[Dynasty] 2015 Draft Prospects (2 Viewers)

[EBF]

I've never liked Duke much. I agree with a lot of what you said. He's a sprinter with long strides, limited cutting ability, and no functional power despite whatever his listed height/weight says. Reminiscent in some ways of Knile Davis, Karlos Williams, and Darren McFadden. Definitely not my type of runner. I generally like backs with a stronger lower body, more compact running style, and more short-area quickness. The defenses in the NFL are so tough that I think the ability to be fluid and weave in-and-out of tiny holes is stressed a lot more than in college, where pure speed alone is usually sufficient to dominate. The linear guys who can't function in chaos seem to struggle. Look at Andre Williams and Knile Davis this year. Lots of carries. Not lots of results. I think Duke is another guy who might struggle to adapt. Tevin Coleman and Melvin Gordon also have questions here, but to a lesser extent.

Chris Johnson is the one mega successful runner of this ilk, but his speed was on another level and he's more agile than many of those guys.

 

[Xue]

Here's my take on Duke Johnson after watching the bowl game:

He is definitely fast, catches the ball pretty well, and seems to have OK vision.

However, didn't see him break a single tackle in the game. In fact, he got taken down multiple times by one-arm tackles. He also doesn't finish runs at all. Doesn't seem to have any strength despite supposedly putting on some weight this season. He also ran out of bounds a couple times rather than try to get more yards. He also never made anyone miss, even when he was in space with just a single defender.

Biggest thing, though, is that he seems to get nicked up all the time. Any hard tackle or even falling down, and he's banged up. And he also seems to take himself out of the game a TON. Don't like that at all. Had a bad fumble too. Can't see him being able to withstand the punishment in the NFL.

You look at the box score and it seems like you should be excited about Johnson, and a lot of people are. I'm not one of them.

Bottom line: not interested.

How's that for a snap judgment after watching one game?

He has one of the best stiff-arms in college right now. He's used it effectively a number of times this season.

 

[georg013]

I've never liked Duke much. I agree with a lot of what you said. He's a sprinter with long strides, limited cutting ability, and no functional power despite whatever his listed height/weight says. Reminiscent in some ways of Knile Davis, Karlos Williams, and Darren McFadden. Definitely not my type of runner. I generally like backs with a stronger lower body, more compact running style, and more short-area quickness. The defenses in the NFL are so tough that I think the ability to be fluid and weave in-and-out of tiny holes is stressed a lot more than in college, where pure speed alone is usually sufficient to dominate. The linear guys who can't function in chaos seem to struggle. Look at Andre Williams and Knile Davis this year. Lots of carries. Not lots of results. I think Duke is another guy who might struggle to adapt. Tevin Coleman and Melvin Gordon also have questions here, but to a lesser extent.

Chris Johnson is the one mega successful runner of this ilk, but his speed was on another level and he's more agile than many of those guys.

EBF, have you posted your rankings on 2015 RBs yet? If so, where can I find them? Thanks.

 

[EBF]

I've never liked Duke much. I agree with a lot of what you said. He's a sprinter with long strides, limited cutting ability, and no functional power despite whatever his listed height/weight says. Reminiscent in some ways of Knile Davis, Karlos Williams, and Darren McFadden. Definitely not my type of runner. I generally like backs with a stronger lower body, more compact running style, and more short-area quickness. The defenses in the NFL are so tough that I think the ability to be fluid and weave in-and-out of tiny holes is stressed a lot more than in college, where pure speed alone is usually sufficient to dominate. The linear guys who can't function in chaos seem to struggle. Look at Andre Williams and Knile Davis this year. Lots of carries. Not lots of results. I think Duke is another guy who might struggle to adapt. Tevin Coleman and Melvin Gordon also have questions here, but to a lesser extent.

Chris Johnson is the one mega successful runner of this ilk, but his speed was on another level and he's more agile than many of those guys.

EBF, have you posted your rankings on 2015 RBs yet? If so, where can I find them? Thanks.

Nope. Been so focused on high school and college players (including 2016-2018 prospects) that I haven't hammered out any 2015 rankings in a while.

Everything is subject to change, but right now I'd probably put Todd Gurley at the top of the heap. I'd tentatively have Gordon at #2, followed by a big cluster that includes Tevin Coleman, Mike Davis, Cameron Artis-Payne, TJ Yeldon, David Cobb, Ameer Abdullah, and Jay Ajayi. I'm a known Michael Dyer sympathizer and on talent alone I think he's probably in the discussion with those fellas as well. I think with that tier you're looking at guys who each have at least one flaw, so you kind of have to pick and choose which warts worry you the least. Cobb has the frame and the power game, but is lacking explosiveness. Abdullah has jukes upon jukes, but is kind of a tweener physically with some suspect combine credentials. Coleman is kind of an upright guy with suspect elusiveness and sheer power. A lot like Gordon. I could go on, but you get the point.

