Thursday, March 11, 2010
Big 12- Colorado
Riar Geer, TE, Sr- Geer is a good drive blocker, and if the DE lines up inside of him he is capable of driving him into the pile and setting the edge. He planted a few guys in the Shrine Game, which impressed me a good deal. He’s limited though, and a blocking TE is not something worth spending more than a late round pick on.
ACC- Wake Forest
Brandon Ghee, CB, Sr- I did not see much Wake Forest tape this year, but I saw an awful lot last year. Ghee was always serviceable, and I thought he was made to look a bit better the previous three years as he had top shelf corner Alphonso Smith playing opposite of him. I think Ghee has some potential as he has good recovery speed, but the problem I have seen is that he has to use this to often (which means he’s being beaten by the initial move of the receiver). You can’t make it in the NFL playing in the trail position at corner unless you have Chris Johnson type speed. Ghee is fast, but not that fast. I think he’d make a nice value pick in the late third round though as he has some potential to start or at worst play the nickel role well. I do have to say that many of these same comments I made from watching him play during the season showed up during practice and in the game at the Senior Bowl.
Riley Skinner, QB, Sr- Skinner is the classic game manager. He simply does not have the physical size to make it at the next level. He may catch on as an undrafted free agent on someone’s practice squad, but even that is a bit of a reach.
Riley Skinner, QB, Sr- Skinner is the classic game manager. He simply does not have the physical size to make it at the next level. He may catch on as an undrafted free agent on someone’s practice squad, but even that is a bit of a reach.
ACC- Virginia Tech
Tyrod Taylor, QB, Jr- Taylor is definitely not a pro QB, but has the speed and athleticism to play elsewhere. He has a strong arm, but his accuracy is bad, and he has a wind up throwing motion that allows the DB to break on the play before the ball gets there. I don’t see much changing with him next year, so I expect this grade to hold up.
Sergio Render, OG, Sr- Render is hands down the best run blocking guard I have seen this year. The problem is his pass blocking is about as bad as his run blocking is good. The best example of this was when he was matched up against the consensus top NT prospect in this draft in Tennessee’s Dan Williams. In the run phase, Render absolutely blew Williams off the ball, which is by any means no easy task. But on the passing downs, Williams would throw a simple counter rip on Render, and he’d be left grasping at air as Williams was already a step or two into the pocket. It makes for a tough grade on him because he’s so up and down. He will need some serious work on this part of his game, but if he can improve here, he has great potential because of his ability to dominate in the run game. Like a true guard, I wouldn’t expect him to go until the 6th-7th round range.
Ed Wang, LT, Virginia Tech- Wang is going to strictly be a RT at the next level. He’s a very good run blocker, definitely above average for the position, but he’s just an adequate pass blocker. He’s valuable though because of his versatility to serve as a team’s swing tackle. I still don’t see him going until the mid rounds though, even though he has some potential to start on the right side sooner than later.
Ryan Williams, RB, Fr- Williams has absolute home run speed, and I expect him to be one of the better RB prospects in two more years. He should be an early entrant and a top shelf prospect if he can keep on improving from this year.
Kenny Jefferson, FB, Sr- Jefferson is actually a good lead blocking FB that can be had very late in the draft. He was used almost exclusively as a lead blocker, and he does a good job of this. He’s not a huge guy, but he does a good job of hitting the hole at full speed and keeping his feet moving on contact. He should make a nice late round value pick for a team that still uses a traditional blocking style FB.
Greg Boone, TE, Sr- On tape, I saw nothing much from Boone other than he’s a huge TE, so someone may take a chance on him late as a blocker or even a potential OL of the future.
Jason Worilds, DE, Jr- I’m a bit surprised Worilds came out early, but there is some promise there. He’s undersized and will need to prove he has the hips to be able to drop into pass sets and play OLB in the 3-4. Worilds has very good pass rush skills, and this will be where he will be counted on in his first few years in the league. He can get swallowed up when run at, but with some time, coaching, and added strength he should develop into a starter at this position. I would expect him to slip into the third to fourth round range though, and will make a nice value at that point. I actually think he’s one of the better players no one is talking about. He can make an impact in the right defense.
