Bob Sturm Draft Series

[dbair1967]

Will keep updating as he posts new positions. Today- pass rushers.


Editor's note: First in an eight-part series by special contributor Bob Sturm breaking down the top NFL draft prospects, position-by-position.

INSTALLMENT ONE: PASS RUSHERS


After the playoffs, the NFL was once again ready to invest heavily in pass rushers at the top of the draft. Unfortunately, the supply will not meet the demand. This is probably no better than an average group in the edge rusher position, whether that be the defensive ends in the 4-3 or the outside linebackers in the 3-4. Teams need sacks more than ever, but there just aren't very many who earn clear first-round grades in this crop.

Spotlight player

Noah Spence, Eastern Kentucky

There are no more complicated cases in Round 1 than this former five-star recruit to Ohio State who was banned from the Big Ten for repeated violations of the conference's drug policy. He transferred to Eastern Kentucky, where he continues to be drug-tested repeatedly and seems to have put his life in order. In his lone season at that level, Spence was beyond dominant with 111/2 sacks and 221/2 tackles for loss.

He is as "twitched up" as an edge rusher can be with an explosive get-off and a fantastic bend around the corner in which he dips and gets the edge with a minimum of wasted motion or distance. He then closes on a quarterback from either side with violence upon his arrival. He is devastating.

But, with the baggage and some strong questions about his run defense, where he will end up is a bit of a mystery. It is fair to believe that certain young men get scared straight from an incident in college and never wander off course again, but with so much money at stake, one can assume his past will be what keeps him from being a top pick. If all things were equal he might be the best in this group, but they certainly are not equal. So, while there are players with higher floors than Spence, there are no players with a potentially higher ceiling.

The best

Joey Bosa, Ohio State

Bosa is a legitimate game wrecker at just 20 years old. He has everything you look for in a first-rounder at DE. The questions surround his status as a top-five pick: Does he have eight- to 10-sack potential in the NFL? Yes. Does he also answer the bell on running plays? Absolutely. Does he compete at maximum levels whether the play involves him or not? No doubt. But the question is whether he is very good or elite at the next level. That is the difference in expectations when choosing between No. 1 overall and No. 20.

Sleeper

Ronald Blair, Appalachian State

Blair is the rare no-star recruit who slipped through the cracks five years ago and went on to dominate at a high level. He is a player who lives in the backfield and has a motor that jumps out, but as the season went along he seemed to transform from a bad-body producer to a more athletic-looking force from the edge. He can also move inside. His signature performance was a day when Clemson simply could not block him no matter what they tried. He has a chance to be something special.

Best of Texas

Emmanuel Ogbah, Oklahoma State

Houston's Ogbah has been projected all over the board. He is an athletic and productive player and at times can be seen closing down plays around the pocket with a ferocity that resembles that of DeMarcus Ware. I am not suggesting he is ever going to get 100 NFL sacks as Ware did, but I do like the traits of a guy like Ogbah in a draft that isn't exactly loaded with pass rushers from DE. At the same time, there are many who wonder about his technique flaws and body stiffness.

Sturm's top 10

Rk., Player College Ht. Wt. 40 Noteworthy
1. Joey Bosa Ohio State 6-5 269 4.77 All-around solid, safe pick with potential to be even better
2. Noah Spence Eastern Kentucky 6-2 251 4.80 Great pass rusher, but a complete player?
3. Shaq Lawson Clemson 6-2 269 4.70 Another player solid in every area
4. DeForest Buckner Oregon 6-7 291 5.05 I believe he's best as a DT or a DE in a 3-4
5. Kevin Dodd Clemson 6-5 277 4.86 Just a one-year starter, but it was a great year
6. Emmanuel Ogbah Oklahoma State 6-4 273 4.63 Best wingspan of the bunch
7. Ronald Blair Appalachian State 6-2 284 4.86 So strong and quick off the snap
8. Shilique Calhoun Michigan State 6-4 251 4.82 Seems strictly a 3-4 OLB, but a great rusher
9. Leonard Floyd Georgia 6-5 244 4.60 Another 3-4 OLB tweener
10. Kamalei Correa Boise State 6-2 243 4.69 3-4 OLB with blazing quickness
Series schedule


Sunday: Pass rushers

Monday: Defensive tackles

Tuesday: Linebackers

Wednesday: Defensive backs

Thursday: Offensive line

Friday: Receivers/tight ends

Saturday: Running backs

April 24: Quarterbacks

See all of Bob Sturm's NFL draft profiles here

 

[MrB]

Will keep updating as he posts new positions. Today- pass rushers.


