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DYNASTY: Top 2013 College Prospects (1 Viewer)

If Kendall Wright can go in the 1st with a horrible 40, Allen will as well and he's a bigger receiver.

 
There's always gotta be one. Ugh

Georgia ILB Alec Ogletree was arrested on DUI charges last weekend.Analysis: Ogletree is Mike Mayock's top-rated inside linebacker for the 2013 draft and a projected top-25 pick. The arrest, just ahead of NFL Combine interviews, couldn't have been much more untimely. Ogletree was also suspended four games in 2012 for violating the Georgia football team's substance abuse policy. He allegedly failed "positive drug tests," plural. Ogletree was suspended once more in 2010 for stealing a motor scooter from fellow UGA student.
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'Banemorth said:
There's always gotta be one. Ugh

Georgia ILB Alec Ogletree was arrested on DUI charges last weekend.Analysis: Ogletree is Mike Mayock's top-rated inside linebacker for the 2013 draft and a projected top-25 pick. The arrest, just ahead of NFL Combine interviews, couldn't have been much more untimely. Ogletree was also suspended four games in 2012 for violating the Georgia football team's substance abuse policy. He allegedly failed "positive drug tests," plural. Ogletree was suspended once more in 2010 for stealing a motor scooter from fellow UGA student.
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Sounds like the perfect Raider
 
I think its funny when ever no stud QB comes out that the draft is determined to suck. I think the RBs in this draft are deep, but I'm the outcast.No top tier talent, like a sure fire number one, and that being on repeat in the media has everyone convinced. Some great TEs that have Graham and Gronk type potential and upside as well in Ertz and Eifert.

 
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'Phenix said:
Some great TEs that have Graham and Gronk type potential and upside as well in Ertz and Eifert.
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This gets thrown around a lot here, from Cameron to Dennis Pitta, but I just don't see it. Gronk is an off the charts statistical monster. Even being injured, Gronk's 3 year TD totals are off the charts at 39. He has had double digit TD's every year.He has averaged 880+ and 13.

To put that in perspective,

Antonio Gates has 3 years with double digit TD's

Tony Gonzalez has 3 years with more than 10 TD's

Vernon Davis has had 1 year with more than 7 T'ss

Dallas Clark has 2 years of Double Digit TD's

Jason Witten has never had double digit TD's

Calvin Johnson has 3 years with double digit TD's

Reggie Wayne has 3 years with double digit TD's

Larry Fitzgerald has 4 years with double digit TD's

Ertz and Eifert might sniff that yardage, but they will not touch those TD totals. They are much closer to Dennis Pitta potential than Gronk potential.

 
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'Xue said:
You guys want Gronk potential, it's Travis Kelce.
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Again, I don't think see it as remotely likely that Kelce, or any TE in this class, has 3 seasons of double digit touchtowns. i doubt anyone would make a bet that any of these tight ends with Gronk- like potential will average 10+ TDs and break the single season TE receiving record for yards in their first three seasons. if anyone does, shoot me a pm. If you want to say a prospect has top 3 TE potential, great. I might disagree, but that seems reasonable.
 
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'rabidfireweasel said:
'Xue said:
You guys want Gronk potential, it's Travis Kelce.
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Again, I don't think see it as remotely likely that Kelce, or any TE in this class, has 3 seasons of double digit touchtowns. i doubt anyone would make a bet that any of these tight ends with Gronk- like potential will average 10+ TDs and break the single season TE receiving record for yards in their first three seasons. if anyone does, shoot me a pm. If you want to say a prospect has top 3 TE potential, great. I might disagree, but that seems reasonable.
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Expecting anyone to be the next Gronk is setting yourself up for disappointment. Kelce is no more likely to become Gronk than Geno is likely to become Rodgers or Patterson is likely to become Calvin. Having said that, Eifert is the TE who looked the best to me in the clips I've seen.
 
Mike Mayock's top-five ranks include early surprises

By Chris Wesseling

Around the League Writer

NFL Network draft expert Mike Mayock has released his eagerly awaited top-five prospect lists for each position. The quarterback list reflects Mayock's sentiment that it's a confusing year for signal-callers. The major takeaway, however, is that the script has been flipped on the defensive stars at tackle, outside linebacker and insider linebacker.

Let's take a look at the noteworthy rankings:

» Quarterback:

Regarded by most analysts as the only surefire first-round pick, Geno Smith is no surprise at the top. Mayock isn't willing to "pound the table" for the West Virginia star, but appreciates his arm, release, and athleticism. Matt Barkley is a mild surprise in the second spot, though Mayock believes he can make every throw. Syracuse's Ryan Nassib is viewed as a Andy Dalton-level talent.

» Running back:

Alabama power back Eddie Lacy continues to pick up momentum on the heels of his dominant performances in the SEC title game and the BCS National Championship Game. He's emerging as the clear No. 1 back with a chance to go in the top 20 picks. Giovani Bernard's relatively low ranking implies a belief that explosive scat back out of North Carolina will be limited to a complementary role in the NFL. South Carolina's Marcus Lattimore remains the wild card at the No. 5 spot.

» Wide receiver:

It's no surprise that Cordarrelle Patterson tops the list, as Mayock has stated that his jaw dropped when he put on the Tennessee film and saw the game-breaking wideout making plays all over the field.

» Defensive tackle:

While Utah's Star Lotulelei has been the consensus top prospect, both Mayock and NFL.com's Bucky Brooks have him ranked second at the position. Mayock prefers the fast-rising Sharrif Floyd from Florida while Brooks likes Missouri's Sheldon Richardson.

» Outside linebacker:

Mayock has called Oregon's Dion Jordan a potential "monster" at 6-foot-7 with the ability to play outside linebacker or defensive end. As we draw closer to the draft, we suspect other analysts will take Mayock's lead in ranking him above the more popular Jarvis Jones from Georgia.

