DYNASTY: Top 2013 College Prospects (3 Viewers)

[Faust]

Early Look at 2013 top-50 prospects

By Dane Brugler | NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst

Is it too early to start talking about the 2013 NFL Draft class? Of course not. NFL teams are already looking towards next year's class, and we will too.

The following list will be extremely fluid over the next 12 months and will see some drastic changes, but you need to start somewhere. Underclassmen are marked with an asterisk (*).

1. QB Matt Barkley, USC

Doesn't have "wow" physical tools, but boasts the resume, leadership and decision-making to be a top pick in 2013

2. DE Barkevious Mingo*, LSU

This explosive edge rusher stood out on the Nation's most talented defensive line and will remind scouts of Von Miller

3. DT Johnathan Hankins*, Ohio State

Defensive linemen that are 335-pounds aren't supposed to move like he can, recording 11.0 tackles for loss in 2011



4. QB Tyler Wilson, Arkansas

He lost three of his top receivers to the draft and won't have Bobby Petrino on the sidelines, but the sky's the limit



5. WR Robert Woods*, Southern Cal

Like his QB, he won't test off-the-charts physically, but he's a polished route runner and knows how to get open

6. RB Marcus Lattimore*, South Carolina

A productive, well-built back with deceiving quickness, but how will he return from last year's knee injury?



7. QB Tyler Bray*, Tennessee

Bray looked like a future first rounder last year, but a broken thumb derailed his season, how will he respond in 2012?

8. DE Alex Okafor, Texas

The top defensive senior on this list, Okafor finished last season with 12.5 tackles for loss and 7.0 sacks

9. DT Star Lotulelei, Utah

At 6-4 and 325-pounds with his strength and agility, expect to hear a lot of Haloti Ngata player comparisons

10. LB Manti Te'o, Notre Dame

A fast, instinctive linebacker with a relentless playing style, will be first round pick next year if he cleans up his tackling

11. WR Justin Hunter*, Tennessee

12. DE Bjoern Werner*, Florida State

13. LB Jarvis Jones*, Georgia

14. WR Keenan Allen*, California

15. LB Sean Porter, Texas A&M

16. DE Corey Lemonier*, Auburn

17. CB Tyrann Mathieu*, LSU

18. CB David Amerson*, NC State

19. RB Montee Ball, Wisconsin

20. DE Brandon Jenkins, Florida State

21. OL Barrett Jones, Alabama

22. DE Jackson Jeffcoat*, Texas

23. DT Dominique Easley*, Florida

24. OT Taylor Lewan*, Michigan

25. RB Knile Davis, Arkansas

26. CB Johnathan Banks, Mississippi State

27. DE Sam Montgomery*, LSU

28. LB Kevin Reddick, North Carolina

29. DE William Gholston*, Michigan State

30. TE Tyler Eifert*, Notre Dame

31. DE Craig Roh, Michigan

32. G Chance Warmack, Alabama

33. QB Aaron Murray*, Georgia

34. DL John Simon, Ohio State

35. DT Kawann Short, Purdue

36. QB Landry Jones, Oklahoma

37. WR Kenny Stills*, Oklahoma

38. RB Joseph Randle*, Oklahoma State

39. G Jonathan Cooper, North Carolina

40. OT Oday Aboushi, Virginia

41. WR Terrance Williams, Baylor

42. OT DJ Fluker*, Alabama

43. S Robert Lester, Alabama

44. QB Logan Thomas*, Virginia Tech

45. S Tony Jefferson*, Oklahoma

46. WR DeAndre Hopkins*, Clemson

47. OT Ricky Wagner, Wisconsin

48. OT Xavier Nixon, Florida

49. DT Kwame Geathers*, Georgia

50. S TJ McDonald, USC

 

[eNdblu]

Curious how some of the guys in 2012 vs those 2013...

Would you rather have Floyd, Wilson, Blackmon, etc or take a chance on next year to pick up Woods, Allen, Lattimore, Davis?

 

[Faust]

Top 32 2013 NFL Draft prospects

Tony Pauline

The book is barely closed on the 2012 NFL Draft, but it's never too early to start thinking ahead. Information is already being processed for next April's event, and it looks as though the early portion of the draft will be well represented by the senior class, with a number of versatile, complete linebackers available in the first round. So as we begin preparation for the 2013 NFL Draft, here's a list of 32 prospects expected to impact the early selections.

* denotes underclassman

1. Matt Barkley, QB, USC -- Barkley graded as a top-eight pick had he entered the 2012 draft. He's an accurate passer with the skills necessary to lead a west coast offense at the next level. Depending on who owns the first pick next April, Barkley could easily be the first overall selection in 2013.

2. Robert Woods, WR, USC* -- Matt Barkley's favorite target, Woods is a dynamic receiver who battles defenders to make the reception in underneath coverage or beats them downfield for the long catch.

3. T.J. McDonald, S, USC -- The Trojans have a third player at the top of the draft board, though this time it's from the defensive side of the ball. McDonald is a terrific safety whose skill set is underrated, just like Mark Barron's, the seventh pick of the 2012 draft. He's also an explosive run defender who also plays the ball well in coverage, just like Barron.

4. Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State* -- Hankins is a mammoth space eater on the inside with the ability to line up at defensive tackle or on the nose. His sheer size and power makes him enticing, though Hankins must learn the details of his position.

5. Keenan Allen, WR, Cal* -- Allen keeps the momentum going for the PAC 12, as he's another prospect from the conference with early-first-round potential. Allen offers better size compared to his USC rival Woods. He's a receiver whose game has shown consistent improvement the past two seasons, and he projects as a No. 1 receiver in the NFL.

6. Manti Te'o, LB, Notre Dame -- Te'o bypassed NFL riches for one last season on the college field. He's a dominant run defender who forces the action in the box and plays with great instincts.

7. Sam Montgomery, DE/OLB, LSU* -- Montgomery is an explosive college defensive end also getting consideration at outside linebacker in the scouting community. He's fast up the field out of a three-point stance and immediately changes direction, pursuing the action with speed. Montgomery is a prospect who could be an early pick if he enters the draft.

8. Jonathan Cooper, G, North Carolina -- Scouts grade Cooper much higher than any of the guards selected in the first round of the 2012 draft. He's large, athletic and controls defenders at the line of scrimmage or easily annihilates opponents blocking in motion.

9. Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah -- Lotulelei received a first-round grade from scouts for the 2012 draft, but the athletic tackle decided to return to Utah for his senior season. He's a large man who easily moves around the field to disrupt the action. Lotulelei is being compared to Haloti Ngata in style and substance.

10. Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia -- Jones is a prolific pass rusher who combines outstanding speed and athleticism. He's quick up the field and a defender who constantly disrupts the action behind the line of scrimmage.

11. Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU -- Mingo is yet another talented prospect the NFL will pluck from the LSU defense. He's a terrific athlete who shows a lot of pass rushing skill out of a three-point stance, as well as the athleticism necessary to stand up over tackle at linebacker.

12. Kawann Short, DT, Purdue -- The athletic lineman was rumored to be entering the 2012 draft, but chose to stay at Purdue for his senior campaign. He's fluid on his feet, tough to stop and will get consideration at a number of positions on the defensive line.

13. Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas -- Wilson's game really took off last season after he stepped into the starting lineup for the departed Ryan Mallett. He has the arm strength and intangibles needed to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. How Wilson adjusts to the Razorbacks' new coaching staff will be something to watch.

