DYNASTY: Top 2013 College Prospects (1 Viewer)

[EBF]

Not saying you're wrong, but if Seastrunk is so good then why couldn't he get on the field at Oregon? He was a non-factor there and wasn't even the starter at Baylor until a couple weeks ago. He is definitely a guy to monitor for the future, but not exactly a slam dunk at this point.

Taylor isn't the second coming of LaDainian Tomlinson either, but he has a lot of the traits of a successful pro RB. Compact, good leg drive, good vision, loose hips, and quick feet. Only thing his game really lacks is an impressive second gear. He's not a bad athlete though. He definitely won't run a 4.7. 4.55 at worst, IMO.

 

[BruceAlmighty]

The reason he didn't get on the field his one year at Oregon was lamichael james and kenyon barner. He was basically shown the door after the bcs title game because he told a reporter at media day that he would give anything to be on auburn's sideline for the game because all his friends were there. So he transferred back home to Texas and started the year behind two upperclassmen, but he's basically beat them out now. In a year that has little skill position game breakers, Seastrunk the most promising.

 

[Xue]

I'm not a big fan of Taylor. He looked good tonite, but that was against an Oregon defense that didn't have 7 starters. They aren't a good defense at full strength. Seastrunk has the pedigree. He was the number 1 rb in the '09 recruiting class, ahead of Dyer and Lattimore. Then he called out Saban on a recruiting trip to Auburn and dropped to 3. He's got the kind of physical tools that will light up people's combine clipboards. Taylor on the other hand is a rb that looks better in pads. I'd bet Taylor is a 4.6-4.7 guy, where Seastrunk is a legitimate sub 4.4 guy. Some team will reach for those measurables. I also think Giovanni Bernard will be drafted ahead of Taylor.

Mark Ingram was a 4.6 guy. He was a late 1st. Arian Foster ran a 4.68. He's a top 3 NFL RB.Taylor was a 4-star recruit and he's from Texas. What more "pedigree" does he need?

 

[BruceAlmighty]

I'm not a big fan of Taylor. He looked good tonite, but that was against an Oregon defense that didn't have 7 starters. They aren't a good defense at full strength. Seastrunk has the pedigree. He was the number 1 rb in the '09 recruiting class, ahead of Dyer and Lattimore. Then he called out Saban on a recruiting trip to Auburn and dropped to 3. He's got the kind of physical tools that will light up people's combine clipboards. Taylor on the other hand is a rb that looks better in pads. I'd bet Taylor is a 4.6-4.7 guy, where Seastrunk is a legitimate sub 4.4 guy. Some team will reach for those measurables. I also think Giovanni Bernard will be drafted ahead of Taylor.

Mark Ingram was a 4.6 guy. He was a late 1st. Arian Foster ran a 4.68. He's a top 3 NFL RB.Taylor was a 4-star recruit and he's from Texas. What more "pedigree" does he need?

I'm confused about your post. Do you think mark ingram is good? If you do then Taylor will certainly be good because the bar isn't set very high.

 

[cusefan115]

Sleeper alert: Alec Lemon's last three games, 28 catches for 521 yards and 5 tds. He probably doesn't have the speed to be a true number 1 in the league but I could see him being ff relevant. He started the year off slow coming off of injury but has really picked up it as of late obviously.

 

[Xue]

I'm not a big fan of Taylor. He looked good tonite, but that was against an Oregon defense that didn't have 7 starters. They aren't a good defense at full strength. Seastrunk has the pedigree. He was the number 1 rb in the '09 recruiting class, ahead of Dyer and Lattimore. Then he called out Saban on a recruiting trip to Auburn and dropped to 3. He's got the kind of physical tools that will light up people's combine clipboards. Taylor on the other hand is a rb that looks better in pads. I'd bet Taylor is a 4.6-4.7 guy, where Seastrunk is a legitimate sub 4.4 guy. Some team will reach for those measurables. I also think Giovanni Bernard will be drafted ahead of Taylor.

Mark Ingram was a 4.6 guy. He was a late 1st. Arian Foster ran a 4.68. He's a top 3 NFL RB.Taylor was a 4-star recruit and he's from Texas. What more "pedigree" does he need?

I'm confused about your post. Do you think mark ingram is good? If you do then Taylor will certainly be good because the bar isn't set very high.

I'm not sure what being a top HS recruit means either.

 

[Faust]

NFL Draft risers, sliders: Week 12

Tony Pauline

College football's regular season is coming to a close and the opportunity for NFL hopefuls to impress league scouts is dwindling. This weekend has witnessed a number of lesser known prospects, who usually go unnoticed, step to the forefront and improve their draft stock.

Risers

Jonathan Cooper, G -- North Carolina: Cooper received first round grades from scouts prior to the season and has surpassed expectations on the field this year. He was stamped as the premiere zone-blocking lineman in the nation and Cooper has expanded his game in 2012. The athletic guard improved his power at the point of attack and now displays the ability to beat down defenders on the line of scrimmage as well as annihilating opponents blocking in motion. Cooper will be the second guard selected in April 's draft after Alabama's Chance Warmack. He is unlikely to make it out of the draft's initial 15 choices.



Leon McFadden, CB -- San Diego State: McFadden has been steadily rising up draft boards since the start of the season and is another who is exceeding expectations in 2012. He's a feisty cornerback with next-level size and the ball skills to match. McFadden has intercepted three passes this season, broken up 10 throws and has 57 tackles to his credit. He continues to improve on the field and several scouts feel McFadden will be a top-75 pick in next year's draft.

Scott Vallone, DL -- Rutgers: Vallone is perhaps the most unheralded player on the Scarlet Knights' talented defense yet the NFL is aware of his ability. Vallone is smart, tough and a defender who does the little things well. His intensity is infectious as Vallone plays through the whistle and disrupts the opponents game plan. He's not a player who puts up big stats but rather a reliable defender that does not make mental mistakes. Vallone lacks classic size for the next level (6-foot, 3-inches, 280-pounds) yet gets the most from his ability. His game is similar to New York Jets defensive lineman Mike DeVito and Vallone has risen from undrafted free agent to late round pick.

William Campbell, DT -- Michigan: Campbell is another defensive lineman who does the dirty work up front and allows teammates to make plays on the ball. He was credited with two assisted tackles during the Wolverines blowout victory over Iowa, but statistics don't tell the story. The big bodied defender clogged the middle of the line and stopped Iowa's running game. Campbell was not graded by scouts entering the season yet has played his way into the late rounds of the draft.

Kyle Van Noy*, LB -- BYU: Van Noy is one of the centerpieces for a BYU defense which ranks as one of the best in the nation. He's a versatile three-down defender with the ability to line up at several linebacker positions. Van Noy is both tough and instinctive, consistently making positive plays on the field while limiting mental mistakes. Scouts have stamped the junior with a second-day grade.

Gabe Jackson*, G -- Mississippi State: Jackson is a massive lineman who has taken his game to another level this season. He possesses terrific power and easily controls defenders at the point of attack. At the same time Jackson easily moves his 320-pound frame around the field and flashes skill-blocking in motion. He's a third-round prospect with great upside and word is the junior is headed to the draft at the end of the season.

Brian Mulroe, G -- Northwestern: Mulroe gets little notice in the Wildcats non-stop offense yet is an efficient blocker that NFL decision makers have taken a liking to. He offers good size and plays fundamentally sound football. Mulroe displays skill as both a run-blocker and pass-protector. He won't wow scouts with great athletic performances yet many feel this late-round pick will be a productive NFL player.

Shayne Skov, LB -- Stanford: Skov was graded as a potential first-round pick at the start of the 2011 season before a knee injury during the third game ended his season. His return to form was slow this seaso, yet Skov has gotten stronger each week. His performance during the upset victory over Oregon was nothing less than dominant. The ferocious linebacker led the Cardinal with 10 tackles and single-handedly stopped an Oregon scoring opportunity in the first quarter. While the draft world is abuzz about the prospects of middle linebacker Manti Te'o being a top 12 choice, many scouts feel Skov in Round 2 could be better value.

Will Davis, CB -- UtahState: Utah State withstood a furious comeback from Louisiana Tech to win a thriller in overtime, 48-41. Despite the Bulldogs' second- half air attack, Davis was effective and continues to impress NFL scouts. His interception at the end of the first half denied Louisiana Tech a scoring opportunity, which turned out to be the difference in the game. Davis has recorded four interceptions and broke up 16 passes this season to go along with 52 tackles. The junior college transfer has watched his game take off since becoming a full-time starter in 2012. He was graded as a free-agent prospect entering the season, but several scouts recently stamped Davis as a first-round pick.

Reid Fragel, T -- OhioState: Fragel made the successful transition from tight end to right tackle this season and his play has scouts buzzing. He offers NFL size (6-7, 290) and possesses a frame which will grow over time. Fragel displays power in all aspects of his game and plays with surprisingly sound fundamentals. He needs work to complete his game, but Fragel has been graded as a top 100 pick by a number of scouts.

Kyle Long, OL -- Oregon: Long is rarely mentioned outside scouting circles, but the junior college transfer is quickly rising up draft boards. The athletic lineman blocks with terrific fundamentals and shows tremendous skill blocking in motion. He offers potential at both offensive tackle and guard, and like his father Howie Long, figures to be selected somewhere inthe middle of Round 2.

Sliders

Keenan Davis, WR -- Iowa: Davis entered the season ranked as a potential late-round pick yet has struggled all year. His production has significantly dropped off compared to 2011 and Davis has yet to accumulate 100 receiving yards or more in any single game this year. He's also registered just on touchdown catch this season, a poor number for a big-bodied, possession receiver.

Jawanza Starling, S -- USC: Starling entered the 2012 campaign ranked as a potential first-round pick yet has played more like a last-day selection. The athletic safety has looked indecisive and slow to react. He's usually a half-step late arriving to the action and has struggled defending the run this year.

Russell Shepard, WR -- LSU: Shepard made a last-minute decision to return for his senior season after struggling through an injury plagued 2011 campaign. He's struggled for playing time this season and has totaled just six receptions for 92 yards. The speedy wideout looked like a star in the making after posting 33 receptions as a sophomore. His combined totals the past two years are 20 receptions with 282 receiving yards. Shepard was viewed as a possible mid-round choice but is unlikely to be selected at any point in April's draft.

Notes

• Rutgers cornerback Logan Ryan, a Week 3 riser, continues to impress scouts. His second-quarter interception denied Big East foe Cincinnati a scoring opportunity and helped keep the Scarlet Knights undefeated in the conference. The belief is Ryan, recently ranked the 50th best prospect on the SI.com draft board, will leave for the NFL at the end of the season.

 

[Faust]

Weekly Rewind: Versatile playmakers steal the stage

By Rob Rang | The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com

November 17, 2012 4:50 pm ET

Which future NFL draft picks stood out during Week 10 of the 2012 college football season? NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst Rob Rang checks in with the performances that will have NFL scouts adjusting their rankings.

