Top 103 NFL Draft Prospects Of 2010, Version 1.0 (1 Viewer)

[Andy Dufresne]

Link

I’ve included underclassmen in this list without regard for any inkling of declaration status. This list is very fluid and will likely change quite a bit between now and the end of bowl season.

Note that this does not necessarily indicate prediction of draft slot. Additional weight is given to more critical positions, i.e. the #4 QB is rated ahead of the #1 G, even though the guard will grade out higher. It’s subjectively arbitrary, but so is the draft...

Thru the games of Nov. 7th.

1. Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska. His quickness and versatility stand out.

2. Eric Berry, S, Tennessee. Great instinctive playmaker, only question is his size.

3. Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma. Dynamic interior force losing a little momentum.

4. Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State. His suspension doesn’t necessarily hurt him.

5. Jake Locker, QB, Washington. Scouts love the adversity he’s overcome.

6. Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama. The next great rookie ILB, shades of Patrick Willis.

7. Russell Okung, T, Oklahoma State. Showing more consistency and ferocity.

8. Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech. Steadily rising by making loads of big plays.

9. C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson. The next Chris Johnson? He’s that fast.

10. Colt McCoy, QB, Texas. Not always pretty, but always pretty effective.

11. Joe Haden, CB, Florida. Corners with his size and proven skill are always in demand.

12. Jimmy Claussen, QB, Notre Dame. Has made huge leaps both on the field and in the locker room.

13. Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida. Junior must play more consistently, but when he’s on he’s an elite talent.

14. Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina. Another hot/cold guy with great athletic upside.

15. Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan. Continues to shine without much help around him.

16. Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma. Shoulder issues are a major downer, potentially.