Editor's note: First in an eight-part series by special contributor Bob Sturm breaking down the top NFL draft prospects, position-by-position.

INSTALLMENT ONE: PASS RUSHERS


After the playoffs, the NFL was once again ready to invest heavily in pass rushers at the top of the draft. Unfortunately, the supply will not meet the demand. This is probably no better than an average group in the edge rusher position, whether that be the defensive ends in the 4-3 or the outside linebackers in the 3-4. Teams need sacks more than ever, but there just aren't very many who earn clear first-round grades in this crop.

Spotlight player

Noah Spence, Eastern Kentucky

There are no more complicated cases in Round 1 than this former five-star recruit to Ohio State who was banned from the Big Ten for repeated violations of the conference's drug policy. He transferred to Eastern Kentucky, where he continues to be drug-tested repeatedly and seems to have put his life in order. In his lone season at that level, Spence was beyond dominant with 111/2 sacks and 221/2 tackles for loss.

He is as "twitched up" as an edge rusher can be with an explosive get-off and a fantastic bend around the corner in which he dips and gets the edge with a minimum of wasted motion or distance. He then closes on a quarterback from either side with violence upon his arrival. He is devastating.

But, with the baggage and some strong questions about his run defense, where he will end up is a bit of a mystery. It is fair to believe that certain young men get scared straight from an incident in college and never wander off course again, but with so much money at stake, one can assume his past will be what keeps him from being a top pick. If all things were equal he might be the best in this group, but they certainly are not equal. So, while there are players with higher floors than Spence, there are no players with a potentially higher ceiling.

The best

Joey Bosa, Ohio State

Bosa is a legitimate game wrecker at just 20 years old. He has everything you look for in a first-rounder at DE. The questions surround his status as a top-five pick: Does he have eight- to 10-sack potential in the NFL? Yes. Does he also answer the bell on running plays? Absolutely. Does he compete at maximum levels whether the play involves him or not? No doubt. But the question is whether he is very good or elite at the next level. That is the difference in expectations when choosing between No. 1 overall and No. 20.

Sleeper

Ronald Blair,*Appalachian State

Blair is the rare no-star recruit who slipped through the cracks five years ago and went on to dominate at a high level. He is a player who lives in the backfield and has a motor that jumps out, but as the season went along he seemed to transform from a bad-body producer to a more athletic-looking force from the edge. He can also move inside. His signature performance was a day when Clemson simply could not block him no matter what they tried. He has a chance to be something special.

Best of Texas

Emmanuel Ogbah, Oklahoma State

Houston's Ogbah has been projected all over the board. He is an athletic and productive player and at times can be seen closing down plays around the pocket with a ferocity that resembles that of DeMarcus Ware. I am not suggesting he is ever going to get 100 NFL sacks as Ware did, but I do like the traits of a guy like Ogbah in a draft that isn't exactly loaded with pass rushers from DE. At the same time, there are many who wonder about his technique flaws and body stiffness.

Sturm's top 10

Rk., Player College Ht. Wt. 40 Noteworthy
1. Joey Bosa Ohio State 6-5 269 4.77 All-around solid, safe pick with potential to be even better
2. Noah Spence Eastern Kentucky 6-2 251 4.80 Great pass rusher, but a complete player?
3. Shaq Lawson Clemson 6-2 269 4.70 Another player solid in every area
4. DeForest Buckner Oregon 6-7 291 5.05 I believe he's best as a DT or a DE in a 3-4
5. Kevin Dodd Clemson 6-5 277 4.86 Just a one-year starter, but it was a great year
6. Emmanuel Ogbah Oklahoma State 6-4 273 4.63 Best wingspan of the bunch
7. Ronald Blair Appalachian State 6-2 284 4.86 So strong and quick off the snap
8. Shilique Calhoun Michigan State 6-4 251 4.82 Seems strictly a 3-4 OLB, but a great rusher
9. Leonard Floyd Georgia 6-5 244 4.60 Another 3-4 OLB tweener
10. Kamalei Correa Boise State 6-2 243 4.69 3-4 OLB with blazing quickness
Series schedule


Sunday: Pass rushers

Monday: Defensive tackles

Tuesday: Linebackers

Wednesday: Defensive backs

Thursday: Offensive line

Friday: Receivers/tight ends

Saturday: Running backs

April 24: Quarterbacks

See all of Bob Sturm's NFL draft profiles here

Ronald Blair is a guy that could be there in the 4th for the Cowboys.