» Inside linebacker:

Mayock has acknowledged Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o's disappointing performance against Alabama in the national championship game, but he still believes his overall body of work merits a first-round selection. Georgia's Alec Ogletree likely is getting the edge due to his superior speed and athleticism, as he flies to the ball like a safety.
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From Rotoworld:

Tennessee junior WR Justin Hunter led the FBS in "clutch reception percentage" in 2012, with 76.7%.This means 56 of Hunter's 73 receptions either went for a first down or touchdown. Other draftable receivers on the list include Oklahoma's Kenny Stills (73.5%), Oregon State's Markus Wheaton (71.1%), Clemson's DeAndre Hopkins (70.7%), and Baylor's Terrance Williams (66.0%).Source: John Pollard on Twitter
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Here are a few of the recent twitter comments from the ESPN crew:

@KevinW_ESPN Finished up CC tape on Terrance Williams. Not a dynamic route runner + a lot of body catches. But he can flat out fly. Legit vertical threat
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@McShay13On tape 5 of SYR QB Nassib right now. Man, he's growing on me. Doesn't drive it very well but does everything else at a pretty high level.Top 2 traits when studying QBs (IMO)=1. Mental makeup, 2. Accuracy. Nassib excels at 1, good at 2. Accuracy on pressure drops>avg so farPlus, Nassib is tough as nails and his feet are much better (where it matters most - in pocket, sliding, resetting, etc) than the perception
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Mayock: Marcus Lattimore to be drafted in 3rd round By Chris WesselingAround the League Writer
South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore insisted last month that he would be recovered from his devastating knee injury in time for the start of the 2013 NFL season.NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock backed up that sentiment on a Monday conference call. Citing people familiar with the rehab, Mayock hears that Lattimore is "way ahead of schedule." Dr. James Andrews had previously predicted that Lattimore is going to "shock the world" with his post-injury form.Mayock has compared Lattimore's prospects to those of Willis McGahee (2003, 23rd overall pick), Bruce Carter (2011, 40th pick) and Ryan Broyles (2012, 54th pick). McGahee's injury was the most similar, and he spent his entire rookie season on the PUP list before breaking out for 1,128 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns in his second season.After raising eyebrows over the weekend by ranking Lattimore as a top-five prospect at his position, Mayock told reporters the Gamecocks star will likely be drafted somewhere in the third round. Viewed as a potential early first-round pick prior to a 2011 ACL injury, Lattimore was believed to be drawing late first- or early second-round grades before tearing his right anterior cruciate, posterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments in October.Since team shouldn't expect an NFL impact for two years, Mayock believes the third-round tag is "fair for him."What's worrisome about Lattimore compared to McGahee is that the former had already shown a loss of explosiveness -- particularly as a receiver out of the backfield -- before his latest knee reconstruction.
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Excerpt from Peter King's MMQB:

You'd probably have to go back to 1997 to find a draft like this one. That's the year Peyton Manning eschewed the prospect of going to the Jets first overall to play for Bill Parcells and returned for his senior year at Tennessee. One quarterback (shaky Jim Druckenmiller, 26th) picked in round one. Two backs (Warrick Dunn 12th and Antowain Smith 23rd) in round one, and four receivers in the first: Ike Hilliard seventh, Yatil Green 15th, Reidel Anthony 16th and Rae Carruth 27th. Yikes! What a horrible draft for point-producers. One star, Dunn, out of seven first-rounders.

That could repeat this year. It's likely Alabama's Eddie Lacy will be the only running back taken in round one. Tennessee's Cordarrelle Patterson leads the muddled pack at wide receiver, but how sure can you really be of junior-college transfers who play one year of major-college football, which is Patterson's profile?

The quarterbacks are a total mish-mosh at this point. One GM interested in acquiring a quarterback this offseason told me over the weekend, "I expect more attention on the quarterbacks throwing this year than on any other single thing at the Combine.'' Some think Geno Smith of West Virginia will go first overall to quarterback-needy Kansas City; one personnel man who studied all the top quarterbacks for a team in need of one last fall told me, "There's not one quarterback, including Smith, I would take in the first round."

Two points about that. If you need a quarterback, you can talk brave in February, but when reality sets in around draft day, and you haven't picked up a quarterback in free agency, all of a sudden the zits on Smith, Matt Barkley and other others don't seem as bad. And we're nine and a half weeks from round one. There's no way that Andy Reid and John Dorsey, the coach and GM for Kansas City, know what they're doing now. They need time to investigate and to watch tape on the eight or 10 quarterbacks.

But in some ways, 2013 should be a catchup year for the other positions. Opening day 2013 could feature 12 starting quarterbacks drafted in 2011 and '12; that's far, far above the norm in a game that values veteran arms at the position.

Now for a couple of notes about players at the Combine.

Alec Ogletree. The underclass inside linebacker from Georgia would be a clear top-10 pick with a clean resume. But he was suspended the first four games of last season for failing an offseason drug test, and then came the news Saturday night, via ProFootballTalk.com, that Ogletree recently was pinched for driving while intoxicated.

Ogletree and agent Pat Dye were smart to come out and beat the police blotter to the punch. As for the damage done by the arrest, Ogletree, who is a speed demon for an inside player, the kind of player who, if right, would be a perfect fit as a rare three-down inside linebacker for any team, has to convince teams they shouldn't be worried about a player who has tested positive, been suspended, and gotten a DWI in the span of about nine months.

Some GM is going to stake his reputation on Ogletree in the first round, most likely. Which GM? It would have to be a secure one. Green Bay's Ted Thompson or de facto GM Bill Belichick of the Patriots or Baltimore's Ozzie Newsome, all down near the bottom of the round.

Manti Te'o. The Notre Dame linebacker has spent a lot of time practicing football and practicing what he's going to say to teams. His last game, against Alabama, was a nightmare (he was awful, and overpowered), and then the whole fake girlfriend story came up, making him a national story and, in some quarters, a national joke. It won't matter much how he works out in Indianapolis. What will matter are the 15-minute interviews he'll have in formal evening sessions with teams, and in less formal settings, seeing coaches and personnel people at the stadium and around his hotel.