Kam Chancellor, FS, Sr- Those of you who have followed my coverage since the word document days will know I loved Chancellor’s potential since I saw him as a Freshman. Having said this, he’s gone from one of my favorite players to a guy who I don’t think will be drafted until the late rounds. He looks a lot bigger this year, and it seems to have affected his speed. He still has upside though, and I cannot forget what I have seen from him in the past. Chancellor may end up being better suited to the SS spot, but he’s shown enough this post season to at the very least warrant a strong look at the FS position initially. I’m still of the mind that he could make a Brian Urlacher type move to MLB in a Cover-2 system because of his size and ability to get back in the deep middle and eventually be a star at this position. I’m sure he will stay at safety though for now, and I could see him going as high as the late second or as low as the late third.
Nekos Brown, DE, Sr- Brown is not nearly as good as Worilds, but shows some flashes of ability to rush the passer. He’s nothing more than a late rounder though.
Cody Grimm, OLB/SS- He’s very undersized for the OLB position, but he’s super fast for the position as well, which makes me think he may be able to transition to SS at the next level. If he stays at OLB, he’s an outstanding blitzer who can really get the corner in a flash. He chases plays well and can run down players from behind with his speed. He will have to be kept clean at this position though. He reminds me a bit of Jim Leonhard of the Jets. He would fit well for a team that likes to put their SS in the box a lot and play them against the run and rush the passer. Wherever he goes, he will make a team and will play special teams. He’s the kind of guy who you just can’t get off your roster because he always finds a way to get on the field. Grimm is a blue collar, lunch pail, type of player that you would expect to be sired by a HOF OL.
Stephen Virgil, CB, Sr- Virgil looks decent enough, but I’m not sure what his ceiling is. He’s solid against the run, and he’s physical on the jam, which makes me think he’s best suited to play in a Cover-2. But the question is will he ever be more than a nice to have back up for a specific style of defense? There are places in the league for guys like him, but it will be an uphill battle to get drafted and stick on a team.
Cordarrow Thompson, DT, Sr- I really like Thompson and think he’s one of the better sleeper picks in this draft. He is an ideal fit as a three-technique in a 4-3 defense. His game is built on quickness and speed off the snap, while getting in to the backfield and disrupting. Thompson is a solid pass rusher underneath, and what really impressed me was his hustle in chasing plays down the field. On one play in particular, he ran down Montario Hardesty about 15-25 yards down the field. That right there shows me he will do what it takes to make his way onto a team and onto the field. I’d love to see him slip to the 5th round range and have the Bears pick him up as a potential long term replacement for Tommie Harris.
Sergio Render, OG, Sr- Render is hands down the best run blocking guard I have seen this year. The problem is his pass blocking is about as bad as his run blocking is good. The best example of this was when he was matched up against the consensus top NT prospect in this draft in Tennessee’s Dan Williams. In the run phase, Render absolutely blew Williams off the ball, which is by any means no easy task. But on the passing downs, Williams would throw a simple counter rip on Render, and he’d be left grasping at air as Williams was already a step or two into the pocket. It makes for a tough grade on him because he’s so up and down. He will need some serious work on this part of his game, but if he can improve here, he has great potential because of his ability to dominate in the run game. Like a true guard, I wouldn’t expect him to go until the 6th-7th round range.
Ed Wang, LT, Virginia Tech- Wang is going to strictly be a RT at the next level. He’s a very good run blocker, definitely above average for the position, but he’s just an adequate pass blocker. He’s valuable though because of his versatility to serve as a team’s swing tackle. I still don’t see him going until the mid rounds though, even though he has some potential to start on the right side sooner than later.
Ryan Williams, RB, Fr- Williams has absolute home run speed, and I expect him to be one of the better RB prospects in two more years. He should be an early entrant and a top shelf prospect if he can keep on improving from this year.
Kenny Jefferson, FB, Sr- Jefferson is actually a good lead blocking FB that can be had very late in the draft. He was used almost exclusively as a lead blocker, and he does a good job of this. He’s not a huge guy, but he does a good job of hitting the hole at full speed and keeping his feet moving on contact. He should make a nice late round value pick for a team that still uses a traditional blocking style FB.
Greg Boone, TE, Sr- On tape, I saw nothing much from Boone other than he’s a huge TE, so someone may take a chance on him late as a blocker or even a potential OL of the future.
Jason Worilds, DE, Jr- I’m a bit surprised Worilds came out early, but there is some promise there. He’s undersized and will need to prove he has the hips to be able to drop into pass sets and play OLB in the 3-4. Worilds has very good pass rush skills, and this will be where he will be counted on in his first few years in the league. He can get swallowed up when run at, but with some time, coaching, and added strength he should develop into a starter at this position. I would expect him to slip into the third to fourth round range though, and will make a nice value at that point. I actually think he’s one of the better players no one is talking about. He can make an impact in the right defense.
