DYNASTY: Top 2013 College Prospects (1 Viewer)

[cstu]

NFL Mock Draft 4.0: Dion Jordan rises to No. 2

Falcons taking a TE in the first after Gonzo says he's coming back. Interesting...

Since Gonzo is likely retiring after this year (again), and since rookie TEs normally don't produce a ton in year 1, I believe this would be a great pick for them to keep rolling in 2014.

I don't disagree. It will likely push the rookie back down the draft order a bit with little production likely this year, but overall I like it...

I like it a lot. TE's usually don't do much their rookie year and it gives Ertz a chance to learn from the GOAT at the position.

 

[Donnybrook]

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Ogletree is one of the best cover linebackers I've ever graded. He needs to get better at taking on blocks in the run game, but his ability to cover tight ends would give a huge advantage to any defensive coordinator. He'd fit perfectly in the Giants' scheme.

I agree Daniel Jerimiah on this. I have seen Ogletree slipping past Te'o in other mocks. I think Ogletree goes before Te'o despite the DUI charges.

 

[Faust]

A few more from Rotoworld:

Scouts Inc.'s Todd McShay singled out Tennessee's Tyler Bray as the QB prospect with the most upside.Bray didn't make McShay's top five players at the position. "This guy has got the best overall arm talent in this year's class," McShay said. "He's able to drive the ball downfield, hit the deep out throw with great velocity, he can go off platform, he can beat the blitz with his arm, and when he is right mentally, I think he could be the most talented overall quarterback." The final point is the biggest question for McShay, who made it a point to discuss Bray's problems between the ears. Source: ESPN

ESPN's Mel Kiper and Todd McShay both list Oklahoma QB Landry Jones among their top five prospects at the position.Kiper lists Jones fifth, with McShay having the Sooner signal caller at number four. The former then went on to say Jones is the biggest risk of the group. "There's a roll of the dice, a risk/reward with Landry Jones," Kiper explained. We are a bit shocked that he wound up on either evaluator's top five, and he's a fringe top 10 player at the position for us. Source: ESPN

NLF teams have voiced some "some long-term durability concerns" regarding Alabama RB Eddie Lacy, according to The Sideline View's Lance Zierlein."I don't see a back in this draft that I want to draft in the first round, but Eddie Lacy gets the closest to that," Zierlein writes. "The problem with Lacy is that it feels like his value might be a little inflated based on the last game we saw him play (Notre Dame)." His pre-draft process has been far from ideal due to injuries limiting his availability. Source: The Sideline View

The Sideline View's Lance Zierlein listed four QBs with possible second-round talent or grades.Geno Smith earned an outright first-round grade while Matt Barkley was given a second-round grade. E.J. Manuel and Mike Glennon were given second- or third-round designations. "Matt Barkley is worth a late first round pick in my opinion, but only to a team who has a starter in place and who is looking to try and groom him," Zierlein writes. "If a bad team drafted him and tried to plug him in right now, I think he would fail and potentially fail miserably. He needs more coaching." Source: The Sideline View

The New England Patriots are showing interest in Fresno State RB Robbie Rouse, according to draft insider Tony Pauline.We can absolutely see the fit in the sixth- or seventh-round. Rouse is a very short and compact back who thrives on cuts in short spaces to avoid tacklers. We don't think he is as quick or fast as some will say, but Rouse is animated with his movements with good anticipation. He might be similar to Kevin Faulk in that respect. Source: Tony Pauline on Twitter

NFL.com's Gil Brandt considers Baylor WR Terrance Williams the 37th best prospect in the 2013 draft.After discussing Williams' pro day, Brandt described the receiver as "a really good looking athlete and is a likely second-round selection in the 2013 NFL Draft." We aren't so certain that Williams will draw a top-64 pick, since he is a bit of a one trick pony at this point, specializing in vertical routes. Source: NFL.com

NC State QB Mike Glennon looked good during his "high risk pro day" workout, according to NFL Network's Bucky Brooks."I think he is a second-round quarterback, all day every day, when you look at this talent," Brooks said. "He has a big arm. He has an ability to play in the pocket. He can make all the throws that you want to see. The thing that is keeping him out of the conversation as a first-round player is that he is not a great athlete, because he can't move around in the pocket and because he doesn't have the escapability you look for in elite quarterbacks." Source: NFL.com

Tennessee WR Zach Rogers ran forty times of 4.49 and 4.50 seconds at the school's pro day.The Vols' third receiver measured in at 6'1" and 182 pounds. He also recorded a 9′ 7″ in broad jump, a 32 inch vertical, 4.30 short shuttle and 6.72 three-cone. We really like Rogers as a late round possibility, even though he had a quiet pre-draft process. Source: NFL.com

The Sideline View's Lance Zierlein "can't shake the feeling that we could be looking at the next Troy Williamson" when watching Tennessee WR Cordarrelle Patterson."Patterson has the size and speed that teams salivate over," Zierlein writes. "I absolutely love his big play ability, but he's still raw. Hard to overlook his high-end traits though." Zierlein lists Patterson as his top receiver and a first-round pick. Source: The Sideline View

 

[Faust]

Mike Glennon grades out as a future NFL franchise quarterback

By Bucky Brooks

Analyst, NFL.com and NFL Network

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Mike Glennon is a franchise quarterback.

That statement certainly will draw the ire of evaluators with a lesser opinion of the North Carolina State star, but my experience in the NFL as a player and scout leads me to believe Glennon possesses all of the traits to be an effective starting quarterback as a pro.

Measuring in at 6-foot-6, 222 pounds with A-plus arm talent, Glennon is a prototypical pocket passer, the kind that dominated the NFL in the 1990s and is still flourishing today. He is at his best when working off five- and seven-step drops in the pocket, delivering accurate strikes to receivers on intermediate and deep routes. Whereas some quarterbacks are most comfortable compiling completions on a variety of dink-and-dunk throws, Glennon is the master of the pro throw, which requires him to push the ball downfield on deep comebacks, square-ins and post-corner routes. Additionally, he excels at throwing vertical routes following strong play-action fakes in the backfield.

When I watch Glennon, I see glimpses of Baltimore Ravens QB Joe Flacco. These observations stood out to me while I studied six of Glennons's game tapes (Tennessee, Miami, Florida State, North Carolina, Clemson and Vanderbilt). I also traveled to Raleigh, N.C., on Wednesday to observe Glennon's pro day in person. Here's a complete breakdown of what I saw, both on tape and on the practice field:

Arm Talent

To earn a blue-chip grade in the minds of most scouts, a quarterback must display exceptional arm strength, velocity and zip consistently during his play. Glennon has all of that and might be the most gifted passer in the 2013 class. He has the capacity to make every throw in the book with zip or touch; he doesn't have any problem making rope throws to the outside portion of the field from the opposite hash. This is the ultimate test of a quarterback's arm strength, and Glennon passes with flying colors. In addition, he shows the ability to push the ball down the field 50-plus yards with superb touch and ball placement. Glennon understands how to change the trajectory of his deep throws to provide his receivers with enough time to run underneath his high-arcing rainbows. Given the fact that most offensive coordinators covet a quarterback with natural passing skills, Glennon's raw talent certainly puts him in the conversation as a high pick.

Mobility

One of the biggest knocks on Glennon is his lack of athleticism and mobility within the pocket. Critics suggest he's a sitting duck in the pocket, making it easy for NFL pass rushers to hunt him down off the edges. Moreover, critics wonder if Glennon has the ability to slide, avoid and step up to deliver accurate strikes within a collapsing pocket. Given the need for NFL quarterbacks to routinely make strong throws within a muddy pocket, the questions about Glennon's athleticism and mobility certainly are warranted. When I watched Glennon perform on tape, I believed he displays better maneuverability than he is given credit. While he lacks the quickness and agility to consistently avoid rushers in the pocket, I saw several instances where he would step up to deliver accurate throws against pressure. Now, these occurrences are not enough for me to upgrade his athletic assessment, but I've seen limited athletes like Drew Bledsoe, Vinny Testaverde and Matt Ryan thrive within the pocket; I'm not concerned about Glennon's ability to make strong throws from a seven-yard launch point behind the center.

Decision Making

Another area of concern regarding Glennon's game has been his penchant for turnovers. He has tossed 29 interceptions over the past two seasons, including 17 picks in 2012. Although those numbers certainly standout on the stat sheet, it is important to note that Glennon attempted 1,017 passes in his 26 career starts. That breaks down to 39.1 attempts a game, which is a lot to ask of a quarterback in a vertical passing game with a number of high-risk throws.

When I broke down the tape to discover reasons behind Glennon's alarming interception total, I noticed that most of his turnovers were the result of poor footwork leading to errant throws from the pocket. When Glennon fails to set his feet or properly step into his throws, his balls sail woefully off target. Additionally, he took too many chances attempting to squeeze balls into tight windows over the middle of the field. While some turnovers are expected in a high-risk offense, the fact that Glennon can reduce his miscues from the pocket with better footwork and mechanics is encouraging. Now, he must find a way take some of the instruction that he receives from coaches and put it into practice on the field, but every quarterback in the 2013 class must refine an area of their game to become a productive first-year starter. Glennon is definitely in that boat.

