[Dynasty] 2014 Draft Prospects (2 Viewers)

[Faust]

Brandt: 49 no-name prospects on the rise in 2014 NFL Draft

 

[Faust]

Updated NFP Big Board with 302 players listed

 

[Faust]

Murray, McCarron admire Saints

Mike Triplett

BRISTOL, CT -- The New Orleans Saints aren’t in the market for their next starting quarterback yet, with starter Drew Brees still thriving at age 35.

But Georgia draft prospect Aaron Murray said, "I’ll gladly back up Drew for a few years. That’s fine with me. He’s my favorite quarterback."

I chatted with both Murray and Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron this week while they were doing a series of media interviews at ESPN headquarters.

Both former SEC stars are projected as mid-round draft prospects -- which probably makes both of them long shots for the Saints since they likely won’t invest a premium pick on the position.

But never say never. Saints coach Sean Payton loves working with quarterbacks, and he said recently that the scouting department always takes a close look at quarterbacks leading up to the draft because the position is so vital. Perhaps a prospect like Murray or McCarron or Virginia Tech’s Logan Thomas could be a tempting mid-round option.

Murray and McCarron both said they didn’t visit New Orleans during the pre-draft process. But they both said they had very positive experiences while spending time with coaches at various offseason events like the scouting combine, Senior Bowl or pro days.

"I know Coach Payton really well," said McCarron, who was promoting AXE Hair Gels during his ESPN rounds. "He came over and talked to me several times, came over and talked to me some at my pro day. He’s a great man. ...

"And then I got to know Drew, I met him up at the Super Bowl, and he’s a great dude. Unbelievable. One of the best probably ever to play the game at that position. So, yeah, that would be a great situation, for sure."

Murray, who at 6-foot-1, 207 pounds, is a smaller quarterback like Brees, said Brees has long been his favorite quarterback to watch. He said former Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham used to provide players with NFL tapes, and he watched more of Brees than anyone else.

"We have very similar styles. Not only just on the field just playing ball, but leadership as well," Murray said. "That’s something I work extremely hard to do, to take control of the team and represent the University of Georgia both on and off the field. And that’s something he does well ...

"And then you just go to ball, and he’s a lot of fun to watch. ... All summer long I’d be watching some of his games, what he does maneuvering out of the pocket, watching him get through reads."

A mid-round prospect that might make even more sense for New Orleans is Alabama receiver Kevin Norwood, whose stock has seemed to be on the rise based on recent talk from draft analysts.

"Supposedly now they’re talking about he’s a third round (pick)," McCarron said of the 6-2, 198-pounder, raving about what a clutch receiver and a "genuine dude" he is. "I think just a lot of offensive players at Alabama are underrated coming out, just because our defense is always the main focus, playing for a defensive coach like Coach (Nick) Saban. So I think it’s just an offensive burden in a way, that we have in a way, coming out. Just kind of pushed to the side almost.

"But Kevin’s gonna be a hell of a receiver."

 

[Faust]

Clowney surviving, Bridgewater fading in NFL draft spotlight

 

[werdnoynek]

Bob McGinn with a great, informative article regarding WR / TE's in this class...

BOB’ MCGINN’S DRAFT SERIES: RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS
It's a great year, if you're looking for pass-catchers


Green Bay — As National Football League executives examine their draft boards ad nauseam, some will fret about less than stellar prospects in the defensive linemen and at tight end, running back and quarterback.

Then they'll gaze upon the multitude of wide receivers and know, as a comforting default move, it's the year to draft a pass catcher.

"I'm always cautious," said Rick Reiprish, the New Orleans Saints' director of college scouting. "I could (throw) out a number and say there's 12. With this group, if these guys go to the right teams, there could be a number of good players, because they're all talented."

In the last five drafts, an average of 12.8 wide receivers went off in the top 100. Teams might wait to draft here because of the sheer numbers, but there could be 15 or more in the first 100 this year.

How far down will teams still be able to secure a capable wide receiver?

"If you do your homework you can find that type of guy in the fourth round," said Don Gregory, the Carolina Panthers' director of college scouting.

It's not a stretch, according to Senior Bowl executive director and former Cleveland Browns general manager Phil Savage, to think this class could rival the greatest wide receiver drafts in history.

In 1978, the first 14 selections included James Lofton, Wes Chandler and John Jefferson.

In 1988, Michael Irvin, Tim Brown, Sterling Sharpe and Anthony Miller were among the first 15 choices; Brian Blades, Brett Perriman and Willie "Flipper" Anderson arrived within a span of seven selections late in Round 2, and Michael Haynes came along atop the seventh round.

And, in order of their selection, the 1996 contingent counted Keyshawn Johnson, Terry Glenn, Eddie Kennison, Marvin Harrison, Eric Moulds, Amani Toomer, Muhsin Muhammad, Bobby Engram, Terrell Owens and Joe Horn.

"Ten years from now, when we add up the production of this entire class, I would expect the numbers would be very strong," Savage said. "Are there a couple Hall of Famers in here? Perhaps. They'll certainly get that chance because the ball is in the air."

The Journal Sentinel polled 17 personnel men with national responsibilities to name their five top wide receivers. A first-place vote was worth five points, a second was worth four and so forth.

Sammy Watkins, with 15 firsts and two seconds, led with 83 points.

He was followed by Mike Evans, 59 points; Odell Beckham, 55 (two firsts); Brandin Cooks, 25; Marqise Lee, 22; Jordan Matthews, three; Kelvin Benjamin, Cody Latimer and Paul Richardson, two; and Davante Adams and Shaq Evans, one.

From a subjective list of the top 14 wide receivers, the only senior is Matthews.

Of the other 13, only Martavis Bryant and Richardson had four years on campus. Everyone else spent the necessary minimum of three years, although Mike Evans and Benjamin redshirted in 2011 and after two seasons renounced their final two seasons of eligibility.

The unwanted ghost in every draft room is the reality that several of these unpolished gems will come a cropper in the NFL.

"This is the scariest position to draft from," said one scouting veteran. "There's more busts in the top 10 at that position. There's some really good players here, but until they do it I can't say it's a great group."

Of the 23 wide receivers selected among the top 10 in the last 15 drafts, a total of fourteen, or a stunning 61%, could be categorized as busts or disappointments.

The six busts were David Terrell, Charles Rogers, Reggie Williams, Troy Williamson, Mike Williams and Darrius Heyward-Bey.

The eight disappointments were David Boston, Peter Warrick, Travis Taylor, Koren Robinson, Roy Williams, Braylon Edwards, Ted Ginn Jr. and Justin Blackmon.

Six of the 23 were, are or probably will be among the very elite at the position: Torry Holt, Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Calvin Johnson, A.J. Green and Julio Jones. The last five stand at least 6 feet 2 inches.

Plaxico Burress and Michael Crabtree have been very good performers; it's too early to tell about Tavon Austin.

"Part of it is the way the college game is played now," said Savage. "In a number of systems the player may only run six routes. In the NFL, you're asked to do a lot more.

"In college, there aren't as many sight adjustments and hot reads. The complications of the pressure defense is not there as much as it is in pro football.

"The biggest factor is you're going to get man coverage in your face in the NFL. In college football, you don't get that as much."

Five of the six top-10 busts entered the NFL as underclassmen, as did five of the eight disappointing players.

One team uncovered a significant correlation in the failure rate for junior wide receivers that had fewer than 36 receptions before their final season.

"Receivers that have two years of very good production have a much higher rate of success," an executive from that club said. "Guys that catch a lot of balls end up being pretty good players."

Be warned that Benjamin, with just 30 receptions before his 54-catch sophomore season, and Bryant, with only 19 before a 42-catch junior season, fall in the danger zone for callow wide receivers.

"Bryant is a maybe and I don't major in maybes," an AFC personnel man said. "Maybe there's some people that like maybes. I'm not a maybe guy."

Dismissing Benjamin, another scout said: "He's stiff and lazy. Can't separate. Inconsistent catcher. I don't think he has off the field what it takes to be great on field.

"Other than that he'll be fine."

At tight end, the Journal Sentinel poll asking for the top four prospects was cut and dried. Eric Ebron got the nod from all 17 execs to become the first unanimous choice at the position since Brandon Pettigrew in 2009.

Following Ebron, who had the maximum 68 points, were Austin Seferian-Jenkins, 37; Jace Amaro, 33; Troy Niklas, 16; C.J. Fiedorowicz, 11; Jake Murphy, three; and Arthur Lynch, two.

"Once you get past the first two or three everyone else you just put them in a bag and kind of shake them up," one scout said. "There's nothing that really stands out. The tough part is all the guys that are talented have off-field issues."

Most interesting:

The Journal Sentinel polled 17 personnel men with national responsibilities to name their five top wide receivers. A first-place vote was worth five points, a second was worth four and so forth.

Sammy Watkins, with 15 firsts and two seconds, led with 83 points.

He was followed by Mike Evans, 59 points; Odell Beckham, 55 (two firsts); Brandin Cooks, 25; Marqise Lee, 22; Jordan Matthews, three; Kelvin Benjamin, Cody Latimer and Paul Richardson, two; and Davante Adams and Shaq Evans, one.

 

[Faust]

Tom Savage, Jimmy Garoppolo could sneak into first round

 

[EBF]

Most interesting:

The Journal Sentinel polled 17 personnel men with national responsibilities to name their five top wide receivers. A first-place vote was worth five points, a second was worth four and so forth.

Sammy Watkins, with 15 firsts and two seconds, led with 83 points.

He was followed by Mike Evans, 59 points; Odell Beckham, 55 (two firsts); Brandin Cooks, 25; Marqise Lee, 22; Jordan Matthews, three; Kelvin Benjamin, Cody Latimer and Paul Richardson, two; and Davante Adams and Shaq Evans, one.

 

[werdnoynek]

Most interesting:

The Journal Sentinel polled 17 personnel men with national responsibilities to name their five top wide receivers. A first-place vote was worth five points, a second was worth four and so forth.

Sammy Watkins, with 15 firsts and two seconds, led with 83 points.

He was followed by Mike Evans, 59 points; Odell Beckham, 55 (two firsts); Brandin Cooks, 25; Marqise Lee, 22; Jordan Matthews, three; Kelvin Benjamin, Cody Latimer and Paul Richardson, two; and Davante Adams and Shaq Evans, one.

Yeah... I'm curious where Moncrief was in the list.

 

[jurb26]

Was Shaq a typo? The reference Bryant later in the article but he wasn't listed.

 

[werdnoynek]

Was Shaq a typo? The reference Bryant later in the article but he wasn't listed.

I'm pretty sure he picked out a few top names and then some others and put them in the article. It's clearly not a comprehensive list.

 

[werdnoynek]

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/rating-the-nfl-draft-prospects-wide-receivers-and-tight-ends-b99258025z1-257423561.html

McGinn Gives his own list and some tidbits:

Rating the NFL draft prospects: Wide receivers and tight ends

The Journal Sentinel's Bob McGinn assesses the top wide receivers and tight ends in the draft next week.

