DYNASTY: Top 2013 College Prospects (1 Viewer)

[Faust]

TCU QB Casey Pachall suspended following DWI arrest

By Dane Brugler | NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst

TCU starting quarterback Casey Pachall was arrested early Thursday morning for suspicion of driving while intoxicated. Coach Gary Patterson aannounced his indefinite suspension Thursday morning, hours after the arrest.

According to police, Pachall, 21, was pulled over for running a stop sign and driving wildly near TCU's campus in Fort Worth. Pachall registered over the legal limit (0.08) and he was transferred to the Mansfield (Texas) jail with a bond of $1,000.

"Casey Pachall has been suspended indefinitely from competition," coach Patterson said in a release. "My job as a head coach is to win games, educate our kids and help them with their lives."

Paschall is currently rated as NFLDraftScout.com's No. 5 quarterback prospect for 2014.

Pachall is already under the microscope after he admitted past drug use to the police last February. His then-roommate, All-Conference linebacker Tanner Brock, along with three other TCU football players were arrested as part of a campus-wide drug bust. Pachall failed a drug test administered last winter and attended a university drug and alcohol awareness program, but wasn't suspended.

Considered by some a better NFL prospect than his predecessor Andy Dalton, Pachall, a fourth-year junior, has led the Horned Frogs to a 4-0 record through four games this season. He ranks near the top of the conference in most passing categories with 66.0% completions, 948 yards passing and a TD-to-INT ratio of 10-to-1. Entering his second season as the starter, Pachall is considered one of the top-five underclassmen quarterbacks eligible for the 2013 NFL Draft because of his size, arm strength and production, but his off-field concerns are certainly a red flag.

With a tough Big 12 schedule on the horizon for the Horned Frogs, back-up freshman quarterback Trevone Boykin is expected to take over as the starter. TCU hosts Iowa State this Saturday before traveling to Waco to face Baylor next weekend. TCU currently holds the NCAA's longest active win streak with 12.

 

[Faust]

Video Link:

NFL Draft: Everybody Loves Geno Smith!

NFL Draft Analyst Dane Brugler joins Kevin Corke for a look at Geno Smith's rising draft stock. The Heisman front-runner is at the top of NFL draft boards after his record-breaking game against Baylor in Week 5.

 

[Faust]

Risers and Fallers - Dane Brugler -- (Updated 10/2/2012)

 

[Faust]

Big Board: As some senior prospects disappoint, underclassman rise

By Rob Rang | NFLDraftScout.com

NFL scouts touring the country this fall are discovering that this senior class of prospects is failing to live up to the hype.

Southern California's Matt Barkley and Arkansas' Tyler Wilson entered the year almost universally regarded as the top two senior quarterbacks. Each has struggled and as a result, their draft stock has dipped.

The issue is hardly limited to just the quarterbacks. Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei has been good -- but not dominant. Alabama offensive linemen Chance Warmack and Barrett Jones have played extremely well, but lack the dominant physical traits normally associated with first-round prospects.

The effect is, at the quarter point of the college football season, it is the underclassmen moving up my Big Board.

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 40 best potentially NFL Draft-eligible prospects in the entire country.

Underclassmen are denoted with an asterisk (*).

1. *Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State: Throughout the first month of the 2012 college football season, the most consistently dominant prospect I've seen has been the 6-3, 320-pound Hankins. He's been moved inside and out, exploded through one-on-one blocks and shown the ability to handle double teams. He's been more impressive despite playing tougher competition than Utah's Star Lotulelei.

2. *Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia: With all due respect to Hankins, Jones has been even more impressive against better competition. What he hasn't been is consistent. Jones is a natural pass rusher and much better versus the run and in coverage than he's often given credit for. However, he was largely shut down in a highly anticipated matchup against Tennessee and has already missed a game this season due to injury (Florida Atlantic). He transferred to Georgia in the first place (from Southern California) after suffering a neck injury.

3. Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah: Lotulelei entered 2012 as my highest-rated prospect overall and while he remains my top senior, he hasn't demonstrated the consistency I'd like, especially given the underrated talent that surrounds him. How he performs against USC and NFLDraftScout.com's top-rated center, Khaled Holmes will play a big role in determining his final draft grade.

4. Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia: Smith's ascent to the top of the quarterback rankings is eerily reminiscent of the dramatic rise we've seen the past two years from Robert Griffin III and Cam Newton, respectively. Sure, Smith's eye-popping statistics (including an 83.4 completion percentage and 20-0 TD to INT ratio) are influenced by WVU's quick-strike offense and playmaking receivers, but Smith is earning high marks from NFL scouts in terms of his ball placement, arm strength and mobility.

5. *Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU: I am stubbornly keeping Mingo among my top five prospects because the long-armed 6-4, 240-pounder possesses the speed and agility NFL scouts crave in a developmental pass rusher. To put it bluntly, Mingo could be special. His play has been anything but thus far, however. He has just one sack over LSU's first five games and that went for two yards... against Towson.



6. Matt Barkley, QB, Southern Cal: He'll likely be drafted high due to the value of the quarterback position and all of his intangibles. Yet, the simple fact is that the 6-2, 220-pound Barkley does not possess elite physical traits. I believe he'll wind up being a successful starting quarterback in the NFL, but Barkley is far from the guaranteed top-five prospect he's been labeled. Some scouts are struggling to even give him a first-round grade.

7. *Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State: For all of the hype surrounding FSU's offense given the team's 5-0 start, not enough credit nationally is going to the defense. The German-born Werner ranks among the nation's leading producers of both tackles for loss and sacks and plays with greater power and instincts than his 6-4, 256-pound frame and relative lack of experience might lead you to believe.



8. *Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M: The baby-faced Joeckel may look young but in earning all-conference accolades at left tackle after each of his first two seasons in the Big 12, he's shown the patience and technique of an NFL veteran. The test could be tougher this season against SEC competition but if Joeckel is up to the challenge he could join his former quarterback Ryan Tannehill as a top-ten pick.

9. *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 all of the physical characteristics to warrant a top-10 selection. Scouts would like to see more production, however. Despite catching 33 passes, he's largely been held in check (11.8 yard average, two touchdowns) as defenses have focused on him over the first five games of the season.

10. Manti Te'o, ILB, Notre Dame: Te'o was thought to be strongly considering making the jump to the NFL a year ago. With scouts questioning his ability to impact the game as a pass defender, however, he elected to return, dedicating himself to improving his speed and playmaking ability. Through the first four games this season, Te'o has intercepted three passes (the first of his career) and also recovered two fumbles for the undefeated Irish.

11. *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.

12. 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.

13. Kawann Short, DT, Purdue: Considering all of the talented front-seven defenders Purdue has churned out over the years it is a mystery to me why Short doesn't get more attention nationwide attention. After registering 54 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks a season ago, Short has already posted seven tackles for loss, four sacks (including two September 15 versus Notre Dame) and three blocked kicks this season. Scouts would like to see him gain strength but he has excellent vision and lateral agility to make the play when opportunities are near.

14. *Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU: Few of Montgomery's LSU Tiger teammates bared their teeth against Auburn on Sept. 22 and Les Miles' bunch was fortunate to escape their SEC opener with a 12-10 victory. The 6-5, 260-pound Montgomery, however, was a star recording 3.5 tackles for loss and earning the conference's Defensive Player of the Week honor in the victory. Scouts love Montgomery's combination of size, athleticism and production, but want to see more flexibility and awareness in his game.

15. Barrett Jones, OL, Alabama: Whether at tackle, guard or center Jones has demonstrated that he's dependable against the elite competition in college football. I'm not going to go as far as Nick Saban and mention the name of Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews when making a case for listing the defending Outland Trophy and Jacobs Blocking Trophy award winner here, but ... oops, I guess I just did.

16. Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State: Eight of the 15 defensive backs drafted in the first round since 2010 have come from the SEC. The 6-1, 185-pound Banks certainly looks poised to continue that trend, especially if he keeps making big plays. Banks has 15 career interceptions, three of which he's returned for touchdowns.

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 ranks among SEC leaders with six pass breakups, Alabama appears to have yet another first round talent.

18. *Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee: At 6-4, 200 pounds, Hunter has the physical traits to warrant top 20 consideration. He is starting to show the same explosiveness he'd possessed prior to tearing his ACL a year ago against Florida. Thus far, however, he's been much better against weaker opponents (averaging 117 yards receiving yards and two touchdowns) than he has versus SEC competition (61 yards, zero scores).

19. *Eric Reid, FS, LSU: Like the aforementioned Hunter, Reid entered the 2012 season with plenty of fanfare but hasn't yet produced the game-changing plays that characterized a 2011 campaign in which some felt he was actually the most consistent member of a secondary that featured Morris Claiborne, Tyrann Mathieu and Brandon Taylor, a third round pick by the San Diego Chargers (No. 73 overall).

20. *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.



21. Kenny Vaccaro, SS, Texas: Vaccaro strongly considered entering the 2012 NFL Draft after a sparkling junior campaign in which he earned first team all-conference honors with 82 tackles, including two sacks and two interceptions. Instinctive, athletic and physical, he looks poised to join the long line of former standout defensive backs from Austin to earn a top-50 selection in the NFL Draft.

22. *Robert Woods, WR, Southern Cal: Having established himself as a dominant collegiate player since his true freshman season, it is hard to quibble about Woods. He's a reliable route-runner who makes a lot of plays as a featured component of this pro-style offense. However, he has an NFL-caliber quarterback throwing him the ball and isn't even the most talented receiver on his own team (Marqise Lee).

23. Alex Okafor, DE, Texas: Longhorns' quarterback David Ash gets a lot of credit for Texas' 4-0 start this season but the real reason for Texas' turnaround thus far has been the play of the defense, led by Okafor, a returning All-American. Scouts are anxious to see if Okafor, who has registered a team-leading three sacks thus far, is able to keep up the pressure with high-octane passing attacks (West Virginia, Oklahoma, Baylor) facing the Longhorns over the next month.

24. *Alec Ogletree, ILB, Georgia: Jarvis Jones gets much of the credit for Georgia's defense and rightfully so. The Bulldogs feature another playmaking linebacker in Ogletree, however, who jumped off the film this summer when I was reviewing last year's action. The 6-3, 234-pound junior was suspended for the first four games of this season but returned Sept. 29 versus Tennessee with a vengeance, recording a career- and game-high 14 tackles, including three passes broken up, one of which led to an interception in a 51-44 victory over the Vols.

25. Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor: Overshadowed by Robert Griffin III and Kendall Wright throughout much of his career, Williams has stepped to the forefront this season emerging as the country's elite senior receiver. At 6-2, 205, Williams certainly looks the part and he had a monstrous performance against West Virginia (17 catches for 314 yards and two touchdowns) that if not for Geno Smith likely would have landed him more national acclaim.

26. *Jackson Jeffcoat, DE/OLB, Texas: More athletic than his more hyped teammate Alex 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.

27. 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.

28. Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina: Offensive guards rarely earn first-round grades but considering the fact that a couple have been selected in each of the past two years, perhaps NFL teams are starting to realize the immediate impact they can have on an offense. At 6-3, 310 poundsm, Cooper possesses a prototypical combination of size and athleticism for the position.

29. *Corey Lemonier, DE, Auburn: NFL teams love SEC defensive linemen and Lemonier has proven over his career to be a standout in precisely this role. He led the Tigers in both tackles for loss (13.5) and sacks (9.5) a season ago and is well on his way towards accomplishing that goal yet again, with five sacks in four games to start the season.

30. Oday Aboushi, OT, Virginia: The Cavaliers were blown out by Georgia Tech on Sept. 15 but don't place the blame on their talented left tackle. Fresh off a performance that earned him the ACC's Offensive Lineman of the Week for his efforts against Penn State, Aboushi dominated the Yellow Jackets, impressing with both his athleticism and toughness. Frankly, I haven't seen a more impressive performance from any senior left tackle this season.

31. *Dion Jordan, DE/OLB, Oregon: At a rangy 6-6, 243 pounds Jordan's length and explosiveness off the edge makes him a matchup nightmare for opponents. The junior, who led the Ducks a year ago with 13 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks, is earning high marks from scouts who believe he could be one of this year's most exciting "hybrid" prospects.

32. Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas: After missing much of Arkansas' humbling loss to Louisiana-Monroe and all of their SEC opener against Alabama, Wilson returned amid great fanfare to start against Rutgers. While his numbers were strong against the Scarlet Knights, a closer look indicated that he was still holding the ball too long and taking some hellacious hits. These problems once again surfaced Sept. 29 against Texas A&M, Arkansas' fourth consecutive loss. Since returning from injury, Wilson is completing just 50 percent of his passes and has four touchdowns and four interceptions.

Just Missed the Cut:

33. Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame

34. T.J. McDonald, FS, Southern Cal

35. Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama

36. Sean Porter, OLB, Texas A&M

37. *Da'Rick Rodgers, WR, Tennessee Tech

38. Brennan Williams, OT, North Carolina

39. *Tyler Bray, QB, Tennessee*

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

looking like a very bad year to need RB in dynasty at the top of the draft

 

[Faust]

Matt Barkley vs. Geno Smith: Burgeoning 2013 NFL Draft debate

By Bucky Brooks

Analyst, NFL.com and NFL Network

When USC Trojans quarterback Matt Barkley faltered on the national stage against the Stanford Cardinal, he not only lost his foothold on the Heisman Trophy, but he also opened the door for another quarterback to potentially overtake him as the presumptive No. 1 pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.

With West Virginia's Geno Smith riding a wave of momentum following his spectacular performance (45-for-51 for 656 yards and eight touchdowns) in a thrilling, 70-63 win over Baylor, scouts around the NFL are reconsidering their thoughts about which player is the top quarterback in college football.