Clutch Factor

Quarterbacks must be able to inspire confidence in their teammates by playing well in key moments. From executing flawless drives in two-minute situations to connecting on critical third-down plays in a pivotal situations, the top quarterbacks in the NFL thrive under pressure. Glennon strikes me as a player who plays well in big games. This was particularly evident when I watched him lead his squad back from deficits against Florida State and North Carolina. He was outstanding in the UNC game in particular, rallying his team from a 25-7 deficit. He finished the game completing 29 of 52 passes for 462 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions. If not for the fact that his receivers dropped 11 balls in that contest, Glennon might have tossed for 500-plus yards against the Tar Heels.

Against Florida State, Glennon directed his troops back from an early 16-0 deficit to knock off the Seminoles at Carter-Finley Stadium. In doing so, he connected on 30 of 55 passes for 259 yards with two touchdowns, including the game-winner with two seconds remaining on the clock. Most importantly, he converted three fourth-down passes, including one inside the 15-yard line on the game-winning drive. Given the importance of playing well in key moments, Glennon's display of poise and composure in the clutch suggests to me that he possesses the right mental makeup to be successful in the NFL.

Workout Evaluation

As I mentioned on "Path to the Draft", Glennon's workout wasn't your typical scripted performance designed to mask a quarterback's deficiencies. The N.C. State star primarily threw intermediate or vertical throws throughout the workout. From a series of deep comebacks and post-corners to a variety of deep crossers, post- and go-routes down the field, Glennon let it fly in front of 38 coaches and scouts (including Buffalo Bills assistant general manager Doug Whaley and New York Jets offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg). He showcased his exceptional arm strength and talent in a challenging workout that featured every conceivable throw in a playbook deeply rooted in West Coast offense concepts or three-digit passing game principles. Moreover, he gave evaluators the opportunity to see him make throws that are customarily reserved for NFL quarterbacks on Sundays.

It did not go unnoticed by the scouts in attendance. Following the pro day, I talked to several who left impressed with the structure of the workout and Glennon's performance on the day. Although he missed a handful of throws on intermediate routes, he showed his capacity to make line drive throws through a slight headwind. For teams located in climates where the weather plays a factor near the end of the season (New York Jets, Buffalo and Cleveland, in particular), Glennon's ability to execute in those unfavorable conditions will carry weight in the final evaluation.

If I had to point out a few areas of concern based on the workout, I would continue to point to Glennon's ability to make accurate throws out of rhythm. By that, I mean he must continue to demonstrate to coaches and scouts that he can drop back, move to his right or left, reset his feet and deliver accurate strikes down the field. In the NFL, the pocket routinely breaks down and elite quarterbacks find a way to maneuver within the pocket to make accurate throws. Glennon's limited athleticism could lead to some issues at the next level; he must continue to refine his footwork, agility and body control to ensure consistent throws from the pocket.

Finally, Glennon must convince coaches and scouts he has the right personality to take charge in the locker room. Franchise quarterbacks must be able to inspire confidence in their teammates through their performance and verbal prodding. Even quiet leaders like Eli Manning and Joe Flacco have to step up and hold their teammates accountable by challenging them in one-on-one or small group confrontations. Evaluators still have concerns about whether Glennon possesses that take-charge personality. When I asked Glennon about this following the workout, he pointed to the leadership styles of Manning and Flacco as examples of how he envisions his personality evolving at the next level. Furthermore, he told me to ask his teammates if they believed he had the moxie to be a leader at the highest level. If Glennon can remain steadfast in his belief in his leadership style and convince enough personnel men that he is capable of leading a team in the right direction, he can certainly build a case to be one of the top quarterbacks selected in the draft.

Conclusion

I've been one of Mike Glennon's biggest fans since the middle of the season. I believe he has all the physical tools that you covet at the position. I respect his intelligence (Glennon already has obtained a master's degree in liberal arts to accompany an undergraduate degree in business administration) and football savvy. I believe he is a second-round talent with the ability to emerge as a star in the right system.

In my opinion, the right system should consist of a philosophy that features a dominant downhill running game complemented by a vertical passing attack. From a personnel standpoint, it will be important for the team that acquires Glennon to have a workhorse running back in place to facilitate an effective play-action passing game. If I had to point to a blueprint for success for Glennon, I would point to the Atlanta Falcons' development of Matt Ryan. Thomas Dimitroff provided his franchise quarterback with multiple threats in the passing game, and surrounded him with a solid offensive line. If a team is willing to do the same for Glennon, he could also emerge as a franchise quarterback capable of leading a team into the postseason.

 

[Faust]

Big Board: Most 'wow' factor? Try Tennessee wideout Patterson

by Rob Rang | NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst

March 21, 2013 9:14 PM ET

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh summarized the lead up to the NFL Draft well with the comment: 'Tis the season to be ripping apart someone's game.

All of the buzz surrounding the combine and pro day workouts will tempt scouts to alter their boards. Savvy talent evaluators will use the numbers generated from drills as tools to refine their rankings rather than to dramatically alter them. The Big Board isn't a mock draft. There is no attention given to team needs or the selection order. It is simply a ranking of the 100 best draft-eligible prospects for the 2013 NFL draft before we get consumed by the annual data overload from player workouts.

Underclassmen are denoted with an asterisk (*).

1. *Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M: Having earned all-conference recognition all three years of his career, including First Team All-SEC honors and winning the Outland Trophy in 2012, the baby-faced Joeckel is already a proven star who is just going to get better as he grows into his frame. Before blasting Joeckel too much for running the 40-yard dash in 5.30 seconds, recall that the last offensive tackle to be drafted No. 1 overall, Jake Long, was timed at 5.22 seconds.

2. *Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan: While impressive against Michigan State and Iowa in 2012, scouts had some reservations about Fisher until a dominating performance against top competition at the Senior Bowl, and he followed that up with a stellar performance in Indianapolis. Possessing the foot quickness, balance and length to be a "blindside" pass protector, it isn't out of the question to think the more physically mature Fisher could overtake Joeckel as the top tackle on some boards.

3. *Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia: In a draft in which everyone is projecting numbers based on upside, Jones actually produced. It was Jones, not JaDeveon Clowney, who led the country in sacks (14.5), tackles for loss (24.5) and forced fumbles (seven), and he accomplished this despite missing two games (Kentucky, Florida Atlantic) due to injury. Furthermore, Jones was similarly dominant last year, his first on the field for Georgia since transferring from Southern Cal. Some teams are reportedly red-flagging Jones due to spinal stenosis. Multiple teams I spoke with in Indianapolis, however, told me Jones passed their tests.

4. *Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama: Warmack didn't do much at the combine or Alabama's first pro day but frankly, he didn't have to as he ranks among the safest prospects in the draft. Warmack possesses explosive functional power as a drive blocker and has the quick feet and balance to provide stellar pass protection, as well.

5. *Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida: With so many talented defensive linemen playing in the SEC, Floyd didn't generate the buzz that his talents warranted until recently. Used predominately at defensive end a season ago, the 6-3, 303-pound junior was moved back inside to his more natural defensive tackle position this year and stepped up his play, earning first team all-conference honors with 46 tackles, including a team-high 13 tackles for loss. While his Gators lost the Sugar Bowl to Teddy Bridgewater and Louisville, Floyd was dynamic, sacking the mobile sophomore quarterback twice and showing scouts flashes of untapped potential.

6. *Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama: Milliner emphatically put to bed any concerns about his straight-line speed in 4.37 seconds at the combine, answering the only question scouts had about his game. Tough, physical and possessing prototypical size (6-0, 201) for the position, Milliner is the elite pass defender in this draft and a legitimate top five candidate, and teams have only minor questions about his health after surgery to repair a torn labrum.

7. Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU: Having only played football for three years -- and starting just one season -- the native of Ghana is as raw as it gets. Ansah is also as physically blessed as any prospect in the 2013 draft, demonstrating remarkable straight-line speed (4.63 in the 40-yard dash) and fluidity (4.26 seconds in the short shuttle), considering his 6-5, 271-pound frame. Proving athletic enough to handle converting to outside linebacker or staying at defensive end, Ansah could earn top five consideration if teams are convinced that he's committed to the game.

8. Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina: More athletic than Chance Warmack and proving considerably stronger in Indianapolis than many had given him credit for (35 reps), Cooper is a legitimate top 20 candidate, whose value is only increased by the fact that he can play center, as well.



9. *Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State: Blessed with a quick first step, heavy hands and surprising instincts given the fact that the German-native has played just five years of American football, Werner, 6-3, 266, is the surest of this year's talented defensive line class. He does not possess Ansah's upside but is currently a more polished and productive player, having earned the ACC's Defensive Player of the Year in 2012 with 18 tackles for loss, including 13 sacks.

10. Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma: Having seen action at QB, DE and TE during his time at Kilgore Junior College (Texas), Johnson had already proven his athleticism. The 6-6, 303-pounder showed just how athletic he is at the combine, clocking in at 4.72 seconds in the 40-yard dash and registering a 34-inch vertical jump. With only two years at tackle, including just one on the blindside, Johnson isn't as polished as Joeckel or Fisher but may possess an even higher upside.

11. *Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee: Of this year's skill-position players, Patterson presents the most "wow" factor. In his first season at the FBS level, Patterson, 6-2, 217, dominated the SEC to the tune of 154.83 all-purpose yards a game, easily the most of any player in the power conference. There remain concerns, however, about his work ethic and ability to handle a complicated NFL offense.