 

[dbair1967]

Ronald Blair is a guy that could be there in the 4th for the Cowboys.

Broaddus has been mentioning Blair almost weekly

 

[MrB]

Broaddus has been mentioning Blair almost weekly

Just like I believe the Cowboys should draft a DT in the 2nd (Bullard or Billings) I'd like it if they took a DE later in the draft, even if they take Bosa at 4. My dream scenario would be to take a QB however if they're going to work on the defense and rebuild the line, do it right. Don't half ass it.

 

[dbair1967]

INSTALLMENT TWO: DEFENSIVE TACKLES

The supply line does not come through every year at every position. But if you need a big, athletic defensive tackle to cause problems in the middle of the line, this is a great year for you. It would not be a surprise if 10 defensive tackles were taken in the first 50-60 picks. And there would still be strong talent on the board. This seems to be the deepest position by quite a bit. The only thing missing is a top-of-the-draft candidate.

Spotlight player: Robert Nkemdiche, Mississippi

Nkemdiche, who has some rather important off-the-field "red flag" issues to consider, is built like a linebacker, and at 300 pounds appears to be cut from the Julius Peppers athletic cloth. On the move, he is a terror who can destroy plays in the backfield and use his arms to create space and lose a single-team block with almost no effort. With his athleticism, he is ideal for stunts and closing down space in the pocket. He bats down passes by getting in passing lanes. In watching him against top competition, his best 10 plays are better than anyone you will watch, and he flirted with being the best player on the field against Alabama in September.

But there are on-the-field things that are also troubling -- mainly, production. He played 35 games at Ole Miss and compiled just seven sacks and 19 tackles for loss. To compare, Aaron Donald in his final year at Pittsburgh had 39 1/2 "explosives" in 13 games. Nkemdiche doesn't seem to always have the motor you want when it comes to playing through the whistle or running down plays that go somewhere else. If he is on the move, he is great. If he is in the trenches, there is either a burst of quickness off the snap, or he becomes ordinary.

He has all the tools to become something special, and we should not assume he cannot develop further when he gets to the pros and gets better coaching. But as it stands, he comes with risks that might make him a significant boom/bust study.

The best: Sheldon Rankins, Louisville

Rankins looks like the best 3-technique option in this group. He causes an uncommon amount of disruption from the inside and uses quickness and relentless battle to cause trouble. His activity level seems higher than most in his class, and he does not give up on a play. He uses long arms to control his blocker and has an ability to move them at his whim, manipulating a lone blocker out of the way to go get the ball carrier. In the pass rush, he could use a few more moves, but once he gets a crease, he closes fast on his target for his size. Again, there are times where he is moving that you have a hard time believing you are looking at a guy who weighs over 300 pounds. He plays low and strong and gets penetration. He possesses high motor and high intelligence as he sniffs out plays.

Sleeper: Kenny Clark, UCLA

Clark has quite a backstory and a personal motivation that is clear because of it. He also is just 20 and has an obvious wrestling background. He routinely walks blockers right back into the ball carrier or the quarterback and causes plays to be stopped or re-routed altogether. He is strong and plays with a great low level that gives him a leverage advantage. He will keep linebackers clean and can hold a blocker with one arm, and he puts opponents on roller skates going backwards. You never see him on the ground, and you never see him pushed around.

Best of Texas:Andrew Billings, Baylor

Billings is so gifted that you can see the dread of the opposing interior linemen who must deal with him. Teams quickly adjust their game plans to the flanks to avoid him. He is quick in tight spaces and able to shed a blocker or jump through a gap and destroy a play before it gets started. He is a bull in a china shop and has a fork-lift maneuver where he can rag doll a lineman out of the way. He plays in all situations, which can be a concern for this type of player, who usually does not play on third downs or two-minute drills. Billings might stay on the field. At his best, he is among the most dominant defenders in the country.

