Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Jr- Dwyer is a power back without the wiggle. I don’t see him as a premiere every down back, and the offense gives him the numbers, not his talent level. He does not have the shiftiness or break away speed for me to think he can make a difference at the next level. I appear to be the only person who does not think Dwyer will be anything special. He has good size and seems to be a decent interior runner, but when he tries to break runs to the outside, he gets stopped for no gain or a loss. I would hesitate taking him any time before the the third round at the earliest. (Editor’s note: Interesting to see that the combine confirmed everything I said above from watching him on film. Now the other ‘experts’ are on my bandwagon!)
Josh Nesbitt, QB, Jr- Horrible QB, good athlete. Will have to play another position in the NFL, and may not even be drafted.
Demaryius Thomas, WR, Jr- He’s a big WR who looks like he may be a solid prospect, but terrible QB play makes it far too difficult to tell. Thomas is a solid blocker, has good size, and seems to have good speed. Again, this offense absolutely is a detriment to him as far as his draft grade goes as he can never shine in a run first offense with a bad QB throwing him the ball. He’s going to be a better pro than college player. The injury he suffered right before the combine is a shame as it will more than likely cost him at least one round (so probably a late second to mid third round pick). The real unfortunate thing is it’s a foot injury, and with a WR, this could be even more detrimental then a round or two.
Brad Sellers, LT, Sr- The triple option offense makes OL scouting impossible. Sellers arms look too short to play on the outside. He may be able to play on the inside, but I have doubts because this offense does not translate.
Cord Howard, RG, Sr- Howard is aggressive, but this gets him in trouble. He spends too much time on the ground as he gets out over his feet instead of staying low. I like his drive blocking ability in the run game, but a team will have to basically re-teach him how to play in a real offense. That may be more trouble than it’s worth, even for a late round pick.
Anthony Allen, RB, Sr- Like Dwyer except even slower. Allen lacks break away speed, but runs low, hard, and behind his pads. He might make for a nice compliment back that can play special teams and get short yardage pickups, but he’s at very best a very late round pick.
Derrick Morgan, DE, Jr- I think Morgan is a top shelf prospect, and he’s the most complete DE in this draft. He has long arms, is an extremely disruptive pass rusher, but the thing I like most are his instincts. He does not rush upfield too quickly and take himself out of plays. He keeps outside contain, he can fight through double teams, and he makes plays in the backfield. Every game I watched, he was always in the right position, even if it wasn’t making the play or getting the sack, he was where he should have been based on his responsibilities. I think he can play the rush OLB spot at the next level, but I’d rather keep him at 4-3 end and let him wreck havoc. If he makes it to the latter part of the top 10, I’d run to the podium with my card to draft this kid. I think he will be a very good pro defense end with Pro Bowl potential.
Sedric Griffin, sr, LB, 54- Griffin isn’t very flashy, but he’s always around the ball and plays outside and inside. That versatility will increase his draft stock. My concern is he struggles to shed blocks when you run right at him. I think he has some potential and versatility, but it’s as a late rounder at best and could definitely contribute on special teams.
Morgan Burnett, FS, Jr- I think Burnett would have been better served to come back and work on his instincts as I think he may have had a shot at the first round. As is, he still has an outside shot at the second round. Morgan has good deep speed and can play the pass well. He gambles a bit but gets his hands on a lot of balls, and makes picks. Likes to hit and comes up hard in the run game. He’s perfect for a team looking for a centerfielder type of FS who will ball hawk and stop anyone from getting over the top. He’s a solid wrap up tackler as well. I think he’s someone who might slip through the cracks, and I’d love to see him slide to the Bears in round three as he’d be the perfect fit for this defense.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
ACC- Florida State
Christian Ponder, QB, Jr- There are some things to like about Ponder when you watch him play. He has good size, decent enough arm, and he’s accurate in the short to intermediate range. The small things he needs to work on next year are to look off the defender, as he stares down his receiver far too often; and to improve his deep ball accuracy as this was lagging a bit. The good thing is he has all of the traits you want in a potential starter, and the things that need improvement can easily be improved with some coaching and hard work in the off-season. With a few steps forward next year, he’s going to be in the mix similar to what Tony Pike did this year or maybe even a Colt McCoy (as far as draft status, and not overall production).
Jermaine Thomas, RB, So- Thomas has great speed. He’s taller, and could use some size on his frame, but he can absolutely hit the home run. He’s another solid RB prospect to watch next year, and like most RB, he may decide to leave with some extra tread on the tires. With Christian Ponder returning at QB, Thomas should see a lot of openings, so if he does not produce that will be a great identifier for his ceiling as an NFL prospect.
Rodney Hudson, LG, Jr- I’m actually pretty shocked that Hudson did not make the jump early with such a weak interior OL draft this year. I’d say right now Hudson is probably the top returning guard next year. He’s just a great all around blocker in the pass and run game. He’s immoveable as a pass protector, has a violent hand punch that stops rushers in their tracks, and he’s very aggressive in the run game. If he can get a bit bigger and stronger coming in to next year, I think he has a chance to be one of those rare difference making OGs and will have a shot at the late first round.
Jarmon Fortson, WR, So- I like this kid. Smooth route runner, very tall, uses his hands well to catch outside the frame. Good body control and shields off the defender to make the catch. He can also make guys miss with the ball in his hands. Fortson has the potential to be a starting caliber NFL wideout with his size, and the time to continue to develop on the college level.
Dekoda Watson, OLB, Sr- Watson is very impressive. Extremely fast, and is an impact pass rusher. He’s a bit undersized, but he’s a guy I want on my team. He’d make an impressive WLB, and with some added strength, he could be a force on a 3-4 team because of his ability to flatten around the corner and close to the QB. He’s had some problems with academics in the past though, so this could hurt his draft stock, but I think he’s worth the risk because of his athletic ability and upside.
Patrick Robinson, CB, Sr- There is one play I will not forget from watching Robinson play this year: Him running down West Virginia RB Noel Devine from behind after about a 20 yard late start. It was unreal, as Devine is one of the fastest RBs in college football, and a legit home run hitter once he gets a step. So I’m confident Robinson has the closing speed and he can run with any receiver in the league, but that does not prove he’s a solid corner. He’s a tad bit inconsistent, but I like his aggressiveness in supporting the run. I think he’s got value in the late first round, but he’s probably a much better value near the top part of the second round. At worst he can be a team’s starting nickel corner right away, but I think he’d make a nice compliment corner on the boundary for team with a solid pass rush in place (say the Ravens or Jets).
Jermaine Thomas, RB, So- Thomas has great speed. He’s taller, and could use some size on his frame, but he can absolutely hit the home run. He’s another solid RB prospect to watch next year, and like most RB, he may decide to leave with some extra tread on the tires. With Christian Ponder returning at QB, Thomas should see a lot of openings, so if he does not produce that will be a great identifier for his ceiling as an NFL prospect.
