[Dynasty] 2014 Draft Prospects (1 Viewer)

[cstu]

This extra time before the draft stinks.

Makes the period from the combine way to the draft too long... The draft is more than a month away still.

This takes away two weeks of play book study as well...

March madness, baseball starts, the masters...enjoy the football break.

 

[cstu]

Rotoworld:

Draft Insider Tony Pauline reports that UNC TE Eric Ebron "did not look good" at his Pro Day.
"Told Eric Ebron/TE/North Carolina did not look good at pro-day...dropped a number of passes and generally looked poor in drills," Pauline tweeted. Ebron is a player with with natural hands who has the ability to make spectacular catches with ease, but his hands just aren’t as good as publicized with a 11.43% drop rate, which should not be overlooked.

Source: Tony Pauline on Twitter

I haven't seen his Pro Day, but I'm not a believer in the reported 11.43% drop rate. I watched seven games and only saw four (1) (2)(3) and (4) that I would count as a drops. I didn't count passes that were thrown behind him or at his feet and blamed those missed catches on his inaccurate QB.

My concern with Ebron is not his hands but whether he's worth the 1st round rookie pick considering we now have a glut of TE's with his athletic profile. There are so many good, young TE's right now that he really needs to have Gronk/Graham potential to draft over WR's who could be valuable in start 4 or 5 WR leagues.

Well Ebron played 13 games. You basically only sampled half of his games. It's possible he dropped 4 more in the 6 other games you didn't see. Also, I don't know if Peshek includes screen passes in those figures.

An 11.43% drop rate means 8 drops out of 70 catchable balls (since he had 62 receptions). 4 drops in about half of his games is exactly what you'd expect to see with that drop rate.

Well it looks like he had an 11.43% drop rate then. It didn't seem like that high of a rate as I was watching it.

 

[domvin]

Mike Pettine calls Derek Carr the 'best natural thrower in draft'

By Mike Huguenin

College Football 24/7 writer

New Cleveland Browns coach Mike Pettine would seem to be in the market for a quarterback, and he provided a quick rundown on each of the top four quarterback prospects Tuesday morning at the NFL Annual Meeting.

Pettine called Fresno State's Derek Carr the "best natural thrower in draft," said Texas A&Ms Johnny Manziel is "a gifted playmaker," called Louisville's Teddy Bridgewater "extremely accurate, cerebral" and "NFL-ready" and said of UCF's Blake Bortles, "If you said, 'Draw me an NFL quarterback,' that's probably who you'd draw."

Pettine also said the Browns could draft more than one quarterback and that he wouldn't have a problem starting a rookie at the position.

Pettine has bypassed the pro days of Bortles, Bridgewater and Carr, and said he will not attend Manziel's on Thursday. But Pettine, who has a background on defense, also said he will attend the private workouts of the top quarterbacks. New Browns GM Ray Farmer - - who attended Bortles' and Bridgewater's pro days - - won't be at Manziel's pro day, either.

Cleveland is the only quarterback-needy team with two first-round picks (well, for now, anyway), with picks at No. 4 and No. 26. It seems doubtful that Bortles, Bridgewater or Manziel would be available at No. 26, but Carr could be. He led the nation in passing yards (5,083) and TD passes (50); he became just the fifth quarterback in FBS history with 50 TD passes. He has gained a lot of momentum as a potential first-rounder in the past two months, and Oakland is said to be extremely interested in him. The Raiders pick fifth, which seems too high to take Carr. There's always the potential to trade down, though.

Given Cleveland's holes, taking someone other than a quarterback at No. 4 makes some sense. The Browns also have a plethora of picks that could be packaged to move up from No. 26, if they feel the need, to grab a quarterback.

The quarterback class is considered deep, so finding two in this draft shouldn't be hard; there should be intriguing prospects in every round. In that scenario, though, the only veteran quarterback on the roster could be Brian Hoyer - - he of the 18 games of NFL experience. Monday, Pettine said he would be "comfortable" with Hoyer as his starter, but no way do the Browns take two quarterbacks in this draft if they truly are comfortable with Hoyer at quarterback.

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

Nice smokescreen. I think Cleveland is taking manziel, and they have known it since January

 

[Faust]

Video Link:

Mike Mayock: Tight end Eric Ebron is a 'top-10 talent'

01:31 – Mike Mayock reports from the North Carolina pro day that tight end Eric Ebron is "athletically a top-10 pick in any draft," but says that Ebron might still fall out of the top 10.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

NFL Network's Mike Mayock believes UNC QB Bryn Renner is still draftable despite an injury riddled senior season.
Renner tore the labrum in his left shoulder and also suffered a fractured scapula, which prevented him from attending the Senior Bowl or East-West Shrine game. Renner ran his own pro day workout on Tuesday, which is very uncommon. The UNC passer earned praise and buzz prior to the season and displayed the ability to slow down the game after the ball is snapped despite playing in a tempo offense.

Source: NFL.com

ESPN's Todd McShay called Pittsburgh's Tom Savage the draft's biggest QB sleeper.
This opinion comes on the heels of Smart Football's Chris Brown calling Savage "fool's gold for scouts." Savage has been the toast of the postseason process as evaluators salivate over his bazooka arm. Some forgive his inconsistencies on the field by pointing to his substandard teammates, while some say he simply doesn't have the footwork, reaction to pressure and throwing accuracy of an NFL QB. "He played behind a very poor offensive line at Pittsburgh, and didn't get much help from his pass-catchers, either, but he was the most impressive pure thrower of the football at the combine, according to different people I've talked to from around the league," McShay wrote. "His arm strength is just a notch below elite. Another guy to keep an eye on is Merrimack's Joe Clancey, who could get a shot in a training camp as an undrafted free agent."