After I watch more games, watch the Senior Bowl stuff, and look at the combine performances and numbers, I'm sure I'll see more differentiation. I haven't put in the time lately though.

 

[Faust]

Rutgers TE Tyler Kroft leaving for the 2015 NFL Draft:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000452028/article/rutgers-te-tyler-kroft-leaving-for-the-2015-nfl-draft

 

[Childress]

I have the 3rd pick in a rookie draft. In my mind not a lot of thinking to this. Gurley, Gordon, Cooper, take whoever falls to me.

I have the 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 12th...........having the 2nd and 3rd and 2 out of Gurley, Gordon, Cooper makes me pretty hyped. I just don't know enough about Cooper to see him more than a role player, doesn't seem special to me.

 

[georg013]

I've never liked Duke much. I agree with a lot of what you said. He's a sprinter with long strides, limited cutting ability, and no functional power despite whatever his listed height/weight says. Reminiscent in some ways of Knile Davis, Karlos Williams, and Darren McFadden. Definitely not my type of runner. I generally like backs with a stronger lower body, more compact running style, and more short-area quickness. The defenses in the NFL are so tough that I think the ability to be fluid and weave in-and-out of tiny holes is stressed a lot more than in college, where pure speed alone is usually sufficient to dominate. The linear guys who can't function in chaos seem to struggle. Look at Andre Williams and Knile Davis this year. Lots of carries. Not lots of results. I think Duke is another guy who might struggle to adapt. Tevin Coleman and Melvin Gordon also have questions here, but to a lesser extent.

Chris Johnson is the one mega successful runner of this ilk, but his speed was on another level and he's more agile than many of those guys.

EBF, have you posted your rankings on 2015 RBs yet? If so, where can I find them? Thanks.

Nope. Been so focused on high school and college players (including 2016-2018 prospects) that I haven't hammered out any 2015 rankings in a while.

Everything is subject to change, but right now I'd probably put Todd Gurley at the top of the heap. I'd tentatively have Gordon at #2, followed by a big cluster that includes Tevin Coleman, Mike Davis, Cameron Artis-Payne, TJ Yeldon, David Cobb, Ameer Abdullah, and Jay Ajayi. I'm a known Michael Dyer sympathizer and on talent alone I think he's probably in the discussion with those fellas as well. I think with that tier you're looking at guys who each have at least one flaw, so you kind of have to pick and choose which warts worry you the least. Cobb has the frame and the power game, but is lacking explosiveness. Abdullah has jukes upon jukes, but is kind of a tweener physically with some suspect combine credentials. Coleman is kind of an upright guy with suspect elusiveness and sheer power. A lot like Gordon. I could go on, but you get the point.

After I watch more games, watch the Senior Bowl stuff, and look at the combine performances and numbers, I'm sure I'll see more differentiation. I haven't put in the time lately though.

Thanks. Appreciate the response.

 

[Spookytooth]

Yes cooper is not necessailly a better dynasty chocie than parker/white/dgb just as gordon and gurley are not necessailly better tham someone like coleman/yeldon/davis. Lots of time before the nfl draft not to mention before our rookie drafts.

 

[slackjawedyokel]

I've never liked Duke much. I agree with a lot of what you said. He's a sprinter with long strides, limited cutting ability, and no functional power despite whatever his listed height/weight says. Reminiscent in some ways of Knile Davis, Karlos Williams, and Darren McFadden. Definitely not my type of runner. I generally like backs with a stronger lower body, more compact running style, and more short-area quickness. The defenses in the NFL are so tough that I think the ability to be fluid and weave in-and-out of tiny holes is stressed a lot more than in college, where pure speed alone is usually sufficient to dominate. The linear guys who can't function in chaos seem to struggle. Look at Andre Williams and Knile Davis this year. Lots of carries. Not lots of results. I think Duke is another guy who might struggle to adapt. Tevin Coleman and Melvin Gordon also have questions here, but to a lesser extent.

Chris Johnson is the one mega successful runner of this ilk, but his speed was on another level and he's more agile than many of those guys.

EBF, have you posted your rankings on 2015 RBs yet? If so, where can I find them? Thanks.

Nope. Been so focused on high school and college players (including 2016-2018 prospects) that I haven't hammered out any 2015 rankings in a while.

Everything is subject to change, but right now I'd probably put Todd Gurley at the top of the heap. I'd tentatively have Gordon at #2, followed by a big cluster that includes Tevin Coleman, Mike Davis, Cameron Artis-Payne, TJ Yeldon, David Cobb, Ameer Abdullah, and Jay Ajayi. I'm a known Michael Dyer sympathizer and on talent alone I think he's probably in the discussion with those fellas as well. I think with that tier you're looking at guys who each have at least one flaw, so you kind of have to pick and choose which warts worry you the least. Cobb has the frame and the power game, but is lacking explosiveness. Abdullah has jukes upon jukes, but is kind of a tweener physically with some suspect combine credentials. Coleman is kind of an upright guy with suspect elusiveness and sheer power. A lot like Gordon. I could go on, but you get the point.