Rodney Hudson, LG, Jr- I’m actually pretty shocked that Hudson did not make the jump early with such a weak interior OL draft this year. I’d say right now Hudson is probably the top returning guard next year. He’s just a great all around blocker in the pass and run game. He’s immoveable as a pass protector, has a violent hand punch that stops rushers in their tracks, and he’s very aggressive in the run game. If he can get a bit bigger and stronger coming in to next year, I think he has a chance to be one of those rare difference making OGs and will have a shot at the late first round.
Jarmon Fortson, WR, So- I like this kid. Smooth route runner, very tall, uses his hands well to catch outside the frame. Good body control and shields off the defender to make the catch. He can also make guys miss with the ball in his hands. Fortson has the potential to be a starting caliber NFL wideout with his size, and the time to continue to develop on the college level.
Dekoda Watson, OLB, Sr- Watson is very impressive. Extremely fast, and is an impact pass rusher. He’s a bit undersized, but he’s a guy I want on my team. He’d make an impressive WLB, and with some added strength, he could be a force on a 3-4 team because of his ability to flatten around the corner and close to the QB. He’s had some problems with academics in the past though, so this could hurt his draft stock, but I think he’s worth the risk because of his athletic ability and upside.
Patrick Robinson, CB, Sr- There is one play I will not forget from watching Robinson play this year: Him running down West Virginia RB Noel Devine from behind after about a 20 yard late start. It was unreal, as Devine is one of the fastest RBs in college football, and a legit home run hitter once he gets a step. So I’m confident Robinson has the closing speed and he can run with any receiver in the league, but that does not prove he’s a solid corner. He’s a tad bit inconsistent, but I like his aggressiveness in supporting the run. I think he’s got value in the late first round, but he’s probably a much better value near the top part of the second round. At worst he can be a team’s starting nickel corner right away, but I think he’d make a nice compliment corner on the boundary for team with a solid pass rush in place (say the Ravens or Jets).
ACC- Clemson
CJ Spiller, RB, Sr- I’ve loved Spiller for years now, and he still continues to impress me. He’s a game breaker and he’s easily the best back in the country. Home run hitter in return game, pass game, and run game. Spiller can change games, and whoever gets him will be lucky.
Jacoby Ford, WR, Sr- Another game breaker. Elite level long speed and burst, and he can make the big play at any time. He’s got great vision and run after the catch ability. Good return man as well who gets overshadowed by a very good return man in Spiller. Ford is also actually a really strong blocker, good punch. He’s a guy who will probably slip to the third round range because of his smaller stature, and Ford will be an absolute steal there. He needs to be used properly to take advantage of his strengths and mask his weaknesses, but his explosive speed and big play capability are enough to overlook the fact that he’s only 5’8”.
Kyle Parker, QB, RS FR- Great arm, terrible decision maker and accuracy. He’s young though, so he has time to develop. Someone to watch over the next few years as he will shoulder a lot of the offensive load with Ford and Spiller gone.
Michael Palmer, TE, Sr- Palmer looks like a big enough guy who could develop into a solid blocker, and he does a good job of getting open in the intermediate range. He’s a mid rounder, but a valuable pick because he can help in the run and pass game.
Thomas Austin, LG, Sr- I don’t think he should be drafted, as for a guard, I saw him get trucked more than once. Not good.
Ricky Sapp, DE, Sr- Good, versatile, defensive end. Plays standing up at times, so he shows the ability to play as an OLB in a 3-4. Sapp can really flatten and get the corner in the pass rush. In the run game, what he does well is contain the outside, but he can get run on as he’s not overly physical at the point of attack. I think he’s too small to play a 4-3 DE, but he’s someone who I would take in the second or early third as he is a good enough pass rusher to contribute in this phase right away.
Kevin Alexander, OLB, Sr- Alexander is a solid blitzer, but gets swallowed up at the point of attack. At best he’s a late round prospect, but it would not surprise me if he went undrafted
Kavell Connor, OLB, Sr- Connor is very short for this position, which will hurt his draft grade. The good part is he’s always around the ball, but he seems to not have the best athleticism. He struggles breaking down in space against faster backs, but he still finds a way to get in on the play. I’m actually really interested to see what his 40 time is as he seems a bit slow on the field. Other than that, he’s got great instincts, good technique, uses his hands to shock blockers well, and is just a decent all around player. A late rounder with some potential to move up a round or so.
Brandon Maye, MLB, So- Maye shows very good instincts for a player of his age. He seems undersized though, but that’s something he can work on over the next two years in the weight room. Has I think Maye showed the ability to be a starter on the inside at the next level in the few games I watched him play in this year. He’d make a very good fit inside in a 3-4, and he’s a guy I will watch over the next two years to see how he develops.
Chris Chancellor, CB, Sr- Chancellor is solid against the run, and a liability against the pass. Not good enough for a position dedicated to stopping the passing game.
Da’Quan Bowers, DE, So- Bowers has a really bright future, and he’s someone I could see who comes out early nest year and be in first round consideration. He can rush the passer and is very stout against the run. Next year Bowers needs to show that he can still make an impact once Ricky Sapp is gone (and he will face more double team blocks). What I like most about him is that he is absolutely relentless and never stops moving on a play. So makes more plays on second effort than on talent alone. That’s a dangerous mix when considering an NFL draft prospect
Crezdon Butler, CB, Sr- Got burnt numerous times. Not draftable.
DeAndre McDaniel, SS, Jr- I’m absolutely shocked that McDaniel decided to come back for his Senior year. Had he come out this year, I would have had him as the third rated safety overall behind only Eric Berry and Earl Thomas. He’s better than Mays because he has better instincts, and he’s just as athletic. McDaniel is just an outstanding two way player against the run and pass. His closing speed once he diagnoses the play is elite. If he can even maintain the level of play from this year, there is no question in my mind he is a first round draft pick. If he can show any kind of possible improvement, he could make a Berry like ascension to the top 10 discussion for next season.
Jacoby Ford, WR, Sr- Another game breaker. Elite level long speed and burst, and he can make the big play at any time. He’s got great vision and run after the catch ability. Good return man as well who gets overshadowed by a very good return man in Spiller. Ford is also actually a really strong blocker, good punch. He’s a guy who will probably slip to the third round range because of his smaller stature, and Ford will be an absolute steal there. He needs to be used properly to take advantage of his strengths and mask his weaknesses, but his explosive speed and big play capability are enough to overlook the fact that he’s only 5’8”.
Kyle Parker, QB, RS FR- Great arm, terrible decision maker and accuracy. He’s young though, so he has time to develop. Someone to watch over the next few years as he will shoulder a lot of the offensive load with Ford and Spiller gone.
Michael Palmer, TE, Sr- Palmer looks like a big enough guy who could develop into a solid blocker, and he does a good job of getting open in the intermediate range. He’s a mid rounder, but a valuable pick because he can help in the run and pass game.
Thomas Austin, LG, Sr- I don’t think he should be drafted, as for a guard, I saw him get trucked more than once. Not good.