12. *Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri: Measuring in slightly smaller than expected at 6-3, 294-pounds, Richardson slipped down my board slightly but remains one of the more intriguing defensive tackles in the 2013 class. He's the only defensive tackle I saw all year long hold up to the awesome Alabama interior offensive line, recording a game-high 14 tackles in that contest. He finished 2012 just four tackles behind linebacker Andrew Wilson as Missouri's leading tackler with 75 stops, leading all SEC interior defensive linemen in this category.

13. Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington: While lacking the size and physicality of Milliner or Rhodes, the 6-0, 190 pound Trufant showcased a blend of speed and fluidity in Mobile to arguably rank as this year's top cover corner. If the last name sounds familiar, it should. Both of his older brothers -- Marcus and Isaiah -- are already cashing NFL paychecks as cornerbacks with the Seahawks and Jets. Desmond, in fact, matched Marcus' time in the 40-yard dash exactly, clocking in at 4.38 seconds to solidify his first-round stock.

14. *Keenan Allen, WR, California: An exceptionally highly regarded prep prospect who originally was going to sign with Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide as a safety before joining his brother (quarterback Zach Maynard) at Cal, Allen possesses virtually all of the physical characteristics to be a No. 1 receiver in the NFL. He is not the same caliber of athlete as Tennessee's Cordarrelle Patterson but is a more polished player who has drawn comparisons to Green Bay's Jordy Nelson and Baltimore's Anquan Boldin for his sneaky speed, reliable hands and toughness.

15. Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia: Some questioned if West Virginia's spread offense made Austin look faster than he really was but in clocking in at 4.34 seconds in the 40-yard dash in Indianapolis he provided proof of his game-breaking ability. Some will peg Austin as strictly a slot receiver at 5-09, 174 pounds. I see him as a matchup nightmare capable of lining up at receiver, running back and returner.

16. *Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State: Despite the 6-2, 210-pound corner wowing during measured drills at the combine, Rhodes left Indianapolis slipping down some NFL boards after a less than impressive showing during the positional workout and in interviews.

17. Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia: Smith possesses all of the physical traits scouts are looking for at the quarterback position, as well as the work ethic to build upon them. He also improved his completion percentage and touchdown/interception ratio in each of his three starting seasons, culminating in a senior campaign in which he completed a sparkling 71.24 percent of his passes and threw 42 touchdowns against just six interceptions. A reportedly stellar performance at his pro day workout will push him up the board for some but only solidifies the first round status he's had on my board all year long.

18. Matt Barkley, QB, Southern Cal: While Geno Smith has the higher upside, Barkley is the most NFL-ready of this year's quarterback class, having starred for four seasons in the Trojans' pro-style scheme. He needs to prove his health as a shoulder injury sidelined him for USC's final two games, kept him out of the Senior Bowl and from participating in the combine, but it is worth noting that he measured in bigger (6-3, 227) than Smith (6-2, 218) there, which surprised many. While Barkley's interceptions doubled in 2012, USC's pass protection wasn't nearly as reliable as it had been earlier in his career and he had to keep pace with a leaky defense that hemorrhaged points. Barkley lacks elite traits but make no mistake, he's a first round prospect as he stands and should he dazzle at his March 27 pro day, he could easily wind up as the first quarterback selected in the 2013 draft.

19. *Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU: Mingo possesses the frame (6-4, 241 pounds) and athleticism to warrant top 10 consideration, but at this point he remains a largely unpolished product who relies on his natural tools rather than technique to make plays. Given Mingo's upside, it is easy to imagine him terrorizing NFL quarterbacks off the edge as a multi-dimensional defender. Considering Mingo's relatively pedestrian numbers (38 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks) this season, as well as the struggles of other former highly regarded LSU defensive linemen in the NFL, the general manager who selects him that high is rolling the dice.

20. *D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama: Anyone who watched Alabama dismantle a talented Notre Dame defense in the BCS title game knows that the Crimson Tide offensive line, including Fluker specifically, plays with great power. As such, ignore the fact that he "only" posted 21 reps at the combine. The 6-5, 339-pound Fluker shows plenty of explosion where it matters ... on the field.

21. Datone Jones, DE, UCLA: A few years ago Jones, at 6-4, 280 pounds might have been considered a 'tweener. With defensive coordinators forced to adjust to the rapidly expanding offenses of today's NFL, however, Jones ranks as an intriguing hybrid defender who can hold up against the run as a base defensive end, while beating interior lineman with his quickness if moved inside on passing downs. Jones racked up an impressive 19 tackles for loss in 2012 and has been equally impressive at the Senior Bowl and combine since.

22. Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama: Registering just 36 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss and a single sack in 2012, Williams' stat-line isn't nearly as impressive as his combination of size (6-3, 323) power (30 reps) and straight-line speed (4.94). Experienced inside and out in the 3-4 alignment and projecting nicely at defensive tackle in a four-man front, as well, Williams is one of the safer, tougher defensive linemen in the 2013 draft.

23. *Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame: Possessing soft hands and excellent body control, Eifert is the prototypical security blanket and he eased concerns about his straight-line speed with a very respectable 4.68 second 40-yard dash at 6-6, 250-pounds. Eifert isn't the second coming of Jimmy Graham but he has the length and speed to be a challenging matchup and is experienced lining up wide, as well as in the traditional in-line role.

24. *Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M: No player dropped further on my Big Board due to his performance (or lack thereof) during combine and pro day drills than Moore, who proved both slower (4.95) and weaker (12 reps) than many of the prospects measuring much smaller than him (6-4, 250) at the combine. Moore has proven to be a playmaker at both defensive end and outside linebacker but the lack of preparation for the testing could be a sign that Moore's statistics were inflated by the Aggies' scheme and that he should have returned for his senior season.

25. Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah: Lotulelei is a dominant defender who warrants top-five consideration if he's healthy. A heart condition was discovered at the combine, however, and while the Utah defensive tackle was impressive during his March 20 pro day, the bigger test won't come until April 5-6, when he'll be part of the re-checks in Indianapolis. Some teams currently have Lotulelei off their board entirely due to concerns about his heart.

26. *Robert Woods, WR, USC: Measuring in at a rock-solid 6-0, 201 pounds and performing very well in the interviews and athletic drills at the combine, it was easy to see why scouts view Woods as one of the safest receivers in this draft class. Woods isn't flashy but he's intelligent enough to handle playing virtually any of the receiver positions immediately, a rarity for a rookie.

27. Dion Jordan, DE/OLB, Oregon: At a rangy 6-6, 248 pounds, Jordan's length and explosiveness off the edge make him a matchup nightmare for opponents and he proved every bit the must-see athlete at the combine, as expected. Unfortunately, while this Jordan might be able to "fly" in shorts like Mike, he hasn't been as productive as his athleticism would indicate. Jordan has struggled with various injuries throughout his career and this troubling tendency again arose at the combine where he announced that he would have to undergo surgery repair a torn labrum.

28. Justin Pugh, OL, Syracuse: Whether he winds up remaining at left tackle or moving inside to guard Pugh has the athleticism to go along with his 6-5, 307-pound frame. Only the fact that he has shorter than preferred arms (31.5") makes this a concern.

29. Kenny Vaccaro, FS, Texas: Instinctive, athletic and tough, Vaccaro has many of the traits scouts are looking for, though he showed less than ideal speed at the combine (4.63) and isn't a natural ball-hawk. He does possess the versatility teams require in today's game, as Vaccaro has starred as an in-the-box run-stuffer, single-high cover safety and even demonstrated the fluidity to handle nickel responsibilities. He carries some character red-flags, however, which teams will want to investigate.

30. *Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State: In terms of pure talent, Hankins deserves to be ranked among the top 20 prospects in the country. Unfortunately, his motor too often appears to in neutral rather than overdrive, something he didn't address well enough for my taste on or off the turf at the combine and is slipping down my board as a result.



31. *DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson: A polished route-runner who plays with burst and physicality, Hopkins is earning first-round grades from some teams. He didn't prove to be as fast as hoped in Indianapolis (4.57) but has the all-around game that should quickly translate into success in the NFL.

32. *Zach Ertz, TE, Stanford: Ertz proved to be quite a playmaker for the Cardinal but wasn't as impressive as I anticipated in Indianapolis, measuring in with shorter than ideal arms (31 3/4") and proving less explosive (4.76 seconds in the 40-yard dash, 30.5" vertical jump) than his game-tape indicated. His ability to threaten the seam keeps him just inside the first round on my board.

The Second Tier:

33. Kawann Short, DT, Purdue: Snap to snap consistency has been an issue with Short throughout much of his career but he's also proven to be a natural playmaker, averaging 16 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and three blocks kicks over the past three years.

34. Alex Okafor, DE, Texas: Despite his skill-set and the fact that he is a two-time All-Big 12 defender, scouts have some reservations about Okafor's motor -- concerns he did not sufficiently address by electing not to participate at the combine.

35. Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas: The Arkansas passer wasn't as productive as hoped in 2012 but possesses the physical and leadership traits to compete for a starting role early in his NFL career.

36. *Matt Elam, SS, Florida: An instinctive defender with a knack for making the big play in big games, everything about Elam's game is big... except his 5-10, 208-pound frame.