Sturm's top 10

Rk., player College Ht. Wt. 40 Noteworthy
1. Sheldon Rankins Louisville 6-1 299 5.03 Warren Sapp clone on inside
2. Vernon Butler Louisiana Tech 6-3 323 5.15 Moves well for a massive man
3. DeForest Buckner Oregon 6-7 291 5.05 Ideal 3-4 DE, conversion to 4-3 DT would come with risk
4. A'Shawn Robinson Alabama 6-3 294 4.87 Impressive athlete
5. Andrew Billings Baylor 6-0 311 4.96 The return of Vince Wilfork?
6. Robert Nkemdiche Mississippi 6-3 307 5.20 Could be amazing, but many concerns
7. Jarran Reed Alabama 6-2 307 5.21 Not enough behind the line of scrimmage yet
8. Kenny Clark UCLA 6-2 314 5.06 So young, and so much upside
9. Jonathan Bullard Florida 6-3 285 4.93 Another position conversion idea
10. Austin Johnson Penn State 6-4 314 5.32 Overlooked, but quality player

 

[MrB]

I know it won't happen but I would REALLY love if they drafted Billings in the 2nd round. He's the exact type of DT I've always wanted them to get. A massive guy that can command a double team and stuff the run. Can completely shut down the middle. Vince Wilfork is a perfect comparison.

 

[dbair1967]

INSTALLMENT THREE: LINEBACKERS

Today we examine the linebacker position for those who would fit the 4-3 mold. That simply means that this group is made up of players who we would not call full-time pass rush linebackers. Players in this group are often referred to as "run and hit" linebackers. They must be able to do many things well: range sideline to sideline, cover skill players in pass coverage, tackle through traffic and stay healthy while doing it all. This group generally has shorter career spans and durability concerns. And this season, the crop of quality drops off in a real hurry.

Spotlight player: Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame

The 2015 Butkus Award winner does many things very well. He reads and reacts to a running play by getting out in front of the blockers and getting to the ball carrier in textbook fashion. He has an expert knowledge of what an opponent does and the anticipation and athleticism to do something about it. He is a run-and-hit linebacker who can get sideline to sideline and also upfield with fine expertise. In today's NFL, where the QB spy is often the mike linebacker, Smith does this as well as anyone and can close down and tackle with great ferocity. He seldom gets lost in traffic and can cut through the mess and arrive on the other side very well. He attacks the ball and is a tackling machine. He can cover downfield, but certainly not at the elite level of UCLA's Myles Jack. It seems he has some very interesting edge rush ability that can add to his value and also has solid blitzing in his skill set. His timing and ability to close going forward are quite impressive. Those close to Smith cannot stop speaking about his character and leadership that make him the perfect lead dog for a defense on the field.

Unfortunately, he also has some significant health concerns. On New Year's Day, he tore his knee up and will likely not return this season. The magnitude of the injury is a massive concern as teams fret about nerve damage. He is so good, though, that it is believed that despite the gruesome injury and the delay in his comeback, he will still go pretty high to a team that is comfortable with a redshirt-type season. If all things were equal, some scouts liked him more than Jack -- but clearly, all things are not equal now.

The best: Myles Jack, UCLA

Jack is as explosive as it gets in the middle of the field. He runs with the speed of a defensive back and yet hits like a thunderous linebacker. He covers as well as any linebacker. In long stretches, UCLA would just put him in the slot against a wide receiver, and he would seldom give up anything. He takes on blockers with pop and is able to manipulate them despite giving up 50 pounds. He has a mean streak and determination that is very impressive. He can run sideline to sideline and seems to always have a read on where the ball is headed. His athleticism allows him to almost stay flat-footed and watch the QB, then react in time to make the play. It is really uncommon ability. He is so much fun to watch. I don't believe he is a safety (245 is a huge safety), but I don't doubt he could play it pretty well.

All that said, Jack also has knee concerns. Investing in a player who enters the league without a body in mint condition should give any team pause, especially at a position that already has a short average career span.