Source: ESPN Insider

ESPN's Todd McShay identifies Georgia Southern RB Jerick McKinnon as a sleeper at the position.
The former quarterback switched positions as a senior and is still raw as an RB. On the positive side, he hasn't taken as much damage as some of his contemporaries. "He is intriguing because of his raw talent and explosiveness," McShay wrote. "He is shifty, can accelerate out of cuts, make defenders miss in space and go the distance if he gets a seam. He ranked at or near the top of nearly every drill among running backs at the combine. He'd be a great find in the sixth or seventh round." McKinnon posted an official 4.41 forty time, and logged unofficial times of 4.35 and 4.38, at the NFL Combine. His 10-yard split of 1.46 seconds tied Kent State's Dri Archer for the best time amongst RBs.

Source: ESPN Insider

Towson RB Terrance West is Mel Kiper's favorite RB sleeper.
"He is a big, powerful back at 5-foot-9, 225 pounds, and he ran an impressive 40-yard dash time at the combine at 4.54 seconds," Kiper said. "I really like his running style, he can catch the ball out of the backfield and he just has a nose for the end zone. He could be a good value in the middle or later rounds." West was the most productive back in the country last year, rushing for a ridiculous 2,578 yards and 41 touchdowns.

Source: ESPN Insider

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

San Jose State QB David Fales has an "average arm but functional enough," according to Scouts Inc.'s Kevin Weidl.
"Studying David Fales. Average arm but functional enough. Very accurate when able to throw with rhythm and timing. However," Weidl tweeted. With the lack of elite physical tools, Fales could be a fit for a west coast offense in the NFL that emphasizes multiple options and quick decisions in the short-to-intermediate passing game. Fales could definitely take advantage of his best traits, which is his accuracy, rhythm and timing. The San Jose State prospect should be selected on the third day of the draft.

Source: Kevin Weidl on Twitter

Indiana WR Cody Latimer recorded forty times of 4.39 and 4.43 seconds at the school's pro day.
Latimer only completed the bench press at the NFL Combine, posting 23 reps, and he offers a 6'2/215 lbs frame. Expect the buzz to build around Latimer as the draft creeps closer, since he fits the size and speed combo that the NFL obsesses over... and he is actually a good player.

Source: Baltimore Sun

Vikings OC Norv Turner is "intrigued" by Clemson QB Tajh Boyd, according to draft insider Tony Pauline.
Boyd can be had in the fifth-round range, so we wonder if the Vikings would wait that long to snag a quarterback. They could double dip at the position, something that the Redskins have done in recent years, but teams will not go into the draft with Boyd as their top option.

Source: Tony Pauline on Twitter

 

[EBF]

Indiana WR Cody Latimer recorded forty times of 4.39 and 4.43 seconds at the school's pro day.
Latimer only completed the bench press at the NFL Combine, posting 23 reps, and he offers a 6'2/215 lbs frame. Expect the buzz to build around Latimer as the draft creeps closer, since he fits the size and speed combo that the NFL obsesses over... and he is actually a good player.

Source: Baltimore Sun

39" vertical for Latimer too.

The site I'm looking at says Indiana RB Stephen Houston had a great day as well. 5'10" 225 with a 4.46-4.49 in the 40, 40" vertical, and 11' broad jump. Coming off a season in which he rushed for 750+ yards at 6.7 YPC in a committee, those workout numbers could push him into the day 3 mix.

 

[Faust]

Cowboys among teams set to meet with Iowa's C.J. Fiedorowicz

 

[Faust]

Cody Latimer of Indiana still healing, but does run 4.44 40

 

[Faust]

2014 Pro Days: Indiana's Latimer, Texas' Davis show off health, speed

 

[ZWK]

Indiana WR Cody Latimer recorded forty times of 4.39 and 4.43 seconds at the school's pro day.
Latimer only completed the bench press at the NFL Combine, posting 23 reps, and he offers a 6'2/215 lbs frame. Expect the buzz to build around Latimer as the draft creeps closer, since he fits the size and speed combo that the NFL obsesses over... and he is actually a good player.

Source: Baltimore Sun

39" vertical for Latimer too.

The site I'm looking at says Indiana RB Stephen Houston had a great day as well. 5'10" 225 with a 4.46-4.49 in the 40, 40" vertical, and 11' broad jump. Coming off a season in which he rushed for 750+ yards at 6.7 YPC in a committee, those workout numbers could push him into the day 3 mix.

Any Stephen Houston cutups online, besides the 2012 OSU game? That workout put him into my top 10 RBs, and depending how he looks on tape I could see him ending up in my top 5.

 

[EBF]

Not that I'm aware of. There are some YouTube channels where people upload full CFB games. Using the play-by-play on ESPN, you can find all the times where a specific player got targets/carries and then go through the game that way. In the past I've done that with a few guys who didn't have game cuts online.

Indiana football isn't exactly a huge draw though and it might be hard to find their games on there.

 

[EBF]

There's a pretty lengthy highlight reel here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GS8VVJTV4MM

Can't say I was really wowed by any of that. Looks like he might be a Michael Ford paper all-star.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

NFL Films' guru Greg Cosell stated on the Ross Tucker Podcast that he can envision NFL teams likening West Virginia RB Charles Sims to Bears two-time Pro Bowler Matt Forte.
This has been a common comparison among draftniks, but Cosell doesn't study prospects until the NFL offseason. "I don't think he's quite as smooth and fluid a runner as Forte," Cosell said of Sims. "He doesn't have sort of that natural fluidity. He's a little choppy and a little stop and start. But he's got really good acceleration. He can get to the perimeter. He's a really good receiver. So he's got that runner-receiver multi-dimensional skill set that brings to mind a Matt Forte. And I don't think he'll be a first-round pick, but I think he's an intriguing prospect."

Source: Ross Tucker Podcast

After studying Towson RB Terrance West's game tape, NFL Films guru Greg Cosell believes the small-school back is a "fascinating" prospect who "certainly has the skill set of a foundation runner."
We've been impressed by West's size-speed combination and open-field jump cuts. He ran 4.54 at the Combine at 5-foot-9, 225. "You saw a lot of NFL runs and traits," Cosell said of West's college tape. "He had patience, he pressed the hole, he had vision, he had low pad level. He ran through contact. He finished with power. I thought he had a very natural feel as a runner." West projects as a third- to fourth-round pick. He'll be a high-ceiling Dynasty prospect.