Kam Chancellor, FS, Sr- Those of you who have followed my coverage since the word document days will know I loved Chancellor’s potential since I saw him as a Freshman. Having said this, he’s gone from one of my favorite players to a guy who I don’t think will be drafted until the late rounds. He looks a lot bigger this year, and it seems to have affected his speed. He still has upside though, and I cannot forget what I have seen from him in the past. Chancellor may end up being better suited to the SS spot, but he’s shown enough this post season to at the very least warrant a strong look at the FS position initially. I’m still of the mind that he could make a Brian Urlacher type move to MLB in a Cover-2 system because of his size and ability to get back in the deep middle and eventually be a star at this position. I’m sure he will stay at safety though for now, and I could see him going as high as the late second or as low as the late third.
Nekos Brown, DE, Sr- Brown is not nearly as good as Worilds, but shows some flashes of ability to rush the passer. He’s nothing more than a late rounder though.
Cody Grimm, OLB/SS- He’s very undersized for the OLB position, but he’s super fast for the position as well, which makes me think he may be able to transition to SS at the next level. If he stays at OLB, he’s an outstanding blitzer who can really get the corner in a flash. He chases plays well and can run down players from behind with his speed. He will have to be kept clean at this position though. He reminds me a bit of Jim Leonhard of the Jets. He would fit well for a team that likes to put their SS in the box a lot and play them against the run and rush the passer. Wherever he goes, he will make a team and will play special teams. He’s the kind of guy who you just can’t get off your roster because he always finds a way to get on the field. Grimm is a blue collar, lunch pail, type of player that you would expect to be sired by a HOF OL.
Stephen Virgil, CB, Sr- Virgil looks decent enough, but I’m not sure what his ceiling is. He’s solid against the run, and he’s physical on the jam, which makes me think he’s best suited to play in a Cover-2. But the question is will he ever be more than a nice to have back up for a specific style of defense? There are places in the league for guys like him, but it will be an uphill battle to get drafted and stick on a team.
Cordarrow Thompson, DT, Sr- I really like Thompson and think he’s one of the better sleeper picks in this draft. He is an ideal fit as a three-technique in a 4-3 defense. His game is built on quickness and speed off the snap, while getting in to the backfield and disrupting. Thompson is a solid pass rusher underneath, and what really impressed me was his hustle in chasing plays down the field. On one play in particular, he ran down Montario Hardesty about 15-25 yards down the field. That right there shows me he will do what it takes to make his way onto a team and onto the field. I’d love to see him slip to the 5th round range and have the Bears pick him up as a potential long term replacement for Tommie Harris.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
ACC- North Carolina State
Willie Young, DE, Sr- Young has a long and linear build, but lacks the necessary bulk on his frame to hold the edge as a down defensive end. The positive though is he was dropped back in coverage a good amount of time with zone blitzes, and he didn’t look bad. He gets swallowed up in the run game because of his lack of size and strength, but he can rush the passer well. When he’s on his game, he looks great locking out blockers with his long arms and disengaging in tome to make plays. He is slated to play down DE here, so seeing if he can hold the point of attack will be critical.
Audie Cole, OLB, So- Cole has some potential, and is young. Good speed, good explosion, but needs some work. Someone to remember though.
Shea McKeen, DE, Sr- He’s a tweener that will more than likely have to move to rush OLB. I’m not sure he has the athleticism to do so, but he flashed on tape occasionally.
Russell Wilson, QB, So- I really like Wilson’s upside. He looked good as a true Freshman last year, but I’m not sure how much he improved to this year. He has very good athleticism to avoid the rush and tuck it and run if needed. He also has a plus arm. He just needs to work on progressing through his reads and staying calm in the pocket. The third year is usually where you see a big jump, so I expect that in Wilson. He does not throw a lot of INTs though, which is great to see in a young QB. It’s something to build on for sure next season.
Ted Larsen, OC, Sr- Larsen is a guy I would classify as a ‘work in progress’. He’s only played two years on the OL, so he’s still learning the subtle nuances that come with playing the position. The positives are that he has a good hand punch and gets decent redirection and movement in the run game. The negatives are that he still has to learn to sit back and keep his center of gravity further back as he can lunge and lose quicker DTs in pass blocking. He won’t go until the later rounds, but he’s a nice prospect for a team who can afford to let him learn the position as a back up for a few years, and maybe eventually take over as a starter.