After I watch more games, watch the Senior Bowl stuff, and look at the combine performances and numbers, I'm sure I'll see more differentiation. I haven't put in the time lately though.

Thanks. Appreciate the response.

I've mentioned around these parts recently that Artis-Payne goes to Indy. Just a gut feeling. I think grabbing whoever ends there is going to climb boards quickly. If fans clamor for the impressive rookie to play, it's much easier to sit TR and company.

 

[Faust]

2015 NFL Draft: Mariota vs. Winston a unique scouting opportunity:

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft-scout/24925302/nfl-draft-mariota-vs-winston-a-unique-scouting-opportunity

 

[jurb26]

I've never liked Duke much. I agree with a lot of what you said. He's a sprinter with long strides, limited cutting ability, and no functional power despite whatever his listed height/weight says. Reminiscent in some ways of Knile Davis, Karlos Williams, and Darren McFadden. Definitely not my type of runner. I generally like backs with a stronger lower body, more compact running style, and more short-area quickness. The defenses in the NFL are so tough that I think the ability to be fluid and weave in-and-out of tiny holes is stressed a lot more than in college, where pure speed alone is usually sufficient to dominate. The linear guys who can't function in chaos seem to struggle. Look at Andre Williams and Knile Davis this year. Lots of carries. Not lots of results. I think Duke is another guy who might struggle to adapt. Tevin Coleman and Melvin Gordon also have questions here, but to a lesser extent.

Chris Johnson is the one mega successful runner of this ilk, but his speed was on another level and he's more agile than many of those guys.

This a terrible view of the runner Johnson is IMO. He is not a sprinter with long strides at all. Vision, patience, balance, quick feet and receiving ability are his best qualities. I'd say his long speed is one of the least impressive aspects of his game. He's got good enough wheels, but he's not a burner. He creates his yardage by running smart, using his quick feet and balance to set up running lanes and accelerating through them. He has good power for his size. The problem is, he's not big and therefore power will be an issue for him. He also maintains speed thru cuts very well. At times he tries to bounce outside too much and because of his quickness he was able to get away with it in college. I'm concerned about his ability to stay on the field for sure. He's always getting dinged up and that's only going to become harder to do in the NFL when players are bigger, stronger and faster not to mention 16 games.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

DeVante Parker - WR - Cardinals

Louisville senior WR Devante Parker caught eight passes for 120 yards in Tuesday's 37-14 Belk Bowl loss to Georgia.

Parker missed the first seven games with a broken foot. When he returned, he proceeded to dominate, catching 43 balls for 855 yards and five touchdowns in only six games. Parker is the second-ranked wide receiver on Scout Inc.'s board. The 6-foot-3, 208-pound boasts a 4.39 forty, a 10-foot, 10-inch broad jump, an 80-inch wingspan, and a ridiculous catch radius. He figures to get popped in the middle of the first round.

Dec 30 - 11:21 PM

There are a few mock drafts out there matching Parker to the Vikings, how great would it be to see a reunion between Bridgewater and Parker?

 

[IHEARTFF]

Rotoworld:

DeVante Parker - WR - Cardinals

Louisville senior WR Devante Parker caught eight passes for 120 yards in Tuesday's 37-14 Belk Bowl loss to Georgia.

Parker missed the first seven games with a broken foot. When he returned, he proceeded to dominate, catching 43 balls for 855 yards and five touchdowns in only six games. Parker is the second-ranked wide receiver on Scout Inc.'s board. The 6-foot-3, 208-pound boasts a 4.39 forty, a 10-foot, 10-inch broad jump, an 80-inch wingspan, and a ridiculous catch radius. He figures to get popped in the middle of the first round.

Dec 30 - 11:21 PM

There are a few mock drafts out there matching Parker to the Vikings, how great would it be to see a reunion between Bridgewater and Parker?

Would be excellent to see that reunion.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Houston junior WR Deontay Greenberry has signed with an agent and will enter the NFL draft, according to TFY Insider Tony Pauline.

"Word circulating is Deontay Greenberry/WR/Houston has signed with an agent and will enter the draft. Like his game a lot," Pauline tweeted. Back in the preseason, Pauline graded him as a third-rounder in the preseason and wrote that Greenberry has "big potential. Last season, the Cougars prospect hauled in 82 receptions for 1,202 yards and 11 touchdowns. Greenberry's numbers have been down this season, due to poor QB play, as he only has 68 catches for 756 yards and four touchdowns.