Ball Fumbles Chance at TD Record But Perhaps Not Top RB Spot

The story was writing itself. Wisconsin running back Montee Ball had tied former Miami of Ohio running back Travis Prentice as the NCAA's all-time career record holder with 78 touchdowns scored in the second quarter of their highly anticipated conference showdown with Ohio State and appeared to be in position to end the Buckeyes' undefeated season and take the record over for himself with just another half-yard.

It just wasn't meant to be.

Reaching the ball out in a desperate 4th down attempt to cross the end zone line with just 2:38 remaining, the senior running back had the football knocked free by Ohio State linebacker Ryan Shazier. While the Badgers would temporarily be re-energized by scoring a touchdown to send the game into overtime, the Buckeyes would go on to win 21-14, handing Ball and his teammates a tough loss on a day in which their reigning Heisman finalist carried the ball a career-high 39 times for 191 yards.

The fumble was a cruel end to the day for Ball (No. 28 above), who had otherwise enjoyed a spectacular afternoon.

Wearing his familiar No. 28, Ball dipped, ducked and dazzled a talented Buckeye defense. His jersey number is appropriate, for Ball's play was reminscent of another famous No. 28, Hall of Fame running back Curtis Martin.

Like the former New England Patriots and New York Jets' star, Ball doesn't wow you with his size, power or straight-line speed. It is his combination of the three, along with balance, vision and burst, that kept Ohio State defenders struggling to get a square hit on him all day long. Ball's ability to shift his body just as contacts arrives helps him absorb less punishment than other running backs, bounce off tackles with surprising consistency and seemingly always falling forward for extra hidden yardage.

Ball's ability to slide off of contact also helps him protect the football, something that Ball has done extraordinarily well. Though he fumbled in this game, it was just his second in 907 career touches.

Ball is a natural runner, who shows the patience to allow his blocks to develop and an understanding of where cutback lanes are developing, as well as the burst and aggression to seize the opportunity when a hole is there. Furthermore, he's versatile, showing not only soft, reliable hands out of the backfield but increased awareness and physicality this season as a pass blocker. Scouts' concerns about Ball's ability to make an impact on all three downs, in fact, was one of the reasons he elected to play his senior season.

Ball surprised many in returning to Madison after rushing for 1,923 yards and tying the single-season record of 39 touchdowns scored by another Hall of Famer, Barry Sanders. Ball took a significant risk in doing so as the Badgers lost a great deal of talent to the NFL, not the least of which was quarterback Russell Wilson, wide receiver Nick Toon, offensive linemen Kevin Zeiter and Peter Konz and his reliable fullback Bradie Ewing. Ball was given only a third round grade by the NFL Advisory Committee last year, however, and gambled that he could return and boost his stock. He was criticized by many for this decision and yet appears to be well on his way towards being the one laughing last.

The 2012 NFL draft saw three running backs get picked in the first round. The horrific knee injury suffered by South Carolina junior Marcus Lattimore may have eliminated from contention the only running back I've given a first round grade to this year. While North Carolina redshirt sophomore Giovani Bernard has been spectacular, as well, there isn't a running back in the country playing better as the season is winding down than Ball... which is precisely why the senior could wind up as the top player at his position come April.

Barr's Speed Helps Bruins Retake Los Angeles, Pac-12 South

Turnovers and strong running by UCLA senior Johnathan Franklin may have been the most obvious factors in the Bruins' impressive start-to-finish victory over Matt Barkley and the USC Trojans Saturday.

Franklin, after all, rushed for 171 yards and two touchdowns on the day, including the 29-yard jaunt down the right sideline with just over four minutes remaining to give some breathing room at 38-28.

And yet, as impressive as Franklin was in this contest, it was actually a former UCLA running back -- junior outside linebacker Anthony Barr -- whose stellar all-around performance may have played just as critical a role in the Bruins beating USC for just the second time in their last 15 games and in doing so winning the Pac-12 South division.

The son of former Notre Dame and Philadelphia Eagles' fullback Tony Brooks, Barr played a hybrid running back/tight end role for the Bruins in his first two seasons with the team, rushing 15 times for 54 yards and a touchdown and catching 12 passes for 82 yards and another score in 24 games (including 11 starts). New head coach Jim Mora and his staff, however, thought that the 6-4, 238 pound Barr (left, sacking Barkley) might be a better fit on the edge on the defensive side of the ball and asked him to make this switch this season. The switch has given UCLA arguably the most explosive outside threat in the conference. Barr entered the game leading the conference with 11 sacks and tied for the Pac-12 lead with 17 tackles for loss among his 54 total stops. Barr was in on several big plays in this contest, as well. None were bigger than his 12th sack of the season, a big hit that sent Barkley to the sideline and forced USC to attempt a field goal. The field goal, which would have cut UCLA's lead to just seven with a little less than two minutes remaining, was blocked, essentially ending the game.

Barr's length and athleticism made him a constant threat for Barkley and the Trojans, Saturday. Barr boasts impressive body control for a man of his size, demonstrating not only the speed to get around talented pass blockers but surprising flexibility to dip under their reach as well as the agility to slip around them when looping inside. He has the length and strength to stack and shed blockers on the perimeter, keeping his containment responsibilities and, perhaps most impressively, showed excellent closing speed to track down USC's speedy tailbacks from behind. Though he only had three tackles against the Trojans, he was in position to force the action back to his teammates. Barr also showed good recognition against the pass, getting his hands up to deflect two of Barkley's passes.

Having not yet finished his first full season at outside linebacker, Barr is far from a finished product, which is why he currently ranks just sixth on NFLDraftScout.com's rankings of outside linebackers from the 2014 draft class.

While raw, there is simply no mistaking Barr's skill-set. A similar skill-set, in fact, is often cited as a reason why another gifted junior -- LSU's Barkevious Mingo -- has earned lofty praise from talent evaluators all season long. Unlike Mingo, who despite his talents hasn't generated nearly as many big plays this season as expected, Barr has been terrific and demonstrated against USC his ability to carry over his big plays when the lights are shining brightest. With only an average class of traditional outside linebackers in the 2013 class, the Bruin defender could elect to leave school early and contend for a spot within the first two rounds.

Denard Robinson Shows Off His Versatility

An injury to the throwing elbow of star Denard Robinson forced Michigan head coach Brady Hoke to turn to junior backup Devin Gardner at quarterback. The results couldn't have been better for the Wolverines.

Though the injury limited Robinson's ability to pass, Hoke utilized the senior's trademark elusiveness and breakaway speed by alternating him between quarterback, running back (as he appears in photo below, No. 16) and receiver Saturday against Iowa.

Robinson excelled in the "new" role, rushing for 98 yards on carries from the quarterback and running back positions and catching two passes for 24 yards, as well. It is a role talent evaluators have long projected for the 5-11, 197 pound athlete who entered the game with as NFLDraftScout.com's No. 7 rated senior wideout.

Robinson is a natural with the ball in his hands. He possesses excellent lateral agility and acceleration to burst through tight quarters and the vision to set up defenders in the open field. As such, scouts are excited about he can fit in today's wide open passing attacks.

Any team willing to invest a top 100 selection on Robinson, however, will have to be convinced that he'll be able to withstand the physical punishment that will come moving from quarterback to either running back or wide receiver. Robinson has shown toughness in fighting through various ailments throughout his career and the only games he's missed were the last two. While his durability, therefore, has been good to this point, Robinson's slight frame is a concern when projecting him to running back or wide receiver. He is not a powerful runner who will be able to sweep through arm tackles in the NFL with consistency and so he won't likely get many carries. He may struggle with the physicality of playing in the slot, as well, as he'll get chipped often by linebackers and even defensive ends, at times.

The risk of injury and time spent teaching Robinson a new position does limit his stock. However, in a senior draft class lacking in playmakers at receiver, the potential reward could outweigh the risk for some club within the first 100 selections.

The positive news, of course, wasn't limited to just Robinson demonstrating that his skill-set does indeed translate nicely to his projected NFL position. Gardner completed 18 of 23 passes for 314 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for 37 and another three scores in the Wolverines' 42-17 win.

TD or Not, Stanford's Ertz Quite the Catch

Stanford junior tight end Zach Ertz entered Saturday night's huge win over No. 2 Oregon already highly regarded by talent evaluators. Blessed with a combination of size, athleticism and soft hands, he'd taken over for Indianapolis Colts' 2012 second round pick Coby Fleener as Stanford's primary pass-catcher with 47 receptions for 641 yards and five touchdowns.

Fresh off of a career-high nine catch performance against then-No. 11 ranked Oregon State (which included a 13-yard touchdown), Ertz set a new personal high against the Ducks, hauling in 11 passes for 106 yards.

It was Ertz's final catch -- a juggling 10-yard touchdown that put Stanford in position to tie the game with just 1:40 left in regulation -- that will be remembered longest.

The play came on first down and with the 6-6, 252 pound Ertz lined up wide opposite Oregon's star cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, a 5-10, 190 pound sophomore. Stanford quarterback Kevin Hogan tossed up a fade into the back of the endzone and gave Ertz the space and ball location needed to use his height as an advantage. Ertz got both hands on the ball, but Ekpre-Olomu had slipped his hand between them and he ripped the ball free as the Stanford tight end tried to pull it into his frame. The ball hung for a split-second in the air before Ertz (right) snatched it back as he rolled to the turf and out of the back of the endzone. He was initially ruled out of bounds. Replay, however, appeared to show his right shoulder hit the ground before he rolled out and therefore the play was overturned for a Cardinal touchdown.

Ertz demonstrated great body control and ball skills throughout this contest. Hogan consistently went to Ertz in critical situations and Oregon, despite playing man to man coverage often, was rarely able to stick with him. Ertz does not possess the 4.5 speed that made Fleener a second round pick a season ago but is also a more natural pass catcher than his former teammate.

He joins Notre Dame's Tyler Eifert and Florida's Jordan Reed as the trio of junior tight ends capable of injecting some playmaking ability into an otherwise relatively pedestrian class.

 

[JAA]

Tavon Austin

Watch his OU highlight reel from yesterday

 

[jurb26]

Tavon AustinWatch his OU highlight reel from yesterday

Link?

 

[BruceAlmighty]

I'm not a big fan of Taylor. He looked good tonite, but that was against an Oregon defense that didn't have 7 starters. They aren't a good defense at full strength. Seastrunk has the pedigree. He was the number 1 rb in the '09 recruiting class, ahead of Dyer and Lattimore. Then he called out Saban on a recruiting trip to Auburn and dropped to 3. He's got the kind of physical tools that will light up people's combine clipboards. Taylor on the other hand is a rb that looks better in pads. I'd bet Taylor is a 4.6-4.7 guy, where Seastrunk is a legitimate sub 4.4 guy. Some team will reach for those measurables. I also think Giovanni Bernard will be drafted ahead of Taylor.