Included is each player's height, weight, 40-yard dash time and projected round.

WIDE RECEIVERS1. SAMMY WATKINS, Clemson (6-0½, 213, 4.42, 1) — "He's so explosive," one scout said. "Just like Tavon Austin was last year. He's probably the most explosive guy in the draft." Third-year junior. In 2011, joined Herschel Walker, Marshall Faulk and Adrian Peterson as the only freshmen to make the AP All-America first team. "Really a dynamic player," said another scout. "He's so good in and out of his breaks. He runs like a running back but he moves like a receiver. He has strong hands to snatch the ball. He's going to be a real difference-maker." Concluded with a devastating 16-catch, 227-yard outburst against Ohio State in the Tigers' victorious Orange Bowl. Finished with 240 receptions for 3,391 yards (14.1-yard average) and 27 touchdowns. "He's had some drops this year," a third scout said. "He's not Calvin (Johnson) or Andre Johnson. He's almost a faster version of Dez Bryant but not as good hands. I had him ahead of Julio Jones." Doesn't turn 21 until June. From Fort Myers, Fla. "Good player but not great," a fourth scout said. "There's a lot of good stuff. But he's not a real good route runner and it's almost like he's gotten too thick in his lower body. Only 6 feet."

2. MIKE EVANS, Texas A&M (6-4½, 231, 4.52, 1) — Third-year sophomore. "Some of the best ball skills I've ever seen," one scout said. "Tremendous hand-eye coordination, body control, balance. He runs fast. Not a great route-runner. He's a little stiff in and out of his breaks. But he's a guy you throw the ball up to and he's going to catch his share like an Alshon Jeffery type of guy. Wish he was faster. Highly competitive." Outstanding prep basketball player in Galveston, Texas. Signed with Texas A&M coach Mike Sherman. "He doesn't really separate," another scout said. "He just goes up and climbs. He is exceptional because he's fast." Finished with 151 catches for 2,499 yards (16.6) and 17 TDs. Scored 25 on the 50-question Wonderlic intelligence test. "I wonder if he had a big bump-run corner on him could he separate?" a third scout said. "That was my only hesitation. But now with the rules the way they are he'll get every call imaginable." Some scouts argue Evans made Johnny Manziel, while others argue just the opposite.

3. ODELL BECKHAM, Louisiana State (5-11, 196, 4.40, 1) — Played at Isidore Newman High in New Orleans, the same school that the Manning boys attended. "No holes that I can see," said one scout. "I think he will be great." Third-year junior improved his statistics each season, finishing with 143 catches for 2,340 yards (16.4) and 12 TDs. "He lacks the elite height and size," said another scout. "He has the athletic ability, ability to bend and get in and out of breaks, the catch radius, unbelievable hands, return value. He's a very, very talented player." His father was a running back at LSU and his mother was a national champion track athlete for the Tigers. "Little bit of a diva but he is tough," a third scout said. "More of an outside guy but he can stretch the field. Very, very, very explosive. Intriguing player." Compared by scouts to Marvin Harrison and Greg Jennings.

4. BRANDIN COOKS, Oregon State (5-9½, 187, 4.33, 1-2) — Compared by one scout to long-time Carolina Panther Steve Smith. "He's like Antonio Brown in Pittsburgh," one scout said. "That's a close comparison. He's faster down the field than Brown but he's sudden like he is." Third-year junior out of Stockton, Calif. "He surprised me by running that fast," another scout said. "He doesn't play as fast as he ran but he does get behind people. He's quick. In the air he can go to the ball and catch it one-handed. He plays bigger than he is because he can jump so well." Broke Pac-12 season records for receptions (128) and receiving yards (1,730) in 2013. Finished with 226 catches for 3,272 yards (14.5) and 24 TDs. Won't turn 21 until September. "He's exciting, in his own way," a third scout said. "Little stiff but really fast. Can make a lot of people miss. Limited routes he ran as a little guy. Stronger than Tavon Austin, but not as elusive."

5. MARQISE LEE, Southern California (6-0, 195, 4.47, 1-2) — Third-year junior from Inglewood, Calif. "Even though he doesn't run as well as Beckham he's more explosive," one scout said. "He has been the guy where Beckham has been one of the guys (at LSU). He was much better obviously in '12 than '13." After catching 118 passes for 1,721 yards (14.6) and 14 TDs in 2012, he was hampered by shoulder and knee injuries as well as shoddy quarterback play. Slumped to 57 grabs for 791 (13.9) and four TDs. "He's not going to be a great No. 1 but a good No. 1," said another scout. "Very similar to Greg Jennings. Greg may be a little thicker in the lowers. Speed is comparable." The Trojans' spotty track record at WR in the last 20 years has one scout concerned. "Go back since Keyshawn (Johnson)," he said. "They've had some busts."

6. KELVIN BENJAMIN, Florida State (6-5, 241, 4.65, 1-2) — Seminoles' best WR since Anquan Boldin. "Really like his up side," said one scout. "He's actually a little more fluid for a big guy getting in and out of his breaks but he's not as fast and certainly not near as smart as Evans. He's going to be a project. Good kid. He could have really used another year in school." Turned 23 in February but academic woes (Wonderlic of 7) delayed his arrival in Tallahassee until age 20. After redshirting in 2011 and backing up in '12, he broke out in '13. Finished with 84 catches for 1,506 yards (17.9) and 19 TDs. "Boom or bust," another scout said. "You can see some flashes. Little bit inconsistent, there's lack of speed and some stiffness." From the football hotbed of Belle Glade, Fla. "I should like him more," a third scout said. "I just thought he was a prima donna. That was his personality on tape."

7. ALLEN ROBINSON, Penn State (6-2½, 209, 4.52, 1-2) — Led the Big Ten in receptions and receiving yards two straight years. "Big, strong, fast," one scout said. "His speed is good enough, He's a legitimate No. 2. Speed is why he won't be a No. 1. I don't think he gets out of the second round." Third-year junior from Southfield, Mich. "I really like his RAC (run after catch) for a bigger guy," another scout said. "Like he's instant up the field. He will be a really good complementary starter. He does like the weight room, but it was bad because he put on too much weight before Indy." Weighed 220 at the combine but was down to 207 at pro day. Finished with 177 catches for 2,474 yards (14.0) and 17 TDs. "I liked his hands," a third scout said. "But he looked like more of a power guy than a lithe, quick guy." Led WRs with a 42-inch vertical jump.

8. CODY LATIMER, Indiana (6-2½, 215, 4.44, 2) — Third-year junior worked out well in late April after coming back from a foot injury. "He's big and he can get behind guys," said one scout. "He's competitive. Really good hands. He's a bigger guy so he's not a sudden guy who will gain a lot of separation against man coverage. He's going to beat you vertically and he's a big guy. He'll win by getting body position on guys. He's not a No. 1, not a special guy like that. He's a No. 2." Named Hoosiers' MVP in 2013. Finished with 137 receptions for 2,042 yards (15.1) and 17 TDs. From Dayton, Ohio. "People will say he can't run and played at Indiana," another scout said. "But he's big. He's in the top group."

9. JORDAN MATTHEWS, Vanderbilt (6-3, 211, 4.47, 2-3) — Jerry Rice's cousin. Only senior among the top 14 WRs. "A lot of people don't think he plays very fast," one scout said. "Then he had a pretty good 40. He has size, plays with adequate strength and he's been incredibly productive." Established Southeastern Conference record for receptions (262) and yards (3,759). Averaged 14.4 and tallied 24 TDs. "Polished," said another scout. "Hands are above average but not special. Very productive player in a tough conference with a lot of NFL-caliber corners. Probably a No. 2 on a good football team. Mid to late second round." Posted highest Wonderlic (29) of leading WRs. From Madison, Ala.

10. DAVANTE ADAMS, Fresno State (6-1, 212, 4.59, 2-3) — Fourth-year junior from Palo Alto, Calif. "He's got very good ball skills, first of all," one scout said. "He's got big size. He catches a lot of shorter balls. That offense is a little bit inflated because they run all kinds of bubble screens and hitches. He's pretty savvy. He positions himself well. He's not a burner. I see him more as a possession guy. Probably like a Keenan Allen from (2013 draft, third round). Got some of the same skill set but I don't know if he has Keenan Allen's toughness." Led the nation in 2013 with 131 catches. Finished with 233 receptions for 3,030 yards (13.0) and 38 TDs. Probably best WR at Fresno State since Henry Ellard. "All his big games were against (expletive) competition like Hawaii," another scout said. "He came on a little at the end but I don't see him as a top-three round guy. Fourth round."

11. JARVIS LANDRY, Louisiana State (5-11½, 200, 4.67, 2-3) — Confirmed guesswork among scouts with a bad 40. "He's a poor man's version of the big guy with the 49ers (Anquan Boldin)," one scout said. "His numbers don't match up. I don't know how he gets the strength or whatever he possesses to do what he does. He manages to." Third-year junior from Lutcher, La., with 137 catches for 1,809 yards (13.2) and 15 TDs. "He's not near as fast as Sterling Sharpe," another scout said. "But this is a mean (expletive) that is tough." Vertical jump of 30½ exceeded by some offensive linemen. Added a third scout: "He's cocky. He wills himself to make plays. Not as big as James Jones. Really good football player."

12. DONTE MONCRIEF, Mississippi (6-2½, 220, 4.40, 2-3) — Led WRs with an 11-0 broad jump and blazed a fast 40. "He's a vertical receiver," said one scout. "He's a big guy with straight-line speed. He drops balls. He's got some tightness to him and he's not real quick, but he's powerful. He may be the best blocker of all the receivers. He actually goes after people." Third-year junior with 156 catches for 2,371 yards (15.2) and 20 TDs. Disappointing final season. "Really soft," said another scout. "He doesn't want anything to do with it." From Raleigh, Miss.

13. MARTAVIS BRYANT, Clemson (6-4, 214, 4.46, 3-4) – Fourth-year junior from Calhoun Falls, S.C. "He's a vertical guy," one scout said. "Clemson said he was the fastest guy on their team. I said, 'No way he's as fast as Watkins.' They said yes. This guy separates from them all. He's 6-4 and can run. If Al Davis was still alive he'd be all excited over him." Caught 61 passes for 1,354 yards (22.2) and 13 TDs; his average broke the FCS record of 22.0 held by Herman Moore since 1990. Wonderlic of 14, struggles in interviews. "He has a Randy Moss-type build," another scout said. "Doesn't run as fast as Randy but a notch below. There's some immaturity. He scored a touchdown and threw the ball in the stands and did the throat-slash gesture. He does some idiotic stuff. But as far as natural ability he's up there."