After digging into the coaches tape to study their respective games, here is my take on the burgeoning Barkley-Smith debate:

Arm talent

Barkley is an outstanding prospect with all of the intangibles that you expect in an elite quarterback. However, he doesn't possess superior physical tools for the position. Barkley displays only adequate arm strength and fails to consistently deliver passes with superb zip or velocity. Although he is certainly capable of making all of the throws in most pro playbooks, it is a byproduct of timing, rather than pure arm talent.

For Barkley to be successful as a pro, he will have to get the ball out of his hand quickly and rely on his remarkable ability to anticipate open windows in the intermediate areas of the field. Matt Ryan has enjoyed tremendous success utilizing that approach, so it is not a stretch for Barkley to play at a high level, despite his arm deficiencies.

Smith has one of the strongest arms in college football. He can make all of the throws with zip and velocity and has shown extraordinary improvement with his accuracy and ball placement. As I've studied the Mountaineers over the first few weeks of the season, I've been impressed with his ability to connect on intermediate and deep throws. Smith routinely pushes the ball down the field on vertical throws to the perimeter, but is also a pinpoint passer on routes in the 10- to 20-yard range.

In addition, Smith has shown excellent anticipation and touch by consistently leading receivers into open areas with his throws. He routinely hits Stedman Bailey and Tavon Austin in stride, allowing them to utilize their superior speed and quickness in space. With most NFL offenses featuring a mix of vertical passing plays and crossing-route combinations that require superb accuracy, ball placement and touch, Smith could be a good fit in any system.



Advantage: Smith

Mobility

Barkley will not win many athletic competitions, but he is a nimble athlete within the pocket. He slips and slides into open areas within a collapsing pocket and finds a way to deliver passes from awkward positions. Although the recent trend of athletic quarterbacks making plays with their feet has led NFL evaluators to covet dual-threat playmakers, Barkley's ability to maneuver within the pocket is good enough for him to succeed in a traditional offense.

Barkley has also shown the ability to consistently make throws on movement-based passes like bootlegs. He quickly gets into a throwing position while on the move and delivers the ball accurately to the flat or the crossing route on the second level. This bodes well for his chances to play within a West Coast system like the one employed by the Houston Texans, which features a variety of movement-based elements.

Smith is a not an explosive athlete in the mold of Robert Griffin III or Cam Newton, but he has enough agility to make plays within the pocket or on the move. While the majority of his positive plays are made with his arm, he has shown the ability to extend plays with his feet by selectively scrambling when the pocket collapses.

As a passer on the move, Smith is comfortable rolling to either side and can deliver a pinpoint strike off a bootleg. He has showcased vast improvement with his ball placement and touch when throwing from unorthodox positions, which suggests he is more than capable of succeeding in a system that features a variety of movement-based throws.

Advantage: Smith

Game management

Barkley is one of the best quarterbacks in recent college history at managing the pre-snap responsibilities at the line. He routinely gets the Trojans into the correct call based on the defensive front or coverage, and shows an uncanny knack for exploiting the vulnerable area of the defense. At USC, he directs an offensive system that is similar to the majority of schemes run in the NFL. Most importantly, he has a teacher with legitimate NFL experience as a play caller in Lane Kiffin. Consequently, he will enter the NFL well-prepared for the mental aspects of the game, which should allow him to get on the field early in his career and enjoy some success based on his extensive game experience as a four-year starter.

From a playing standpoint, Barkley certainly understands how to manage the game as the quarterback. He exploits favorable matchups on the perimeter and isn't afraid to repeatedly target Robert Woods and Marqise Lee, taking full advantage of their superior skills. Although his tendency to feed his top playmakers has led to some contested throws and interceptions, Barkley typically makes sound decisions from the pocket and rarely puts the ball in harm's way.

Smith has shown outstanding game-management skills since stepping into the starting role a couple seasons ago, but he has taken it to another level in 2012. Smith has the Mountaineers' offense humming efficiently as the catalyst. Smith is completing 83.4 percent of his passes, while compiling an unbelievable 208.4 college passer rating. He has thrown 20 touchdown passes on 169 passing attempts ... and has yet to throw an interception. That's unheard of efficiency at the position, and suggests he has complete mastery of Dana Holgorsen's offensive system.

While some scouts will certainly assume the Mountaineers' spread offense is simplistic in nature, a close examination of the scheme reveals that Smith has a number of reads and responsibilities. Smith comes to the line with multiple options within each play before making a decision based on the defensive front or coverage. He counts the number of defenders in the box, and if there are too many players near the line on a running play, he'll opt for a bubble screen instead. In addition, he will hit the "hot read" or sight adjustment against blitz pressures to exploit vulnerable areas of coverage. With more NFL teams adopting collegiate offensive tactics, Smith should be fine adjusting to play at the next level.

Advantage: Barkley

Clutch factor

For all of the traits that scouts look for in potential franchise quarterbacks, it is the ability to perform under pressure that carries the most weight in the final evaluation. How well a quarterback plays with the game on the line is typically the deciding factor in a debate between closely graded prospects.

Barkley, who sports a 30-10 record as a four-year starter, has typically played well in the Trojans' biggest games. Looking back at his play in the team's three losses over the past two seasons, I noticed that he completed 57.9 percent of his throws in those losses, but he also sported a 4-to-5 touchdown-to-interception ratio. While his disappointing performance against Stanford (20 of 41 for 254 yards with two picks) remains fresh in the minds of evaluators, it should register as a blip on the radar based on his fantastic career production (64.0 completion percentage with 10,059 yards, 92 touchdowns and 38 interceptions), not a defining indictment on his ability to play under pressure.

Smith, who boasts a 23-7 record as a three-year starter, has been stellar in big games. He performed well in the team's 70-33 thrashing of Clemson in last January's Orange Bowl, and continued to ride that momentum into this season. When I looked back at his play in the Mountaineers' three losses since the beginning of the 2011 season, I noticed that he connected on 62 percent of his throws and sported a 7-to-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio. When factoring the number of throws (150) and passing yards (1,210) compiled in those three contests, it is hard to suggest that Smith has come up small in big games.



Advantage: Smith

Conclusion

In the scouting world, it is amazing how quickly the pendulum can shift based on a string of performances by an elite player. Smith has completely changed the landscape of the 2013 NFL Draft at the quarterback position by playing at an exceptionally high level over the past few weeks. While Barkley remains a viable option to re-emerge as the No. 1 quarterback in the class, it is hard to rank him ahead of Smith at this juncture, based on the production and performance that we've seen from the beginning of the season.

 

[Gandalf]

Matt Barkley vs. Geno Smith: Burgeoning 2013 NFL Draft debate

By Bucky Brooks

Analyst, NFL.com and NFL Network

When USC Trojans quarterback Matt Barkley faltered on the national stage against the Stanford Cardinal, he not only lost his foothold on the Heisman Trophy, but he also opened the door for another quarterback to potentially overtake him as the presumptive No. 1 pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.

With West Virginia's Geno Smith riding a wave of momentum following his spectacular performance (45-for-51 for 656 yards and eight touchdowns) in a thrilling, 70-63 win over Baylor, scouts around the NFL are reconsidering their thoughts about which player is the top quarterback in college football.

After digging into the coaches tape to study their respective games, here is my take on the burgeoning Barkley-Smith debate:

Arm talent

Barkley is an outstanding prospect with all of the intangibles that you expect in an elite quarterback. However, he doesn't possess superior physical tools for the position. Barkley displays only adequate arm strength and fails to consistently deliver passes with superb zip or velocity. Although he is certainly capable of making all of the throws in most pro playbooks, it is a byproduct of timing, rather than pure arm talent.

For Barkley to be successful as a pro, he will have to get the ball out of his hand quickly and rely on his remarkable ability to anticipate open windows in the intermediate areas of the field. Matt Ryan has enjoyed tremendous success utilizing that approach, so it is not a stretch for Barkley to play at a high level, despite his arm deficiencies.

Smith has one of the strongest arms in college football. He can make all of the throws with zip and velocity and has shown extraordinary improvement with his accuracy and ball placement. As I've studied the Mountaineers over the first few weeks of the season, I've been impressed with his ability to connect on intermediate and deep throws. Smith routinely pushes the ball down the field on vertical throws to the perimeter, but is also a pinpoint passer on routes in the 10- to 20-yard range.

In addition, Smith has shown excellent anticipation and touch by consistently leading receivers into open areas with his throws. He routinely hits Stedman Bailey and Tavon Austin in stride, allowing them to utilize their superior speed and quickness in space. With most NFL offenses featuring a mix of vertical passing plays and crossing-route combinations that require superb accuracy, ball placement and touch, Smith could be a good fit in any system.



Advantage: Smith

Mobility

Barkley will not win many athletic competitions, but he is a nimble athlete within the pocket. He slips and slides into open areas within a collapsing pocket and finds a way to deliver passes from awkward positions. Although the recent trend of athletic quarterbacks making plays with their feet has led NFL evaluators to covet dual-threat playmakers, Barkley's ability to maneuver within the pocket is good enough for him to succeed in a traditional offense.

Barkley has also shown the ability to consistently make throws on movement-based passes like bootlegs. He quickly gets into a throwing position while on the move and delivers the ball accurately to the flat or the crossing route on the second level. This bodes well for his chances to play within a West Coast system like the one employed by the Houston Texans, which features a variety of movement-based elements.

Smith is a not an explosive athlete in the mold of Robert Griffin III or Cam Newton, but he has enough agility to make plays within the pocket or on the move. While the majority of his positive plays are made with his arm, he has shown the ability to extend plays with his feet by selectively scrambling when the pocket collapses.

As a passer on the move, Smith is comfortable rolling to either side and can deliver a pinpoint strike off a bootleg. He has showcased vast improvement with his ball placement and touch when throwing from unorthodox positions, which suggests he is more than capable of succeeding in a system that features a variety of movement-based throws.

Advantage: Smith

Game management

Barkley is one of the best quarterbacks in recent college history at managing the pre-snap responsibilities at the line. He routinely gets the Trojans into the correct call based on the defensive front or coverage, and shows an uncanny knack for exploiting the vulnerable area of the defense. At USC, he directs an offensive system that is similar to the majority of schemes run in the NFL. Most importantly, he has a teacher with legitimate NFL experience as a play caller in Lane Kiffin. Consequently, he will enter the NFL well-prepared for the mental aspects of the game, which should allow him to get on the field early in his career and enjoy some success based on his extensive game experience as a four-year starter.

From a playing standpoint, Barkley certainly understands how to manage the game as the quarterback. He exploits favorable matchups on the perimeter and isn't afraid to repeatedly target Robert Woods and Marqise Lee, taking full advantage of their superior skills. Although his tendency to feed his top playmakers has led to some contested throws and interceptions, Barkley typically makes sound decisions from the pocket and rarely puts the ball in harm's way.

Smith has shown outstanding game-management skills since stepping into the starting role a couple seasons ago, but he has taken it to another level in 2012. Smith has the Mountaineers' offense humming efficiently as the catalyst. Smith is completing 83.4 percent of his passes, while compiling an unbelievable 208.4 college passer rating. He has thrown 20 touchdown passes on 169 passing attempts ... and has yet to throw an interception. That's unheard of efficiency at the position, and suggests he has complete mastery of Dana Holgorsen's offensive system.

While some scouts will certainly assume the Mountaineers' spread offense is simplistic in nature, a close examination of the scheme reveals that Smith has a number of reads and responsibilities. Smith comes to the line with multiple options within each play before making a decision based on the defensive front or coverage. He counts the number of defenders in the box, and if there are too many players near the line on a running play, he'll opt for a bubble screen instead. In addition, he will hit the "hot read" or sight adjustment against blitz pressures to exploit vulnerable areas of coverage. With more NFL teams adopting collegiate offensive tactics, Smith should be fine adjusting to play at the next level.

Advantage: Barkley

Clutch factor

For all of the traits that scouts look for in potential franchise quarterbacks, it is the ability to perform under pressure that carries the most weight in the final evaluation. How well a quarterback plays with the game on the line is typically the deciding factor in a debate between closely graded prospects.

Barkley, who sports a 30-10 record as a four-year starter, has typically played well in the Trojans' biggest games. Looking back at his play in the team's three losses over the past two seasons, I noticed that he completed 57.9 percent of his throws in those losses, but he also sported a 4-to-5 touchdown-to-interception ratio. While his disappointing performance against Stanford (20 of 41 for 254 yards with two picks) remains fresh in the minds of evaluators, it should register as a blip on the radar based on his fantastic career production (64.0 completion percentage with 10,059 yards, 92 touchdowns and 38 interceptions), not a defining indictment on his ability to play under pressure.

Smith, who boasts a 23-7 record as a three-year starter, has been stellar in big games. He performed well in the team's 70-33 thrashing of Clemson in last January's Orange Bowl, and continued to ride that momentum into this season. When I looked back at his play in the Mountaineers' three losses since the beginning of the 2011 season, I noticed that he connected on 62 percent of his throws and sported a 7-to-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio. When factoring the number of throws (150) and passing yards (1,210) compiled in those three contests, it is hard to suggest that Smith has come up small in big games.



Advantage: Smith

Conclusion

In the scouting world, it is amazing how quickly the pendulum can shift based on a string of performances by an elite player. Smith has completely changed the landscape of the 2013 NFL Draft at the quarterback position by playing at an exceptionally high level over the past few weeks. While Barkley remains a viable option to re-emerge as the No. 1 quarterback in the class, it is hard to rank him ahead of Smith at this juncture, based on the production and performance that we've seen from the beginning of the season.