Jamelle Eugene, RB, Fr- Eugene is yet another true Freshman RB that looks to have the makings of a future NFL contributor. With a solid young QB helping him out, I expect Eugene to have a big year next season.
Audie Cole, OLB, So- Cole has some potential, and is young. Good speed, good explosion, but needs some work. Someone to remember though.
Shea McKeen, DE, Sr- He’s a tweener that will more than likely have to move to rush OLB. I’m not sure he has the athleticism to do so, but he flashed on tape occasionally.
Russell Wilson, QB, So- I really like Wilson’s upside. He looked good as a true Freshman last year, but I’m not sure how much he improved to this year. He has very good athleticism to avoid the rush and tuck it and run if needed. He also has a plus arm. He just needs to work on progressing through his reads and staying calm in the pocket. The third year is usually where you see a big jump, so I expect that in Wilson. He does not throw a lot of INTs though, which is great to see in a young QB. It’s something to build on for sure next season.
Ted Larsen, OC, Sr- Larsen is a guy I would classify as a ‘work in progress’. He’s only played two years on the OL, so he’s still learning the subtle nuances that come with playing the position. The positives are that he has a good hand punch and gets decent redirection and movement in the run game. The negatives are that he still has to learn to sit back and keep his center of gravity further back as he can lunge and lose quicker DTs in pass blocking. He won’t go until the later rounds, but he’s a nice prospect for a team who can afford to let him learn the position as a back up for a few years, and maybe eventually take over as a starter.
Jamelle Eugene, RB, Fr- Eugene is yet another true Freshman RB that looks to have the makings of a future NFL contributor. With a solid young QB helping him out, I expect Eugene to have a big year next season.
ACC- North Carolina
Marvin Austin, DT, Jr- I’m really glad Austin decided to come back for his Senior year, as I want to see more before declaring him a first round lock or a top half of the draft type of player. He’s definitely talented, a very solid two way DT. He holds his ground well in the run game with strong hands and punch, and he is a good pass rusher for an interior lineman. I really like that he does not quit on plays. He will carry a first round grade into next year, when there won’t be so many top shelf DT prospects like this year, and another solid year should push his grade up.
Quan Sturdivant, MLB, Jr- I’m very glad Sturdivant decided to come back, as I think he needs to work on getting stronger. He can get washed by blockers too easily over the middle, and he seems to struggle moving backward in zone coverage as well. I think his size will always hurt him, and he will need to be out in a defense where he can be kept clean and make plays, but there is upside there.
Bruce Carter, OLB, Jr- Carter is a very good pass rushing prospect who is a prototypical SLB. He can cover TEs and he can really hit the edge. He’s also very strong in the run game as he uses his hands to keep the point. I think coming back was the right move, and this UNC defense is absolutely stacked with solid talent. If he can stay healthy and even show slight improvements, I think he’s also about as close to a first round lock as you can get going into next season.
Robert Quinn, DE, So- Future pass rushing all-star. Quinn has an unbelievable first step, he gets the corner immediately, and he can really flatten and get to the passer. What I like most is his field awareness. He does a great job of knowing when to plant, change directions, and chase plays the other direction. Quinn plays to the whistle, and I love that he has the hustle and the talent combined. It will take him a long way, and he would be a sure fire first rounder if he comes out early next year. In my opinion, he’s the best of the bunch of these very talented UNC defenders.
E.J. Wilson, DE, Sr- I think Wilson is a very nice, quiet prospect. He possesses good speed around the corner and he looks big on film. I want to see his measurables because he looks like he is a very good down DE prospect that people don’t seem to be talking about. He’s solid holding the point against the run as well. If he measures as big as I think he will, he might even be able to slide down and play the five technique, which pushes his value up even more. I think he’s a slid sleeper pick to remember come draft day.
Cam Thomas, DT, Sr- Thomas did not get the publicity of the other more highly regarded UNC defensive linemen this season, but I think he deserves some credit. He’s very tall with long arms, and is big as well. I think he’d make a very good 3-4 NT, which means he is more than likely not getting out of the second round.
Zack Pianalto, TE, Jr- Pianalto is a guy to watch next year. He’s a good effort blocker, has good hands, and runs nice short and intermediate routes. Not a game breaker, but a solid back up type TE.