Ricky Sapp, DE, Sr- Good, versatile, defensive end. Plays standing up at times, so he shows the ability to play as an OLB in a 3-4. Sapp can really flatten and get the corner in the pass rush. In the run game, what he does well is contain the outside, but he can get run on as he’s not overly physical at the point of attack. I think he’s too small to play a 4-3 DE, but he’s someone who I would take in the second or early third as he is a good enough pass rusher to contribute in this phase right away.
Kevin Alexander, OLB, Sr- Alexander is a solid blitzer, but gets swallowed up at the point of attack. At best he’s a late round prospect, but it would not surprise me if he went undrafted
Kavell Connor, OLB, Sr- Connor is very short for this position, which will hurt his draft grade. The good part is he’s always around the ball, but he seems to not have the best athleticism. He struggles breaking down in space against faster backs, but he still finds a way to get in on the play. I’m actually really interested to see what his 40 time is as he seems a bit slow on the field. Other than that, he’s got great instincts, good technique, uses his hands to shock blockers well, and is just a decent all around player. A late rounder with some potential to move up a round or so.
Brandon Maye, MLB, So- Maye shows very good instincts for a player of his age. He seems undersized though, but that’s something he can work on over the next two years in the weight room. Has I think Maye showed the ability to be a starter on the inside at the next level in the few games I watched him play in this year. He’d make a very good fit inside in a 3-4, and he’s a guy I will watch over the next two years to see how he develops.
Chris Chancellor, CB, Sr- Chancellor is solid against the run, and a liability against the pass. Not good enough for a position dedicated to stopping the passing game.
Da’Quan Bowers, DE, So- Bowers has a really bright future, and he’s someone I could see who comes out early nest year and be in first round consideration. He can rush the passer and is very stout against the run. Next year Bowers needs to show that he can still make an impact once Ricky Sapp is gone (and he will face more double team blocks). What I like most about him is that he is absolutely relentless and never stops moving on a play. So makes more plays on second effort than on talent alone. That’s a dangerous mix when considering an NFL draft prospect
Crezdon Butler, CB, Sr- Got burnt numerous times. Not draftable.
DeAndre McDaniel, SS, Jr- I’m absolutely shocked that McDaniel decided to come back for his Senior year. Had he come out this year, I would have had him as the third rated safety overall behind only Eric Berry and Earl Thomas. He’s better than Mays because he has better instincts, and he’s just as athletic. McDaniel is just an outstanding two way player against the run and pass. His closing speed once he diagnoses the play is elite. If he can even maintain the level of play from this year, there is no question in my mind he is a first round draft pick. If he can show any kind of possible improvement, he could make a Berry like ascension to the top 10 discussion for next season.
ACC- Boston College
Austin Giles, DT, Sr- He’s the blue collar kind of DL you expect from Boston College. He’s undersized and gets by on motor and heart. He’s relentless in chasing the play, he never gives up until the whistle, and he makes a lot of tackles down the field on pass plays as he turns and runs to the ball every time. Giles also does a great job of getting his hands up if he can’t make it to the QB in the pass rush, and that is more often than not as he’s limited in this phase of the game. I think his future at the next level is at the 3-4 DE spot. He’s a late rounder, and the odds are against him, but I like what he brings to the table and you always have to root for the underdog.
Jim Ramella, DE, Sr- Ramella is long and lean, and he gets by on effort more than natural talent. He will more than likely have to transition to the rush OLB spot as he’s too light to hold the point at the next level. He’s a guy who will fight to make a team, and will more than likely make a versatile special teams player. I don’t know how much more he will contribute outside of that though.
Mike McLaughlin, MLB, Sr- The undersized theme continues. McLaughlin is very short, and this will hurt him at the next level as he will have to run around blockers since his arms are going to be shorter than the blockers’ are. He has good instincts, plays hard, and tackles well. His size is a major issue though, and it may preclude him from contributing at the next level. McLaughlin might be best suited to a 3-4 to help hide some of his short comings, especially in pass coverage as well. If he were a bit taller and bigger, he’d be an early mid-round pick. With this in mind, I think his value is better placed in the later rounds.
Marcellus Bowman, SS, Sr- I really like Bowman. He’s definitely a SS, but he can be a good one. He’s good at reading the QBs eyes and breaking on plays He’s also a very big safety, with long arms, and he’s got good closing speed. Bowman is much better coming up toward the line against the run than he is dropping back (as he can be a bit stiff at times). He can rush the passer as well, which is an added plus. One thing that stood out at times though were his poor angles in pursuit. He was just running to the wrong spot, and then when he got there, he was not in position to make the play. It does not happen all of the time, but it’s a concern. In the games I saw him play, he stood out by making plays in the run and pass game. I think he may slip and make for a very solid sleeper pick.
Roderick Rollins, CB, Sr- Nothing impressive and I would list him as undraftable
Luke Kuechly, OLB, Fr- Kuechly’s only a true Freshman, and he’s got an extremely bright future! Good speed, good instincts, nasty demeanor, aggressive, and he finishes tackles. For a true Freshman, he has impressive instincts. He has the potential to be a first rounder if he can continue to develop, and I think he’s a star in the making.
Damik Scafe, DT, Jr- Scafe really stood out on film. He does a great job of penetrating into the backfield and disrupting plays in the run and pass. The problem is that he disappears as many times as he flashes as well. If he can work on getting more consistent next year, and not turning his shoulders too much and losing the POA, he has the potential to move up. I’m going to watch him closely next year as I like his potential.
Montel Harris, RB, So- Harris has a solid future. Good speed, good vision, and he runs with good forward lean. He’s not a big back, but he runs very hard. He hits the hole hard, has very good hands, and can run away from tacklers. I could definitely see him leaving early next year and it would make sense. Very good all around back
Rich Gunnell, WR, Sr- If Gunnell had a better QB, I think we’d be hearing a lot more about him. He just finds a way to separate from coverage, has long arms, and does a great job of catching the ball away from his frame. He is good with the run after the catch, and he can even return punts as an added value. He has the size to do well on the outside, which is also key. He’s easily one of the most underrated prospects I have seen so far, and I think he’s going to provide an extremely good value no matter where he goes. He’s someone to keep an eye on and remember the name.
Justin Jarvis, WR, Sr- I wouldn’t want him on my team because he’s a body catcher and dropped too many catchable balls in the games I saw.
Matt Tennant, OC, Sr- Tennant is my favorite OC prospect this year, and I would say I’d think very hard about who I would pick first between him and Florida’s Maurkice Pouncey (who is the consensus top prospect for the position). He’s just incredibly sound with his technique and leverage. Tennant’s hand punch is violent and it gets him the room he needs to reset and get the DL off of his frame. He blocks the second level extremely well, and he’s so successful at this because of his wide base and ability to stay balanced. What really impressed me was his ability to recover if he slipped off the fit. I think he will rise steadily, and he’s a guy I want on my team. Interior linemen that aren’t can’t miss slip come draft day, so he’d be a gem for a team should he slip to the third round somehow.