Sleeper: Tyler Matakevich, Temple

Over the years, this position has allowed for some exceptions to the requirements for off-the-charts measurables. There are examples of linebackers who tackled everything in their path at the college level, were then told they lacked NFL attributes and then managed a long and productive career. For these eyes, Matakevich from Temple anchored a big part of one of the most impressive defenses in college the last few years and then did pretty well at times at the Senior Bowl. He consistently arrived on the scene of plays first and demonstrated the mental knowledge you want from an inside linebacker. Odds are that he is a Day 3 selection, but if Tyler is able to get the right fit, he has a real chance to last for years on Sundays.

Best of Texas: Nobody

That is right. For the first time in years, there is not one draftable player at this position that is either from Texas or attended school in the state of Texas. It is possible that Houston's Elandon Roberts could go late, but most expect him to be an undrafted free agent. We likely should not read much into this other than a small sample abnormality, but the Texas cupboard is bare in 2016 for non pass rush linebackers.

Sturm's top 5

Rk., player College Ht. Wt. 40 Noteworthy
1. Myles Jack UCLA 6-1 245 N/A Unreal prospect with high ceiling, but has knee concerns
2. Reggie Ragland Alabama 6-1 247 4.72 Traditional Nick Saban thumper in middle
3. Jaylon Smith Notre Dame 6-2 235 N/A Another fantastic player with career health in doubt
4. Joshua Perry Ohio State 6-3 254 4.68 Punishing captain for Buckeyes
5. Darron Lee Ohio State 6-0 232 4.47 Runs like a deer but also hits like a deer

 

[dbair1967]

INSTALLMENT FOUR: DEFENSIVE BACKS

According to Pro Football Focus, the amount of plays in the NFL each year where there are at least five defensive backs on the field has increased from about 40 percent to almost 65 percent in just the last seven seasons. Nickel defense is the new base defense, and with that development, every team needs more defensive backs to match up in this passing league. You better have three starting corners per team and safeties that can cover in the passing game. 2016 is a pretty deep class but limited at the top in Round 1.

Spotlight player: Karl Joseph, S, West Virginia

There is quite a list of exciting things to observe as he makes plays. Lots of them. Interceptions are there with fine reactions, ball skills and the interest in jumping routes. Tackles for loss and sacks are found with blitzing with fine speed and purpose. Forced fumbles are there as he hits as hard as any player in this draft. And he is a tackling machine. One thing you find when watching him is that even big receivers start tip-toeing through his area, as his reputation as an assassin in the secondary precedes him. Obviously, in the current climate of the NFL, he will have to be aware of the trouble that can lead to if his technique isn't precise.

But his aggressiveness and collision settings are all the way to the maximum, which will give any coach indigestion. He isn't exactly always safe. He will go for the big play, but the opposition has some players who can occasionally make you miss -- this will only increase at the next level -- and that means you can find tape of either a bad angle or an overaggressive angle that results in Joseph missing his mark and allowing a big play.

I think Karl Joseph is a very enticing player in the second round, but that's assuming his knee (ACL injury in October) is raring to go. The Cowboys have not had an intimidating safety in years, and that one (Roy Williams) did not have the hips to play in today's NFL. He is the type of player Dallas has been missing for a long time.

The best: Jalen Ramsey, CB/S, Florida State

Jalen Ramsey from Florida State appears to be possibly the most complete defensive back that the last decade can offer. He seems to be able to play free safety, strong safety, outside corner or slot. He is proficient at zone defense and man coverage. He is great at pass defense and run support. In other words, this guy is dripping with off-the-charts grades across the board. In 2013, he played a lot at corner. In 2014, he started and dominated at safety. And in 2015, he switched back to corner and was very good again. To top it off, he was magnificent at special teams, too. There is no such thing as "bust proof," but I am tempted here to declare it.

Sleeper: Zack Sanchez, CB, Oklahoma

For the past few years, Sanchez has been called one of the top corners in college football and has certainly made his share of plays. But, the more he played at Oklahoma, the more he would gamble out on the edge as a corner against some big-name receivers. This would result in either great moments for his resume or great moments for his opponents. As a corner, interceptions are not your primary job. Rather, slowing down elite receivers is what NFL scouts are seeking. Because of his high-risk, high-reward style, he has slid in his draft standing to possibly Day 3. But the talent is there. He could be the ultimate sleeper if he changes his decision making.