Faust, thanks! Geno Smith has to be viewed higher than Barkley now by most nfl teams. Especially after Cam and RG3. He is putting up ridiculous numbers.

 

[Faust]

Gandalf,

You are welcome! I appreciate the contributions from everyone else in this thread and I am just trying to do my part to add articles that I found helpful in evaluating NFL draft prospects.

Cheers,

Faust

 

[Faust]

NFL draft risers, sliders: Week 6

Tony Pauline

Week six of the college season has been highlighted by skill position players as several receivers and running backs have impressed NFL decision makers with their performances in the early going. Unfortunately a few higher rated players have also been big disappointments on this Saturday.

Risers



John Simon/DE/Ohio State: Simon is not a defender who passes the eyeball test as he's neither tall (6-feet-1½), big (258 pounds) or fast (4.8 in the 40-yard dash). Yet the senior is an intense prospect who gets the most from his ability and finds a way to make plays. He was dominant against Nebraska, posting seven tackles [including five for loss], two sacks and one forced fumble. He's likely to fall into the draft's final day, yet a creative NFL defensive coordinator will develop a spot for Simon and use his tools to produce on Sundays.

Levine Toilolo*/TE/Stanford: Cardinal tight end Zach Ertz was a riser last week and this Saturday it was his teammate's turn to shine. Toilo looks more like a power forward on the football field as the athletic 6-7 prospect swiftly moves about the field. He's displayed flashes of brilliance the past two seasons and turned in a breakout game during Stanford's overtime victory over Arizona. Toilo's numbers included five receptions for 141 yards (28.2 per catch average) and two scores. His blocking is better than advertised and he has an abundance of talent. Scouts hope his performance on Saturday is just the beginning.

Conner Vernon/WR/Duke: Don't look now, but the Blue Devils are one victory shy from being bowl eligible and Vernon is a big reason why. The senior set the ACC record for career receptions in the team's win over Virginia. He caught seven passes [giving him 239 for his career] for 93 yards and two touchdowns. Vernon lacks classic athleticism for the next level, yet scouts love his toughness, reliability and football smarts. He's late-round worthy and will end up as a fifth receiver in the NFL.

Alex Okafor/DL/Texas: The Longhorn defense allowed 460 total yards and 48 points in the loss to West Virginia, so its usually tough pointing to any defensive player as a standout. Okafor is the exception as he single-handedly gave Texas the opportunity to take control of the game on several occasions. He registered two tackles for loss, two sacks, forced two fumbles and was credited with three quarterback hurries. Okafor also blocked a field goal. His forced fumbles were recovered deep in West Virginia territory with one resulting in a touchdown. The intensity, diversity and athleticism Okafor displayed all four quarters will please NFL decision-makers and improve his draft stock.

Braxston Cave/C/Notre Dame: The Irish controlled the line of scrimmage during their 38-point victory over Miami and Cave led the way. Notre Dame finished with 376 rushing yards, much of it running behind Cave. The senior is a blue-collar lineman who brings his lunch pail to work every day and gets the most from his ability. Cave won't blow scouts away with his athleticism, yet the ability to consistently play at a high level will be a draw.

Lerentee McCray/OLB/Florida: The Gators defense allowed eight first downs and six points during the upset victory over LSU and McCray loomed large all game. The athletic linebacker lined up all over the field, effectively stuffing the run and rushing the passer. He's a three-down defender with NFL size and the ability to play in a variety of systems at the next level.

Khaseem Greene/OLB/Rutgers: Greene has been a consistent force all season long for Rutgers dominant defense and has elevated his game as a senior. He's a former safety who moved to linebacker as a junior, developing weekly at his new position. Greene, always known as a stout run defender, posted eight tackles in the victory over UConn, adding to his team-leading 41 tackles. He also intercepted a pass late in the game and forced the Husky offense into mistakes with three quarterback hurries. Greene offers the size, speed and skill to line up at weak side linebacker at the next level and his play this year secures him as a second-day draft pick.

Jawan Jamison*/RB/Rutgers: The more scouts watch Jamison the more they are convinced the underclassman is developing into the next Ray Rice. Jamison lacks classic NFL ball-carrier size yet he's a smart, tough running back who plays big. Jamison totaled 110 yards on 28 carries against UConn, adding two important receptions for 19 yards. Like Rice, Jamison gets stronger deep into the game, turning in big plays during the critical moments. He's a complete player effective in all areas of the running back position. Word is Jamison will look at his NFL options after the season.

Chris Harper/WR/Kansas State: Scouts stamped Harper as a potential middle-round choice as they love the receivers size (6-foot-1, 220 pounds) and speed (4.45 in the 40-yard dash). Harper is beginning to reward that opinion by transitioning his athletic skills onto the football field. During the lopsided victory over in-state rival Kansas, Harper posted four receptions for 69 yards, an average of 17.3 yards per catch. The past three games Harper's average on 11 receptions is 15.4 yards, a significant improvement from the start of the season. He's a big-play receiver with terrific upside and a player who should only improve over time.

Montel Harris/RB/Temple: Harris had been preoccupied with injury and off the field issues much of the past 12 months yet showed Saturday why scouts feel he offers NFL talent. The undersized yet creative running back carried Temple to victory upon the program's return to Big East play. His career day included 133 yards on 24 carries (5.5 average) with a pair of scores in the victory over South Florida. Harris had been struggling with hamstring issues during the first month of the season after missing most of last year with a knee injury. He transferred to Temple over the summer after his dismissal from Boston College for repeated violations of team rules. NFL scouts feel Harris is a draftable player who could fit the role of situational runner/third down back at the next level.

Emory Blake/WR/Auburn: The Tigers have had problems at the quarterback position all season, yet despite this, Blake has stood out as a big-play threat and the team's most consistent pass-catcher. During the loss to Arkansas he finished with 11 receptions for 130 yards and one score. Missing from the statistics was a sure touchdown reception when a wide open Blake was over-thrown 30 yards down the field during the third quarter. Blake possesses NFL size as well as deceptive speed and could be a real find on the draft's final day.

Sliders

Darius Smith/DT/Miami-Fla: Smith was highly rated by a number of scouts entering the season, who thought the big lineman could sneak into the third round. He offers tremendous size and the ability to control the line of scrimmage, but all too often Smith disappears and is a non-factor. Such was the case in the loss to Notre Dame as he was handled by one-on-one blocking all game.

Cory Grissom/DT/South Florida: Grissom was well thought of entering the season yet has struggled the first half of the year. He's a big bodied lineman that's shown the ability to control the line of scrimmage in the past yet has been regularly handled in 2012. He was a non-factor in the loss to Temple as the Owl had no issue running the ball all game.

Notes

• The Indianapolis Colts are making the transition from one franchise signal caller, Peyton Manning, to another, Andrew Luck. It also looks like Luck's former college is moving on to its next dominant signal caller. Since taking over for Luck at Stanford this season, Josh Nunes has improved each week and his play against Arizona was outstanding. Nunes is a step below Luck in every area, but the junior has next-level skills and has impressed scouts through the first half of the season.

• Impressing scouts is what West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith has done every week this season. Highlighted earlier during our NFL Draft Watch segment, Smith was impressive and answered every challenge when he faced off against Texas. Despite relentless pressure from the Longhorn defense, Smith showed tremendous poise, leadership and continually made good decisions in the pocket. He led the Mountaineers from behind on several occasions in the second half and consistently converted on third and fourth down during the game's critical moments. Look for Smith to move into the top half of Round 1 if he continues to play at this level.

• Connecticut cornerback Blidi Wreh-Wilson has struggled with leg issues this season yet showed flashes of dominance against Rutgers. He's a well sized corner who needs to stay healthy and improve his fundamentals but comes with a big upside.

• The struggles continue for Arkansas running back Knile Davis. During the teams much needed victory over Auburn, Davis carried the ball three times, finishing with minus four yards. Considered a potential top 60 pick at one time, it would be a mistake for the junior to enter the 2013 draft.

 

[Gandalf]

Watching Geno Smith look sharp against Texas. His arm is legit - an accurate cannon.

 

[VaTerp]

Watching Geno Smith look sharp against Texas. His arm is legit - an accurate cannon.

Was just thinking the same thing. I never paid too much attention to Smith even though he had very good sophomore and junior seasons.After all the hype this season I've been watching tonight and he looks like the real deal. This guy is about to have a record breaking season and he SEEMS to have a great demeanor and plenty of intangibles to go along with a good arm and athletic ability.Based on the very limited amount I've seen I would rate Smith clearly above Barkley at this point.

 

[Gandalf]

Watching Geno Smith look sharp against Texas. His arm is legit - an accurate cannon.

Was just thinking the same thing. I never paid too much attention to Smith even though he had very good sophomore and junior seasons.After all the hype this season I've been watching tonight and he looks like the real deal. This guy is about to have a record breaking season and he SEEMS to have a great demeanor and plenty of intangibles to go along with a good arm and athletic ability.Based on the very limited amount I've seen I would rate Smith clearly above Barkley at this point.

I'm also a big fan of Johnathan Gray RB Texas. He is a true freshman but was all world in HS. Looks fast and hits the hole hard. Though they are mainly using him in the wildcat. I think he is definitely one to own in developmental leagues. Like what I've seen from him tonight also.

 

[VaTerp]

Watching Geno Smith look sharp against Texas. His arm is legit - an accurate cannon.

Was just thinking the same thing. I never paid too much attention to Smith even though he had very good sophomore and junior seasons.After all the hype this season I've been watching tonight and he looks like the real deal. This guy is about to have a record breaking season and he SEEMS to have a great demeanor and plenty of intangibles to go along with a good arm and athletic ability.Based on the very limited amount I've seen I would rate Smith clearly above Barkley at this point.

I'm also a big fan of Johnathan Gray RB Texas. He is a true freshman but was all world in HS. Looks fast and hits the hole hard. Though they are mainly using him in the wildcat. I think he is definitely one to own in developmental leagues. Like what I've seen from him tonight also.

Yeah, Gray has looked very good tonight, especially for a true freshman. I don't get to watch nearly as much college football as I used to so I need to comb through this thread.Good stuff, guys!

 

[cstu]

Marqise Lee with 12 catches for 192 yards and a score against Utah tonight. Can you say Biletnikoff? Best WR in the nation.

Woods 6 for 69 yards.

Barkley 23/30 for 303 yards and 3 scores.

Wilson is so skinny though. He's not a burner to begin with so I wonder how much speed he'll lose if he bulks up for the NFL.It's still Keenan Allen for me.

You talking about Wilson or Lee? Lee is plenty fast for the NFL. Ran a 10.74 automatic time in the 100m in high school. Qualified for the NCAA long jump finals with a leap of 25'5". He's an explosive athlete and already big enough to play on Sundays. He reminds me of a more explosive Greg Jennings. Same type of receiver. Plays bigger than his listed height because of his athletic ability and hops. If you watch USC games, it's clear that he has surpassed Robert Woods as the #1 target in the passing game. He is the focal point of USC's offense and a certain first rounder barring injury in 2014. I like Allen as well and he might end up being my top WR in the 2013 class, but he's really more of a possession guy and he'll probably struggle to hit big plays on Sundays. He doesn't have a 100+ yard game yet this season, though some of that is due to his QB Maynard being crap. Keenan is not a great deep threat though. He's more of a Crabtree type.

I mistook Lee for Marquess Wilson since I was only thinking about next year. I agree with you about Lee - his long jump is absolutely sick (I believe Justin Hunter also had a 25' long jump). His route running has a ways to go but he's an incredible threat with the ball in his hands. The big question for me is Allen's speed. If he get run a sub-4.5 40 at the combine his stock goes way up IMO. He's not AJ Green but I think he can be a better version of Crabtree.

 

[Faust]

Post #559 has been edited to include the additional observations added by Tony Pauline after the link was first posted.

 

[cstu]

NFL Draft 2013: Power Ranking the Top 100 Prospects (Bleacher Report)

Just the offensive players:

3. Matt Barkley, QB, USC

With a shaky start to his senior season, the notion I had previously set forth that Matt Barkley was set above the field as the clear-cut No. 1 overall pick and top quarterback is no longer there. But while Barkley has come back to the field, I still believe that he will end up being the top quarterback in the 2013 NFL draft class.

Barkley’s numbers through the first half of his senior season are way off from where they were in his junior season, but still present are his fantastic physical skill set and ability to make any throw on the field. Coming out of a pro-style offense, Barkley still remains far ahead of the pack as the most NFL-ready quarterback prospect in the 2013 draft class.

Barkley will be scrutinized more than any other prospect in the leadup to April, but should he have a strong second half to his senior season, he remains the odds-on favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick and top quarterback selected in the 2013 NFL draft.

4. Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

With the struggles of Arkansas and their quarterback Tyler Wilson early this season, the door was left wide open for another quarterback to make a big rise up the draft board and challenge Matt Barkley to be the top quarterback in the 2013 NFL draft class. West Virginia’s Geno Smith has done exactly that.

Smith has made big strides in his senior season from his junior season, which includes putting up some incredible numbers: Smith leads the nation with an 83.4 completion percentage, 20 touchdowns, zero interceptions, 432 passing yards per game and a 208.4 passer rating through his first four games of the season.

Smith, however, is more than just numbers. He has great size for the quarterback position, a strong arm, a tremendous release and is a very good athlete. Touch and accuracy on deep balls, which were issues for Smith in 2011, have not been a problem yet this season.

It is important to proceed through Smith’s numbers this season with caution, as he has yet to play any top defenses, and plays in a spread offense. However, if Smith can continue to play as well as he has through the first third of the season, he has a very legitimate chance of being the No. 1 overall pick in April.