Source: Tony Pauline on Twitter

 

[JohnnyU]

I've never liked Duke much. I agree with a lot of what you said. He's a sprinter with long strides, limited cutting ability, and no functional power despite whatever his listed height/weight says. Reminiscent in some ways of Knile Davis, Karlos Williams, and Darren McFadden. Definitely not my type of runner. I generally like backs with a stronger lower body, more compact running style, and more short-area quickness. The defenses in the NFL are so tough that I think the ability to be fluid and weave in-and-out of tiny holes is stressed a lot more than in college, where pure speed alone is usually sufficient to dominate. The linear guys who can't function in chaos seem to struggle. Look at Andre Williams and Knile Davis this year. Lots of carries. Not lots of results. I think Duke is another guy who might struggle to adapt. Tevin Coleman and Melvin Gordon also have questions here, but to a lesser extent.

Chris Johnson is the one mega successful runner of this ilk, but his speed was on another level and he's more agile than many of those guys.

Davis looked good to me when given the chance to start earlier in the year when Charles was out.

Sep 21 @MIA 32 132 Sep 29 NE 16 107

I think Davis is a pretty darn good RB.

 

[EBF]

Knile is averaging 3.5 YPC on 204 career carries. I took him in the third round of a rookie draft a couple years ago because he was just too cheap to pass up there, but I'd happily give him his walking papers for any random future second round pick. I don't think he's anything special. However, he could have a nice sell high window if/when he inherits the starting job from Charles.

 

[tdmills]

I've never liked Duke much. I agree with a lot of what you said. He's a sprinter with long strides, limited cutting ability, and no functional power despite whatever his listed height/weight says. Reminiscent in some ways of Knile Davis, Karlos Williams, and Darren McFadden. Definitely not my type of runner. I generally like backs with a stronger lower body, more compact running style, and more short-area quickness. The defenses in the NFL are so tough that I think the ability to be fluid and weave in-and-out of tiny holes is stressed a lot more than in college, where pure speed alone is usually sufficient to dominate. The linear guys who can't function in chaos seem to struggle. Look at Andre Williams and Knile Davis this year. Lots of carries. Not lots of results. I think Duke is another guy who might struggle to adapt. Tevin Coleman and Melvin Gordon also have questions here, but to a lesser extent.

Chris Johnson is the one mega successful runner of this ilk, but his speed was on another level and he's more agile than many of those guys.

Davis looked good to me when given the chance to start earlier in the year when Charles was out.

Sep 21 @MIA 32 132 Sep 29 NE 16 107

I think Davis is a pretty darn good RB.

Now 2 games is enough of a data point to justify someone is a darn good RB, but a season of carries isn't enough for Chubb/Fournette?

 

[JohnnyU]

I've never liked Duke much. I agree with a lot of what you said. He's a sprinter with long strides, limited cutting ability, and no functional power despite whatever his listed height/weight says. Reminiscent in some ways of Knile Davis, Karlos Williams, and Darren McFadden. Definitely not my type of runner. I generally like backs with a stronger lower body, more compact running style, and more short-area quickness. The defenses in the NFL are so tough that I think the ability to be fluid and weave in-and-out of tiny holes is stressed a lot more than in college, where pure speed alone is usually sufficient to dominate. The linear guys who can't function in chaos seem to struggle. Look at Andre Williams and Knile Davis this year. Lots of carries. Not lots of results. I think Duke is another guy who might struggle to adapt. Tevin Coleman and Melvin Gordon also have questions here, but to a lesser extent.

Chris Johnson is the one mega successful runner of this ilk, but his speed was on another level and he's more agile than many of those guys.

Davis looked good to me when given the chance to start earlier in the year when Charles was out.

Sep 21 @MIA 32 132 Sep 29 NE 16 107

I think Davis is a pretty darn good RB.

Now 2 games is enough of a data point to justify someone is a darn good RB, but a season of carries isn't enough for Chubb/Fournette?

One is in the NFL and two are not. I think when given the chance to start Knile Davis has looked good.

 

[MAC_32]

Rotoworld:

Houston junior WR Deontay Greenberry has signed with an agent and will enter the NFL draft, according to TFY Insider Tony Pauline."Word circulating is Deontay Greenberry/WR/Houston has signed with an agent and will enter the draft. Like his game a lot," Pauline tweeted. Back in the preseason, Pauline graded him as a third-rounder in the preseason and wrote that Greenberry has "big potential. Last season, the Cougars prospect hauled in 82 receptions for 1,202 yards and 11 touchdowns. Greenberry's numbers have been down this season, due to poor QB play, as he only has 68 catches for 756 yards and four touchdowns.

Source: Tony Pauline on Twitter

cant say I've seen much of him this year, but from what I have - VERY inconsistent. Might be a top 100 player, but needs a great silly season. Day three guy right now IMHO.