Mark Ingram was a 4.6 guy. He was a late 1st. Arian Foster ran a 4.68. He's a top 3 NFL RB.Taylor was a 4-star recruit and he's from Texas. What more "pedigree" does he need?

I'm confused about your post. Do you think mark ingram is good? If you do then Taylor will certainly be good because the bar isn't set very high.

I'm not sure what being a top HS recruit means either.

I will illucidate. People typically recognize prodigies at an early age. I remember Espn showing freshman high school footage of Adrian Peterson. When Matt Stafford was still in high school Mel Kiper said he would be a number 1 pick. This line of reasoning typically holds true in all the arts. Do some crash and burn? Sure. To be in the top percentile of their craft they have to be rather myopic, but that's prob another reason they achieve being such success. I would rather gamble on the guy that experts have been expecting brilliance of over a guy who's a good back, but nothing really special (like Mark Ingram). I hope this helps. I think you will recognize potential superstars earlier in dynasty leagues if you follow this simple advice. I love being philanthropic.

 

[EBF]

I'm not a big fan of Taylor. He looked good tonite, but that was against an Oregon defense that didn't have 7 starters. They aren't a good defense at full strength. Seastrunk has the pedigree. He was the number 1 rb in the '09 recruiting class, ahead of Dyer and Lattimore. Then he called out Saban on a recruiting trip to Auburn and dropped to 3. He's got the kind of physical tools that will light up people's combine clipboards. Taylor on the other hand is a rb that looks better in pads. I'd bet Taylor is a 4.6-4.7 guy, where Seastrunk is a legitimate sub 4.4 guy. Some team will reach for those measurables. I also think Giovanni Bernard will be drafted ahead of Taylor.

Mark Ingram was a 4.6 guy. He was a late 1st. Arian Foster ran a 4.68. He's a top 3 NFL RB.Taylor was a 4-star recruit and he's from Texas. What more "pedigree" does he need?

I'm confused about your post. Do you think mark ingram is good? If you do then Taylor will certainly be good because the bar isn't set very high.

I'm not sure what being a top HS recruit means either.

I will illucidate. People typically recognize prodigies at an early age. I remember Espn showing freshman high school footage of Adrian Peterson. When Matt Stafford was still in high school Mel Kiper said he would be a number 1 pick. This line of reasoning typically holds true in all the arts. Do some crash and burn? Sure. To be in the top percentile of their craft they have to be rather myopic, but that's prob another reason they achieve being such success. I would rather gamble on the guy that experts have been expecting brilliance of over a guy who's a good back, but nothing really special (like Mark Ingram). I hope this helps. I think you will recognize potential superstars earlier in dynasty leagues if you follow this simple advice. I love being philanthropic.

Probably at least half of these high school superstars never even become great NCAA players, let alone great pros. Terrelle Pryor was supposed to be the Lebron James of football. Now he's lucky just to be cashing an NFL paycheck. High school recruiting rankings are mainly based on a player's junior year, when he is 16-17 years old. Needless to say, a lot can change from the time someone is 17 to the time he's 23-24. Nevermind the fact that the rankings overlook players from certain geographical areas and leagues.

 

[BruceAlmighty]

I agree with a lot of this. No system is flawless. Did you see the bills-fins game Thursday? One play in the second half marcel dareus blows up incognito and has spiller (5 star) dead to rights in the backfield. Spiller makes a sick jump cut and picks up 6-7 yds. Mike Mayock says " you either wake up in the morning with that ability or you don't". That is exactly my point. That type of ability is evident early. Do you people exceed their physical ability with a strong work ethic? Sure. But projecting nfl success is in essence a gamble. I like to gamble on the freaks of nature, and they are more often than not 5 star recruits.

 

[EBF]

I like to gamble on the freaks of nature, and they are more often than not 5 star recruits.

I don't know the exact numbers, but I'd guess that at least half of all Pro Bowl type players were not considered awesome prospects out of high school. Guys like Tomlinson and Marshall don't end up at schools like TCU and Central Florida otherwise. I'd agree that 4-5 star recruits have a better chance of becoming good NFL players than unheralded recruits, but even so the percentages aren't that great. And a lot of guys touted as the next big thing simply aren't that good.

 

[BruceAlmighty]

Let's look at wrs. Calvin, fitz, aj green, Julio, nicks, djax, dez, Sidney rice, Alston Jeffrey, Andre Johnson, Wayne and Santana moss where all 5 stars. That's off the top of my head. Marshall was marginal between a 4-5 star. He went to central Florida bc of the lax admission standards.

 

[doowain]

Let's look at wrs. Calvin, fitz, aj green, Julio, nicks, djax, dez, Sidney rice, Alston Jeffrey, Andre Johnson, Wayne and Santana moss where all 5 stars. That's off the top of my head. Marshall was marginal between a 4-5 star. He went to central Florida bc of the lax admission standards.

Exactly. And snowballing that point guys often choose smaller schools for the opportunity to start. For instance Roethlisberger chose Miami OH over Ohio State. There are dozens of other examples of this. Writing off a guy simply because he went to a smaller school is silly and short sighted.

 

[BruceAlmighty]

Let's look at wrs. Calvin, fitz, aj green, Julio, nicks, djax, dez, Sidney rice, Alston Jeffrey, Andre Johnson, Wayne and Santana moss where all 5 stars. That's off the top of my head. Marshall was marginal between a 4-5 star. He went to central Florida bc of the lax admission standards.

Exactly. And snowballing that point guys often choose smaller schools for the opportunity to start. For instance Roethlisberger chose Miami OH over Ohio State. There are dozens of other examples of this. Writing off a guy simply because he went to a smaller school is silly and short sighted.

To piggy back on your point, the number 1 recruit in the nation this year is a de from GA named Robert Nkemdiche. Smart money is on him going to ole miss because his brother Denzel plays there.

 

[BruceAlmighty]

My overall point is that rare, exceptional talent is apparent early in life, regardless of it we are discussing intellectual, artistic or athletic talent. These are the savants. There will always be good athletes who become great and great athletes who bust. The only certainty in life is death, so projecting athletes future success will always be a gamble. My point is gamble on the savants (or freaks if you will). That's why I would draft Seastrunk over Stepfan Taylor. That's why I would draft Sammy Watkins, who I first heard about 5 yrs ago, over Marqise Lee, who came to USC as a 4 star SAFETY. They wake up in the morning with ability others can never attain, that's why they are 5 star prospects.

 

[oukurt]

Tavon AustinWatch his OU highlight reel from yesterday

He was already in my top 10. He moved into my top 5. Sadly he is no longer under the radar. Anyone know his 40 time? He broke ankles many times last night. 572 all purpose yards.

 

[EBF]

They're 5 star prospects because they're the best of their age group when they're 16-18 years old. Some of them remain at the top of the class and some of them don't. There are plenty of guys in the NFL with special talent who were lightly recruited coming out of high school. People develop a different rates and some players are underrated as preps for a variety of reasons. What matters most is ultimately what they do on the field when they arrive at college, not how many stars were next to their name on the commitment list.

It is kind of like draft position in the NFL. It's a good starting point to gauge a player's value, but it becomes less and less relevant the more the player plays. Marqise Lee is a great example. I don't know what his star rating was, but if he was good enough to get on the field as a true freshman for one of the most talent-laden teams in the country and completely dominate then he's a 5 star talent, regardless of what the rankings said. Likewise, there are plenty of complete scrubs in NCAA who were 5 star recruits because of how they looked on tape as a high school junior or how they tested at combine against other children. USC has had a lot of these guys too.

 

[cstu]

I haven't looked much at the under the radar guys, but I actually like the top of the 2013 WR class a lot. Keenan Allen, Justin Hunter, Marquess Wilson, Robert Woods, and to a lesser extent Terrance Williams all look like they have WR1/2 potential and I expect them all to go in the top 2 rounds.

There's definitely a lot of potential in that group, but I don't see an obvious top 10 type of talent. Allen and Woods are ranked as such by some, but I think they're slightly overrated. Given the choice in a dynasty league, I wouldn't give up Blackmon, Floyd, or Wright for next year's 1.01 rookie pick. Just looks like a down year to me in terms of those rare can't-miss top 10 type of players. I had Luck, Richardson, and Blackmon as my wire-to-wire QB1/RB1/WR1 last year. This year I think there's a lot more uncertainty and fluidity at the top.

Where would you rank the players in this draft compared to last year? This year's draft seem like they'd be late 1st's last year.

 

[cstu]

Tavon AustinWatch his OU highlight reel from yesterday

He was already in my top 10. He moved into my top 5. Sadly he is no longer under the radar. Anyone know his 40 time? He broke ankles many times last night. 572 all purpose yards.

He'll still go later than he should because of his size.

 

[BruceAlmighty]

I haven't looked much at the under the radar guys, but I actually like the top of the 2013 WR class a lot. Keenan Allen, Justin Hunter, Marquess Wilson, Robert Woods, and to a lesser extent Terrance Williams all look like they have WR1/2 potential and I expect them all to go in the top 2 rounds.

There's definitely a lot of potential in that group, but I don't see an obvious top 10 type of talent. Allen and Woods are ranked as such by some, but I think they're slightly overrated. Given the choice in a dynasty league, I wouldn't give up Blackmon, Floyd, or Wright for next year's 1.01 rookie pick. Just looks like a down year to me in terms of those rare can't-miss top 10 type of players. I had Luck, Richardson, and Blackmon as my wire-to-wire QB1/RB1/WR1 last year. This year I think there's a lot more uncertainty and fluidity at the top.

Where would you rank the players in this draft compared to last year? This year's draft seem like they'd be last 1st's last year.

I think the best wr in this year's class (right now I say hunter, but watch out for cordarrelle patterson shooting up draft boards) would be ranked below Blackmon and wright, possibly Floyd too.

 

[Xue]

Let's look at wrs. Calvin, fitz, aj green, Julio, nicks, djax, dez, Sidney rice, Alston Jeffrey, Andre Johnson, Wayne and Santana moss where all 5 stars. That's off the top of my head. Marshall was marginal between a 4-5 star. He went to central Florida bc of the lax admission standards.

Those guys are top recruits AND they succeeded in the NFL. That's out of how many 4-5 star recruits?Here is the Rivals top 100 WR for Jeffery's HS class of 2009: http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/rankings/rank-2119

How many of these 4-5 stars are going to make an impact in the NFL? Probably 6-7 names.

According to Rivals, Rice was a 3-star and Marshall was a 2-star.

 

[BruceAlmighty]

Let's look at wrs. Calvin, fitz, aj green, Julio, nicks, djax, dez, Sidney rice, Alston Jeffrey, Andre Johnson, Wayne and Santana moss where all 5 stars. That's off the top of my head. Marshall was marginal between a 4-5 star. He went to central Florida bc of the lax admission standards.

