unlikely that one of the 3rd-4th tier guys will jump up into the top 3. Today I'd take Seastrunk as the top RB and feel pretty decent about it. Hyde strikes me as a really safe pick. Not a super dynamic guy and he doesn't make a lot of SportsCenter runs, but he just looks like the kind of durable workhorse you could grab out of the 2nd round, plug in right away, and get 250-300 carries of serviceable performance from immediately. Very sturdy build and fluid running style. Also shows some ability to catch the ball. Andre Williams is a different beast. Not every team is going to like him (because he's basically a two-down runner only), but the teams who covet that might REALLY like him because he has some "wow" qualities as a power runner. Hulking frame, extreme strength, and deceptive straight-line speed. Not a juker and not a good open field guy. Not very sudden. Has a very deliberate, but powerful running style. He doesn't really look like Jamal Lewis and he doesn't really run like him either, but if he hits that's the kind of impact he could make. A guy who racks up yards and breaks long runs because nobody wants to tackle him. I see more "wow" factor, but also more durability risk and more bust potential than with Hyde.

The third tier is guys who could go rounds 2-4 and potentially be serviceable starters right away. I think all of those guys are flawed enough that you can't really consider them elite prospects. It's not out of the question that I could move Carey or Hill up to the bottom of the second tier at some point though. Hill has a lot of character baggage and strikes me as the kind of guy who could look bad at the combine. That event will be especially important for him since he seems like a guy who could either really shine or really look bad in that environment (whereas you can pretty much bet that guys like Seastrunk and Williams will look the part). Never really been a big Carey fan, but at some point the production has to mean something. It can't all be by accident.

The sleepers/flyers are guys that I like to some degree, but who aren't really mocked high enough to be considered major contenders for the top few RB slots right now. They're all compelling in one way or another. Whether it be as a small school dominator (Flanders/Oliver), a fallen prep star with some upside (Crowell), or an atypical but hyper athletic major producer out of a major BCS conference (Abdullah). I guess you could throw Marion Grice, Jerick McKinnon, Antonio Andrews, and Charles Sims in there too for the simple reason that they've been invited to play in the Senior Bowl.

 

[ummich10]

I went back and watched the Texas-Texas Tech on my DVR. Has anyone watched Eric Ward from Tech? I saw him targeted on a variety of routes (short screens, intermediate outs to the sideline, and a few deeper shots), and laid a vicious (legal) block on someone about 40 pounds heavier that took the defender out of the game. Announcer made a rough comparison to Hines Ward. Three seasons 80+ receptions and 8-12 TDs. Stayed in school to get his masters degree.

I've never had a high draft pick, so my WRs are usually guys like this.

He can be a good slot WR in the NFL. Hines Ward is probably on the high end of comparisons. His low end could be Early Doucet.

Why the slot? Because of lacking any outstanding physical traits to take advantage of on the outside?

 

[Xue]

Never really been a big Carey fan, but at some point the production has to mean something. It can't all be by accident.

I don't get this line of reasoning. I'd say the production (total stats) means he can stay healthy and not necessarily that he's talented.

 

[Xue]

I went back and watched the Texas-Texas Tech on my DVR. Has anyone watched Eric Ward from Tech? I saw him targeted on a variety of routes (short screens, intermediate outs to the sideline, and a few deeper shots), and laid a vicious (legal) block on someone about 40 pounds heavier that took the defender out of the game. Announcer made a rough comparison to Hines Ward. Three seasons 80+ receptions and 8-12 TDs. Stayed in school to get his masters degree.

I've never had a high draft pick, so my WRs are usually guys like this.

He can be a good slot WR in the NFL. Hines Ward is probably on the high end of comparisons. His low end could be Early Doucet.

Why the slot? Because of lacking any outstanding physical traits to take advantage of on the outside?

I don't think he can get or make plays downfield that well.

 

[Xue]

DeVante Parker continuing to show why I'm so high on him: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=10206694

soooo many good wr prospects this year.

Here's his other crazy catch from last night, showing concentration and body control: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=midbalUl03Y

It's close, but I personally have him over Davante Adams and Allen Robinson among others. Parker has as much upside as any WR in this class.

 

[Time Kibitzer]

Never really been a big Carey fan, but at some point the production has to mean something. It can't all be by accident.

I don't get this line of reasoning. I'd say the production (total stats) means he can stay healthy and not necessarily that he's talented.

I think averaging over 5.8 yards per carry over 625 carries in a major BCS conference says a lot more about a player then simply that he does a good job of staying healthy.

 

[EBF]

Never really been a big Carey fan, but at some point the production has to mean something. It can't all be by accident.

I don't get this line of reasoning. I'd say the production (total stats) means he can stay healthy and not necessarily that he's talented.

I think averaging over 5.8 yards per carry over 625 carries in a major BCS conference says a lot more about a player then simply that he does a good job of staying healthy.

Yea, that's what I was getting at. Success of that magnitude isn't an accident. The Pac-12 is a pretty high level of competition and if you can dominate in that league then you probably have special skills in certain areas of the game. Whether or not those qualities are the "right" skills that will translate to the NFL is another matter. Obviously not all productive college backs are going to be good pros. I'd still say that most of them are pretty talented in one way or another.

 

[Milkman]

Kapri Bibbs from CSU declares for the draft - one heck of a RB for the Rams

It will be interesting to see where everybody ranks him. 6.2 YPC is impressive. To bad he doesn't catch the ball....

 

[Spike]

Ended up with 2,3,4,12 in the first round. And 15 overall as well. Don't really need WRs or QBs

Not sure where I'm thinking yet.

draft bpa then trade from strength if you end up with too many.

Not sure that's always the correct strategy. Some leagues have very few trades because all the other owners just want to rape trades. So you can lose value in the draft, you can lose value in a trade, or you can lose value having 2 WR1's on your bench.

not going bpa and drafting need is how you end up with Beanie Wells instead of Dez Bryant.

or Ingram over Cam

I would say that's a pretty awful comparison. More like Ingram over Julio and/or AJG. Or could say someone like Daniel Thomas over Randall Cobb. Cam went at the earliest, late in the 1st, to even late in the 2nd. Ingram was unanimously drafted in the top three in every non 2QB/superflex league.

Painful memory - taking Ingram over Julio and AJ.

 

[Milkman]

There isn't a wr prospect on AJ or julio's level in this draft though........

 

[fruity pebbles]

There isn't a wr prospect on AJ or julio's level in this draft though........

Watkins isn't that far off imo.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Does Jordan Lynch have an arm strength problem or character issues? Or is he being discounted just because he's short and plays at a small school?