 

[MAC_32]

Rotoworld:

DeVante Parker - WR - Cardinals

Louisville senior WR Devante Parker caught eight passes for 120 yards in Tuesday's 37-14 Belk Bowl loss to Georgia.Parker missed the first seven games with a broken foot. When he returned, he proceeded to dominate, catching 43 balls for 855 yards and five touchdowns in only six games. Parker is the second-ranked wide receiver on Scout Inc.'s board. The 6-foot-3, 208-pound boasts a 4.39 forty, a 10-foot, 10-inch broad jump, an 80-inch wingspan, and a ridiculous catch radius. He figures to get popped in the middle of the first round.

Dec 30 - 11:21 PM

There are a few mock drafts out there matching Parker to the Vikings, how great would it be to see a reunion between Bridgewater and Parker?

ugh...if only Teddy were a Brown. Word has it this staff is very high on Parker. They're right too.

 

[Faust]

Jay Ajayi, trick plays help Boise State win thrilling Fiesta Bowl:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000452583/article/jay-ajayi-trick-plays-help-boise-state-win-thrilling-fiesta-bowl

 

[rdrouyn]

Wow good call on Maxx, he made a crazy play today: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=12107685

7 catches, 98 yards 1TD against Mizzou.

 

[EBF]

That was a great play by Williams. Didn't know he had that in his locker.

With this TE crop being so weak, I do think he has the inside track to the #1 spot if he tests well. He played well this year and there's minimal competition.

I am curious to see if Steven Scheu declares and if he figures into the equation at all. Reminds me a little bit of an Owen Daniels type from what I have seen.

 

[georg013]

EBF,

Off the top give me your top 3 RBs in this class.

 

[EBF]

EBF,

Off the top give me your top 3 RBs in this class.

Gurley and Gordon in the top 2.

#3 is where it gets sticky. I think there are a few different contenders. I like Abdullah a lot from an eyeball test standpoint. Very crisp movement and cuts. Best in the class. However, he's a strange package from a height/weight/speed standpoint. Not very big. Probably not going to run a blistering time. That being the case, it's tough to peg him. On paper, he's going to bust. However, he's a dynamite player and I wouldn't bet against him.

On the other end of the spectrum, David Cobb is a very solid prospect. Efficient movement. Compact frame. He is a cleaner runner than guys like Mike Davis and Jay Ajayi. The issue with him is that there's not much explosiveness or dynamism to his game. He rarely breaks long runs and doesn't have special speed or burst. He's just a basic meat-and-potatoes grinder. He'll get what's blocked. He's not going to make a lot of Superman plays though.

Cameron Artis-Payne is kind of like Jeremy Hill. Not an incredible physical specimen. Solid, efficient runner though.

Mike Davis reminds me a lot of Ben Tate, for better or worse. I think that's his talent level. Tevin Coleman, Jay Ajayi, TJ Yeldon, and Duke Johnson have some dynamic athletic qualities and a couple of those guys might look the part on paper. I don't think they are quite as precise in their movement as some of the other runners in this class. I would describe them as dynamic athletes without ideal fluidity and movement. I could see them having some success. They aren't my personal favorites though.

Add it all up and it's a tough call. Even though Ameer is probably going to be an F from a metrics standpoint, just watch him run. He's insane. That's hard for me to fade. He's the most athletic guy on the field...on every field. Get him in space and I think he can be successful. I'd tentatively put him at #3 with Cobb at #4 and Artis-Payne at #5. The Davis/Ajayi/Yeldon/Duke/Coleman tier would trail closely behind.

I reserve the right to change my mind at any time.

 

[georg013]

EBF,

Off the top give me your top 3 RBs in this class.

Gurley and Gordon in the top 2.

#3 is where it gets sticky. I think there are a few different contenders. I like Abdullah a lot from an eyeball test standpoint. Very crisp movement and cuts. Best in the class. However, he's a strange package from a height/weight/speed standpoint. Not very big. Probably not going to run a blistering time. That being the case, it's tough to peg him. On paper, he's going to bust. However, he's a dynamite player and I wouldn't bet against him.

On the other end of the spectrum, David Cobb is a very solid prospect. Efficient movement. Compact frame. He is a cleaner runner than guys like Mike Davis and Jay Ajayi. The issue with him is that there's not much explosiveness or dynamism to his game. He rarely breaks long runs and doesn't have special speed or burst. He's just a basic meat-and-potatoes grinder. He'll get what's blocked. He's not going to make a lot of Superman plays though.

Cameron Artis-Payne is kind of like Jeremy Hill. Not an incredible physical specimen. Solid, efficient runner though.