17. Greg Hardy, DE, Ole Miss. Has potential to dominate but doesn’t always bring it.

18. Taylor Mays, S, USC. The best physical specimen since Vernon Davis to hit the draft.

19. Trent Williams, T, Oklahoma. Better served at RT in the NFL, though that was said about Jake Long too.

20. Charles Brown, T, USC. Quick-rising senior keeps improving by the week.

21. Greg Jones, LB, Michigan State

22. Jahvid Best, RB, California

23. Bruce Carter, LB, North Carolina

24. Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU

25. Arthur Jones, DT, Syracuse

26. Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech

27. Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State

28. Mardy Gilyard, WR, Cincinnati

29. Chad Jones, S, LSU

30. Everson Griffen, DE, USC

31. Anthony Davis, T, Rutgers

32. Mike Iupati, G, Idaho

33. Bryan Bulaga, T, Iowa

34. Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri

35. Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida

36. D’Anthony Smith, DT, Louisiana Tech

37. Jeremy Williams, WR, Tulane

38. Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma

39. Selvish Capers, T, West Virginia

40. Jon Asamoah, G, Illinois

41. Corey Wootton, DE, Northwestern

42. Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State

43. Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State

44. Arrellious Benn, WR, Illinois

45. Jerry Hughes, OLB, TCU

46. Tim Tebow, QB/ATH, Florida

47. Darrell Stuckey, S, Kansas

48. Ricky Sapp, DE, Clemson

49. Sergio Kindle, LB, Texas

50. Rob Gronkowski, TE, Arizona

51. Jermaine Cunningham, LB, Florida

52. Mitch Petrus, G, Arkansas

53. Toby Gerhart, RB, Stanford

54. Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M

55. Charles Scott, RB, LSU

56. Eric Decker, WR, Minnesota

57. Nate Allen, S, South Florida

58. Brandon Ghee, CB, Wake Forest

59. Anthony McCoy, TE, USC

60. Eric Norwood, LB, South Carolina

61. Terrance Cody, NT, Alabama

62. Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State

63. Johnny Jerry, G, Ole Miss

64. Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati

65. Javier Arenas, CB, Alabama

66. Navorro Bowman, LB, Penn State

67. Maurkice Pouncey, C, Florida

68. Morgan Burnett, S, Georgia Tech

69. Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame

70. Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia

71. Damian Williams, WR, USC

72. Kam Chancellor, S, Virginia Tech

73. Perrish Cox, CB, Oklahoma State

74. Matt Tennant, C, Boston College

75. Vince Oghobaase, DT, Duke

76. Lindsey Witten, DE, Connecticut

77. Dan Lefevour, QB, Central Michigan

78. Rennie Curran, LB, Georgia

79. Donovan Warren, CB, Michigan

80. Bruce Campbell, T, Maryland

81. Blair White, WR, Michigan State

82. Ciron Black, T/G, LSU

83. Brandon Lang, DE, Troy

84. Syd’Quan Thompson, CB, California

85. Ed Dickson, TE, Oregon

86. George Selvie, DE, South Florida

87. Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee

88. Brian Jackson, CB, Oklahoma

89. Myron Rolle, S, Florida State

90. Dezmond Briscoe, WR, Kansas

91. Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers

92. Brian Price, DT, UCLA

93. Deunta Williams, S, North Carolina

94. Trevard Lindley, CB, Kentucky

95. Sean Lee, LB, Penn State

96. Perry Riley, LB, LSU

97. O’Brien Schofield, DE, Wisconsin

98. Alex Carrington, DE, Arkansas State

99. Tony Moeaki, TE, Iowa

100. Luke Stocker, TE, Tennessee

101. Ryan Matthews, RB, Fresno State

102. Chris Walker, LB, Tennessee

103. Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, CB, Indiana PA

Anyone got any opinions on any of these guys?

 

[Andy Dufresne]

ProFootballWeekly has also ranked the senior WRs, RB's, and QB's

1. Brandon LaFell, LSU

6-2 3⁄8, 207, 4.55e

Has yet to prove that he can consistently catch the ball, making too many easy concentration drops with very small hands that always could be an issue. Questions about his work ethic and maturity remain and potentially could keep LaFell out of the first round, as evaluators passing through the LSU program have stamped second- and even third-round grades on the senior. Nonetheless, he is a gifted talent with fluid movement skills and good, smooth route running for as big as he is. He might never be a game-changing, No. 1 receiver, but he is strong, competitive and physical and fits the mold of a complementary No. 2 receiver.

2. Mardy Gilyard, Cincinnati

5-11 7⁄8, 182, 4.52

The go-to receiver in a prolific, high-powered offense, Gilyard is a game-breaking threat who ranks among college football's top five all-purpose runners, factoring highly in the return game as well as he does when split wide. He has a wiry, muscled frame that could stand to use more bulk, but it does not stop him from entering traffic or crossing the middle. Long-term durability questions could arise, with a history of ankle injuries. His character will require closer scrutiny because of adversity that he has had to endure, having had his scholarship pulled after struggling academically earlier in his career, but his versatility will add to his value.

3. Eric Decker, Minnesota

6-3 1⁄8, 207, 4.55e

Lost for the season after tearing ligaments in his left foot against Ohio State in late October, Decker has an NFL future that remains up in the air, as he must show that he is fully recovered from a surgery that is expected to take five months to heal. Speed is not his game, and his inability to run before the draft potentially could alter his draft value. However, Decker is field-fast and shows the ability to uncover with quickness and route savvy. He needs to spend more time in the weight room after toying with a baseball career, but Decker possesses very good concentration and ball skills and could be a very reliable short-to-intermediate receiver in the pros, with a chance to develop into a No. 2.

4. Jordan Shipley, Texas

5-10e, 190e, 4.5e

An ideal No. 3 slot receiver in a similar mold as Brandon Stokley, Shipley shows good field awareness and catches the ball with ease outside his frame and in stride, having developed a great rapport with his roommate, QB Colt McCoy. The sixth-year senior has a history of injuries that might not disappear in the NFL given his slight stature and lack of a special quality. He is not overly sudden, but he has enough quickness to contribute as a punt returner in the pros. He was contained easily against Oklahoma and could struggle against better competition, but his production still could attract mid-round interest.