Those guys are top recruits AND they succeeded in the NFL. That's out of how many 4-5 star recruits?Here is the Rivals top 100 WR for Jeffery's HS class of 2009: http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/rankings/rank-2119

How many of these 4-5 stars are going to make an impact in the NFL? Probably 6-7 names.

According to Rivals, Rice was a 3-star and Marshall was a 2-star.

If you prefer a guy because he's smaller, weaker and slower that's fine, there's dead money at every poker table. If you want to disregard a players high school rankings, that's also cool, I just find the key to making informed decisions is to gather and examine all available information.This is the first time I've ever had someone attempt to argue the point that less information is better. I strongly disagree with that stance.

 

[EBF]

If you prefer a guy because he's smaller, weaker and slower that's fine, there's dead money at every poker table.

Yeah, uh...no one is saying this.You're either a bad troll or you just fail at basic reading comprehension.

 

[EBF]

I haven't looked much at the under the radar guys, but I actually like the top of the 2013 WR class a lot. Keenan Allen, Justin Hunter, Marquess Wilson, Robert Woods, and to a lesser extent Terrance Williams all look like they have WR1/2 potential and I expect them all to go in the top 2 rounds.

There's definitely a lot of potential in that group, but I don't see an obvious top 10 type of talent. Allen and Woods are ranked as such by some, but I think they're slightly overrated. Given the choice in a dynasty league, I wouldn't give up Blackmon, Floyd, or Wright for next year's 1.01 rookie pick. Just looks like a down year to me in terms of those rare can't-miss top 10 type of players. I had Luck, Richardson, and Blackmon as my wire-to-wire QB1/RB1/WR1 last year. This year I think there's a lot more uncertainty and fluidity at the top.

Where would you rank the players in this draft compared to last year? This year's draft seem like they'd be last 1st's last year.

Yep. I think the top guys this year are comparable in value to names like Kendall Wright and David Wilson, who I had in the 1.05-1.08 range.

 

[Time Kibitzer]

Let's look at wrs. Calvin, fitz, aj green, Julio, nicks, djax, dez, Sidney rice, Alston Jeffrey, Andre Johnson, Wayne and Santana moss where all 5 stars. That's off the top of my head. Marshall was marginal between a 4-5 star. He went to central Florida bc of the lax admission standards.

Those guys are top recruits AND they succeeded in the NFL. That's out of how many 4-5 star recruits?Here is the Rivals top 100 WR for Jeffery's HS class of 2009: http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/rankings/rank-2119

How many of these 4-5 stars are going to make an impact in the NFL? Probably 6-7 names.

According to Rivals, Rice was a 3-star and Marshall was a 2-star.

If you prefer a guy because he's smaller, weaker and slower that's fine, there's dead money at every poker table. If you want to disregard a players high school rankings, that's also cool, I just find the key to making informed decisions is to gather and examine all available information.This is the first time I've ever had someone attempt to argue the point that less information is better. I strongly disagree with that stance.

I don't think anyone is arguing less information is better. I think they're arguing that High School Star ranking is very close to being irrelevant. There's way too many 4/5 star players that do absolutely nothing. I rather draft a 2 star recruit who tore it up in the NCAA than a 5 star recruit who struggled or was mediocre in college, all other things being equal.

 

[doowain]

Let's look at wrs. Calvin, fitz, aj green, Julio, nicks, djax, dez, Sidney rice, Alston Jeffrey, Andre Johnson, Wayne and Santana moss where all 5 stars. That's off the top of my head. Marshall was marginal between a 4-5 star. He went to central Florida bc of the lax admission standards.

Exactly. And snowballing that point guys often choose smaller schools for the opportunity to start. For instance Roethlisberger chose Miami OH over Ohio State. There are dozens of other examples of this. Writing off a guy simply because he went to a smaller school is silly and short sighted.

 

[EBF]

Back to actual draft discussion...

Anyone else think AJ McCarron has a chance to be the best QB in this class? He somehow manages to fly under the radar despite starting for an extremely high profile program, but he actually checks off a lot of the important boxes for an NFL QB prospect. Good frame. GREAT production. Wins games. Accurate. Doesn't make mistakes. Great attitude, demeanor, and leadership ability. He is probably the guy I would be looking at outside the top 10 overall picks if I were an NFL GM in need of a QB. At worst he should be a solid clipboard holder.

 

[Faust]

Stanford's Shaw outduels Oregon's overhyped Kelly

College coaches with limited NFL experience and gimmick schemes have not fared well at the NFL level, and there is a strong history of coaches, from Lou Holtz to Steve Spurrier to Bobby Petrino, to show for it. With Jim Harbaugh, Pete Carroll and Greg Schiano being plucked from the college ranks and finding immediate success, NFL decision makers are digging back into the college ranks looking for the next rising star on the coaching circuit.

Oregon’s Chip Kelly, who word has it is hot on the trails of Carroll by looking to bolt from a program that is set to face serious NCAA sanctions for a recruiting scandal, has become the hottest name in NFL circles.

However, after Stanford handed Oregon its first loss of the season in a 17-14 overtime victory, NFL GMs in need of a new skipper might want to take a closer look at Harbaugh’s successor, David Shaw, who was groomed in Philadelphia, Oakland and Baltimore and runs pro-style schemes that clearly work.

To beat Kelly’s fast-paced, high-octane, matchup-based offense, a team needs a strong, physical front that is not fooled by misdirection and is capable of attacking downhill and dictating the tempo of the game.

Enter Stanford MLB Shayne Skov. Still showing effects of the serious left knee injury he suffered a year ago, Skov was not crisp in the open field, where he missed some tackles and cannot cut cleanly. Nonetheless, his eyes and instincts are outstanding and when many linebackers would be pulled in by play fakes, Skov continually showed up on the spot with support from a fast-flying front seven that held Kelly’s offense to its fewest points since the opening game in 2009.

Rush linebackers Trent Murphy and Chase Thomas led the way on a creative set of stunts, games and blitzes. Murphy notched one of the Cardinal’s two sacks, yet created pressure behind the line all game and kept the offense from establishing a rhythm.

Shaw put the ball in the hands of his ultra-competitive workhorse Stepfan Taylor and, despite a rare fumble late in the third quarter, he carried the offense in the fourth quarter. Taylor (33-161-0 rushing) churned hard between the tackles with a physical, grind-it-out approach that slowed the game, controlled the clock and outlasted Oregon on its home turf.

• USC senior QB Matt Barkley left the game in the fourth quarter after being drilled from the backside by UCLA junior ROLB Anthony Barr and slammed into the ground on his right throwing shoulder. Barkley, who reportedly was wearing a sling under his jacket exiting the locker room, showed noticeable arm strength limitations prior to the injury. Interceptions like the one he tossed to open the game, when he threw the ball an arm's length behind an out-breaking Marqise Lee and directly into the hands of UCLA senior RCB Aaron Hester, have done little to help his cause. Despite being regarded as a surefire top-10 pick, some NFL evaluators have stamped third-round grades on the accomplished passer, as he clearly does not possess the arm talent to succeed in a vertical passing attack.

• Having barely practiced during the week after taking a helmet to his left knee against Cincinnati, Temple senior RB Montel Harris etched a place in the Big East record book by rushing for a career-best 36-351-7 performance against Army in a game when much of his production was well-schemed for him. A knee injury forced Harris to use a medical redshirt in 2011 and he was kicked off the team at Boston College in May for repeatedly violating team rules before joining former B.C. assistants at Temple. At 5-8 3⁄4, 199 pounds with a thin lower body, he is not well built for the NFL game. He is a highly instinctive runner with good balance and quickness and could be a late-round gem.

• West Virginia’s dynamic do-it-all RB-WR-RS Tavon Austin racked up 344 yards on the ground against Oklahoma with a series of explosive runs that helped overcome a 31-17 halftime deficit, but it was Oklahoma senior QB Landry Jones who had the final word in the Sooners’ last-minute, 50-49 win. Better known for crumbling under pressure, Jones came through in the clutch on back-to-back TD drives, including a strike to WR Kenny Stills on 4th-and-3 with 24 seconds to play.

• As Wisconsin senior RB Montee Ball extended the ball toward the goal line after leaping into the air to cross the plane, Ohio State sophomore WLB Ryan Shazier knocked the ball loose and kept Ball from establishing an NCAA record for career TDs. Shazier has stepped up to the challenge since replacing senior Etienne Sabino, who was playing very well before being lost for the season against Nebraska on Oct. 6 with a broken leg.

• Baylor junior CB Joe Williams played a clutch role in the Bears’ 52-24 upset of Kansas State, rallying one of the nation’s worst defenses by twice picking off Wildcats QB Collin Klein and showing up very well in run support, where he notched 11 tackles. With the Bears able to contain a battered Klein on the ground, the Wildcats’ offense sputtered.

 

[Time Kibitzer]

Back to actual draft discussion...Anyone else think AJ McCarron has a chance to be the best QB in this class? He somehow manages to fly under the radar despite starting for an extremely high profile program, but he actually checks off a lot of the important boxes for an NFL QB prospect. Good frame. GREAT production. Wins games. Accurate. Doesn't make mistakes. Great attitude, demeanor, and leadership ability. He is probably the guy I would be looking at outside the top 10 overall picks if I were an NFL GM in need of a QB. At worst he should be a solid clipboard holder.

Yeah I think it's possible too. His production/wins/accuracy this year is all great, but looking back at past Alabama QBs, his stats are eerily similar to McElroy's stats 2 years ago in his second year as starter; and McElroy obviously hasn't been able to do anything in the NFL yet, although I suppose he still could. McCarron looks to be taller and a year younger than McElroy was when he had his great year, so if McCarron declares I think he'll go well before the 7th round where McElroy was drafted, but it does make me cautious about McCarron.

 

[EBF]

Back to actual draft discussion...Anyone else think AJ McCarron has a chance to be the best QB in this class? He somehow manages to fly under the radar despite starting for an extremely high profile program, but he actually checks off a lot of the important boxes for an NFL QB prospect. Good frame. GREAT production. Wins games. Accurate. Doesn't make mistakes. Great attitude, demeanor, and leadership ability. He is probably the guy I would be looking at outside the top 10 overall picks if I were an NFL GM in need of a QB. At worst he should be a solid clipboard holder.

Yeah I think it's possible too. His production/wins/accuracy this year is all great, but looking back at past Alabama QBs, his stats are eerily similar to McElroy's stats 2 years ago in his second year as starter; and McElroy obviously hasn't been able to do anything in the NFL yet, although I suppose he still could. McCarron looks to be taller and a year younger than McElroy was when he had his great year, so if McCarron declares I think he'll go well before the 7th round where McElroy was drafted, but it does make me cautious about McCarron.