14. D.J. Fluker, OL, Alabama* -- His game is reminiscent of Andre Smith's when the former Tide tackle was at his best, as Fluker is big and strong but also nimble. He could end up an early pick in 2013 if he continues to improve his game.

15. Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina* -- Lattimore burst on the scene as a true freshman and was one of the nation's best ballcarriers before being sidelined with a knee injury seven games into the 2011 season. He has the physical skills to be a feature running back at the next level if he returns to prior form.

16. Ricky Wagner, T, Wisconsin -- Wagner will be the next top offensive lineman produced by the Wisconsin program. He offers a great combination of size and strength and could end up as one of the highest-rated left tackles in next April's draft.

17. Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina -- Williams made an immediate impression on the Tar Heels defense after transferring from junior college. He's an intense, wide-bodied defender who controls the line of scrimmage and commands double-team blocks. Williams' upside is enormous.

18. Eric Reid, S, LSU* -- Reid was an intimidating force in the middle of the LSU defense last season. He's a forceful run defender who also shows skill in pass coverage. Reid's size and athleticism were made for the NFL.

19. Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame* -- Eifert is a developing tight end with a complete game. He's a terrific pass catcher who plays fast and gets the job done as a blocker on the line of scrimmage.

20. David Amerson, CB, North Carolina State* -- The opportunistic Amerson picked off a whopping 13 passes last season. He shows a nose for the ball and offers enticing size. Amerson can move further up boards if he continues his terrific play and proves last season was no fluke.

21. Shayne Skov, LB, Stanford -- Scouts graded Skov as a first-round pick, as they love the intense linebacker's game, but an early-season knee injury in September forced him to the sidelines. Skov is a forceful run defender who constantly makes plays behind the line of scrimmage.

22. Kevin Reddick, LB, North Carolina -- Word was Reddick gave serious consideration to entering this years' draft, where he would've been a top-45 choice. He's an athletic defender who can defend the run or cover running backs and tight ends.

23. Robert Lester, S, Alabama -- Many graded Lester's ball skills better than those of Mark Barron's entering the 2011 season. He's not as forceful against the run compared to his former teammate, but Lester's ability in coverage will push him into the first round next April.

24. Alex Okafor, DE, Texas -- Okafor was a constant nuisance for opponents, as the athletic defensive end made plays in every area of the field. He lacks classic defensive end size to this point, but has all the other skills necessary to be a first-round pick.

25. Jake Matthews, T, Texas A&M* -- Matthews is a skilled right tackle with a nice combination of size as well as growth potential. He's a solid run blocker who also holds his own in pass protection.

26. Devin Taylor, DE/OLB, South Carolina -- Taylor was dominant in 2010 and projected as an early first-round pick. His play last season was disappointing, though, as he disappeared for stretches and was virtually non-existent in many games. At the top of his game he's a difference-maker in the defensive front seven.

27. Michael Buchanan, DE, Illinois -- Buchanan took a back seat to Whitney Mercilus, but there's an opinion in the scouting community he's more well-rounded compared to his former teammate. Buchanan is athletic, plays strong and possesses an NFL frame.

28. Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma -- Jones was erratic last season, and I struggled to place him at the end of this list. He possesses the physical skills to play at the next level, and his draft grade will likely be inflated due to the position he plays.

29. Chance Warmack, G, Alabama -- Warmack does not receive the notoriety compared to others on the Alabama offensive line, but scouts love his game. He's a wide-bodied blocker with a thick lower body and terrific power. Warmack drives defenders off the line run blocking or anchors at the point of attack in pass protection.

30. Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State -- Brown exploded on the scene for Kansas State last season after transferring from Miami-Florida. He's a three-down linebacker who makes plays all over the field. His size and style are comparable to former Hurricane linebacker Ray Lewis.

31. Jonathan Banks, CB, Mississippi State -- Banks balked at entering the draft after receiving a mid-round grade from scouts, but on film he's a terrific cornerback prospect. He combines size and ball skills to shut down some of the nation's top receivers in the SEC.

32. Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin -- Ball is another who was on the verge of entering the draft but decided to stay at the last minute. He has a nice combination of size, quickness and vision. Ball possesses could be a feature runner at the next level.

 

[EBF]

Curious how some of the guys in 2012 vs those 2013...Would you rather have Floyd, Wilson, Blackmon, etc or take a chance on next year to pick up Woods, Allen, Lattimore, Davis?

I'm not that high on next year's class. Keenan Allen is the top player on my board. I like him, but do not consider him to be an elite prospect in the vein of Blackmon, Bryant, or Crabtree. I am not a big fan of Robert Woods or Marcus Lattimore. I would trade the 1.01 dev pick for someone like Michael Floyd or Doug Martin in a heartbeat.

 

[lbouchard]

Curious how some of the guys in 2012 vs those 2013...Would you rather have Floyd, Wilson, Blackmon, etc or take a chance on next year to pick up Woods, Allen, Lattimore, Davis?

I'm not that high on next year's class. Keenan Allen is the top player on my board. I like him, but do not consider him to be an elite prospect in the vein of Blackmon, Bryant, or Crabtree. I am not a big fan of Robert Woods or Marcus Lattimore. I would trade the 1.01 dev pick for someone like Michael Floyd or Doug Martin in a heartbeat.

Blackmon isn't an elite prospect at all. I'd much rather have Allen over Blackmon. This is my first year of dynasty, so I don't know about Bryant or Crabtree.

 

[EBF]

Blackmon isn't an elite prospect at all. I'd much rather have Allen over Blackmon. This is my first year of dynasty, so I don't know about Bryant or Crabtree.

We must have different definitions of elite then. Logging back to monster seasons, winning consecutive Biletnikoff awards, and earning a top 5 spot in the NFL draft qualifies a player for elite status in my book.

 

[Faust]

Two QBs who could leap Barkley for top pick

08:02 AM ET 05.07 | While it's awfully early to be looking at these kinds of things, Matt Barkley is in the eyes of many the 2013 NFL Draft's No. 1 pick. Nevertheless, there are some physical limitations surrounding a prospect like Barkley, as I worry about his less than impressive athleticism and foot quickness in the pocket. ... Overall, I think as of now he's the favorite to be the number one overall pick in the 2013 draft and should mature into a quality NFL starter, in the Matt Ryan type mold. However, I wouldn't be shocked to see one of the more physically talented quarterbacks in the deep 2013 QB class (Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech or Tyler Bray, Tennessee) end up jumping him when it's all said and done.

National Football Post

 

[Time Kibitzer]

Two QBs who could leap Barkley for top pick

08:02 AM ET 05.07 | While it's awfully early to be looking at these kinds of things, Matt Barkley is in the eyes of many the 2013 NFL Draft's No. 1 pick. Nevertheless, there are some physical limitations surrounding a prospect like Barkley, as I worry about his less than impressive athleticism and foot quickness in the pocket. ... Overall, I think as of now he's the favorite to be the number one overall pick in the 2013 draft and should mature into a quality NFL starter, in the Matt Ryan type mold. However, I wouldn't be shocked to see one of the more physically talented quarterbacks in the deep 2013 QB class (Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech or Tyler Bray, Tennessee) end up jumping him when it's all said and done.

National Football Post

Bray's been getting a lot of love, and probably deservedly so, but I think he's somebody who'd be considerably better off playing at Tennessee for 4 years than declaring next year. He clearly has all the tools, but given the amount of time he missed due to injuries so far I think an extra year would do him wonders. As for Logan Thomas, I don't see him being even a 2nd round pick, let alone challenging Barkley for the 1st overall pick. As far as inconsistent QBs with elite measurables go, I think EJ Manuel is a much better QB prospect than Logan Thomas.