5. Jeremy Williams, Tulane

6-0 3⁄8, 205, 4.5e

Williams is a bit of an enigma coming off a torn anterior cruciate ligament that he had injured once before, earlier in his career. He still does not appear fully recovered from the latest knee injury, and questions about his overall toughness could be limiting in the pro game. However, he looks the part with fluid movement skills and shows big-time flashes of ability. If he can return to full health, he stands a chance to become a solid No. 3 receiver in the pros.

UNDERCLASSMEN

1. Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State (Jr.)

6-2e, 215e, 4.4e

Despite playing only three games as a junior, Bryant has all the tape he needs from his first two seasons to show NFL evaluators how special he is. He's big, fast, strong and physical and clearly possesses big-time playmaking ability. Makes some ridiculous, acrobatic, over-the-shoulder grabs while suspended in mid-air that very few NFL receivers are capable of producing. Although he is not as big or as clean-cut as Calvin Johnson, Bryant is every bit as intimidating and difficult to cover. After being suspended by the NCAA for the remainder of the season for lying to investigators and having had to overcome a rough upbringing, Bryant will have questions to answer, but he is way too talented to escape the top 10 and might be the most physically gifted specimen in the entire draft.

2. Golden Tate, Notre Dame (Jr.)

5-10½e, 195e, 4.45e

A compactly built, dynamite playmaker with extremely strong hands, Tate warrants comparisons to Panthers WR Steve Smith. Tate really stepped up after the injury to teammate Michael Floyd, competitively carrying the offense on his shoulders this season. Tate ignited a stagnant ground game in the second quarter against Purdue, when he operated out of the "Wildcat" formation, and again provided a spark rushing the ball against Washington State. Despite having extra coverage rolled his way, he continually has produced at a high level against better competition and has shown he can change games by producing in the clutch. He projects as a mid-to-late first-round talent.

3. Arrelious Benn, Illinois (Jr.)

6-1e, 220e, 4.5e

Despite being grossly underutilized following the departure of offensive coordinator Mike Locksley, Benn showed last season that he was a playmaker with the ability to create when he touches the ball. He shows some tightness in his hips; lacks elite, top-end speed; and has a tendency to body the ball, but he is strong, can veer and weave through traffic and looks like a running back after the catch. The Illini's offensive struggles with a revolving door at quarterback and a major lack of creativity in play-calling potentially could affect his status, as his production has dipped. But with an NFL coach who knows how to maximize Benn's talents, he could be an impact player in the pros.

4. Demaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech (Jr.)

6-3e, 230e, 4.5e

Is not a blazer and does not separate with speed or run a lot of NFL-type routes in a triple-option offense. But the fourth-year junior does possess outstanding size to uncover at the last second and can elevate and take the ball away from defenders with very good ball skills. He will make some easy drops, but Thomas has become more consistent catching the ball this season. Lacking great quickness, he does not produce much yardage after the catch, and he's a few cheeseburgers away from warranting some attention as a tight end or H-back. But Thomas has been most effective outside the numbers and could develop into a solid No. 2 receiver.

5. Damian Williams, USC (Jr.)

6-1e, 195e, 4.55e

A lanky long-strider who lacks top acceleration or burst, Williams is not going to win a lot of foot races with speed, but he is smooth and fluid as a route runner with soft, natural hands and could fit into a West Coast offense as a potential No. 2 receiver. He did not pull away from anyone against Arizona State on a 75-yard bubble screen on which he scored while weaving across the field, but he showed good field vision following his blocks and has a good feel for the game. He's smart, runs precise routes and consistently can be trusted to produce in the clutch.