Best of Texas: William Jackson III, CB, Houston

He is a corner you can put out there against anyone on the edge and he looks comfortable. He can get in your face and run in press coverage, but I actually like him quite a bit in zones, where he reads the quarterback and breaks on the ball. He rarely misses tackles and usually comes up with purpose to execute secure stops. He can also run with anyone and is able to make up ground on longer routes, but without question his finest attribute is finding the ball and knowing what to do with it. He breaks up passes and also secures interceptions because he finds the ball much better than the other corners in this study, as he can press and still feel the ball coming in with instincts. It is quite clinical how he is able to do that. He is willing to get involved in run support. He just looks like an ideal prospect for the next level.

Sturm's top 10

Rk., player College Ht. Wt. 40 Notable
1. Jalen Ramsey Florida St. 6-1 209 4.41 An absolute defensive difference maker and hybrid weapon
2. Vernon Hargreaves III Florida 5-10 204 4.50 Best true corner in draft. Very aggressive and self-confident
3. William Jackson III Houston 6-0 189 4.37 Awesome combination of size and speed that looks to translate well
4. Mackensie Alexander Clemson 5-10 190 4.49 Great skills and promise but zero college interceptions
5. Eli Apple Ohio St. 6-0 199 4.40 A big corner with lockdown potential
6. Karl Joseph W. Virginia 5-9 205 N/A An unreal missile of aggressiveness, but there are knee concerns
7. Vonn Bell Ohio St. 5-10 199 4.53 The near opposite style of Joseph -- a careful but effective center-field ballhawk
8. Xavien Howard Baylor 6-0 201 4.44 A fine prospect with tools but some disconcerting issues over the top
9. Artie Burns Miami 5-11 193 N/A Speed and disposition are great; technique will need to follow
10. Kendall Fuller Va. Tech 5-11 193 4.46 Youngest of the Fuller brothers with tremendous upside but rough season

 

[dbair1967]

Sturm loves him some Jalen Ramsey

 

[peplaw06]

Bob has been very vocal for Bosa at 4 lately.

 

[dbair1967]

Bob has been very vocal for Bosa at 4 lately.

They might not have a choice

 

[dbair1967]

Editor's note: This is the fifth of an eight-part series by special contributor Bob Sturm breaking down the top NFL draft prospects, position-by-position.

INSTALLMENT FIVE: OFFENSIVE LINE

The league is emphasizing the pass rush more than ever to slow down high-powered offenses. Every action causes a reaction, and as teams are loading up on edge rushers, the smart ones continue to heavily invest in offensive linemen who can hold the edge. New England or Carolina may have won Super Bowl 50 if they could have figured out a way to keep their pocket from collapsing against the Broncos' Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware. Now, the league has a chance with five quality first-round tackles available in a decent crop across the board up front.

Spotlight Player: Taylor Decker, tackle, Ohio State

Decker's career at Ohio State almost never got off the ground. In his first game as a college starter, the Buckeyes made Decker the right tackle against lowly Buffalo. That day, he was abused by an anonymous defensive end who turned into the NFL's 2014 defensive rookie of the year and a 2015 All-Pro in Khalil Mack. But since then, Decker has developed into an award winner on his own and as a developed 6-7, 310-pound left tackle with a mean streak, he appears to be ready to have his name called early.

Decker is so strong and has such tools that he is rarely challenged in pass protection as it appears many opponents simply decided to try something else than to go after him. He also is lean and looks the part of a zone blocking force that can move or act as a bulldozer. He never looks uncomfortable and seems very sure of himself.

He has a little nasty in his game, and aside from remembering to stay low for better leverage, he looks like he could be a solid left tackle out of the gate. Teams will wonder if he has already hit his ceiling, but again, in two full seasons as the Buckeyes' left tackle, there were almost no occasions evident where he appeared to be in trouble. He recovers very well and seems ready for the next level.

The best: Laremy Tunsil, tackle, Mississippi

He is fantastic in nearly aspect of playing tackle and possibly is the best player in the draft. Tunsil had two of his best performances against Myles Garrett of Texas A&M and Emmanuel Ogbah from Oklahoma State, and the results were stellar. Tunsil doesn't lose. In fact, he rarely has to recover because he is squared up perfectly at nearly every moment.

His sternum is perfectly in the middle of the rusher at all times. On run plays, he finishes all snaps with ferocity and gets to the second level and easily clears out linebackers. In my years of doing this, I can't recall a tackle that has been this good. Almost nothing remarkable happens on the left flank for the Rebels because Tunsil has it all locked down.