Jim Ramella, DE, Sr- Ramella is long and lean, and he gets by on effort more than natural talent. He will more than likely have to transition to the rush OLB spot as he’s too light to hold the point at the next level. He’s a guy who will fight to make a team, and will more than likely make a versatile special teams player. I don’t know how much more he will contribute outside of that though.
Mike McLaughlin, MLB, Sr- The undersized theme continues. McLaughlin is very short, and this will hurt him at the next level as he will have to run around blockers since his arms are going to be shorter than the blockers’ are. He has good instincts, plays hard, and tackles well. His size is a major issue though, and it may preclude him from contributing at the next level. McLaughlin might be best suited to a 3-4 to help hide some of his short comings, especially in pass coverage as well. If he were a bit taller and bigger, he’d be an early mid-round pick. With this in mind, I think his value is better placed in the later rounds.
Marcellus Bowman, SS, Sr- I really like Bowman. He’s definitely a SS, but he can be a good one. He’s good at reading the QBs eyes and breaking on plays He’s also a very big safety, with long arms, and he’s got good closing speed. Bowman is much better coming up toward the line against the run than he is dropping back (as he can be a bit stiff at times). He can rush the passer as well, which is an added plus. One thing that stood out at times though were his poor angles in pursuit. He was just running to the wrong spot, and then when he got there, he was not in position to make the play. It does not happen all of the time, but it’s a concern. In the games I saw him play, he stood out by making plays in the run and pass game. I think he may slip and make for a very solid sleeper pick.
Roderick Rollins, CB, Sr- Nothing impressive and I would list him as undraftable
Luke Kuechly, OLB, Fr- Kuechly’s only a true Freshman, and he’s got an extremely bright future! Good speed, good instincts, nasty demeanor, aggressive, and he finishes tackles. For a true Freshman, he has impressive instincts. He has the potential to be a first rounder if he can continue to develop, and I think he’s a star in the making.
Damik Scafe, DT, Jr- Scafe really stood out on film. He does a great job of penetrating into the backfield and disrupting plays in the run and pass. The problem is that he disappears as many times as he flashes as well. If he can work on getting more consistent next year, and not turning his shoulders too much and losing the POA, he has the potential to move up. I’m going to watch him closely next year as I like his potential.
Montel Harris, RB, So- Harris has a solid future. Good speed, good vision, and he runs with good forward lean. He’s not a big back, but he runs very hard. He hits the hole hard, has very good hands, and can run away from tacklers. I could definitely see him leaving early next year and it would make sense. Very good all around back
Rich Gunnell, WR, Sr- If Gunnell had a better QB, I think we’d be hearing a lot more about him. He just finds a way to separate from coverage, has long arms, and does a great job of catching the ball away from his frame. He is good with the run after the catch, and he can even return punts as an added value. He has the size to do well on the outside, which is also key. He’s easily one of the most underrated prospects I have seen so far, and I think he’s going to provide an extremely good value no matter where he goes. He’s someone to keep an eye on and remember the name.
Justin Jarvis, WR, Sr- I wouldn’t want him on my team because he’s a body catcher and dropped too many catchable balls in the games I saw.
Matt Tennant, OC, Sr- Tennant is my favorite OC prospect this year, and I would say I’d think very hard about who I would pick first between him and Florida’s Maurkice Pouncey (who is the consensus top prospect for the position). He’s just incredibly sound with his technique and leverage. Tennant’s hand punch is violent and it gets him the room he needs to reset and get the DL off of his frame. He blocks the second level extremely well, and he’s so successful at this because of his wide base and ability to stay balanced. What really impressed me was his ability to recover if he slipped off the fit. I think he will rise steadily, and he’s a guy I want on my team. Interior linemen that aren’t can’t miss slip come draft day, so he’d be a gem for a team should he slip to the third round somehow.
Updated Material Coming Soon!
I know I am behind with putting up all of my player evaluations and team needs, but it’s a crazy time for yours truly right now so I have not had the time to dedicate to this as much as I would like.
What will be coming over the next few weeks are all of my player evaluations. And when I said before this is the most I have ever done, it means I have just over 120 pages in a word document with nothing but notes I’ve taken while watching games this past year! I’m going to break these down by conference, and list out the teams I actually got to see play. Since I do have a life and a full time job outside of this, there is no way for me to see all teams play each season. But with the accumulated years of doing this, I end up seeing the vast majority of these draft eligible players, so I feel I have a good read on this year’s draft.
I will probably also skip the ‘team needs’ section this year due to time constraints. I will go right into the mock drafts after all of the evals are done, and I will probably touch very lightly on the combine. As many of you will know from last year, I’m not a huge fan of moving my grade on a player one way or another based on combine results. It’s very helpful to confirm what you may have seen from watching these guys play, but it should never be taken on face value alone (as a great athlete does not always make a great football player).
What will be coming over the next few weeks are all of my player evaluations. And when I said before this is the most I have ever done, it means I have just over 120 pages in a word document with nothing but notes I’ve taken while watching games this past year! I’m going to break these down by conference, and list out the teams I actually got to see play. Since I do have a life and a full time job outside of this, there is no way for me to see all teams play each season. But with the accumulated years of doing this, I end up seeing the vast majority of these draft eligible players, so I feel I have a good read on this year’s draft.
I will probably also skip the ‘team needs’ section this year due to time constraints. I will go right into the mock drafts after all of the evals are done, and I will probably touch very lightly on the combine. As many of you will know from last year, I’m not a huge fan of moving my grade on a player one way or another based on combine results. It’s very helpful to confirm what you may have seen from watching these guys play, but it should never be taken on face value alone (as a great athlete does not always make a great football player).
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Senior Bowl Preview- South Roster
Nate Allen, FS, South Florida- Allen has gotten lost in the depth of the other big name safeties in this draft (like Eric Berry, Earl Thomas, and Taylor Mays). He shows very good ball skills, and is a true centerfielder type of FS. He can start immediately in the right system, and I think that with a good game he should lock down a spot in the second round. If he makes it to the third, he’d be a steal in my book.
Javier Arenas, CB, Alabama- Arenas lacks the ideal size you want in a boundary corner, which makes me think his best fit is going to be as a nickel corner or in a Cover-2 where he can play up on the line and have safety help over the top. What Arenas has going for him are his ball skills and his return ability. He’s an elite punt returner, and he has a knack for getting his hands on the ball on defense and can make things happen once he does. Like Thompson, Arenas can really improve his stock playing against some bigger receivers in this game, but also against some of the quicker slot guys as well.
Geno Atkins, DT, Georgia- Atkins is strictly a three-technique. He gets great penetration into the backfield and is very disruptive. One of the biggest issues I have with him is that his field awareness is not up to where it should be. An example is when he gets penetration, he can run right past the play without even noticing. He’s also had some disciplinary issues, and has not been a full time starter at all, so there are some bumps on him. He has the skills of a second round pick though, but the overall package has to be taken into consideration. The biggest test for Atkins in this game will be his off the field interactions with coaches and scouts, which none of us will ever get to see.