Mike Davis reminds me a lot of Ben Tate, for better or worse. I think that's his talent level. Tevin Coleman, Jay Ajayi, TJ Yeldon, and Duke Johnson have some dynamic athletic qualities and a couple of those guys might look the part on paper. I don't think they are quite as precise in their movement as some of the other runners in this class. I would describe them as dynamic athletes without ideal fluidity and movement. I could see them having some success. They aren't my personal favorites though.

Add it all up and it's a tough call. Even though Ameer is probably going to be an F from a metrics standpoint, just watch him run. He's insane. That's hard for me to fade. He's the most athletic guy on the field...on every field. Get him in space and I think he can be successful. I'd tentatively put him at #3 with Cobb at #4 and Artis-Payne at #5. The Davis/Ajayi/Yeldon/Duke/Coleman tier would trail closely behind.

I reserve the right to change my mind at any time.

Once again, appreciate the response!

 

[ConnSKINS26]

Abdullah is crazy dynamic, extremely creative. Makes cuts no one else in this class can duplicate. His ability to plant at any point and spring in another direction with perfect balance is nuts. Won't measure in as any kind of H/W/S freak but looks pretty well put together at 5'9" 205 or so. Catches the ball well, though underutilized in college--20+ catches each of his years starting, and looks natural. Won't time as a burner but pulls away more often than not.

Wait, did I just describe Abdullah or LeSean McCoy?

Seriously, read this and tell me who it's about:

Special vision for the cutback and in traffic. Plants his foot and accelerates. Very elusive in space, with shifty hips and an ability to juke or shake off a defender. Maintains his balance well after making a move or running through arm tackles on the outside. Runs with a lean inside, will bounce off tackles and keep his legs moving. Patient enough to allow blocks to develop on stretch plays to the outside. Very natural hands as a receiver; will excel on swing and screen passes.

McCoy disappointed in workouts but still went in the 2nd because the tape told a different story. Nothing about his size, speed, or other measurables said he'd be special (and he actually wasn't as productive in college as Abdullah was), but his tape was really good.

 

[Faust]

Marcus Mariota vs. Jameis Winston: Who's better NFL prospect?

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000452824/article/marcus-mariota-vs-jameis-winston-whos-better-nfl-prospect

 

[Faust]

2015 NFL Draft: Mariota not as good, Winston not as bad as you think

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft-scout/24929951/nfl-draft-mariota-not-as-good-winston-not-as-bad-as-you-think

 

[Faust]

2015 NFL Draft: NFL talent showcased in 'other' New Year's Bowls

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft-scout/24929327/nfl-draft-nfl-talent-showcased-in-other-new-years-bowls

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Maxx Williams - TE - Golden Gophers

Minnesota redshirt sophomore TE Maxx Williams caught seven passes for 98 yards and a score in Thursday's 33-17 Citrus Bowl loss to Missouri.

Williams saved perhaps the best game of his life for perhaps his last game as a Gopher. The third-year sophomore's 54-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter figures to be played time and time again by NFL scouts during film evaluations. Having broken into open field after making the catch, Williams hurdled CB Aarion Penton near the sideline and then hopped another defender before falling into the end zone. CBS Sports' Dane Brugler tweeted during the game that Williams "is a blend of Jason Witten and Kyle Rudolph." The 6-foot-4, 250-pound Williams, who earned first-team All-Big Ten honors this year and was a Mackey Award finalist, given to the nation's top tight end, could potentially sneak into the end of the first-round amidst this weak TE class.

Jan 1 - 7:52 PM

Maxx Williams - TE - Golden Gophers

CBS Sports' Dane Brugler believes Minnesota redshirt sophomore TE Maxx Williams "is a blend of Jason witten and Kyle Rudolph."

"Maxx Williams' NFL comp is a blend of Jason Witten and Kyle Rudolph IMO. Why he has a good chance to crash the 1st round party," Brugler tweeted. On the year, Williams has 29 catches for 471 yards and seven touchdowns. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound Williams earned first-team All-Big Ten honors and was a finalist for the Mackey Award given to the nation's top tight end. It's possible that Williams could hear his name called in the back end of the first or in the second round.

Source: Dane Brugler on Twitter

Jan 1 - 3:28 PM

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Rashad Greene - WR - Seminoles

Florida State senior WR Rashad Greene caught six passes for 59 yards in Thursday's 59-20 loss in the National Semifinal to Oregon.

Greene and fellow NFL prospect TE Nick O'Leary combined for merely seven catches for 63 yards. Coming into this matchup, the pair had combined for 142 receiving yards per contest. Not all of that can be blamed on Jameis Winston's struggles or the outstanding play of Oregon's defense: Greene didn't play well, and dropped at least one catchable ball. Greene, who might be the top route runner in this class, will attend the Senior Bowl. We expect Greene to be selected on the second day. NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah compares Greene to Broncos' WR Emmanuel Sanders.