 

[BeTheMatch]

Two QBs who could leap Barkley for top pick

08:02 AM ET 05.07 | While it's awfully early to be looking at these kinds of things, Matt Barkley is in the eyes of many the 2013 NFL Draft's No. 1 pick. Nevertheless, there are some physical limitations surrounding a prospect like Barkley, as I worry about his less than impressive athleticism and foot quickness in the pocket. ... Overall, I think as of now he's the favorite to be the number one overall pick in the 2013 draft and should mature into a quality NFL starter, in the Matt Ryan type mold. However, I wouldn't be shocked to see one of the more physically talented quarterbacks in the deep 2013 QB class (Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech or Tyler Bray, Tennessee) end up jumping him when it's all said and done.

National Football Post

Bray's been getting a lot of love, and probably deservedly so, but I think he's somebody who'd be considerably better off playing at Tennessee for 4 years than declaring next year. He clearly has all the tools, but given the amount of time he missed due to injuries so far I think an extra year would do him wonders. As for Logan Thomas, I don't see him being even a 2nd round pick, let alone challenging Barkley for the 1st overall pick. As far as inconsistent QBs with elite measurables go, I think EJ Manuel is a much better QB prospect than Logan Thomas.

Is Arkansas QB Tyler Wilson in this discussion at all?

 

[Time Kibitzer]

Two QBs who could leap Barkley for top pick

08:02 AM ET 05.07 | While it's awfully early to be looking at these kinds of things, Matt Barkley is in the eyes of many the 2013 NFL Draft's No. 1 pick. Nevertheless, there are some physical limitations surrounding a prospect like Barkley, as I worry about his less than impressive athleticism and foot quickness in the pocket. ... Overall, I think as of now he's the favorite to be the number one overall pick in the 2013 draft and should mature into a quality NFL starter, in the Matt Ryan type mold. However, I wouldn't be shocked to see one of the more physically talented quarterbacks in the deep 2013 QB class (Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech or Tyler Bray, Tennessee) end up jumping him when it's all said and done.

National Football Post

Bray's been getting a lot of love, and probably deservedly so, but I think he's somebody who'd be considerably better off playing at Tennessee for 4 years than declaring next year. He clearly has all the tools, but given the amount of time he missed due to injuries so far I think an extra year would do him wonders. As for Logan Thomas, I don't see him being even a 2nd round pick, let alone challenging Barkley for the 1st overall pick. As far as inconsistent QBs with elite measurables go, I think EJ Manuel is a much better QB prospect than Logan Thomas.

Is Arkansas QB Tyler Wilson in this discussion at all?

Yup, I was just focusing on the two players that that article brought up.

 

[offdee]

Two QBs who could leap Barkley for top pick

08:02 AM ET 05.07 | While it's awfully early to be looking at these kinds of things, Matt Barkley is in the eyes of many the 2013 NFL Draft's No. 1 pick. Nevertheless, there are some physical limitations surrounding a prospect like Barkley, as I worry about his less than impressive athleticism and foot quickness in the pocket. ... Overall, I think as of now he's the favorite to be the number one overall pick in the 2013 draft and should mature into a quality NFL starter, in the Matt Ryan type mold. However, I wouldn't be shocked to see one of the more physically talented quarterbacks in the deep 2013 QB class (Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech or Tyler Bray, Tennessee) end up jumping him when it's all said and done.

National Football Post

Bray's been getting a lot of love, and probably deservedly so, but I think he's somebody who'd be considerably better off playing at Tennessee for 4 years than declaring next year. He clearly has all the tools, but given the amount of time he missed due to injuries so far I think an extra year would do him wonders. As for Logan Thomas, I don't see him being even a 2nd round pick, let alone challenging Barkley for the 1st overall pick. As far as inconsistent QBs with elite measurables go, I think EJ Manuel is a much better QB prospect than Logan Thomas.

Is Arkansas QB Tyler Wilson in this discussion at all?

Tyler Wilson is my #1 QB prospect next year. I'm not much of a Barkley fan personally.

 

[Xue]

The real Next Ray Rice? Branden Oliver, Buffalo

 

[EBF]

The real Next Ray Rice? Branden Oliver, Buffalohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQ2op_a8IPY&feature=plcp

Explosive player, but you have to wonder how tall he really is. Could end up like Rice, but could also end up like Jacquizz Rodgers.

 

[Xue]

The real Next Ray Rice? Branden Oliver, Buffalohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQ2op_a8IPY&feature=plcp

Explosive player, but you have to wonder how tall he really is. Could end up like Rice, but could also end up like Jacquizz Rodgers.

Huh? Aren't you the one saying shorter is better?

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

The real Next Ray Rice? Branden Oliver, Buffalohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQ2op_a8IPY&feature=plcp

Explosive player, but you have to wonder how tall he really is. Could end up like Rice, but could also end up like Jacquizz Rodgers.

ESPN has him at 5'8 200

 

[Cookiemonster]

The real Next Ray Rice? Branden Oliver, Buffalohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQ2op_a8IPY&feature=plcp

Explosive player, but you have to wonder how tall he really is. Could end up like Rice, but could also end up like Jacquizz Rodgers.

ESPN has him at 5'8 200

5'7" 190 looks generous.

 

[Xue]

The real Next Ray Rice? Branden Oliver, Buffalohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQ2op_a8IPY&feature=plcp

Explosive player, but you have to wonder how tall he really is. Could end up like Rice, but could also end up like Jacquizz Rodgers.

ESPN has him at 5'8 200

5'7" 190 looks generous.

I see more strength and power than someone like Hillman, who played at 190.

 

[offdee]

Results of where college players went in Phenomz Dynasty (1 college player per team allowed- 14 team league).

I put the NFL rookie picks before and after to show comparative value.

College players already claimed (drafted last year)

- RB, Marcus Lattimore

- RB, Michael Dyer

- RB, Knile Davis

- QB, Landry Jones

------

1.01: QB, Robert Griffin III, Redskins

1.02: RB, Doug Martin, Buccanneers

1.03: QR, Kendall Wright, Titans

1.04: RB, David Wilson, Giants

1.05: WR, Sammy Watkins, Clemson (not eligible until 2014 draft- true Soph.)

1.06: WR, Robert Woods, USC

1.07: WR, Stephen Hill, Jets

1.08: RB, Montee Ball, Wisconsin

1.09: RB, Ronnie Hillman, Broncos

1.10: QB: Matt Barkley, USC

1.11: TE, Coby Fleener, Colts

1.12: RB, Isaiah Pead, Rams

1.13: WR, Keenan Allen, Cal

1.14: QB, Ryan Tannehill, Dolphins

2.13: TE, Ladarius Green, Chargers

2.14: QB, Tyler Wilson, Arkansas

3.01: TE, Michael Egnew, Dolphins

3.02: WR, Marquess Wilson, Washington St.

3.03: WR, Marvin Jones, Bengals

3.04: WR, Nick Toon, Saints

3.05: QB, Tyler Bray, Tennessee

3.06: RB, Mike Goodson, Raiders

4.08: RB, Dan Herron, Bengals

4.09: RB, Ray Graham, Pitt

4.10: RB, Michael Smith, Buccanneers

4.13: QB, Ryan Lindley, Cardinals

4.14: WR, Justin Hunter, Tennessee

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Results of where college players went in Phenomz Dynasty (1 college player per team allowed- 14 team league).