I think you could argue that he doesn't have the same caliber of weapons at his disposal. Some people think Amari Cooper will end up being as good as Julio, but that seems like a stretch. McCarron is putting up pretty great numbers without any obvious NFL starters at TE or WR. That's one thing that separates him from say...McElroy of Ken Dorsey. He still benefits from having a lot of talent on his defense and OL, but he probably deserves a bit of credit too. Certainly more than he gets. Will be interesting to see how high he goes when he comes out. QBs have a way of going a lot higher than expected. In a thin crop maybe he sneaks into the first round with good workouts. I don't know that he will declare though. It's not uncommon to see a QB stay, especially if he's not projected top 10.

 

[Time Kibitzer]

Back to actual draft discussion...Anyone else think AJ McCarron has a chance to be the best QB in this class? He somehow manages to fly under the radar despite starting for an extremely high profile program, but he actually checks off a lot of the important boxes for an NFL QB prospect. Good frame. GREAT production. Wins games. Accurate. Doesn't make mistakes. Great attitude, demeanor, and leadership ability. He is probably the guy I would be looking at outside the top 10 overall picks if I were an NFL GM in need of a QB. At worst he should be a solid clipboard holder.

Yeah I think it's possible too. His production/wins/accuracy this year is all great, but looking back at past Alabama QBs, his stats are eerily similar to McElroy's stats 2 years ago in his second year as starter; and McElroy obviously hasn't been able to do anything in the NFL yet, although I suppose he still could. McCarron looks to be taller and a year younger than McElroy was when he had his great year, so if McCarron declares I think he'll go well before the 7th round where McElroy was drafted, but it does make me cautious about McCarron.

I think you could argue that he doesn't have the same caliber of weapons at his disposal. Some people think Amari Cooper will end up being as good as Julio, but that seems like a stretch. McCarron is putting up pretty great numbers without any obvious NFL starters at TE or WR. That's one thing that separates him from say...McElroy of Ken Dorsey. He still benefits from having a lot of talent on his defense and OL, but he probably deserves a bit of credit too. Certainly more than he gets. Will be interesting to see how high he goes when he comes out. QBs have a way of going a lot higher than expected. In a thin crop maybe he sneaks into the first round with good workouts. I don't know that he will declare though. It's not uncommon to see a QB stay, especially if he's not projected top 10.

I don't think McElroy's passing options were THAT much better. Obviously Julio is better than anyone Alabama has in 2012, but I don't think he had any NFL TE's to throw to or really any other NFL level player (besides the RBs of course). I think Cooper is definitely NFL prospect, but he is only a Freshman so McCarron has done well with him as a WR1; and obviously McCarron also has 2 NFL RBs to throw to. I think McElroy is a lot closer to McCarron than he is Dorsey, who had some combination of Sanatana Moss/Reggie Wayne/Andre Johnson/Roscoe Parrish/Jeremy Shockey/Kellen Winslow to throw to in each year and his CMP% and YPA never reached McElroy or McCarron's level.Again, I still think McCarron is a better prospect than McElroy was, but McElroy's near equal success in the same offense is a cause for concern of the kid imo.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

If you didn't see Tavon Austin vs Oklahoma go back and check it out. They put him in the backfield a lot and he responded with 21-344, and looked super instinctive. Even as a WVU homer I was down on him as an NFLer because he's so small. But more and more I'm seeing him as a Warrick Dunn type player. Just insane speed, quickness, instincts and hands.

Stedman Bailey also had another huge game. 13-205-4. That's 32 TDs on 160 receptions in the last two years. He doesn't look that fast, but he's always got position on his man downfield and catches everything.

Or are both guys a product of Smith? The combine could help both of these guys, and especially Bailey, a lot IMO.

 

[wiscstlatlmia]

I haven't looked much at the under the radar guys, but I actually like the top of the 2013 WR class a lot. Keenan Allen, Justin Hunter, Marquess Wilson, Robert Woods, and to a lesser extent Terrance Williams all look like they have WR1/2 potential and I expect them all to go in the top 2 rounds.

There's definitely a lot of potential in that group, but I don't see an obvious top 10 type of talent. Allen and Woods are ranked as such by some, but I think they're slightly overrated. Given the choice in a dynasty league, I wouldn't give up Blackmon, Floyd, or Wright for next year's 1.01 rookie pick. Just looks like a down year to me in terms of those rare can't-miss top 10 type of players. I had Luck, Richardson, and Blackmon as my wire-to-wire QB1/RB1/WR1 last year. This year I think there's a lot more uncertainty and fluidity at the top.

Where would you rank the players in this draft compared to last year? This year's draft seem like they'd be last 1st's last year.

I think the best wr in this year's class (right now I say hunter, but watch out for cordarrelle patterson shooting up draft boards) would be ranked below Blackmon and wright, possibly Floyd too.

I think hunter is a better prospect than Blackmon.Blackmon going in the top 5 was the most comfused I've ever been by a pick

 

[wiscstlatlmia]

If you didn't see Tavon Austin vs Oklahoma go back and check it out. They put him in the backfield a lot and he responded with 21-344, and looked super instinctive. Even as a WVU homer I was down on him as an NFLer because he's so small. But more and more I'm seeing him as a Warrick Dunn type player. Just insane speed, quickness, instincts and hands.Stedman Bailey also had another huge game. 13-205-4. That's 32 TDs on 160 receptions in the last two years. He doesn't look that fast, but he's always got position on his man downfield and catches everything. Or are both guys a product of Smith? The combine could help both of these guys, and especially Bailey, a lot IMO.

and there is quickly becoming a spot on every team for the small speedy all purpose guy... I'm positive teams will be looking early and often for guys like this from now on. He may not be able to handle a Randall Cobb or Percy Harvin type role, but he could certainly be a top fantasy player with 7-10 touches a game (a few rushes and 4-5 catches) kid is explosive with major vision and lateral quickness

 

[Xue]

Back to actual draft discussion...Anyone else think AJ McCarron has a chance to be the best QB in this class? He somehow manages to fly under the radar despite starting for an extremely high profile program, but he actually checks off a lot of the important boxes for an NFL QB prospect. Good frame. GREAT production. Wins games. Accurate. Doesn't make mistakes. Great attitude, demeanor, and leadership ability. He is probably the guy I would be looking at outside the top 10 overall picks if I were an NFL GM in need of a QB. At worst he should be a solid clipboard holder.

Yeah I think it's possible too. His production/wins/accuracy this year is all great, but looking back at past Alabama QBs, his stats are eerily similar to McElroy's stats 2 years ago in his second year as starter; and McElroy obviously hasn't been able to do anything in the NFL yet, although I suppose he still could. McCarron looks to be taller and a year younger than McElroy was when he had his great year, so if McCarron declares I think he'll go well before the 7th round where McElroy was drafted, but it does make me cautious about McCarron.

I think you could argue that he doesn't have the same caliber of weapons at his disposal. Some people think Amari Cooper will end up being as good as Julio, but that seems like a stretch. McCarron is putting up pretty great numbers without any obvious NFL starters at TE or WR. That's one thing that separates him from say...McElroy of Ken Dorsey. He still benefits from having a lot of talent on his defense and OL, but he probably deserves a bit of credit too. Certainly more than he gets. Will be interesting to see how high he goes when he comes out. QBs have a way of going a lot higher than expected. In a thin crop maybe he sneaks into the first round with good workouts. I don't know that he will declare though. It's not uncommon to see a QB stay, especially if he's not projected top 10.

I don't think McElroy's passing options were THAT much better. Obviously Julio is better than anyone Alabama has in 2012, but I don't think he had any NFL TE's to throw to or really any other NFL level player (besides the RBs of course). I think Cooper is definitely NFL prospect, but he is only a Freshman so McCarron has done well with him as a WR1; and obviously McCarron also has 2 NFL RBs to throw to. I think McElroy is a lot closer to McCarron than he is Dorsey, who had some combination of Sanatana Moss/Reggie Wayne/Andre Johnson/Roscoe Parrish/Jeremy Shockey/Kellen Winslow to throw to in each year and his CMP% and YPA never reached McElroy or McCarron's level.Again, I still think McCarron is a better prospect than McElroy was, but McElroy's near equal success in the same offense is a cause for concern of the kid imo.

Traditional stats don't tell you anything about a QB. Unless you're charting every throw yourself, it's pointless looking at boxscores. Analyze throws under pressure and against tight coverage.McCarron looks like an Alex Smith type at the next level.

 

[Xue]

Back to actual draft discussion...Anyone else think AJ McCarron has a chance to be the best QB in this class? He somehow manages to fly under the radar despite starting for an extremely high profile program, but he actually checks off a lot of the important boxes for an NFL QB prospect. Good frame. GREAT production. Wins games. Accurate. Doesn't make mistakes. Great attitude, demeanor, and leadership ability. He is probably the guy I would be looking at outside the top 10 overall picks if I were an NFL GM in need of a QB. At worst he should be a solid clipboard holder.

McCarron is a Redshirt Junior so I wouldn't include him in "this" class. Bray and Murray are the only Juniors I see likely declaring if any. Derek Carr and David Fales are two Juniors I'd keep an eye on as risers for next year.

 

[Time Kibitzer]

Traditional stats don't tell you anything about a QB. Unless you're charting every throw yourself, it's pointless looking at boxscores. Analyze throws under pressure and against tight coverage.McCarron looks like an Alex Smith type at the next level.

Obviously looking at stats alone gives far from a perfect picture, but to call college stats pointless is silly. Generally speaking, if a player has NFL talent, they'll be able to put up good stats in the NCAA as the majority of their opposing players will be less talented than they are. I look at NCAA stats as just about a minimum requirement for NFL success; if a player can't put up nice stats against NCAA competition, then there's little hope they'll be able to put up nice stats against NFL competition.

 

[EBF]

Remember me? Former Missouri RB and convicted felon Derrick Washington is still playing football. http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2012/11/tuskegee_rb_derrick_washington_1.html

Tuskegee running back Derrick Washington was named the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference's 2012 Player of the Year Tuesday.If the 6-foot, 215-pound transfer hadn't already done enough to lock his name in the hearts and minds of voters a couple weeks ago, the Missouri transfer's performance in the Tigers last two games had to remove all doubt from even the staunchest dissenter.First, he rushed for 208 yards in a 27-17 win against Miles College in a battle of conference unbeaten to punch his team's ticket to the SIAC title game in Atlanta. Then, he topped that performance going for 224 yards and a pair of scores while catching a couple of passing for 107 and another score to lead Tuskegee to a 55-24 win against Fort Valley State (Ga.) in the conference championship game this past Saturday."It's a blessing man," Washington said, following the Tuskegee's win against the Wildcats. "To come from where I came from this year and to end it with a championship, it's really a blessing and I really can't explain it.Washington has been a workhorse for Tuskegee all season. He led the SIAC in rushing with 1,399 yards and 13 touchdowns on 172 carries in 10 games.

With his lack of speed and checkered past, I doubt he gets drafted, but he'll probably be in a pro camp next year and he's probably good enough to make a team.