37. *Kevin Minter, ILB, LSU: Instinctive and physical, Minter was the most dependable player on an LSU defense chock-full of prospective NFL talent. But with a 4.81-second time in the 40-yard dash I have reservations about his ability to remain on the field on third down in the NFL.

38. Larry Warford, OG, Kentucky: Overshadowed in this class by Warmack and Cooper, the powerful Warford is a legitimate top 50 prospect in his own right.

39. John Jenkins, DT, Georgia: Jenkins did not produce elite statistics (50 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack) but at 6-4, 346 pounds, however, Jenkins certainly possesses the beef to clog running lanes and is experienced at both nose guard and defensive end in the 3-4 alignment.



40. Manti Te'o, ILB, Notre Dame: Te'o answered the tough off-field questions sufficiently for my taste but, like Minter, his lack of straight-line speed likely makes him a two-down run defender in the NFL.

41. *Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama: Nursing a slightly torn hamstring, Lacy wasn't able to work out at the combine. If he can prove his speed at his March 13 pro day, however, he could join former teammates Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson as the top backs of their respective draft classes.

42. Cornelius "Tank" Carradine, DE, Florida State: Having torn his ACL in November, Carradine will first have to prove his health to warrant this lofty grade but the talent and effort on tape is enough to warrant taking the risk.

43. Khaseem Greene, OLB, Rutgers: A former safety turned linebacker, Greene is a turnover machine (played a role in 24 turnovers over his career) and a future NFL star as a 4-3 weakside linebacker.

44. Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State: Athletic, instinctive and tough, Taylor is one of the best all-around cornerbacks in a solid class.

45. Arthur Brown, OLB, Kansas State: Scouts wish he was a bit bigger and made more impactful plays but no linebacker in the draft plays with greater instincts, hustle and reliable open-field tackling than Brown.

46. Margus Hunt, DE, SMU: Hunt began the 2012 season atop Bruce Feldman's "Freak" list as the nation's top athlete and certainly didn't disappoint at the combine, posting a 4.62-40 yard dash and tying all defensive linemen with 38 reps of 225-pounds at 6-8, 277-pounds.

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



48. *Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee: Hunter dropped too many big passes for my taste in 2012 but he's shockingly fluid for a 6-4, 196-pounder and could emerge as a Pro Bowl-talent with greater concentration.

49. Jonathan Cyprien, SS, Florida International: The ultra-physical Cyprien was dynamic in Mobile, erasing my previous concerns about his level of competition but speed (4.64) is a concern.

50. Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State: Banks ran poorly at the combine (4.61) but has the length, physicality and aggression to be successful in a press scheme. His 16 career interceptions largely against SEC competition should not suddenly be forgotten because of a poor 40-yard dash.

Just missed the cut:

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

52. Phillip Thomas, FS, Fresno State

53. Quinton Patton, WR, Louisiana Tech

54. E.J. Manuel, QB, Florida State

55. *Alec Ogletree, ILB, Georgia

56. Brandon Williams, DT, Missouri Southern

57. Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor

58. Terron Armstread, OT, Arkansas Pine-Bluff

59. Vance McDonald, TE, Rice

60. Markus Wheaton, WR, Oregon State

61. *David Bakhtiari, OT, Colorado

62. *Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU

63. *David Amerson, CB, North Carolina State

64. *Menelik Watson, OT, Florida State

65. Barrett Jones, OC, Alabama

66. Ryan Nassib, QB, Syracuse

67. *Jordan Reed, TE, Florida

68. Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina

69. Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin

70. Brian Winters, OG, Kent State

71. Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor

72. *Travis Frederick, OC, Wisconsin

73. Sio Moore, OLB, Connecticut

74. Aaron Dobson, WR, Marshall

75. Travis Kelce, TE, Cincinnati

76. Johnathan Franklin, RB, UCLA

77. Dallas Thomas, OG, Tennessee

78. *Jamie Collins, OLB, Southern Miss

79. *Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina

80. Leon McFadden, CB, San Diego State

81. Bacarri Rambo, FS, Georgia

82. Oday Aboushi, OT, Virginia

83. Jordan Poyer, CB, Oregon State

84. Josh Boyce, WR, TCU

85. *Logan Ryan, CB, Rutgers

86. Chris Harper, WR, Kansas State

87. *Chris Faulk, OT, LSU

88. *Joseph Randle, RB, Oklahoma State

89. Ryan Swope, WR, Texas A&M

90. Darius Slay, CB, Mississippi State

91. Robert Alford, CB, Southeast Louisiana

92. D.J. Swearinger, SS, South Carolina

93. Christine Michael, RB, Texas A&M

94. *Tyrann Mathieu, CB, LSU

95. Dwayne Gratz, CB, Connecticut

96. *Corey Lemonier, OLB, Auburn

97. *Gavin Escobar, TE, San Diego State

98. *Steve Williams, CB, Cal

99. Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford

100. Matt Scott, QB, Arizona

Terrance Williams is so good, he is player #57 and #71

 

[Faust]

Video Link:

Greg Cosell rates Syracuse QB Ryan Nassib higher than West Virginia QB Geno Smith

04:06 – Find out why NFL Films senior producer Greg Cosell rates Syracuse QB Ryan Nassib higher than West Virginia QB Geno Smith.

 

[Faust]

Video Link:

Mayock on Georgia's pro day

03:57 – Mike Mayock reports from Georgia's pro day where linebackers Jarvis Jones and Alec Ogletree participated in field workouts.

 

[Faust]

Ryan Nassib is top QB in NFL draft, Greg Cosell says

By Kareem Copeland

Around the League Writer

The overall consensus as the NFL draft approaches has been that West Virginia's Geno Smith is the top quarterback prospect. There's plenty of debate on how high he should be drafted, but he's thought of as the No. 1 signal-caller.

NFL Films senior producer Greg Cosell, however, disagrees.

"My No. 1 quarterback based on the film study I've done is (Syracuse's) Ryan Nassib. I like him overall more than Geno Smith," Cosell said Thursday on NFL Network's "Path to the Draft." "I think he's a much more precise intermediate thrower. I think the ball comes out with a little bit better velocity at the intermediate level. And I think he's a little more accurate. And I like his footwork a little bit better.

"No one here is at the (Andrew) Luck, RG3 level. Maybe not even the (Ryan) Tannehill level. At the end of the day, Nassib, at this point, would be the guy I like the most."

Cosell questioned Smith's anticipation -- saying he has "slow eyes."

"When throws are there that are clearly defined and the ball needs to come out on time with anticipation, he has a tendency to be late with those throws," Cosell said. "In the NFL ... you have to be an anticipation thrower."

Cosell also was unimpressed with Smith's accuracy on intermediate and deep throws.

"He shows a little bit of ball location issues," he said.

Cosell believes more than three quarterbacks will be selected in the first round. Smith, Florida State's EJ Manuel and Southern California's Matt Barkley are NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock's top three. Nassib would be the fourth, according to Cosell.

That's a lot of first-round risk for prospects who no one seems completely comfortable with.

 

[Faust]

from Rotoworld:

Tennessee WR Cordarrelle Patterson dropped 4.2 percent of the targets he saw in 2012.A lot has been made about Patterson's body catching, tending to shield the ball in his chest or stomach rather than snatch it with hands away from his body. However, as the statistic concludes, few of those possible catches resulted in drops. For comparison's sake, Keenan Allen dropped 4.7 percent, Terrance Williams checked in with 5.8 percent, and Justin Hunter's number was a whopping 12.1 percent.Source: Houston Chronicle

Scouts Inc.'s Todd McShay lists Rutgers' Jawan Jamison as his fifth overall RB.Jamison hasn't received much attention through the pre-draft process after leaving school following his redshirt sophomore season. He is a compact runner with some nice cuts at the second level, but we question his overall athleticism to match up with his running style.Source: ESPN

NFL Films' Greg Cosell believes West Virginia QB Geno Smith has "slow eyes" when asked to throw with anticipation."One thing about Geno Smith, and you see it consistently, when throws are there that are clearly defined and the ball needs to come out on time with anticipation, I think he has a tendency to be late with those throws," Cosell said. "And I think in the NFL where the coverage is tighter, the defense is quicker, you have to be an anticipation thrower." Cosell then went on to call Smith's "ball location" and accuracy, calling it a bit erratic.Source: NFL.com

NFL.com's Bucky Brooks writes NC State QB Mike Glennon has "glimpses" of Joe Flacco in his game."Even quiet leaders like Eli Manning and Joe Flacco have to step up and hold their teammates accountable by challenging them in one-on-one or small-group confrontations," Brooks writes. "Evaluators still have concerns about whether Glennon possesses that take-charge personality. When I asked Glennon about this following the workout, he pointed to the leadership styles of Manning and Flacco as examples of how he envisions his personality evolving at the next level. Furthermore, he told me to ask his teammates if they believed he had the moxie to be a leader at the highest level." Source: NFL.com

Scouts Inc.'s Todd McShay lists Notre Dame TE Tyler Eifert as his top skill position player.Eifert checks in at No. 16 on McShay's big board, one spot ahead of Tavon Austin. Two receivers find themselves in the top 25, with Keenan Allen and Cordarrelle Patterson sitting at No. 23 and 24, respectively. CBS Sports' Dane Brugler also lists Eifert as his top skill position player. Source: ESPN

 

[Nucker101]

from Rotoworld:

Tennessee WR Cordarrelle Patterson dropped 4.2 percent of the targets he saw in 2012.A lot has been made about Patterson's body catching, tending to shield the ball in his chest or stomach rather than snatch it with hands away from his body. However, as the statistic concludes, few of those possible catches resulted in drops. For comparison's sake, Keenan Allen dropped 4.7 percent, Terrance Williams checked in with 5.8 percent, and Justin Hunter's number was a whopping 12.1 percent.Source: Houston Chronicle

Scouts Inc.'s Todd McShay lists Rutgers' Jawan Jamison as his fifth overall RB.Jamison hasn't received much attention through the pre-draft process after leaving school following his redshirt sophomore season. He is a compact runner with some nice cuts at the second level, but we question his overall athleticism to match up with his running style.Source: ESPN

NFL Films' Greg Cosell believes West Virginia QB Geno Smith has "slow eyes" when asked to throw with anticipation."One thing about Geno Smith, and you see it consistently, when throws are there that are clearly defined and the ball needs to come out on time with anticipation, I think he has a tendency to be late with those throws," Cosell said. "And I think in the NFL where the coverage is tighter, the defense is quicker, you have to be an anticipation thrower." Cosell then went on to call Smith's "ball location" and accuracy, calling it a bit erratic.Source: NFL.com

NFL.com's Bucky Brooks writes NC State QB Mike Glennon has "glimpses" of Joe Flacco in his game."Even quiet leaders like Eli Manning and Joe Flacco have to step up and hold their teammates accountable by challenging them in one-on-one or small-group confrontations," Brooks writes. "Evaluators still have concerns about whether Glennon possesses that take-charge personality. When I asked Glennon about this following the workout, he pointed to the leadership styles of Manning and Flacco as examples of how he envisions his personality evolving at the next level. Furthermore, he told me to ask his teammates if they believed he had the moxie to be a leader at the highest level." Source: NFL.com

Scouts Inc.'s Todd McShay lists Notre Dame TE Tyler Eifert as his top skill position player.Eifert checks in at No. 16 on McShay's big board, one spot ahead of Tavon Austin. Two receivers find themselves in the top 25, with Keenan Allen and Cordarrelle Patterson sitting at No. 23 and 24, respectively. CBS Sports' Dane Brugler also lists Eifert as his top skill position player. Source: ESPN

Not surprised by Hunter's numbers, I'm not a fan of him at all at the NFL level.

 

[Faust]

Charley Casserly has released his first full Mock Draft for Round 1:

NFL Mock Draft: Five wide receivers in Round 1

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Charley Casserly has released his first full Mock Draft for Round 1:

NFL Mock Draft: Five wide receivers in Round 1

I think he cheated off my mock a lot.

 

[Donnybrook]

Charley Casserly has released his first full Mock Draft for Round 1:

NFL Mock Draft: Five wide receivers in Round 1

Last year, I believe many mockers had Stephen Hill going in the middle of the first and Rueban Randle as a late first. Both actually went in the middle of the 2nd. The suprise pick last year was AJ Jenkins going in the late first. I feel that mockers are pushing up the WR again this year. In fact, the top prospects last year had less size, speed and injury questions than this years class.

 

[Faust]

Split Opinion -- Experts split on USC QB Matt Barkley

 

[Faust]

Video Link:

Mike Mayock's USC Pro Day preview

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

I don't usually pay much attention to pro days, but I'm super curious to hear what comes out of Barkley's. Still think he's the best QB in this draft. Will be interesting to hear what the buzz is tomorrow.

 

[SayWhat?]

Charley Casserly has released his first full Mock Draft for Round 1:

NFL Mock Draft: Five wide receivers in Round 1

Last year, I believe many mockers had Stephen Hill going in the middle of the first and Rueban Randle as a late first. Both actually went in the middle of the 2nd. The suprise pick last year was AJ Jenkins going in the late first. I feel that mockers are pushing up the WR again this year. In fact, the top prospects last year had less size, speed and injury questions than this years class.

There's one top guy (Hunter) who is over 6-2 in this draft - last year there were four - Floyd, Hill, Jeffrey and Randle - he had a torn ACL. IMO this class is well below last year. Patterson is a very raw receiver and isn't as good as Blackmon despite being more physically talented.

I think you're agreeing with the poster you quoted. I believe he intended his response to read that last years wr's had less size/speed/injury concerns than this years do. Not that they had less size and speed.

 

[cstu]

Charley Casserly has released his first full Mock Draft for Round 1:

NFL Mock Draft: Five wide receivers in Round 1

Last year, I believe many mockers had Stephen Hill going in the middle of the first and Rueban Randle as a late first. Both actually went in the middle of the 2nd. The suprise pick last year was AJ Jenkins going in the late first. I feel that mockers are pushing up the WR again this year. In fact, the top prospects last year had less size, speed and injury questions than this years class.

There's one top guy (Hunter) who is over 6-2 in this draft - last year there were four - Floyd, Hill, Jeffrey and Randle - he had a torn ACL. IMO this class is well below last year. Patterson is a very raw receiver and isn't as good as Blackmon despite being more physically talented.

I think you're agreeing with the poster you quoted. I believe he intended his response to read that last years wr's had less size/speed/injury concerns than this years do. Not that they had less size and speed.

Yep, I read it wrong.

 

[Faust]

Video Link:

Is Notre Dame's Tyler Eifert the best tight end in the draft?

01:04 – Will Notre Dame tight end Tyler Eifert be drafted in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft? Mike Mayock shares his thoughts following Eifert's pro day workout.

 

[Faust]

A few quick hits from Rotoworld:

NFL Network's Brian Billick compared Stanford TE Zach Ertz to former first-round pick Jermaine Gresham."Both 6'5, natural hands catchers, quicker than fast, great body positioning (and) versatile in alignment," Billick tweeted. Perhaps Gresham hasn't lived up to his draft selection thus far, but we doubt Ertz will go in the first-round. We aren't sure if the Cardinal can line up as effectively inline.Source: Brian Billick on Twitter

Draft insider Tony Pauline believes West Virginia's Geno Smith is the top rated QB in this class, "bar none.""He offers a terrific combination of athletic ability and experience at the quarterback position," Pauline writes. "Smith has the arm strength to make all the NFL passes, the foot speed to elude defenders and make the throw on the move and, for the most part, accurately delivers the ball." He adds that Smith's field vision and decision making are his biggest flaws.Source: Philadelphia Eagles

The Dolphins are "showing considerable interest" in UNC RB Gio Bernard, according to beat writer Barry Jackson.Bernard is from Florida and spent five hours at the Dolphins' headquarters last Thursday. Jackson calls Bernard an option at picks No. 42 and 54. The team is expected to feature Lamar Miller as their top rusher, but need a third down or passing down back, and Bernard has experience in that area.Source: Miami Herald

In a poll conducted by Yahoo! Sports' Jason Cole, three of five NFL GMs chose Notre Dame TE Tyler Eifert over Stanford's Zach Ertz.However, "all of them said they'd be happy to end up with Ertz," Cole writes. "'I'll take the second guy, whoever it is,' said an AFC general manager who graded Eifert a little better based on his fluid athleticism. 'I just like that better because I think you can flex him out and get some better mismatches.'" Some draft analysts have pegged Tyler Eifert as the top skill position player in this class. Source: Yahoo! Sports

NFL.com's Gil Brandt writes that he likes USC QB Matt Barkley's intangibles after talking with him."The thing I like the most about him, though, is something that won't show up at the pro day: his intangibles," Brandt wrote. "Remember, he started for four years and was a captain for three at USC. You don't do that unless you can be a leader and have something special about you. They've just got too many good football players in that program for it to be any other way." Barkley will need a strong showing at his pro day to quiet critics of his arm strength.Source: NFL.com

According to Lions Insider Tim Twentyman, the Detroit Lions hosted Auburn RB Onterio McCalebb on March 26.McCalebb came in for a pre-draft visit. He's a versatile player that has ran and caught the football as well as played on special teams. However, he's only 168 pounds, which limits what he'll be able to offer at the next level. He ran 4.33 and 4.34 40-yard dashes at the school's pro day in early March.Source: Tim Twentyman on Twitter

Louisiana Tech WR Quinton Patton met with three teams that attended the school's pro day.Patton had dinner with the 49ers last night, met with the Broncos Tuesday morning and "went out" with Carolina, per Tony Pauline. The latter appears very interested in receivers this year, including DeAndre Hopkins, Keenan Allen, Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey, and now Patton.Source: Tony Pauline on Twitter

NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah believes Georgia WR Tavarres King has WR No. 2 potential.Jeremiah tweeted that he would select King in this third-round. The Georgia receiver disappeared at times this season, but added a vertical element to his game. At the Senior Bowl, King stood out among his peers and showed a lot of consistency and separation.Source: Daniel Jeremiah on Twitter

NFL Network's Brian Billick compared Rice TE Vance McDonald to Dustin Keller."Similar build (and) athlete but inconsistent hands catcher," Billick tweeted. McDonald certainly does drop on target throws at times, but perhaps his biggest projection is the move to an inline alignment. He was a physical presence as a big slot receiver, but blocking longer and stronger defensive linemen might be more of a challenge.Source: Brian Billick on Twitter

 

[Faust]

Cosell’s Take: Geno Smith is still a work in progress

 

[Faust]

2013 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Offense

2013 NFL Draft Big Board 4.0

 

[Faust]

Don Banks 2013 NFL Mock Draft 3.0

 

[Faust]

NFP Mock Draft - Version 9.0

 

[TheFanatic]

NFP Mock Draft - Version 9.0

I'm trying to figure this out:

22. St. Louis Rams (From Washington): Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama, Junior: So far this off-season the Rams have upgraded at OT, WR and TE, so adding Lacy gives them the power back that Stephen Jackson used to be. While I have been told that many teams are not sold on Lacy, I think that the Rams believe in his talent.