SENIORS

1. C.J. Spiller, Clemson

5-11e, 195e, 4.3e

An electric talent with rare acceleration, Spiller is a game-breaking runner and returner capable of flipping the field every time he touches the ball. With the exception of maybe Titans RB Chris Johnson, there is not another runner in the NFL as field-fast as Spiller, and he will change games out of the gate upon his arrival. His draft value could be affected by two factors — he is not built to be an every-down back, and durability issues have lingered throughout his career and could keep him from ever being more than a dynamic complementary back. However, he will change games for a creative offensive coordinator who knows how to maximize his talent and can be a big-play maker in multiple phases.

2. Charles Scott, LSU

5-11 1⁄8e, 231e, 4.6e

Scott has not made the same impact as a senior as he did a year ago, not seeing as many carries in a solid backfield, but he does have great size and can factor as a complementary, short-range inside runner. Evaluators have not been enamored with his mushy body or lack of foot quickness, as he lacks the long speed to go the distance and too often stays bottled up and goes down on first contact. However, he will drive his legs through contact and flashes enough strength and power to at least earn a backup job.

3. Montario Hardesty, Tennessee

5-11e, 215e, 4.55e

A career backup who has been slowed by a history of leg and knee injuries throughout his time in Knoxville, Hardesty added some bulk and has emerged as a senior under coach Lane Kiffin. He appears to have lost a gear that he had when he entered the program and lacks long speed and burst, but he is well-built with good musculature. He battles and scraps for extra yardage and plays physical, not shying from contact. He is a capable catcher who might take some time to make his mark in the pro game, but he possesses the competitiveness to become a functional runner in the pros.

4. Toby Gerhart, Stanford

6-0½e, 235e, 4.6e

Gerhart has proven to be a workhorse for Jim Harbaugh, getting nearly 25 carries per game, competing very hard and drawing comparisons within the program to former Stanford great Tommy Vardell. He might possess a similar type of build as Vardell with a strong lower body and a thick, solid frame, but like Vardell, he might have to line up as a fullback or one-back in the NFL, lacking the quickness desired as a tailback in the pro game. His upright running style and limited lateral agility also could make it difficult to stay healthy, which could limit his draft value, as could his continued flirtation with a baseball career.

5. Chris Brown, Oklahoma

5-10½e, 205e, 4.6e

Splitting time with junior DeMarco Murray, Brown has not even been a full-time starter in a talented backfield on a perennial national-title-contending team, and he might never be one in the pros, either. For an undersized back, he is not overly elusive and lacks great strength and power. However, he runs low to the ground, has a knack for finding creases and catches the ball very well. As a complementary role player in a similar mold as Kevin Faulk, he could prove to be a valuable third-down contributor.

UNDERCLASSMEN

1. Jahvid Best, California (Jr.)

5-9½e, 195e, 4.35e

Extremely quick and productive from the time he arrived at California, Best is a darting, undersized runner capable of taking the corner and zigzagging through defenses. He knows how to set up runs and string moves together to elude tacklers, showing outstanding balance and gear change to slice through defenses. He has not missed much time throughout his three-year career and is a great competitor, but his body has taken a beating, and he could wear down more easily in the pros. He will need to split carries with a bruiser and factor in the return game to maximize his talents and preserve his body.

2. Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech (Jr.)

5-11½e, 245e, 4.5e

After beefing up in the offseason, Dwyer has not looked as quick or effective toting the rock this season as he did a year ago, but he has come on strong in recent weeks, rushing 22-186-3 against Vanderbilt and barreling over tacklers. He still must prove to evaluators that he is more than a product of Paul Johnson's triple-threat option offense, which has helped pad his statistics, and that he is more than a one-cut, zone runner and that his weight will not be an issue. However, similar to Beanie Wells a year ago, he has the physical tools to be a bruiser in the pros and could be the top big back in the draft if he declares.