No men have more on the line, off the field, at the Scouting Combine than Ogletree and Te'o.

Finally, three players I'll be watching at the Combine, three with question marks and debatable upsides:

1. Quarterback Sean Renfree, Duke. No one's talking about him, but he completed 70 percent of his throws in six of 12 games for David Cutcliffe last fall, was a comeback specialist, and has the pedigree in a good pro-style offense to play early. Could he be more than a late-round flyer, this year's Ryan Lindley? We'll see.

2. Cornerback Xavier Rhodes, Florida State. A 6-2 cornerback in a league demanding cover guys who can play on islands more and more? Scouts want to see if Rhodes, who is a heady player with good bump skills at the line of scrimmage, has the speed to stay with fast wideouts. If so, he'll be a top-half-of-the-first-round player.

3. Running back Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina. After his devastating dislocated knee and torn knee ligaments in October, Lattimore, considered a certain first-rounder before the injury, is still in recovery mode. His surgeon, James Andrews, told Lattimore recently that he's going to shock the world. "I hear he's working out great,'' said Mayock. Lattimore believes he'll be healthy enough to start the 2013 NFL season. Is he's a fourth-round minefield pick? Or might some team desperate for a back go for him a round earlier -- or even late in the second round?
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2013 NFL Draft: Luke Joeckel, Geno Smith among best prospects

By Gil Brandt

Senior Analyst

The NFL Scouting Combine is about to kick the draft season into high gear. With that in mind, I thought this would be a good time to put together the first "Hot 100" list of the year.

As those who are familiar with previous editions of this list know, it represents how I think the prospects stack up according to ability -- it is not the order in which I think they'll be drafted. In other words, I'm not saying Chance Warmack will be the third overall pick, but I am saying that he's the third-best player in the class.

Finally, it's important to remember that players will rise and fall based on how they perform at the combine later this week, and they'll likely continue to do so all the way up to draft day.

1) Luke Joeckel, OL, Texas A&M

This long-armed three-year player should be a top talent in the NFL for quite some time. Joeckel reminds me of Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Joe Thomas.

2) Bjoern Werner, DL, Florida State

Werner, a German native, is a very, very good pass rusher. He's one of these guys that is highly motivated, someone who never takes a play off; in that way, he reminds me of Jared Allen.

3) Chance Warmack, OL, Alabama

Warmack is very good and will be a factor in the NFL for many years; he should have a Larry Allen-type of career. However, as guards aren't usually drafted in the top 10, Warmack will likely be picked in the middle of the first round. He was an even better college player than the great Steve Hutchinson, who was picked 17th overall by the Seattle Seahawks in 2001.

4) Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

More time will be spent on Smith than on any other player in the 2013 NFL Draft. When I watched him from the sideline during West Virginia's game against Texas, Smith was quick and on the money, though he did overthrow some long balls. If he enters the league with a Russell Wilson-type work ethic, Smith will be OK.

5) Star Lotulelei, DL, Utah

Lotulelei reminds me of Baltimore Ravens veteran Haloti Ngata, who also grew up in Salt Lake City. Lotulelei can collapse the pocket with quickness and power. He needs to dominate every play for four quarters.

6) Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M

Moore can play with his hand on the ground in a 4-3 scheme or in space in a 3-4. Oklahoma tackle Lane Johnson did a very good job against Moore in the Cotton Bowl.

7) Eric Fisher, OL, Central Michigan

The long-armed, quick-footed Fisher should play for quite some time in the NFL at a Pro Bowl-level. This youngster has the potential for lots of growth in the future.

8) Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama

The big (6-feet-3/4, 200 pounds) corner might not have great speed, but he makes up for it with his physical play and ball skills. He likely learned some useful tricks of the trade from coach Nick Saban.

9) Jarvis Jones, LB, Georgia

The competitive Jones, who led college football with 14.5 sacks in 2012, never lets up; he plays like fellow Bulldog Justin Houston, who notched 10 sacks for the Kansas City Chiefs last season. Jones transferred from USC when he failed to get a clean bill of health following a neck injury.

10) Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon

The speedy, quick and athletic Jordan -- a former tight end -- can rush or drop into coverage. He could add weight, however, and his health has been something of a question mark.

11) Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU

Ansah, who came to BYU from Ghana as a track athlete, joined the football team in 2010 and became an outstanding starter. He had a poor week of practice ahead of the Senior Bowl, but he wound up being named the defensive player of the game. He should be a very good pass-rusher.

12) Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida

Floyd, a strong, three-year player with lots of upside, is a playmaker. He's a lot like Fletcher Cox, the 12th overall pick in 2012 who played well for the Philadelphia Eagles as a rookie.

13) Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri

An outstanding athlete for a defensive tackle, Richardson makes me think of a young Warren Sapp coming out of college. He has just one year of major football under his belt, and he needs to play harder on every down, but he has the ability to be good.

14) Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma

The former high school quarterback shifted to tight end in junior college before moving to the offensive line in 2011. Johnson really stood out in the Cotton Bowl with the way he handled Texas A&M's Damontre Moore.

15) Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU

Mingo is a better athlete than he is a football player at this point, and he needs work when it comes to defending the run. He is, however, a very good pass rusher, and everyone is looking for very good pass rushers.

16) Keenan Allen, WR, Cal

Allen caught lots of passes at Cal even though he didn't have much of a quarterback throwing to him, and he's strong and quick for the position. A knee injury caused him to miss time in 2012; teams will need to check on his health.

17) Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee

He's a size-speed player who catches well and spent some time at running back. Patterson, who spent two years in junior college before arriving at Tennessee, has just one season of experience playing major college football.

18) Kenny Vaccaro, safety, Texas

I think he's every bit as good as Mark Barron, who was picked seventh overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2012 and went on to have a very good rookie year. The tough Vaccaro is athletic enough to cover the slot receiver; he never slows down.