14. PAUL RICHARDSON, Colorado (6-0, 172, 4.39, 3-4) – Described by two scouts as "pure speed." Fourth-year junior from Los Angeles. "He's a lightweight guy so he can really get in and out of his (breaks)," said one scout. "He's not going to play the power game. He's not going to pull through tackles. If a (cornerback) gets his hands on him they're going to reroute him pretty easy. But if you want a guy who can separate on the outside from man cover that's what he can do. He can threaten deep. Great feet. Very quick." Finished with 156 receptions for bad Buffaloes teams, gaining 2,412 yards (15.5) and scoring 21 TDs. His father, Paul, was a WR obtained by Packers GM Ron Wolf from the Raiders in June 1992 for past considerations. He didn't last long in Green Bay. "Little bit of a forgotten guy," another scout said. "The only thing he lacks really is bulk."

OTHERS: Dri Archer, Kent State; Shaq Evans, UCLA; Kevin Norwood, Alabama; Bruce Ellington, South Carolina; Jared Abbrederis, Wisconsin; T.J. Jones, Notre Dame; Devin Street, Pittsburgh; Jeff Janis, Saginaw Valley State; Josh Huff, Oregon; Brandon Coleman, Rutgers; Jalen Saunders, Oklahoma; Kain Colter, Northwestern; L'Damian Washington, Missouri.

TIGHT ENDS1. ERIC EBRON, North Carolina (6-4½, 252, 4.58, 1) — Third-year junior often compared to the 49ers' Vernon Davis. "Vernon is more sudden and compact," said one scout. "Twitchy. Eric's fluid. Where Eric makes his mark is being deceptive, running in gears and transitioning well in and out of breaks. I think he has special hands. You see him making one-handed palm of the ball in traffic. He has a chance to be an exceptional player, especially the way the game's played now." Two-year starter with 112 catches for 1,805 yards (16.1) and eight TDs. "He's a top-10 talent," another scout said. "He's as talented a tight end as has come out in the last five years." Played most of his career flanked wide or in the slot. "He's not a great big bulky guy but he'll block," another scout said. "Watch him against (Jadeveon) Clowney. He didn't win but he wasn't afraid. He's (Rob) Gronkowski-like but he's a lot smoother." From Greensboro, N.C. "In this new-fangled tight end position he can stretch the field and be a matchup issue," a third scout said. "He's better than (Jermichael) Finley and (Tyler) Eifert." Wonderlic of 16.

2. AUSTIN SEFERIAN-JENKINS, Washington (6-5½, 263, 4.78, 1-2) — Third-year junior from Fox Island, Wash. "He has a chance to be real good and be a red-zone guy," said one scout. "That's become more and more important. He has great catching radius and I thought he blocked all right. He's a shield and wall-off guy but he's not getting tossed around. He's not going to go soft on you. But he's better off unattached (from the formation)." Pleaded guilty to drunken driving in March 2013, spent a day in jail and was suspended for one game. Turned off some team personnel with what was described by one scout as a surly, defensive attitude. "I wouldn't say he's a bad kid," said one scout for a team in the market for a TE. "But I would say that he probably will be hostile at times to coaches. He's going to have a hard time with authority figures because he's never been around them his whole life. Very, very abrasive at times when you criticize him." Finished with 146 catches for 1,840 yards (12.6) and 21 TDs. "He's big and really has soft hands but he's lazy as heck," a third scout said. "Even in the pregame of the game I went to he was just going through the motions. He should be a good blocker because he's built so powerfully but he doesn't block that well. Where he's really good is in the red zone."

3. JACE AMARO, Texas Tech (6-5½, 266, 4.71, 2) — Set an FCS record for receiving yards (1,352, on 106 catches) by a TE in 2013. "Difficult guy to do because he's in the slot all the time," said one scout. "He's so much bigger than the people he's going against. He's not real exciting." Third-year junior from San Antonio. "People compare him a little bit to a (Mark) Bavaro or a Gronkowski in terms of just catching the ball and then being very hard to bring down," another scout said. "He's not a great athlete but he's big and strong and physical. Not a great blocker at the point. He might have the strength to be a pretty good blocker. I would say he'll be gone by (pick) 50." Caught 138 passes for 1,818 yards (13.2) and 13 TDs. "I'm not a big fan," a third scout said. "He's really soft. He's more a product of that offense than anything else."

4. TROY NIKLAS, Notre Dame (6-6½, 269, 4.8, 3-4) – Labeled "steady" by one scout. "A bit of an enigma," another scout said. "He's not as good as all the tight ends that came out of there like (Kyle) Rudolph and Eifert. He's got a little bit of softness to him. He tries (to block). It's disappointing just because he's 270 and he thinks he's a 240-pound tight end. He'd rather be in the slot than doing the dirty work inside." Third-year junior from Fullerton, Calif., recruited as a DE but made 20 tackles as a true freshman LB in 2011. Two-year starter at TE with 37 catches for 573 yards (15.5) and six TDs. "I really didn't like him," a third scout said. "This guy is just a big, lumbering guy." His uncle, Bruce Matthews, was a Hall of Fame lineman. "He's just got to (mature) and get a little tougher," a fourth scout said. "He's got the size. He needed another year. He shouldn't have come out. Got a lot of tools to work with."

5. C.J. FIEDOROWICZ, Iowa (6-5½, 266, 4.77, 3-4) – Three-year starter with 91 catches for 899 yards (9.9) and 10 TDs. "He's an all-around guy," said one scout. "I'd take him over Amaro. He has a chance to be a good, solid blocker. He doesn't run real good. He can catch." Recruited by Wisconsin and Indiana as a basketball player. Paige, his sister, played basketball at Marquette from 2008-'11. "Typical Iowa kid," said another scout. "He's dependable, reliable." From Johnsburg, Ill. "He'll be a journeyman No. 3 type," a third scout said. "He's not a starter. He's just a guy."

6. COLT LYERLA, ex-Oregon (6-4, 242, 4.58, 3-FA) – Quit the team Oct. 6 after 2½ event-filled years in Eugene. Two weeks later, he was arrested for cocaine possession. "I bet he's off 80% of the teams' draft boards," one scout said. "Talented guy but into all kinds of (expletive). I think you can touch him in the sixth or seventh rounds." Best vertical jump (39) and broad jump (10-8) of all TEs and tied Ebron for swiftest 40. Caught 34 passes for 565 yards (16.6) and 11 TDs. Also played some RB, carrying 13 times for 77. "More of a receiver," said another scout. "Doesn't block well. Knowing Ted (Thompson), I don't think Ted would mess with a guy like that." Mourned the departure of coach Chip Kelly to the Eagles after his second season and it was all downhill after that. "Drugs, quitting, you name it, it's happened," a third scout said. "I would never trust him. I couldn't imagine anyone taking him with those credentials. No way." From Hillsboro, Ore. Wonderlic of 24.

OTHERS: Crockett Gillmore, Colorado State; Arthur Lynch, Georgia; Richard Rodgers, California; Rob Blanchflower, Massachusetts; Marcel Jensen, Fresno State; A.C. Leonard, Tennessee State; Blake Annen, Cincinnati; Jake Murphy, Utah; Trey Burton, Florida; Jacob Pedersen, Wisconsin; Xavier Grimble, Southern California; Reggie Jordan, Missouri Western State; Joe Don Duncan, Dixie State; Anthony Denham, Utah; Jordan Najvar, Baylor; Justin Jones, ex-East Carolina.

 

[werdnoynek]

Love McGinn's takes - gives good / bad takes on each player from scouts. One of the best in the Biz.

QB write up is coming Friday, RB's on Sunday.

 

[BuzzCagney]

9. JORDAN MATTHEWS, Vanderbilt (6-3, 211, 4.47, 2-3) — Jerry Rice's cousin. Only senior among the top 14 WRs. "A lot of people don't think he plays very fast," one scout said. "Then he had a pretty good 40. He has size, plays with adequate strength and he's been incredibly productive." Established Southeastern Conference record for receptions (262) and yards (3,759). Averaged 14.4 and tallied 24 TDs. "Polished," said another scout. "Hands are above average but not special. Very productive player in a tough conference with a lot of NFL-caliber corners. Probably a No. 2 on a good football team. Mid to late second round." Posted highest Wonderlic (29) of leading WRs. From Madison, Ala.

 

[werdnoynek]

9. JORDAN MATTHEWS, Vanderbilt (6-3, 211, 4.47, 2-3) — Jerry Rice's cousin. Only senior among the top 14 WRs. "A lot of people don't think he plays very fast," one scout said. "Then he had a pretty good 40. He has size, plays with adequate strength and he's been incredibly productive." Established Southeastern Conference record for receptions (262) and yards (3,759). Averaged 14.4 and tallied 24 TDs. "Polished," said another scout. "Hands are above average but not special. Very productive player in a tough conference with a lot of NFL-caliber corners. Probably a No. 2 on a good football team. Mid to late second round." Posted highest Wonderlic (29) of leading WRs. From Madison, Ala.

Amazing! We've finally found something he's great at... intelligence tests.

Such a great indicator of success for WR's in the NFL.

 

[IHEARTFF]

9. JORDAN MATTHEWS, Vanderbilt (6-3, 211, 4.47, 2-3) — Jerry Rice's cousin. Only senior among the top 14 WRs. "A lot of people don't think he plays very fast," one scout said. "Then he had a pretty good 40. He has size, plays with adequate strength and he's been incredibly productive." Established Southeastern Conference record for receptions (262) and yards (3,759). Averaged 14.4 and tallied 24 TDs. "Polished," said another scout. "Hands are above average but not special. Very productive player in a tough conference with a lot of NFL-caliber corners. Probably a No. 2 on a good football team. Mid to late second round." Posted highest Wonderlic (29) of leading WRs. From Madison, Ala.

Amazing! We've finally found something he's great at... intelligence tests.

Such a great indicator of success for WR's in the NFL.

What do you mean finally? He's the all time leading WR in SEC history and would easily be a 1st round pick in a 'normal' draft.

 

[werdnoynek]

9. JORDAN MATTHEWS, Vanderbilt (6-3, 211, 4.47, 2-3) — Jerry Rice's cousin. Only senior among the top 14 WRs. "A lot of people don't think he plays very fast," one scout said. "Then he had a pretty good 40. He has size, plays with adequate strength and he's been incredibly productive." Established Southeastern Conference record for receptions (262) and yards (3,759). Averaged 14.4 and tallied 24 TDs. "Polished," said another scout. "Hands are above average but not special. Very productive player in a tough conference with a lot of NFL-caliber corners. Probably a No. 2 on a good football team. Mid to late second round." Posted highest Wonderlic (29) of leading WRs. From Madison, Ala.

Amazing! We've finally found something he's great at... intelligence tests.

Such a great indicator of success for WR's in the NFL.

What do you mean finally? He's the all time leading WR in SEC history and would easily be a 1st round pick in a 'normal' draft.

Ron Dayne is the all time leading rusher in D1 NCAA Football... a lot of good that did him in the NFL.

 

[BuzzCagney]

9. JORDAN MATTHEWS, Vanderbilt (6-3, 211, 4.47, 2-3) — Jerry Rice's cousin. Only senior among the top 14 WRs. "A lot of people don't think he plays very fast," one scout said. "Then he had a pretty good 40. He has size, plays with adequate strength and he's been incredibly productive." Established Southeastern Conference record for receptions (262) and yards (3,759). Averaged 14.4 and tallied 24 TDs. "Polished," said another scout. "Hands are above average but not special. Very productive player in a tough conference with a lot of NFL-caliber corners. Probably a No. 2 on a good football team. Mid to late second round." Posted highest Wonderlic (29) of leading WRs. From Madison, Ala.