3. Ryan Mathews, Fresno State (Jr.)

5-10½e, 220e, 4.5e

Despite questions about facing inferior competition in the Western Athletic Conference, the nation's leading rusher performed well against competitive Wisconsin and Boise State defenses and has put himself on the map the same way Connecticut's Donald Brown did a year ago by carrying the Bulldogs' offense. Mathews has very good size, runs hard inside, has a strong stiff-arm, powerful hips and good contact balance to rip through tacklers and stay on his feet. He has shown big-play ability by finishing runs and can go the distance. He runs a bit upright and is not accomplished as a receiver, but he has shown he can catch it.

4. Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State (Jr.)

5-8e, 200e, 4.45e

After suffering nagging foot and ankle injuries early in the season, Hunter has missed five games, and his production has significantly fallen off as Keith Toston has taken over the ground game in his absence. Hunter tried to return against Texas last week but left the game after one carry. Durability issues will loom larger if Hunter does not return soon, but similar to Dez Bryant, who has been ruled out for the season, Hunter showed enough in his first two years in the program that he still likely will warrant considerable interest on Draft Day despite not playing. He is not as thickly built as Maurice Jones-Drew or Ray Rice, but he is a similar type of compact, power runner with great instincts and feel for the game.

5. Joe McKnight, USC (Jr.)

6-0e, 190e, 4.45e

McKnight was billed as the next Reggie Bush upon his arrival, and he has produced some similar highlight-reel runs during his career. However, very similar to Bush since he arrived in the NFL with lofty expectations, McKnight has pressed to live up to the hype, having a tendency to be a little too reckless with the ball, putting it on the carpet more than evaluators would like and struggling to carry the offense. McKnight has not been a featured runner for the Trojans, and he cannot be expected to do so in the pros. The quick, agile runner could serve as a good change-of-pace back and multipurpose option.

SENIOR PROSPECTS

1. Tim Tebow, Florida

6-3e, 230e, 4.8e

Motivated and driven to prove he is more than an athletic "system" quarterback, Tebow might be the most determined player ever to don a college jersey. With Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver going on record to say it would be difficult to pass on a local Heisman Trophy winner with superstar status, many evaluators believe he will not escape the first round, especially given his rare intangibles and competitiveness. However, as a QB, he is still very much a project, having operated out of a shotgun offense that highlights his running skills more than his passing prowess.

2. Colt McCoy, Texas

6-2e, 210e, 4.65e

McCoy still completes a high percentage of passes, is very smart and generally does what he is asked to do, but evaluators who have passed through Austin, expecting to see a top-15 pick based on all his hype, have been thoroughly disappointed. While acknowledging McCoy still has an opportunity to fit into the first round given the frequent mistakes made evaluating QBs, evaluators see McCoy as a similar player to Rex Grossman with better intangibles, producing mightily in an unorthodox offense that simplifies his reads and allows his tunnel vision to be concealed. He is a dink-and-dunk passer who too often throws off balance and open-shouldered.

3. Daryll Clark, Penn State

6-1e, 230e, 4.65e

Clark struggled against an undefeated Iowa squad early in the season after guaranteeing a victory, showing he still needs to mature. Yet, few question his natural competitiveness, and he did respond well from the low point, picking apart Michigan last week. As a partial qualifier entering Penn State, it took him time to adapt to the offense, and he's still far from a finished product, but he possesses a rifle arm and a similar stature as Jaguars QB David Garrard. He can't be expected to contribute immediately, except in a situational short-yardage running role, but in due time with a patient coach, he has NFL starter potential.

4. Tony Pike, Cincinnati

6-5 7⁄8, 209, 4.89

Pike has become a media darling on an undefeated, very well-coached team that has played into his mystique. However, he is built like a stick and did nothing to silence major-league questions about his fragility when he broke his non-throwing arm against South Florida — the same forearm that required a plate and six screws to be inserted last season. He did not play against Louisville, and the timetable for his return is up in the air. He shows touch and accuracy on the move, but he works almost exclusively out of the gun, will only be a two-year starter and lacks a big-time arm. He is still a relatively raw project.