They signed Cook at TE and Long at OT. How did they upgrade at WR? Losing Amendola and Gibson? I addition by subtraction with Gibson maybe, but not Amendola.

 

[mental]

NFP Mock Draft - Version 9.0

I'm trying to figure this out:

22. St. Louis Rams (From Washington): Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama, Junior: So far this off-season the Rams have upgraded at OT, WR and TE, so adding Lacy gives them the power back that Stephen Jackson used to be. While I have been told that many teams are not sold on Lacy, I think that the Rams believe in his talent.

They signed Cook at TE and Long at OT. How did they upgrade at WR? Losing Amendola and Gibson? I addition by subtraction with Gibson maybe, but not Amendola.

He is narrating a world in which they have taken Patterson with their #16.

 

[TheFanatic]

NFP Mock Draft - Version 9.0

I'm trying to figure this out:

22. St. Louis Rams (From Washington): Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama, Junior: So far this off-season the Rams have upgraded at OT, WR and TE, so adding Lacy gives them the power back that Stephen Jackson used to be. While I have been told that many teams are not sold on Lacy, I think that the Rams believe in his talent.

They signed Cook at TE and Long at OT. How did they upgrade at WR? Losing Amendola and Gibson? I addition by subtraction with Gibson maybe, but not Amendola.

He is narrating a world in which they have taken Patterson with their #16.

Oh, good call. I've seen soooo many mocks and the picks are all over the place. I forgot that he pegged a WR in with the first pick. Thanks...

 

[cstu]

NFP Mock Draft - Version 9.0

I'm trying to figure this out:

22. St. Louis Rams (From Washington): Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama, Junior: So far this off-season the Rams have upgraded at OT, WR and TE, so adding Lacy gives them the power back that Stephen Jackson used to be. While I have been told that many teams are not sold on Lacy, I think that the Rams believe in his talent.

They signed Cook at TE and Long at OT. How did they upgrade at WR? Losing Amendola and Gibson? I addition by subtraction with Gibson maybe, but not Amendola.

He is narrating a world in which they have taken Patterson with their #16.

Oh, good call. I've seen soooo many mocks and the picks are all over the place. I forgot that he pegged a WR in with the first pick. Thanks...

Even if they take Patterson, isn't OL more important right now? Personally I wouldn't pass on Warmack at 16 and then take the best receiver available at 22.

 

[Faust]

Risers and Fallers - Dane Brugler -- (Updated 3/26/2013)

 

[Faust]

Matt Barkley's USC pro day draws mixed reviews

Matt Barkley displays arm strength similar to Andy Dalton

Video Links:

Mayock: USC quarterback Matt Barkley can 'step in and run a pro offense quickly'

02:53 – NFL Network draft expert Mike Mayock believes that while USC quarterback Matt Barkley doesn't have the upside of other QBs in the draft, he has solidified his position as a first-round draft pick.

USC wide receiver Robert Woods wows with one-handed catch at pro day

00:09 – USC wide receiver Robert Woods shows off his skills with this amazing one-handed catch during his pro day on Wednesday.

 

[Faust]

Big Board: Top skills moving to trenches in lineman-rich draft

by Rob Rang | NFLDraftScout.com Senior Analyst

March 27, 2013 1:36 PM ET

To the football-starved, pro day workouts can take on a life of their own. It is all too easy to get caught up in the hype of timed drills and stellar passing sessions by quarterbacks throwing against air. Teams make mistakes every year falling in love with the final impressions built in workouts rather than relying on the conclusions made from a career's worth of game tape. Georgia pass-rusher Jarvis Jones, for example, could experience a significant fall on draft day due to the fact that he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.92-seconds at his pro day, March 21. Scouts, of course, can't forget that prior to his rather pedestrian workout, the All-American led the country in sacks, tackles for loss and forced fumbles.

The Big Board isn't a mock draft. There is no attention given to team needs or the selection order. It is simply a ranking of the 100 best draft-eligible prospects for the 2013 NFL draft before we get consumed by the annual data overload from player workouts.

Underclassmen are denoted with an asterisk (*).

1. *Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M: Having earned all-conference recognition all three years of his career, including First Team All-SEC honors and winning the Outland Trophy in 2012, the baby-faced Joeckel is already a proven star who is just going to get better as he grows into his frame. Before blasting Joeckel too much for running the 40-yard dash in 5.30 seconds, recall that the last offensive tackle to be drafted No. 1 overall, Jake Long, was timed at 5.22 seconds.

2. Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan: While impressive against Michigan State and Iowa in 2012, scouts had some reservations about Fisher until a dominating performance against top competition at the Senior Bowl and he followed that up with a stellar performance in Indianapolis. Possessing the foot quickness, balance and length to be a "blindside" pass protector, it isn't out of the question to think the more physically mature Fisher could overtake Joeckel as the top tackle on some boards.

3. Chance Warmack, OG, Alabama: Warmack didn't do much at the combine or Alabama's first pro day but frankly, he didn't have to as he ranks among the safest prospects in the draft. Warmack possesses explosive functional power as a drive blocker and has the quick feet and balance to provide stellar pass protection, as well.

4. *Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida: With so many talented defensive linemen playing in the SEC, Floyd didn't generate the buzz that his talents warranted until recently. Used predominately at defensive end a season ago, the 6-3, 303-pound junior was moved back inside to his more natural defensive tackle position this year and stepped up his play, earning First Team all-conference honors with 46 tackles, including a team-high 13 tackles for loss. While his Gators lost the Sugar Bowl to Teddy Bridgewater and Louisville, Floyd was dynamic, sacking the mobile sophomore quarterback twice and showing scouts flashes of untapped potential.

5. *Dee Milliner, CB, Alabama: Milliner emphatically put to bed any concerns about his straight-line speed in 4.37 seconds at the combine, answering the only question scouts had about his game. Tough, physical and possessing prototypical size (6-0, 201) for the position, Milliner is the elite pass defender in this draft and a legitimate top five candidate, though he must prove his health after undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum.

6. Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU: Having only played football for three years -- and starting just one season -- the native of Ghana is as raw as it gets. Ansah is also as physically blessed as any prospect in the 2013 draft, demonstrating remarkable straight-line speed (4.63 in the 40-yard dash) and fluidity (4.26 seconds in the short shuttle), considering his 6-5, 271-pound frame. Proving athletic enough to handle converting to outside linebacker or staying at defensive end, Ansah could earn top five consideration if teams are convinced that he's committed to the game.

7. Jonathan Cooper, OG, North Carolina: More athletic than Chance Warmack and proving considerably stronger in Indianapolis than many had given him credit for (35 reps), Cooper is a legitimate top 20 candidate, whose value is only increased by the fact he can play center, as well.

8. Lane Johnson, OT, Oklahoma: Having seen action at QB, DE and TE during his time at Kilgore Junior College (Texas), Johnson had already proven his athleticism. The 6-6, 303-pounder showed his athleticism is at the combine, clocking in at 4.72 seconds in the 40-yard dash and registering a 34-inch vertical jump. With only two years at tackle, including just one on the blindside, Johnson isn't as polished as Joeckel or Fisher but may possess an even higher upside.

9. *Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri: Measuring in slightly smaller than expected at 6-3, 294-pounds, Richardson slipped down my board slightly but remains one of the more intriguing defensive tackles in the 2013 class. He's the only defensive tackle I saw all year long hold up to the awesome Alabama interior offensive line, recording a game-high 14 tackles in that contest. He finished 2012 just four tackles behind linebacker Andrew Wilson as Missouri's leading tackler with 75 stops, leading all SEC interior defensive linemen in this category.

10. *Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee: Of this year's skill-position players, Patterson presents the most "wow" factor. In his first season at the FBS level, Patterson, 6-2, 217, dominated the SEC to the tune of 154.83 all-purpose yards a game, easily the most of any player in the power conference. There remain concerns, however, about his work ethic and ability to handle a complicated NFL offense.

11. *Bjoern Werner, DE, Florida State: Blessed with a quick first step, heavy hands and surprising instincts given the fact that the German-native has played just five years of American football, Werner, 6-3, 266, is the surest of this year's talented defensive line class. He does not possess Ansah's upside but is currently a more polished and productive player, having earned the ACC's Defensive Player of the Year in 2012 with 18 tackles for loss, including 13 sacks.

12. *Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia: Scouts are left to question how much of Jones' statistics were inflated by scheme after a less than impressive pro day workout. Jones may slip on draft day but could prove a steal if he falls out of the top half, just as Terrell Suggs did after a poor workout at Arizona State in 2003.

13. Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington: While lacking the size and physicality of Millner or Rhodes, the 6-0, 190 pound Trufant showcased a blend of speed and fluidity in Mobile to arguably rank as this year's top cover corner. If the last name sounds familiar, it should. Both of his older brothers -- Marcus and Isaiah -- are already cashing NFL paychecks as cornerbacks with the Seattle Seahawks and New York Jets, respectively. Desmond, in fact, matched Marcus' time in the 40-yard dash exactly, clocking in at 4.38 seconds to solidify his first round stock.