Source: Ross Tucker Podcast

NFL Films' Greg Cosell calls Pittsburgh's Tom Savage "a really intriguing prospect" and "one of the best pro-style quarterbacks in this class."
"He's got a really good arm," Cosell said. "I ended my work on him by saying, 'A very intriguing prospect based on arm talent and understanding of NFL passing concepts.' He's one of the best prototypical pocket passers in this draft. How will that be valued in 2014? Now, he has other concerns. But he is your classic tall, erect prototypical pocket passer with a compact delivery and a strong arm, and he ran NFL passing game concepts." Savage has quickly turned into perhaps the draft's most polarizing prospect. ESPN's Todd McShay calls him the draft's biggest QB sleeper, Smart Football's Chris Brown says he's "fool's gold for scouts," Scout Inc.'s Kevin Weidl believes he's "one of the most underrated quarterbacks in this class," and so on. It appears likely that Savage's ultimate draft slot will surprise people. A contingent of teams will fall in love with that golden right arm and one will ensure their developmental prospect doesn't get away.

Source: Ross Tucker Podcast

ESPN's Mel Kiper says UNC TE Eric Ebron is a "no-brainer" pick for the Giants if he drops to the No. 12 pick.
"Tight end is a critical area of need," Kiper said. "There isn't a lot of depth at tight end." Kiper believes the Giants can patch up other holes later on due to the draft's depth at those positions, but posits that there's "even some question about [TE prospects ranked] 2, 3 and 4." Ebron (6-foot-3, 250 pounds) possesses top-end playing speed along with great lateral movement, but his inconsistent hands will need a bit of work.

Source: ESPN's First Draft

Indiana WR Cody Latimer, limited by a foot injury at Wednesday's pro day, is expected to run routes and catch the ball for scouts in mid-April, reports draft insider Tony Pauline.
Latimer recorded forty times of 4.39 and 4.43 seconds and posted a 39-inch vertical jump before shutting things down. "The feeling at pro-day is a healthy Latimer could jump into the third round if his foot checks out," Pauline wrote. "Then again, there are a bunch of receivers with third-round grades due to the enormous depth at the position." Pauline adds that the Hoosier star visited with the Jets, Giants, Colts and 49ers on Wednesday.

Source: Walter Football

 

[Faust]

Jeremiah: Mike Evans will be better rookie than Sammy WatkinsBy Bryan Fischer

College Football 24/7 writer

If you're on Twitter or walking around Southern California and happen to run into NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah, it's ok if you stop him to tease him a little about how highly he thinks of Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins.

Jeremiah lists the speedy pass catcher as the second best prospect in the 2014 NFL Draft and has been regularly touting Watkins as a solution for teams picking very early in the first round. That's what makes his statement on Wednesday's "Path to the Draft" on NFL Network all the more shocking.

"I do love Sammy Watkins, but I think Year 1 we're going to be talking more about Mike Evans just because the touchdown numbers will be higher," Jeremiah said. "If you come into the NFL, you're going to have to learn an NFL offense and he'll need to continue to develop as a route runner. But I think immediately he'll be a red zone presence and you will see touchdowns."

Take note fantasy football players.

Evans will have the spotlight on him Thursday at Texas A&M as he goes through his much publicized pro day with quarterback Johnny Manziel. Known for his size at 6-foot-5 and 231 pounds, Evans will be looking to show scouts he is more than just the big numbers he put up in college and that he has the acceleration to be a threat anywhere on the field.

A number of teams could be landing spots for the productive receiver early in the first round with mock drafts slotting him everywhere from the Buffalo Bills and the ninth overall selection to the New York Giants at pick No. 12.

The Lions have not so quietly emerged as a possible landing spot as well based on recent talk. The team might just be trying to scare every defensive coordinator in the league with the threat of Evans complimenting Calvin Johnson, but Detroit hasn't exactly hid their lust for the elite receivers in this year's draft.

"His catch radius is unbelievable," NFL Media analyst Charles Davis said about Evans. "But I still think Sammy Watkins is the clearer choice here (for best rookie). I can do all the things you can with Mike Evans with Sammy Watkins faster and quicker. He goes up and competes for the football and when he does, he'll drop a shoulder on you."

Based on those scouting reports, a team will clearly be happy if it can land either guy. If you're the general manger of a fantasy team though, Evans should be your pick first.

"Getting me to say something negative about Sammy Watkins will not happen," Jeremiah said. "Just talking pure touchdowns in year one, I think Mike Evans is going to have bigger numbers. That size you cannot coach, you'll see cornerbacks having a difficult time matching up with him in the red zone.

"I don't think it's out of the possibility that he gets double-digit touchdowns in Year 1."

Follow Bryan Fischer on Twitter @BryanDFischer.

 

[Faust]

Jeremiah: Derek Carr lines up workouts with QB-needy teams

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

ESPN analyst Louis Riddick notes that Colorado WR Paul Richardson runs the "deep route tree" similar to DeSean Jackson.
"The way Richardson runs deep route tree reminds (me) of DeSean. Can carry speed through the "move point" as good as anyone," Riddick tweeted. Maturity and characters concerns aside, both Jackson and Richardson share the same type of frame (6'0/175 pounds) as well as explosiveness. If a team is looking for a vertical threat in the draft, Richardson could be had for a late second or third-round selection.

Source: Louis Riddick on Twitter

 

[Faust]

NFL Draft: The Phenom Index

 

[karmarooster]

NFL Draft: The Phenom Index

I thought this article was really interesting - basically it's an age adjusted way of measuring rookies. From past years, there are a few misses (Dwayne Jerrett, Chad Jackson), but also some big hits with Josh Gordon, Keenan Allen, and Deandre Hopkins.

For this years draft the age/phenom factor really downgrades Benjamin, who as pointed out in the article is already two months older than Josh Gordon.