5. Armanti Edwards, Appalachian State

5-11, 181, 4.55e

It would be easy for any evaluator to flunk Edwards as a future NFL quarterback based on his substandard measurables, and he might never be more than a backup similar to Seahawks QB Seneca Wallace. However, the southpaw is accurate, plays smart and possesses playmaking ability. Plus, he showed he could produce against better competition, keying a victory over Michigan as a sophomore. He still must pass strict medical examinations after suffering a serious lawnmowing accident before the season, which forced him to miss the opener, but he could bring value as a receiver and returner and be a "Wildcat" threat.

UNDERCLASSMEN

1. Jake Locker, Washington (Jr.)

6-3e, 220e, 4.45e

Not all evaluators like Locker's lofty stature, considering he has battled injuries throughout his career. And not all are sure he has broken his habit of running at the first flash of coverage. However, since head coach Steve Sarkisian arrived on campus, Locker has settled down, begun to trust his instincts more in the pocket and honed his accuracy. He is so gifted athletically that he could play four positions, including free safety, receiver or running back. His competitiveness, toughness, leadership, arm strength and athletic ability all suggest he could be the draft's most coveted talent.

2. Sam Bradford, Oklahoma (Jr.)

6-4e, 215e, 4.9e

Some evaluators still wonder why Bradford chose to stay in school and why he returned to the field after injuring his shoulder. The selfish move would have been to have surgery after landing squarely on his shoulder during the first game. The overly competitive and team-first QB has fought individual interests and delayed a press conference last week when he was expected to announce he would have season-ending surgery, displaying his outstanding intangibles and leadership. Ultimately, though, he decided to have season-ending surgery and expects to enter the 2010 draft. He has a very quick stroke, is extremely intelligent and is very accurate despite lacking elite physical tools. He still projects as an early pick.

3. Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame (Jr.)

6-2e, 220e, 4.85e

When Clausen entered Notre Dame with an underdeveloped body, his arm strength looked no better than that of his older brothers, Rick and Casey, both of whom possessed marginal arm strength and were not drafted out of Tennessee. But he picked up some tricks of the trade along the way and entered N.D. as the golden boy. He has not been the savior Charlie Weis expected, but he is very well-coached in a pro-style offense, has developed physically and has learned to rotate his hips better into his throws. He still makes his receivers work for the ball and has limited mobility, but he is smart, confident and has proven capable of commanding comeback victories. He has also fought through a turf toe injury, which needs to be considered during evaluations.

4. Christian Ponder, Florida State (Jr.)

6-2e, 215e, 4.8e

Ponder is not yet ready for the NFL ranks and could greatly benefit from another year working under Seminoles offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher, who is on record as saying Ponder could become the best player he has coached at the position, which also includes Raiders 2007 No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell. Ponder's accuracy and leadership ability have stood out the past two games against Georgia Tech and North Carolina, when he led a 30-27 come-from-behind victory and was deadly accurate. Despite working with an average supporting cast, he has been very productive and extremely efficient distributing the ball to multiple receivers.

5. Jevan Snead, Mississippi (Jr.)

6-3e, 215e, 4.8e

Snead entered the season with major expectations. After catching the flu early in the season, he fell apart against South Carolina and struggled even more mightily to handle the heavy pressure Alabama brought in a lackluster outing that saw him complete 11-of-34 passes for 140 yards with zero TDs and four interceptions. Program sources say the Texas transfer has been battling a confidence issue and has struggled grasping the offense. Despite possessing a strong arm, accuracy and placement have been issues, with a completion percentage hovering around the 50 percent mark. He looked more comfortable in recent weeks as the game has been simplified for him, but he has not progressed as expected and would be better-served returning to school and letting the game slow down for him.

 

[culdeus]

Spiller has risen super fast for a guy with average measurables outside of speed. He'll have 600+ carries in college by time all is said and done. If he was truly all that he should have gone out early. It just seems to me that to sell these articles these people pump up skill players because they are the focus of lots of fans.