I put the NFL rookie picks before and after to show comparative value.

College players already claimed (drafted last year)

- RB, Marcus Lattimore

- RB, Michael Dyer

- RB, Knile Davis

- QB, Landry Jones

------

1.04: RB, David Wilson, Giants

1.05: WR, Sammy Watkins, Clemson (not eligible until 2014 draft- true Soph.)

1.06: WR, Robert Woods, USC

1.07: WR, Stephen Hill, Jets

1.08: RB, Montee Ball, Wisconsin

1.09: RB, Ronnie Hillman, Broncos

1.10: QB: Matt Barkley, USC

1.11: TE, Coby Fleener, Colts

1.12: RB, Isaiah Pead, Rams

1.13: WR, Keenan Allen, Cal

1.14: QB, Ryan Tannehill, Dolphins

2.13: TE, Ladarius Green, Chargers

2.14: QB, Tyler Wilson, Arkansas

3.01: TE, Michael Egnew, Dolphins

3.02: WR, Marquess Wilson, Washington St.

3.03: WR, Marvin Jones, Bengals

3.04: WR, Nick Toon, Saints

3.05: QB, Tyler Bray, Tennessee

3.06: RB, Mike Goodson, Raiders

4.08: RB, Dan Herron, Bengals

4.09: RB, Ray Graham, Pitt

4.10: RB, Michael Smith, Buccanneers

4.13: QB, Ryan Lindley, Cardinals

4.14: WR, Justin Hunter, Tennessee

Pretty standard although I think Ray Graham may be a bit of a reach. I'd rather see a Darrick Rodgers WR UT or Marquis Lee WR USC

 

[offdee]

Pretty standard although I think Ray Graham may be a bit of a reach. I'd rather see a Darrick Rodgers WR UT or Marquis Lee WR USC

Ray Graham was the choice of FBG's very own Matt Waldman.

 

[MAC_32]

Pretty standard although I think Ray Graham may be a bit of a reach. I'd rather see a Darrick Rodgers WR UT or Marquis Lee WR USC

Ray Graham was the choice of FBG's very own Matt Waldman.

Graham was killing it before getting hurt, not sure I'd take him over Lee but I would absolutely take him over Rodgers.

 

[cstu]

3.03: WR, Marvin Jones, Bengals

3.04: WR, Nick Toon, Saints

3.06: RB, Mike Goodson, Raiders

4.08: RB, Dan Herron, Bengals

4.10: RB, Michael Smith, Buccanneers

4.13: QB, Ryan Lindley, Cardinals

4.14: WR, Justin Hunter, Tennessee

I haven't played in a dev league but is it normal to take crap players instead of potential 1st round picks like Da'Rick Rogers and Justin Hunter?

 

[MAC_32]

3.03: WR, Marvin Jones, Bengals

3.04: WR, Nick Toon, Saints

3.06: RB, Mike Goodson, Raiders

4.08: RB, Dan Herron, Bengals

4.10: RB, Michael Smith, Buccanneers

4.13: QB, Ryan Lindley, Cardinals

4.14: WR, Justin Hunter, Tennessee

I haven't played in a dev league but is it normal to take crap players instead of potential 1st round picks like Da'Rick Rogers and Justin Hunter?

As much as I think too much are being made of Rogers and Hunter...yea, those guys shouldn't be drafted ahead of them. Yea, you're waiting an extra year or 2 for a guy that may or may not pan out, but there's a much greater chance of them being fantasy starters than those current year rooks.

 

[offdee]

3.03: WR, Marvin Jones, Bengals

3.04: WR, Nick Toon, Saints

3.06: RB, Mike Goodson, Raiders

4.08: RB, Dan Herron, Bengals

4.10: RB, Michael Smith, Buccanneers

4.13: QB, Ryan Lindley, Cardinals

4.14: WR, Justin Hunter, Tennessee

I haven't played in a dev league but is it normal to take crap players instead of potential 1st round picks like Da'Rick Rogers and Justin Hunter?

the key here is that each team is only allowed a maximum of 1 college player. So, yes, Hunter should probably be drafted ahead of those guys, but the owner that took him that late knew that all other owners already had their 1 college player on their roster so he could afford to wait that late. Always some pretty decent value to be had for these reasons late in the draft...the rub is that you don't get the cream of the crop college players and have to take a more risky prospect.

 

[cstu]

3.03: WR, Marvin Jones, Bengals

3.04: WR, Nick Toon, Saints

3.06: RB, Mike Goodson, Raiders

4.08: RB, Dan Herron, Bengals

4.10: RB, Michael Smith, Buccanneers

4.13: QB, Ryan Lindley, Cardinals

4.14: WR, Justin Hunter, Tennessee

I haven't played in a dev league but is it normal to take crap players instead of potential 1st round picks like Da'Rick Rogers and Justin Hunter?

the key here is that each team is only allowed a maximum of 1 college player. So, yes, Hunter should probably be drafted ahead of those guys, but the owner that took him that late knew that all other owners already had their 1 college player on their roster so he could afford to wait that late. Always some pretty decent value to be had for these reasons late in the draft...the rub is that you don't get the cream of the crop college players and have to take a more risky prospect.

Ahh, got it. Also, despite the risk and having to wait 3 years I'd be hard pressed not to take DGB.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Pretty standard although I think Ray Graham may be a bit of a reach. I'd rather see a Darrick Rodgers WR UT or Marquis Lee WR USC

Ray Graham was the choice of FBG's very own Matt Waldman.

Graham was killing it before getting hurt, not sure I'd take him over Lee but I would absolutely take him over Rodgers.

Only reason I argue is because Rodgers(I know he's a diva) was 1st team SEC and has good speed/athleticism.

 

[BigTex]

Pretty standard although I think Ray Graham may be a bit of a reach. I'd rather see a Darrick Rodgers WR UT or Marquis Lee WR USC

Ray Graham was the choice of FBG's very own Matt Waldman.

Graham was killing it before getting hurt, not sure I'd take him over Lee but I would absolutely take him over Rodgers.

Graham took touches away from Lewis....he's the real deal. I really hate he got injured!!ETA: Graham is this year's Martin. Last year no one was talking about him then he started moving up on everyone's radar. Watch Graham he does everything Martin does and some things even better.

 

[EBF]

Not sure he has the build to be a first round pick though.

Lattimore, Graham, and Davis aren't really built like conventional NFL featured backs. Might not be mere coincidence that they've all been injured.

 

[offdee]

3.03: WR, Marvin Jones, Bengals

3.04: WR, Nick Toon, Saints

3.06: RB, Mike Goodson, Raiders

4.08: RB, Dan Herron, Bengals

4.10: RB, Michael Smith, Buccanneers

4.13: QB, Ryan Lindley, Cardinals

4.14: WR, Justin Hunter, Tennessee

I haven't played in a dev league but is it normal to take crap players instead of potential 1st round picks like Da'Rick Rogers and Justin Hunter?

the key here is that each team is only allowed a maximum of 1 college player. So, yes, Hunter should probably be drafted ahead of those guys, but the owner that took him that late knew that all other owners already had their 1 college player on their roster so he could afford to wait that late. Always some pretty decent value to be had for these reasons late in the draft...the rub is that you don't get the cream of the crop college players and have to take a more risky prospect.

Ahh, got it. Also, despite the risk and having to wait 3 years I'd be hard pressed not to take DGB.