14. Robert Woods, WR, USC*

Among draft-eligible wide receivers for the 2013 NFL draft, Robert Woods is the most complete overall prospect.

Woods may not have ideal size or speed, but with fantastic hands and route-running ability, he is a reliable target who gets open with consistency. He has the quickness and enough speed to be a dangerous playmaker in the open field, but his reliability and maximization of his skills make him a strong candidate for a team whose passing game focuses on intermediate routes.

Not being an elite deep threat should keep Woods out of the top group of draft prospects, but he should end up being a valuable asset to whatever offense he joins, whether that be in 2013 or 2014.

17. Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina*

Marcus Lattimore hasn’t necessarily set the world on fire in his first five games back this season following an ACL injury that cut his season short in 2011. Nonetheless, Lattimore appears to have retained his combination of speed, quickness and physical running ability that make him a first-round draft prospect.

Lattimore stands out among draft-eligible running backs for 2013 with his combination of size, at 6’ and 232 pounds, with his speed. He has the ability to make defenders miss in the open field, but is also effective at running through contact and between the tackles.

If Lattimore’s game gets back to its pre-ACL form against top SEC defenses in the second half of the season, he has a good chance to end up in the top 10 of this board by the end of the season.

22. Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee*

There is no other receiver in college football with the combination of measurables and receiving ability that Tennessee’s Justin Hunter possesses.

Hunter is a very natural talent with tremendous height for a wideout at 6’4’’, but also has track speed and great hands. Hunter’s game is still raw and inconsistent, and he needs to develop as a route-runner, but he has tremendous ability to make plays in one-on-one coverage, and is the best deep threat among draft-eligible wideouts.

Hunter has been putting up his best numbers yet of his career this season after bouncing back from a torn ACL in 2011, and his huge upside is hard to ignore.

24. Keenan Allen, WR, California*

There is a lot to like about California’s Keenan Allen as a wide receiver prospect: he has great size, hands, athleticism and route-running ability, while he uses his size to well to make catches in traffic and run through contact.

What Allen may not have, however, is field-stretching speed and big-play ability at the next level. He can make defenders miss with his quickness, but is more of a possession receiver than a deep threat.

His upside is not tremendously high, but nonetheless, he should be a very solid possession receiver at the next level, and he has been very productive at California. Therefore, his current worth is a late first-round draft pick.

26. Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas

Tyler Wilson came into the 2012 college football season as the top challenger to USC’s Matt Barkley to be the top quarterback selected in the 2013 NFL draft, but as Arkansas has regressed early this season, so has Wilson’s draft stock.

In four games so far this season, Wilson has only completed 54.5 percent of his passes, showing that accuracy continues to be a work in progress for him. Wilson has a very solid physical skill set and can make the tough throws that the NFL looks for, but inconsistent play is hurting his draft stock thus far while Arkansas is taking a nosedive to the bottom of the SEC standings.

32. Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State*

The Washington State Cougars have gotten off to a disappointing start in their 2012 season—their inaugural year under new head coach Mike Leach—but wide receiver Marquess Wilson has continued to be productive. Even in a 25-point rout by Oregon in their most recent game, Wilson caught 12 passes for a total of 182 yards.

Wilson is a very skilled deep threat with great speed and acceleration and very good hands. He needs to add bulk so he can contribute as a blocker, and work on his route-running, but he can become an immediate weapon for an NFL passing offense.

39. Tyler Bray, QB, Tennessee*

Tyler Bray is a tall, cannon-armed quarterback with tremendous physical tools, but his inconsistent accuracy and decision-making continue to be problems. Currently, Bray looks like a boom-or-bust quarterback prospect, with the potential to be a star. Being a major project at this point, his best bet is to stay and wait until the 2014 NFL draft.

40. Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia*

Aaron Murray does not have great size or astounding physical tools, but he does have a strong arm paired with very good downfield touch. He is an efficient quarterback who has made big strides from his sophomore season (68.2 completion percentage through five games in 2012, compared to 59.1 in 2011), and he is a solid second-round target to compete for a starting quarterback job.

43. DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson*

Sammy Watkins could be a top-5 prospect for the 2014 NFL draft, but fellow Clemson wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins has shown that he could be a pro wide receiver in his own right this season. Hopkins is a big, athletic receiver who tracks the ball well and has great hands. He has stepped up this season with more than 100 receiving yards in each of Watkins’ three absences from the lineup this season.

46. Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson

Andre Ellington is a smaller running back, but he has dynamic speed and quickness to make defenders miss, and his career at Clemson has been productive. He is surprisingly effective at running through contact, and with his overall skill set, Ellington should be a very good addition to a running back-by-committee.

52. Le’Veon Bell, RB, Michigan State*

Le’Veon Bell is a big, 244-pound running back, but he complements that size with very good athletic ability, including a well-displayed ability to hurdle defenders. He is a workhorse running back who can hold up through a heavy load of carries.

53. Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame*

Tyler Eifert is the most complete tight end prospect in the 2013 NFL draft class. Eifert has basketball-player size and athletic ability, as is the growing norm for NFL tight ends. He pairs receiving skills with being a fairly strong blocker.

56. Knile Davis, RB, Arkansas*

After missing the entire 2011 season due to an ankle injury, Knile Davis has not looked like quite the same running back he once was for Arkansas’ offense. If he can return to form, however, he is a dynamic running back who can make defenders miss, but he also has the size to be a legitimate between-the-tackles, tackle-breaking runner.

63. Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

Landry Jones has the physical tools that once could have made him a very high draft pick, but his confidence and, subsequently, his play have seemed to be in regression since his sophomore year. Jones is a talented passer who still has the potential to be a future NFL starter, but no longer looks to be in the first-round quarterback discussion.

64. Jordan Reed, TE, Florida*

Jordan Reed is a dynamic receiving playmaker at tight end. He is very athletic for the position, and creates mismatches with his size, speed and route-running ability. A former quarterback, he has potential to run the Wildcat offense as well.

65. Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford

Stepfan Taylor has been successful in continuing to perform well as a senior, now outside of the shadow of Andrew Luck at Stanford. Taylor is a well-rounded running back who does not stand out in any one area, but has a good combination of speed, quickness and power.

71. Cobi Hamilton, WR, Arkansas

Cobi Hamilton is a dynamic downfield receiving playmaker who has always been a big-play threat in his time at Arkansas, and has the potential to be a game-changer, even at the next level. Through the first five games of his 2012 season, Hamilton ranks second nationally in average yards per catch among players with at least 30 receptions.

72. Aaron Dobson, WR, Marshall

Best-known for a tremendous one-handed catch he made against East Carolina in his junior season, Aaron Dobson is a big wideout with great hands and vertical athleticism.

74. Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee*

Cordarrelle Patterson is only in his first season at Tennessee having transferred in from junior college, but he has made his impact felt immediately. Patterson is a big-play threat with great size and speed, and although he remains very unproven, he has huge upside.

78. Dion Sims, TE, Michigan State*

Few 285-pound tight ends have the athletic ability and receiving skills that Dion Sims has. Sims is actually Michigan State’s best playmaker in the passing game, and he is also a very solid blocker, making him a very intriguing tight end prospect.

79. Aaron Mellette, WR, Elon

A small-school stud, Aaron Mellette has great size and speed for a wideout. He also having terrific route-running skills, and he may be best suited to play as an inside slot receiver.

80. Kenny Stills, WR, Oklahoma*

Kenny Stills is a long, athletic wideout who has been one of Landry Jones’ best playmakers since his freshman season, but he may not be anything more than a fourth receiver in the NFL.

81. Quinton Patton, WR, Louisiana Tech

A junior-college transfer, Quinton Patton was very productive in his first season at Louisiana Tech, and he is a very good route-runner with the speed and quickness to make plays in open field.

82. Johnathan Franklin, RB, UCLA

There is not necessarily one trait that stands out about Johnathan Franklin as a running back, but he is a solid all-around runner who has 697 rushing yards through the first five games of his senior season. He is effective both running in open space and between the tackles.

83. Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor

In his senior season, Terrance Williams has emerged in place of Kendall Wright as Baylor’s big downfield playmaker in the passing game. Williams is not quite the prospect Wright was, but he does have an intriguing combination of size, speed and ability to make big receiving plays.

86. Denard Robinson, RB/WR, Michigan

Denard Robinson certainly does not have the passing skills to play quarterback in the NFL, but the dynamic rushing skills he has displayed at Michigan suggest that he could be a rotational playmaker at running back or wide receiver, from which he could also run a Wildcat package at the next level.

90. Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech*

Heading into the 2012 college football season, Logan Thomas was viewed by many as the top challenger to Matt Barkley’s status as the top quarterback for the 2013 NFL draft. Thomas has tremendous physical tools, including great size, a huge arm and good athleticism, but his play has been much too inconsistent this season, and he really should return to school for his senior season.

97. Joseph Randle, RB, Oklahoma State*

Joseph Randle is a dangerous runner in open field, with very good vision, an ability to make defenders miss, and can also bounce the ball between the tackles. He has been very productive at Oklahoma State with 534 yards through his first four games of the 2012 season.

98. Marcus Davis, WR, Virginia Tech

Marcus Davis has not had a lot of catches at Virginia Tech, but he has great all-around athletic ability paired with great length and size, making him a dynamic downfield playmaker when he is targeted in the passing game.

100. Da’Rick Rogers, WR, Tennessee Tech*

Da’Rick Rogers is a very talented receiver with great size along with route-running and catching-in-traffic abilities, but he was dismissed from Tennessee due to multiple substance-abuse violations. Rogers should be expected to enter the 2013 NFL draft after one season at Tennessee Tech, where his stock should have dropped from potential late first- or early second-round pick to late third- or early fourth-round pick.

 

[EBF]

• The Indianapolis Colts are making the transition from one franchise signal caller, Peyton Manning, to another, Andrew Luck. It also looks like Luck's former college is moving on to its next dominant signal caller. Since taking over for Luck at Stanford this season, Josh Nunes has improved each week and his play against Arizona was outstanding. Nunes is a step below Luck in every area, but the junior has next-level skills and has impressed scouts through the first half of the season.

Surprised to read this, as he has generally looked pretty bad to me.

Keenan Allen reminds me of Dez with his size and after catch skills. Looks thicker than 205.

Don't see that one so much. Not as gifted athletically. I think the Crabtree comparison is the most accurate, though they have different body types. Crab a little bit shorter and thicker. Keenan taller and lankier. I like Keenan, but I am not going to make any strong concerted effort to get him onto my FF teams. Just don't think he's quite that special. Pretty good year for Pac-12 WRs though. Everyone knows about Allen, Woods, Lee, and Wilson by now. Markus Wheaton from Oregon State and Kenneth Scott from Utah also appear to have legitimate NFL potential. I also like Ty Montgomery from Stanford. His production has been disappointing and he does not show a great ability to make tough catches in traffic, but he is a pro caliber athlete and will be drafted in 2014 or 2015 for that reason alone. His teammate Drew Terrell should also find his way onto an NFL roster. He is a bit like Doug Baldwin and will probably be a late pick or UDFA. Pac-12 is also loaded at TE with several guys who figure to be early picks down the road.

 

[Faust]

Sanders steals SEC showdown

By Nolan Nawrocki

Facing the most challenging three-game stretch of the college football season against three-top-10 ranked opponents, South Carolina came out gunning against Georgia, scoring on their first two possessions, and rolling to a 35-7 victory over the fifth-ranked Bulldogs. The win set the tone for next week’s trip to LSU.

The contest was all but over at the end of the first quarter after junior PR-WR Ace Sanders, one of the most dynamic playmakers in football with rare stop-start acceleration, pulled another rabbit out of his hat on a 70-yard punt return in which he slipped through five tacklers to put the Gamecocks ahead 21-0.

Steve Spurrier has built his reputation on gimmick trick plays and creative offensive packages and moved the ball with ease against a Georgia defense that’s stacked with top NFL draft prospects.

Most remarkable in South Carolina’s dominating performance has been the play of the Gamecocks’ defense, led by star pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney and physical senior FS D.J. Swearinger.

Georgia’s mammoth junior OLT Kenarious Gates, who kicked outside from the guard position he occupied last season to replace Bills second-round pick Cordy Glenn, could not handle the speed, quickness or power of Clowney, an elite rush talent who has turned flashes of dominance as a true freshman into more consistent play as a sophomore.

With senior DE Devin Taylor coming off the other edge and explosive junior DE Chaz Sutton kicking inside in nickel situations, ably replacing Chargers 2012 first-rounder Melvin Ingram in rush situations, the Gamecocks thoroughly outmatched the Bulldogs up front and would not let QB Aaron Murray find comfort or any rhythm in the pocket.

Spurrier finished off his 250th career win by feeding junior RB Marcus Lattimore, who rushed for more than 100 yards for the third consecutive time against the Bulldogs. Lattimore is tough and will square his shoulders in the hole and fight for yardage, but he is not overly powerful, with a narrow build. He also is not overly elusive and is not yet back to the form he showed prior to his ACL injury.

With loads of playmaking talent on offense, defense and special teams, South Carolina is well positioned to challenge LSU and Florida in the coming weeks.

• Texas senior DE Alex Okafor made a big impact in a 48-45 loss to West Virginia, twice stripping QB Geno Smith. The first came midway through the second quarter just short of the goal line and was recovered by the Longhorns for a TD to even the game at 21. The second came midway through the fourth quarter with the Longhorns trailing by three when Okafor got underneath the pads of the Mountaineers’ left tackle and bull-rushed him into Smith’s throwing arm, as Smith never sensed the front-side pressure coming. He escaped with a victory and maintained his Heisman Trophy-caliber production, having yet to throw an interception this season. With the Longhorns dropping extra defenders into coverage, West Virginia sophomore RB Andrew Buie was the star of the game, rushing 31-207-2 and catching three passes for 66 yards.