This draft has all the makings of last year's draft from a fantasy/dynasty perspective: good for qb bad for rb/wr.

 

[Blackjacks]

I like Jimmy Claussen alot more than Locker personally

I also think Benn wr IL. will be the #2 wr taken off the board behind Dez White. He has really had his stock plumment this year due to bad qb play.

I also think the GT rb is going to be much better than Best. Best is too small for me. He runs with no power.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

This draft has all the makings of last year's draft from a fantasy/dynasty perspective: good for qb bad for rb/wr.

I think it'll be good for WR, bad for RB/QB.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I like Jimmy Claussen alot more than Locker personallyI also think Benn wr IL. will be the #2 wr taken off the board behind Dez White. He has really had his stock plumment this year due to bad qb play.I also think the GT rb is going to be much better than Best. Best is too small for me. He runs with no power.

Are you me? I agree on all three points.

 

[culdeus]

This draft has all the makings of last year's draft from a fantasy/dynasty perspective: good for qb bad for rb/wr.

I think it'll be good for WR, bad for RB/QB.

The underclassmen QBs will make that group much better.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

This draft has all the makings of last year's draft from a fantasy/dynasty perspective: good for qb bad for rb/wr.

I think it'll be good for WR, bad for RB/QB.

The underclassmen QBs will make that group much better.

I dunno. I like Clausen quite a bit, but am not sold on Locker. As much as I liked Bradford last year, I wonder if the criticism that he's a bit frail isn't accurate.

 

[thriftyrocker]

Spiller has risen super fast for a guy with average measurables outside of speed. He'll have 600+ carries in college by time all is said and done. If he was truly all that he should have gone out early. It just seems to me that to sell these articles these people pump up skill players because they are the focus of lots of fans.

A lot of people were surprised he didn't enter last year's draft. He would have been a 2nd round pick at worst.He leads the NCAA in all purpose yards. He came back to be "the man" for a year and is doing so. [edit]oops - down to #3 this week[/edit]He is the exact same height and weight as Chris Johnson when he was in college.

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

This draft has all the makings of last year's draft from a fantasy/dynasty perspective: good for qb bad for rb/wr.

I think it'll be good for WR, bad for RB/QB.

The underclassmen QBs will make that group much better.

I dunno. I like Clausen quite a bit, but am not sold on Locker. As much as I liked Bradford last year, I wonder if the criticism that he's a bit frail isn't accurate.

Frankly, I'm not enamored enough by ANY of the QBs to spend a 1st on them although I'm sure that at least Locker and Clausen will go in round 1. I'd rather have one of Locker/LeFevour or even Ponder than McCoy/Pike/Clausen/Pike. Sam Bradford is a wildcard to me due to injury and I just couldn't draft him 1st day. I would definitely look at Keenum if I could afford to use a 5th or so and he was available.10 years from now I am saying that the best QBs from this draft might very well be LeFevour or Ponder.

 

[basher]

seems to be a heavily defensive draft

 

[sanfranfan]

Ryan Mallett of Arkansas is a 3rd-year sophomore who would immediately jump to the top of draft boards if he declares. I expect he would be the #1 QB taken and a top 5 overall pick.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Ryan Mallett of Arkansas is a 3rd-year sophomore who would immediately jump to the top of draft boards if he declares. I expect he would be the #1 QB taken and a top 5 overall pick.

Do what now?

 

[sho nuff]

Im surprised Terrence Cody is that low actually.

Hindsight...would have loved to see Oher instead of Raji and then hope for a Cody...Suh...McCoy kind of pick this year...well, not hoping they would be high enough to draft Suh or McCoy based on that analysis above.

 

[Knobs]

I know nothing of any of these folk outside of recognizing a few names but I'm looking forward to learning who my Niners may end up drafting.