Sleeper: Jason Spriggs, tackle, Indiana

It's possible that I'm stretching the term "sleeper" because Spriggs is likely to go in the first round. But for whatever reason, it seems that he is getting little media attention leading up to the draft. But this former tight end who has bulked up to play left tackle with great athleticism is probably just a victim playing at Indiana, which is not a traditional football power. Spriggs has great feet and gets squared up to face his man. Plenty to like here.

Best of Texas: Le'Raven Clark, tackle, Texas Tech

At the start of the season, I saw no chance that anyone could win this title other than Texas A&M's Germain Ifedi. But Clark has passed him in the eyes of many NFL minds because of his tremendous tools and improved performance at left tackle for the Red Raiders. He has arms that go on forever and pretty solid technique that gives teams plenty to build upon in making him a starting left tackle. Many projects go off the tracks, and I certainly would not call Clark a sure thing, but he has done very well in the last year in improving his prospects. Teams like what he gives them to work with.

Sturm's top 10

Rk., player College Ht. Wt. 40 Notable
1. Laremy Tunsil Mississippi 6-5 310 N/A Looks like Tyron Smith already and is just 21 years old.
2. Ronnie Stanley Notre Dame 6-6 312 5.20 You can find scouts that actually like him more than Tunsil.
3. Taylor Decker Ohio State 6-7 310 5.23 A hulking and athletic tackle who was rarely challenged.
4. Jack Conklin Michigan State 6-6 324 5.00 Spartans have had no first-round OL since Tony Mandarich.
5. Jason Spriggs Indiana 6-6 301 4.94 Converted tight end who looks solid at left tackle.
6. Le'Raven Clark Texas Tech 6-5 326 5.16 More of a project, but so many tools to work with.
7. Cody Whitehair Kansas State 6-4 301 5.02 Left tackle at K State but solid guard at next level.
8. Ryan Kelly Alabama 6-4 311 5.03 Rimington winner is capable of running the OL from center.
9. Germain Ifedi Texas A&M 6-6 324 5.27 Sure appears to be a guard conversion, has trouble on flank.
10. Nick Martin Notre Dame 6-4 299 5.22 Versatile option inside and younger brother of Cowboys' Zack.

 

[dbair1967]

INSTALLMENT SIX: WIDE RECEIVERS

The more football evolves, the more wide receivers are taken high in the NFL draft. It is a passing league in which teams once wanted two weapons to throw to and now have replaced fullbacks with another pass catcher -- and sometimes a tight end for yet another. Receivers come in all shapes and sizes, and this year's crop is no different. In the top 5, because of the different skill sets, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and the rankings are quite subjective as we try to compare some apples to oranges. But it sure looks like a talented group with some Texas flavor.

Spotlight player: Josh Doctson, WR, TCU

Doctson grew up a fan of TCU but initially ended up at Wyoming. After a year there, he returned home and had to walk on at TCU to prove himself. There he developed into one of the most spectacular receivers in all of college football with a build that combines with amazing aerial skills that allow him to win just about any battle for a catch. He averaged over 140 yards per game and had 14 touchdowns in just slightly over nine starts before a gruesome wrist injury. Trevone Boykin forced the ball into Doctson, and nobody could slow them all year until the injury occurred, leaving many to wonder what might have been in their final year together in Fort Worth.

Doctson plays with a confidence that you want from a potential X receiver who is a lead dog and able to be a go-to guy. He runs routes off the same stem with great effectiveness and can get DBs turned around or so freaked out about the deep shot that he can take 10-12 yards on comebacks, outs and digs all day long. He is not a burner, but he quickly gets the opponent on notice and mixes up his routes well. Where he is truly special is the battle for the ball. This can be both on the ground in slants or routes between defenders in a zone or it can be in the air. He goes up and finds the ball and then secures it with the ability to use his body as a buffer with surprising strength for his weight and then is acrobatic enough to make the catch and secure the ball before hitting the ground. He will turn 24 this season, which may hurt his ranking, but big things are expected.