On the upside, the article targets Penn St. WR Allen Robinson. I have not really heard much about this guy - is there anyone who has an opinion about him?

From EBF:

WR Allen Robinson, Penn State - Has what you want in terms of height, hands, and body control. Speed, burst, and body mass are suspect. Low YPC receiver who may not have the juice to be a #1 in the NFL. Nice player though and I'll be watching his progress closely this season.

 

[massraider]

NFL Draft: The Phenom Index

I thought this article was really interesting - basically it's an age adjusted way of measuring rookies. From past years, there are a few misses (Dwayne Jerrett, Chad Jackson), but also some big hits with Josh Gordon, Keenan Allen, and Deandre Hopkins.

For this years draft the age/phenom factor really downgrades Benjamin, who as pointed out in the article is already two months older than Josh Gordon.

On the upside, the article targets Penn St. WR Allen Robinson. I have not really heard much about this guy - is there anyone who has an opinion about him?

From EBF:

WR Allen Robinson, Penn State - Has what you want in terms of height, hands, and body control. Speed, burst, and body mass are suspect. Low YPC receiver who may not have the juice to be a #1 in the NFL. Nice player though and I'll be watching his progress closely this season.

Was really hoping no one noticed this article.

 

[Faust]

A few scouting reports on Allen Robinson:

NFL Draft 2014: Allen Robinson Scouting Report

Allen Robinson, WR, Penn State

Allen Robinson, WR

 

[werdnoynek]

NFL Draft: The Phenom Index

I thought this article was really interesting - basically it's an age adjusted way of measuring rookies. From past years, there are a few misses (Dwayne Jerrett, Chad Jackson), but also some big hits with Josh Gordon, Keenan Allen, and Deandre Hopkins.

For this years draft the age/phenom factor really downgrades Benjamin, who as pointed out in the article is already two months older than Josh Gordon.

On the upside, the article targets Penn St. WR Allen Robinson. I have not really heard much about this guy - is there anyone who has an opinion about him?

From EBF:

WR Allen Robinson, Penn State - Has what you want in terms of height, hands, and body control. Speed, burst, and body mass are suspect. Low YPC receiver who may not have the juice to be a #1 in the NFL. Nice player though and I'll be watching his progress closely this season.

He looks the part, doesn't always play the part IMO.

 

[Faust]

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

Excerpt:

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

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

Rotoworld:

NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah praised Penn State WR Allen Robinson for his yards after catch ability.

"Wish (Robinson) had more juice but I love the way he fights for every inch after the catch. Very physical," Jeremiah tweeted. According to Rotoworld contributor Greg Peshek, Robinson's yards after the catch averaged out to 7.56, a very solid number. He also has nice vision and block anticipation as a ball carrier.

Mar 11 - 9:53 AM

Source: Daniel Jeremiah on Twitter

Penn State WR Allen Robinson ran an official 4.60 forty time and leaped to a 39-inch vertical.

The 6-foot-3, 220-pound receiver's unofficial times were announced at 4.56 and 4.60, about as expected. Robinson displays good body control, run after the catch skill and foot speed to separate from defenders. He might not be a first-round pick, but the productive former Nittany Lions' star will likely be selected in the top-50.

Feb 23 - 5:13 PM

Draft insider Tony Pauline ranked three wide receivers as sure-fire first round picks.

Clemson's Sammy Watkins, Texas A&M's Mike Evans, and USC's Marqise Lee all took home first-round grades from the evaluator. Penn State's Allen Robinson and Oregon State's Brandin Cooks landed on the 1-2 round bubble, while Florida State's Kelvin Benjamin and LSU's Odell Beckham Jr. received second-round grades.

Jan 30 - 5:58 PM

Source: DraftInsider.net

The Phenom Index article compares him to Dez Bryant:

You might be surprised to see Penn State receiver Allen Robinson so high on this list. He’s not a trendy name, but his score is one of the best I have on record. Combine that with his physical attributes and I don’t think a Dez Bryant comparison is far off.

I just don't think that he is quite as explosive and dynamic as Dez is, so I prefer the comparison from NFLDraftScout.com:

COMPARES TO: Anquan Boldin, San Francisco 49ers - Robinson doesn't have elite speed, but like Boldin he is a good-sized athlete with deceiving acceleration and strength at the catch point to be both a possession target and big play-threat.

 

[Faust]

Brandt: Mike Evans has best hands since Calvin JohnsonBy Bryan Fischer

College Football 24/7 writer

Listen, it's hard to be overshadowed if you're a first-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.

On Thursday, at least, former Texas A&M receiver Mike Evans was swallowed up by Manziel Mania. While most of the focus from media and fans centered on who was throwing the ball at Texas A&M's second pro day, one of the receivers catching it turned a few heads as well.

Gil Brandt @Gil_Brandt Follow

Mike Evans has the best hands I've seen since Calvin Johnson.

NFL Media analyst Gil Brandt has been around the game of football for a long time and has seen a lot of receivers enter the draft, so he's not making that comment lightly. Evans is generally considered the second-best receiver in the draft behind Clemson's Sammy Watkins, but it's clear the former Aggie has plenty of momentum behind him to push him into the conversation for the top spot.

Evans (6-foot-5, 231 pounds) led the SEC in touchdowns last year as he presented a nightmare matchup issue for teams with his size and speed. In the latest NFL.com mock drafts, Evans has been slotted anywhere from ninth overall to the Bills to the Giants at No. 12. The Lions have also expressed serious interest in the pass-catcher as well.

Fellow analyst and former NFL scout Daniel Jeremiah even remarked on "Path to the Draft" on Wednesday it will be Evans who posts the better numbers between the two in their rookie year. Double-digit touchdowns? That has to be appealing for a team looking for a big red-zone threat.

It's clear most of the crowd in College Station was there to see Manziel throw, but Evans certainly had a good enough workout to solidify himself as a top 10 pick. We're sure a few quarterbacks around the league sent a text to their general manager saying they would be delighted to throw to Evans in the future after watching him run routes on NFL Network.