Ciron Black, OT, LSU- I’ve never been a fan of Black, although many other draft experts considered him a top notch tackle prospect. If you watch any bit of tape on Black it’s obvious he does not have the feet to play LT, and I will argue he doesn’t have the foot speed to play RT at the next level either. He is solid in the run game though, so he has some value at guard. He’s a four year starter, so there is something to say about experience and technique that he has developed over that time, but it cannot compensate for a lack of athleticism to play tackle in the NFL. I expect him to be exposed big time in this game because of the solid crop of North DE’s.
Jerrett Brown, QB, West Virginia- He’s a very good athlete, a great runner for the position, but he’s not a QB. He should be able to switch positions though at the next level and can make it as a receiver or running back.
Jeff Byers, OG, USC- Byers has received a lot more hype over his time at USC than is deserved. He did grow on me the more I saw of him, but he simply lacking in some areas that a player of his experience level should not be. He gets driven back in the run game because he’s undersized, and he can get beat by the speed rush at times as well. What he does do well is pull, and he can find the man on the second level and make a block. I think he’s draftable, but he’s a late rounder. I’m interested to see if he continues to grow on me with this game, but it will take some serious convincing to make me think he’s anything more than say a 6th round pick.
Selvish Capers, RT, West Virginia- Capers has some good upside, but he needs some refinement. He can move the pile in the run, but he tends to stop his feet on contact. He’s a solid athlete, but he needs to work on being a better tackle. He has the potential to be a starting RT at the next level with some work.
Terrance Cody, DT, Alabama- I think all of the criticism you will hear about Cody is warranted. He is a two down player, they rotated him in and out a lot at Alabama so it’s difficult to know if he can even be a full time NT, and his weight will always be an issue for the off-season. Most will say he’s one dimensional, but he’s VERY good at that one dimension. Cody is impossible to move with one blocker, and his long arms allow him to jolt interior linemen back a yard or two. He’s an ideal 3-4 NT though, and those guys are hard to find, so I really think he will make it into the end of the first round. Again, had you told me that Tyson Jackson would go in the top five picks last year I would have laughed at you, so anything can happen. But with the 3-4 being so popular now, and the NT spot probably the hardest to fill, I think Cody belongs in the bottom part of the first round.
Antonio Coleman, DE/OLB, Auburn- He’s an edge rusher, and he’s fairly one dimensional too. Coleman’s all about dipping and ripping around the edge and trying to get to the QB with speed. He struggles to set the edges against the run because he’s undersized. He might be able to fit into a Cover-2 that favors speed over size, but I think his best fit will have to be moving to the rush OLB position, but I question if he has the athleticism to be able to drop and cover. To me he’s a fringe 3rd rounder because of his ability to rush the passer. If he plays some OLB in this game and shows well, I could see his stock improving. If he plays end and just runs around the corner like usual, it does nothing for his stock.
Riley Cooper, WR, Florida- He can return kicks, and is a tough kid, but I see him struggling to make a team if he’s drafted. I don’t think he has the speed or strength to separate or get away from coverage, but he’s a tough slot receiver who will go over the middle.
Perrish Cox, CB, Oklahoma State- Cox is the opposite to some of the other previously mentioned corners. He’s tall, big, physical, and he can run. He’s a bit stiff in the hips, but it’s not enough of a concern to me. Cox impressed me the most in the first game of the season by locking up the very talented Georgia sophomore WR A.J. Green and limiting his impact in the game. He can return kicks as well, and looks good doing it. I think with a solid game here he can lock up a spot in the second round. Stiff hips or not, he has the ability to at worst be a number two corner on some team and will be an asset for covering the bigger and more physical receivers we see today in the NFL.
Jimmy Graham, TE, Miami- Graham came to the U as a scholarship basketball player, so he has very limited experience at the position. He shows the things you want in a developmental prospect though, and it’s hard not to make the immediate parallel to All Pro TE and former college basketball player Antonio Gates. Very tall, big frame, decent speed, great body control, good leaper. I want him on my team as he has the frame to even potentially work toward being an OT if he can’t cut at TE. Plus he’s the type of guy who will block kicks at the next level. I fully expect him to gain moment as we get closer to draft day, but it will be most interesting to see how he takes to the professional level coaching, and if he can adapt quick enough to prove he’s worth a shot as a developmental player.
Shay Hodge, WR, Ole Miss- Hodge has the chance to make a big impact in this game much like his former teammate and current Steeler Mike Wallace did in this game last season. Hodge has good size, and while not as fast as Wallace, he’s a solid receiving prospect. He needs some refinement on his route running, but the potential is there.
Lamarr Houston, DT, Texas- Houston is definitely vastly underrated right now. He can dominate with power, he reads plays well, and he has fantastic quickness off the snap to disrupt plays in the backfield. I actually think he might be ideal as a 3-4 DE with his combination of speed and strength. In fact I think he is on a very similar path that former Missouri DT Ziggy Hood was last year where a strong bowl game, a very strong Senior Bowl week, and a solid combine showing moved him up into the bottom of the first round at the exact same position.
John Jerry, RT/OG, Ole Miss- I still like Jerry a lot as a RT, but he is a bit slow off the snap. That scares me as he does not have the speed to catch up to edge rusher at the next level, so guard may end up being his position when it’s all said and done. Jerry is great in the run game, as once he locks on, he moves the pile. I like the fact that he’s versatile enough to play both positions, and a strong game here could push his stock up into the early third round range. In fact, I’d be tickled pink should he slip down to the Bears in the third round. He could start immediately at guard or tackle for the Bears.
Mike Johnson, OG, Alabama- Johnson was being touted by some as the best guard in this draft, but I don’t think that’s true at all. He’s very good in the run game. He gets good movement, he transitions well from the first to the second level, and he can block the moving target as well. The biggest problem is he struggles with quicker DTs, especially with the second pass rush move. Several times this year he would stall the initial move by the defensive lineman, only to get beat by a secondary rip move. It’s those consistency issues that push him down in my opinion, but a solid week of practice here and a good game could help move him up a bit.
Stafon Johnson, RB, USC- The fact that Johnson is actually playing in this game after the horrific weight lifting accident he was in earlier in the year earns him player of the game award before the game even starts. No one will EVER question his toughness after this. As for Johnson as a back, he churns his legs well and gets tough yards. He’s not explosive in the hole, but is more of a big back that picks up speed as he runs. If he can get through the hole, he can break tackles and has good long speed once he gets up to the top level. I’m just excited to see him get on the field, and anything he does is a plus in my book.