Amazing! We've finally found something he's great at... intelligence tests.

Such a great indicator of success for WR's in the NFL.

no. but is the icing on the cake

 

[BuzzCagney]

9. JORDAN MATTHEWS, Vanderbilt (6-3, 211, 4.47, 2-3) — Jerry Rice's cousin. Only senior among the top 14 WRs. "A lot of people don't think he plays very fast," one scout said. "Then he had a pretty good 40. He has size, plays with adequate strength and he's been incredibly productive." Established Southeastern Conference record for receptions (262) and yards (3,759). Averaged 14.4 and tallied 24 TDs. "Polished," said another scout. "Hands are above average but not special. Very productive player in a tough conference with a lot of NFL-caliber corners. Probably a No. 2 on a good football team. Mid to late second round." Posted highest Wonderlic (29) of leading WRs. From Madison, Ala.

Amazing! We've finally found something he's great at... intelligence tests.

Such a great indicator of success for WR's in the NFL.

What do you mean finally? He's the all time leading WR in SEC history and would easily be a 1st round pick in a 'normal' draft.

Ron Dayne is the all time leading rusher in D1 NCAA Football... a lot of good that did him in the NFL.

matthews did it on a weak team against stronger competition in what is considered the strongest conference. there is a difference.

 

[werdnoynek]

9. JORDAN MATTHEWS, Vanderbilt (6-3, 211, 4.47, 2-3) — Jerry Rice's cousin. Only senior among the top 14 WRs. "A lot of people don't think he plays very fast," one scout said. "Then he had a pretty good 40. He has size, plays with adequate strength and he's been incredibly productive." Established Southeastern Conference record for receptions (262) and yards (3,759). Averaged 14.4 and tallied 24 TDs. "Polished," said another scout. "Hands are above average but not special. Very productive player in a tough conference with a lot of NFL-caliber corners. Probably a No. 2 on a good football team. Mid to late second round." Posted highest Wonderlic (29) of leading WRs. From Madison, Ala.

Amazing! We've finally found something he's great at... intelligence tests.

Such a great indicator of success for WR's in the NFL.

What do you mean finally? He's the all time leading WR in SEC history and would easily be a 1st round pick in a 'normal' draft.

Ron Dayne is the all time leading rusher in D1 NCAA Football... a lot of good that did him in the NFL.

matthews did it on a weak team against stronger competition in what is considered the strongest conference. there is a difference.

 

[BuzzCagney]

9. JORDAN MATTHEWS, Vanderbilt (6-3, 211, 4.47, 2-3) — Jerry Rice's cousin. Only senior among the top 14 WRs. "A lot of people don't think he plays very fast," one scout said. "Then he had a pretty good 40. He has size, plays with adequate strength and he's been incredibly productive." Established Southeastern Conference record for receptions (262) and yards (3,759). Averaged 14.4 and tallied 24 TDs. "Polished," said another scout. "Hands are above average but not special. Very productive player in a tough conference with a lot of NFL-caliber corners. Probably a No. 2 on a good football team. Mid to late second round." Posted highest Wonderlic (29) of leading WRs. From Madison, Ala.

Amazing! We've finally found something he's great at... intelligence tests.

Such a great indicator of success for WR's in the NFL.

What do you mean finally? He's the all time leading WR in SEC history and would easily be a 1st round pick in a 'normal' draft.

Ron Dayne is the all time leading rusher in D1 NCAA Football... a lot of good that did him in the NFL.

matthews did it on a weak team against stronger competition in what is considered the strongest conference. there is a difference.

don't be afraid. you can take off the tin foil hat.

 

[miqws]

Was Shaq a typo? The reference Bryant later in the article but he wasn't listed.

I'm pretty sure he picked out a few top names and then some others and put them in the article. It's clearly not a comprehensive list.

The numbers add up correctly assuming 5 pts for 1st, 4 pts for 2nd, etc. Personnel people are often bias towards "not fail or high floor" whereas the fantasy owner (at least I do) has bias for high ceiling.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

9. JORDAN MATTHEWS, Vanderbilt (6-3, 211, 4.47, 2-3) — Jerry Rice's cousin. Only senior among the top 14 WRs. "A lot of people don't think he plays very fast," one scout said. "Then he had a pretty good 40. He has size, plays with adequate strength and he's been incredibly productive." Established Southeastern Conference record for receptions (262) and yards (3,759). Averaged 14.4 and tallied 24 TDs. "Polished," said another scout. "Hands are above average but not special. Very productive player in a tough conference with a lot of NFL-caliber corners. Probably a No. 2 on a good football team. Mid to late second round." Posted highest Wonderlic (29) of leading WRs. From Madison, Ala.

Amazing! We've finally found something he's great at... intelligence tests.

Such a great indicator of success for WR's in the NFL.

What do you mean finally? He's the all time leading WR in SEC history and would easily be a 1st round pick in a 'normal' draft.

About as close to irrelevant as you can get...

1. Jordan Matthews
2. Earl Bennett
3. Craig Yeast
4. Kenny McKinley
5. Terrence Edwards

 

[IHEARTFF]

9. JORDAN MATTHEWS, Vanderbilt (6-3, 211, 4.47, 2-3) — Jerry Rice's cousin. Only senior among the top 14 WRs. "A lot of people don't think he plays very fast," one scout said. "Then he had a pretty good 40. He has size, plays with adequate strength and he's been incredibly productive." Established Southeastern Conference record for receptions (262) and yards (3,759). Averaged 14.4 and tallied 24 TDs. "Polished," said another scout. "Hands are above average but not special. Very productive player in a tough conference with a lot of NFL-caliber corners. Probably a No. 2 on a good football team. Mid to late second round." Posted highest Wonderlic (29) of leading WRs. From Madison, Ala.

Amazing! We've finally found something he's great at... intelligence tests.

Such a great indicator of success for WR's in the NFL.

What do you mean finally? He's the all time leading WR in SEC history and would easily be a 1st round pick in a 'normal' draft.

About as close to irrelevant as you can get...

1. Jordan Matthews
2. Earl Bennett
3. Craig Yeast
4. Kenny McKinley
5. Terrence Edwards

AJ Green would be 1 or 2 if he had played his SR year. Yearly yardage leaders seems pretty relevant.

2013 Jordan Matthews* 1477 Vanderbilt

2012 Cobi Hamilton 1335 Arkansas

2011 Jarius Wright* 1117 Arkansas

2010 Alshon Jeffery* 1517 South Carolina

2009 Shay Hodge* 1135 Mississippi

2008 A.J. Green* 963 Georgia

2007 Steve Johnson* 1041 Kentucky

2006 Robert Meachem* 1298 Tennessee

2005 Sidney Rice* 1143 South Carolina

2004 Reggie Brown* 860 Georgia

2003 Michael Clayton* 1079 Louisiana State

2002 Taylor Jacobs* 1088 Florida

2001 Josh Reed 1740 Louisiana State

2000 Jabar Gaffney 1184 Florida

Anyway, all of this just combines with his other attributes to make him a great prospect.

 

[werdnoynek]

AJ Green would be 1 or 2 if he had played his SR year. Yearly yardage leaders seems pretty relevant.
2013 Jordan Matthews* 1477 Vanderbilt

2012 Cobi Hamilton 1335 Arkansas

2011 Jarius Wright* 1117 Arkansas

2010 Alshon Jeffery* 1517 South Carolina

2009 Shay Hodge* 1135 Mississippi

2008 A.J. Green* 963 Georgia

2007 Steve Johnson* 1041 Kentucky

2006 Robert Meachem* 1298 Tennessee

2005 Sidney Rice* 1143 South Carolina

2004 Reggie Brown* 860 Georgia

2003 Michael Clayton* 1079 Louisiana State

2002 Taylor Jacobs* 1088 Florida

2001 Josh Reed 1740 Louisiana State

2000 Jabar Gaffney 1184 Florida

Anyway, all of this just combines with his other attributes to make him a great prospect.

Your definition of great must differ GREATLY from the 17 personnel men that McGinn polled. [SIZE=medium] [/SIZE]

 

[JohnnyU]

9. JORDAN MATTHEWS, Vanderbilt (6-3, 211, 4.47, 2-3) — Jerry Rice's cousin. Only senior among the top 14 WRs. "A lot of people don't think he plays very fast," one scout said. "Then he had a pretty good 40. He has size, plays with adequate strength and he's been incredibly productive." Established Southeastern Conference record for receptions (262) and yards (3,759). Averaged 14.4 and tallied 24 TDs. "Polished," said another scout. "Hands are above average but not special. Very productive player in a tough conference with a lot of NFL-caliber corners. Probably a No. 2 on a good football team. Mid to late second round." Posted highest Wonderlic (29) of leading WRs. From Madison, Ala.

Amazing! We've finally found something he's great at... intelligence tests.

Such a great indicator of success for WR's in the NFL.

What do you mean finally? He's the all time leading WR in SEC history and would easily be a 1st round pick in a 'normal' draft.

Ron Dayne is the all time leading rusher in D1 NCAA Football... a lot of good that did him in the NFL.

matthews did it on a weak team against stronger competition in what is considered the strongest conference. there is a difference.

don't be afraid. you can take off the tin foil hat.

What did Greg Cosell say about Jordan Matthews? Where does he rank him, just curious.

 

[MoveToSkypager]

Love McGinn's takes - gives good / bad takes on each player from scouts. One of the best in the Biz.

QB write up is coming Friday, RB's on Sunday.

I like Allen Robinson and Moncrief better than McGinn, but I always appreciate his writeups.

 

[Faust]

9. JORDAN MATTHEWS, Vanderbilt (6-3, 211, 4.47, 2-3) — Jerry Rice's cousin. Only senior among the top 14 WRs. "A lot of people don't think he plays very fast," one scout said. "Then he had a pretty good 40. He has size, plays with adequate strength and he's been incredibly productive." Established Southeastern Conference record for receptions (262) and yards (3,759). Averaged 14.4 and tallied 24 TDs. "Polished," said another scout. "Hands are above average but not special. Very productive player in a tough conference with a lot of NFL-caliber corners. Probably a No. 2 on a good football team. Mid to late second round." Posted highest Wonderlic (29) of leading WRs. From Madison, Ala.

Amazing! We've finally found something he's great at... intelligence tests.

Such a great indicator of success for WR's in the NFL.

What do you mean finally? He's the all time leading WR in SEC history and would easily be a 1st round pick in a 'normal' draft.

Ron Dayne is the all time leading rusher in D1 NCAA Football... a lot of good that did him in the NFL.

matthews did it on a weak team against stronger competition in what is considered the strongest conference. there is a difference.

don't be afraid. you can take off the tin foil hat.