TJ Yates, QB, Jr- Not a good QB. Nothing more to say than that.
Kyle Jolly, LT, Sr- Does not have the feet to play LT, and he’s not strong enough in the run game to play on the right side or inside at guard. A late rounder at best.
Quan Sturdivant, MLB, Jr- I’m very glad Sturdivant decided to come back, as I think he needs to work on getting stronger. He can get washed by blockers too easily over the middle, and he seems to struggle moving backward in zone coverage as well. I think his size will always hurt him, and he will need to be out in a defense where he can be kept clean and make plays, but there is upside there.
Bruce Carter, OLB, Jr- Carter is a very good pass rushing prospect who is a prototypical SLB. He can cover TEs and he can really hit the edge. He’s also very strong in the run game as he uses his hands to keep the point. I think coming back was the right move, and this UNC defense is absolutely stacked with solid talent. If he can stay healthy and even show slight improvements, I think he’s also about as close to a first round lock as you can get going into next season.
Robert Quinn, DE, So- Future pass rushing all-star. Quinn has an unbelievable first step, he gets the corner immediately, and he can really flatten and get to the passer. What I like most is his field awareness. He does a great job of knowing when to plant, change directions, and chase plays the other direction. Quinn plays to the whistle, and I love that he has the hustle and the talent combined. It will take him a long way, and he would be a sure fire first rounder if he comes out early next year. In my opinion, he’s the best of the bunch of these very talented UNC defenders.
E.J. Wilson, DE, Sr- I think Wilson is a very nice, quiet prospect. He possesses good speed around the corner and he looks big on film. I want to see his measurables because he looks like he is a very good down DE prospect that people don’t seem to be talking about. He’s solid holding the point against the run as well. If he measures as big as I think he will, he might even be able to slide down and play the five technique, which pushes his value up even more. I think he’s a slid sleeper pick to remember come draft day.
Cam Thomas, DT, Sr- Thomas did not get the publicity of the other more highly regarded UNC defensive linemen this season, but I think he deserves some credit. He’s very tall with long arms, and is big as well. I think he’d make a very good 3-4 NT, which means he is more than likely not getting out of the second round.
Zack Pianalto, TE, Jr- Pianalto is a guy to watch next year. He’s a good effort blocker, has good hands, and runs nice short and intermediate routes. Not a game breaker, but a solid back up type TE.
TJ Yates, QB, Jr- Not a good QB. Nothing more to say than that.
Kyle Jolly, LT, Sr- Does not have the feet to play LT, and he’s not strong enough in the run game to play on the right side or inside at guard. A late rounder at best.
ACC- Miami
Jacory Harris, QB, So- I don’t believe the hype with Harris. He has some of the worst touch I have seen. Harris does not show the ability to know when to throw hard and when to put touch on the ball. He is a solid leader, but he’s not an NFL QB. He does not have the arm, the accuracy, or the ability to read defenses well enough for me to even consider him as a developmental prospect. Harris is only a true Sophomore though, so he has time, but I don’t think he will develop enough even in that time where I would consider him a viable NFL QB prospect.
Javarris James, RB, Sr- James looked solid as a Sophomore, then disappeared last season as a Junior. He’s a bit of a long strider so he does not get up to top speed until after he’s through the hole and up field. James does however get tough yardage still in the short area as he has better power than you would think with his long strides. I don’t think he’s a bell cow back because of his lack of initial burst, but he’s a deceptively elusive runner.
Graig Cooper, RB/RS, Jr- Unlike James, Cooper gets to top end speed immediately. He has great burst out of his cuts and you can visibly see when he turns it from one speed to the next. Cooper holds excellent value in the return game as well, and I think this is where most of his value will lie. He will get every chance to be the ‘man’ next season with James and his shared carries gone. It will be very telling to see if he can hold up physically with more pounding, as he’s not very big. You can’t teach his explosiveness though and that is why Cooper is someone I expect to make some big highlight reel type plays next year.
Travis Benjamin, WR, So- He is a superstar in the making. He covers so much ground with each stride that you can physically see his acceleration. Benjamin is a chore to cover with one DB as his speed is game breaking. He should definitely come out next year in what will be the year of the receiver, and I think he is a potential first rounder. With a better QB, he’d be even more productive, which is scary to think of when projecting him to the next level.