Our rules state all college players have to have at least 1 yr of college elgibility lost before being selected. Prevents someone selecting a high school player (which basically is what DGB is at this point when we draft since he has yet to play a college game)

 

[BeTheMatch]

I wouldn't touch Rodgers with a 100-foot pole. Complete nutcase.

 

[BigTex]

Not sure he has the build to be a first round pick though. Lattimore, Graham, and Davis aren't really built like conventional NFL featured backs. Might not be mere coincidence that they've all been injured.

You could pack on another 10lbs or so but he's got the goods and he passes the eye-ball test. He has a better overall game the Martin. Martin is bigger and stronger at this point but only time will tell. Let's see how he recovers from the injury.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

I wouldn't touch Rodgers with a 100-foot pole. Complete nutcase.

I don't know all the details on him. But Ocho, TO, Britt, Moss, Crab, Marshall all had something going on....but they can play ball(well except for Crab lol).

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

Not sure he has the build to be a first round pick though.

Lattimore, Graham, and Davis aren't really built like conventional NFL featured backs. Might not be mere coincidence that they've all been injured.

You could pack on another 10lbs or so but he's got the goods and he passes the eye-ball test. He has a better overall game the Martin. Martin is bigger and stronger at this point but only time will tell. Let's see how he recovers from the injury.

Remember when Steve Slaton packed on some weight to be an every down guy or Felix Jones...it didn't work out. It's a nice thought in theory, but is an automatic it will translate.

 

[Time Kibitzer]

I wouldn't touch Rodgers with a 100-foot pole. Complete nutcase.

He's got some skills, but combining his nutcaseness with his tendency to body catch and not looking very fast and I'll likely be avoiding him in drafts next year.

 

[BigTex]

Not sure he has the build to be a first round pick though.

Lattimore, Graham, and Davis aren't really built like conventional NFL featured backs. Might not be mere coincidence that they've all been injured.

You could pack on another 10lbs or so but he's got the goods and he passes the eye-ball test. He has a better overall game the Martin. Martin is bigger and stronger at this point but only time will tell. Let's see how he recovers from the injury.

Remember when Steve Slaton packed on some weight to be an every down guy or Felix Jones...it didn't work out. It's a nice thought in theory, but is an automatic it will translate.

Your right but it's not abnormal for a running back to do so and still be productive.

 

[bengalbuck]

Seems like a below average crop of RBs next year. I like Lattimore, but he's probably just a Mark Ingram type guy as a late 1st with 4.5ish type speed. After that, everyone has a lot of question marks and nobody really leaps out at me.

I do like the WR group. Allen and Woods both look like legit 1st rounders to me. I get why Woods is higher rated, but USC's history of WR busts combined with Woods' QB being so much better makes me personally prefer Allen by just a little. After those 2, there are a lot of question marks. But unlike the RBs, I am much more intrigued with the upside of the WRs in the class like Hunter, Wilson, etc.

Logan Thomas is my favorite of the QBs. I was convinced after watching his game against UNC (check it out on youtube, great pocket presence and some great throws).

I don't see too much at TE to get excited about, but that's about par for the course.

Overall, the rash of injuries at RB combined with no truly elite QBs makes it look like a below average class to me.

 

[Xue]

Pretty standard although I think Ray Graham may be a bit of a reach. I'd rather see a Darrick Rodgers WR UT or Marquis Lee WR USC

Ray Graham was the choice of FBG's very own Matt Waldman.

Graham was killing it before getting hurt, not sure I'd take him over Lee but I would absolutely take him over Rodgers.

Graham took touches away from Lewis....he's the real deal. I really hate he got injured!!ETA: Graham is this year's Martin. Last year no one was talking about him then he started moving up on everyone's radar. Watch Graham he does everything Martin does and some things even better.

I see Graham as a rich man's Ronnie Hillman. Much better burst, vision, and cutting ability.

 

[Xue]

Not sure he has the build to be a first round pick though. Lattimore, Graham, and Davis aren't really built like conventional NFL featured backs. Might not be mere coincidence that they've all been injured.

Huh? Graham is 190, but Lattimore and Davis are both over 220 lbs.

 

[EBF]

Weight means little in the absence of information about height. Even then, the numbers can be misleading. Look at Robert Turbin. On paper he has an ideal build for a pro RB, but in reality he's top-heavy with extremely skinny calves and ankles. I suspect that this is a contributing factor for his durability issues. Beanie Wells had a similar build and has also had a lot of issues with durability.

Davis and Lattimore are both tall backs with relatively skinny legs. No surprise they got hurt. I was talking about these issues before either player was injured. For example, this post.

Running back is probably the most brutally violent position in the NFL when you consider the sheer number of hits taken. All RBs get injured sooner or later, but I've long been of the belief that some body types are more susceptible to injury than others. You won't see me taking any tall skinny guys at this position. People laughed off the BMI talk a few years back. I still put stock in it though. There have been some skinny RB success stories like Chris Johnson and Matt Forte (who was near the ideal BMI cut-off), but then you have guys like Charles and McFadden who thus far been unable to survive featured duty for an extended period of time. Looks like Davis, Graham, and Lattimore might be in the same boat.

Of the hyped up 2012 RBs, Michael Dyer is the guy with the most prototypical pro RB build. Unfortunately, he's probably not as talented as a player like Lattimore. I'm pretty down on the 2013 RB class in general. None of the top guys rate anywhere close to where I had Richardson or even Ingram at this stage of their careers.

 

[Faust]

2013 draft chock full of QB and D-Line talent

By Rob Rang | The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com

As NFLDraftScout.com turns the page on the 2012 NFL Draft and peers ahead to next year's crop of talent, a few distinguishing characteristics of the '13 class immediately stand out.

First, for as much hype as the quarterbacks in the past two drafts have received, the 2013 class could turn out even better. And next year could offer a bounty of defensive linemen; 14 of NFLDraftScout.com's top 50 rated prospects play along the d-line. This is also true at linebacker, where inside and out, the group looks stronger than the 2012 class. Teams looking for tight ends or cornerbacks, on the other hand, might be left looking at veteran free agents or hoping underclassmen help out a senior class that otherwise looks a bit shaky.

As if we needed any more evidence of the value placed on the quarterback position in today's NFL, consider that for the second consecutive year four passers were drafted in the first round. To put that in perspective, there has only been one other two-year span in modern league history in which there were back-to-back drafts that featured this many quarterbacks being selected in the initial frame - and that came in 2003-04.

There has never been three consecutive NFL drafts in which four or more quarterbacks were selected in the first round. A strong 2013 quarterback class, however, could put an end to that streak.

Southern California's Matt Barkley is the big name. He returned to USC for his senior season for many reasons - the Trojans will return to being eligible for a bowl game, he is a Heisman front-runner, to improve his stock for the NFL, among them - and considering the talent that he and his teammates of Troy offer, his goals are all attainable.

Barkley will have to continue to develop to stay atop the QB class. Productive pocket passing seniors Tyler Wilson (Arkansas) and Landry Jones (Oklahoma) may have earned first round consideration this year had they entered the draft early, and should only improve their stock with scouts if capable of improving their production despite losing some of their most reliable pass-catchers to the NFL.

Few, if any, could have predicted the meteoric rise from Cam Newton and Robert Griffin III the past two years, and a big 2012 season could vault a number of talented but to this point inconsistent quarterbacks into early first round consideration. The size, strong arms and mobility offered by senior EJ Manuel of Florida State and junior Logan Thomas of Virginia Tech, for example, is sure to intrigue scouts looking for the next Newton. Scouts love quarterbacks used to facing top competition and the SEC certainly offers that, so juniors Tyler Bray (Tennessee) and Aaron Murray (Georgia) are certainly among those to watch at the position.