What did Greg Cosell say about Jordan Matthews? Where does he rank him, just curious.

Paul Kuharsky @PaulKuharskyNFL .@gregcosell on @Midday180: WR Jordan Matthews of #Vandy not the most athletic guy, will probably be function of scheme/QB in NFL.

 

[JohnnyU]

9. JORDAN MATTHEWS, Vanderbilt (6-3, 211, 4.47, 2-3) — Jerry Rice's cousin. Only senior among the top 14 WRs. "A lot of people don't think he plays very fast," one scout said. "Then he had a pretty good 40. He has size, plays with adequate strength and he's been incredibly productive." Established Southeastern Conference record for receptions (262) and yards (3,759). Averaged 14.4 and tallied 24 TDs. "Polished," said another scout. "Hands are above average but not special. Very productive player in a tough conference with a lot of NFL-caliber corners. Probably a No. 2 on a good football team. Mid to late second round." Posted highest Wonderlic (29) of leading WRs. From Madison, Ala.

Amazing! We've finally found something he's great at... intelligence tests.

Such a great indicator of success for WR's in the NFL.

What do you mean finally? He's the all time leading WR in SEC history and would easily be a 1st round pick in a 'normal' draft.

Ron Dayne is the all time leading rusher in D1 NCAA Football... a lot of good that did him in the NFL.

matthews did it on a weak team against stronger competition in what is considered the strongest conference. there is a difference.

don't be afraid. you can take off the tin foil hat.

What did Greg Cosell say about Jordan Matthews? Where does he rank him, just curious.

Paul Kuharsky @PaulKuharskyNFL .@gregcosell on @Midday180: WR Jordan Matthews of #Vandy not the most athletic guy, will probably be function of scheme/QB in NFL.

thanks for the info.

 

[Faust]

2014 NFL Draft: QB class a motley crew

By Frank Cooney | NFLDraftScout.com

Presenting the 2014 NFL Draft's quarterback quagmire.

Although this draft is considered to have the best pool of talent ever, the quarterbacks offer more mystery than mastery and there is no consensus on who is No. 1. Or 2, 3 and 4 for that matter.

But there is one brilliant and unforgettable star in Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel, whose college feats are already legendary, including a Heisman Trophy as a freshman. In only two seasons he collected almost 10,000 yards of total offense and 93 touchdowns. In his first year as a starter, he introduced Texas A&M to the mighty SEC with an attack that can only be described as shock and awe.

It was a great show, but NFL teams are uncomfortable with the swashbuckling style that gave rise to his nickname Johnny Football (which he has eschewed). Although they admit admiring his act, some feel he might as well be Johnny Depp.

So, even in a league desperate for good quarterbacks, Manziel is being looked upon almost as a curiosity while worrywart coaches and scouts seek something or somebody more familiar or comfortable.

Absent a surefire franchise player, many believe the most acceptable pro prospect is Central Florida's burly Blake Bortles, who is rated No. 1 by NFLDraftScout.com, just ahead of Manziel and Louisville's impressive, but slight, Teddy Bridgewater.

And there are many lists that begin with Bridgewater and list Fresno State's prolific and pro-ready Derek Carr ahead of all others.

Those four quarterbacks -- Bortles, Manziel, Bridgewater and Carr in some order -- are projected as first-round draft picks by NFLDraftScout.com.

Although that seems to be the top tier in this year's quarterback class, some scouts insist other names belong up there, too. Maybe they are right. Check back in three years.

NFLDraftScout.com projects six quarterbacks to be selected in the top 100. OK, make that seven in the first 101.

Considering the lack of agreement on whom should be rated where and why, here is a closer look at all 17 quarterbacks rated as draft-worthy by NFLDraftScout.com, but don't be surprised when some team dips into a pool of a dozen priority free agent prospects and spends a draft pick on somebody not listed here:

Rank/Player/Position/School/Height/Weight/40 time/Proj. Round

1/6. *Blake Bortles, Central Florida, 6-5, 232, 4.93, 1

Of NFLDraftScout.com's trio of top 2014 quarterback prospects, Bortles is the only one with no size concerns. He can make every throw necessary, if you allow for that occasional wobbler. Teammates respond to his natural, crunch time, tough-guy, take-charge leadership. Smooth athlete who moves well, scans field, identifies secondary targets and maintains excellent geometric technique to maximize accuracy, velocity. Work ethic is reflected in film study that often pushed curfew boundaries.

Frankly: Think Ben Roethlisberger. OK, your call.

2/7. *Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M, 6-0, 207, 4.68, 1

One of the most dynamic performers in college football history must now prove he can continue his magic in a league even tougher than the SEC. He maintains flamboyant, spontaneous, vociferous style on and off the field, which concerns some who question his focus. But that's the package. After not throwing at the combine, he raised the bar on how to dazzle at a pro day workout, which was attended by former President George H.W. Bush. Otherwise, he has amazing football instincts, and a very good arm with great accuracy. Can he produce in the NFL? The honest answer is, for now, nobody really knows.

Frankly: Most entertaining and befuddling draft prospect I have ever seen. Manziel is a mesmerizing performer who defies the nitpicky scouts and coaches who point out his improprieties -- bails from pocket, doesn't throw to first open receiver, has weird hop step in delivery, carries the ball dangerously, and more. Still, Manziel manages to perform magic that would make David Copperfield proud.

3/14. *Teddy Bridgewater, Louisville, 6-2, 214, 4.79, 1

His impressive production, passing accuracy and leadership abilities helped rate him as top QB prospect by NFLDraftScout.com analysts Rob Rang and Dane Brugler and many others. But his frame seems slight and even if he bulks up, durability might be an issue as he lacks that innate feel and smooth athleticism to move in and out of pocket. But, then, that might describe Tom Brady. A low release point -- from ear height -- may become an issue against taller, athletic defensive linemen.

Frankly: A lot of respected scouts and coaches rate Bridgewater as the best quarterback prospect in this draft, so I am obviously missing something. He is not really a fluid athlete and that, combined with a frail-looking body, is a concern. Although he has excellent geometry in how he leads receivers, Bridgewater's release point is low. For a 6-foot-2 pocket passer, that is another concern.

4/28. Derek Carr, Fresno State, 6-2, 214, 4.69, 1-2

The brother of former No. 1 overall pick David Carr (Houston, 2002), but wears No. 4 in honor of Brett Favre, whose never-quit attitude he admires. Like his brother, Derek has an NFL-caliber arm, although not quite as strong as Favre's. He has better overall athleticism than either of them. In 2013 Carr led the nation in total offensive yards (4,983), total passing yards (4,866), passing yards per game (405.5), passing touchdowns (48), completions per game (35.33), touchdowns responsible for (50), total points responsible for (302) and points responsible for per game (25.2).

Frankly: Perhaps the most NFL-ready quarterback in this draft is underrated because of guilt by familial association. Derek is not David, but together they can help the younger brother avoid the mistakes of the older one. Draft Derek, sign David (now a free agent) and let them work it out.

5/42. Tom Savage, Pittsburgh, 6-4, 228, 4.97, 2

Traveling Tom transferred twice (from Rutgers, Arizona) and sat out two seasons (2011, 2012) in search of optimum situation, then struggled last season on a team that didn't give him a lot of protection. Savage has excellent size and an NFL-caliber arm. It is important to know what date of game is on films because as the 2013 season progressed so did his ability to understand how to accept the check-down instead of the sack. Note this: When Savage was a freshman at Rutgers in 2010, NFLDraftScout.com rated Savage as the No. 5 quarterback in the 2014 draft.

Frankly: Big guy with a big arm who shows a grasp of the pro-style game and if he gets the time and tutoring necessary he might surprise those who lost track of him after two years out of the game. In weathering a rough start last season he showed maturity that was missing earlier career.

6/48. Jimmy Garoppolo, Eastern Illinois, 6-2, 226, 4.97, 2

Garoppolo created a buzz as he broke all of Tony Romo's career school records, as well as all of the Ohio Valley Conference passing records. Won the Walter Payton Award in 2013 after throwing for 5,050 yards and 53 touchdowns. His career totals include 13,156 yards passing, 118 touchdowns in a pass-happy, shotgun offense that has not helped prepare him for the NFL.

Frankly: Garoppolo can find receivers and fire the ball on target faster than you can say his name. Lighting release and frozen rope medium distance sideline passes are reminiscent of Dan Marino's lasers. This despite concerns about his size, short arms and small hands.

Others:

7/101. Zach Mettenberger, LSU, 6-5, 224, 5.18, 3-4

Strong arm and NFL-style experience under offensive coordinator Cam Cameron. There are concerns about character, conditioning, slow feet and he is coming off ACL injury.

8/124. AJ McCarron, Alabama, 6-3, 220, 4.94, 4

Proved he is a great team leader who could run an efficient show while surrounded by great talent, but is an average athlete with an average arm.

9/140. Aaron Murray, Georgia, 6-1, 207, 4.84, 4

Murray is physically and mentally tough, commands respect. Nice over-the-top passing motion. Coming back from November ACL surgery. Some scouts compare him to similarly sized Drew Brees.

10/179. Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech, 6-6, 248, 4.61, 5-6

A tease in search of a tutor. Thomas has the best combination of size, speed, athleticism and arm strength among all quarterbacks in this draft. He just can't shoot straight and struggles mightily with accuracy, not a good thing for a quarterback.

11/204. David Fales, San Jose State, 6-2, 212, 4.99, 6

Well-traveled (Nevada, Monterey Peninsula College, Wyoming), Fales surfaced as great team leader for a new coaching staff and a squad full of newcomers. He is so likeable in every other way that some overlook his lack of arm strength.

12/232. Keith Wenning, Ball State, 6-3, 218, 5.00, 6-7

Toiled in the shadow of MAC star Jordan Lynch, who grabbed attention while leading Northern Illinois to three straight MAC championship games. Otherwise, Wenning would have been noticed for his his accuracy and field savvy as he completed 296-of-454 passes for 3,933 yards, with 34 touchdowns and only six interceptions in regular season.

13/258. *Brett Smith, Wyoming, 6-1, 205, 4.62, 7-FA

Skilled athlete and passer whose career was marred by too many losses. He set school records with 97 touchdowns, 76 passing. Against Hawaii last year he set Mountain West and Wyoming single-game records with 640 yards total offense (498 passing, 142 rushing) and eight total touchdowns (7 passing, 1 rushing).

14/270. Connor Shaw, South Carolina, 6-0, 206, 4.66, 7-FA

Born and raised for football, Shaw is the son of a coach, grew up next to Atlanta Falcons headquarters and loves to watch game tape. Coach Steve Spurrier calls him the best quarterback in the history of South Carolina, where he was 27-5 as a starter and set school record with 6,000 yards passing and 1,000 rushing.

15/281. Garrett Gilbert, Southern Methodist, 6-4, 221, 4.86, 7-FA

Was introduced the national audience when Texas star Colt McCoy was knocked out of BCS championship on the fifth play against Alabama at the end of 2010 season. After falling from grace at Texas, Gilbert -- the son of former Cal and NFL veteran Gale Gilbert -- resurfaced at SMU in 2012 to play for coach June Jones, former run-and-gun advocate who is brandishing a pistol offense these days. Gilbert has the physical ability, but rough college career dinged his confidence.