14. *Keenan Allen, WR, California: An exceptionally highly regarded prep prospect who originally was going to sign with Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide as a safety before joining his brother (quarterback Zach Maynard) at Cal, Allen possesses virtually all of the physical characteristics to be a No. 1 receiver in the NFL. He is not the same caliber of athlete as Tennessee's Cordarrelle Patterson but is a more polished player who has drawn comparisons to Green Bay's Jordy Nelson and Baltimore's Anquan Boldin for his sneaky speed, reliable hands and toughness.

15. Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia: Some questioned if West Virginia's spread offense made Austin look faster than he really was but in clocking in at 4.34 seconds in the 40-yard dash in Indianapolis, he provided numerical proof of his game-breaking ability. Some will peg Austin as strictly a slot receiver at 5-09, 174 pounds. I see him as a matchup nightmare capable of lining up at receiver, running back and returner.

16. *Xavier Rhodes, CB, Florida State: Despite the 6-2, 210-pound corner wowing during measured drills at the combine, Rhodes left Indianapolis slipping down some NFL boards after a less than impressive showing during the positional workout and in interviews.

17. Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia: Smith possesses all of the physical traits scouts are looking for at the quarterback position, as well as the work ethic to build upon them. He also improved his completion percentage and touchdown/interception ratio in each of his three starting seasons, culminating in a senior campaign in which he completed a sparkling 71.24 percent of his passes and threw 42 touchdowns against just six interceptions. A reportedly stellar performance at his pro day workout will push him up the board for some but only solidifies the first round status he's had on my board all year long.

18. Matt Barkley, QB, Southern Cal: While Geno Smith has the higher upside, Barkley is the most NFL-ready of this year's quarterback class, having starred for four seasons in the Trojans' pro-style scheme. He needs to prove his health as a shoulder injury sidelined him for USC's final two games, kept him out of the Senior Bowl and from participating in the combine, but it is worth noting that he measured in bigger (6-3, 227) than Smith (6-2, 218) there, which surprised many. While Barkley's interceptions doubled in 2012, USC's pass protection wasn't nearly as reliable as it had been earlier in his career and he had to keep pace with a leaky defense that hemorrhaged points. Barkley lacks elite traits, but make no mistake, he's a first round prospect as he stands and should he dazzle at his March 27 pro day, he could easily wind up as the first quarterback selected in the 2013 draft.

19. *Barkevious Mingo, DE/OLB, LSU: Mingo possesses the frame (6-4, 241 pounds) and athleticism to warrant top 10 consideration, but at this point he remains a largely unpolished product who relies on his natural tools rather than technique to make plays. Given Mingo's upside, it is easy to imagine him terrorizing NFL quarterbacks off the edge as a multi-dimensional defender. Considering Mingo's relatively pedestrian numbers (38 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks) this season, as well as the struggles of other former highly regarded LSU defensive linemen in the NFL, the general manager who selects him that high is rolling the dice.

20. *D.J. Fluker, OT, Alabama: Anyone who watched Alabama dismantle a talented Notre Dame defense in the BCS title game knows that the Crimson Tide offensive line, including Fluker specifically, plays with great power. As such, ignore the fact that he "only" posted 21 reps at the combine. The 6-5, 339-pound Fluker shows plenty of explosion where it matters... on the field.



21. Datone Jones, DE, UCLA: A few years ago Jones, at 6-4, 280 pounds might have been considered a 'tweener. With defensive coordinators forced to adjust to the rapidly expanding offenses of today's NFL, however, Jones ranks as an intriguing hybrid defender who can hold up against the run as a base defensive end, while beating interior lineman with his quickness if moved inside on passing downs. Jones racked up an impressive 19 tackles for loss in 2012 and has been equally impressive at the Senior Bowl and combine since.

22. *Tyler Eifert, TE, Notre Dame: Possessing soft hands and excellent body control, Eifert is the prototypical security blanket, and he eased concerns about his straight-line speed with a very respectable 4.68 second 40-yard dash at 6-6, 250-pounds. Eifert isn't the second coming of Jimmy Graham but has the length and speed to be a challenging matchup and is experienced lining up wide, as well as in the traditional in-line role.

23. Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah: Lotulelei is a dominant defender who warrants top five consideration if he's healthy. A heart condition was discovered at the combine, however, and while the Utah defensive tackle was impressive during his March 20 pro day, the bigger test won't come until the medical re-checks in Indianapolis. Some teams currently have Lotulelei off their board entirely due to concerns about his heart.

24. *Robert Woods, WR, USC: Measuring in at a rock-solid 6-0, 201 pounds and performing very well in the interviews and athletic drills at the combine, it was easy to see why scouts view Woods as one of the safest receivers in this draft class. Woods isn't flashy but he's intelligent enough to handle playing virtually any of the receiver positions immediately, a rarity for a rookie.

25. *Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M: No player dropped further on my Big Board due to his performance (or lack thereof) during combine and pro day drills than Moore, who proved both slower (4.95) and weaker (12 reps) than many of the prospects measuring much smaller than him (6-4, 250) at the combine. Moore has proven to be a playmaker at both defensive end and outside linebacker but the lack of preparation for the testing could be a sign that Moore's statistics were inflated by the Aggies' scheme and that he should have returned for his senior season.



26. Dion Jordan, DE/OLB, Oregon: At a rangy 6-6, 248 pounds, Jordan's length and explosiveness off the edge make him a matchup nightmare for opponents and he proved every bit the must-see athlete at the combine, as expected. Unfortunately, while this Jordan might be able to "fly" in shorts like Mike, he hasn't been as productive as his athleticism would indicate. Jordan has struggled with various injuries throughout his career and this troubling tendency again arose at the combine where he announced that he would have to undergo surgery prior to the draft to repair a torn labrum.

27. Justin Pugh, OL, Syracuse: Whether he winds up remaining at left tackle or moving inside to guard Pugh has the athleticism to go along with his 6-5, 307-pound frame. Only the fact that he has shorter than preferred arms (31.5") makes this a concern.

28. Kenny Vaccaro, FS, Texas: Instinctive, athletic and tough, Vaccaro has many of the traits scouts are looking for, though he showed less than ideal speed at the combine (4.63) and isn't a natural ball-hawk. He does possess the versatility teams require in today's game, as Vaccaro has starred as an in-the-box run-stuffer, single-high cover safety and even demonstrated the fluidity to handle nickel responsibilities. He carries some character red-flags, however, which teams will want to investigate.

29. *Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State: In terms of pure talent, Hankins deserves to be ranked among the top 20 prospects in the country. Unfortunately, his motor too often appears to be in neutral rather than overdrive, something he didn't address well enough for my taste on or off the turf at the combine and is slipping down my board as a result.

30. *DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson: A polished route-runner who plays with burst and physicality, Hopkins is earning first-round grades from some teams. He didn't prove to be as fast as hoped in Indianapolis (4.57) but has the all-around game that should quickly translate into success in the NFL.

31. *Zach Ertz, TE, Stanford: Ertz proved to be quite a playmaker for the Cardinal but wasn't as impressive as I anticipated in Indianapolis, measuring in with shorter than ideal arms (31 3/4") and proving less explosive (4.76 seconds in the 40-yard dash, 30.5" vertical jump) than his game-tape indicated. His ability to threaten the seam keeps him just inside the first round on my board.

32. *Matt Elam, SS, Florida: An instinctive defender with a knack for making the big play in big games, everything about Elam's game is big ... except his 5-10, 208-pound frame. Elam's physicality and ball-skills make up for a lack of elite size.

The Second Tier:

33. Kawann Short, DT, Purdue: Snap to snap consistency has been an issue with Short throughout much of his career but he's also proven to be a natural playmaker, averaging 16 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and three blocks kicks over the past three years.

34. Alex Okafor, DE, Texas: Due to his time inside at defensive tackle, Okafor uses his hands very well and proved a better than advertised overall athlete at his March 26 pro day, as well.

35. Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas: The Arkansas passer wasn't as productive as hoped in 2012 but possesses the physical and leadership traits to compete for a starting role early in his NFL career.



36. Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State: Athletic, instinctive and tough, Taylor is one of the best all-around cornerbacks in a solid class.

37. *Kevin Minter, ILB, LSU: Instinctive and physical, Minter was the most dependable player on an LSU defense chock-full of prospective NFL talent, but with a 4.81-second time in the 40-yard dash I have reservations about his ability to remain on the field on third down in the NFL.

38. Larry Warford, OG, Kentucky: Overshadowed in this class by Warmack and Cooper, the powerful Warford is a legitimate top 50 prospect in his own right.

39. Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama: Experienced inside and out in the 3-4 alignment and projecting nicely at defensive tackle in a four-man front, as well, Williams is one of the safer, tougher defensive linemen in the 2013 draft.



40. *Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama: Nursing a slightly torn hamstring, Lacy wasn't able to work out at the combine. If he can prove his speed at his March 13 pro day, however, he could join former teammates Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson as the top backs of their respective draft classes.



41. Cornelius "Tank" Carradine, DE, Florida State: Having torn his ACL in November, Carradine will first have to prove his health to warrant this lofty grade but the talent and effort on tape is enough to warrant taking the risk.