 

[Faust]

2013 NFL Draft: Utah DT Star Lotulelei primed to go No. 1?

By Bucky Brooks

Analyst, NFL.com and NFL Network

Is Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei worthy of the No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft?

That's the million-dollar question for scouts around the NFL without a consensus choice as the top prospect of the 2013 draft class.

Although West Virginia's Geno Smith and USC's Matt Barkley will garner serious consideration as the first overall pick based on their value as potential franchise quarterbacks, the lack of a few blue-chip characteristics could prevent both guys from claiming the top spot. In addition, the possibility of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns or Carolina Panthers having the top pick could change the draft landscape, seeing as all three teams recently spent first-round picks on a quarterback.

Given the likelihood of those scenarios unfolding, scouts are furiously attempting to identify a player worthy of consideration as the biggest impact player in the 2013 class. While the aforementioned Barkley and Smith stand out on the offensive side of the ball, Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o and Lotulelei are the defensive crown jewels of the senior class.

I've previously discussed Te'o in this column, and he might be the best defensive player in the draft. But the inside linebacker position isn't valued at a premium, and that might lead teams to focus on Lotulelei and his rock-solid game.

I've watched tape of Lotulelei from this season, and I'm impressed with his combination of size, strength and athleticism. At 6-foot-4, 325 pounds, Lotulelei is a low-leverage player with outstanding first-step quickness. He explodes off the ball at the snap and shows tremendous pop when engaging with blockers. Most opponents are overwhelmed by Lotulelei's brute strength and power, resulting in consistent penetration into the backfield against the run. When Lotulelei isn't able to overpower blockers with bull-rush moves, he displays the athleticism and body control to win with quickness. He flashes the burst to chase down runners in a short area, and his ability to evade blockers at the point of attack with finesse moves is surprising, considering his size.

As a pass rusher, Lotulelei is a powerful penetrator with the capacity to walk defenders into the lap of the quarterback. Although his hand work and rush moves remain unpolished, Lotulelei's natural strength and power allow him to collapse the pocket from up the gut, forcing quarterbacks to move from their sweet spots. Lotulelei would be hard-pressed to develop into a double-digit sack artist from the interior, but his ability to press the pocket and alter the quarterback's timing is a valuable trait that coaches appreciate in the middle of a defense.

I would cite an inconsistent motor as Lotulelei's biggest weakness. He doesn't bring A-plus effort on every snap, and his lapses are disappointing for a player of his caliber. While some coaches will certainly gamble on his upside and potential, the risk of taking a player with a questionable motor could backfire in the long run. Given the hefty investment associated with the top pick of the draft, the team considering Lotulelei must dig deep into his background to see if it can flip the right switch to keep him motivated on an every-play basis.

Drafting at the top of the board is all about landing a franchise player. Lotulelei is certainly a player with that kind of talent and potential, but he must convince evaluators that he has the desire to dominate on the next level if he is to become the first pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.

WORD ON THE STREET

West Virginia's Geno Smith is the top quarterback prospect on the majority of draft boards across the league, but that doesn't mean everyone is convinced he's a legitimate top-10 pick. An NFC South personnel executive recently cited Smith's hesitancy against the different looks thrown at him after midseason as a potential red flag. While Smith has maintained an impressive completion percentage (70.1) and a gaudy touchdown-to-interception ratio (35:5), the scout said Smith won't pull the trigger on "tight-window" throws at times for fear of tossing an interception. Unfortunately, those are exactly the types of throws Smith would need to make at the next level to be a great player. In addition, the scout didn't seem convinced that Smith possessed the requisite physical tools to merit consideration as a franchise-type player. While he acknowledged that a team in desperate need of a quarterback would likely view Smith in a different light, he said that the West Virginia star is not in the same class as prior QB prospects Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III and Cam Newton.

STOCK UP

Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson

Boyd deserves the top spot on this list after accounting for eight touchdowns in the Tigers' 62-48 win over N.C. State on Saturday. Boyd completed 30 of his 44 passes for 426 yards and five touchdowns, while rushing for an additional 103 yards and three scores. Those numbers would be remarkable for a quarterback against any level of competition, but to compile such a striking stat sheet against a bitter ACC rival suggests Boyd was truly at the top of his game when it mattered most for the Tigers.

Allen Robinson, WR, Penn State

Robinson entered the season as an unknown commodity, but in his sophomore campaign, he has emerged as the Nittany Lions' most explosive playmaker. Robinson tallied 10 receptions for 197 yards and three scores while leading Penn State to a 45-22 win over Indiana. The extraordinary performance pushed Robinson's season total to 73 receptions, shattering the school's single-season record. While NFL scouts can't take a long look at Robinson due to his status as an underclassman, a few more performances like this one will certainly put him on the watch list in the near future.

Shayne Skov, LB, Stanford

The Cardinal's surprising suffocation of the Oregon offense in Saturday night's upset was largely due to the sensational play of Skov in the middle. The senior linebacker tallied 10 tackles (with one tackle for loss), while anchoring an aggressive defense that held the Ducks to just 198 rushing yards -- a low total for Chip Kelly's explosive bunch. Most importantly, the Cardinal surrendered just four runs of 10-plus yards and forced 10 negative runs on the day. Given Skov's impact on this stunning outcome, NFL scouts definitely will give him high marks as a disruptive playmaker.

Ka'Deem Carey, RB, Arizona

Carey has toiled in relative anonymity for most of the season, but NFL scouts will start to take notice after the sophomore running back followed up a 366-yard explosion against Colorado with a 204-yard effort in a 34-24 win over Utah. The performance marked the eighth time that Carey surpassed the 100-yard mark this season. Most importantly, it was the eighth time that he logged 20-plus carries in a game, which revealed his durability and toughness as a workhorse runner. NFL coaches covet productive runners who have the fortitude and stamina to handle a heavy workload, and Carey will be on the radar of scouts across the league going forward.

Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

Austin is one of the most explosive playmakers in college football. He cemented that reputation with his amazing performance in the Mountaineers' 50-49 loss to Oklahoma. Austin totaled 572 all-purpose yards on 33 touches (21 rush attempts, four receptions and eight kick returns), and scored two touchdowns. While Austin routinely posts big numbers, the fact that he blew up the stat sheet in his first career start at running back suggests the comparisons to Percy Harvin are valid. Given his overall versatility and explosiveness as a multi-purpose threat, Austin could be the first senior wideout taken in the 2013 NFL Draft.

STOCK DOWN

Tyler Bray, QB, Tennessee

Bray is squarely on the radar of NFL scouts hunting for future franchise quarterbacks, but the junior has been mildly disappointing this season. Though his numbers would suggest that he has played extremely well (Bray has completed 59.5 percent of his passes for 3,319 yards with 30 touchdowns and 12 interceptions), Bray has repeatedly come up small in the Volunteers' biggest games. In losses to Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi State and Vanderbilt, Bray has a 7:10 touchdown-to-interception ratio, routinely struggling to string together completions in critical situations. Against Vanderbilt in particular, Bray had difficulty connecting with open receivers, and his poor decisions under pressure led to a pair of turnovers that changed the complexion of the game. Although Bray certainly has the talent to excel at the next level, he needs to work on the finer aspects of his game before moving on to the NFL.

 

[Henry Ford]

Just watched USC/UCLA. Curtis McNeal looked good. Big game for Jonathan Franklin too. He is better than I have given him credit for.

I'm getting pretty bullish on Franklin. I think if he ends up in the right situation, he could be a real steal in dynasty rookie drafts.Decent article about him and his relationship with Mora at UCLA:http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/17/sports/ncaafootball/jim-l-mora-and-johnathan-franklin-lead-ucla-into-usc-game.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

Teammates elected the running back captain. In the opener, against Rice, he recorded touchdown runs of 78 and 74 yards. More telling, to Mora, was how Franklin fought to practice on special teams, how he refused to rest when he was injured.

 

[Faust]

Risers and Fallers - Dane Brugler -- (Updated 11/19/2012)

 

[Faust]

Big Board: As season winds down, scouting ramps up

By Rob Rang | The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com

Nov. 22, 2012 6:22 PM ET

As the regular season ends for most FBS programs, so does the first critical stage of the 2013 pre-draft process.

There is plenty yet to be learned and written about the class of 2013 and several key landmarks will play a role in determining the order prospects will be selected in the NFL Draft April 25-27.

Scouts closely evaluate player performance in conference championship games, followed soon by the bowl games, the all-star circuit and player workouts at the Scouting Combine and Pro Days.

The most obvious and important factor in where prospects are ultimately drafted should be based on how well they performed on Saturdays throughout their collegiate career. Talent evaluators make the mistake of moving players up or down based on potentially trivial details such as 40-yard dash times or the number of repetitions lifted on the bench press.

With the regular season winding down, it is time for scouts to ramp things up. I'll start by increasing the Big Board to Top 50.

This isn't a mock draft. There is no attention given to team needs or what order NFL teams might be selecting in April. It is simply a ranking of the 50 best prospects who could be available for the 2013 draft. The list includes draft-eligible underclassmen considered likely to make the jump to the NFL.

Underclassmen are denoted with an asterisk (*).

1. * Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M: Having earned all-conference in his two previous seasons in the Big 12 and likely to be a shoo-in for All-SEC honors this year, Joeckel has cemented his stock as the top offensive tackle in college football. In answering the unique challenges presented by LSU (speed, explosiveness) and Alabama (size, power) in recent weeks, he's emerged as arguably the nation's safest prospect.

2. * Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia: Medical concerns will ultimately dictate Jones' final draft grade but there is no questioning his ability to make impactful plays when he's on the field. Just as he did a year against Florida (four sacks), Jones was dynamic in an Oct. 27 upset over the Gators, logging a career-high 13 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. He forced and recovered two fumbles, leading to his being named the Walter Camp, Bronko Nagurski and SEC Defensive Player of the Week.

3. Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah: With the Utes struggling this season, Lotulelei hasn't received the national exposure that his ranking among NFL scouts would normally warrant. Lotulelei's performance against Washington wasn't noteworthy from a statistician's perspective. The light-footed 320 pounder only registered two tackles. One of them was for a sack, however, on one of the few plays in which the Huskies were foolish enough to dedicate only a single blocker on the reigning Morris Trophy winner. Expect Lotulelei to repeat as the conference's top defensive lineman and to earn a top-five pick come April.

4. * Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M: Scouts talk all the time about the importance of judging players as their level of competition increases. With the Aggies making the jump to the SEC and Moore, specifically, switching from A&M's "Joker" position to full-time defensive end, some expected him to need time to acclimate. Instead, at a relatively lean 6-4, 250 pounds, he's dominated, leading the country in tackles for loss (20) and tied with Western Kentucky's Quanterus Smith as the nation's leader with 12.5 sacks.