19) Alec Ogletree, LB, Georgia

Ogletree, who started his career as a safety, runs well and has good instincts; he's a very good athlete who can play inside or outside. Players from Georgia tend to do well in the NFL. Teams will have to do more background work on Ogletree, however, given that he was recently charged with a DUI.

20) Manti Te'o, LB, Notre Dame

Te'o did all of the things that a linebacker is expected to do, up until his poor performance in the BCS Championship Game. He took on blockers, he blitzed, he played in space. He also collected seven interceptions and 113 tackles. The "girlfriend hoax" story, of course, seems to have overshadowed all of that.

21) Johnathan Hankins, DL, Ohio State

The powerful Hankins has size, ability and good range, though he also seemed to have fatigue issues at times. The three-year college player will get a lot better with age.

22) Jonathan Cooper, OL, North Carolina

Cooper is athletic, but the four-year starter needs to get stronger. He doesn't look as big as some NFL guards.

23) Zach Ertz, TE, Stanford

Ertz, who has good hands, size and strength, has the potential to create matchup problems for NFL defenses. He is a better receiver than he is a blocker at this point.

24) D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama

The long-armed Fluker has the power to dominate defenders. He projects as a right tackle only, as he lacks the feet for playing left tackle.

25) Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame

Eifert is very good at making contested catches -- he has more career receptions (134) than any other tight end in Notre Dame history -- and he blocks better than one might think.

26) DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson

27) Kevin Minter, LB, LSU

28) Xavier Rhodes, DB, Florida State

29) Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama

30) John Jenkins, DL, Georgia

31) Matt Barkley, QB, USC

32) Johnthan Banks, DB, Mississippi State

33) Datone Jones, DL, UCLA

34) Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU

35) Margus Hunt, DL, SMU

36) EJ Manuel, QB, Florida State

37) Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor

38) Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

39) Sylvester Williams, DL, North Carolina

40) Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington

41) Kawann Short, DT, Purdue

42) Jesse Williams, DL, Alabama

43) Quinton Patton, WR, Louisiana Tech

44) Alex Okafor, DE, Texas

45) Larry Warford, OG, Kentucky

46) Travis Frederick, OL, Wisconsin

47) Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin

48) Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee

49) Khaseem Greene, LB, Rutgers

50) Matt Elam, safety, Florida

51) Robert Woods, WR, USC

52) Eric Reid, safety, LSU

53) Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State

54) Menelik Watson, OT, Florida State

55) Vance McDonald, WR, Rice

56) Joseph Randle, RB, Oklahoma State

57) Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

58) Marquise Goodwin, WR, Texas

59) Mike Glennon, QB, N.C. State

60) Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina

61) Barrett Jones, OL, Alabama

62) Andre Ellington, RB, Clemson

63) Cornellius Carradine, DE, Florida State

64) Ryan Nassib, QB, Syracuse

65) Johnathan Cyprien, safety, Florida International

66) Dallas Thomas, OT, Tennessee

67) Gavin Escobar, TE, San Diego State

68) Kyle Long, OG, Oregon

69) Travis Kelce, TE, Cincinnati

70) Brandon Williams, DT, Missouri Southern State

71) Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas

72) Blidi Wreh-Wilson, CB, Connecticut

73) Corey Lemonier, DE, Auburn

74) Kiko Alonso, LB, Oregon

75) Justin Pugh, OT, Syracuse

76) Brandon Jenkins, DE, Florida State

77) Robert Alford, CB, Southeastern Louisiana

78) Jordan Poyer, CB, Oregon State

79) Brian Winters, OG, Kent State

80) Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford

81) Phillip Thomas, safety, Fresno State

82) Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State

83) Tyler Bray, QB, Tennessee

84) David Amerson, DB, N.C. State

85) Brennan Williams, OL, North Carolina

86) Oday Aboushi, OT, Virginia

87) Chase Thomas, LB, Stanford

88) Aaron Dobson, WR, Marshall

89) Gerald Hodges, LB, Penn State

90) Zeke Motta, safety, Notre Dame

91) Ricky Wagner, OT, Wisconsin

92) D.J. Swearinger, safety, South Carolina

93) Mike Gillislee, RB, Florida

94) Brian Schwenke, OL, Cal

95) Bacarri Rambo, safety, Georgia

96) Kevin Reddick, LB, North Carolina

97) William Gholston, DE, Michigan State

98) Michael Buchanan, DE, Illinois

99) Terron Armstead, OT, Arkansas-Pine Bluff

100) Jeff Locke, punter, UCLA

Note: South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore was left off the list while we wait to see how he's recovered from serious injury.
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Mike Mayock: Tyrann Mathieu a fourth-round prospect By Gregg RosenthalAround The League Editor
If you want to school on the NFL draft, listening to NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock on a conference call is a good way to start. We've broken down some of Mayock's biggest takeaways from Kansas City's choices at No. 1 and a few players Mayock wouldn't take in the top 10, but these calls are all about little nuggets of information.Here's what else we learned from Mayock on Monday:1. Mayock sees former LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu (aka the "Honey Badger") as a fourth-round prospect who probably won't test particularly well at the NFL Scouting Combine. "He's a better football player than an athlete," Mayock said.2. Mississippi State cornerback Johnthan Banks could lock up status as a first-round pick with a sub-4.5-second 40-yard dash. Mayock only sees one surefire first-round pick at cornerback and only has two wide receivers rated that high. Washington's Desmond Trufant could also lock down a first-round pick with a big day. Alabama's Dee Milliner is locked into the first round, but a fast time could put him into the top 10.3. BYU's Ezekiel "Ziggy" Ansah is going to go "earlier than later" in the first round according to Mayock, but he's "way more raw" than Jason Pierre-Paul was a few years ago when he was drafted by the New York Giants. Ansah is potentially versatile enough to play defensive end in a 4-3 or a 3-4 defense. He could possibly play OLB in a 3-4, as well.4. Mayock ranked six defensive tackles with first-round grades. He had the same number of offensive tackles with first-round grades. Mayock also said this year's safety class is the best he's seen in a while, with special love going to Texas' Kenny Vaccaro.5. Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o should be drafted around pick No. 20 based on his talent, according to Mayock. Ultimately, Mayock expects Te'o to go around that number.That matches up with what Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff told "The Rich Eisen Podcast" on Monday. Te'o very much remains on the Falcons' draft board.6. Mayock says Tennessee wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson would make sense at No. 12 for the Miami Dolphins. He's a bit of a risky pick, but he wowed Mayock on film.7. On the draft's depth: "I wouldn't want a top-10 pick in this draft. The fifth pick and the 25th pick are very similar." 8. The top quarterbacks, Geno Smith and Matt Barkley, deserve to go in the No. 20 to 32 range according to Mayock.9. If Te'o or Georgia linebacker Alec Ogletree falls to 32, Mayock says the Ravens will "sprint to the podium" to take either guy. Ogletree has top-10 talent, according to Mayock. Ogletree recently was arrested on a DUI charge.10. Florida defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd drew comparisons to Warren Sapp. Mayock sees Floyd as a top-five talent and a candidate to go No. 3 overall to the Oakland Raiders. "When he's fresh, it's really special."
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Geno Smith resembles Sam Bradford; more player comparisons

By Bucky Brooks

Analyst, NFL.com and NFL Network

The 2013 NFL Scouting Combine is on the horizon, which means evaluators are working around the clock to finish up detailed scouting reports on NFL hopefuls. These documents not only describe a prospect's background, character and playing ability, but they also include comparisons to thriving pros, painting a vivid picture of a player's game and potential in the minds of general managers and coaches.

As a young scout with the Seattle Seahawks, I was encouraged by future general managers John Schneider, Scot McCloughan and Ted Thompson to monitor the progress of players across the NFL, and use them as a reference point when projecting the potential of prospects. By obtaining a better understanding of how players succeed in the NFL, despite perceived flaws and/or unorthodox games, I gained a better feel for how future pros could thrive in the NFL with similar skill sets.

In the past few days, I have engaged in several interesting conversations with my Tweeps about some of the top prospects in the 2013 class. While giving my opinion on the talent and potential of several NFL hopefuls, I routinely provided a pro comparison as a point of reference. Not surprisingly, the comparison frequently caused a bigger reaction than my overall assessment of a prospect's game and potential.

Here are the 10 notable comparisons that came to mind while I watched fall tape. Feel free to hit me back with your feedback on Twitter @BuckyBrooks.

Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia

NFL comparison: Sam Bradford, St. Louis Rams

Smith has been described as a "ho-hum" quarterback prospect in some circles, but I see a polished pocket passer with outstanding arm talent and passing skills. Smith displays the capacity to throw the ball accurately to every area of the field with zip, velocity and touch. Additionally, he flashes anticipation and awareness by leading receivers into open areas against tight coverage. Although a lot has been made of Smith's late-season struggles -- he tossed six interceptions over Mountaineers' final seven games after throwing 25 touchdown passes with zero picks in the team's first six games -- the fact that he finished the season with a 42:6 touchdown-to-interception ratio behind a leaky offensive line suggests that the reports of his questionable pocket presence and progression awareness are greatly exaggerated. Now, I'm not suggesting Smith doesn't have flaws that should rate as concerns for prospective teams, but I don't believe his deficiencies are significant enough to keep him from being a productive starter in the NFL.

Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina

NFL comparison: LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia Eagles

Bernard surprised some evaluators when he elected to enter the 2013 NFL Draft after a brief (but productive) career at North Carolina. However, I believe Bernard is not only ready for the next level, but he has a game that is ideally suited for the NFL. He is the classic three-down back with the capacity to impact the game as a runner or receiver. He is a slippery, between-the-tackles runner with exceptional vision and stop-start quickness. Although his game is built on quickness rather than speed, Bernard shows the ability to generate home-run plays with the ball in his hands. In the passing game, Bernard is a natural receiver with outstanding hands and receiving skills. Quarterbacks will love to target Bernard on third-and-medium situations on option routes, as he overwhelms linebackers with his quickness and burst in space. Factor in his explosiveness as a returner (see: Bernard's walk-off punt-return TD against N.C. State), and it is hard to find holes in his game, despite diminutive stature.

Robert Woods, WR, USC

NFL comparison: Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts

Woods seemingly became an afterthought in the USC offense after Marqise Lee's emergence as one of the top playmakers in college football. But astute NFL scouts see Woods as a polished receiver with all of the traits to be an effective starter as a pro. He is a gifted pass catcher with exceptional hands and ball skills. Woods snatches the ball out of the air cleanly, rarely flinching while making catches with defenders in close proximity. Additionally, Woods is a deft route runner with an innate feel for setting up defenders with various stems and tempos. He understands how to get open against any coverage -- this quality will make him a favorite of play callers and quarterbacks across the NFL. While some scouts will question Woods' top-end speed, I believe his polished game will eventually make him a Pro Bowler.

Mike Glennon, QB, N.C. State

NFL comparison: Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens

Glennon is one of the most hotly debated prospects in the 2013 class. Some scouts love his size and A-plus arm talent, while others are concerned with his limited mobility and decision-making under duress. When I watch Glennon on tape, I'm impressed with his pure passing ability. He spins the ball with tremendous zip and velocity, and shows the capacity to put the ball in the strike zone against tight coverage. Additionally, Glennon is a terrific deep-ball passer adept at dropping the ball down the chute on vertical throws. Now, I'm certainly troubled by his penchant for turning the ball over while under duress (Glennon tossed 17 interceptions in 2013, with three separate games featuring three-plus picks), as well as his limited athleticism. But I think he has the potential to thrive in an offense that prominently features the deep ball. With NFL offensive coordinators willing to adapt their respective systems to the fit the talents of the quarterback, Glennon could enjoy a productive career as a classic drop-back passer.