Follow Bryan Fischer on Twitter @BryanDFischer.

 

[Spike]

It's funny. If you listen to/read all the draft pundits, it seems there will be 57 players picked in the top 10 this year.

 

[Faust]

Mike Evans impresses during pro day with Johnny ManzielBy Chase Goodbread

College Football 24/7 writer

COLLEGE STATION, Texas -- Mike Evans didn't need Johnny Manziel to look good on Thursday at his pro-day workout; he did that on his own.

But the SEC's most dynamic quarterback-receiver duo over the last two years couldn't have been more in tune in front of representatives from 30 NFL clubs, and by all accounts, the 6-foot-5, 231-pound wide receiver did nothing to hurt his draft stock.

"The comment I've gotten from a lot of (NFL) people is that he ran faster at the combine than they thought, and he's bigger than they thought," said Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin, "and his video speaks for itself."

Evans declined to speak to the media afterward, but his performance did plenty of talking on its own. Other than a post route, which was surprisingly not a big part of the menu for Manziel's passes, Evans ran all sorts of routes. And it was the shorter ones that NFL scouts wanted to see most. Evans' penchant for catching deep balls in traffic in college couldn't be put on display without defensive backs playing in coverage anyway. And while Evans did run a few deep routes, it was his technique on shorter routes that may require the biggest adjustment at the pro level.

"He showed range, he showed speed, he came in and out of breaks. Then he showed some versatility," said Manziel's quarterback coach George Whitfield, who has had Evans working with Manziel in San Diego earlier this offseason. "We tried to move him inside, get him to both sides. Here at A&M, he only lined up on one side. So even just the subtleties of that, let's get over here, over there. He showed some intermediate stuff. It doesn't always have to be home-run throws. He had just as much to come out and address to his position, just like (Manziel) did."

Evans bobbled one accurate pass as he was going out of bounds that resulted in one of three Manziel incompletions, but on several passes, he was the one who made Manziel look good by making an adjustment to catch passes that were thrown a bit behind him or a bit high. NFL Media senior analyst Gil Brandt had perhaps the highest praise for Evans, likening his hands to those of the NFL's best wide receiver, Calvin Johnson of the Detroit Lions.

Evans is projected as a first-round pick, and one team thought to be strongly interested in him is the Lions, who hold the draft's No. 10 overall choice. In fact, the two men who have the most say in who the Lions will choose came directly from the NFL Annual Meeting in Orlando to College Station. With quarterback Matthew Stafford being a centerpiece of the club's offense, it's no secret which of the two head coach Jim Caldwell and general manager Martin Mayhew were there to see.

Evans, for his part, left the Lions and 29 other clubs with a strong impression.

Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter @ChaseGoodbread.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

CBS Sport's Pete Prisco spoke to one GM at the owner's meetings who was "not that impressed" with Texas A&M WR Mike Evans.
This is a noteworthy statement, since it breaks the theme of evaluators believing Evans could be worth a top 10 pick. In fact, CBS Sports' Dane Brugler has spoken with two teams who rank Evans over Sammy Watkins. The Bills at No. 9 seem like a good match, but it is obviously too early to even come up with an educated guess.

Source: Pete Prisco on Twitter

Jaguars QB coach Frank Scelfo attended Cornell's pro day to observe Jeff Mathews.
Mathews is nothing more than a sixth- or seventh-round option, but offers plenty of perceived "upside" thanks to a large frame a big arm. He regressed in 2013 behind a bad offensive line, but Mathews could be attributed with a number of sacks and poor decisions. He's a developmental pick.

Source: Ithaca Journal on Twitter

Indiana WR Cody Latimer has four visits lined up prior to the draft, according to insider Tony Pauline.
Those four include the Carolina Panthers, Oakland Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills. Latimer is still healing from a foot injury, so these teams will want to get an up close and personal look at the 6'2/200 pounds receiver who posted a low 4.4 forty. He is creating buzz at just the right time.

Source: Tony Pauline on Twitter

 

[EBF]

Rotoworld:

CBS Sport's Pete Prisco spoke to one GM at the owner's meetings who was "not that impressed" with Texas A&M WR Mike Evans.
This is a noteworthy statement, since it breaks the theme of evaluators believing Evans could be worth a top 10 pick. In fact, CBS Sports' Dane Brugler has spoken with two teams who rank Evans over Sammy Watkins. The Bills at No. 9 seem like a good match, but it is obviously too early to even come up with an educated guess.

Source: Pete Prisco on Twitter

I've had a tough time selling myself on Evans. There are some things I like. Mainly the wing span, soft hands, and willingness to attack the ball.

But...there are some things I don't like too.

http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/mike-evans?id=2543468

Weaknesses

Monotone mover with pedestrian speed -- cannot separate vertically or pull away from the pack. Unsudden acceleration. Stiff hips. Will have to make a living in traffic at the next level -- will struggle to separate vs. quick-twitch NFL cornerbacks. Did not run a full route tree and could require patience learning the nuances of refined route running. Backyard element to his college success -- must become savvier instead of depending on superior size and improvisational production. Can be hotheaded and lose control of his emotions. Basketball was first love.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1824909/mike-evans

WEAKNESSES: Classic long-strider who does not possess the preferred burst off the snap to instantly challenge defenders off the line or out of his breaks. Relies too much on his size and physicality to win at the catch-point because he struggles to gain consistent separation. Able to dominate the smaller, weaker corners at the collegiate level but could struggle to do so in the NFL.

I don't see great suddenness with him. His initial quickness is not great. That can be the kiss of death in the NFL. Different player, but Chris Harper was a big-bodied guy with soft hands. He didn't even make it out of training camp and I think that's probably because he lacked that explosive initial burst to separate. On the flipside, that's Keenan Allen's hallmark trait and he had a great rookie season. Probably not a coincidence.

If I'm at a spot where Evans is the logical pick, I'd rather trade down for fair value than take him. Just not my type of player.