16/298. Tajh Boyd, Clemson, 6-1, 222, 4.84, 7-FA

Boyd is an unusual prospect whose production (107 career touchdown passes) is devalued by exclusive use of run-option offense and all that great talent that surrounded him. Well-liked by everyone, although teammates hung nickname "Fat Boy" on him for his constant battle to keep weight down.

17/314. Stephen Morris, Miami (Fla.), 6-2, 213, 4.63, 7-FA

Morris has the arm strength and athleticism to deserve consideration as an NFL quarterback, but his physical performance was impacted significantly by an Achilles injury last year. Also in question are his decision making skills, especially under pressure, after poor performances and a 1-6 career record against ranked opponents.

Frank Cooney, founder and publisher of The Sports Xchange and NFLDraftScout.com, covered the NFL and the draft since the 1960s and is a selector for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

 

[Faust]

2014 NFL Draft: Johnny Manziel MIA among TSX best fits survey

 

[Faust]

Mike Mayock: Six receivers to be drafted in first round

By Dan Hanzus

Around the League Writer

We've been told for months -- yes, literally months now -- that the 2014 draft class is loaded at wide receiver.

In his final conference call before teams invade Radio City Music Hall next week, NFL Media draft analyst Mike Mayock predicted that six wideouts will come off the board in the first round: Clemson's Sammy Watkins, Texas A&M's Mike Evans, LSU's Odell Beckham, Oregon State's Brandin Cooks, Florida State's Kelvin Benjamin and USC's Marqise Lee.

"Watkins and Evans should be the first two," Mayock said Thursday. "I think the next two are going to be wideouts that two months ago people wouldn't have said would go so early, and that's Odell Beckham of LSU and Brandin Cooks from Oregon State."

Mayock later added he had Beckham going to the New York Jets with the 18th overall draft pick.

"Beckham is an explosive kid with return skills, gets in and out of breaks as well as any receiver in the draft," he said. "Cooks is a smaller receiver, but maybe the most explosive receiver in the entire group. He also is a good route-runner.

"I think both those guys' value starts somewhere in that (No.) 13, 14 area, and I they'll be gone by plus or minus 20, and then Kelvin Benjamin and Marqise Lee, I believe, come into play after that."

Mayock also said he sees five cornerbacks going in the first round. That's 11 of 32 picks devoted to players who power or defend the passing game. Welcome to today's NFL.

The latest "Around The League Podcast" runs through the latest NFL draft headlines and takes a look at which coaches and GMs are lying about their intentions.

 

[Faust]

CollegeFootball 24/7 ‏@NFL_CFB

Mayock: @ClemsonTigers' Martavis Bryant a one-year wonder, but really explosive. Probably will go in Round 2.

CollegeFootball 24/7 ‏@NFL_CFB

Mayock: I have 10 QBs w/ 1st, 2nd or 3rd round grades. Most I've ever had.

CollegeFootball 24/7 ‏@NFL_CFB

Mayock: "No way in the world" Zack Martin available for @MiamiDolphins at 19

CollegeFootball 24/7 ‏@NFL_CFB

Mayock: Think Aaron Murray probably goes in 3rd round. In conversation for a lot of teams.

CollegeFootball 24/7 ‏@NFL_CFB

Mayock: Manziel + Murray are only QB prospects that could step in + play right away. Everyone else needs redshirt yr.

CollegeFootball 24/7 ‏@NFL_CFB

Mayock on Logan Thomas: Somebody's going to want to put Humpty Dumpty back together again. Goes late 3rd/early 4th.

CollegeFootball 24/7 ‏@NFL_CFB

Mayock on Troy Niklas: If he wants to become best blocking TE in @NFL, he will be.

CollegeFootball 24/7 ‏@NFL_CFB

Mayock on Aaron Donald: Should be picked in top half of 1st round. Hope he doesn't slide, but teams concerned about height

CollegeFootball 24/7 ‏@NFL_CFB

Mayock on Taylor Lewan: Keep thinking he'll land w/ @Atlanta_Falcons at 6 unless they trade up for Clowney

CollegeFootball 24/7 ‏@NFL_CFB

Mayock on David Fales: Might go late 4th/early 5th. Could be backup for decade.

 

[Faust]

NFL Draft Cheatsheet: TEs

 

[Faust]

Top 100 prospects for 2014 NFL draft

 

[BuzzCagney]

AJ Green would be 1 or 2 if he had played his SR year. Yearly yardage leaders seems pretty relevant.
2013 Jordan Matthews* 1477 Vanderbilt

2012 Cobi Hamilton 1335 Arkansas

2011 Jarius Wright* 1117 Arkansas

2010 Alshon Jeffery* 1517 South Carolina

2009 Shay Hodge* 1135 Mississippi

2008 A.J. Green* 963 Georgia

2007 Steve Johnson* 1041 Kentucky

2006 Robert Meachem* 1298 Tennessee

2005 Sidney Rice* 1143 South Carolina

2004 Reggie Brown* 860 Georgia

2003 Michael Clayton* 1079 Louisiana State

2002 Taylor Jacobs* 1088 Florida

2001 Josh Reed 1740 Louisiana State

2000 Jabar Gaffney 1184 Florida

Anyway, all of this just combines with his other attributes to make him a great prospect.

Your definition of great must differ GREATLY from the 17 personnel men that McGinn polled. [SIZE=medium] [/SIZE]

who are these 17 personnel men?

 

[werdnoynek]

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/nfl-insiders-split-on-outlook-for-johnny-football-as-draft-approaches-b99258607z1-257585891.html

BOB MCGINN’S DRAFT SERIES: QUARTERBACKS
NFL insiders split on outlook for Johnny Football as draft approaches

Green Bay — Say you're Rick Smith, the general manager of the Houston Texans.

As Smith does now, Dan Reeves controlled the first selection in the 2001 draft for the Atlanta Falcons. After trading up for the pick one day before the draft, Reeves' choice was Michael Vick.

Before long, Smith and the Texans must make their tortured call on quarterback Johnny Manziel. If they knew Manziel's career would approximate Vick's, should they do it?

"Was Michael Vick's career a hit or miss?" an AFC personnel director said last week. "He's won playoff games, made a lot of money, been a starter, excited a lot of people. At the same time, did he really live up to it?"

Now a 33-year-old insurance policy for the New York Jets, Vick owns a 58-48-1 record in the regular season as a starter for the Falcons and Eagles. His passer rating of 80.9 doesn't factor in his 5,857 rushing yards, most ever by a quarterback.

One of his greatest victories came against the Green Bay Packers in the 2002 wild-card playoffs as snow fell at Lambeau Field. Returning from almost two years in prison for funding a dog-fighting ring, Vick appeared almost unstoppable at times down the stretch in 2010.

"I think he'll have an up and down career like Michael Vick's," an NFC executive said. "Some good. Some bad."

That's a little how Manziel's two-year career went at Texas A&M.

"He typifies the SportsCenter generation," said Thomas Dimitroff, currently the Falcons' general manager. "As far as being reminiscent of anyone in the past, to me he's of a different generation of quarterback. It will be interesting to see how his career plays out."

Last month, the Journal Sentinel asked 20 executives in personnel if, when the book was closed on Manziel's pro career, it would be considered a hit or a miss.

Underscoring the Texans' dilemma, eight scouts guessed hit and 12 guessed miss.

"Do you want somebody that's not even 50-50 on that poll to be your franchise quarterback?" said an NFL personnel man. "He's a damn good athlete and great competitor, but he's a party animal and he ain't the smartest."

The personnel people also were asked to choose one word to describe Manziel, who became the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy, in 2012.

Those that forecast Manziel's career to be a hit chose brazen, electric (twice), entertaining, exciting, swagger, Tarkenton and unpredictable.

Those that expect Manziel to miss selected competitive (twice), dangerous, different, difference-maker, electric, energetic, gamer, magical, playmaker, spontaneous and winner.

"I really like Johnny Manziel," said Rick Reiprish, the New Orleans Saints' director of college scouting who has been beating college campuses for players since 1979. "He's very worthy of being a high first-round pick.

"Some of the throws the kid has made...Fran Tarkenton, he didn't have the arm strength this kid has. He'll drive you crazy if you let him, but he's going to do a lot of good things for you, too."

Measured at 5 feet 11 3/4 inches, Manziel will become just the eighth quarterback shorter than 6-0 to be drafted in the last 28 years.

In order, the list includes Kevin Sweeney (5-11 1/2), seventh round, 1987; Danny McManus (5-11 1/2), 11th round, '88; Jeff Blake (5-11 1/2), sixth round, '92; Ty Detmer (5-11 1/2), ninth round, '92; Joe Hamilton (5-10), seventh round, 2000; Seneca Wallace (5-11 1/2), fourth round, '03; and Russell Wilson (5-10 1/2), third round, '12.

The fact the Seattle Seahawks just won the Super Bowl with Wilson has put the question of Manziel's height on the back burner. Be that as it may, there's plenty good reason for the age-old stigma against short quarterbacks.

"The only thing that's going to hurt him is him being 5-11," said C.O. Brocato, a consultant for the Tennessee Titans and the grand old man of NFL scouts. "Only thing that worries me, if he can't get away from those big guys up here, it's going to be tough for him.

"He's such a damn good athlete with such quickness, he can be in one spot and roll out the other way and be on his way down the field. But you don't do that too many times up here. You can stand on the sideline, and hitting is so much different than what you hear in college."

Former NFL personnel director Phil Savage, the analyst for the Alabama radio network, has researched defenses coached by Nick Saban at Michigan State, Louisiana State and the Crimson Tide.

"Not since 1998-'99 has a Nick Saban-coached defense been taken apart in back-to-back years like Drew Brees did for Purdue against Michigan State," said Savage. "Manziel is the only quarterback that actually exceeded his performance the second time around. He threw for 464 (yards) and five TDs (and rushed for 98) the second time.

"I watched eight or 10 games last summer getting ready for the (Texas A&M) game. After the little missteps last spring, I thought this guy was a college legend folklore player that probably won't have much of an NFL career.

"Alabama had nine months basically to get ready for the game (Sept. 14). For him to march down the field the first two times as if they were going against air...this is a great football player."

Still, Manziel barely won a Journal Sentinel poll of 17 personnel people with national orientation asking each to name the five best players. A first-place vote was worth five points, a second was worth four and so on.

Here were the first-place votes: Manziel, eight; Blake Bortles, four; Teddy Bridgewater and Derek Carr, two; and Zach Mettenberger, one.

Here were the point totals: Manziel, 68; Bortles, 61; Carr, 49; Bridgewater, 41; Jimmy Garappolo, 16; Mettenberger, six; A.J. McCarron and Aaron Murray, five; Tom Savage, three; and Logan Thomas, one.