Le'Veon Bell, RB, Michigan State

NFL comparison: Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams

Bell is one of the few big backs available in this draft, but he displays a game that is typically associated with scat backs in the NFL. He is a powerful runner between the tackles, but is also effective running off tackle or on the edges. Bell shows deceptive speed in getting to the perimeter, while also displaying better-than-anticipated wiggle and elusiveness in space. He is a rare runner with the ability to run over or around defenders, and NFL coaches will love building game plans around a back capable of handling 20 to 25 carries a game. Additionally, Bell is an impressive receiver out of the backfield with strong hands and ball skills. Although his size restricts some of his effectiveness as a route runner in space, Bell is an effective playmaker in the aerial attack with the potential to impact the game as a three-down player.

Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas

NFL comparison: Charles Woodson, Free agent

Vaccaro is the kind of hybrid safety NFL defensive coaches covet. The Texas standout is not only an outstanding hitter and playmaker against the run, but he is a terrific cover man with outstanding man-to-man skills, to boot. He can match up with tight ends and slot receivers in space, while also excelling as a deep-middle player in zone. Most importantly, Vaccaro displays the versatility to align anywhere in the back end, which makes him a valuable commodity as a playmaking safety in the middle of a sub-package. With the NFL quickly shifting to a league governed by the pass, Vaccaro is the prototypical safety needed to diffuse explosive offensive attacks.



Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia

NFL comparison: Percy Harvin, Minnesota Vikings

Austin is a unique playmaker at the receiver position. Checking in at 5-foot-9 and 174 pounds, Austin lacks the ideal size to be the primary option in the passing game, but displays a combination of speed, quickness and explosiveness that makes him a dangerous weapon in space. The Mountaineers capitalized on his skills by frequently getting him touches on bubble screens and quick routes on the perimeter. Additionally, Austin showed the ability to carry the ball as a running back (72 rushing attempts for 643 yards in 2012, including a remarkable 344-yard effort against Oklahoma), enhancing his value as a potential difference maker on Sundays. Given the fact that playmakers are always valued at a premium in the NFL, Austin is an intriguing prospect for several teams.

Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State

NFL comparison: Jared Allen, Minnesota Vikings

Werner only has five years of organized-football experience, but he quickly developed into one of the most dominant players in college football. The former German exchange student is a high-motor pass rusher with exceptional first-step quickness and burst. He overwhelms blockers with his initial quickness, but also shows the capacity to turn speed into power. As a result, Werner routinely made plays off the edge (13 sacks in 2012), emerging as a true difference maker against the pass. As a run defender, Werner is a stout player at the point of attack, showing the strength, power and toughness to set the edge. Although Werner still needs to add some polish to his rugged game, he will enjoy success as a pro due to his persistence and relentlessness.



Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan

NFL comparison: Joe Staley, San Francisco 49ers

Fisher is the most athletic offensive tackle in the draft. He displays exceptional agility and lateral quickness in matchups against finesse rushers, yet also shows the balance and body control to contain power players off the edge. Additionally, Fisher showcases the requisite nastiness to be an effective blocker in the run game. Given Fisher's unique combination of skills and size (6-8, 305), it is easy to see why scouts are buzzing about his potential as a standout left tackle at the next level.

Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri

NFL comparison: Henry Melton, Chicago Bears

It is uncommon for a defensive tackle to rank as one of the leading tacklers on a productive defense, but that was the case with Richardson at Missouri. He dominates the game with his quickness, athleticism and motor; NFL coaches will love his ability to make plays all over the field against the run or pass. As a pass rusher, Richardson blows past blockers with an explosive first-step and shows a knack for getting skinny in cracks to get to the quarterback. Additionally, Richardson displays excellent hand skills by masterfully winning hand-to-hand combat exchanges in tight quarters. Although Richardson can be engulfed by big bodies in the run game, he continues to produce with his quickness and burst. Most importantly, Richardson hustles and chases all over the field, demonstrating his will to win.
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Marcus Lattimore plans to prove he can play in NFL ... this year

By Jeff Darlington

Reporter, NFL.com and NFL Network

GULF BREEZE, Fla. -- Midway through the conversation, as South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore started to get deep about his destiny last week, the receptionist seated behind a desk just a few feet away started to cry.

As she overheard Lattimore, who was chatting with NFL.com from a plush sofa chair in the lobby of Athletes' Performance at the Andrews Institute, she stood up, walked around her desk and kissed Lattimore's forehead with tears in her eyes.

"I've just been sitting over there crying as I'm listening," said Judy Pilkington, who has been working the front desk at API more than four years. "When (Lattimore) got hurt, I prayed immediately. I didn't even know him, but I felt like I knew him. People love him. And now he's here with me. Isn't that precious?"

Pilkington kissed his forehead again -- still crying -- and continued.

"He's awesome," she said. "He's just awesome. I'm telling you. We get a lot of good guys here (at Athletes' Performance). He is ... incredible."

This week, Lattimore temporarily will leave this rehabilitation facility in the Florida panhandle to attend the NFL's Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. He won't participate in any workouts. He won't run the 40-yard dash. He'll only meet with team executives, coaches and doctors as he continues his return from a gruesome knee injury that derailed a thrilling college career only four months ago.

And if you think a few dozen meetings at the combine won't do enough to improve Lattimore's draft status, which has been jeopardized by the two scars on his left knee and a third scar on his right knee, you might very well be underestimating the power of his personality; of his drive; of his relentless yet humble belief that he is indeed destined for success.

"Man, I don't know, but I feel like ... after the injury happened, I started thinking," Lattimore said. "I'm destined for this. I'm supposed to come back from this. Maybe it's just to help someone else in the future that's going to go through the same exact thing. Somebody is going to tear his ACL in his sophomore year. He's going to be a great player. Then, he's going to tear it his junior year. Then, he's going to look it up. And he's going to find some motivation in my story.