 

[duaneok66]

It's funny. If you listen to/read all the draft pundits, it seems there will be 57 players picked in the top 10 this year.

post of the day.

 

[Faust]

2014 NFL Draft: What we learned from Thursday's pro days

 

[Faust]

Big Board: Manziel, Clowney get prime showcases late in pro days

 

[Bob Magaw]

Brandt: Mike Evans has best hands since Calvin Johnson

By Bryan Fischer

College Football 24/7 writer

Listen, it's hard to be overshadowed if you're a first-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.

On Thursday, at least, former Texas A&M receiver Mike Evans was swallowed up by Manziel Mania. While most of the focus from media and fans centered on who was throwing the ball at Texas A&M's second pro day, one of the receivers catching it turned a few heads as well.

Gil Brandt @Gil_Brandt Follow

Mike Evans has the best hands I've seen since Calvin Johnson.

NFL Media analyst Gil Brandt has been around the game of football for a long time and has seen a lot of receivers enter the draft, so he's not making that comment lightly. Evans is generally considered the second-best receiver in the draft behind Clemson's Sammy Watkins, but it's clear the former Aggie has plenty of momentum behind him to push him into the conversation for the top spot.

Evans (6-foot-5, 231 pounds) led the SEC in touchdowns last year as he presented a nightmare matchup issue for teams with his size and speed. In the latest NFL.com mock drafts, Evans has been slotted anywhere from ninth overall to the Bills to the Giants at No. 12. The Lions have also expressed serious interest in the pass-catcher as well.

Fellow analyst and former NFL scout Daniel Jeremiah even remarked on "Path to the Draft" on Wednesday it will be Evans who posts the better numbers between the two in their rookie year. Double-digit touchdowns? That has to be appealing for a team looking for a big red-zone threat.

It's clear most of the crowd in College Station was there to see Manziel throw, but Evans certainly had a good enough workout to solidify himself as a top 10 pick. We're sure a few quarterbacks around the league sent a text to their general manager saying they would be delighted to throw to Evans in the future after watching him run routes on NFL Network.

Follow Bryan Fischer on Twitter @BryanDFischer.

A.J. Green's hands are pretty good. I'm not even sure his hands are the best in the class, though I think they are very good.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

ESPN's Ron Jaworski believes LSU QB Zach Mettenberger is the No. 2 prospect at the position.
"This is the wildcard in this draft," Jawroski began. "When you watch him on tape, this guy has an NFL skill set... very similar traits in Zach Mettenberger as Joe Flacco." Other than last offseason's glowing praise of Colin Kaepernick, Jaworski tends to be very traditional in his quarterback evaluations, meaning passers who predominantly win in the pocket. Blake Bortles is Jawroski's No. 1 quarterback.

Source: ESPN

 

[Faust]

Derek Carr's private workout with the Cleveland Browns set for Monday

 

[Gandalf]

Rotoworld:

ESPN's Ron Jaworski believes LSU QB Zach Mettenberger is the No. 2 prospect at the position.

"This is the wildcard in this draft," Jawroski began. "When you watch him on tape, this guy has an NFL skill set... very similar traits in Zach Mettenberger as Joe Flacco." Other than last offseason's glowing praise of Colin Kaepernick, Jaworski tends to be very traditional in his quarterback evaluations, meaning passers who predominantly win in the pocket. Blake Bortles is Jawroski's No. 1 quarterback.

Source: ESPN

Jaws has derailed this draft. It's cool. Everyone has an off year.

 

[Faust]

Quarterback Tracker: Johnny Manziel leaps Teddy Bridgewater

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Ball State junior WR Willie Snead recorded a forty time of 4.51 seconds at the school's pro day, according to Eric Galko of Optimum Scouting.
"Some Pro Day information last night on the Ball State Pro Day. WR Willie Snead ran a 4.51, improved from 4.62 in Indy. 21 scouts attended," Galko tweeted. Last season, the 5-foot-11,195 pound Snead had 106 receptions for 1,516 and 15 touchdowns - all single-season school records. Snead was a first-team all-Mid-American Conference selection and was a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award. Snead is definitely a draft sleeper who has the ability to contribute at the next level. He could have his name called on day 3 of the draft or could go possibly go undrafted.

Source: Eric Galko on Twitter

 

[Faust]

Garrett Gilbert's strong pro day will boost NFL draft stock

 

[Faust]

ICYMI: What we learned about draft prospects this week

 

[Hersh]

Black Dot

 

[Christo]

It's funny. If you listen to/read all the draft pundits, it seems there will be 57 players picked in the top 10 this every year.

FYP

 

[Faust]

Scout: Mike Evans made Johnny Manziel, not other way aroundBy Dan Parr

It was somewhat lost in the immediate aftermath of Johnny Manziel Mania coming off last week's pro day at Texas A&M, but wide receiver Mike Evans might have put on an even more impressive performance than his teammate during the workout.

NFL Media senior analyst Gil Brandt, who was on hand for the event, had the highest praise for Evans, tweeting that Evans had the best hands he had seen since Calvin Johnson. The reactions to Evans' showing only reinforced the notion that he might be picked before Manziel, the player who has overshadowed Evans and every other prospect this year given his celebrity status.

Evans might not be getting overshadowed by Manziel much on the draft boards of NFL teams, though.

One NFC scout apparently is much more impressed with Evans than Johnny Football, saying that Manziel has been the bigger beneficiary in the QB-WR relationship.

"In my opinion, (Evans) made Johnny Manziel, not the other way around," the unnamed scout told NJ.com "A lot of times, Manziel just ran around and threw it up for grabs, and (Evans) came down with it."

The two combined to form one of college football's most dominant QB-WR connections over the past two seasons, and it's true that Evans' rare combination of size, leaping ability and sure-handedness made him a perfect target to make plays on jump-balls thrown by Manziel that other receivers wouldn't have been able to make. It's also true that Evans wouldn't have had an opportunity to make many of those plays if Manziel didn't have the arm and improvisational skills to make the throws.