• North Carolina State senior QB Mike Glennon started off the season slowly, struggling with a four-interception performance against Tennessee, but he was the catalyst in the Wolfpack’s fourth-quarter rally to beat an undefeated, No. 3-ranked Florida State squad that entered the fourth quarter with a 16-3 lead. Not only did the Wolfpack’s defense do a superb job of containing Seminoles QB EJ Manuel in the second half, but Glennon converted three critical fourth-downs, including the game-winner, to produce a 17-16 victory. The tall, strong-armed pocket passer created a buzz at the Manning Passing Academy in July and could follow an ascending path to the draft if he continues to hone his decision making.

• Ohio State junior CB Bradley Roby picked off two passes in the Buckeyes’ 63-38 win against Nebraska, returning the first 41 yards for a touchdown.

• There is not a more talented defensive line in college football than LSU’s, and the Tigers’ D-line showed its potential in the first half when junior DT Bennie Logan burst through the line and forced a fumble that junior DE Barkevious Mingo recovered inside the 10 to set up a field goal. However, it was the opportunistic play of Florida junior SS Matt Elam that changed the game, stripping LSU WR Odell Beckham to nullify a long gain and set up the Gators for a 14-6 victory. Elam’s secure open-field tackling and playmaking ability overshadowed the college game’s top safety, LSU’s Eric Reid.

• Clemson star sophomore WR Sammy Watkins returned to the field against Georgia Tech after being sidelined with a virus the previous week. It did not stop junior WR DeAndre Hopkins from stealing the show, however, as he racked up 7-173-2 receiving in a 47-31 victory. The Tigers dominated in the fourth quarter, scoring the last 17 points of the game after shutting down Paul Johnson’s triple-option offense.

 

[Faust]

Weekly Rewind: Elam provides Florida a safety net

By Rob Rang | The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com

Following a Saturday in which No. 3 Florida State, No. 4 LSU and No. 5 Georgia each suffered upset losses to conference rivals, it is perhaps more appropriate than ever to remind fans of just how difficult is for teams -- regardless of their future NFL talent -- to finish a season undefeated.

In the high-profile contest of the weekend it was the stellar play of two safeties that left the greatest impression on talent evaluators. LSU junior free safety Eric Reid entered the matchup against No. 10 Florida as the most celebrated defensive back on the field. The preseason All-American boasts a combination of size (6-2, 212), speed and ball skills unmatched in college football. He's hardly just an impressive athlete -- his reliable open-field tackling and history of making big plays in critical games have helped make him NFLDraftScout.com's No. 14 overall prospect.

Against Florida, Reid wasn't able to make the momentum-changing plays that helped the Tigers to big wins over Alabama (2011), Texas A&M (2010-11 Cotton Bowl) and Arkansas (2010). While he showed terrific closing speed on several of his six tackles, Reid -- like most of LSU's talented defenders -- was largely held in check by Florida's commitment to the run.

The game-changing play Saturday at The Swamp was turned in by another underclassman, who quietly is earning favorable early grades from pro scouts -- Florida strong safety Matt Elam.

While not as physically intimidating as his counterpart, the 5-10, 202 pound Elam had a team-best seven solo tackles, including a tackle for loss. In ripping the football away from LSU wideout Odell Beckham, Jr., he immediately extinguished the only big play (20-plus yards) the Tigers had on offense all day.

With LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger surprisingly able to slip free from an aggressive Florida pass rush, Beckham slipped down the right sideline. Mettenberger hit him on a perfectly thrown 56-yard bomb.

Trailing Beckham and showing the speed and understanding of pursuit angles NFL scouts looking for, Elam closed on and rather than just securing the tackle -- which was a feat in itself considering Beckham's speed and elusiveness -- he wrapped his arm around the Tiger ballcarrier, ripping the ball free and putting himself in position to recover the fumble.

Beckham's catch would have given LSU its only third-down conversion of the game to that point (4:13 left in third quarter). They'd convert just one more in the game, never getting further than their own 45-yard line in the fourth quarter.

Quick-hitters:

* In a game in which the defenses received all of the hype it was Florida senior running back Mike Gillislee who proved the difference in the upset win over LSU, weaving through Tigers for 146 rushing yards and both of the Gators' scores on a career-high 34 attempts. The 5-11, 209 pound Gillislee showed off the toughness, vision, lateral agility and explosiveness scouts are looking for in a true three-down back at the pro level. Gillislee's scores were arguably the two biggest plays of this low-scoring affair, but if all you saw of this contest were the highlights, they don't do the senior running back justice as they were two of his easiest runs of the day. While LSU is exceptionally athletic along the defensive line, they're also undersized, especially at left defensive end with the 6-4, 245 pound Barkevious Mingo. While Mingo's agility and surprising strength makes him more effective against the run than his size would likely lead you to believe, he and the rest of the left side of the LSU defensive front was consistently sealed off by good blocking from the Florida offensive line throughout this game. Though the Gators were held to just a 3.0 yard per rush average against LSU, their total effort on the ground (176) was more than four times than what the Tigers and their vaunted power running game were able to muster Saturday (42). As is often the case on a team as athletically gifted as Florida, Gillislee has had to bide his time before getting the opportunity to be the Gators' lead back. Though he'd seen action in 36 games over his career entering the 2012 season, Gillislee had amassed "just" 920 yards and 10 touchdowns (on 145 attempts). Nevertheless, his talents were obvious, which led NFLDraftScout.com to stubbornly rank him among the more intriguing senior running back prospects in the country heading into the year. Given a day three grade (5th-6th round) prior to Saturday's performance, Gillislee will be drafted much higher than that should he continue his breakout campaign, perhaps even jumping into the competition to be the first senior running back selected come April.

* Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei entered the 2012 season as my top-rated prospect in the country. Though he's flashed the unique combination of strength and athleticism that caused him to be voted by Pac-12 offensive linemen as the conference's dominant down defender a year ago, he's been largely inconsistent this season. Scouts having recently visited Utah, in fact, have told me they've found him somewhat "underwhelming" so far. Their tunes may change after reviewing the tape of Thursday's performance against USC. While the Utes lost this contest 38-28 and Lotulelei was officially only credited with three tackles, including one tackle for loss, the reasons I believe he'll wind up a top five pick in the 2013 draft were on constant display. in a highly anticipated matchup against Lotulelei's power, burst off the snap and lateral agility helped him dominate USC's center Khaled Holmes, a 6-3, 305 senior rated by NFLDraftScout.com as the top prospect at his position for the 2013 NFL draft. When forced to block Lotulelei by himself Holmes was consistently pushed deep into the pocket, resulting in two botched snaps and multiple tackle for loss opportunities for an aggressive Utah front seven. After it was clear that Holmes could not handle Lotulelei alone, USC committed one of their guards to assisting their senior center on most snaps and at times dedicated a third blocker to the Utah defensive tackle. As the game went on, it was clear Lotulelei wore down. He played hard throughout the contest, however, pursuing laterally and downfield even as the game got out of reach. That kind of sustained effort against the most talented offensive unit he's likely to face all season long will ultimately result in Lotulelei earning the highest draft selection of any Utah player since Alex Smith was selected No. 1 overall back in 2005.

* The University of Arizona lost a heart-breaker in overtime to Stanford Saturday and quarterback Matt Scott, unfortunately, will remembered more for the tipped pass that led to the interception that ultimately resulted in the Wildcats' loss than the record-breaking performance he'd enjoyed throughout most of the afternoon. Scott, who set a school and conference record with 69 pass attempts, saw his final attempt get tipped and land in the hands of Cardinal outside linebacker Chase Thomas. While the game certainly ended on a sour note for Scott, talent evaluators couldn't help but be impressed with the unique skill-set from the Wildcats' quarterback, who completed 45 of those attempts for 491 yards and three touchdowns in the loss. Scott is leaner than scouts would prefer at 6-2, 198 pounds but demonstrated the toughness, mobility and most importantly the arm talent to reward an NFL team willing to gamble on his upside. Scott was particularly impressive during the third quarter of this contest. He showed off his legitimate NFL arm on a pair of 3rd quarter touchdown passes to wideout Austin Hill to twice give the Wildcats the lead in the back and forth game. Scott was the beneficiary of good pass protection on both plays, as he had the time to fake the hand-off to Ka'Deem Carey before setting his feet and throwing perfect strikes. On the first touchdown, Scott rolled to his left and drilled the ball into Hill, who'd himself started left and was then crossing back over the middle heading right. It was a difficult throw and one easy to nitpick if Scott's accuracy and arm strength hadn't been up to the task, but they were. Scott demonstrated the same intriguing combination of zip and ball placement on Arizona's next drive, firing a deep ball between Stanford's cornerback and safety playing in a Cover-2 to hit Hill for a 17-yard touchdown. Since 1963 only two Arizona quarterbacks have been drafted, with Nick Foles last April being drafted as part of the seven-round format currently used by the NFL. In Scott, who incidentally leads the Pac-12 in total offense (367.2 all-purpose yards per game) and is currently NFLDraftScout.com's No. 9-rated senior quarterback prospect, the Wildcats appear poised to go two for two.

 

[Xue]

Keenan Allen reminds me of Dez with his size and after catch skills. Looks thicker than 205.

Don't see that one so much. Not as gifted athletically. I think the Crabtree comparison is the most accurate, though they have different body types. Crab a little bit shorter and thicker. Keenan taller and lankier. I like Keenan, but I am not going to make any strong concerted effort to get him onto my FF teams. Just don't think he's quite that special.

You went back 10 months to quote me? I don't currently compare Allen to Bryant anymore after watching more footage. Allen not quite as strong.I think Allen shows better body control and flexibility than Crabtree. Made some crazy one-handed catches last season. Crabtree was a sharper route runner. Keenan Allen reminds me most of Armon Binns with better running after catch ability.

 

[EBF]

Looks like I was reading the first page by accident.

 

[moderated]

This is going to be one of the worst dynasty rookie drafts for top tier players. Qb's are the only ones who mildly interest me, the rest of the class blows at the top. Mid 1sts will be almost as valuable as top 3 picks.

 

[jurb26]

This is going to be one of the worst dynasty rookie drafts for top tier players. Qb's are the only ones who mildly interest me, the rest of the class blows at the top. Mid 1sts will be almost as valuable as top 3 picks.

Yeah, there are vitually no players I'm really excited about in this years group right now. I suppose that could change but it's unlikely with about a 3rd of the college season past. I like the group of QBs but don't think there are any on the level of Luck or RG3. Geno could emerge as that guy but I'm never comfortable ranking QBs from those spread offenses that highly. Barkely is probably still the top guy. The RBs are deep but none look studly. I think we have a bunch of late 1st and 2nd rounders here. That doesn't mean none of them will have NFL success. Just that I'm not excited about them.I thought the WR group would look better at this point.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

This year's senior class looks awful outside the QBs -- and the junior class doesn't look much better at this point. Maybe some of the WRs, but I'm not sold.

There are some 2013 guys I could get a lot happier about with a great combine. Every year there are guys who do much better than expected in Indy and improve their draft stock as a result; hopefully one of the guys I'm curious about will be one of them.

 

[monkeysee]

Marqise Lee with 12 catches for 192 yards and a score against Utah tonight. Can you say Biletnikoff? Best WR in the nation.Woods 6 for 69 yards.Barkley 23/30 for 303 yards and 3 scores.

Lattimore, Lee, and Barkley will go 1,2,3. A few suprises always start to show thier stuff mid season and become 1st round picks. I think Tavon Austin of W Va is one of those guys. Wow talk about someone that runs to space and then leaves them all in the dust. Is he coming out in next draft?

 

[MAC_32]

Marqise Lee with 12 catches for 192 yards and a score against Utah tonight. Can you say Biletnikoff? Best WR in the nation.Woods 6 for 69 yards.Barkley 23/30 for 303 yards and 3 scores.

Lattimore, Lee, and Barkley will go 1,2,3. A few suprises always start to show thier stuff mid season and become 1st round picks. I think Tavon Austin of W Va is one of those guys. Wow talk about someone that runs to space and then leaves them all in the dust. Is he coming out in next draft?

Lee's not eligible this year and, yeah, Austin's impressed me too. If he goes to the right situation he can be huge.Positional scarcity will get me to look at Lattimore #1 still, but if I had to guess right now Geno is #2 on my board.

 

[doowain]

Gio Bernard with 262 yards rushing vs. Virginia Tech. Anyone see the game?

 

[pacman_fl]

I always appreciate threads like these each year. Difficult for me to sit & watch College Football due to time. EBF & Others, looking @ the leaderboard, it looks like some of these guys have ideal size and are putting up solid #s. What are your thoughts on these guys:Stefphon Jefferson - Nevada. 5'11", 210. Jonathan Franklin - UCLA. 5'11", 195. Le'Veon Bell - MSU. 6'2" 244

Nevada fan and have seen plenty of Jefferson this year (will be at the game Saturday) - I would like to think he will develop into a strong prospect because I enjoy seeing the local guys making it but, in my opinion, he is similar to Vai Taua in that he is a product of the system and competition. He doesn't seem overly fast or nimble but he DOES run what is called and hit the hole hard. Personally, I am not that high on Franklin either but I know there are those that are.