5. Manti Te'o, ILB, Notre Dame: It seems that every year there is a high profile defender who earns some buzz as a Heisman contender. A few years back it was Ndamukong Suh. A year ago it was LSU's Tyrann Mathieu. This season, it is Te'o. With all due respect to Notre Dame's "skill-position" players, there is no question that the Irish's playmaking middle linebacker is the team's best player and biggest reason for their impressive start. I don't anticipate that Te'o will ultimately be drafted this high but he ranks among the relatively "sure things" of this year's draft class.

6. Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama: Offensive linemen rarely get the limelight but it might be even worse for Warmack than most. Not only do the "skill-position" and defensive stars for Bama generate virtually all of the attention, Warmack is overshadowed even among the Tide's blockers. Athletic and powerful, he just might be the best pure guard in the country.

7. * Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M: Considering that he is the son of Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews of Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans fame, greatness has been expected of Jake Matthews his entire life. He's lived up to the lofty expectations, starting since his true freshman season at right tackle for the Aggies. While not as athletic as his teammate, left tackle Luke Joeckel, Matthews is the better and more physical run blocker of the two.



8. * Keenan Allen, WR, California: An exceptionally highly regarded prep prospect who originally was going to sign with Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide as a safety before joining his brother (quarterback Zach Maynard) at Cal, Allen possesses virtually all of the physical characteristics to warrant praise as the top receiver potentially eligible in the 2013 draft. To earn a top-10 pick, however, he'll have to prove his health (he suffered a knee injury Oct. 27) and straight-line speed.

9. Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia: In breezing through the first half of the regular season to post 24 touchdowns against zero interceptions, Smith appeared to have won the inside track to the Heisman Trophy and the No. 1 overall pick of the 2013 draft. Shockingly pedestrian performances over the past month, however, have his stock slipping. Even with the struggles, scouts love Smith's combination of size, arm strength, accuracy and mobility. For Smith to recoup his stock he might need to attend and perform well at the Senior Bowl.



10. * Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri: Whereas some of the top defensive tackles in the country lack eye-popping statistics, Richardson is enjoying a breakout campaign for the Tigers, thus far accomplishing the rare feat of leading his team in total tackles (57) from the interior defensive line. Richardson's gaudy tackles numbers haven't just been pedestrian stops either, as in the case of his tackle, forced fumble and 60-yard return in Mizzou's Homecoming victory Oct. 27 vs. Kentucky.

11. * Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU: I am as fascinated by Mingo's athleticism, flexibility, explosiveness and surprising strength at 6-5, 240 pounds as every other talent evaluator, but at some point all of those traits have got to start turning into big plays. Mingo's upside appears to be limitless but he has just four sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss thus far this season. Against Alabama Nov. 3, Mingo registered just two tackles (both assists), half a tackle for loss and a pass breakup.

12. Jonathan Jenkins, DT, Georgia: At a massive 6-3, 358 pounds, Jenkins is the behemoth in the middle that gives a talented Bulldogs' defense its biggest bite. Like most defenders of his size, Jenkins isn't going to post eye-popping statistics but as the high draft selections of Dontari Poe (11), Phil Taylor (21) and Dan Williams (26) suggest, one dominant season on the inside can cause NFL teams to look past inconsistent production over a career.

13. * Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State: Blessed with a quick first step, heavy hands and surprising instincts given the relative lack of time the German-born Werner has in the game, the Seminole pass rusher ranks as one of the more intriguing defensive ends in the country. For all of the hype revolving around the Notre Dame-Southern Cal matchup, talent evaluators might be even more intrigued by the greater number of NFL prospects in the Florida State-Florida game November 24, headlined by the 6-4, 256-pound Werner.

14. * Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State: In terms of pure talent, Hankins deserves to be ranked among the top five prospects in the country. Possessing light feet and shocking overall athleticism for a man listed at 6-3, 320 pounds, Hankins can be a superstar. Unfortunately, Hankins' motor too often appears to be in neutral rather than overdrive. After registering an impressive 11 tackles for loss in a breakout sophomore campaign, the Buckeye defender has only four this season, including just one sack. There is no denying Hankins' upside but his soft build and inconsistent effort will force teams to question where he'll find motivation once he starts cashing big NFL paychecks.

15. * Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan: Arguably the most physically imposing player in the country, the 6-7, 302-pound Lewan looks like the second-coming of Jake Long wearing No. 77 in the Michigan maize and blue. Lewan, who only made the switch to offensive line as a senior in high school, is certainly behind the No. 1 overall pick of the 2008 draft in terms of development but the size, athleticism and mentality are in place to resume the Wolverines' tradition of churning out quality NFL offensive linemen.

16. * Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU: Blessed with an unbelievable combination of speed and size (6-5, 260 pounds) Montgomery certainly looks the part of a top-10 pick. He's enjoyed better production thus far this season (31 tackles, including 12 tackles for loss, seven sacks) than his teammate, Mingo, but isn't as quick when changing directions and therefore I'm lower on him than many, including my peers at NFLDraftScout.com.

17. * Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama: It has almost become cliché to characterize the Alabama program under Nick Saban as a team that reloads rather than rebuilds. In the case of the true junior Milliner, who entered the 2012 season with 17 career starts and currently leads the SEC with 16 passes broken up this season, Alabama appears to have yet another first-round talent.

18. Matt Barkley, QB, Southern Cal: There is plenty of evidence to suggest that Barkley is going to lose on the significant gamble he took in electing to return to USC for his senior season. After only one multi-interception game during his junior campaign, Barkley has had six in 2012, including what may prove to be the final four games of his career as the quarterback suffered a shoulder injury in USC's loss to cross-town rival UCLA November 17. Scouts value Barkley's leadership, poise and accuracy on the move but there are plenty who scoff at giving him a first-round grade based on the 6-2, 230-pound quarterback's less than ideal measureables.

19. Alex Okafor, DE, Texas: In today's NFL, defensive ends are largely graded on their ability to wreak havoc on the quarterback. Okafor does not possess the elite explosiveness off the snap that generally warrants top-20 consideration, but his physicality and hand usage are top notch. Despite being the obvious focus of every opponent's blocking scheme since talented teammate Jackson Jeffcoat was lost for the season with a torn pectoral muscle, Okafor leads the Big 12 with eight sacks.

20. Dion Jordan, DE/OLB, Oregon: At a rangy 6-6, 243, Jordan's length and explosiveness off the edge make him a matchup nightmare for opponents. The senior led the Ducks a year ago with 13 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks but hasn't been quite as productive this season (10.5 tackles for loss, five sacks). He is, however, earning high marks from scouts who believe he could be one of this year's most exciting "hybrid" prospects as he's so athletic Oregon has asked him to line up as a quasi-cornerback at times.

21. Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina: NFL teams are generally loathe to spend first-round picks on guards but with the steady Cooper, an exception may have to be made. Cooper has excellent agility, demonstrating the ability to quickly get to the second level and block on the move. His terrific blocking has helped Tar Heels' running back Giovani Bernard -- a legitimate high round prospect himself -- rush for an average of nearly 133 yards per game this season.



22. Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame: While perhaps lacking the elite breakaway speed that has helped Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski emerge as relatively instant NFL stars, Eifert's 6-5, 252-pound frame and excellent ball skills make him a legitimate mismatch. In today's pass-happy NFL, that could be enough to earn a late first-round selection.

23. Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama: With only 21 tackles so far this season, this native Australian has hardly provided an all-world performance thus far, statistically speaking. The 6-3, 320-pounder possesses phenomenal strength, even for Alabama (and Australia) standards, however, and as he proved in a breakout performance (seven tackles, one tackle for loss) against LSU November 3, he is a difference-maker against pro-style offenses that feature the run.

24. * Alec Ogletree, ILB, Georgia: Jarvis Jones gets much of the hype for the Bulldogs and for good reason, but since returning to the field after serving a four game suspension to start the season, Ogletree has averaged nearly 10 stops a game, demonstrating the combination of size and athleticism to play inside or out at the next level.

25. * Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee: Considering that he's only played 10 games at the FBS level thus far, it would be easy to simply look past the stellar play Patterson has put forth as a receiver, runner and kick returner for the Vols -- especially given that defenses have often focused on stopping Justin Hunter. Patterson is a bit rough around the edges as a route-runner, but the 6-3, 205-pounder is undeniably a playmaker. He's averaging 154.5 all-purpose yards per game, easily the most of any player in the SEC.

26. Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan: While he lacks the name recognition of some of his peers, the 6-8, 305-pound Fisher ranks among the top senior offensive tackles in the country, performing well in showdowns against Iowa, Michigan State and against a surprisingly dangerous pass-rushing Toledo defense. Physical and athletic, Fisher will compete to be the first senior offensive tackle drafted come April.

27. Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU: A native of Ghana who tried out for basketball and lettered in track before giving football a try in 2010, Ansah had 10 total tackles to his credit entering the 2012 season and was barely a blip on most scouts' radar. A few months later and comparisons to Jason Pierre-Paul are almost becoming cliché in the scouting community as the 6-5, 270-pounder blessed with extraordinary athleticism and power seems to be improving week to week.



28. Barrett Jones, OL, Alabama: Whether at tackle, guard or center Jones has demonstrated that he's dependable against the elite competition in college football. His head coach Nick Saban has said on many occasions that Jones is one of the top players he's ever been around and has compared the reigning Outland Trophy (nation's top interior lineman) and Jacobs Blocking Trophy (SEC's best blocker) to Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews. Jones slipped after a less than sterling performance against Texas A&M but remains firmly in first-round contention.

29. * Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida: With so many talented defensive linemen playing in the SEC, Floyd hasn't generated the buzz that his talents warrant. Used predominately at defensive end a season ago, the 6-3, 303-pound junior was moved back inside to his more natural defensive tackle position this year and has stepped up his play, including earning Co-SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors for a five tackle, three tackle for loss performance in Florida's narrow 14-7 victory over Missouri.

30. Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia: Used in much the same fashion as a receiver, runner and returner as the Minnesota Vikings' Percy Harvin, Austin has emerged as the top senior playmaker in the country. At just 5-9, 172, Austin may not have been viewed as worthy of first-round consideration a few years ago but in today's wide-open NFL that rewards mismatches, Austin could prove among the more valued commodities on draft day.

31. Oday Aboushi, OT, Virginia: With the Cavaliers only 3-6 on the season, national recognition has been tough to come by for Aboushi, but the powerful left tackle plays with the physicality, toughness and determination that NFL offensive line coaches will fall in love with. I'm not convinced that he has the light feet to remain on the blindside against NFL speed but I do believe he could quickly make the transition to right tackle or even be moved inside guard as an NFL rookie.

32. * C.J. Mosley, OLB, Alabama: The knock on many of the Alabama linebackers under Nick Saban in past years has been that while strong and tough, they've lacked agility and instincts in coverage. These, however, are precisely the traits that make Mosley unique. He may prove a better fit, in fact, outside in a predominately 4-3 alignment in the NFL rather than the 3-4 scheme in which he's starred for the Tide.

Just missed the cut

33. Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State: Lanky ballhawk who must prove his speed to warrant first-round consideration.