Jason Fox, LT, Sr- Fox has good feet and is a solid pass blocker, but he needs to get bigger and stronger. He gets pushed back far too easily and just does not have the lower body base to drop and anchor against the bull rush. He also does not get the push off the line in the run game, which will only get harder at the next level. Some draft experts have him as high as a third rounder and think he can be a potential starter, but I would be very hesitant to take him before late rounds if I were a team expecting him to start right away. Fox needs time to further develop, and he’s strictly a LT unless it’s a zone blocking scheme, so to me he’s a late rounder at best. Fox also had knee surgery near the tail end of the season and missed the Bowl game, so this pushes his draft grade down further.
AJ Trump, OC, Miami- He does a good job of walling off the DL by getting his hips into position to create a seam. He’s not overpowering at the POA though, but he doesn’t need to be. He uses good leverage and hand placement to make blocks and seal tackles off. He’s probably no better than a 5th rounder or so, but he will get a chance here to be surrounded by a better group of guards than he was at Miami.
Matt Pipho, RT, Sr- I don’t know if Pipho has the feet to play tackle at the next level as far as pass protection is concerned. He’s not bad, but he seems to always fall for the secondary move to the inside. If he can learn to post more with his inside foot, he might have a chance of sticking at RT and could move to OG at worst. He’s a versatile blocker that I think will make his way onto a roster or practice squad, but will face a long uphill battle to stay there. He’s a late rounder at best, if that.
Leonard Hankerson, WR, Jr- I really like Hankerson, and the combo of him and Benjamin is scary. He shows great body control, and he has the big body frame like an Andre Johnson. Hankerson stretch the field vertically and he seems to always win the jump ball. This Miami offense should be excellent next year, and I expect Hankerson to shine.
Jimmy Graham, TE, Sr- Graham came to the U as a scholarship basketball player, and has only played this one year of college football. 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. Graham is very tall, has a big frame, decent speed, great body control, and is a 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, and he should shine at the combine due to his outstanding athleticism.
Dedrick Epps, TE, Sr- Epps has decent size and runs nice intermediate routes over the middle. He can make the tough catch as well and seems to have good hands. I didn’t see much from him in the run blocking phase, but he’s another one of those Senior TE prospects who will slip through the cracks and may provide a nice back up in the later rounds. His upside is limited though.
Darryl Sharpton, MLB, Sr- 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 Sharpton would be an outstanding value in the second round, but he may even sneak into the third with some small questions about his overall size and the straight line speed issue I already mentioned. He’d be a down right steal in the third.
Sean Spence, OLB, So- His instincts still need a good deal of work, as he looks lost at times in pass coverage. Spence did look visibly stronger than last year, which is a very good sign, especially since he didn’t seem to lose any of his outstanding speed with the added bulk. While Spence’s instincts are questionable, his athletic ability allows him to make up for his lack of ability to read keys properly. He’s got first round potential written all over him if he can put it all together. He’s the kind of player that would really benefit from spending four years in school, but I could see him coming out early next year if he continues to show improvement like he did between his Freshman and Sophomore year.
Randy Phillips, SS, Sr- Phillips does not come up much in the run game, and drops into deep coverage a lot. While he shows decent speed to stay with the receiver in coverage, he is not quite physical enough when coming forward. He’s a solid tackler, but he does not disengage from blocks well so he can be swallowed up if a blocker makes it to the second level quickly. I’m interested to see what his 40 time will be, as I think he may be a better fit as a FS in the pros. There is some potential there, even if it’s as a solid special teams player.
Sam Shields, CB/RS, Sr- As a cornerback, Shields is not good. He can’t get a jam, he tackles poorly, he’s undisciplined, and I’d say he’s undraftable. As a return man, he has great speed and can really make plays returning kick offs. That should at least get him a look in the last round or two.
Joe Joseph, DT, Sr- Joseph isn’t special overall, but seems to be a fit for a team looking at a one-dimensional run stuffer. He’s all bull rush, and he showed no ability to collapse the pocket against the pass. If you are looking for a guy to lock on a blocker and take him out of the picture, then Joseph would make for a decent value in the last few rounds.
Marcus Robinson, DE, Jr- Robinson shows speed around the corner, but that’s about it. He’s someone to keep an eye on next year as a pass rusher, but he’s not fantastic overall.