Watched Jefferson "up close and personal" against Wyoming. I came away less impressed than I have been while watching him on TV. His style reminds me of how I described Ryan Grant his last 2 years with the Packers (I am a double Pack fan - Wolf and Packers) - "he closes his eyes and runs where he is told, if he is still running after a few seconds, the hole was open and he opened his eyes and made a couple of jukes". I always said this in half joking manner but there always seemed like some truth to it. I DID come away even more impressed with Cameron Wimberly than I already was. Quite likely he is a late (5th+) round pick and could be cut outright or maybe a practice squad type, BUT he is more talented than Rishard Matthews (who is still hanging around in Miami though not helping any fantasy teams). He has some nice moves to get open (good return guy as well), runs nice routes, is a strong hands catcher and can line up in various WR positions. The only thing I saw that concerned me is that he took some plays off when he wasn't involved (didn't even make an attempt to block on backside runs). Side note - the Pack added Nate Burleson to the school's Hall of Fame on Saturday - there IS hope for Wimberly if he can develop like Nate did.

 

[FDC]

Gio Bernard with 262 yards rushing vs. Virginia Tech. Anyone see the game?

I did. Va Tech defense is struggling and a good chunk of that was from somewhat of a busted play. I still think Gio is a top 3 round pick though.

 

[EBF]

ESPN's website has a lot more video highlights than they used to. Apart from just the standard game recaps, you can also go in there and look at big plays for most of the BCS conference games. Really helps if you are just curious to see a particular player.

Gio Bernard with 262 yards rushing vs. Virginia Tech. Anyone see the game?

His long TD run was just a broken play. Run through the wide open hole and then sprint 60 yards with no one around you. His yards per carry must be pretty insane this year though. I feel like he's hitting big plays almost every time he touches the ball. He reminds me a little bit of DeAngelo Williams, but size could be a question mark and he has not shown himself to be the most durable back.

This is going to be one of the worst dynasty rookie drafts for top tier players. Qb's are the only ones who mildly interest me, the rest of the class blows at the top. Mid 1sts will be almost as valuable as top 3 picks.

Agreed. What this class really lacks is top level difference makers. Guys like Woods and Hunter are not bad players, but they are not bankable stars that you can build your FF team around ala Luck and Richardson. Dyer might have been near that level, but his off-field stuff has really clouded his situation. He might not even declare until 2014, assuming he stays in shape and gets focused. I've already traded one 2013 1st (probably late) for a 2014 1st (possibly early). I don't think I'll regret it. There are going to be some good players in this draft. There always are. But I think most of the eventual stars will be surprises who fly under the radar as prospects and then exceed expectations at the next level ala Maurice Drew, Greg Jennings, and Brandon Marshall.

 

[doowain]

ESPN's website has a lot more video highlights than they used to. Apart from just the standard game recaps, you can also go in there and look at big plays for most of the BCS conference games. Really helps if you are just curious to see a particular player.

Gio Bernard with 262 yards rushing vs. Virginia Tech. Anyone see the game?

His long TD run was just a broken play. Run through the wide open hole and then sprint 60 yards with no one around you. His yards per carry must be pretty insane this year though. I feel like he's hitting big plays almost every time he touches the ball. He reminds me a little bit of DeAngelo Williams, but size could be a question mark and he has not shown himself to be the most durable back.

Yeah, I saw the highlights on ESPN, but it only showed two of his big plays. Was curious as to the 21 other carries.

 

[cstu]

This is going to be one of the worst dynasty rookie drafts for top tier players. Qb's are the only ones who mildly interest me, the rest of the class blows at the top. Mid 1sts will be almost as valuable as top 3 picks.

Yeah, there are vitually no players I'm really excited about in this years group right now. I suppose that could change but it's unlikely with about a 3rd of the college season past. I like the group of QBs but don't think there are any on the level of Luck or RG3. Geno could emerge as that guy but I'm never comfortable ranking QBs from those spread offenses that highly. Barkely is probably still the top guy.

The RBs are deep but none look studly. I think we have a bunch of late 1st and 2nd rounders here. That doesn't mean none of them will have NFL success. Just that I'm not excited about them.

I thought the WR group would look better at this point.

Spread or not, it's incredible what Geno is doing - 81% completions, 24 TD's, 0 INT. Going into Texas and playing a near perfect game (except fumbles) convinced me to put him over Barkley. There's still a lot of season to go and Geno faces K-State in a couple of weeks, which will be his biggest test.

 

[Faust]

West Virginia's Geno Smith shows poise of NFL quarterback

By Bucky Brooks

Analyst, NFL.com and NFL Network

AUSTIN, Texas -- Geno Smith is the real deal.

That opinion should certainly not surprise anyone who read the piece I penned last week comparing Smith to USC's Matt Barkley, but it was validated by the way the Heisman Trophy hopeful worked his magic against the Texas Longhorns on Saturday night.

Smith completed 25 of 35 passes for 268 yards and four touchdowns in leading West Virginia to a 48-45 victory. Those numbers fell short of the ridiculous output he posted in the Mountaineers' win over a Baylor a week ago, but they were indicative of Smith's workmanlike performance against a top-15 team.

Watching Smith from field level, I was impressed by his diverse all-around game and his ability to make plays from the pocket against a fierce pass rush. He never flinched under duress, and his willingness to stand and deliver with defenders in close proximity spoke volumes about his toughness. In addition, he showed tremendous grit and determination by leading the Mountaineers to victory in a hostile environment.

Now that I've had a day or so to reflect on Smith and his performance Saturday, I've identified three aspects of his game that really stood out to me:

1) Leadership: I have no concerns about Smith's leadership skills after what I saw Saturday. From the time the Mountaineers entered the field for pregame warmups until the conclusion of the game, Smith showed outstanding leadership qualities. He encouraged his teammates at every turn, refusing to hang his head when he turned the ball over on a pair of strip-sacks. Smith was obviously annoyed by the mistakes, but he didn't appear to wallow in self-pity, responding instead with improved play on the subsequent series.

2) Poise: Great quarterbacks are unflappable in moments of stress, and Smith clearly handled himself well. He took a beating at the hands of the Longhorns' defensive line, but his game in the pocket never changed. Smith consistently delivered accurate throws to his intended receivers, despite having rushers in close proximity. He refused to wilt under the pressure of constant harassment, and his courage under fire helped West Virginia make several critical conversions with the game on the line. Smith tossed three lasers to Stedman Bailey on slants for scores, despite having defenders in his face each time he released the ball; on each toss, he stood in and took the shot while making an accurate throw. Most quarterbacks alter their release point or delivery with contact on the horizon, but Smith's ability to fire an accurate strike under duress was a testament to his courage and poise.

3) Accuracy and anticipation: Many assume that a quarterback with a gaudy completion percentage is the product of a system predicated on making easy throws like bubble screens and swings. The Mountaineers certainly incorporate such concepts in their playbook, but I was impressed with Smith's ability to excel on intermediate throws from the pocket. He consistently delivered pinpoint passes to his receivers on short posts, square-outs and seams. I loved his rhythm as a passer and his ability to quickly transition from play-fake to delivery without skipping a beat. This skill will help him acclimate quickly to the pro game; he already understands how to reposition his feet in the pocket to make throws, so adjusting to three-, five- and seven-step drops will not be a problem.

Smith also displayed fine awareness and anticipation while throwing his receivers into open areas. He repeatedly led wideouts away from defenders, and pinpoint placement prevented tips or deflections at the second level. Smith consequently avoided throwing any interceptions against a defense that maintained tight coverage for most of the night. On the season, Smith has thrown 24 touchdown passes to zero interceptions.

Conclusion: Smith just might be the best quarterback in college football after his impressive showing against the Longhorns. He has all of the physical tools you look for at the position, in addition to the intangibles one needs to be great at the next level. The season is far from over, but it's hard to find a hotter prospect in the 2013 draft class than Smith at this point.

Smith wasn't the only player who stood out during this game. Here are a few more:

Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

Teams searching for a Percy Harvin clone will love Austin. The 5-foot-9, 174-pound jitterbug is lightning in a bottle in the open field. Whether he was catching bubble screens on the perimeter or running slant routes over the middle, Austin was nearly impossible to contain when he touched the ball. He possesses rare stop-start quickness, and his ability to reach top speed in a hurry allows him to routinely outrun defenders to the corner of the end zone. He's also one of the most electrifying return men I've seen in recent memory. His combination of skills will certainly make this senior a coveted prospect as the 2013 NFL Draft nears.

Stedman Bailey, WR, West Virginia

Bailey's dimensions aren't ideal for a No. 2 receiver, but his combination of route-running skills and hands will make him an effective slot receiver at the next level one day. He shows cat-like quickness coming out of his breaks, and his ability to separate from tight coverage is exceptional. The most impressive part of his game, in my mind, is his knack for getting to open areas over the middle of the field. He repeatedly found space between the hashes on an assortment of routes, and his chemistry with Smith precipitated a productive outing for the Mountaineers' passing game. Receivers with the courage to make a living inside the numbers are rare, and Bailey will be a hot commodity for NFL offensive coordinators in the future.

Alex Okafor, DE, Texas

Scouts are taught to grade the flashes, and no prospect flashed more in Austin than Okafor. The 6-foot-4, 265-pound defensive end was a blur off the edge at times; his talent for creating disruption altered Smith's approach from the pocket. Okafor beats blockers with speed and quickness, but also flashes the ability to turn speed into power. He will burst off the ball and sell a speed rush before attacking the blocker down the middle with a powerful two-hand shiver (bull-rush move), shocking and disengaging. When Okafor coordinates the movements in rhythm, he overwhelms blockers at the line, resulting in an easy sack quite often. Against the Mountaineers, he showed his full array of moves, tallying a pair of sacks, including a strip-sack fumble that resulted in a touchdown. Although Okafor didn't bring the energy and effort on every down, the fact that he was able to produce some splash plays in a big game will certainly intrigue scouts looking for a playmaker off the edge.

Jackson Jeffcoat, DE, Texas

Jeffcoat was also a standout performer in this game. The 6-5, 245-pound pass rusher collected four tackles and a sack while displaying explosive first-step quickness and athleticism. He repeatedly used his speed and quickness on upfield rushes to harass Smith from the corner, narrowly missing him on multiple occasions. The constant pressure forced Smith to hasten his delivery in the pocket, leading him to make a few errant throws. If I had to cast a critical eye on Jeffcoat's game, I would cite concerns about his strength and a lack of pass-rush diversity. He appears to be a one-trick pony and will need to develop a more refined game to dominate at the next level. Regardless, he has the talent and athleticism to be a difference-maker off the edge, and that certainly makes the junior an intriguing prospect.

Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas

The NFL has become a passing league, and scouts are searching for cornerback-like safeties. Vaccaro certainly qualifies as a hybrid at the position, due to his ability to cover in the slot and play center field. Against the Mountaineers, he displayed surprising cover skills as a slot defender. He consistently maintained tight coverage down the field and showed excellent patience at the line in press. Most importantly, he didn't look uncomfortable in space. This will make him a desirable prospect for defensive coordinators in need of safeties who can cover displaced tight ends or slot receivers in a base defense.

Carrington Byndom, CB, Texas

The Longhorns will not get enough credit for their solid defensive showing against the Mountaineers, thanks to the amount of points they surrendered, but their secondary was superb for most of the night. Byndom led the effort with his suffocating coverage of the Mountaineers' receivers on the perimeter. He repeatedly challenged them at the line of scrimmage in press coverage, displaying fantastic quickness and agility while shadowing movements early in routes. Byndom's ability to stay square against jitterbug-type receivers was impressive, and leads me to believe he can excel against bigger pro receivers. Some scouts would like to see Byndom pick off a few more passes, but he'll get high marks from evaluators for his solid coverage against two of the most productive receivers in the country.

WORD ON THE STREET

NFL scouts appear to be cooling on Michigan State's Johnny Adams, who garnered a lot of preseason buzz as one of the top cornerbacks in college football. The 5-11, 176-pound senior entered the season with a reputation as a solid all-around corner with the skills to thrive in a man-to-man or zone-based systems. However, scouts worry about his speed and technical skills in isolated matchups. One AFC South personnel executive told me he didn't view Adams as a legitimate No. 1 corner, and said he would have a hard time putting him in a division that features big, physical receivers, due to his less-than-ideal physical dimensions. He went on to say that Adams' struggles against Ohio State were indicative of the problems he could face at the next level.

STOCK UP

Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina

In a time when hype routinely overshadows substance, it's refreshing to see a five-star high school recruit live up to expectations. Clowney, who was widely hailed as the No. 1 player in the 2011 recruiting class, is emerging as the best defensive end in the country in just his second college season. He leads the Gamecocks with 6.5 sacks and 11.5 tackles for a loss, showing a combination of size, strength and athleticism that scouts covet in elite pass rushers.

Mike Glennon, QB, N.C. State

Glennon didn't enjoy a spectacular overall game against Florida State on Saturday, but his impressive fourth-quarter showing will certainly create a buzz in the scouting community. With his team down by 13 points, Glennon directed a pair of touchdown drives and made a ton of big plays in critical moments. On the final drive, Glennon converted on three fourth downs, including two inside the 15-yard line, displaying exceptional poise and anticipation in the pocket. What was most impressive about Glennon's late-game heroics was his resiliency following a disappointing first half. He never appeared rattled by the situation or circumstance; his outstanding leadership abilities were apparent when he connected on a two-yard score to Bryan Underwood with just 16 seconds remaining on the clock. Scouts will certainly pick through the rough parts of his performance, but he'll draw praise from some evaluators for bouncing back and leading his team to a huge upset win.

Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina

Any running back who rolls up 200-plus rushing yards against a Frank Beamer-led squad deserves a mention. Bernard ran 23 times for 262 yards and a score against Virginia Tech on Saturday, displaying the speed, burst and explosiveness that helped him rush for 1,253 yards as a first-year starter in 2011. Although Bernard had flashed big-play potential in three games against weak competition, his 11.4 yards-per-carry average against the Hokies suggests he could be a major problem for ACC opponents.

Mike Gillislee, RB, Florida

Rushers rarely run roughshod over LSU's vaunted defense, so Gillislee's 34-attempt, 146-yard performance Saturday will raise eyebrows among scouts. Gillislee collected his third 100-yard game of the season, carrying the ball with a hard-nosed style that is ideally suited for the pro game. He repeatedly powered through tacklers at the point of attack; Gillislee wears down opponents over the course of a game with tenacity and physicality. Against LSU, he was at his best running inside between the tackles out of the Gators' power formations. Gillislee attacked the B-gaps on isolations and power plays and remained persistent, despite achieving modest gains on most of his attempts (Gillislee's longest run of the day was 12 yards). His game is built on grit, determination and toughness, and he's bound to draw the interest of teams in need of productive inside runners.

Jordan Poyer, CB, Oregon State

Cornerbacks with ball skills are valued at a premium, so Poyer can expect his stock to soar after a three-interception performance against Washington State. The 6-foot, 190-pound senior changed the momentum of the game with each interception, and discouraged the Cougars' quarterbacks from taking shots over the middle of the field. Poyer, who spent most of the night playing as the Beavers' nickel corner, showcased great instincts and awareness, jumping intermediate and short routes in his area. Most importantly, he showed scouts that he has the hands to come down with the football when errant tosses go his way. Several games remain against prolific passing offenses in the Pac-12; Poyer will have ample opportunities to show NFL evaluators he can play on an island as a pro.

STOCK DOWN

Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia

After lighting up the Bulldogs' competition over the first five weeks of the season, Murray looked like a mere mortal against South Carolina, completing just 11 of 31 passes for 109 yards with one interception in a disappointing 35-7 loss. What was most disheartening about the performance was Murray's inability to find passing lanes when surrounded by South Carolina's tall front-line defenders. Some deflections are to be expected, considering Murray's height (6-foot-1, 210 pounds), but his inability to adjust during the game suggests he could have issues as a pocket passer in the NFL. One game certainly doesn't make a trend, but scouts will undoubtedly study Murray's play over the remainder of the season to see if there's a serious flaw in his game.

 

[Xue]

Giovani Bernard vs Virginia Tech.

 

[jurb26]

This is going to be one of the worst dynasty rookie drafts for top tier players. Qb's are the only ones who mildly interest me, the rest of the class blows at the top. Mid 1sts will be almost as valuable as top 3 picks.

Yeah, there are vitually no players I'm really excited about in this years group right now. I suppose that could change but it's unlikely with about a 3rd of the college season past. I like the group of QBs but don't think there are any on the level of Luck or RG3. Geno could emerge as that guy but I'm never comfortable ranking QBs from those spread offenses that highly. Barkely is probably still the top guy.

The RBs are deep but none look studly. I think we have a bunch of late 1st and 2nd rounders here. That doesn't mean none of them will have NFL success. Just that I'm not excited about them.

I thought the WR group would look better at this point.

Spread or not, it's incredible what Geno is doing - 81% completions, 24 TD's, 0 INT. Going into Texas and playing a near perfect game (except fumbles) convinced me to put him over Barkley. There's still a lot of season to go and Geno faces K-State in a couple of weeks, which will be his biggest test.

His biggest test will be when they play Bama in the BCS.

 

[werdnoynek]

Nice story on Michael Dyer from USA Today...

Former Auburn star Michael Dyer ready to run again

9:31PM EST October 9. 2012 - LITTLE ROCK The run we remember included a hard fall, and then an odd pause. He took the handoff and scooted around right end. After a short gain, a safety wrestled him down.

Except Michael Dyer wasn't down.

He stood up and looked around. For an instant, everyone and everything seemed frozen. Then he heard them coaches, teammates, it seemed like everybody screaming: "RUN!!!" And he did, all the way to a national championship.

Which is why it is startling, on a dreary Saturday morning less than two years later, to find the offensive MVP of the BCS Championship game in a middle-school gymnasium in one of the meanest parts of his hometown. Several hundred miles away, kickoff is approaching, Auburn vs. Arkansas. But football isn't on the agenda here, where a group of teenagers listens to an impassioned pep talk from a police officer. As Sgt. Willie Davis explains critical thinking and decision-making and the consequences of wrong choices, Dyer sits quietly, head down, until his moment arrives. He stands. For a moment, he looks around. Then he starts pacing.

"How y'all doing? I'm Michael Dyer," he says. "I want to talk to you about the world and how to weed out some of the traps you can get caught up into."

After washing out of football programs at Auburn and then Arkansas State, Dyer is enrolled at tiny Arkansas Baptist College, working toward an associate's degree with the goal of returning to major college football next fall. But he is also enrolled, unofficially, in a mentoring program with a very different goal.

"This ain't about football," says Donald Northcross, dean of men at Arkansas Baptist. "This is about Michael Dyer being a good man."

He's a good football player. Coming out of Little Rock Christian Academy, he was rated the nation's top running back by ESPN.com/Scouts Inc. Although Cam Newton was the chief catalyst in Auburn's 2010 run to the BCS title, Dyer was more than a complementary part, breaking Bo Jackson's school freshman record while rushing for 1,093 yards. He had 143 yards in the championship game, including 57 on the drive (and 37 on that crazy not-quite-down run) for the winning field goal.Last season as a sophomore, Dyer rushed for 1,242 yards and 10 touchdowns. Most who have watched the 5-9, 210-pounder play would probably agree with the assessment of his uncle, Andre Dyer:

"He is a beast when he grabs that ball on the football field."

The trouble was keeping his eye on the ball away from the field.

"I listened to the fame and the crowd," Michael tells the kids in that middle-school gym. "Now I've got to go through a whole 'nother change and get back to the things I know are right."

He left Auburn last January after he was suspended from the Chick-Fil-A Bowl for violating unspecified team rules. Last spring, testifying in the trial of an Auburn teammate, Dyer admitted his .45 pistol was used by four former teammates in a robbery, though without his permission. He said he frequently used "spice," a powerful synthetic marijuana substitute that was legal at the time, as well as marijuana.

A transfer to Arkansas State, where former Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn had become head coach, didn't work out either. Dyer was dismissed in July after details of a traffic stop several months earlier were revealed.

Dyer had been cited for speeding 96 in a 70 zone. The state trooper found evidence of marijuana. He confiscated a handgun, though the pistol, which was unloaded and stored in a backpack in the car's trunk, was later returned to Dyer by the state police. The trooper was fired after an internal investigation into his conduct, but the publicity was too much for Arkansas State and Malzahn.

Though Dyer declined to discuss specifics, he says he made poor choices, "took things for granted or blew off" responsibilities. Auburn coach Gene Chizik and Arkansas State's Malzahn declined interview requests.

"You always have problems you've got to face," Dyer says. "It's how you answer them and do things from there. … I understand if people are mad or disappointed in me. All I can do is what I can do now and go past what I did before. We're all just restarting and going from there."

But to restart, he'll have to endure a reshaping.

Andre Dyer waited until a week after Michael's dismissal from Arkansas State before calling his nephew. "Mr. Dyer," he started and this, he says, underscored his serious tone; he more often calls his nephew "Mike D" and then followed with a question: "What are you going to do?"

The answer came quickly.

"'Unc,' I'm waiting for you to tell me," Michael said.

They had options. Agents called, suggesting they could help Michael prepare for the NFL draft next April. But Michael wanted to keep playing college football. And despite Michael's troubles, the Dyers say college coaches wanted him to play.

" 'Bring him here, we'll take care of him, we'll make sure he's on the right track' that same jargon you hear from all these coaches for years," Andre Dyer says. "After speaking to a couple of coaches, it all just kind of was regurgitated. It was the same song and dance, and I knew what their hearts were really about."

Andre, a Little Rock police officer, had a plan. Although Arkansas Baptist College, a historically black college, is a four-year school, it also offers two-year associate's degrees. If Michael graduates in May, he would be immediately eligible at the NCAA's FBS level next fall. Andre called Davis, a longtime friend and former college teammate, and asked him to set up a meeting with Fitz Hill, the school's president. Hill is a former college football coach from 2001-04, he was head coach at San Jose State but football wasn't a big part of the conversation.

"Everybody else we spoke to, I knew why they wanted Michael at their school," Andre Dyer says. "Michael knew why they wanted Michael at their school. Arkansas Baptist didn't want that. We haven't won any games for them, haven't brought in any revenue, haven't sold any T-shirts that say 'Michael Dyer is here now.' They were simply there . . . just to help this family. And that's what they've done."

Hill and Northcross see part of their mission to not only educate but also develop character in African-American men. In that respect, they say, Dyer is not different than any other student. But they have designed a personalized program for him.

In addition to required attendance at classes, Northcross and Davis, the police officer, meet regularly with Dyer, altering the times and places, Northcross says, in order to test him. They've gotten Michael a part-time job at a screen-printing company. They've asked him to begin working with a troubled high school student, and required his regular attendance at those Saturday sessions of the O.K. Program.

Their goal isn't image rehabilitation for a return to football so much as preparation for what comes after that.

"He can play football," Northcross says. "We already know that. That will handle itself. But we want Michael to develop his character. That can happen. I'm convinced that it can happen."

Says Hill: "We're trying to make him assume responsibility. You think as BCS MVP you're walking on water, breaking Bo Jackson's record and all that type of stuff. Nobody's really shooting you straight with reality. So we're trying to re-center reality for him."

Michael says he gets it. He says Arkansas Baptist reminds him of attending high school at Little Rock Christian Academy, before he got off-track.

"I'm not around too many people (at Arkansas Baptist) that can distract you too much," he says. "They've got a lot of people there that push you to be better. … I'm surrounded by people that I know care about me as a person."

What comes next isn't certain. Though under NCAA rules Dyer would be immediately eligible next fall with two more seasons to play, his addition would be a tough sell for some programs. Andre Dyer says they will take care in choosing Michael's next school, looking for a support system. When they find the right fit, the idea is that Northcross, Davis and Hill would vouch for Dyer's conduct and, they say, his character making it easier for a coach and college to bring him aboard. So far, they're pleased with Michael's embrace of their requirements, but they caution: It's early.

"This is not an easy task, just throw Michael in here and then send him out," Hill says. "My credibility means more to me than that. If he can't do it, it won't be because he looks back and says, 'I didn't have anybody to help me.'

"We have something he really wants. The test is, how badly does he really want it?"

Which brings us back to that BCS championship restart, and an analogy they hope is apt.

"If I could stop for just a moment and they think I was down, and then go again maybe I'll be able to do that again," Michael says.

Michael says he knew the play was not over when Oregon's Eddie Pleasant grabbed him and pulled him down. After falling atop Pleasant, he got up, uncertain what to do.

"I stood up," he says, "waiting to see if I was gonna hear something."

Then, suddenly, coaches and teammates and were encouraging, imploring, even demanding RUN!!! and he did. Where does Michael Dyer go from here?

"It depends," his uncle says, "on who's telling him to run and whose voice he hears."

 

[EBF]

I was wondering when we might get an update on him. Sounds like he's at least attempting to get his act together. That's encouraging. The ability is there. He just needs to work hard and stay focused. On talent alone I think he's a Rashard Mendenhall type of prospect. Not quite a superstar like Peterson or Richardson, but a solid first round back capable of handling 300+ carries.

The article makes it seem like they aren't preparing him for the 2013 draft, but are instead planning to get him back on the field for an NCAA team next year to pump up his stock for the 2014 draft. Yet another reason to bail on this year's rookie picks...

 

[cstu]

I was wondering when we might get an update on him. Sounds like he's at least attempting to get his act together. That's encouraging. The ability is there. He just needs to work hard and stay focused. On talent alone I think he's a Rashard Mendenhall type of prospect. Not quite a superstar like Peterson or Richardson, but a solid first round back capable of handling 300+ carries. The article makes it seem like they aren't preparing him for the 2013 draft, but are instead planning to get him back on the field for an NCAA team next year to pump up his stock for the 2014 draft. Yet another reason to bail on this year's rookie picks...

Whatever his plans are, he still has to find a school that would take him. I think he declares for the draft anyway.

 

[FDC]

Giovani Bernard vs Virginia Tech.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-o3GNnH1go&feature=youtube_gdata_player

5:35 mark

 

[EBF]

I was wondering when we might get an update on him. Sounds like he's at least attempting to get his act together. That's encouraging. The ability is there. He just needs to work hard and stay focused. On talent alone I think he's a Rashard Mendenhall type of prospect. Not quite a superstar like Peterson or Richardson, but a solid first round back capable of handling 300+ carries. The article makes it seem like they aren't preparing him for the 2013 draft, but are instead planning to get him back on the field for an NCAA team next year to pump up his stock for the 2014 draft. Yet another reason to bail on this year's rookie picks...

Whatever his plans are, he still has to find a school that would take him. I think he declares for the draft anyway.

I don't think that's going to be an issue. The article makes it sound like a lot of teams were interested after he got booted from Arkansas State. There will be plenty of teams willing to make room for a blue chip difference maker. Unless he has a change of heart, I would expect to see him on the field for a new school next year. Then he'll be in the 2014 draft.

 

[Childress]

It looks like I'm going to have the 1.1 and 1.2 picks in this upcoming draft. Is the shark move to move those kinds of picks before dynasty owners see how weak this next draft will be? Is it that weak? Can anyone emerge this late in the season?