Jan 1 - 10:49 PM

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Bryce Petty - QB - Bears

Baylor redshirt senior QB Bryce Petty ended his career in style, going 36-for-51 for a Cotton Bowl-record 550 yards, three touchdowns and an interception in Thursday's 42-41 loss to Michigan State in the Cotton Bowl.

The 550 yards were the fourth-most ever in a bowl game. Petty looked like a first-rounder in the first three quarters, leading Baylor to 496 yards. In the fourth, Baylor's offensive line wore down and its offense bogged down, leading to only 87 Bear yards and a 20-point Spartans' comeback. The prospect looked like a Day 3 pick in that stanza. Petty was sacked on consecutive plays on the last drive, and his interception almost shouldn't be counted against him, as it was a desperation heave in the face of pressure down one point with two seconds left. Petty had a great end to the season after struggling earlier this year. Some attribute those struggles to a neck injury he sustained in the opener.

Jan 1 - 9:30 PM

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Tony Lippett - WR - Spartans

Michigan State redshirt senior WR Tony Lippett caught five passes for 74 yards in Thursday's 42-41 victory over Baylor in the Cotton Bowl.

He also played corner across from Baylor's vaunted passing attack, which should only bolster his draft stock. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound Lippett finished with 1,198 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns this season. An NFC East scout said Spartans HC Mark Dantonio is playing Lippett at cornerback "because he thinks he is legit at the position and as good as Chris Gamble." ESPN's Todd McShay believes Lippett could "wind up as a midround pick."

Jan 1 - 9:10 PM

 

[Faust]

What we learned from New Year's Day bowl games:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000452759/article/what-we-learned-from-new-years-day-bowl-games

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Jeremy Langford - RB - Spartans

Michigan State senior RB Jeremy Langford ran for 162 yards and three touchdowns on 27 carries in Thursday's 42-41 victory over Baylor in the Cotton Bowl.

This performance is more impressive than it might seem on the surface: Baylor has one of the country's best run defenses. Langford ends his college career on a 10-game 100-yard streak. He also rushed for more than 100 yards in 15 straight Big Ten games. The 6-foot, 206-pounder, a tough runner who can create yards on his own, collected 1,522 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns on 230 carries this season. TFY Draft Insider's Tony Pauline recently wrote that the running back had "all the tools" to succeed in the NFL. Langford currently projects as a mid-round pick, though this year's stacked RB class could push him to Day 3.

Jan 1 - 8:52 PM

 

[BeTheMatch]

EBF,

Off the top give me your top 3 RBs in this class.

On the other end of the spectrum, David Cobb is a very solid prospect. Efficient movement. Compact frame. He is a cleaner runner than guys like Mike Davis and Jay Ajayi. The issue with him is that there's not much explosiveness or dynamism to his game. He rarely breaks long runs and doesn't have special speed or burst. He's just a basic meat-and-potatoes grinder. He'll get what's blocked. He's not going to make a lot of Superman plays though.

I'm certainly not going to call Cobb explosive, but I still think you're not quite giving him the credit that he deserves. He definitely gets more than what's blocked. As I've pointed out before, their QB and WRs have been terrible all year (yesterday was by far the best game of Leidner's life at QB), and teams have loaded the box to stop Cobb. He has a great ability to make people miss in small spaces. He doesn't look that explosive or dynamic, but he rarely lost yards, even though multiple defenders would have him dead to rights in the backfield all the time. And he would be sneaky fast to the hole and did break off some bigger runs. He's definitely not a plodder.

Even though he wasn't given a ton of opportunities, there's also no question he can catch the ball. Also wasn't asked to pass block all that often due to the nature of the offense, so I wouldn't consider that a strength of his. That's probably his biggest question mark at this point.

Can't wait to see how he does at the combine, but I'm assuming his numbers won't blow anyone away. Will be very curious to see where he gets drafted, especially since this is a pretty deep group of RBs.

One thing I know is that he's a football player, and I like those kind of guys. And even though he got a ton of carries this year, he doesn't have a lot of mileage on him since he only became the starter early in his junior season.

He could be a steal for some NFL team in the middle of the draft.

 

[Spookytooth]

Cobb and Langrford are definitely great third round targets in rookie drafts, if they last that long in your draft.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Alabama senior QB Blake Sims completed 22 of 36 attempts for 237 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions in the school's 42-35 loss to Ohio State.

Sims added another 29 rushing yards and a touchdown. The three interceptions were MAJOR mistakes for Sims and each displayed different weaknesses (either timing, poor recognition, or inaccuracy). Sims is just a one year starter and will be at the Senior Bowl. This might not sound like the case after this kind of a performance, but Sims has some desirable traits and could be drafted.

Jan 2 - 11:18 AM

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

UMass junior TE Jean Sifrin is expected to enter the 2015 NFL Draft, according to beat writer Matt Vautour.