Neither Evans or Manziel totally "made" the other. The two complemented each other well, but there certainly are fewer questions about Evans' game translating to the NFL than there are for Manziel's. Barring them somehow ending up on the same NFL team, the question of who was the bigger beneficiary of the connection could be settled before long.

In addition to the scout's comment on Evans, an unnamed AFC personnel executive had some strong criticism for the top tight ends in this year's draft published in the NJ.com article.

Here's a look at what he had to say about North Carolina's Eric Ebron, considered the top tight end available this year, and Washington's Austin Seferian-Jenkins, who is listed No. 2 at tight end in NFL Media draft analyst Mike Mayock's positional top-five rankings.

» On whether Ebron is as good as Tyler Eifert, the first tight end drafted last year (21st overall to the Bengals):

"Hell no. He's OK. He's completely overrated, and he's a pain in the (butt). And don't ask him to block anybody, because he's not going to do it."

» On Seferian-Jenkins:

"He's more overrated and a bigger pain in the (butt) than the other guy. And he blocks like a wide receiver. I don't want any part of him."

 

[Faust]

Garrett Gilbert's strong pro day will boost NFL draft stock

June Jones: Garrett Gilbert's pro day best since Jeff George

 

[Faust]

2014 NFL Draft: Week 4 Pro Days takeaways

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Indiana WR Cody Latimer will meet with the Lions, according to insider Tony Pauline.
Latimer is also known to have scheduled or completed visits with the Panthers, Raiders, Eagles and Bills. It's important for Latimer to make the rounds because a foot injury ruled out all combine drills but the bench press and he was still limited at last week's pro day. Even still, Latimer recorded forty times of 4.39 and 4.43 seconds and posted a 39-inch vertical jump in front of scouts before shutting things down on Wednesday. Latimer visited with the Jets, Giants, Colts and 49ers after the workout.

Source: Tony Pauline on Twitter

Tre's scouting notebook: Cody Latimer Scouting Report

2014 NFL Draft: Week 4 Pro Days takeaways

Excerpt:

Speaking of underrated prospects. Indiana's Cody Latimer has flown under the radar since the wide receiver declared early for the draft. But after his pro day this week, that might no longer be the case. Latimer ran a 4.38 40-yard dash and turned some heads with his speed and athleticism just two months removed from surgery on his left foot.

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound wideout is a former basketball player who decided to play football in high school and found a new love. And NFL scouts are loving what he brings to the field, although clearly still growing and developing. Latimer, who also showed his strength with 23 reps on the bench press, was originally expected to be drafted somewhere on day two of the draft and his pro day performance only confirmed that thought.

2014 NFL Draft: Matt Miller's Scouting Notebook for 3rd Week of Free Agency

Excerpt:

5. WR Cody Latimer, Indiana

A foot injury kept Latimer from working out at the combine, and even though he wasn't completely healed in time for his pro day, he put on his cleats and stole the show. Running an official 4.38 in the 40-yard dash at 6'3", 215 pounds, answered many questions. I initially gave Latimer a third-round grade when he declared for the draft, but thanks to re-checks, he's moved to a second-round projection.

As long as his foot checks out for teams at individual workouts, he could surprise as a late first-round pick.

Current ranking: No. 41 overall

2014 Pro Days: Indiana's Latimer, Texas' Davis show off health, speedExcerpt:

The two well-built playmakers were invited to the Scouting Combine last month but were unable to work out there due to foot injuries. The 6-foot-2 (and a half), 215 pound Latimer was recovering from a broken foot. Davis, 6-0, 197 pounds, was unable to participate due to an injury in his right foot.

At their Pro Day workouts, however, each showcased the straight-line speed to catch the attention of scouts.

Latimer, who is still recovering from the injury and therefore did not participate in shuttle drills or even the positional workout, was able to run the 40-yard dash, clocking in at an impressive 4.44, according to a report from NFL.com.

Latimer, who led all receivers with 23 reps of 225 pounds at the Combine, also recorded an impressive 39-inch vertical jump on Wednesday.

A total of 19 teams attended the workout with the New York Jets and San Diego Chargers represented by general managers John Idzik and Tom Telesco, according to the report.

Latimer is currently rated as NFLDraftScout.com's No. 24 overall receiver and a 5th round prospect. He's a bit raw as a route-runner but the physical talent is certainly there to warrant development. The junior was just the fifth Hoosier in school history to exceed 1,000 receiving yards in a single season, an accomplishment that helped him earn team MVP honors in 2013.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Georgia Southern RB Jerick McKinnon worked out as both a defensive back and running back at Thursday's pro day.
"He was fluid, smooth and for the most part looked natural in the secondary," wrote draft insider Tony Pauline, who also complimented McKinnon's work in RB drills. The Cowboys oversaw his secondary work while the Eagles and Raiders directed the RB workout. ESPN's Todd McShay has called McKinnon the draft's most intriguing RB sleeper.

Source: Walter Football

Texas WR Mike Davis (foot) was clocked between 4.46-4.48 seconds in the forty at Wednesday's pro day, according to CBS Sports.
Davis was held out of NFL Scouting Combine on-field drills in February due to a foot injury. NFLDraftScout.com ranks him as the draft's No. 18 receiver. CBS Sports draft analyst Rob Rang observed Davis at the Senior Bowl and wrote that "his reliable routes and hands caught my attention."

Source: CBS Sports

Indiana RB Stephen Houston worked out for almost an hour with Patriots RB coach Ivan Fears last week.
Fears put Houston through the paces on the field and then did some film work with him. Houston finished ninth on Indiana's all-time career leader board with 2,304 rushing yards and fourth with 25 rushing touchdowns. Patriots fans might find it interesting that Houston became the first Indiana RB since BenJarvus Green-Ellis (2003) to record consecutive 100-yard games, doing so against Minnesota and Illinois last season.