Ray Ray Armstrong, S, Fr- Armstrong is the next great safety from Miami. He hits like a truck, covers an amazing amount of ground, plants his foot in the ground and drives to the ball like a bolt of lightning. Armstrong does have a tendency to get a bit out of control and play too fast at times, but he’s a true Freshman, so that will happen. Even if he doesn’t improve in the next two years, he’s a first round pick. If he can improve, he could be in discussion as one of the top safeties to come out since insert safety here: Ed Reed, Eric Berry, etc.
Javarris James, RB, Sr- James looked solid as a Sophomore, then disappeared last season as a Junior. He’s a bit of a long strider so he does not get up to top speed until after he’s through the hole and up field. James does however get tough yardage still in the short area as he has better power than you would think with his long strides. I don’t think he’s a bell cow back because of his lack of initial burst, but he’s a deceptively elusive runner.
Graig Cooper, RB/RS, Jr- Unlike James, Cooper gets to top end speed immediately. He has great burst out of his cuts and you can visibly see when he turns it from one speed to the next. Cooper holds excellent value in the return game as well, and I think this is where most of his value will lie. He will get every chance to be the ‘man’ next season with James and his shared carries gone. It will be very telling to see if he can hold up physically with more pounding, as he’s not very big. You can’t teach his explosiveness though and that is why Cooper is someone I expect to make some big highlight reel type plays next year.
Travis Benjamin, WR, So- He is a superstar in the making. He covers so much ground with each stride that you can physically see his acceleration. Benjamin is a chore to cover with one DB as his speed is game breaking. He should definitely come out next year in what will be the year of the receiver, and I think he is a potential first rounder. With a better QB, he’d be even more productive, which is scary to think of when projecting him to the next level.
Jason Fox, LT, Sr- Fox has good feet and is a solid pass blocker, but he needs to get bigger and stronger. He gets pushed back far too easily and just does not have the lower body base to drop and anchor against the bull rush. He also does not get the push off the line in the run game, which will only get harder at the next level. Some draft experts have him as high as a third rounder and think he can be a potential starter, but I would be very hesitant to take him before late rounds if I were a team expecting him to start right away. Fox needs time to further develop, and he’s strictly a LT unless it’s a zone blocking scheme, so to me he’s a late rounder at best. Fox also had knee surgery near the tail end of the season and missed the Bowl game, so this pushes his draft grade down further.
AJ Trump, OC, Miami- He does a good job of walling off the DL by getting his hips into position to create a seam. He’s not overpowering at the POA though, but he doesn’t need to be. He uses good leverage and hand placement to make blocks and seal tackles off. He’s probably no better than a 5th rounder or so, but he will get a chance here to be surrounded by a better group of guards than he was at Miami.
Matt Pipho, RT, Sr- I don’t know if Pipho has the feet to play tackle at the next level as far as pass protection is concerned. He’s not bad, but he seems to always fall for the secondary move to the inside. If he can learn to post more with his inside foot, he might have a chance of sticking at RT and could move to OG at worst. He’s a versatile blocker that I think will make his way onto a roster or practice squad, but will face a long uphill battle to stay there. He’s a late rounder at best, if that.
Leonard Hankerson, WR, Jr- I really like Hankerson, and the combo of him and Benjamin is scary. He shows great body control, and he has the big body frame like an Andre Johnson. Hankerson stretch the field vertically and he seems to always win the jump ball. This Miami offense should be excellent next year, and I expect Hankerson to shine.
Jimmy Graham, TE, Sr- Graham came to the U as a scholarship basketball player, and has only played this one year of college football. 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. Graham is very tall, has a big frame, decent speed, great body control, and is a 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, and he should shine at the combine due to his outstanding athleticism.
Dedrick Epps, TE, Sr- Epps has decent size and runs nice intermediate routes over the middle. He can make the tough catch as well and seems to have good hands. I didn’t see much from him in the run blocking phase, but he’s another one of those Senior TE prospects who will slip through the cracks and may provide a nice back up in the later rounds. His upside is limited though.
Darryl Sharpton, MLB, Sr- 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 Sharpton would be an outstanding value in the second round, but he may even sneak into the third with some small questions about his overall size and the straight line speed issue I already mentioned. He’d be a down right steal in the third.
Sean Spence, OLB, So- His instincts still need a good deal of work, as he looks lost at times in pass coverage. Spence did look visibly stronger than last year, which is a very good sign, especially since he didn’t seem to lose any of his outstanding speed with the added bulk. While Spence’s instincts are questionable, his athletic ability allows him to make up for his lack of ability to read keys properly. He’s got first round potential written all over him if he can put it all together. He’s the kind of player that would really benefit from spending four years in school, but I could see him coming out early next year if he continues to show improvement like he did between his Freshman and Sophomore year.