Trevard Lindley, CB, Kentucky- For some reason most other experts like Lindley, but I really don’t like him. I said he was really soft against the run last year, and he proved once again he’s just not interested in fighting up to make a solo tackle. He will simply hold a guy up until someone else comes in and makes the tackle for him. And I’m not sold on his coverage skills either, so it’s not like he has one thing to fall back on. Watch him closely in this game and see if you see the same things.
Taylor Mays, FS, USC- The more I’ve watched of Mays the less I’ve liked. He’s an athlete, not a football player, at this point in his career. He is incredibly fast, hits like a truck, is huge for a DB, and it all stops there. He does not wrap up in tackles, he seems to think too much and ends up not making plays he easily could with his athleticism, and his instincts just seem to be lacking. He does not have the technique of a senior, and I would be very weary of having him as my last line of defense. To be honest, he may be better fit as a SS or a LB in the pros as he won’t have to worry about the instincts part of the game. He will no doubt get massively over drafted due to his combine numbers, but I won’t budge from the thought that he at best a late first rounder. With some good coaching, he can correct these things, but until then he should be covered up a bit by moving him closer to the line. He’s physical enough that he’d excel there.
Dexter McCluster, WR, Ole Miss- His size will cause his stock to slip, but with a creative OC, he will be a major weapon. McCluster has great speed and an uncanny ability to make small moves and make tacklers miss. For a small guy, he breaks a lot of tackles. He’s a bit of a ‘tweener right now though, so it will be interesting to see how they use him in this game (as either a receiver or running back).
Roddrick Muckelroy, OLB, Texas- I’m not as sold on Muckelroy as others. He’s a bit small, and definitely relies on speed. He will make a solid WLB, and is much better pass defender than a run defender. He’s going to have to go to the right system though in order to make an impact.
Eric Norwood, OLB, South Carolina- Norwood just makes impact plays. He has an excellent burst, he’s explosive, he has an uncanny feel for the pass rush game and how to vary his moves, and when he gets to the QB he really delivers a hit. He is not very good in pass coverage, so he will need some coaching in this area. He’s the type of player I do not want to pass on, especially if I have a 3-4 defense. They won’t allow blitzing in this game, so it will be good to see how he holds up in pass coverage and how he reads and reacts on run plays.
Jeff Owens, DT, Georgia- He’s a one-dimensional run stuffer, but he does hold up well against the double team. He’s not big enough to be a NT in a 3-4, but he can hold up as a nose in the 4-3. How will he hold up against the run with a massive guard like Iupati blocking him? We’ll find out Saturday.
Colin Peek, TE, Alabama- Not a bad two-way prospect, as he blocks better than his size would indicate. He’s not a seam stretcher, but he’s a good short to intermediate threat. He’s a nice throw back to the old TEs. He’s going to make a very good value pick for some team, and he’ll probably slip into the 3-5th round range
Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State- The biggest thing going for Robinson is that he is extremely fast. He was able to run down Noel Devine, one of the fastest backs in college football, when Devin had a good 15-20 yard lead. That play was VERY impressive. Robinson also impressed me with his effectiveness and willingness to come up and support the run. I had a hard time getting a good read on Robinson in the games I watched as teams actively threw away from him. So I will be paying very close attention to him in this game to see how he holds up in coverage.
Zac Robinson, QB, Oklahoma State- Robinson is a decent athlete, but his arm and accuracy is not quite up to the NFL standard. He might make it as a number three, but he’s a late rounder at best.
Myron Rolle, SS, Florida State via Oxford- Since he didn’t play last year, I will past in what I said about him last year. He has the smarts, but how rusty will he be with a year layoff? He showed some flashes here and there, but he didn’t seem to have the field awareness that matched his intelligence. And because of this, he seemed to be a step slow on the field. Now, maybe it’s because he is actually a step slow for the position, but I think it’s the former rather than the latter.
George Selvie, DE, South Florida- I think Selvie is suffering from paralysis by analysis. He’s been considered a possible first round prospect for the past two years, so everyone is watching closely and paying attention to all of the warts. I was never convinced he was a firs rounder, but he can rush the passer, so he has value. He’s undersized, so watch him closely to see how he holds the point of attack against the run.
Darryl Sharpton, MLB, Miami- The only thing in my mind that I question about him is his straight line speed. I think that may keep him from being a good coverage MLB. Other than that, he has the skills of an immediate starter. Great instincts, good lower body power to hold the point, he sheds blockers with his hands, and he diagnoses the play and makes the tackle. He’s just a very good all around MLB, and he can fit in a 3-4 or a 4-3. I think he’ll have a very good game here, and he’s one of my personal favorite players.
Ben Tate, RB, Auburn- Tate’s got very good size and good balance, but he does not have good burst. I think this may hurt him at the next level as the speed is that much faster which might cause him to be stopped for a loss more times than not. Can he run away from players in this game? If not, it will prove my point that the next level will be very difficult for him to make a difference.
Tim Tebow, QB, Florida- My thoughts will never change on Tebow, he’s just not an NFL QB. He is probably the most successful college football player of all time, but that doesn’t mean he will translate to the next level. He just gets lost when the rush comes down on him. Someone is going to take a chance on him far too soon, but I admire his leadership abilities. That’s as far as I will go though.
Leigh Tiffin, K, Alabama- Yep, mentioning another kicker. Tiffin has some value though and he will get drafted. He doesn’t have a huge leg, but he’s accurate, and that is what is important.
Dekoda Watson, OLB, Florida State- Watson is very impressive. Extremely fast, and is an impact pass rusher. He’s a bit undersized, but he’s a guy I want on my team. He’d make an impressive WLB, and with some added strength, he could be a force on a 3-4 team because of his ability to flatten around the corner and close to the QB. He’s had some problems with academics in the past though, so this could hurt his draft stock.
Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee- This is when I really wish I had the time to post these up as I watch games. After the first two weeks, I had this to say about Williams: “He’s under the radar right now, but I don’t think that will stay that way. With his size, he can play either the 3-4 or the 4-3 nose.” Funny enough, Kiper and others were touting him as a first rounder by the end of the year. Williams has a huge lower body, he gets good push with his initial punch, he occupies the double team and keeps his shoulders square, and he can bull rush interior lineman to disrupt the pocket. He was a bit up and down the more I saw after the first two weeks, and I’m not sure he can hold up as a 3-4 NT. He can definitely play the 4-3 though as he showed some flashes of pass rush ability. Someone will draft him to play the nose though in a 3-4.
C.J. Wilson, DE, East Carolina- Wilson is a power end. He’s a traditional 4-3 end as he can stuff the run, and he has decent pass rush ability as well. He’s different than most of the other ends in this game in that he’s not someone who will move to a 3-4.
Javier Arenas, CB, Alabama- Arenas lacks the ideal size you want in a boundary corner, which makes me think his best fit is going to be as a nickel corner or in a Cover-2 where he can play up on the line and have safety help over the top. What Arenas has going for him are his ball skills and his return ability. He’s an elite punt returner, and he has a knack for getting his hands on the ball on defense and can make things happen once he does. Like Thompson, Arenas can really improve his stock playing against some bigger receivers in this game, but also against some of the quicker slot guys as well.