Sifrin did not start playing for UMass until the second week of the season after his transfer from JUCO involved delays. His 42 catches for 642 yards and six touchdowns in 11 games is extremely impressive to go along with a listed 6'7/250 lbs frame. However, Sifrin is 27 years old and spent five years away from football to take care of his son. Sifrin has a basketball background.

Source: UMass Gazette
Jan 2 - 10:50 AM

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Minnesota senior RB David Cobb rushed for 81 yards on 21 carries in Thursday's 33-17 Citrus Bowl setback versus Missouri.

Cobb also completed a nine-yard pass and caught four balls for 33 yards. The Tigers ganged up on him, stacking the box, and Cobb was unable to fend off gangs of defenders. The 5-foot-11, 229-pounder scampered for 1,626 yards and 13 touchdowns this season, breaking Laurence Maroney's single-season school rushing record of 1,464 yards. CBS Sports' Dane Brugler wrote earlier this month that Cobb "could go overlooked" during the draft but is a "reliable and well-rounded back" set to go in the mid-rounds. Long one of Cobb's most ardent supporters, you know Rotoworld agrees.

Jan 1 - 7:38 PM

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Auburn redshirt junior WR Sammie Coates caught four passes for 24 receiving yards in Thursday's 34-31 overtime Outback Bowl loss to Wisconsin.

As happened earlier this season, Auburn's offense slowed down considerably with WR Duke Williams out and Coates forced into the featured-receiver role. Coates is a home run threat only. He has the physical tools (6-foot-2, 201 pounds with a 4.36 40-yard dash) to be a first-round pick, though he might drop lower than that because of his limitations, specifically a lack of technical refinement and inconsistencies at the catch point. Coates will declare for the draft and has accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl.


Jan 1 - 7:10 PM

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Auburn senior RB Cameron Artis-Payne had 26 carries for 126 yards and two touchdowns in Thursday's 34-31 overtime setback versus Wisconsin in the Outback Bowl.

Artis-Payne also had an 18-yard reception. Artis-Payne's breakout campaign ends with 1,608 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. "He displays easy lateral burst with a strong plant foot to get north-south, knifing through holes with his jump cuts and lower body explosiveness," CBS Sports' Dane Brugler wrote last month. ESPN's Todd McShay believes Artis-Payne "could hear his name called in the middle or later rounds" this spring. Artis-Payne will play in the Senior Bowl next month.

Jan 1 - 6:52 PM

 

[Faust]

Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon runs for 251 in Outback Bowl win

Rotoworld:

Wisconsin redshirt junior RB Melvin Gordon III rushed for 251 yards and three touchdowns on 34 carries in the school's 34-31 overtime win over Auburn.

Gordon finished 41 yards shying of tying Barry Sanders' FBS single season record on almost the exact same number of carries. Gordon's highlight play showcased his ability to create yards for himself, as he completely juked Auburn safety Jermaine Whitehead at the second level and took the rock to the house for a touchdown. This was his final collegiate game.

Jan 1 - 4:52 PM

 

[Faust]

Marcus Mariota v Jameis Winston analysed: the good, the bad and the fumble

 

[BeTheMatch]

Maxx Williams officially declared today he's leaving early for the draft.

 

[ConnSKINS26]

Awesome.

 

[Faust]

Maxx Williams officially declared today he's leaving early for the draft.

Rotoworld take:

Maxx Williams - TE - Player

Minnesota TE Maxx Williams will forego his final two seasons of college eligibility and enter the 2015 NFL draft.

We're excited about this one. Listed at 6-foot-4, 250, Williams racked up 36 catches for 569 yards and eight touchdowns as a 20-year-old redshirt sophomore in 2014. He was the Gophers' leading receiver in every category by a significant margin. Williams won't turn 21 until just before the 2015 draft, and looks like a future difference maker as a pass-catching tight end. We suspect Williams' "stock" will rise throughout the winter and early spring and he'll end up being drafted as high as the top 15.

Source: Joe Christensen on Twitter

Jan 2 - 2:46 PM

 

[Faust]

2015 NFL Draft: Big Ten loses Trae Waynes, Maxx Williams to NFL

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft-scout/24931850/nfl-draft-big-ten-loses-trae-waynes-maxx-williams-to-nfl

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Stefon Diggs - WR - Terrapins

Maryland junior WR Stefon Diggs will declare for the NFL Draft.

You will read in many places that Diggs is explosive and a big play threat, and some might even call him a top three-round receiver. We do not see that. Diggs earned a lot of praise early in his career and perhaps a couple of major injuries screwed up his game. We view Diggs as a straight-line prospect who will have to have touches manufactured for him.

Source: Matt Zenitz on Twitter

Jan 3 - 2:55 PM