34. * Eric Reid, FS, LSU: Terrific in run support but questionable instincts, fluidity could make him a liability in coverage in the NFL.

35. Kawann Short, DT, Purdue: Penetrating defensive tackle with a knack for making the big play.

36. Dallas Thomas OL, Tennessee: Versatile offensive lineman well-schooled against elite competition.

37. * Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State: Lanky, physical cornerback best suited to a press scheme.

38. D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama: Road-grader who could remain at RT or be moved inside in NFL.

39. Cornellius "Tank" Carradine, DE, Florida State: High effort defender too often overshadowed by talented teammates.

40. * Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia: Has the arm, mobility and toughness but size (6-1, 210) limits his stock.



41. Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin: Reminds me of Hall of Famer Curtis Martin for his balance, burst and reliability.

42. * Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA: Former running back just scratching the surface of his potential.

43. * Zach Ertz, TE, Stanford: More athletic than Notre Dame's Eifert but isn't as reliable a blocker.

44. Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas: Tough, strong-armed passer but history of head injuries could scare off teams.

45. * Brandon Jenkins, OLB/DE, Florida State: Productive speed rusher with medical questions.

46. Ryan Nassib, QB, Syracuse: True field-general who could prove to be this year's Andy Dalton.

47. Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor: Ultra-productive but route-running needs polishing.

48. * Da'Rick Rodgers, WR, Tennessee Tech: Character red-flags galore but undeniably an elite talent.

49. * Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina: Dazzling runner but size (5-10, 205) and durability are legitimate concerns.

50. * Tyler Bray, QB, Tennessee: Maturity concerns but boasts more arm talent than any other potentially draft-eligible quarterback.

 

[Whitney26]

Here are a few under the radar guys I feel could make a splash and need to be on everyone's radar:

Dri Archer (Kent State) - Reminds me of Tavon Austin. Only a junior so he may be back next season.

 

[wiscstlatlmia]

http://fantasy-footballu.com/2013/2012/6/24/russell-clay.html?SSScrollPosition=415

2013's draft class is starting to take form and this is my first real set of rankings... well see how this holds up in 2 months lol

Quarterback

1. G.Smith - West Virgina*

2. M.Barkley - USC

3. T.Wilson - Arkansas

4. A.Murray - Georgia*

5. T.Bray - Tennessee*

6. L.Thomas - Virgina Tech*

7. L.Jones - Oklahoma

Runningback

1. G.Bernard - North Carolina*

2. M.Ball - Wisconsin

3. S.Taylor - Stanford

4. E.Lacy - Alabama*

5. J.Franklin - UCLA

6. C.Michael - TAMU

7. M.Gilsee - Florida

8. J.Randle - Oklahoma St.

9. K.Davis - Arkansas*

10. A.Ellington - Clemson

11. Z.Stacy - Vanderbilt

Wide Receiver

1. J.Hunter - Tennessee*

2. K.Allen - California*

3. C.Patterson - Tennessee*

4. M.Wilson - Washington St.*

5. M.Davis - Virgina Tech

6. R.Woods - USC*

7. D.Rodgers - Tennessee Tech*

8. T.Austin - West Virgina

9. D.Hopkins - Clemson*

10. T.Williams - Baylor*

11. Q.Patton - Louisiana Tech

12. K.Stills - Oklahoma*

13. T.King - Georgia

14. R.Roundtree - Michigan

15. A.Melette - Elon

16. C.Hamilton - Arkansas

Tight End

1. Z.Ertz - Stanford

2. D.Sims - Michigan St.*

3. T.Eifert - Notre Dame

4. J.Fauria - UCLA

 

[EBF]

Not a bad list.

There are a few junior RBs like Curtis McNeal, James White, and Spencer Ware who could be in the mix if they declare.

The only glaring omission that I noticed on first pass is Markus Wheaton. With his production and speed, he will likely be a 2nd or 3rd round pick and one of the first 10 receivers drafted.

 

[Faust]

Matt Barkley doesn't resemble elite quarterback prospect in 2012

By Bucky Brooks

Analyst, NFL.com and NFL Network

When Matt Barkley returned to USC for his senior year, it was likely with visions of bagging a national championship and the Heisman Trophy before entering the NFL as the No. 1 pick in next April's draft. However, Barkley's subpar performance in this disappointing season that has ensued is threatening to send him plummeting down draft boards across the league.

The Trojans are sitting at 7-4 with just one game remaining in the regular season, and USC is out of contention in the Pac-12 race. Barkley doesn't have a chance of winning college's top individual prize, either, with playmakers like Kansas State QB Collin Klein, Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel and Notre Dame LB Manti Te'o emerging as the main contenders.

Now, it is important to note that Barkley was not a lock to be a top-10 pick a season ago. In fact, scouts told me last spring that Barkley wasn't a cinch to be the third quarterback in the 2012 draft class, despite having a more impressive collegiate résumé than Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill (who went to the Miami Dolphins with the eighth overall pick) and Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden (drafted by the Cleveland Browns at 22nd overall). Evaluators cited Barkley's lack of elite physical tools (height, arm talent and athleticism) as major concerns. Although Barkley was listed at 6-foot-2, 230 pounds, scouts questioned whether he was tall enough to play the position at the next level, and worried that his lack of athleticism would make him a sitting duck in the pocket.

Scouts also worried about Barkley's lack of elite arm strength. Although he displayed the capacity to make short and intermediate throws with zip and velocity, he didn't blow evaluators away with his deep-ball range, accuracy or touch. Barkley routinely underthrew his receivers on vertical throws, relying on Marqise Lee and Robert Woods to make plays on the ball. Both playmakers are regarded as future elite NFL prospects; some wonder if Barkley's production is a byproduct of their remarkable skills.

With so many questions surrounding him, Barkley decided another year at the collegiate level would help him refine his game and make him a polished quarterback worthy of being selected at the top of the draft.

I've watched Barkley perform throughout his senior season. Here is my assessment of his game and whether he has a legitimate shot at hearing his name called first on draft day:

Arm talent

Barkley is a classic drop-back passer with sound throwing mechanics and a smooth delivery. He shows a compact windup and an over-the-top throwing motion with a quick release. Barkley displays good (but not great) arm strength on intermediate and deep throws. Although his balls tend to flutter on out-breaking routes that are longer than 15 yards, he shows adequate zip and velocity on his throws. Barkley can certainly fit balls into tight windows on intermediate throws inside the numbers, but he lacks the overpowering arm strength to complete the deep comeback from the opposite hash on a rope against tight coverage. The exceptional speed and quickness of NFL defensive backs will result in break-ups or interceptions, unless Barkley shows extraordinary timing and anticipation, releasing the ball well before the receiver comes out of his break.

On deep throws, Barkley shows a throwing range of about 50 to 55 yards. He has routinely connected with Lee and Nelson Agholor on vertical routes down the field. While most of those completions have resulted from his exceptional timing and anticipation, Barkley has shown the arm strength to throw the ball over the top of the defense when defenders squat on routes. This was particularly evident against Oregon on Nov. 3, when he connected on 75- and 76-yard touchdowns on deep post routes to Lee and Agholor, respectively. In my mind, these throws certainly squelched some of the concern about his deep-ball ability. However, the fallout from "Inflate Gate" could alter that opinion. (A USC ball boy was reprimanded following that game for deflating footballs, which he later admitted to doing; the use of underinflated balls makes it easier for quarterbacks to throw the ball down the field with greater zip and velocity.)

With the arm talent to make most of the throws at the next level, Barkley shouldn't have a problem succeeding as a starting quarterback, if he plays to his strengths.

Mobility

Barkley is not the kind of explosive athlete who can beat defenders with his legs on the perimeter. However, he flashes enough mobility and movement skills to be effective within the pocket. Barkley will routinely climb the pocket to avoid penetrating rushers, and his efficient footwork allows him to make accurate throws under duress. When the pocket completely crumbles, Barkley will attempt to escape, but he lacks the speed and quickness to run away from defenders on the perimeter.

As a passer on the move, Barkley is nimble enough to make accurate throws on bootlegs and rollouts. He shows the ability to deliver on the run without losing balance, which would allow him to make the most of the movement-based throws in West Coast offensive systems. Given the fact that Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub and Oakland Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer have succeeded in passing games that feature extensive movement in the backfield, Barkley's athleticism shouldn't impact his ability to start in most systems.

Game management

Barkley will enter the NFL with 47 games of starting experience at the major college level. The wealth of knowledge accumulated in those contests will ease Barkley's transition to the pro game, and allow him to quickly adjust to the speed and complexity of NFL defenses. Looking at Barkley's career arc, I've been impressed with the way that he manages the game at the line of scrimmage. He has been exposed to hot reads and sight adjustments, and has also utilized audibles to counter potential defensive looks.

In addition, Barkley has called plays from the line of scrimmage in no-huddle and two-minute situations, showcasing his mastery of the offense and knowledge of coverage. The utilization of the hurry-up approach also reflects his keen understanding of game situations and circumstances.

From a decision-making standpoint, Barkley has been mildly disappointing. He has made several errors in big games, leading to a high number of turnovers. While his touchdown-to-interception ratio is a respectable 36:15, the fact that he has thrown two or more picks in six games is disturbing. A quarterback with Barkley's experience should understand the importance of ball security, and he should avoid making risky throws. More importantly, Barkley should understand that tight coverage up the field means a check-down or safety valve is available underneath. Elite NFL quarterbacks operate that way; he has enough experience to know this strategy produces winning results. With nine interceptions in the Trojans' last four games, Barkley hasn't performed as expected; that will certainly affect his grade on draft boards across the league.

Clutch factor

Quarterbacks are ultimately judged on their ability to win big games. Barkley was outstanding in the Trojans' biggest games in 2011, but he has underwhelmed in such showdowns this season. In the Trojans' four losses, Barkley completed just 58.2 percent of his passes, recording 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions. More importantly, he has made poor decisions in the opening moments of games, putting his team in an early hole. The most disappointing aspect of his performance is his inability to recognize pressure and coverage prior to the snap. For a senior with four years of starting experience, Barkley should display more poise under pressure and perform better in big games. Scouts will go back to the 2011 game tape to see if Barkley's problems are a trend, but his lackluster play in meaningful contests this season will give evaluators some pause when considering his prospects as a franchise quarterback.



Conclusion

Barkley was considered a strong possibility as a top-15 pick a year ago, but elected to return to school to hone his game for the pros. He has shown progress in some areas, but he is not the elite quarterback prospect some thought he'd be prior to the season. He is not in the same class as current young standouts Cam Newton (Carolina Panthers), Andrew Luck (Indianapolis Colts) and Robert Griffin III (Washington Redskins), but he has enough polish and potential to still merit consideration as a pick in the latter half of the first round. Given the number of teams that are desperate for a quarterback, though, I expect Barkley will come off the board within the first 20 selections of the 2013 NFL Draft.

 

[Faust]

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