Randy Phillips, SS, Sr- Phillips does not come up much in the run game, and drops into deep coverage a lot. While he shows decent speed to stay with the receiver in coverage, he is not quite physical enough when coming forward. He’s a solid tackler, but he does not disengage from blocks well so he can be swallowed up if a blocker makes it to the second level quickly. I’m interested to see what his 40 time will be, as I think he may be a better fit as a FS in the pros. There is some potential there, even if it’s as a solid special teams player.
Sam Shields, CB/RS, Sr- As a cornerback, Shields is not good. He can’t get a jam, he tackles poorly, he’s undisciplined, and I’d say he’s undraftable. As a return man, he has great speed and can really make plays returning kick offs. That should at least get him a look in the last round or two.
Joe Joseph, DT, Sr- Joseph isn’t special overall, but seems to be a fit for a team looking at a one-dimensional run stuffer. He’s all bull rush, and he showed no ability to collapse the pocket against the pass. If you are looking for a guy to lock on a blocker and take him out of the picture, then Joseph would make for a decent value in the last few rounds.
Marcus Robinson, DE, Jr- Robinson shows speed around the corner, but that’s about it. He’s someone to keep an eye on next year as a pass rusher, but he’s not fantastic overall.
Ray Ray Armstrong, S, Fr- Armstrong is the next great safety from Miami. He hits like a truck, covers an amazing amount of ground, plants his foot in the ground and drives to the ball like a bolt of lightning. Armstrong does have a tendency to get a bit out of control and play too fast at times, but he’s a true Freshman, so that will happen. Even if he doesn’t improve in the next two years, he’s a first round pick. If he can improve, he could be in discussion as one of the top safeties to come out since insert safety here: Ed Reed, Eric Berry, etc.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
ACC- Maryland
Da’Rel Scott, RB, Jr- I was a bit surprised to see Scott come back as he has had some injury issues, but he was good enough to consider making the move as he would have been no worse than a fourth round pick. He’s a physical runner, with a punishing style of north-south running. He’s someone to watch next year as I think he can make some noise.
Bruce Campbell, OT, Jr- I’m not surprised to see Campbell come out early but he’s as raw as sushi at this point. He’s all athlete and not offensive lineman at this point in his career. What got me the most with watching him this year was seeing him pull around the corner. He’s so quick and athletic that he gets the corner before the back can, and he’s easily able to get up to the second and third level before other blockers can or before the tacklers are there. The issue I have though is once he gets there, he either struggles to break down in space to make the block, or he seems to lose who he should block, or he simply never gets the block at all. Besides that he stops his feet on contact and he does not get his hands inside the frame work on a consistent basis. The positives for Campbell are his top shelf athleticism and his feet. He can definitely pass block the LT position at the next level, but he needs an absolutely hands on, dedicated, OL coach at the next level that is willing to force him to work hard on being better. Don’t expect him to be good right away, but he has potential. That can be a dirty word in the NFL though, and I would not touch him until the late first round. If the Raiders take him with the 8th pick, on one hand I will not be surprised, and on the other I will feel bad for their fan base as nothing will change until the old man kicks it.
Bruce Campbell, OT, Jr- I’m not surprised to see Campbell come out early but he’s as raw as sushi at this point. He’s all athlete and not offensive lineman at this point in his career. What got me the most with watching him this year was seeing him pull around the corner. He’s so quick and athletic that he gets the corner before the back can, and he’s easily able to get up to the second and third level before other blockers can or before the tacklers are there. The issue I have though is once he gets there, he either struggles to break down in space to make the block, or he seems to lose who he should block, or he simply never gets the block at all. Besides that he stops his feet on contact and he does not get his hands inside the frame work on a consistent basis. The positives for Campbell are his top shelf athleticism and his feet. He can definitely pass block the LT position at the next level, but he needs an absolutely hands on, dedicated, OL coach at the next level that is willing to force him to work hard on being better. Don’t expect him to be good right away, but he has potential. That can be a dirty word in the NFL though, and I would not touch him until the late first round. If the Raiders take him with the 8th pick, on one hand I will not be surprised, and on the other I will feel bad for their fan base as nothing will change until the old man kicks it.
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