While the talent at quarterback is impressive even among seniors, the same cannot be said about the other "skill position" players. Heisman finalist Montee Ball from Wisconsin is NFLDraftScout.com's top-rated senior running back, but he may struggle to duplicate last season's eye-popping (1,923 rushing yards, 39 total touchdowns) production and is only rated No. 51 overall. Two talented SEC stars - Arkansas' Knile Davis and South Carolina junior Marcus Lattimore - have the talent to be drafted even earlier but must prove recovered from injuries that ruined their 2011 seasons.

It appears that the first wide receiver selected in the 2013 draft will once again be an underclassman, as has been the case since 2008. Baylor wideout Terrance Williams is the only senior receiver NFLDraftScout.com gave as much as a second-round grade to at this point. The 6-1, 190-pound Williams finished with roughly half of star Kendall Wright's catches a year ago but finished a close second to the Tennessee Titans' first-round pick in touchdown receptions (14 to 11). Should they choose to leave school early, there could be a bevy of underclassmen competing to take his spot at the top of the board, not the least of which is another star from USC, Robert Woods, as well as Cal's Keenan Allen and Tennessee's Justin Hunter.

Underclassmen could rule on the offensive line, as well. Five of the seven offensive tackles currently given at least a second round grade by NFLDraftScout.com will enter the 2012 season with at least one more year of eligibility remaining. The strong tradition of talented Wisconsin offensive linemen is in capable hands with our top-rated senior tackle Ricky Wagner. A quartet of massive juniors could ultimately challenge him for spots among the top 20 picks of the 2013 draft, however, leading off with 6-6, 325-pound Chris Faulk from LSU, Alabama's D.J. Fluker (6-6, 335) and each of Texas A&M's bookend tackles Luke Joeckel (6-6, 310) and 6-5, 305-pound Jake Matthews, the son of Hall of Fame offensive lineman Bruce Matthews. While underclassmen have supplanted seniors in recent years to be the first interior lineman drafted, the 2013 class features two highly respected blockers in left tackle-turned-center Barrett Jones of Alabama and North Carolina standout guard Jonathan Cooper.

Fresh off a draft in which 6-3, 245-pound "defensive end" Bruce Irvin was the first pass rusher selected (by the Seattle Seahawks at No. 15 overall), the 2013 class of sackmasters looks significantly better. Seniors Alex Okafor (6-4, 260, Texas), Michael Buchanan (6-5, 240, Illinois), Devin Taylor (6-6, 260, South Carolina) and Dion Jordan (6-6, 246, Oregon) each possess the quick first step and length scouts are looking for at the position. Ohio State's John Simon doesn't possess his classmates' eye-popping physical dimensions but the 6-2, 270-pounder is relentless.

Should juniors Sam Montgomery (6-4, 245, LSU), Jackson Jeffcoat (6-4, 250, Texas) and Corey Lemonier (6-4, 242, Auburn) continue to add strength to go along with their speed each could contend for an early selection. Michigan State's William Gholston (6-6, 278) and Florida State's Bjoern Werner (6-4, 273) lack the explosiveness to consistently beat left tackles off the edge but have the bulk and power necessary to make an impact against the run as well as the pass.

While the talent at outside at pass rusher looks like an improvement over last year's class, the 2013 crop of defensive tackles may not be able to hold up their end of the bargain. That can't be blamed on Utah's Star Lotulelei, an aptly named player if there ever was one due to a combination of size (6-3, 325), power and remarkably light feet that has earned comparisons from veteran scouts to Baltimore Ravens All-Pro Haloti Ngata. Purdue's Kawann Short (6-3, 310) has steadily improved throughout his career, earning first-team all-conference honors a year ago with career-highs in tackles (54), tackles for loss (17) and sacks (6.5) and as a two-time team captain has the intangibles scouts like to go along with his prototypical size and production. Short isn't as gifted as Ohio State underclassman Johnathan Hankins (6-3, 335) but is much more consistent at this point. Hawkins possesses remarkable athleticism for a man of his size. If he puts it all together in 2012, he could skyrocket up draft boards.

The story of the 2012 linebacker class was Boston College's Luke Kuechly and how much he stood out in comparison to everyone else. While Notre Dame's Manti Te'o and Texas A&M's Sean Porter aren't going to cause anyone to forget about Kuechly, the 2013 crop of linebackers, as a whole, appears to be a step up from a year ago.

At 6-2, 255 pounds Te'o has the bulk and power to operate on the inside for 4-3 and 3-4 teams. Stanford's Shayne Skov (6-3, 244), North Carolina's Kevin Reddick (6-2, 240) and Kansas State's Arthur Brown (6-1, 228) may have each warranted consideration as early as the second round a year ago and are in position to boost their stock with strong senior campaigns.

At 6-2, 230 pounds, Porter doesn't offer great bulk but his terrific overall athleticism could make him the most intriguing senior 4-3 outside linebacker of the 2013 draft. Teams operating out of a three-man front looking for stand-up pass rushers will certainly take a close look at Florida State's Brandon Jenkins, a 6-3, 265-pound defensive end for the Seminoles whose athleticism might allow him to switch positions in the NFL. An average OLB class could be boosted if talented underclassmen such as LSU's 6-4, 240-pound Barkevious Mingo and Georgia's Jarvis Jones (6-2, 242) elect to enter the draft early.

For teams needing help in the secondary, the 2013 senior class offers plenty of talent at safety but the pickings are slimmer at cornerback.

Southern Cal's T.J. McDonald, Texas' Kenny Vaccaro, Miami's Ray-Ray Armstrong, Alabama's Robert Lester and Georgia's Baccari Rambo all considered leaving their respective universities a year early but by sticking around could give NFL teams a strong senior class with which to choose from in the 2013 draft.

Cornerback is a bigger concern. Only three of NFLDraftScout.com's top eight cornerbacks are seniors and, frankly, many of the underclassmen rated highly come with red flags.

Of the seniors, Mississippi State's Johnthan Banks offers intriguing size (6-1, 185) and legitimate cover skills to rival Michigan State's Johnny Adams (5-11, 185) as the top man-to-man pass defender of the 2013 class, but Banks has lacked the physicality scouts want in the running game and Adams is undersized. Frankly, Iowa's Micah Hyde is a better, more consistent football player at this point than either of them but there are enough questions about the 6-1, 185-pound Hyde's straight-line speed that some scouts wonder if he won't eventually be moved to safety in the NFL.

Of the underclassmen cornerbacks, North Carolina State's David Amerson and LSU's Tyrann Mathieu proved to be ball-hawks a year ago but scouts will want to see what each can do for an encore. Amerson simply led the nation a year ago with an eye-popping 13 interceptions and at 6-2, 193 pounds offers unique size for the position. So, too, does Mathieu but in his case, "unique" isn't a good thing as many teams will have a hard time overlooking the Honey Badger's 5-09, 179-pound frame. With "only" five career interceptions, Florida State's Xavier Rhodes isn't the same caliber of big-play specialist, but the 6-1, 215-pound Seminole certainly boasts the size, speed and physicality necessary to earn a high selection should he prove 100 percent following a knee injury that knocked him out of FSU's Champs Sports Bowl victory over Notre Dame.