42. Khaseem Greene, OLB, Rutgers: A former safety turned linebacker, Greene is a turnover machine (played a role in 24 turnovers over his career), and a future NFL star as a 4-3 weak-side linebacker.

43. Arthur Brown, OLB, Kansas State: Scouts wish he was a bit bigger and made more impactful plays, but no linebacker in the 2013 draft plays with greater instincts, hustle and reliable open-field tackling than Brown.

44. Margus Hunt, DE, SMU: Hunt began the 2012 season atop Bruce Feldman's "Freak" list as the nation's top athlete and certainly didn't disappoint at the combine, posting a 4.62-40 yard dash and tying all defensive linemen with 38 reps of 225-pounds at 6-8, 277-pounds.

45. Manti Te'o, ILB, Notre Dame: Te'o improved his time in the 40-yard dash at his pro day but 4.7 seconds is still too slow for me to consider an inside linebacker in the first round.

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

47. *Justin Hunter, WR, Tennessee: Hunter dropped too many big passes for my taste in 2012 but he's shockingly fluid for a 6-4, 196-pounder and could emerge as a Pro Bowl-talent with greater concentration.

48. Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State: Banks ran poorly at the combine (4.61) but has the length, physicality and aggression to be successful in a press scheme. His 16 career interceptions largely against SEC competition should not suddenly be forgotten because of a poor 40-yard dash.

49. Jonathan Cyprien, SS, Florida International: The ultra-physical Cyprien was dynamic in Mobile, erasing my previous concerns about his level of competition, but speed (4.64) is a concern.



50. John Jenkins, DT, Georgia: Jenkins did not produce elite statistics (50 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack) but at 6-4, 346 pounds, he certainly possesses the beef to clog running lanes and is experienced at both nose guard and defensive end in the 3-4 alignment.

Just Missed the Cut:

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

52. Phillip Thomas, FS, Fresno State

53. Quinton Patton, WR, Louisiana Tech

54. E.J. Manuel, QB, Florida State

55. Brandon Williams, DT, Missouri Southern

56. Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina

57. Terron Armstread, OT, Arkansas Pine-Bluff

58. Vance McDonald, TE, Rice

59. Markus Wheaton, WR, Oregon State

60. *David Bakhtiari, OT, Colorado

61. *Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU

62. *David Amerson, CB, North Carolina State

63. *Menelik Watson, OT, Florida State

64. Barrett Jones, OC, Alabama

65. Ryan Nassib, QB, Syracuse

66. *Jordan Reed, TE, Florida

67. *Alec Ogletree, ILB, Georgia

68. Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin

69. Brian Winters, OG, Kent State

70. Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor

71. *Travis Frederick, OC, Wisconsin

72. Sio Moore, OLB, Connecticut

73. Aaron Dobson, WR, Marshall

74. Travis Kelce, TE, Cincinnati

75. Johnathan Franklin, RB, UCLA

76. *Jamie Collins, OLB, Southern Miss

77. *Giovani Bernard, RB, North Carolina

78. Leon McFadden, CB, San Diego State

79. Bacarri Rambo, FS, Georgia

80. Oday Aboushi, OT, Virginia

81. Cornelius Washington, DE, Georgia

82. Jordan Poyer, CB, Oregon State

83. Josh Boyce, WR, TCU

84. *Logan Ryan, CB, Rutgers

85. Chris Harper, WR, Kansas State

86. *Chris Faulk, OT, LSU

87. John Simon, OLB, Ohio State

88. Ryan Swope, WR, Texas A&M

89. Darius Slay, CB, Mississippi State

90. Robert Alford, CB, Southeast Louisiana

91. D.J. Swearinger, SS, South Carolina

92. Christine Michael, RB, Texas A&M

93. *Tyrann Mathieu, CB, LSU

94. Dwayne Gratz, CB, Connecticut

95. *Corey Lemonier, OLB, Auburn

96. *Gavin Escobar, TE, San Diego State

97. D.J. Hayden, CB, Houston

98. Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford

99. Matt Scott, QB, Arizona

100. Brennan Williams, OT, North Carolina

 

[Faust]

The Making Of Markus

 

[TheFanatic]

NFP Mock Draft - Version 9.0

I'm trying to figure this out:

22. St. Louis Rams (From Washington): Eddie Lacy, RB, Alabama, Junior: So far this off-season the Rams have upgraded at OT, WR and TE, so adding Lacy gives them the power back that Stephen Jackson used to be. While I have been told that many teams are not sold on Lacy, I think that the Rams believe in his talent.

They signed Cook at TE and Long at OT. How did they upgrade at WR? Losing Amendola and Gibson? I addition by subtraction with Gibson maybe, but not Amendola.

He is narrating a world in which they have taken Patterson with their #16.

Oh, good call. I've seen soooo many mocks and the picks are all over the place. I forgot that he pegged a WR in with the first pick. Thanks...

Even if they take Patterson, isn't OL more important right now? Personally I wouldn't pass on Warmack at 16 and then take the best receiver available at 22.

That's what I would do too. Cooper or Warmack at 16 and a WR at 22. Take a Christine Michael, LaVeon Bell, Montee Ball, or even Knile Davis later on to compliment Pead and DRich.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Jeff Fisher has never, ever taken an offensive lineman in the first round. Ever.

 

[TheFanatic]

Jeff Fisher has never, ever taken an offensive lineman in the first round. Ever.

I hope that changes...

 

[cstu]

Jeff Fisher has never, ever taken an offensive lineman in the first round. Ever.

I hope that changes...

And incredibly only 4 OL total in the first 3 rounds. Wow.Another odd stat: of all the OL he's drafted he's only had an OL in the Pro Bowl once as an Oiler/Titan (Roos). Runyan made it but not until after he went to the Eagles.He loves DB's though (former one himself) - drafted 37 of them.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Jeff Fisher has never, ever taken an offensive lineman in the first round. Ever.

I hope that changes...

Fisher wasnt the GM of tennessee, Fisher & the GM there often clashed on picks. Fisher didnt watn vince young IIRC.Doesnt mean he wont take an OLINE position early in STL,wehre he has more pull, but some people feel you can find servicable olinemen later in the draft

 

[Faust]

Video Link:

USC wide receiver Robert Woods shines at pro day

 

[Faust]

Video Link:

Risk vs. reward NFL draft prospects

 

[Faust]

Tavon Austin reportedly will visit San Francisco 49ers

 

[Faust]

NFP TOP 200 - Version 9.0

 

[Faust]

NFP Pro Day Review of USC & Notre Dame

 

[jonboltz]

NFP TOP 200 - Version 9.0

I know he is fairly well respected, but continuing to have Nassib as his #1 OVERALL, and Geno as QB5, screams to me as "being different for the sake of attention/page hits".

 

[werdnoynek]

NFP TOP 200 - Version 9.0

nassib as the top QB and #1 overall player! wow. bernard, ellington, ball, and randle all over lacy!

i like that patton is pretty high up there with WR's, the more i see of him the more i like.

it's definitely a different take... lande likes to run outside the herd, i'll give him that much!

 

[Andy Dufresne]

How high could Eifert go?

Possibly even to Cleveland at 6?

What's the highest a TE has been drafted...

Edit: Vernon Davis and Kellen Winslow both at #6...

 

[werdnoynek]

posted in the lacy thread, but:https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/317362091898048513

Ian Rapoport‏@RapSheetNFL teams have been informed Alabama RB Eddie Lacy will workout -- and run the 40 -- on April 11 in Tuscaloosa. Injury has healed

good to see that he'll be running for scouts (and us) before the draft!!

 

[jonboltz]

How high could Eifert go? Possibly even to Cleveland at 6?What's the highest a TE has been drafted...Edit: Vernon Davis and Kellen Winslow both at #6...

Doubt Eifert sniffs the top 10; but next year Jenkins could go very, very early if his off-the-field suspension doesn't linger.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

How high could Eifert go? Possibly even to Cleveland at 6?What's the highest a TE has been drafted...Edit: Vernon Davis and Kellen Winslow both at #6...

Doubt Eifert sniffs the top 10; but next year Jenkins could go very, very early if his off-the-field suspension doesn't linger.

With the explosion in importance that the TE position is showing I don't know why you'd say that. He's very polished.

 

[werdnoynek]

How high could Eifert go? Possibly even to Cleveland at 6?What's the highest a TE has been drafted...Edit: Vernon Davis and Kellen Winslow both at #6...

Doubt Eifert sniffs the top 10; but next year Jenkins could go very, very early if his off-the-field suspension doesn't linger.

With the explosion in importance that the TE position is showing I don't know why you'd say that. He's very polished.

i'd agree but looking at the teams in the top 10, they seem to have much more pressing needs than TE.

 

[jonboltz]

How high could Eifert go? Possibly even to Cleveland at 6?What's the highest a TE has been drafted...Edit: Vernon Davis and Kellen Winslow both at #6...

Doubt Eifert sniffs the top 10; but next year Jenkins could go very, very early if his off-the-field suspension doesn't linger.

With the explosion in importance that the TE position is showing I don't know why you'd say that. He's very polished.

Because you traditionally need to be more than merely polished to be a top 10 overall pick at TE. You need to be really exceptional like Davis or Winslow. I'm not sure that the TE position has gotten that important, just yet.