"I feel like I'm destined for this. I'm not worried about anything. I know I'm going to come back and be great."

In a week at the combine when teams will be combing every facet of a player's demeanor, every element of their background, every inch of their bodies, Lattimore's injury will require him to sell himself beyond the norm.

And he might just be capable of doing it.

'I'm praying for you'

A few minutes after two University of Tennessee defenders sandwiched Lattimore's knee on Oct. 27, 2012, abruptly ending a season in which he'd rushed for 100-plus yards three times in eight previous games, something very unusual happened.

Lattimore was on his back at midfield, cringing in pain after his knee twisted the opposite direction of his body, when his teammates began to leave the bench. The entire team -- literally every player -- surrounded their leader as trainers worked.

Then, the strangest part: Dozens of Tennessee players started to also do the same.

"I've never seen that happen before," says Lattimore, who has only watched a replay of the injury one time since it happened. "I didn't know what to think, to tell you the truth. But there was a lot of support. So much support. Not even just from Tennessee. I actually got letters from South America. It was crazy. One person wrote, 'I'm not a football fan, but I've heard about you, and I'm praying for you.'"

Fifteen minutes after the injury, LSU coach Les Miles tweeted, "So sad to see the injury to Marcus Lattimore. Strong kid! We wish him well in his recovery." And 16 minutes after that, former Georgia linebacker David Pollack tweeted, "I never heard Marcus Lattimore talk about himself over the last three years. Unselfish and as humble as a kid as I've ever been around."

It's difficult to pinpoint why Lattimore, in the months since his injury, earned such support. Maybe it was his play on the field, which included such accolades as Sporting News NCAA Freshman of the Year during his only fully healthy season. Maybe it was the gruesome nature of his knee injury. Or maybe it is, indeed, a personality that lights up the people around him.

"I'll tell you what -- that's what this guy does," said physical therapist Stephen LaPlante, who works with Lattimore and dozens of other high-profile athletes after they've been surgically repaired by highly esteemed surgeon James Andrews. "People come in here, and they know who he is, and they see what he's doing, and he's doing it with a huge smile. I think he motivates people.

"Patients will ask me, 'How far out is he?' He's three months from surgery. But nobody believes it. He's three months out and he's already doing this much? It's pure motivation for people."

RG3: 'He's going to be awesome'

Walking from the lobby of API toward a therapy pool, the same one currently being used by Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III during his own knee rehabilitation, Lattimore had a sudden impulse to show off the strength in his knee.

He started skipping down the hallway, bounding from each foot as his head flirted with the ceiling, each leap made while wearing an ear-to-ear grin.

"See?" Lattimore said. "I could be running on land right now. No problem."

But Lattimore isn't regularly running yet at the orders of his doctors and physical therapists, who continue to monitor his progress since surgery in December. Lattimore instead says he's saving that next step until "the day" he returns from the combine. LaPlante has a different plan for him, hoping to wait at least another month, but not because Lattimore can't do it now.

Instead, he wants to keep Lattimore on an appropriate schedule, even as the running back continues to climb quickly beyond original expectations. For now, Lattimore continues to do extensive exercises on land while limiting his running to an underwater treadmill.

"He's been here a little over seven weeks," LaPlante said last week. "So from where he came when he got in here with this massive limp, when I'm saying he should still be on crutches, to where he is now in a four-month period, it's just amazing. He's one of the best guys I've ever worked with as far as work ethic."

LaPlante, however, said it's difficult to compare Lattimore's progress to anyone else. Very few people -- and no, not Adrian Peterson -- have suffered a knee injury as extensive as Lattimore.

"Three-ligament injuries are not normal. He is, in my opinion, further along than I would expect him to be at this time," LaPlante said. "But to say that's any different than anyone else, that's tough to say. It's hard to compare. You don't see these injuries very often.

"The swelling is minimal to none. His muscle strength is excellent. His gait is perfect. So he's definitely on the right track."

Whatever the short-term outlook, there is little discrepancy on the long-term outlook. Lattimore says he believes he will, indeed, be able to play football during the upcoming NFL season. And he plans to reward whatever team drafts him.

"My goal for these next few months is to participate in South Carolina's pro day (on March 27) or push our own personal pro day back to April," Lattimore said. "Man, I honestly feel like I can play this year. I know my body. I know if I'm progressing the way I am, I'll be ready to play. I won't have to sit out a year.

"Whatever happens, once I get on that team, if they feel like I should wait a few games, if they feel like I should sit out a year, it's what's best for me. I at least want to put some input into it and see how I feel."

Then what? Well, perhaps the most poignant opinion comes from Griffin, the player who has watched first hand as Lattimore rehabilitates his knee. In a text message, Griffin's endorsement of his new friend was a simple one: "He's going to be awesome."

'Appreciate the gift'

A few weeks after Lattimore suffered his second season-ending knee injury in as many years, the outpouring of support was constant. But it was a pair of text messages -- both from unfamiliar numbers with 305 area codes -- that truly inspired Lattimore to maintain his focus.

San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore and Denver Broncos running back Willis McGahee, who both suffered torn knee ligaments at the University of Miami during their college careers, each sent their unsolicited support.

"Frank Gore had multiples surgeries on his knees, and he's been playing in the NFL for eight years. Willis' injury was pretty much the same as mine, and Dr. Andrews also did his. Both guys tell me the same thing.

"They would have been Top 5 or Top 15 picks if they hadn't gotten hurt. But it made them appreciate the gift that they do have. And that's how I look at it now."

Lattimore continues to talk to both players during his rehabilitation, getting advice and inspiration from them. McGahee, like Lattimore, declared for the NFL draft before recovering from tears to his ACL, MCL and PCL. While McGahee was still drafted in the first round by the Bills with the 23rd overall selection, Lattimore might need to wait slightly longer to hear his own name called.