 

[Faust]

2013 Top 750 NFL Draft Prospects (updated 5/8/2012)

 

[Xue]

2013 Top 750 NFL Draft Prospects (updated 5/8/2012)

RB Le'Veon Bell is criminally underrated right now. Also, I don't even see Charles Sims on their list at all. Another RB that's overlooked.

 

[Time Kibitzer]

2013 Top 750 NFL Draft Prospects (updated 5/8/2012)

RB Le'Veon Bell is criminally underrated right now. Also, I don't even see Charles Sims on their list at all. Another RB that's overlooked.

Never heard of Charles Sims before, but he looks like an interesting player. I think for the NFL though he's better off moving to WR; he just has a really skinny lower body and his vision doesn't look great. He looks like he could be a good slot WR in the NFL though, he's great at catching the ball, has decent size, and has good quicks.

 

[Xue]

2013 Top 750 NFL Draft Prospects (updated 5/8/2012)

RB Le'Veon Bell is criminally underrated right now. Also, I don't even see Charles Sims on their list at all. Another RB that's overlooked.

Never heard of Charles Sims before, but he looks like an interesting player. I think for the NFL though he's better off moving to WR; he just has a really skinny lower body and his vision doesn't look great. He looks like he could be a good slot WR in the NFL though, he's great at catching the ball, has decent size, and has good quicks.

Sims' vision is fine. He sees the cutback lanes well and can make defenders miss. Good open field runner as well. He doesn't look that skinny either. His build is similar to Ryan Grant and he certainly looks a bit thicker than a Kevin Smith.

 

[Donnybrook]

After watching the Almo Bowl, I can't wait to see more of Keith Price. He is only a junior but he could get 1st round consideration if he can stay healthy.

 

[BigTex]

2013 Top 750 NFL Draft Prospects (updated 5/8/2012)

RB Le'Veon Bell is criminally underrated right now. Also, I don't even see Charles Sims on their list at all. Another RB that's overlooked.

Never heard of Charles Sims before, but he looks like an interesting player. I think for the NFL though he's better off moving to WR; he just has a really skinny lower body and his vision doesn't look great. He looks like he could be a good slot WR in the NFL though, he's great at catching the ball, has decent size, and has good quicks.

Charles Sims plays on defense now....corner back.

 

[Xue]

2013 Top 750 NFL Draft Prospects (updated 5/8/2012)

RB Le'Veon Bell is criminally underrated right now. Also, I don't even see Charles Sims on their list at all. Another RB that's overlooked.

Never heard of Charles Sims before, but he looks like an interesting player. I think for the NFL though he's better off moving to WR; he just has a really skinny lower body and his vision doesn't look great. He looks like he could be a good slot WR in the NFL though, he's great at catching the ball, has decent size, and has good quicks.

Ummm...that was an April Fool's joke. http://coachingsearch.com/home/544-tony-levine-claims-best-april-fools-joke.html

 

[Faust]

Big Board: Best for 2013 heavy on quarterbacks, D-linemen

By Rob Rang | The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com

The 2012 NFL Draft is barely in the rearview mirror, but scouts are already well down the road scouting prospects for next April, as is the staff at NFLDraftScout.com.

Predicting player performance is never going to be an exact science -- due to injury, issues off the field or simply a poor season, some of the prospects on this list will fall out of my Top 32 as we move forward.

Remember, a year ago at this time, Arizona State middle linebacker Vontaze Burfict and Texas A&M wide receiver Jeff Fuller looked like potential first-round prospects. Of course, there will be several others who catapult themselves into consideration with impressive efforts in 2012. Few, for example, anticipated Robert Griffin III or Michael Brockers rising to stardom when projecting the value of the 2012 draft class. The "Big Board" isn't a mock draft. It is a ranking of the best potentially NFL-eligible prospects in the country. Underclassmen are denoted with an asterisk (*) and NFLDraftScout.com is underlining their talent, not recommending an early exodus to the pro game. If the 2013 draft were held today, here are the top 32 prospects teams should be considering. Based on a strong first look, the 2013 draft could be chock full of quarterbacks and defensive linemen.

*denotes underclassman

1. Matt Barkley, QB, Southern Cal: Barkley's lack of ideal size (6-1, 218) and arm strength mean that he's no shoo-in as the No. 1 overall prospect for the 2013 draft, but his accuracy, mobility and experience in a pro-style offense would have earned him a spot in the top five in 2012.

2. Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah: The reigning Morris Trophy winner as the Pac-12's most dominant defensive lineman, the 6-3, 325-pound Lotulelei is earning comparisons from regional scouts to former Oregon Duck and current Baltimore Ravens' star Haloti Ngata.

3. *David Amerson, CB, North Carolina State: Thanks to his unique combination of size (6-2, 193), speed and ball skills, Amerson exploded onto the scene last season with 13 interceptions. To warrant a grade this high he'll need to prove his breakout sophomore campaign was no fluke.

4. *Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU: An explosive edge rusher with the frame (6-4, 240) to intrigue scouts operating for NFL teams utilizing the 4-3 and 3-4 schemes, alike, Mingo's speed, agility and surprising strength could result in a monster 2012 season.

5. *Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State: Blessed with a similar combination of size (6-3, 335), strength and athleticism as Dontari Poe, Hankins could see a similar rise up draft boards. Like Poe, however, Hankins' lofty grade is based more on his potential than his play thus far.

6. *Robert Woods, WR, Southern Cal: Possessing more unique traits than No. 5 overall pick Justin Blackmon, Woods is pro-ready despite entering just his junior season with the Trojans. Consider that last season, as a true sophomore, he broke Keyshawn Johnson's school and conference record with 111 catches for 1,292 yards and 15 touchdowns.

7. *Chris Faulk, OT, LSU: With so much attention heaped upon their defense a season ago, Faulk's spectacular first season starting at left tackle for the Tigers didn't get the national attention it warranted. If the baby-faced 6-6, 325-pound Faulk performs as well on the blind side again, he'll get plenty of attention, too.

8. Alex Okafor, DE, Texas: An arrest in May might create some doubt with scouts about Okafor until they've fully investigated his background. But his game provides plenty of answers about who he is on the field. Okafor doesn't possess elite speed off the edge but is powerful, well-schooled in his hand technique and has a high-running motor.

9. Kawann Short, DT, Purdue: Frankly, had this Boilermaker had the type of season he enjoyed in 2012 (54 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks), fans across the country would know the 6-3, 305 pounder's name by now. Short has a thick, wide frame and plays with excellent strength and leverage, making him a potential nose guard candidate.

10. *Keenan Allen, WR, California: While USC's Robert Woods earned most of the hype in the Pac-12 a year ago, Allen is similarly gifted and at 6-3, 205 pounds has even better size than the Trojans' star. Despite inconsistent play at quarterback last season, Allen caught 98 passes for 1,343 yards and six touchdowns.

11. *Eric Reid, FS, LSU: Overshadowed by talented defensive backs that have been churned out regularly from LSU in recent seasons -- Patrick Peterson, Morris Claiborne and current CB Tyrann Mathieu -- Reid has quietly established himself as the elite safety.

12. Jackson Jeffcoat, DE/OLB, Texas: More athletic than his higher-rated teammate Okafor, Jeffcoat projects nicely as a 4-3 defensive end or 3-4 rush linebacker due to his burst upfield, lateral agility and natural pass rush skills. He lacks Okafor's strength at this time, but as the son of former NFL standout defensive end Jim Jeffcoat, he knows better than most what it takes to make it at the next level.