Always a big fan of your work Dufresne.

 

[Enforcer]

I've been watching Locker since he was in high school. I've thought it would be very cool to watch him develop into a pro quarterback, but quite frankly, I've become disappointed as this season has worn on. My biggest concern is his penchant for taking sacks. Repeatedly he keeps thinking that his legs will save him when avoiding a rush, but he keeps taking giant losses as sacks. I wouldn't be so worried if he legs avoided a rush and that turned into big plays, but the big plays have been very few.

Can he learn a passing system and become more adept at making better decisions? I'm specifically talking about throwing away the ball and dialing up another play. Can this be learned? I hope so, but my gut says he needs many more years of learning before he's ready to be part of a successful professional passing attack. If drafted early next season there's going to be immediate pressure to get him on the field. I think that spells disaster in the worst way. However, if he had time like Aaron Rogers did, I'm hopeful he could really develop. Its going to really suck if he declares for the draft because of the impending rookie salary cap.

Crap. I can just see this train wreck a-comin'.

 

[kremenull]

85. Ed Dickson, TE, Oregon

I like this kid. A great athlete for the position with monster RAC potential. Probably more of an H-Back type rather than an in-line TE, but guys of this size (6'4" 245) and athleticism are what teams are looking for now at the TE position. An underrated nugget.

101. Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno State

For one, everybody keeps spelling his name wrong, only 1 't' in his last name. But I must be missing something here as I can't understand why he is ranked so low on this list. Maybe it's the value of the position (RB is pretty easy to fill and less of a priority) that explains the ranking, but unless this kid just scores ultra-low on the athletic and speed tests in workouts, I see him as a 2nd Rd pick with potential of moving up into the latter half of the 1st Rd......Chargers a potential destination???

Overall, I really like this list......

 

[kremenull]

Im surprised Terrence Cody is that low actually.Hindsight...would have loved to see Oher instead of Raji and then hope for a Cody...Suh...McCoy kind of pick this year...well, not hoping they would be high enough to draft Suh or McCoy based on that analysis above.

Cody better get in much better condition for the pro game.....Looks extremely flabby around the arms and gut, a team may be fighting a continuous battle to keep his weight down. A pretty significant red flag, IMO. Suh is a stud, lock Top 5 selection, likely Top 3.

 

[Rodeojones]

.

 

[EBF]

Taylor Mays continues to be one of the most overrated players in the country. He might be a great physical specimen, but he's not a great football player. He doesn't have a nose for the ball and he doesn't impact the game like a truly great safety should. I saw Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu in college. They were all over the field making plays. Mays? Not so much. Guy is pretty much invisible unless he's running someone down after a blown coverage. Expect the Raiders to pick him in the top 10.

 

[jamil]

Suh is ridiculous.

 

[Bruno2]

LeGarrette Blount- U of Oregon RB- Is gonna be the steal of this draft. If he didn't get suspended for knocking out a Boise St. player after their Week 1 loss he'd probably be one of the leading rushers in the country right now. He's got NFL size and speed (6'2" 245) and a nose for the endzone. Last year he scored 17 TDs and rushed for 1,006 yards while splitting time with Jeremiah Johnson. On top of that he averaged 7.3 yards a carry. I know I sound like a homer, but the kid is for real. Yes the character issues are a concern, but from the articles I've read he's seemed to have learned his lesson. He has the ability to make an immediate impact for any team that drafts him.

 

[Bruno2]

Taylor Mays continues to be one of the most overrated players in the country. He might be a great physical specimen, but he's not a great football player. He doesn't have a nose for the ball and he doesn't impact the game like a truly great safety should. I saw Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu in college. They were all over the field making plays. Mays? Not so much. Guy is pretty much invisible unless he's running someone down after a blown coverage. Expect the Raiders to pick him in the top 10.

Funny because it's probably true. The Raiders have had horrible luck drafting safties in the first round. Patrick Bates and Michael Huff come to mind