"I think he goes somewhere in the third round," NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said Monday. "And that's, you know, if he was a late-one to a mid-two [when] healthy. I think a third-round pick is fair for him because you're probably going to get your most production starting two years out."

Mayock added that Lattimore's interviews with teams at the combine will nonetheless be important for his stock, since teams will want to know their risk will be worth it. That, again, is where Lattimore's potential becomes even more intriguing.

He isn't likely to simply ease any wonder about him -- he is instead more likely to impress them to the point of an increased grade on their draft board. It is his personality and attitude that make Lattimore a major asset in the locker room as much as his skills make him an asset on the field.

"I've been fortunate," Lattimore said. "I've been fortunate to be surrounded with great coaches. I have great parents. Great people. I hung out with the right people.

"I'm going to continue to be myself. It's worked since middle school. It worked in high school. It continued to work in college. And I don't see why it won't work at the next level. I'm being myself. I'm doing everything I can. I'm working hard, I'm keeping my faith in the Lord, and that's all I can do."

'It happened for a reason'

For the next two months, Lattimore knows he must continue to show teams why they'd be wise to invest in him. But he isn't currently working so hard to get drafted - he is also focused on making an impact in the league as soon as possible.

Since his knee injury occurred, Lattimore said he's never felt sorry for himself, never felt any resentment for his misfortunes. Yes, shortly after the injury, he was very down. But it was only days before his mentality would change for good.

"I remember so many guys in high school and college who would kill to be in my position right now, even with the injury," Lattimore said. "They'd kill to be in a position to go to the NFL and do what you dream. And the main things I feel like, I can't take this for granted. Not one day. Ever.

"I'll never complain. Ever since this happened, I'll never complain about anything in my life."

And so, Lattimore pushes forward. He continues to work toward a full recovery from the gruesome injury that caused compassion from a nation of college football fans. He continues his efforts toward paving a legacy that will be known for much more than the misfortunes that abruptly concluded his college career.

And he will do so without looking back and wondering what if those two Tennessee defenders never met his knee at the same time. He'll look to the future, when he plans to prove this was all part of making him a stronger person, the kind of person that inspires those around him and drives them to cheer him on.

"I've been hit 2,000 times in my career I get hit in my knees 80 percent of the time. It just happened that one time. There's nothing that could have changed it. It happened for a reason. And now, I'm going to prove it."
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@KevinW_ESPNFinished up tape on Johnathan Franklin. Tough in pass pro and has versatility. Underwhelming as a runner tho. Strictly a 3rd down back imoImpressed w/ Andre Ellington's vision/patience on tape. Presses the hole and has a natural feel for cutback. http://t.co/bhVAqKEX
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Video Link:NFL Draft Blitz: Combine Players To Watch
Kevin Weidl and Steve Muench talk about which players they are most interested to see perform at the NFL Combine
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Watching Lattimore film. I see a guy that will always be knicked up like McFadden. Listed at 6', 232 but I see skinny legs flopping around when he runs. Not good on a 6' RB. Note: I suck at judging RBs however while I'm a guru at WRs.

 
'lod01 said:
Watching Lattimore film. I see a guy that will always be knicked up like McFadden. Listed at 6', 232 but I see skinny legs flopping around when he runs. Not good on a 6' RB. Note: I suck at judging RBs however while I'm a guru at WRs.
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His legs look no different than Adrian Peterson's or Steven Jackson's.
 
'Concept Coop said:
'lod01 said:
Watching Lattimore film. I see a guy that will always be knicked up like McFadden. Listed at 6', 232 but I see skinny legs flopping around when he runs. Not good on a 6' RB. Note: I suck at judging RBs however while I'm a guru at WRs.
Click to expand...
His legs look no different than Adrian Peterson's or Steven Jackson's.
Click to expand...
Peterson yes. Jackson no.It's not how they look when he is standing still. It's how they look when he's running.The 232 listing was from 2 years ago. My money says he's 215-220. His build reminds me most of Bernard Pierce.
 
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'Xue said:
Peterson yes. Jackson no.It's not how they look when he is standing still. It's how they look when he's running.The 232 listing was from 2 years ago. My money says he's 215-220. His build reminds me most of Bernard Pierce.
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All I have is Google Image, but his legs don't look much different than Jackson's to me. I personally don't buy the injury based on leg size argument, but that is for another thread, I suppose.
 
'BeTheMatch said:
Keenan Allen out of combine due to injury.
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California's Keenan Allen, projected as one of the top two wide receivers in the upcoming draft, is nursing a sprained posterior cruciate ligament that will prevent him from working out at the combine, his agent, JT Johnson, said Wednesday.Allen will attend the combine and undergo medical exams for the teams, but with his knee being only 70 percent, he and Johnson have decided it is better not to run. Allen will save his running for his own pro day sometime in early April after he has recovered. He initially suffered the knee injury Oct. 20, then aggravated it about two weeks ago while training for the combine in Florida with Hall of Fame wide receiver Cris Carter. One doctor told Allen he tore his posterior cruciate ligament.Allen then visited Dr. James Andrews, who told Allen and Johnson in his report to them, "I do not feel this would require surgical intervention."Allen now plans to let the injury heal on his own. He also will run routes at Cal's pro day on March 14, but he will not do the bulk of his testing until he has more time to heal in early April. Allen is the latest player to pull himself out of some combine drills, joining USC quarterback Matt Barkley and Alabama running back Eddie Lacy.
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Grade 2 is a partial tear.
Allen will work out for teams at two pro days -- Cal's standard pro day on March 14, where he's only expected to run routes, and a separate workout in April, where he'll run the 40 and do other speed and agility drills.
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Lattimore does have bird legs. Not as bad as McFadden, but nowhere near ideal either. I would draft him for the right price with the hope that he flashes some talent and his value balloons like Murray, but I am skeptical about his chances of being a durable long term feature back at the next level.

 
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