"People think these guys are going to be saviors," one scout said. "The Manziels, the Bortles, the Bridgewaters, the Carrs, they're not franchise quarterbacks. They're just starters, at best.

"The Andrew Lucks don't come along but once every 10 years."

***

UNSUNG HERO
David Fales, Fresno State: Redshirted behind Colin Kaepernick in 2009 at Nevada, played two seasons in junior college and then went 17-8 with a passer rating of 109.8 at Fresno. Small (6-1½, 211) and slow (5.00). However, he might be the most accurate passer in the draft.

SCOUTS' NIGHTMARE
Brendon Kay, Cincinnati: Started only as a senior after enduring all kinds of back and shoulder injuries. Good athlete with a good arm. Should be drafted late if the medical doesn't kill his chances.

PACKERS' PICK TO REMEMBER
Rod Hermes, QB, Beloit: Drafted in the 30th and last round in 1956. Stood 6-2, weighed 202. He was the last Buccaneer to be drafted. One reason he didn't make it was the 17th-round selection that year of another quarterback, Bart Starr, from Alabama.

QUOTE TO NOTE
NFL personnel man: "They say wait and get a quarterback later. Yeah, you'll set that team up with all those good players for the next guy if you don't have a quarterback. You can do all that if you're on TV or in fantasyland. The way owners pull the trigger now, you better get good pretty quick."

Bob McGinn

 

[werdnoynek]

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/rating-the-nfl-draft-prospects-quarterbacks-b99258613z1-257586291.html

Rating the NFL draft prospects: Quarterbacks

The Journal Sentinel's Bob McGinn assesses the top quarterbacks in next week's draft.


Included is each player's height, weight, 40-yard dash time and projected round.

1. JOHNNY MANZIEL (5-11 1/2, 207, 4.65, 1) – Not only was Manziel known to one and all as "Johnny Football," he trademarked the nickname. "He's more talented than the guy at New Orleans (Drew Brees)," one scout said. "His arm's not as strong as (Michael) Vick's but he's farther along in the passing game. He's not very far along, but farther than Vick was. He's better than (Doug) Flutie, faster and better than (Russell) Wilson. He reminds me a little bit of (Joe) Montana. Fluid, and even though off-balance he can get the ball out. Has big hands (9 7/8 inches) for a little guy. To me, the only thing holding him back is the off-the-field and if he's committed to coming in on Mondays and Tuesdays." Third-year sophomore from Kerrville, Texas. Recruited by Mike Sherman and coached by Tom Rossley as a redshirt in 2011. Replaced departed Ryan Tannehill in '12 and blossomed, capturing the Heisman Trophy. "Nothing fazes him," said an executive who has interviewed him. "He's a likable guy. Not great on the (coaching) board. Doesn't always work at it." Scored 1,550 on the SAT and 32 on the 50-question Wonderlic intelligence test. Loves the night life and celebrity lifestyle. Asked how Manziel would fail, one scout said, "Off field. Parties. Lack of dedication to his craft. All the stuff that gets in the way. You know what I mean." Fashioned an NFL passer rating of 111.0, completed 69% of his passes and rushed for 2,160 yards (6.3) and 30 TDs. Threw at pro day in March wearing helmet and shoulder pads, something many veteran scouts had never witnessed. "It was excellent — great PR move," another scout said. "You know how much harder that is? I keep hearing he's slipping. What the hell do you want? Does everyone have too much time on their hands or what?"

2. BLAKE BORTLES, Central Florida (6-5, 230, 4.91, 1-2) – Fourth-year junior from Oviedo, Fla. "Has an NFL physique, NFL arm, moves well," said one scout. "Not ready to play. He has some of the same problems Blaine Gabbert had. He came out early and needed refinement. But he has a lot to work with." Led UCF to unprecedented success. "He works his (expletive) off, he's a leader, he's won and kind of raised the program," a second scout said. "Even though he really didn't beat anybody. He's actually more of a runner. They ran him a lot and rolled him out. If somebody takes him and thinks he's going to be their franchise guy they're going to get burned." Had a 104.4 passer rating, 65.7% completion mark and 22-5 record as a two-year starter. "He's got the most growth of anyone because he's just scratching the surface," a third scout said. "But I do worry about the pinpoint accuracy. I see some passes on the back shoulder, some on the back hip, some thrown back to the inside on an out route. Can those things be coached up? Some people say they can, others say they can't." Wonderlic of 28.

3. DEREK CARR, Fresno State (6-2 1/2, 214, 4.69, 1-2) – Followed in the footsteps of older brother David, a bust as the No. 1 pick in the 2002 draft who had a 74.9 rating for four teams from 2002-'12. "Smart (Wonderlic of 23), adaptable, talented, talented guy," one scout said. "Just a little off on the deep-ball accuracy. If I had my coaches and all the people on board, I would not be afraid to pull the trigger on him in the top half of the first round." Married and has an infant son. Finished with a passer rating of 107.4, a completion mark of 66.6% and a 24-15 record. "He's tougher than his brother," another scout said. "Pretty athletic. Great arm talent. Even though he hasn't thrown many interceptions he's a little erratic in his decision-making." Lost his composure against Southern California in final game, sealing the family's winless streak in bowl games. "You wonder if he can lead just because he's a little different," said a third scout. "OK in the interview but not the type of guy you'd have a beer with. Good kid but little bit of a forced leader. Can he fit in? The brother is a big part of this kid. That may hurt him." From Bakersfield, Calif.

4. TEDDY BRIDGEWATER, Louisville (6-2, 211, 4.79, 1-2) – Third-year junior. "He's not an elite talent but he's got a good enough arm, he's a good enough athlete and he's a leader," one scout said. "The big thing is his intangibles. He wins. He's clutch." Graduated in three years. Passer rating of 107.2, completion mark of 68.2% and 27-8 record. "He's legit tough," another scout said. "Smart enough kid (Wonderlic of 20). I see him kind of like Geno Smith. I don't know if he's any better athlete than Geno but he's a little stronger character kid. To win, he'll have to have a good supporting cast." Played at Northwestern High in Miami. "He's probably got the best mind of all of them in terms of seeing the game and reading," a third scout said. "He's got pretty good movement. But he's the least ready to make all the NFL throws." Lean frame. More of an introvert. Hurt himself in the eyes of some scouts by throwing a bunch of wobbly, soft, wayward passes on pro day. "It was the workout heard 'round the world," a fourth scout said. "It looked awful. It's almost impossible to have a bad workout. It's scripted, it's inside, it's on air with your receivers. It's like you and me playing pitch and catch when we were kids. You've got to be able to do that."

5. JIMMY GAROPPOLO, Eastern Illinois (6-2, 226, 4.99, 2) – Came out of Rolling Meadows High (Arlington Heights, Ill.) to start four years at Tony Romo's alma mater. "I love the kid," said one scout. "He's an OK player. Romo is more athletic and has a lot better arm. He don't ever throw it down the field. He's a dink and dunk guy." Passer rating of 98.1 (118.7 in 2013), 62.8% completion and a 23-22 record. "Interesting cat," another scout said. "Gets the ball out very well. He doesn't have the same arm as Carr but he's got great feet, a quick release and he's accurate. He played with some very pedestrian football players. Believe it or not, he has a lot of similarities to Drew Brees. But he ain't Drew Brees." MVP of the East-West Shrine Game and respectable all week at the Senior Bowl. "A lot of his stuff looks predetermined," a third scout said. "He's throwing to the first guy he sees. Really, really quick release. He's lethal in the red zone. Maybe the best I've ever seen throwing fades. His accuracy is just OK. Outstanding kid." Wonderlic of 29.

6. ZACH METTENBERGER, Louisiana State (6-5, 224, 5.3, 2-3) – "Just an arm," said one scout. "He has no other quarterback qualities." From Watkinsville, Ga. Kicked off squad at Georgia, where his mother was coach Mark Richt's administrative assistant, after pleading guilty to two counts of misdemeanor sexual battery. Led his junior-college team (Butler, Kan.) to 2010 national title after Cam Newton was victorious in the same game one season earlier. Two-year starter with 98.3 rating, 61.8% completion mark and 19-6 record. "He's a statue," another scout said. "But he's got a cannon arm." Suffered a torn ACL Nov. 30 against Arkansas. Wonderlic of 30. "He can't do it," a third scout said. "He's slow-footed and methodical. He's got all those receivers and running backs, they should have been national champions were it not for him. He was the guy holding them back."

7. A.J. McCARRON, Alabama (6-3 1/2, 221, 4.93, 2-3) – Second in Heisman voting in 2013, 10th in '12. "He's a great game manager," one scout said. "I think he's an accurate passer (66.9%). He's a good decision-maker. He doesn't have a great arm, and he's not a great athlete. He's a very sound guy. He's not going to beat himself. He's a leader. He probably will be a starter within a couple seasons." Scored 17 last spring and then 22 at the combine on the Wonderlic. "The Oklahoma (bowl) game exposed him," another scout said. "All the stuff they ran at Alabama was play-action. He had a great O-line and great receivers and great running backs. When he had to play catch-up against Oklahoma he got sacked six times because he holds onto the ball. I think the last good quarterback out of Alabama was Richard Todd." Some teams question if his All-American kid image was more the product of the Tide PR machine than reality. From Mobile, Ala. "He's better than (Christian) Ponder," a third scout said. "Bigger, more durable. Probably equal to an Andy Dalton."

8. TOM SAVAGE, Pittsburgh (6-4, 226, 4.99, 2-3) – Triple transfer (Rutgers to Arizona to Pitt). Older brother, Bryan, was a Wisconsin QB in 2004-'05 before bolting for Hofstra. "Big-time arm," one scout said. "More of a pocket guy but his feet are better than he gets credit for. The kid's tough. I've seen him take a boatload of hits and he keeps coming. Kind of a Joe Flacco personality. Outward, extrovert, vocal kind of guy. There's a steadiness and a coolness to him. The guy just hasn't played enough." Made 28 starts (17-11), sitting out 2011 and '12. Finished with an 86.6 rating and 56.8% completion mark. "I don't think he's any (good)," said another scout. "He's one of these (expletive) late risers. Big-arm kid. Doesn't move his feet very well. Throws it to the other color a lot." Wonderlic scores were 20 and 29. From Springfield, Pa.

9. AARON MURRAY, Georgia (6-0 1/2, 205, 4.95, 3-4) – Started all 52 games that he suited up for (35-17) before blowing out his ACL Nov. 23 against Kentucky. "I kind of like him," one scout said. "He's really smart (Wonderlic of 29). He's accurate. Quick release. Quick decisions. Doesn't have a great arm but good touch-timing. Won some big games. He just doesn't have the physical tools that you want, but he's a pretty good little player." Had a 106.9 rating and 62.3% completion mark. "Just a great college quarterback," a second scout said. "Small. Doesn't have a really good arm. Been prolific there, but just kind of manufactured." From Tampa, Fla.