 

[Andrew74]

It looks like I'm going to have the 1.1 and 1.2 picks in this upcoming draft. Is the shark move to move those kinds of picks before dynasty owners see how weak this next draft will be? Is it that weak? Can anyone emerge this late in the season?

I will also have two high picks in '13, one probably the 1.01. I am working hard to use them to grab high level talent before anyone starts focusing on next year's draft.

 

[Childress]

The regular posters in this thread know a lot more than I do about evaluating talent but it seems even the big names (Justin Hunter, Keenan Allen, Rashaun Woods, Lattimore) have questions marks about whether or not they'll even be adequate pros.

I am going to try and move my picks, I just don't know whether the time is now or during draft season. Normally you can get more the closer you wait until the draft but with improving draft coverage nowadays I'm afraid all the draft gurus will be telling everyone about how weak these skill positions. I'd rather try to move the picks to teams who lose their playoff hopes and start thinking about next year asap.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

The regular posters in this thread know a lot more than I do about evaluating talent but it seems even the big names (Justin Hunter, Keenan Allen, Rashaun Woods, Lattimore) have questions marks about whether or not they'll even be adequate pros. I am going to try and move my picks, I just don't know whether the time is now or during draft season. Normally you can get more the closer you wait until the draft but with improving draft coverage nowadays I'm afraid all the draft gurus will be telling everyone about how weak these skill positions. I'd rather try to move the picks to teams who lose their playoff hopes and start thinking about next year asap.

seems like a tough spot to be in next year if you are truely rebuilding. If you area contender, Id be looking to move picks for sure right now

 

[Childress]

Giovani Bernard vs Virginia Tech.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-o3GNnH1go&feature=youtube_gdata_player

5:35 mark

I wonder at the end of the year how high he will be in the RB rankings, looks like he can do a lot of things well.

 

[CalBear]

The regular posters in this thread know a lot more than I do about evaluating talent but it seems even the big names (Justin Hunter, Keenan Allen, Rashaun Woods, Lattimore) have questions marks about whether or not they'll even be adequate pros.

I'm pretty sure Rashaun Woods will never be an adequate pro.

 

[Time Kibitzer]

Pretty poor game by Geno Smith, to put it mildly. 29/55, 275 yards, 5.0 YPA, 1 TD.

 

[coolnerd]

Pretty poor game by Geno Smith, to put it mildly. 29/55, 275 yards, 5.0 YPA, 1 TD.

Apparently did not adjust to the high winds well. Texas Tech has played good defense this year, but I think noone was expecting a total shutdown

 

[Faust]

Big Board: Smith could pull a Cam Newton: win Heisman Trophy, go No. 1 in draft

By Rob Rang | NFLDraftScout.com

Oct. 12, 2012 9:29 PM ET

Two years ago it was a little known junior college transfer named Cam Newton who guided the Auburn Tigers to the BCS title, collecting the Heisman Trophy and ultimately earning the No. 1 overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft.

While Robert Griffin III entered his junior campaign with more fanfare, his dramatic rise was nonetheless just as spectacular to behold.

By dominating a proud and talented Texas Longhorns defense in front of a record 101,851 fans at Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium, West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith answered critics who questioned how well he'd perform in a big game.

In doing so, he not only took a huge step toward collecting the 2013 Heisman Trophy, he ascended to the top of some talent evaluators' draft boards -- including my own.

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 40 best potentially NFL Draft-eligible prospects in the entire country.

Underclassmen are denoted with an asterisk (*).

1. Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia: Sure, Smith's eye-popping statistics (including an 81.4 completion percentage and 24-0 TD to INT ratio) are influenced by WVU's quick-strike offense and playmaking receivers, but that doesn't mean the 6-3, 220-pound senior quarterback hasn't earned the hype building around him. Some thought last week's matchup against Texas would expose him. Instead, by holding up in the face of a terrific UT pass rush in a frenzied foreign environment, Smith validated what scouts have come to know -- he has the elite combination of poise, ball placement, arm strength and mobility that ultimately could lead to him being the No. 1 overall selection in the 2013 NFL Draft.

2. * Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State: It hasn't been the most impressive of seasons thus far for Big Ten fans, but they can take solace in the play of Ohio State's Hankins. The 6-3, 320-pound junior has been moved inside and out, exploded through one-on-one blocks and shown the ability to handle double-teams. He's been more impressive, despite playing tougher competition, than Utah's Star Lotulelei.

3. * Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia: With all due respect to Hankins, Jones has been even more impressive against better competition. What he hasn't been, however, is consistent. Jones is a natural pass rusher and much better versus the run and in coverage than he's often given credit for. He was largely shut down in a highly anticipated matchup against Tennessee, however, has already missed a game this season due to injury (Florida Atlantic) and transferred to Georgia in the first place (from Southern California) after suffering a neck injury.

4. Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah: Lotulelei entered 2012 as my highest-rated prospect overall and while he remains my top senior, he hasn't demonstrated the consistency I'd like, especially given the underrated talent that surrounds him. His highly celebrated domination against Southern Cal senior Khaled Holmes, NFLDraftScout.com's top-rated center, justified my lofty ranking and proved that he may just be the most aptly named player in the country.

5. * Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU: I am stubbornly keeping Mingo among my top five prospects because the long-armed 6-4, 240-pounder possesses the speed and agility NFL scouts crave in a developmental pass rusher. To put it bluntly, Mingo could be special. His play has been anything but thus far, however. He has just one sack over LSU's first six games and that went for two yards... against Towson.



6. Matt Barkley, QB, Southern Cal: Though he'll likely be drafted high due to the value of the quarterback position and all of his intangibles, the simple fact is that the 6-2, 220-pound Barkley does not possess elite physical traits. I believe he'll wind up being a successful starting quarterback in the NFL, but Barkley is far from the guaranteed top-five prospect he's been labeled. Some scouts are struggling to even give him a first round grade, at all.

7. * Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M: The baby-faced Joeckel may look young but in earning all-conference accolades at left tackle after each of his first two seasons in the Big 12, he's shown the patience and technique of an NFL veteran. The test could be tougher this season against SEC competition, but if Joeckel is up to the challenge he could join his former quarterback Ryan Tannehill as a top ten pick.

8. 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 5-0 start. Fans sick of the "basketball on turf" style that has overtaken much of college football can't wait for Saturday when Te'o and the Irish take on the physically aggressive and well-coached Stanford Cardinal.

9. * 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 all of the physical characteristics to warrant a top 10 selection. Barring an upset, he will be the first receiver selected in the 2013 NFL Draft.

10. * 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.

11. 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.

12. * Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU: Blessed with an unbelievable combination of speed and size (6-5, 260) Montgomery looks the part of a top-10 pick. He's enjoyed better production thus far this season (18 tackles, including 6.5 tackles for loss, two sacks) than his touted teammate, Barkevious Mingo, as well. Neither made a critical game-changing play when the Tigers needed it last week in an upset loss to Florida and there are some reservations about Montgomery's instincts and flexibility.

13. Barrett Jones, OL, Alabama: Whether at tackle, guard or center Jones has demonstrated that he's dependable against the elite competition in college football. I'm not going to go as far as Nick Saban and mention the name of Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews when making a case for listing the defending Outland Trophy and Jacobs Blocking Trophy award winner here, but... Oops, I guess I just did.

14. Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State: Eight of the 15 defensive backs drafted in the first round since 2010 have come from the SEC. The 6-1, 185-pound Banks certainly looks poised to continue that trend, especially if he keeps making big plays. Banks has 15 career interceptions, three of which he's returned for touchdowns.

15. * 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 ranks among SEC leaders with six pass breakups, Alabama appears to have yet another first-round talent.

16. Kawann Short, DT, Purdue: Considering all of the talented front-seven defenders Purdue has churned out over the years, it is a mystery to me why Short doesn't get more nationwide attention. After registering 54 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks a season ago, Short has already posted eight tackles for loss, four sacks (including two September 15 versus Notre Dame) and three blocked kicks this season. Scouts would like to see him gain strength but he has excellent vision and lateral agility to make the play when opportunities are near.

17. * Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State: The German-born Werner started off the 2012 season on fire, recording multiple tackles for loss and sacks in each of his first three games. As the competition has increased, however, Werner's production has dropped significantly. Though he still ranks among the nation's leading big-play specialists at defensive end with 10 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, only one of them has come in the past three games. Scouts like his athleticism, motor and instincts but there are whispers that perhaps he dropped too much weight in the off-season in an attempt to be more explosive. After playing last year at 6-4, 270 pounds, some believe he's closer to 250 now ...

18. * 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.

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. He used these skills to register two sacks, two forced fumbles and a blocked field goal in the showdown against Geno Smith and West Virginia, earning the Big 12's Defensive Player of the Week honors.

20. * Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee: At 6-4, 200 pounds Hunter has the physical traits to warrant top-20 consideration. He is starting to show the same explosiveness he'd possessed prior to tearing his ACL a year ago against Florida. Thus far, however, he's been much better against weaker opponents (averaging 117 yards receiving yards and two touchdowns) than he has versus SEC competition (61 yards, zero scores).

21. * Eric Reid, FS, LSU: Like the aforementioned Hunter, Reid entered the 2012 season with plenty of fanfare but hasn't yet produced the game-changing plays that characterized a 2011 campaign in which some felt he was actually the most consistent member of a secondary that featured Morris Claiborne, Tyrann Mathieu and Brandon Taylor, a third round pick by the San Diego Chargers (No. 73 overall).

22. * Jackson Jeffcoat, DE/OLB, Texas: More athletic than his more hyped teammate Alex 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.

23. 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.

24. Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina: Offensive guards rarely earn first-round grades but considering the fact that a couple have been selected in each of the past two years, perhaps NFL teams are starting to realize the immediate impact they can have on an offense. At 6-3, 310 pounds, Cooper possesses a prototypical combination of size and athleticism for the position.

25. * Alec Ogletree, ILB, Georgia: Jarvis Jones gets much of the credit for Georgia's defense and rightfully so. The Bulldogs feature another playmaking linebacker in Ogletree, however, who jumped off the film this summer when I was reviewing last year's action. The 6-3, 234-pound junior was suspended for the first four games of this season but returned Sept. 29 versus Tennessee with a vengeance, recording a career and game-high 14 tackles, including three passes broken up, one of which led to an interception in a 51-44 victory over the Vols.

26. * Dion Jordan, DE/OLB, Oregon: At a rangy 6-6, 243 pounds, Jordan's length and explosiveness off the edge makes him a matchup nightmare for opponents. The junior, who led the Ducks a year ago with 13 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks, is earning high marks from scouts who believe he could be one of this year's most exciting "hybrid" prospects.

27. Kenny Vaccaro, SS, Texas: Vaccaro strongly considered entering the 2012 NFL Draft after a sparkling junior campaign in which he earned first team all-conference honors with 82 tackles, including two sacks and two interceptions. Instinctive, athletic and physical, he looks poised to join the long line of former standout defensive backs from Austin to earn a top-50 selection in the NFL Draft.

28. 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 in his recent performance against Toledo on Oct. 6. Physical and athletic, Fisher will compete to be the first senior offensive tackle drafted in the 2013 draft.

29. Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor: Overshadowed by Robert Griffin III and Kendall Wright throughout much of his career, Williams has stepped to the forefront this season emerging as the country's elite senior receiver. At 6-2, 205 pounds, Williams certainly looks the part and he had a monstrous performance against West Virginia (17 catches for 314 yards and two touchdowns) that if not for Geno Smith likely would have landed him more national acclaim.

30. Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas: After missing much of Arkansas' humbling loss to Louisiana-Monroe and all of their SEC opener against Alabama, Wilson returned amid great fanfare to start against Rutgers. While his numbers were strong against the Scarlet Knights a closer look indicated that he was still holding the ball too long and taking some hellacious hits. These problems once again surfaced Sept. 29 versus Texas A&M, Arkansas' fourth consecutive loss. Wilson showed signs that he's working his way out of his early season funk in the Razorbacks' 24-7 win over Auburn Oct. 6, but he didn't throw a touchdown in the victory and has only four TDs (against four interceptions) over his last three games, overall.

31. Oday Aboushi, OT, Virginia: The Cavaliers have limped to a 2-4 record but that hasn't stopped Oboushi from establishing himself as one of the more talented offensive tackles in the country. He's let his temper get out of control on occasion, drawing a few penalty flags that the Cavaliers certainly haven't needed, but frankly, considering Virginia's four consecutive losses, it is good to see some fight out of one of their senior captains.

32. * Robert Woods, WR, Southern Cal: Woods established himself as a legitimate NFL prospect as a true freshman two years ago. Last year, his statistics were much more impressive (111 catches for 1,292 yards and 15 touchdowns). A closer look, however, revealed that much of Woods of production was a function of the Trojans' offense, rather than his own ability. Considering the struggles that prior USC standout receivers have had acclimating to the NFL, there is certainly precedence to keep in mind with how Woods might fare at the next level, especially considering that he's not even the most physically gifted pass-catcher on his own team (Marqise Lee). Frankly, Woods needs a strong performance this weekend against Washington just to remain in my top 32.

Just Missed the Cut:

33. Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame

34. Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama

35. Sean Porter, OLB, Texas A&M

36. * Da'Rick Rogers, WR, Tennessee Tech

37. Brennan Williams, OT, North Carolina

38. * Tyler Bray, QB, Tennessee

39. * Levine Toilolo, TE, Stanford

40. * Corey Lemonier, DE, Auburn

 

[Team ROFLCOPTERS]

Why does Austin never get any love amongst draft guys? All he does is produce in short, intermidiate, and deep routes. He's an amazing kick returner. All of that and nobody thinks he's mor ethan a second rounder.