Geno Atkins, DT, Georgia- Atkins is strictly a three-technique. He gets great penetration into the backfield and is very disruptive. One of the biggest issues I have with him is that his field awareness is not up to where it should be. An example is when he gets penetration, he can run right past the play without even noticing. He’s also had some disciplinary issues, and has not been a full time starter at all, so there are some bumps on him. He has the skills of a second round pick though, but the overall package has to be taken into consideration. The biggest test for Atkins in this game will be his off the field interactions with coaches and scouts, which none of us will ever get to see.
Ciron Black, OT, LSU- I’ve never been a fan of Black, although many other draft experts considered him a top notch tackle prospect. If you watch any bit of tape on Black it’s obvious he does not have the feet to play LT, and I will argue he doesn’t have the foot speed to play RT at the next level either. He is solid in the run game though, so he has some value at guard. He’s a four year starter, so there is something to say about experience and technique that he has developed over that time, but it cannot compensate for a lack of athleticism to play tackle in the NFL. I expect him to be exposed big time in this game because of the solid crop of North DE’s.
Jerrett Brown, QB, West Virginia- He’s a very good athlete, a great runner for the position, but he’s not a QB. He should be able to switch positions though at the next level and can make it as a receiver or running back.
Jeff Byers, OG, USC- Byers has received a lot more hype over his time at USC than is deserved. He did grow on me the more I saw of him, but he simply lacking in some areas that a player of his experience level should not be. He gets driven back in the run game because he’s undersized, and he can get beat by the speed rush at times as well. What he does do well is pull, and he can find the man on the second level and make a block. I think he’s draftable, but he’s a late rounder. I’m interested to see if he continues to grow on me with this game, but it will take some serious convincing to make me think he’s anything more than say a 6th round pick.
Selvish Capers, RT, West Virginia- Capers has some good upside, but he needs some refinement. He can move the pile in the run, but he tends to stop his feet on contact. He’s a solid athlete, but he needs to work on being a better tackle. He has the potential to be a starting RT at the next level with some work.
Terrance Cody, DT, Alabama- I think all of the criticism you will hear about Cody is warranted. He is a two down player, they rotated him in and out a lot at Alabama so it’s difficult to know if he can even be a full time NT, and his weight will always be an issue for the off-season. Most will say he’s one dimensional, but he’s VERY good at that one dimension. Cody is impossible to move with one blocker, and his long arms allow him to jolt interior linemen back a yard or two. He’s an ideal 3-4 NT though, and those guys are hard to find, so I really think he will make it into the end of the first round. Again, had you told me that Tyson Jackson would go in the top five picks last year I would have laughed at you, so anything can happen. But with the 3-4 being so popular now, and the NT spot probably the hardest to fill, I think Cody belongs in the bottom part of the first round.
Antonio Coleman, DE/OLB, Auburn- He’s an edge rusher, and he’s fairly one dimensional too. Coleman’s all about dipping and ripping around the edge and trying to get to the QB with speed. He struggles to set the edges against the run because he’s undersized. He might be able to fit into a Cover-2 that favors speed over size, but I think his best fit will have to be moving to the rush OLB position, but I question if he has the athleticism to be able to drop and cover. To me he’s a fringe 3rd rounder because of his ability to rush the passer. If he plays some OLB in this game and shows well, I could see his stock improving. If he plays end and just runs around the corner like usual, it does nothing for his stock.
Riley Cooper, WR, Florida- He can return kicks, and is a tough kid, but I see him struggling to make a team if he’s drafted. I don’t think he has the speed or strength to separate or get away from coverage, but he’s a tough slot receiver who will go over the middle.
Perrish Cox, CB, Oklahoma State- Cox is the opposite to some of the other previously mentioned corners. He’s tall, big, physical, and he can run. He’s a bit stiff in the hips, but it’s not enough of a concern to me. Cox impressed me the most in the first game of the season by locking up the very talented Georgia sophomore WR A.J. Green and limiting his impact in the game. He can return kicks as well, and looks good doing it. I think with a solid game here he can lock up a spot in the second round. Stiff hips or not, he has the ability to at worst be a number two corner on some team and will be an asset for covering the bigger and more physical receivers we see today in the NFL.
Jimmy Graham, TE, Miami- Graham came to the U as a scholarship basketball player, so he has very limited experience at the position. He shows the things you want in a developmental prospect though, and it’s hard not to make the immediate parallel to All Pro TE and former college basketball player Antonio Gates. Very tall, big frame, decent speed, great body control, good leaper. I want him on my team as he has the frame to even potentially work toward being an OT if he can’t cut at TE. Plus he’s the type of guy who will block kicks at the next level. I fully expect him to gain moment as we get closer to draft day, but it will be most interesting to see how he takes to the professional level coaching, and if he can adapt quick enough to prove he’s worth a shot as a developmental player.
Shay Hodge, WR, Ole Miss- Hodge has the chance to make a big impact in this game much like his former teammate and current Steeler Mike Wallace did in this game last season. Hodge has good size, and while not as fast as Wallace, he’s a solid receiving prospect. He needs some refinement on his route running, but the potential is there.
Lamarr Houston, DT, Texas- Houston is definitely vastly underrated right now. He can dominate with power, he reads plays well, and he has fantastic quickness off the snap to disrupt plays in the backfield. I actually think he might be ideal as a 3-4 DE with his combination of speed and strength. In fact I think he is on a very similar path that former Missouri DT Ziggy Hood was last year where a strong bowl game, a very strong Senior Bowl week, and a solid combine showing moved him up into the bottom of the first round at the exact same position.
John Jerry, RT/OG, Ole Miss- I still like Jerry a lot as a RT, but he is a bit slow off the snap. That scares me as he does not have the speed to catch up to edge rusher at the next level, so guard may end up being his position when it’s all said and done. Jerry is great in the run game, as once he locks on, he moves the pile. I like the fact that he’s versatile enough to play both positions, and a strong game here could push his stock up into the early third round range. In fact, I’d be tickled pink should he slip down to the Bears in the third round. He could start immediately at guard or tackle for the Bears.
Mike Johnson, OG, Alabama- Johnson was being touted by some as the best guard in this draft, but I don’t think that’s true at all. He’s very good in the run game. He gets good movement, he transitions well from the first to the second level, and he can block the moving target as well. The biggest problem is he struggles with quicker DTs, especially with the second pass rush move. Several times this year he would stall the initial move by the defensive lineman, only to get beat by a secondary rip move. It’s those consistency issues that push him down in my opinion, but a solid week of practice here and a good game could help move him up a bit.
Stafon Johnson, RB, USC- The fact that Johnson is actually playing in this game after the horrific weight lifting accident he was in earlier in the year earns him player of the game award before the game even starts. No one will EVER question his toughness after this. As for Johnson as a back, he churns his legs well and gets tough yards. He’s not explosive in the hole, but is more of a big back that picks up speed as he runs. If he can get through the hole, he can break tackles and has good long speed once he gets up to the top level. I’m just excited to see him get on the field, and anything he does is a plus in my book.