Source: Tony Pauline on Twitter

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

ESPN's Kevin Weidl writes that Georgia QB Aaron Murray possesses a "below average skill set with everything you want above the shoulders."
"Murray has strong field presence, a great understanding for situational football and has brass as a competitor. Very good facilitator," Weidl wrote after completing a film evaluation. "Murray will have limitations, will only fit in certain systems. To his credit though he maximizes everything he has in the tank physically." Murray is the all-time SEC record holder in passing yards (13,166) and TD passes (121). Pat Dye, Jr., Murray’s agent, said last week that the signal caller has garnered interest from the following teams: Cincinnati, Jacksonville, Arizona, Minnesota, New Orleans, St. Louis, Cleveland, Houston, Dallas, Oakland, Tennessee and Kansas City.

Source: Kevin Weidl on Twitter

 

[Brewtown]

NFL Draft. Rumor : Browns to Draft Sammy Watkins

The NFL Draft is just around the corner and while its still impossible to predict just what will happen and where prospects will be picked, were starting to get a good idea of what might happen when the chips start to fall. One of those chips is Clemons wide receiver Sammy Watkins, who is viewed was the best offensive skill weapon in the draft.

Watkins being a top prospect and the Cleveland Browns having a top pick may end up being something that goes together as ESPNs Tony Grossi believes that the Browns will pass on a quarterback with their No. 4 overall pick and take Watkins to add to their arsenal.

Its interesting that Grossi has the Browns passing on a quarterback twice in the first-round, but it makes a ton of sense that Watkins is their pick.

Cleveland needs to get better right now but they need to do so in a way that preserves their future. Taking Watkins at No. 4 seems to be the way to go, but only time will tell what happens.

 

[Time Kibitzer]

Rotoworld:

Indiana WR Cody Latimer will meet with the Lions, according to insider Tony Pauline.
Latimer is also known to have scheduled or completed visits with the Panthers, Raiders, Eagles and Bills. It's important for Latimer to make the rounds because a foot injury ruled out all combine drills but the bench press and he was still limited at last week's pro day. Even still, Latimer recorded forty times of 4.39 and 4.43 seconds and posted a 39-inch vertical jump in front of scouts before shutting things down on Wednesday. Latimer visited with the Jets, Giants, Colts and 49ers after the workout.

Source: Tony Pauline on Twitter

Tre's scouting notebook: Cody Latimer Scouting Report

2014 NFL Draft: Week 4 Pro Days takeaways

Excerpt:

Speaking of underrated prospects. Indiana's Cody Latimer has flown under the radar since the wide receiver declared early for the draft. But after his pro day this week, that might no longer be the case. Latimer ran a 4.38 40-yard dash and turned some heads with his speed and athleticism just two months removed from surgery on his left foot.

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound wideout is a former basketball player who decided to play football in high school and found a new love. And NFL scouts are loving what he brings to the field, although clearly still growing and developing. Latimer, who also showed his strength with 23 reps on the bench press, was originally expected to be drafted somewhere on day two of the draft and his pro day performance only confirmed that thought.

2014 NFL Draft: Matt Miller's Scouting Notebook for 3rd Week of Free Agency

Excerpt:

5. WR Cody Latimer, Indiana

A foot injury kept Latimer from working out at the combine, and even though he wasn't completely healed in time for his pro day, he put on his cleats and stole the show. Running an official 4.38 in the 40-yard dash at 6'3", 215 pounds, answered many questions. I initially gave Latimer a third-round grade when he declared for the draft, but thanks to re-checks, he's moved to a second-round projection.

As long as his foot checks out for teams at individual workouts, he could surprise as a late first-round pick.

Current ranking: No. 41 overall

2014 Pro Days: Indiana's Latimer, Texas' Davis show off health, speedExcerpt:

The two well-built playmakers were invited to the Scouting Combine last month but were unable to work out there due to foot injuries. The 6-foot-2 (and a half), 215 pound Latimer was recovering from a broken foot. Davis, 6-0, 197 pounds, was unable to participate due to an injury in his right foot.

At their Pro Day workouts, however, each showcased the straight-line speed to catch the attention of scouts.

Latimer, who is still recovering from the injury and therefore did not participate in shuttle drills or even the positional workout, was able to run the 40-yard dash, clocking in at an impressive 4.44, according to a report from NFL.com.

Latimer, who led all receivers with 23 reps of 225 pounds at the Combine, also recorded an impressive 39-inch vertical jump on Wednesday.

A total of 19 teams attended the workout with the New York Jets and San Diego Chargers represented by general managers John Idzik and Tom Telesco, according to the report.

Latimer is currently rated as NFLDraftScout.com's No. 24 overall receiver and a 5th round prospect. He's a bit raw as a route-runner but the physical talent is certainly there to warrant development. The junior was just the fifth Hoosier in school history to exceed 1,000 receiving yards in a single season, an accomplishment that helped him earn team MVP honors in 2013.

Nice to see Latimer finally getting some love from media types. I don't think he plays to his 4.3 timed speed, but I've been saying for months he has a 2nd round skill set.

 

[ZWK]

I've updated my WR metrics spreadsheet (which I initially described here). The current leaderboard (strictly by the numbers) is now:

Sammy Watkins
Mike Evans
Brandin Cooks
Jordan Matthews
Donte Moncrief
Marqise Lee
Allen Robinson
Davante Adams
Odell Beckham Jr.
Cody Latimer

Changes in this update:

• Yards per target now covers the whole season, including bowl games
• Combine 40 times are now an average of nflds & Xue's numbers (since an analysis of last year's numbers suggested that was more accurate)
• Pro day 40 times, vertical, & broad jump are used for a few players (including Latimer)
• The formula for production score was adjusted slightly, downgrading all players because of the leaguewide increase in passing numbers (Yd/g, Yd/Tar, Yd/TmAtt, TD/g, and long receptions per game)

Latimer is the only big mover compared to last time, joining the top ten thanks to his pro day. Also: Lee passes Robinson, Evans moves very close to Watkins, and Beckham shrinks the gap on the guys ahead of him.