10. LOGAN THOMAS, Virginia Tech (6-6, 251, 4.59, 4) – "He's a shot in the dark," one scout said. "See if you can retrain him." Fifth-year senior had his best season in 2011 (89.6 rating) before plummeting to 72.2 in 2012 and 79.1 last year. "He has a lot of intriguing ability but he's been a turnover machine," another scout said. "He's not an accurate passer (55.5%). He's a scary kid." High school tight end with meat hooks for hands (10 7/8). Hardworking and bright (Wonderlic of 29). From Lynchburg, Va. "Reminded me of Josh Freeman," said a third scout. "You go to the school...first one in, last one out. Great family. It's just weird because the drop-off has been huge. There's a disconnect there."

11. KEITH WENNING, Ball State (6-2 1/2, 220, 5.01, 5-6) – Four-year starter from Coldwater, Ohio. "He's more ready to be a pro quarterback than Jimmy Garoppolo," one scout said. "He can see the whole field. He's actually reacting on what defenders are doing. Good athlete, good arm." Passer rating of 91.6 (107.8 in 2013), completion mark of 63%, record of 27-20 and Wonderlic of 29. "He has to see it to pull the trigger," a second scout said. "Can't escape. Really smart. Good interview. Worker, intangibles, all that stuff. Kind of a low release. More generic than exceptional."

12. CONNOR SHAW, South Carolina (6-0 1/2, 207, 4.65, 5-6) – Son of a high school football coach in Flowery Branch, Ga. "He's fun," one scout said. "I'd take him and say he needs a year or two. He's got some gunslinger in him. He can run. He'll do some (expletive) where you say, 'My God, why did you do that for?' Then he does some stuff that's good." Completed 22 of 25 for 312 yards and three TDs in virtuoso Capital One Bowl performance as Gamecocks beat Wisconsin, 34-24, in his final game. Finished with rating of 107.6, completion mark of 65.5% and 27-5 record. Wonderlic of 23. "Why would you draft him," a third scout said. "What qualities does he have to say he's an NFL quarterback?"

OTHERS: David Fales, San Jose State; Tajh Boyd, Clemson; Stephen Morris, Miami; Brendon Kay, Cincinnati; Garrett Gilbert, Southern Methodist; Jeff Mathews, Cornell; Bryn Renner, North Carolina; Brett Smith, Wyoming; Brock Jensen, North Dakota State; Jordan Lynch, Northern Illinois.

 

[Faust]

Cody Latimer among most intriguing second-tier draft prospects

 

[Rhythmdoctor]

thanks for the info.

You fading Cosell too?

 

[Faust]

2014 NFL Draft: Final Top-100 Draft board Big Board: Pitt penetrator Donald reaches No. 7 as steadiest riser

 

[IHEARTFF]

AJ Green would be 1 or 2 if he had played his SR year. Yearly yardage leaders seems pretty relevant.
2013 Jordan Matthews* 1477 Vanderbilt

2012 Cobi Hamilton 1335 Arkansas

2011 Jarius Wright* 1117 Arkansas

2010 Alshon Jeffery* 1517 South Carolina

2009 Shay Hodge* 1135 Mississippi

2008 A.J. Green* 963 Georgia

2007 Steve Johnson* 1041 Kentucky

2006 Robert Meachem* 1298 Tennessee

2005 Sidney Rice* 1143 South Carolina

2004 Reggie Brown* 860 Georgia

2003 Michael Clayton* 1079 Louisiana State

2002 Taylor Jacobs* 1088 Florida

2001 Josh Reed 1740 Louisiana State

2000 Jabar Gaffney 1184 Florida

Anyway, all of this just combines with his other attributes to make him a great prospect.

Your definition of great must differ GREATLY from the 17 personnel men that McGinn polled. [SIZE=medium] [/SIZE]

who are these 17 personnel men?

Top men.

 

[werdnoynek]

AJ Green would be 1 or 2 if he had played his SR year. Yearly yardage leaders seems pretty relevant.
2013 Jordan Matthews* 1477 Vanderbilt

2012 Cobi Hamilton 1335 Arkansas

2011 Jarius Wright* 1117 Arkansas

2010 Alshon Jeffery* 1517 South Carolina

2009 Shay Hodge* 1135 Mississippi

2008 A.J. Green* 963 Georgia

2007 Steve Johnson* 1041 Kentucky

2006 Robert Meachem* 1298 Tennessee

2005 Sidney Rice* 1143 South Carolina

2004 Reggie Brown* 860 Georgia

2003 Michael Clayton* 1079 Louisiana State

2002 Taylor Jacobs* 1088 Florida

2001 Josh Reed 1740 Louisiana State

2000 Jabar Gaffney 1184 Florida

Anyway, all of this just combines with his other attributes to make him a great prospect.

Your definition of great must differ GREATLY from the 17 personnel men that McGinn polled. [SIZE=medium] [/SIZE]

who are these 17 personnel men?

Top men.

They're anonymous, for obvious reasons. Take it how you want to take it. McGinn is regularily one of the best with his rankings and draft coverage given his connections in the league and insider info he gets on prospects. Choose it ignore it if you like and stick to looking at college stats... please join the leagues I'm in while you're at it. Please.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Former Vanderbilt WR Chris Boyd had a visit with the Atlanta Falcons, according to the National Football Post's Aaron Wilson.
The 6-foot-4, 206-pound wideout, was dismissed from Vanderbilt football team after he allegedly assisted in a cover-up that included four other players on the football team, who were involved in a rape case. His charges were reduced to a misdemeanor since he was never present when the reported crime happened. Instead of transferring to another school, Boyd declared for the draft. In his short stint with the Commodores, Boyd hauled in 81 passes for 1,247 yards and 13 touchdowns. As a sophomore, Boyd caught 50 passes for 774 yards and five touchdowns. Boyd is projected to go anywhere from the third to the sixth-round of the draft.

Source: National Football Post

SMU QB Garrett Gilbert had workouts with the St.Louis Rams and New England Patriots, according to Gilbert's agent Leigh Steinberg.
The SMU prospect has generated some buzz for himself leading up to the draft, and if all works out as planned for Gilbert, he would like to hear his name called in the middle rounds of the draft. NFL.com's Gil Brandt has fully supported the idea that Gilbert could go as high as the third round. While that could be a little high for Gilbert's services, It's safe to say, Gilbert has a good shot to have his name called on the third day of the draft.

Source: Leigh Steinberg on Twitter

 

[Faust]

ICYMI: What we learned about draft prospects this week

 

[Faust]

QB Tajh Boyd told he'll be drafted 'no later than third round'

 

[Faust]

NFL Draft Top 50, Nos. 41-50: Eastern Illinois' Jimmy Garoppolo on the rise

 

[Rhythmdoctor]

AJ Green would be 1 or 2 if he had played his SR year. Yearly yardage leaders seems pretty relevant.

2013 Jordan Matthews* 1477 Vanderbilt

2012 Cobi Hamilton 1335 Arkansas

2011 Jarius Wright* 1117 Arkansas

2010 Alshon Jeffery* 1517 South Carolina

2009 Shay Hodge* 1135 Mississippi

2008 A.J. Green* 963 Georgia

2007 Steve Johnson* 1041 Kentucky

2006 Robert Meachem* 1298 Tennessee

2005 Sidney Rice* 1143 South Carolina

2004 Reggie Brown* 860 Georgia

2003 Michael Clayton* 1079 Louisiana State

2002 Taylor Jacobs* 1088 Florida

2001 Josh Reed 1740 Louisiana State

2000 Jabar Gaffney 1184 Florida

Anyway, all of this just combines with his other attributes to make him a great prospect.

Your definition of great must differ GREATLY from the 17 personnel men that McGinn polled.

who are these 17 personnel men?

Top men.

They're anonymous, for obvious reasons. Take it how you want to take it. McGinn is regularily one of the best with his rankings and draft coverage given his connections in the league and insider info he gets on prospects. Choose it ignore it if you like and stick to looking at college stats... please join the leagues I'm in while you're at it. Please.

Im confused by your stance. Didnt the 17 say after the top 2 itsa grab bag of who is next best? If so, isnt the ranking order of the next 10 sort of irrelevant? In other words, Matthews ranking of 10 isnt really a bad thing, imo.

 

[Faust]

NFL Draft Rankings: Tight ends not very deep, but UNC's Eric Ebron could be special

 

[BuzzCagney]

AJ Green would be 1 or 2 if he had played his SR year. Yearly yardage leaders seems pretty relevant.
2013 Jordan Matthews* 1477 Vanderbilt

2012 Cobi Hamilton 1335 Arkansas

2011 Jarius Wright* 1117 Arkansas

2010 Alshon Jeffery* 1517 South Carolina

2009 Shay Hodge* 1135 Mississippi

2008 A.J. Green* 963 Georgia

2007 Steve Johnson* 1041 Kentucky

2006 Robert Meachem* 1298 Tennessee

2005 Sidney Rice* 1143 South Carolina

2004 Reggie Brown* 860 Georgia

2003 Michael Clayton* 1079 Louisiana State

2002 Taylor Jacobs* 1088 Florida

2001 Josh Reed 1740 Louisiana State

2000 Jabar Gaffney 1184 Florida

Anyway, all of this just combines with his other attributes to make him a great prospect.

Your definition of great must differ GREATLY from the 17 personnel men that McGinn polled. [SIZE=medium] [/SIZE]

who are these 17 personnel men?

Top men.

They're anonymous, for obvious reasons. Take it how you want to take it. McGinn is regularily one of the best with his rankings and draft coverage given his connections in the league and insider info he gets on prospects. Choose it ignore it if you like and stick to looking at college stats... please join the leagues I'm in while you're at it. Please.

that's lame. try again.

 

[BuzzCagney]

AJ Green would be 1 or 2 if he had played his SR year. Yearly yardage leaders seems pretty relevant.
2013 Jordan Matthews* 1477 Vanderbilt

2012 Cobi Hamilton 1335 Arkansas

2011 Jarius Wright* 1117 Arkansas

2010 Alshon Jeffery* 1517 South Carolina

2009 Shay Hodge* 1135 Mississippi

2008 A.J. Green* 963 Georgia

2007 Steve Johnson* 1041 Kentucky

2006 Robert Meachem* 1298 Tennessee

2005 Sidney Rice* 1143 South Carolina

2004 Reggie Brown* 860 Georgia

2003 Michael Clayton* 1079 Louisiana State

2002 Taylor Jacobs* 1088 Florida

2001 Josh Reed 1740 Louisiana State

2000 Jabar Gaffney 1184 Florida

Anyway, all of this just combines with his other attributes to make him a great prospect.

Your definition of great must differ GREATLY from the 17 personnel men that McGinn polled. [SIZE=medium] [/SIZE]

who are these 17 personnel men?

Top men.

They're anonymous, for obvious reasons. Take it how you want to take it. McGinn is regularily one of the best with his rankings and draft coverage given his connections in the league and insider info he gets on prospects. Choose it ignore it if you like and stick to looking at college stats... please join the leagues I'm in while you're at it. Please.

i always follow the advice of the 17. this response has been approved by the 17.