Trevard Lindley, CB, Kentucky- For some reason most other experts like Lindley, but I really don’t like him. I said he was really soft against the run last year, and he proved once again he’s just not interested in fighting up to make a solo tackle. He will simply hold a guy up until someone else comes in and makes the tackle for him. And I’m not sold on his coverage skills either, so it’s not like he has one thing to fall back on. Watch him closely in this game and see if you see the same things.
Taylor Mays, FS, USC- The more I’ve watched of Mays the less I’ve liked. He’s an athlete, not a football player, at this point in his career. He is incredibly fast, hits like a truck, is huge for a DB, and it all stops there. He does not wrap up in tackles, he seems to think too much and ends up not making plays he easily could with his athleticism, and his instincts just seem to be lacking. He does not have the technique of a senior, and I would be very weary of having him as my last line of defense. To be honest, he may be better fit as a SS or a LB in the pros as he won’t have to worry about the instincts part of the game. He will no doubt get massively over drafted due to his combine numbers, but I won’t budge from the thought that he at best a late first rounder. With some good coaching, he can correct these things, but until then he should be covered up a bit by moving him closer to the line. He’s physical enough that he’d excel there.
Dexter McCluster, WR, Ole Miss- His size will cause his stock to slip, but with a creative OC, he will be a major weapon. McCluster has great speed and an uncanny ability to make small moves and make tacklers miss. For a small guy, he breaks a lot of tackles. He’s a bit of a ‘tweener right now though, so it will be interesting to see how they use him in this game (as either a receiver or running back).
Roddrick Muckelroy, OLB, Texas- I’m not as sold on Muckelroy as others. He’s a bit small, and definitely relies on speed. He will make a solid WLB, and is much better pass defender than a run defender. He’s going to have to go to the right system though in order to make an impact.
Eric Norwood, OLB, South Carolina- Norwood just makes impact plays. He has an excellent burst, he’s explosive, he has an uncanny feel for the pass rush game and how to vary his moves, and when he gets to the QB he really delivers a hit. He is not very good in pass coverage, so he will need some coaching in this area. He’s the type of player I do not want to pass on, especially if I have a 3-4 defense. They won’t allow blitzing in this game, so it will be good to see how he holds up in pass coverage and how he reads and reacts on run plays.
Jeff Owens, DT, Georgia- He’s a one-dimensional run stuffer, but he does hold up well against the double team. He’s not big enough to be a NT in a 3-4, but he can hold up as a nose in the 4-3. How will he hold up against the run with a massive guard like Iupati blocking him? We’ll find out Saturday.
Colin Peek, TE, Alabama- Not a bad two-way prospect, as he blocks better than his size would indicate. He’s not a seam stretcher, but he’s a good short to intermediate threat. He’s a nice throw back to the old TEs. He’s going to make a very good value pick for some team, and he’ll probably slip into the 3-5th round range
Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State- The biggest thing going for Robinson is that he is extremely fast. He was able to run down Noel Devine, one of the fastest backs in college football, when Devin had a good 15-20 yard lead. That play was VERY impressive. Robinson also impressed me with his effectiveness and willingness to come up and support the run. I had a hard time getting a good read on Robinson in the games I watched as teams actively threw away from him. So I will be paying very close attention to him in this game to see how he holds up in coverage.
Zac Robinson, QB, Oklahoma State- Robinson is a decent athlete, but his arm and accuracy is not quite up to the NFL standard. He might make it as a number three, but he’s a late rounder at best.
Myron Rolle, SS, Florida State via Oxford- Since he didn’t play last year, I will past in what I said about him last year. He has the smarts, but how rusty will he be with a year layoff? He showed some flashes here and there, but he didn’t seem to have the field awareness that matched his intelligence. And because of this, he seemed to be a step slow on the field. Now, maybe it’s because he is actually a step slow for the position, but I think it’s the former rather than the latter.
George Selvie, DE, South Florida- I think Selvie is suffering from paralysis by analysis. He’s been considered a possible first round prospect for the past two years, so everyone is watching closely and paying attention to all of the warts. I was never convinced he was a firs rounder, but he can rush the passer, so he has value. He’s undersized, so watch him closely to see how he holds the point of attack against the run.
Darryl Sharpton, MLB, Miami- The only thing in my mind that I question about him is his straight line speed. I think that may keep him from being a good coverage MLB. Other than that, he has the skills of an immediate starter. Great instincts, good lower body power to hold the point, he sheds blockers with his hands, and he diagnoses the play and makes the tackle. He’s just a very good all around MLB, and he can fit in a 3-4 or a 4-3. I think he’ll have a very good game here, and he’s one of my personal favorite players.
Ben Tate, RB, Auburn- Tate’s got very good size and good balance, but he does not have good burst. I think this may hurt him at the next level as the speed is that much faster which might cause him to be stopped for a loss more times than not. Can he run away from players in this game? If not, it will prove my point that the next level will be very difficult for him to make a difference.
Tim Tebow, QB, Florida- My thoughts will never change on Tebow, he’s just not an NFL QB. He is probably the most successful college football player of all time, but that doesn’t mean he will translate to the next level. He just gets lost when the rush comes down on him. Someone is going to take a chance on him far too soon, but I admire his leadership abilities. That’s as far as I will go though.
Leigh Tiffin, K, Alabama- Yep, mentioning another kicker. Tiffin has some value though and he will get drafted. He doesn’t have a huge leg, but he’s accurate, and that is what is important.
Dekoda Watson, OLB, Florida State- Watson is very impressive. Extremely fast, and is an impact pass rusher. He’s a bit undersized, but he’s a guy I want on my team. He’d make an impressive WLB, and with some added strength, he could be a force on a 3-4 team because of his ability to flatten around the corner and close to the QB. He’s had some problems with academics in the past though, so this could hurt his draft stock.
Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee- This is when I really wish I had the time to post these up as I watch games. After the first two weeks, I had this to say about Williams: “He’s under the radar right now, but I don’t think that will stay that way. With his size, he can play either the 3-4 or the 4-3 nose.” Funny enough, Kiper and others were touting him as a first rounder by the end of the year. Williams has a huge lower body, he gets good push with his initial punch, he occupies the double team and keeps his shoulders square, and he can bull rush interior lineman to disrupt the pocket. He was a bit up and down the more I saw after the first two weeks, and I’m not sure he can hold up as a 3-4 NT. He can definitely play the 4-3 though as he showed some flashes of pass rush ability. Someone will draft him to play the nose though in a 3-4.
C.J. Wilson, DE, East Carolina- Wilson is a power end. He’s a traditional 4-3 end as he can stuff the run, and he has decent pass rush ability as well. He’s different than most of the other ends in this game in that he’s not someone who will move to a 3-4.
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