13. Margus Hunt, DE, SMU: It has been over a quarter century since the last time a SMU Mustang was selected in the first round (1986), but in the Estonian-born Hunt, Southern Methodist may have the unique talent needed to warrant such a lofty selection. A two-time gold medal winner in the 2006 World Junior Championships (discus, shot put), Hunt was deservedly listed as the No. 1 "Freak" athlete of 2012 in Bruce Feldman's article as his combination of size (6-7, 288), strength (35 reps of 225 pounds), speed (4.70) and explosiveness (36-inch vertical jump) add up to off-the-charts measurables. In just three seasons of college football, Hunt has an astounding 14 blocked kicks.

14. Manti Te'o, ILB, Notre Dame: He can't boast the gaudy tackle numbers that Luke Kuechly produced at Boston College, but pro scouts will certainly see first-round characteristics in this middle linebacker. With another stellar campaign, Te'o will wrap up his Notre Dame career as the first Irish defender to earn a first-round draft selection since defensive end Renaldo Wynn was selected No. 21 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 1997.

15. Ricky Wagner, OT, Wisconsin: The latest in a long line of talented Wisconsin offensive linemen, Wagner started his career at right tackle with 2011 first-round pick Gabe Carimi manning the blindside position but handled the transition to this all-important position well a year ago. His versatility, experience and size (6-6, 315) should earn him consideration early next April.

16. *Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State: Blessed with as talented a roster as there is in all of college football, you can expect a great deal of buzz this season around the Seminoles. While he's overshadowed a bit, the German-born junior might be the most pro-ready prospect on the team already due to his size (6-4, 273), strength and tenacity.

17. Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas: Blessed with a strong arm, good mobility and the toughness to take a shot and still deliver passes, there is a lot to like about the Arkansas quarterback. Scouts would be wise to take a wait-and-see approach with Wilson as he acclimates to John L. Smith's offense after starring in Bobby Petrino's wide-open attack and being aided by a supremely gifted receiving corps that included Joe Adams, Jarius Wright and Greg Childs, each of whom was selected in the fourth round of the 2012 draft.

18. *Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech: Considering the immediate success enjoyed in the NFL by Cam Newton, scouts can't wait to see what improvements the similarly gifted Thomas is able to make in his second season as a starter for the Hokies. The 6-5, 254-pound redshirt junior showed off a strong arm and mobility last season in earning second-team All-ACC honors but will need to make significant strides this season to warrant his hype.

19. *Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State: Big (6-1, 215), physical and athletic. Rhodes has been a standout for the Seminoles throughout his entire career and may have considered leaving after completing his redshirt sophomore season a year ago had he not suffered a slight knee injury against Michael Floyd and Notre Dame in the Champs Sports Bowl.

20. *Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee: Listing Hunter this high is certainly a projection, as he missed most of the 2011 season with a torn ACL. When healthy, however, the 6-4, 205 pound Hunter showed a rare combination of size, straight-line speed and ball skills to compete with USC's Woods, Cal's Allen and Clemson true sophomore Sammy Watkins for the right to be considered among the country's truly elite receivers.

21. E.J. Manuel, QB, Florida State: Like Virginia Tech's Thomas, Manuel boasts the combination of size (6-4 245), mobility and arm talent to earn comparisons to Cam Newton. Manuel has struggled with consistency and injury, but made strides in his first season as a starter (completed 65.3 percent of his passes for 2,666 yards, 18 touchdowns and eight interceptions) despite FSU struggling to protect him.

22. *D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama: Having produced four first-round picks in back-to-back drafts, the Crimson Tide may have to wait longer than they've grown accustomed to see their first player drafted in 2013 but no coach more consistently produces talent than Nick Saban. Fluker doesn't often get the media attention that his linemate Barrett Jones receives but as the more physically gifted player, the powerful run blocker could hear his name called first.

23. *William Gholston, DE, Michigan State: At an imposing 6-6, 278 pounds, Gholston lacks the burst upfield as a pass rusher that makes so many of the nation's other defensive ends so intriguing. But his length and strength make him an intriguing candidate as a five-technique capable of setting the edge for a 3-4 defense.

24. *Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina: Lattimore, like fellow SEC star Justin Hunter, will have to prove that he's over the torn ACL that ended his 2011 season prematurely to warrant listing this high. Just as Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson were the unquestioned top backs each of the past two seasons, however, there is no doubt that if Lattimore is healthy, he's established himself as a superstar.

25. *Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia: Murray, like my top-rated prospect, Matt Barkley, does not possess the ideal measurables for the quarterback position but he does boast the arm talent, toughness and success in a pro-style offense against quality competition to make him an easy projection to the NFL.

26. Sean Porter, OLB, Texas A&M: Despite measuring in at just 6-2, 230 pounds, Porter was asked to rush the passer off the edge in the 3-4 scheme utilized under head coach Mike Sherman. With new head coach Kevin Sumlin bringing in a 4-3 scheme, Porter's speed and agility could prove even more effective against the run and in coverage.

27. Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina: Overshadowed by all of the elite defensive talent that came through North Carolina during Butch Davis' tenure in Chapel Hill, Cooper has quietly emerged as one of the steadier interior linemen in the country.

28. *Tyrann Mathieu, CB, LSU: If one were to vote on the Heisman based strictly on players making big plays in big games, the Honey Badger was as deserving of the award as any defensive/special teams' player is ever likely to be. Despite his production, Mathieu isn't a shutdown corner who'll earn a first-round grade from every scout. As a nickel corner, run supporter, blitzer and returner, however, Mathieu's ability to make game-changing plays warrants listing him here despite his scary lack of size (5-09, 179).

29. Barrett Jones, OL, Alabama: Frankly, only the fact that Jones isn't an elite athlete keeps him this low on my list. He started every game at left tackle for the Crimson Tide in 2011 and saw playing time at three other spots -- right tackle, left guard and center. He did this after starting the previous two seasons at right guard. At every position he's played well -- and against obviously top-notch competition. The reigning Outland Trophy Award winner as the nation's top offensive lineman, Jones isn't flashy ... he's just so damn reliable.

30. *Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State: There have been some lean years in the Palouse since Ryan Leaf helped lead the Cougars to the Rose Bowl in 1997, but in Wilson, Washington State has a legitimate NFL-caliber weapon. The 6-2, 188 pounder didn't generate the attention of fellow Pac-12 star receivers Woods and Allen in terms of national exposure, but his production (82 catches for 1,388 yards and 12 touchdowns) was every bit as impressive and Wilson -- and he didn't have the talent around him that USC or Cal offers. The addition of pass-happy head coach Mike Leach should make Wilson that much more productive as a junior.

31. Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma: After a disappointing junior season, Jones made the right choice in electing to return to Norman to improve his decision-making and footwork. The 6-4, 230-pounder boasts the strong, accurate arm that scouts are looking for and could re-emerge as a top ten candidate with an improved 2012 campaign.

32. *Corey Lemonier, DE, Auburn: Blessed with an explosive first step and a high-revving motor, Lemonier (pronounced leh-mon-EER) ranked as one of the more productive pass rushers in the entire country a year ago, finishing with 47 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. He's currently not as effective in disengaging from blocks as his statistics would indicate but could be on the verge of great things.

 

[eakfootball]

In my 16 team dynasty this is the first year where we can select college freshman so far here are the picks:

1.12-Sammy Watkins

1.15-Malcolm Brown

2.3-Marquis Lee

 

[noneother]

Mind posting the 11 picks in front of you?? Thx