The best: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Mississippi

He is so impressive in so many aspects. His work underneath is worth investing in, and he is a yards-after- catch machine, partly because he is so tough to corral and tackle. But he also does a ton of damage over the top with his body position, unreal aerial skills and size that had many calling him MegaQuon in college. His downfield blocks and his overall physicality are off the charts. He demands a double team, and you cannot press him and that probably won't change in the NFL. He makes things look easy and has sure hands. But maybe his best attribute is he always seems engaged. Treadwell is playing as hard as anyone on the field, which scores well for competitiveness and lets you know he has the tools and the mentality to be a star.

Sleeper: Jakeem Grant WR, Texas Tech

After watching his career develop into a 90-catch, 1,268-yard, 10-touchdown final year at Texas Tech, personnel evaluators should pound the proverbial draft room table that Grant is worth figuring out NFL uses for him by taking him on Day 3. He is electric and with a 4.37 40 and a competitive streak that the Big 12 never slowed down, the 5-5, 165-pound Grant has the talent to play on Sundays and make the NFL regret not even inviting him to the combine. Can he become a return weapon? That would help, but as an offensive wild card that will be a problem against man coverage, Grant seems to have what it takes and should not be underestimated.

Best of Texas: Corey Coleman, WR, Baylor

Compare him with other Baylor WRs in the NFL at your own peril. He is so explosive. He has such speed separation that most corners will be in a retreating posture. This sprinter has high-end speed to take the top off the defense, and then the catch skills on long passes will pass the tests as he finds the ball and brings it in. He has wonderful versatility and as an underneath threat will be a handful to corral in space. He is tough and doesn't back down challenges. He can play outside, in the slot and even takes snaps at RB like Randall Cobb. But his long skills are more like a bulkier version of DeSean Jackson, yet without the attitude.

Rk., player College Ht. Wt. 40 Notable
1. Laquon Treadwell Mississippi 6-2 221 4.63 Complete weapon with dominating physicality at age 20
2. Corey Coleman Baylor 5-10 194 4.40 Should be a playmaker on Sundays for years
3. Michael Thomas Ohio State 6-2 217 4.57 Should be a dominant third-down weapon
4. Josh Doctson TCU 6-2 202 4.50 Will not lose an aerial battle
5. Sterling Shepard Oklahoma 5-10 194 4.48 Competitive slot weapon who takes over games
6. Hunter Henry Arkansas 6-5 250 4.68 Only tight end in the mix for the top 50
7. Will Fuller Notre Dame 6-0 186 4.32 Can and will get behind every secondary
8. Pharoh Cooper South Carolina 5-11 203 4.59 All-purpose yardage guy who wants the ball
9. Tyler Boyd Pittsburgh 6-1 197 4.52 Right there with Cooper in just about every way
10. Rashard Higgins Colorado State 6-1 196 4.64 Disappointing 40 time, but top-level route runner from Mesquite

 

[MrB]

Any chance Nick Martin makes it to the 6th round?

 

[dbair1967]

Any chance Nick Martin makes it to the 6th round?

Maybe if someone pulls a Lael Collins on him.

Otherwise, I don't see how. I think he goes 2nd or 3rd. I would think early day three at latest.

They were saying our coaches loved him at the Senior Bowl that week.

 

[MrB]

Maybe if someone pulls a Lael Collins on him.

Otherwise, I don't see how. I think he goes 2nd or 3rd. I would think early day three at latest.

They were saying our coaches loved him at the Senior Bowl that week.

I think he has every chance to be as good as Frederick at center.

 

[dbair1967]

I think he has every chance to be as good as Frederick at center.

They were floating the idea on dc.com show last week or week before that the Cowboys might take a developmental C/G this yr, and potentially have the option of trading Frederick next yr if that new guy develops. They speculated the team is more interested in locking up Martin and Collins long term than Frederick, especially after they saw the money somebody like Mack got this yr.

 

[MrB]

They were floating the idea on dc.com show last week or week before that the Cowboys might take a developmental C/G this yr, and potentially have the option of trading Frederick next yr if that new guy develops. They speculated the team is more interested in locking up Martin and Collins long term than Frederick, especially after they saw the money somebody like Mack got this yr.

That's exactly why I would want Nick Martin. I would love it if they can keep this OL together but it's going to be difficult. Can't really pay 4-5 lineman max money.

 

[Iamtdg]

Sleeper: Jakeem Grant WR, Texas Tech

RAIDER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Iamtdg]

Best of Texas: Le'Raven Clark, tackle, Texas Tech

POWER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!